Slippery Conditions

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24




If life is a race, I have hit many speed bumps on the track and ice as I edge towards the finish line. I don't know about you, but I've stumbled my way through much of life. I've tripped at some of the most embarrassing moments. I've stumbled over my own feet, shoelaces, curbs, and just thin air both spiritually and physically. Just a few weeks ago, I came out of the dressing room on hockey night , came out of the tunnel in to the bright lights of the 5,000 seat arena. I confidently jumped on the ice and fell right on my butt. The very next night while coaching my team, I went over to show a drill and stepped on a puck and went down flat on my back! Still feeling the effects of this one. Also, remember I coach a woman's team so I fell in front of the 13 women on my team. They didn't laugh too hard, when they saw I was in pain!

However, I am confident that in my spiritual life, even though I have stumbled from time to time, God has not let me completely fall. When I think I'm going to plunge into the depths of the abyss, I feel the love, care, and concern from all my friends. God is there in times of trial. He is with me on the journey.


Thank you for your steadying influence in my life. Thank you for lifting me when I have been down, protecting me when I have been vulnerable, and comforting me when I have been broken.
Thank you for family and some great friends as I stumble on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Thanksgiving

***An Article I read to share this week***

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor

(Proverbs 22:9 TNIV)




The teacher asked the children in her class about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. She thought it might be effective to inch toward its meaning by having them playfully correct some wrong ideas. "Now let me think," she began. "Thanksgiving. That's the day when we think about all the stuff we have. And how we want more things than anybody else has. And how we don't care about anybody but ourselves. And ..." "No!" the preschool kids were starting to chorus! "No-o-o!"

Then one little guy in the middle of the pack looked up and chirped, "That's not Thanksgiving,

That's Christmas!"

Little children understand that there is something unique about the fourth Thursday in November. As much as I love Christmas, its commercialism is over the edge and leaves me feeling jaded at times. Our children still have Halloween candy in their mouths when the store windows and TV ads begin the Santa Shakedown.

Thanksgiving has somehow escaped almost unscathed. Oh, the florists may do a little extra business. And there are greeting cards for Thanksgiving. But, the focus of the day is still generations gathered at a table. The traditional meal is pre-microwave. And, so far at least, there is no "McTurkey" or cranberry pizza.

An essay by Walter Shapiro made this point several years back:

Pray silently for God to make you sensitive to those whose hearts cry out for help.

In a nation where the mall never palls and seven-days-a-week shopping seems enshrined as a civic religion, Thanksgiving stands out as an oasis of tranquility and a reminder of the values that once tempered America's materialism. This Thursday give thanks for the one holiday that cannot be bought.

Before you sit down to your loaded table this week, try to do somethingthat helps insure that a person or family whose year has been bleaker than yours will have a hearty Thanksgiving meal too. Then, when you finally do sit down to your own, don't feel guilty -- just blessed -- and bow with your dear ones to give God your sincere gratitude. As you get up from a table still heavy with leftovers, pray silently for God to make you sensitive to those whose hearts cry out for help.

The blessings we celebrate will become a curse unless we receive them with grateful hearts and with a willingness to share on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Out of Order?

"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people. "

1 Corinthians 14:33

Bring order today on the Adventure in Middle Grove

When OK is not OK

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

(Philippians 2:13-14 TNIV)




I recent wrote about this verse but it continues to come back to me as I look forward in life.

How many times have I settled for OK?

How many times have I taken the easy way in life?

How many relationships are out there that need to be more than OK?

How many times have I looked back and not looked ahead?

TOO MANY TIMES

I am not settling for OK, ANY MORE.


Let me experience life in a new way as life is too short for OK, today and forever, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.


The "AFTERS" song below is one of those songs that has been in my head for quite awhile.

It's not the end, but it feels like it is
I'm waking up like I'm back from the dead
I'm stepping out, and I feel so free
But as long as I'm moving it's all right

I feel alive, and it hurts for a change
No looking back
It's hard to believe that I was cool
With the days that I wasted
Complacent and tasteless and bored
But that was yesterday...

We're never going back to OK (OK)
We're never going back to easy
We're never going back to the way it was
We're never going back to OK

This discontent, like a slap in the face
I'm mediocre, I've had enough of this place
This party's over, and I'm moving away
from the things of your Beverly Hills
That was yesterday...

We're never going back to OK (OK)
We're never going back to easy
We're never going back to the way it was
We're never going back to OK

Make EVERY Effort

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace andto mutual edification.
Romans 14:19





The President is just returning from a long visit to Asia. His mission was to try to "make peace" and open up discussions that can only happen if there is peace. Working on economic challenges in the world cannot happen before the world makes peace.


"Make every effort!" That's quite a challenge. But notice where that exertion is to be focused: peace and mutual edification. Both sides of this exhortation are two way responsibilities. I must pursue and share peace if I am going to have it myself. I must edify, and be open to being edified, if mutual edification is going to happen. In other words, I live with other people in God's family. He wants me to be responsible for making relationships work. He reminds me it will require strenuous effort. But, isn't that true in every important relationship? Love means sacrifice, effort, and concern. When I share my love willingly, I'm much more likely to see it coming back to me!

