Without Ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing."

I use this verse, in reminder, to go throughout my day humbly, reverently. In Matthew we are shown the model of a prayer, and how to start it: "Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."

It is never my place to approach the Throne of Grace in a demanding way, with a forceful tone, or a disrespectful heart. I am nothing more than filthy rags, when compared to... anything really. Therefore, I must pray with humility and reverence.

And, as I observe 1 Thessalonians 5:17, I cannot properly do so unless I am continually reverent and humble.

The Power of Influence

Click the title to hear my sermon on 4 Steps to a Better Influence

A rainy day!

It's often lamented about, a decrease in productivity, a disturbance in the plans for the day. I just think it might be God's way to get us to slow down and think; to stop and consider; to wonder at his immensity. The thunder clap and flash of God's might reminds me that I am such an insignificant part of such a large process. The control I possess is minuscule in comparison to the unending, infinite authority of God's hand.

The wind blows each drop to it's final destination, as God leads us to ours. Will I be ok in this storm? Will I make it through to the end; of course. But my definition of the word "end," and HIS are much different in their implications. It's these things I think on, as a storm rolls through, and reminds me the importance of HIS mindfulness in my necessities of life.

It's Time

It's time to embark on a reprieve, a respite from everyday monotony; so here we go. It is off to Orlando and what is considered the happiest place on earth; be jealous! I envision time spent by the pool, doing what is best in times like this; nothing. Maybe some leisurely reading, a random nap or two, and possibly a refreshing fruity beverage. Most importantly, some time with family! I gathered recently that it has been over a decade since our last real family vacation, and for some reason over ten years ago they just stopped; interesting. But here we are, picking up where we left off when I was 15, embracing another experience, another adventure.

I've embraced the ideals of a minimalist for this trip, hoping to achieve simplicity. Seems that life's become so complex and confusing, it is time to get back to the finer things that have made life so great. No schedule, no hard plans, no bosses, no assignments, and no weird Wisconsin weather; just the Breckley's, the Florida sun, and a good book.

As the nice lady finally calls our flight number to head out, I struggle for departing words. So, I will just say, after 8 hours of sitting in this airport, I am glad to be leaving.

My Crutch

It doesn’t seem as though life has gone just how I had always imagined it. Things are much more obscure, muddled, and convoluted than I could have ever predicted. The clearly defined, black and white edges between right and wrong, good and evil, up and down just seem to blend together. God’s art just seems to be so incomprehensible to the layman’s eye; like a jumbled puzzle with no box to reference. It seems that man’s constant torment is his ability to question why, when no resolute answer exists. Just as Sisyphus pushes his bolder up the hill only for it to roll back down, we continually question the cosmos only to be met with more questions, instead of answers. What mind can possibly wrap his head around the idea of a God who loves, gives, and heals? What man can truly understand a God of three, and those three as one? Is faith the answer or do we use faith as an explanation for the ideas and facets in life we can’t possibly hope to understand?

The paradox of existentialism is one that says for every purpose there is a person, and for every person a purpose, while maintaining that the answers to these questions are not resolute. What seems the solution to a problem today will not necessarily be the resolution to that situation next week. That is the beauty of life, change is constant and we just can’t keep up. If it appears that I am conflicted in this matter it is because I am, I hope you are as well. We’ve an innate attribute that forces us to find a higher purpose to our lives. This is where God’s handiwork comes into play, he’s molded us in just the right way for his purpose, but will you yield?

Amsterdam

Our trip to Amsterdam was a welcome change and extremely educational. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a great, relaxing destination.

Here is an example of beautiful architecture found in Amsterdam. It is extremely beautiful, and unique to the norther part of Europe (The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany).

This is an exmple of a delft tile.

This is outside the Rijksmuseum, home to many Rembrants paintings as well as the many Delft ceramic bowls, plates, jars, tiles and artwork. It is a tin-glazed white ceramic material with bright blue ornate paintings.

Auxi saw these glasses and had to try them on, I mean who wouldn't want a pair of these?

This is a cool street (without a canal), I thought it was interesting because there aren't many of these types of streets around the city.

Here is a typical canal and surrounding houses. I could live here in a heartbeat, it is so beautiful. This also happens to be the beset picture that I took the entire trip.

Amsterdam is also known as the "city of bikes," I am sure you can see why. People ride their bikes no matter what the weather. They talk on the phone, eat croissants, and hold an umbrella; all while riding their bike. This picture is right outside Centraal Station, the major transportation hub in Amsterdam.

Here I am next to the I as well, it was really cold.

Just in case you can't read the words, it says I amsterdam. 

Traveling

Traveling well is an art of it's own. It takes imagination to see things in a new light and to do things out of the ordinary. But when does it end? To me the long, grueling trip home after a good vacation is not meant for catching up on rest, it's a time of reflection on what you have learned and seen over your journey.

I have come to the realization that, as long as brain has the ability to convert short term memories (capacity of about 7 items) into long term memories, a vacation never really ends. I also have to say that quality is just as important as quantity. I have taken trips that lasted 3 days and I got more out of it than a 10 day trip.

The most important things to traveling is to DO IT. If you are forever planning a trip and it never comes, then what is the point? So many people say that "it must be nice," to travel. The difference between that person and me is that I decided traveling is an important part of my life. Travel, it is well worth the expense and I would much rather spend my money on a memorable experience as opposed to a new car.

A friend of mine sent me a quote and I thought it appropriate to the subject at hand:

"Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it."

-Cesare Pavese (September 9, 1908 – August 27, 1950) was an Italian poet, novelist, literary critic and translator; he is widely considered among the major authors of the 20th century in his home country.