Even a Ninja Klutz Can Find Love

I have to admit that I am a grade a klutz, and thats okay. What makes it worse is the fact that sometimes I think I am a ninja. I love my family very much and there are times when I go to bed far after everyone else has. I try not too because I like to stay on the same schedule as my wife but sometimes it happens. In those instances I will try and goto bed with all the lights out. Tiptoeing through the dark house I think that I can instantly turn into a creature of the night that can go about undetected. Usually this ends in me stubbing toes, missing steps on the staircase and dropping things loudly waking half the house or at least my wife and my dreams of being Bruce Lee are crushed. Life was once the very same for me. I used to tiptoe through life with the lights out and day after day I would make terrible missteps and fall on my face. It wasn’t until I humbled myself and accepted the discipline of Jesus Christ that I started making something good out of my life. Often I see those that spend their time trying to fulfill themselves, trying to make themselves whole by trying to get this or get that. All in an effort that getting that next thing with be the one that will satisfy but it never does. God is a perfect love and he made us in his image. We succeed in life and feel whole when we give love rather than trying to get and fill ourselves. God is there for us always. He loves us and awaits for us to come to him. He isn’t pushy. He has given us free will to choose him or to walk away. Those of us that accept him will find the peace and happiness in loving him and others as he calls us to. God even sent his only son Jesus to teach us how to love. Now God knows that we are not perfect and he is willing to be patient. He sends gifts to help but we have to accept them and his son. It really is that simple. The only thing that makes it hard is our own stubborn will which is fixated on getting rather than giving. I invite you all to spend some time with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They are only a prayer away. You don’t need any fancy words you just need to speak from the heart. Ask accept and he will accept you with open arms. 

John 12:44-50

44And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45And he who sees me sees him who sent me. 46I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. 49For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. 50And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me."

Can You Love an Idiot?

It takes a parent to love through idiocy. I know cause I used to be a major idiot and my mother loved me dearly each and everyday no matter how much I tested her and her patience. I remember the time she asked me to wash the dishes, and so I did. After doing such chore I went about my fun and games and not 5 minutes later I heard her calling me to the kitchen. “Michael”, she said, “I thought I asked you to wash the dishes?” I replied, “I did Mom whats the problem?” Thing was, I washed the dishes and nothing else. All the pots and pans where left on the stove. The strainer in the bottom of the sink was left full of gunk and the counters weren’t wiped down. God speaks very plainly but often I hear those that try and declare opposition on similar such qualifications. “Well, God didn’t specifically say _____!”, I hear so often. Now with children of my own poetic justice gives its just desserts and sometimes I think I hear God chuckling, but thats probably my imagination. Know this, Jesus loves you and he wants to be your best friend. God spoke plainly through the prophets that he would come and what he would do. You might not like everything he has to say or how he wants us to act but its out of love and for our own good that God desires what he does. He waits patiently and is willing to help at any time because he loves you and he wants to share heaven with you. God even gave you free will. You can choose God or you can leave him on the side of the road. The choice is yours. The only one missing out is you. It all begins with one simple choice, your choosing to believe. It only gets better from here. 

John 10:22-30

22It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; 23it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." 25Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me; 26but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; 28and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."

Being a Teacher Always a Student

I am a simple man far from important. I rise each morning, goto work, pay my bills and kiss my children in bed at night. Even when I am not physically in their presence I am with them. I pray for them and ask for their protection. I pray that I can be the best father I can be so that they can hopefully know a better life than I. Why do I do such things, because my father is always with me. When I am tempted to give up, I remember his lessons to persevere. When I am tempted to be lazy, I remember his lessons to work hard and why. When I am tempted to lie to get out of an awkward situation I recall his lessons in regard to the value of truth. And so like my fathers teachings are always with me so are God's. I am no perfect man. I am far from being a role model or hero. Invite Jesus to walk with me each day to help guide through life. When I read the Gospels I see truth. Do I always understand it? No, but that is why God invites me to spend time with him, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, meditation and attending his Church I find understanding and knowledge in God's ways. God has not given up on me and even when my teenage son tests me to the fullest I do not give up on him just as my father with me. When times test me I call on God. I envision Jesus by my side and talk to him. I ask for his assistance. For if Jesus is willing to die for me just like I to my children then just as I work hard to teach my children right each day, I know that Jesus will always be there to teach me as well.

Luke 24:13-35

13That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma'us, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. 22Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning 23and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." 25And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" 33And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

What's the Message?