Don't take Love for granted!


Forgive me for how I can become impatient and selfish. Energize me by your Spirit to see areas where I can be a blessing and an encouragement to others on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Squeezed like a grape

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8-18


Do you ever feel like a grape?

The kids are acting up...

Your finances are in trouble...

Your pet is sick...

You have troubled relationships...

Life, in general, is messed up.

Now you know what a grape feels like!

smooshed, squished, flattened, and squeeze beyond recognition.

What is a result of all this violence?

Taking time and the right conditions, a fine wine is made from the juice of the grapes.

The pressing in was worth the effort.

Just like life...

We are pressed in from all sides and from many places.

Just like wine...

The rewards of the squeezing results in a life of appreciation knowing what happened to get to the rewards.

Squeeze me to make me a fine wine on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

(Donations of wine gladly accepted!)

Mighty to Save

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.



Zephaniah 3:17



Last night I had my Monday night beating. I played hockey with the "over 30"group last night. Some nights are good, some not so good. I had about 60 shots last night. There were flurries of 4 and 5 shots at a time. I did OK but I finally succumbed to the barrage. I don't know where my team was! I also had a few shots that scored because I was exhausted and was not concentrating. Sometimes I could make the save, some times I was fairly useless.

Good thing God is not like that!

God is with me!

All the time.

That's the great message of the story of Jesus (Matt. 1:23). That's the message of hope Zephaniah gives the defeated people of God. God is with me. He is mighty to save. He loves me. He delights in me. He stills the storms of my heart with his loving touch. He sings songs of joy. God longs to be close to me and invites me to draw near.


Father, strengthen my resolve as seek to draw near to you. I want to experience your presence and to be used as your tool of grace in the lives of others. I need your presence to settle the noise of my soul. Thank you for being near on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Don't Give up

. . .And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - excerpts from

1 Corinthians 13:4-13


God didn't give up on me, he loved me even though I was unlovable. He brought me back in to his arms and loved me for who I was. He loved me for my imperfections and short comings. He loves me for who I am.

This does not mean I do not change but I change God's way, not my way.

God did not give up on Love... He did not give up on me!

I will not give up on Love.

Sanctus Real

"Don't Give Up"?

Well I heard you say you would love for a lifetime
And now you complain a lifetime just doesn’t feel right for you
Another casualty of casual love
Another soul out of place, a heart that gave up


Why do we break the promises we make?
Are we living for ourselves?

Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Don’t give up on love and let it fall away
When did it become so easy to run from your pain?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away

I heard you say you can’t change a stubborn heart
I can relate ‘cause that’s how I feel when I talk with you

Why should it take losing everything
To realize it might be time to change?

Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Don’t give up on love and let it fall away
When did it become so easy to run from your pain?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away

Your restless heart won’t win ‘cause you take but you don’t give
And you’ll keep moving on until you learn what love is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNU64zDIDg4

I am learning what is is to love as I am guided on the path on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Longing...

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12,




Sometimes I have thought in my life I had hope for something. I did, but it was the wrong thing. I was looking in the wrong places. I was looking to the wrong people. As proverbs says," A longing fulfilled is a tree of life"

Waiting for the right thing is hard, since It is sometimes difficult to figure out what the right thing is.

When that particular longing is fulfilled, I think you know it. Sometimes it takes a very long time with the right situation and the right people.


Fulfill my longings in life as the Adventure in Middle Grove continues.

Best Regards

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.

Psalm 41:1, New International Version




We are approaching a time in the year when we think of the things we are thankful for in life. Sometimes it is amazing to me our western culture of self help and narcissism even cares about those who are less fortunate. Giving regard for the weak should be an inward sign that we are fortunate to have the things and more importantly the people who matter in life. We serve those less fortunate not to make ourselves feel good but to give back for who and what we have in life.

It is easy to let this time of the year slip by and not be cognizant of those around us needing financial, moral or emotional support. It is easy to think it is the job of someone else.

Take a moment to plan how you will give back this year. Not to give back to make yourself feel good but to honor someone with your presence or material needs to truly show you care.

Use me today for the good of those around me and for those who are in need on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Don't Stumble

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
Romans 14:13


A few weeks ago,I went hiking with a friend to hike up Hadley Mountain. If you are not from the area, Hadley Mountain is a short steep climb with a restored fire tower at the top. It has spectacular views of the Adirondacks.The trail is a road washout from years of neglect. The trail is full of rocks and is slippery. If you are not careful while walking, you will hit one of the out cropping rocks.

The stumbling block or rock!

It is so easy to be judgmental of others. I don't know their struggles. I don't know their situation. Most of all, I don't know their hearts. When I am judgmental, I erect a barrier
between others and myself. It is easy to spread that judgmental impression to others in gossip. My stubbornness to only view them with a judgmental spirit erects a barrier, a stumbling block, which can cause them to become discouraged and stumble.

Please be with my attitude toward others. Help me be more patient with the failures of others, just as you are patient with mine. Forgive me for not being more of an encouragement to those who are weak and struggling. Forgive me for sometimes being a hindrance to others. Please use me to be a blessing to others on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Overflowing

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

1 Thessalonians 3:12






God is love. God is also the source of love. He pours love into my heart through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). So how do we make my relationships and communities more loving? I pray for God to grow his love in them, let them know that I am praying that prayer for them, then communicate and demonstrate my love to them.


Use me to help be an example of love to those around me. Please pour your love into my heart through your Spirit and then channel that love out of my life to others. Let your love be evident in relationships close and important to me. on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Plans.....

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

This is a repeat.... Holiday!



My daughter Lauren is an amazing person. Her love of God is evident each day as she learns to rely on him in all circumstances.


Yesterday she shared with me a quote I could not get out of my head...

More on that later...

The storms of life are always lurking around the corner. Am I ready? Are you ready?

There are many types of storms:

• Being diagnosed with prostate or breast cancer, MS, or any number of other chronic illnesses.

• Losing your job after many years as a faithful employee.
  

• Learning that your spouse wants a divorce.

• Getting a phone call that your child is probably dead.

• Living with a loved one who has a drug or alcohol addiction (in which case a storm can blow up at any time of the day or night!)

• Watching a family member be convicted of a crime and sent to prison.

• Having a child diagnosed with a serious mental illness.

• Experiencing the death of a close family member.

Any of these storms, provide a debilitating experience that can stop someone in their tracks.

How do we weather the storms of life?


The verse in Jeremiah gives me a clue.

I have hope in the plan that God has for me.

I am not always sure what the plan is so I need to not learn how to weather the storms but lean on the hope God has for me and who will he put in my path.

It is not how I hunker down and hide in the storms but in the hope God has for me and the people who are in the path of life with me.

It is not the fury of life that will control me but the gentleness and care of those who are on the path of life with me.

Let me rely on the hope you have for me and teach me "to learn to dance in the rain, rather than wait for the storm to pass. Not only will I miss out on life, but I miss out on the dance, and the chance to be refreshed today" on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

I love you Lauren!

COOL...

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant
land.

Proverbs 25:25



Playing goal a few times week is hot stuff! All the other players get a chance to rest but I need to stay on the ice for 1.5 hours, non stop. At the end of the game, a cold drink is a refreshing change from the heat of the game.

Some times in the heat of battle of life, a cold drink is not to be found. The thirst continues to parch the mouth and the soul.

Good news like a cold drink is a welcome entity in the struggles of every day life.

One thing I have learned is the cold drink of life can come from the most unlikely place and offer refreshment to the soul.

Let me be refreshed today as you cool me with refreshment on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Brave and Courageous

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous.Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

There have been many times in my life when I need to make changes or change strategies for work and home.



This is one of those times.



God is making changes now!






God has lead me to his word to look at his faithfulness and his love throughout generations. He has shown me the the importance of two concepts of the Bible paramount to our system of Christian belief.

I want to be able to look deeper in scripture to have God uncover for me the greatness of his Spirit and how he upholds those who believe.

The two concepts are the direction God is leading me on my life path to know him and know myself more as he uncovers the wisdom in His Word for me.


1. Believe the unbelievable

2. Expect the unexpected

It is clear to me God desires me to be brave and courageous as I wait on him patiently.

Believing the unbelievable is spread out throughout scripture as God unfolds his plans to his people. Times when unbelief was the popular opinion and God showed believing in him was contrary to the masses.

Expecting the unexpected is also embedded in all of God's promises as he shows me he is there and the unexpected should be expected as we wait patiently on Him. Some of the greatest stories in the Bible are of the expected meeting the unexpected.

This is where God does his work.

This is where I will ask him to work in me as I continue to wait patiently on him as he reveals the:

belief in the unbelievable

and the

surety in the expectancy of his promises.

God is an everlasting God and his love and promises are forever. His time is timeless and his grace and mercy limitless.

HE is an everlasting God.

You are the one true God


My life is important to you as I wait patiently on you to restore relationships and bring me to a deeper understanding of you and me while the winding paths continue on the Adventure in Middle Grove

WISDOM

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Wisdom is, and starts with, the humility to accept the fact that you don't have all the right answers, and the courage to learn to ask the right questions..,

Sometimes wisdom begins with a simple question...
Sometimes wisdom begins with an open mind
Sometimes wisdom begins with a gentle touch
Sometimes wisdom begins with a new perspective

Most of the time wisdom begins with love...

Love for someone not for what you expect to get but for what you are prepared to give.

Wisdom is the fine line between love and criticism.

Wisdom is sometimes in short supply.