There is that saying, "don't kill the messenger", and while many times we may not "kill" the messenger we choose to not believe him. My children have very strong wills. If you ask me why I will tell you that it is because they get it from their mother. If you ask their mother she will tell you that they get that trait from me. One of my boys is particularly stubborn. I can sit with him and explain to him how something works, but if he has already made up his mind how he wants it to work then he will try and try until it works the way he wants and ignore me entirely during the process. There have even been times when I have had him take a break and I will show him how easily it woks the correct way, and when he recommits to his work he will go back to doing it his way. Many in life treat God the same way. No matter how many parables, examples and messengers God sends some just refuse to believe. Why? I haven't a clue sometimes. I know that for myself I spent a number of years trying to seemingly ice skate uphill. I had grown up going to church with good role models, and for many adult years I stayed on the correct path, but because I stopped going to church each week I slowly over time strayed farther from the path as I became more unfamiliar and disconnected from God and my faith. My life was completely falling apart and to many bystanders it was clear why, but to me it was oblivious. God sent messengers, one after another I ignored. I didn't kill the messenger but I sure did kill the messages. I can't tell you what brought me back. My life had gotten so out of control that I had no place to go. I had ignored so many messages from messengers that I was left on my own, and then one day I looked up. Perhaps it was the pile of messages that I had ignored at my doorstep that got my attention but I understand now that God never left me. Jesus never gave up on me. I urge all to reach out to God for he can do so much for you with seemingly so little, but you have to take the time to listen.

John 20:11-18

11But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

It is There Even If You Hide It?

I have often heard the saying, "the truth shall set you free", and it does but for those that lie it also haunts because for some reason the truth has a sneaky way of rearing its head time and time again. I have a child that is very smart, talented and cunning.my wife and I have been trying to teach him the value in working hard. As he proceeds down his path through time he struggles to hold on to his years in childhood where he had little to no responsibilities. With late homework we have discipline for he has had a lot of late homework this year. I realize that no one is perfect, but I have been working to teach him organizational skills that will help him prevent such missteps. It gives me a frustration but I also cannot help but chuckle inside sometimes. He will come home and act as if everything is okay. I will ask, "how was school?" His reply, "okay", I will redirect, "do you have all your homework complete?" He knows that if he does not then he is remanded to the kitchen table until it is complete. If he has late home work he is grounded until he has shown proof that it is complete. Many a time he will come home and "everything will be done" until I look at his grade book online and see that he has missing homework. It baffles me sometimes so that he will hold to the lie rather than concede the truth. I believe that there is a God. When I study the world and its majesty I see so bluntly that there is purpose and design. When I read my bible and Jesus' teachings I see so plainly the truth and wisdom that lie within. I am no perfect person and on occasion I fall to temptation. I will try to fool myself, "this is okay, you deserve this" but as soon as I commit my sin I can turn and see my folly. No matter what I try to do the truth that I have sinned is glaringly apparent. Through my sin I damage my relationship with God just as my son damages my relationship and trust in him we tries to "hide" his late homework.  And just as my God forgives me when I honestly repent with a heart of sorrow I forgive my son. I accept his apology and teach him the importance of staying on an honest hardworking path just as my God opens his heart and his teachings to show me why and how I should be. For God is the greatest father with true love and truth he loves and tries to guide us to come home to heaven with him. We can try to ignore him all we want but that doesn't make him any less real.

Matthew 28:8-15

8So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." 11While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sum of money to the soldiers 13and said, "Tell people, `His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

Do You Want to Wash Your Hand of Something or Wash Someones Feet?

It's amazing to see life through the eyes of a child. I wish that my memory was better though so that I could reflect on my childhood thoughts, sights and senses more, but that's what is great about being a Dad. I get to see things all over again in some ways. Children learn from what they see and mostly what they see comes from their parents. As a parent I have learned it is very important what words I say and what actions I take, especially after I hit my hand with a hammer. Our God made us and so he understands how we learn. He sent his only son Jesus to come and teach us. Over and over again Jesus showed compassion and loved. That's all God really wants. He wants us to teach (share his word) and love. God wants us to love him with all our mind, body and soul. Why, cause he loves us so. Look at the world and all that is contained in it. Everything God made is gift for you and me. When in doubt, look to Jesus. Jesus is our living teacher and example on how to navigate life. In times such as these it can confusing on what to do. If you are acting out of love then you are probably close to being on the right track. For if we can learn to love and serve each other as Jesus did for us then this world would definitely be a better place.

John 13:1-15

1Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. 5Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. 6He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand." 8Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part in me." 9Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you." 11For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "You are not all clean." 12When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.