Develop in me the wisdom that loves and cares on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Taking a Stand

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Ephesians 6:11





So often I am focused only on the things that I like, that I am good at doing, or that I am interested in accomplishing. God wants me to use every piece of his spiritual armor. He wants me to be disciplined and grow in the areas of my spiritual weakness and the areas I don't necessarily find exciting or interesting. Our evil opponent is crafty and will try to attack us in the areas of our weakness and vulnerability. So let me not just commit to be diligent in the areas of my interest and strength, but also in those areas where I am not.

Lord, strengthen me in the areas where I am weakest. Open my eyes to help me see and rekindle my heart to love on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Do it in Bed

²⁶"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

Ephesians 4:26 (New International Version)

Yesterday I talked about forgiveness and what it means to forgive. Much of forgiveness starts with this verse. I should never let the sun go down being angry. This is the key to the beginning of forgiveness.

Too many times, anger is taken to bed, or not;

Too many times the sun goes down and the anger is still festering;

Too many times the issues of today become the anger of tomorrow;

Too many times the selfishness of the individual over rides the good of resolution;

Strive to day to not let the sun go down where there are relationships that need healing. Start the process. Don't be afraid to initiate the conversation.

Let the gentleness of my soul be the guiding principle as the walk on the path continues on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

What is Forgiveness?

^14-15"... You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.

Matthew 6:14-15 (The Message)

Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right, it makes you free.

-- Stormie Omartian

A bit late today... Some times being the IT Director for a County is not fun!

Forgiveness is the miracle of a new beginning.


It is to start where we are, not where we wish we were, or the other person was.

It is to hold out a hand; to want to renew a friendship; to want a new relationship with husband, father, daughter, friend, or indeed enemy.

It may not take away the hurt. It does not deny the past injury.

It does not ignore the possibility and need for repentance and a change in the relationship.

It means being willing to take the initiative in dealing with any barriers that I may be raising towards a restored relationship.

It means that I am willing to have a relationship with the other party that is based on Christian love and not on what has happened in the past, if the response of the other person makes that possible.


Two New Testament words that translate "to forgive" mean literally "to let go" and "to cancel a debt". I found that at times the phrase "I forgive you" seemed empty, so I said,:

I release you. I let you go.
I let go of this offense.
I cancel your debt. You owe me nothing now.
I renounce my desire to get even with you."

Imagine owing someone a million dollars and they tell you you do not need to repay it , forever!

This fills the imagery of the word "forgiveness" with a more specific and concrete meaning.

Forgiveness may lead to reconciliation or it may not, but they are not the same. Paul recognizes this when, in writing about our attitude to those who wrong us, he says,


"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18).

Let me be at peace today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

A NEW DAY...Don't be so Quick

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1


Humility about the future!

I don't control tomorrow.

At other times in my life I may have taken tomorrow for granted; not so anymore.

Tomorrow may not come.
Tomorrow something horrible could happen.
Tomorrow everything I possess could be gone.

In the face of these discouraging possibilities, is there anything positive I can hold onto?

Absolutely!

God holds tomorrow in his hands.

It might not be what I expected. It might not go as we planned.


It may be better!



Lord, all my tomorrows all rest in your hands. I ask that I can be useful to you today; courageous enough not to worry about tomorrow and keep those close to me, "in Today", on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Letting go...

Many are the plans in a man's heart...
Proverbs 19:21






We must let go of the life we planned in order to accept the life that is waiting for us.

Wow, As I look back on the past, the plans I made were numerous. They did many things, but, help me get ready for what was really waiting for me.

Too many times, I forced life due to situations and perceived direction.

Too many times I went in directions that may have been self serving and not looking at the big picture.

Too many times I forgot myself and who I was.

Too many times I let inertia be the guiding force of life

Not any more...

Life is full of new directions and relationships, today, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

The Shadows are looming

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17, New International Version





We do not get much sun in the northeast during the winter, so we do not get many shadows either. November is the month with the least sun. Even when we have sun, the angle of the sun is so low, we have skinny long shadows. As the feel of fall fades away, we enter in to a period of quiet as winter is looming and the darkness overtakes begins to over take the landscape. This is a good picture as I reflect on the cold morning from the heat of yesterday. The shadows are not permanent or the same from moment to moment. They change as the sun changes and clouds prevent the sun from penetrating to even make a shadow. Life's challenges are found in the light of our heavenly father , not in the shadows that reach the earth. What are those shadows? Are they the advice from other people, Is it knowledge in books, how about my own self -confidence and reliance on what I know. Probably all! , and more... The shadows of life do not matter. It is the light showing us who we are and how he can help us as we sit at his feet daily asking to be warmed by his presence.
as we approach the cold of winter, warm the inside, the inside of me. The shadows of this day do not provide any light and heat. This can only come from you, the creator and sustainer of all that is now and will be forever.

Let you light shine on this little place on earth as your glow can be felt on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Compassion

Luke 7:13

When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!”

Back to the character of Jesus and what can I learn from the situation.

Jesus was following a funeral process of a widow's young son. This probably was significant since she was along and now her only son who some day would provide for her was now dead.

Jesus approached the procession and saw the grief of the widow and he heart overflowed and he had compassion on her ans said."don't cry"

He then proceed to the coffin of the young man and touch the coffin and said to the young man, "get up"

I would probably got tot he funeral and said, "What can I do here?" How can I fix this.
I would not have had it in the right order.

Jesus did. He first showed compassion and them took care of the situation. Compassion and connection with people is what drove the motivation of Jesus. The fixing of things was just as important, but secondary to the compassion he showed his people.

Lord, help me be a person of compassion and live as you mold me in to the person you want me to be for YOU.

"God visits his people on this day and for days to come showing compassion and love on the Adventure in Middle Grove"

Hiding Place

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Psalm 32:7



Out of the attacks of evil come the victories of God and the victory of God's people. Let me find my strength and protection in Him! Let me make God my hiding place, my source of security, and my hope in times of trouble.


Lord, thank you for the confidence I have in your power and your might to deliver me from every attack of the evil one. You are worthy of all glory, honor, power, and praise today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Fighting through the pain

Even though times of transition are tough, the riches of refinement are worth the pain of loneliness and frustration






I found this quote last night and thought is was appropriate to what I was reading about hope.

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Psalm 23:18


The present will yield to the future and the future is based on the present realities and situations in life and how they are handled.

The past is no longer relevant in control of the future but is a touch point for learning about how to handle the future.

Some times the path to the future leads through pain and suffering to get to the hope on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Ready for Joy?

Verses for meditation and memorization this week.






If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you

(John 15:10-12 NIV).


If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves

(Philippians 2:1-3)

When I surrender my will to His, get rid of my ego, sacrifice for the good of others, welcome God's presence into my life, and express my love to others, the Scriptures promise that our joy can be complete. I can experience this by giving my life to Him completely.

Joy is His promise to us today on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16




Even though we are God's holy children, we also need to be aware of what time it is in our world. Evil still exercises control over the hearts of many people. God wants us to "redeem the time," making the most of every opportunity we have to touch the lives of others with his grace and to resist the temptation and overcome the opposition of the evil one.

LORD, give me wisdom to discern the best way to use my time and my influence. Open my eyes to see opportunities in my path. Give me courage and sensitivity to know the best way to bless others according to their needs on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Rear View Mirror

Only hold on to what you have until I come...

Revelation 2:25



One thing about the Christian faith is the main prize is something we will claim when we enter eternity with our maker.

Everything else in life is waiting for this to happen. This is not a fatalistic look at life but the reality of living in a fallen world. Our view of life is looking through a set of glasses looking forward.

There is no rear view mirror looking back.

The work done on earth is preparation for what will come. The prize is something we will never see until we move on to ...until he comes.

Lord, be with me today, while we still venture together on the path of life while traveling on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Going Without

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6


I find it amazing about all the things people believe in. The recent fiasco out west called "balloon boy" is a great example of how desperate people are to seek reassurance.

But for the wrong reasons.

If you are not familiar with the story, here is a link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/opinion/25rich.html?em

This dad needed to have something to grab on to so he totally fabricated the story for his own good. His faith was in the notoriety and exposure he would get from the national news.

He did get it. Cable watching doubled the afternoon of his farce. He put his family, and himself in a realm of believing that he needed to create an event so people would know who he was.

He was placing his faith in himself and exploiting his family and the nation.

Our faith must be in the God of the universe, not in ourselves or any other being or event.

God does exist, today, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Forever

"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."

Proverbs 17:17






I have been writing alot about friends and how important they are to me.

A friend is always loyal....

Loyalty is out of fashion now. Turning on people and not being loyal is in vogue.

Some times I think hate is more important than love.

A friend like a brother is a friend I need today on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Dawn

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious
and compassionate and righteous man.

Psalm 112:4




Today I am sitting on the shores of Lake George as the sun tries to push through the clouds of fall. The 74 degree day of yesterday has degraded to 37 of this morning. Dawn still arrives, clouds or no clouds.


What a powerful promise! Just as night passes into dawn, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous, dawn comes even in the worst nights of deep spiritual darkness. The Holy Spirit is reminding me that even in those worst times of ym depression and dismay, Satan's darkness will not rule forever. His darkness cannot stay where Jesus' disciples reflect the character of the
Light of the world. God is always light, never dark. Jesus is the light that God sent to the earth to save us, sinners. I need to look at the dawn of a new day and not look back on the darkness of the night behind. I need to follow the light of God.

Lord, help me to shine your light of holiness and Jesus' light of hope to those trapped in darkness. O God, please forgive my sinful failures. Please cleanse me and create a pure heart in me. I don't want to dim or to diminish your light as it shines through me. Help me so that I can more perfectly shine your light to those around me on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

That sure smells good!

"The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense."

Proverbs 27:9, NLT


I am sure I have friends!
Isolation and turning away from friends leads to lost opportunities of growth and can leave to a life of bitterness. Good friends are a stabilizing factor in life. They are:

The Voice of reason
The Call of comfort
The Rest for restlessness
The Gentle whisper in the storm
The Reassuring hug in turmoil

That's what friends are for on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

You are the company you keep

"Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, "

Proverbs 22:24, NLT


Do you have people at work or at even church who are never happy? They may have better ideas or thoughts but they are always mean! It drives you down and the energy in the room seems to be depleted as soon as they enter the room. There are also people who are positive and forward looking. When they come in to the room, you can feel the energy.

These are the people we need to associate with in life. Much more can be done if we are all working together and are not angry or hot tempered.

Lord, today, let me be a positive influence in someone's life as we travel together on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Seeking Good

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.

Amos 5:14



Watching the news every day is a good example of how NOT this verse is worked out. Most of what I see on the TV is "seeking evil."


People who are greedy,

people who kill,

people who hate other cultures,

people who are vindictive.

People seeking evil!

God is clear that I need to seek good and we , as Christians, need to seek good.

Lord,be with me today as I seek good on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Hospitality

Hebrews 13:2 (New International Version)

2Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.



The Adventure in Middle Grove started a new direction this past weekend. For many years, my home was a place of refuge for others who needed respite or a place to stay in transition.

Saratoga Simple Life has it's first guests. I had someone move in this weekend and another person planned for later this year. It is difficult to find people who want to be part of a home and not just renting a room. I am very careful about who moves in and require a number of recommendations. The person who just moved in just happens to be a friend of someone I have know for over 30 years. This is for another time. What is important is wherever you are in life, whether you own or rent a house or apartment, your home can be a refuge for someone who needs a place to rest for some reason. Today, let this place be a place of refuge on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Let's Party!

"The king was very angry. The king sent his army to kill those people that killed his servants. And the army burned their city. After that, the king said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready. I invited those people, but they were not good enough to come to my feast. So go to the street corners and invite all the people you see. Tell them to come to my feast.' So the servants went into the streets. They gathered all the people they could find. The servants brought good people and bad people to the place where the wedding feast was ready. And that place was filled with people."

Matthew 22:7-10



Tough start to a party!

God wants to throw a party! So there will be a party!! Just because many people refuse God and do not accept his invitation does not mean he will forget those who have paid the price to come to the banquet. Not only will he reward them, but he is absolutely determined to fill his hall with thankful and rejoicing guests. But he will also deal harshly with those who have dealt harshly with his servants and who have not only spurned his invitation, but been merciless to his beloved children.Yesterday was a day of reflection and meditation on the thoughts in this verse. I am looking forward to the party to meet Rick again.



Lord, I do look forward to the day when all that I hold dear is proved true. While I care those who will not know your salvation, I long for the day when those who have honored Jesus as Lord and have received your grace will get to share in his glory. Until then, I will keep moving on the path on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Not Close Enough for Comfort

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18





The LORD is ... ... near! ... present! ... close! How do I know? He came close in the manger. He walked among me in ministry to the world. He suffered with me and for me at Calvary. I know that in tragedy, trial, heartbreak, and brokenness he is near to me to save me. So, will my heart be open to him and will I be seeking him to come near? Don't let troubles or heartache lead me to pull away from God or doubt his nearness. Let him draw close to me.Today would have been Rick's 31st birthday. A life cut short... I know where he is, there is no doubt. The tragedy, heart break and brokenness he suffered is gone. He is free from the pain of this side of heaven. He is close to God.

LORD, please be near me today. Make your presence known in my life. Father, I also ask that you bless those I know who are struggling with their faith, and with broken and disappointed
hearts. Please be active in their lives and make your presence known, today, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Happy Birthday!

Be Still

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act."


Psalm 37:7, NLT


Some things I am good at.....

Some not so good!


Not so good

Be still

Wait patiently

The grip of cold causes an increased stillness in the air and the activity of nature begins to slow.

As the weather changes to a slower pace, let me be still in your presence as I wait patiently for your plans to unfold on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Motivational Speaker

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. "

Hebrews 10:24, NLT



You else do we have but us?

This is not a passive activity.

The verse says, "Think" and "do"

Not just think about things but actual make a difference in another person's life.

To make a real difference.

To make a positive change.

Lord, help me motivate others and be a positive influence on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Being Good

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
-- Galatians 6:10



I need to be a person who does good deeds! When God gives me the opportunity, I need take it! Not take it so I get accolades or credit. Just to do it because God has touched my heart and I want to share a little bit of his love and compassion with someone else.


The second part of this verse is something where I am benefiting, directly.
I have a small group of friends, near and far who are a blessing far more than they even know.

They are a source of comfort when I need a shoulder to cry on

A source of wisdom when I am stupid

A source of strength when I am weak

A source of encouragement when I am discouraged

A source of love, when I feel unloved A source of care when I need caring


And...

Always a source of friendship, no matter what the situation.

As fellow believers, they are living out the charge in Galatians. The Bible is not just a dead book. It is a living document that seeks and challenges me to put in to action what is said on the pages. My friends are a living example of what this means! My life would not be the same if I did not have the friends who-

"do good for one of the family of believers"

I thank God each day for their testimony of grace and mercy and how they "do good"


Only you are truly good, Father, but I pray that some of that goodness may be seen in me as I serve you today, this week, and until the time the Savior returns for me in glory. Help me to be aware the opportunities that you give me to do good. Most importantly, thank you for friends who know you and how you are using them to minister to me in many different ways as the Adventure in Middle Grove continues...

Sharpen the Blade

"Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. "

Proverbs 12:18, NLT


I have talked alot about people who do not like their jobs and are generally miserable people. I think there is also too much of "trash talking" in society in general.

Putting people down seems to be a sport these days with it happening in sports to politics.

Respect seems to be something of history.

Healing words a whisper in the noise of an angry society.

A kind gesture not in evidence in a society where "mean people"seem to be in vogue.

BE KIND today and say an encouraging word to a friend or co-worker today.

Be encouraging in someone's life on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Working in the Mill

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."
Colossians 3:23



Today is a day off for many people, including me. Sometimes being a government worker is a good thing!

One of the things I see at work every day is people who really hate their jobs. I do not know how they get up every day and have for 30 years. All they do is complain about things they have no control over. I am in the business of serving the people, many of my co-workers would say,their jobs would be great if it wasn't for the people!

I really love my job and the people who work for me. We have a great team with a great attitude to do what is needed to get the job done. ( By the way... they are all union employees )

I would like to think that my attitude of service and going beyond what is needed has makes an impact in their work. We have fun at work and heard an interesting comment from someone who was coming to our building. She said, I come over to your office because everyone is always happy. I don't know if I would go that far but we do have a good time and like what we do.

I look at work as an extension of my faith and God is honored when I do a good job and my group is going beyond ordinary.

Lord, continue to guide me in my work as I look to work for you on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Live in Peace

"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

Colossians 3:15, NLT

Living in peace with yourself is hard

Living in peace with people close to you is harder

Living in peace with others is real hard

Living with those in the body of Christ.....WOW, that must be impossible!

How many relationships are damaged in all these situations?

Many, I am afraid.

Always live in peace and be thankful on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Save your fork

I found this story and wanted to share it with you today






The best is yet to come!


There's an old story about an elderly woman who was told by her physician that she probably wouldn't live much longer. Soon thereafter, she called in her family to discuss her funeral arrangements. They talked about how the service would be, where she would be buried, what
kind of casket would be used, etc. As the conversation was winding down, the woman remarked, "There's one thing that's very important: I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

Her children were understandably puzzled by that remark, and one of them couldn't contain his curiosity. "Mom," he said, "what are you talking about?" "I remember eating with my family when I was a young girl," the woman began, "Each of us would help clear away the dishes. Every once in a while, mom would tell us, 'Save your fork!' We children knew what that meant. It meant that mom had fixed us a pie or a cake or some sort of treat. When she said 'Save your fork!' that meant the best was yet to come.

So I want to be buried with a fork in my hand, for the best is yet to come!"

It's a lovely story, a beautiful illustration of hope. In Spanish, the word "esperar" means "hope," but it also means "wait." You wait for a bus, and you hope it's coming; the same word is used in both cases. It's the same in the biblical languages. Our hope is built around the
expectation of something that is to come.

The best is yet to come

The apostle Paul wrote to a group of new Christians in the city of Thessalonica, talking of the reputation these Christians had. He wrote, "They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven" (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). We have hope because we are waiting for someone. He will bring us something wonderful, a life without pain or sadness.

We have hope because we know the best is yet to come. We have hope because we are waiting, waiting for our Lord to come back.Save your fork, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Fruit of Fall

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5, NLT



Sorry for the lateness today....

I am at a conference and I had to do 2 presentations today. One of them involved a live demo which we needed to make sure everything really worked.

I am in Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes of NY. What a spot.

This is a beautiful hotel at the end of the lake.

One of the more attractive places I have stayed.

It is worth a look.

http://www.watkinsglenharborhotel.com/

Could not afford this during the year. Watkins Glen is a world class race track and when racing season is on the hotel is completely fill with people who pay alot of money for rooms!

The other thing the area is know for is grapes. There are over 50 large vineyards in Schuyler County.

I thought it appropriate to look at what the vine and the branches mean and how important connection to the root ( Jesus) and the vine ( his people) is in the grand scheme of life.

If you are growing grapes, the farther away the vine is from the branches, the less nourishment it gets. ...Hence, small grapes. This is why people are in the vineyards in the cold of winter, pruning the vine.

It needs to be close to the root to produce good fruit.


Lord, continue you prune my vine so I may be close to the root today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Rick

Good Stuff....BAD Stuff

There are times when it is difficult to understand how “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). Yet, with proper perspective we can “consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).





God has the unfailing power to bring good from all circumstances that come our way. But what we see as “good” often depends on our perspective.


What is your perspective of where you are right now?

I think we tend to see good as small and bad as BIG

I have been in a situation for a long time where the good things we think small and the bad things big.

Why is this so?

I believe there is a view of God that he is there watching over the earth waiting to strike us down from the mountain. God is a God of justice but he is also a God of love and mercy.

Lord, let me be a person who looks to you for your love and mercy, today, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

It

Standing on the Podium

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ... All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things


(Philippians 3:12-15 TNIV).

I MUST REALIZE GOD HAS A GOAL FOR MY LIFE

Paul says, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” The words I want to see are the words, “that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Paul understood that the Lord took hold of his life with a goal in mind.

And this is true for me..

God’s desire is that I grow.

Why is this important? First, It's important to realize that God's goal is not just to "get me in the door". He is not looking to merely "save me", He is working to "transform me" toward holiness.

But second, it is important to realize that God has a job for me to do. He has called me TO something. I am a part of His plan. God DOES have a plan for my life. His plan will lead me to joy, fulfillment, contentment and eternal blessing.

I HAVE NOT ARRIVED YET

Paul not only recognizes that the Lord has a grand purpose for his life, He realizes that he has not arrived at that purpose yet. Paul knows he is not what he should be. He is aware of his faults and the areas where he still needs to grow. Paul recognizes that he is not finished yet.

My Christian life is a life of growth and maturity . . . much like life itself. Growth takes time. As diligently as Paul worked at his faith, he still had not arrived. I get discouraged . . . but I need to keep moving forward.

I am not there yet.

DON’T LIVE IN THE PAST

Paul tells me that if I want to be focused on our growth I must “forget the past”. Obviously Paul is not telling me to literally not remember anything. Certainly I should remember who I was before Christ found me. I should remember the times we have seen God’s faithfulness demonstrated. I need to remember the mistakes I've made so I can avoid them in the future.

Forgiveness is the key from the past that will unlock the future

What it does mean?

When Paul talks about forgetting he is telling me that I can’t and must not live in the past. What happened in the past is past and I must keep going forward. There are two reasons I need to forget the past. First, I have a tendency to fixate on the past. I will hold on to some bad experience and it will become an anchor that weighs me down. I will remember a hurt that someone inflicted and it will eat me up. I will remember a time when I stumbled and I will determine to never try again. How I deal with the painful times of the past will determine how I live in the present. I must learn from the pain and then move on.

What God has forgiven should never be taken as a burden again.

Second, I have a tendency to rest on the past. I will replay the past victories and be content to remember instead of continuing to push ahead. I must forget the past and focus on the present.

He tells me that he is stretching forward and he is reaching for his goal. He is not only concentrating, he is straining forward. The image is like that of running in a race. You see people in a race leaning forward to try to beat their opponent to the tape. This is the image Paul uses for his desire to grow spiritually.

KEEP MY EYE ON THE GOAL

Paul tells me that he must always keep his eyes on the prize. It is like the Olympic athlete who trains tirelessly for a gold medal at the Olympics. When they get tired they imagine what it will be like to stand on the platform and hear the National Anthem of their country being played. That picture spurs them on.

Lord, grant me the power and wisdom to stretch forward to the goal I can only obtain with you on the Adventure in Middle Grove

No Shakin

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."

Hebrews 12:28-29




There  has been unusually seismic activity over the past 3 weeks and Tsunamis events. In the past few days there have been more than usual. One of the things I follow, OK no comments, is earth quakes. After a large event , I go to the US Geological Service and follow seismic activity to see what happens in the rest of the world, There  is usually a reciprocal effect after a large earth quake.

Actually there was a fairly strong quake in California this morning at 1:00 AM

Here is the web site if you want to look.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/

God says something about this.Every earth-made empire will eventually topple. Every man-made structure will decay and fall. God, however, has given us a kingdom that can't rust, spoil, or fade, kept in heaven for us. It won't rot or ruin and no thief can break in and steal it away. It will not go away or disappear and will not show up on the seismic scale.

Lord, help me to not be shaken as I rely on you today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

The Last Standing

All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.

1 Peter 1:24, New International Version




This seems very appropriate as I sit and look over the fields in the back of the house. The grass is starting to turn brown and the trees are losing the leaves of summer. In the Northeast we really understand this verse as the seasons change and move to the cold and dark of winter. God's word transcends the cold of winter and continues to warm our hearts even in the face of short days and long snow storms.

Lord, let my heart not wither as the leaves falling from the trees but lift me up to be closer to you on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

It is About Relationships

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. "
Galatians - Chapter 6:2

This is re-write of a piece written over a year ago but I thought it was very appropriate for today.
Yesterday, I had a time out with some very good friends. They are people who care about me just as much as I care about them. It is about what we can do for each other. It is about the importance of relationships.

The woman at the well. Jesus was talking about relationships

The tax collector. Jesus was talking about relationships

The cripple. It was about friends and relationships

The critically ill woman. It was about relationships


The Bible is filled with stories about relationships. My pray today is God would continue to teach me to value the relationships I have in family and friends on the Adventure in Middle Grove