Great Understanding

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Proverbs 14:29



Silence is some times the First reaction needed

The other day I was talking about the rudeness of people in the health care debate. Making a point is one thing, being a jerk is another. Responding quickly to aggravation, threat, insult, or difficulty suggests strength to many folks today. However, responding hastily out of anger is foolish. This response seldom produces the desired long term effect and nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful
situations shows understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run.

Silence can be a long term solution

Father, I ask for patience and self-control. I know these virtues are part of the fruit of your Spirit's presence in my life, so I ask that the Holy Spirit have more impact on my heart and life. Please give me the understanding and wisdom to keep my mouth shut until I have had an opportunity to pray and think about the issues and people involved on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Neighbors

[Jesus replied,] "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Mark 12:30-31



I think this is an uncomfortable verse for many Christians. Many people ask me,"Why do you want to open your house to people."

I think is is all contained in this verse. I do not think Jesus was "Love only those people you like and are Christians" No, It says

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.

Sometimes the most important things are not hard to understand. God wants us to love him with every fiber of our being and to also love those around us. All of his demands on character really boil down to honoring these two great principles that transcend law and bring the character of God to hearts.

Lord, I love you. I love you for your plan to send your Messiah for me. I love you for your unfailing love. I love you for your grace and mercy. Help me reach out and find the right people to move into "Saratoga Simple Living" as I look to take to action what you put in words. To love my neighbor on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Benefits Included for free

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen

(Ephesians 4:29 TNIV).




Sometimes, benefits at For the other person...


If you have watched any TV or listened to the radio over the past 2 weeks, it was hard to miss the "Town Meetings" held on the health care issues in the US. We are in trouble with so many people who do not have health care. Personally, if I lose my job, my health care is over. Afte many years of work and loyal service, I am done. This is wrong! This is for another discussion.

What I saw over the past few weeks is people yelling at each other. The more you yell, the more the other person yells. It doesn't stop. It seems like people are getting more inconsiderate and obnoxious. More importantly, they think they are entitled to be that way. It is their right. No one can stop them since the believe they are right, so they are right.

I have experienced this in other ways over the past year.

What if we all followed the verse for today?

First of all, it will never happen. Humans have many needs

Water

Food

Relationships

The right to be right (OK, I added this one)


What if we thought about what we were going to say so it was something, not obnoxious?

This is such radical thought, I have trouble believing it can happen.

Why can't it?

It certainly can. It needs to start with me.

Lord, on this day let the words of my mouth be pleasing to you and be for those who can benefit from a kind word or a word of encouragement on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

The Calling

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.



Romans 8:28



Serving God and Finding my purpose in life will work out for good


Some verses keep coming back. I think I have written about this one at least 2 times in the past year each with a different thought.Bad stuff happens in life. Evil has a part to play in the bad stuff. My own sins and their consequences also play a part. The rebellion against God and the spiritual weakness in those we love bring hurtful things into my life. Sometimes, God even disciplines us to awaken us out of lethargy or to correct some sinful problem in our lives. Yet in all these things, I have an incredible promise:


If I love God and I am seeking to honor his call in my life, my Father in heaven will work out all of the things going on in my life for my good.


Lord, I appreciate your promise to work out all things in my life, both good and bad, for my good. I ask, dear Father, for faith to believe this promise is true during painful and difficult times. I am asking for patience, O God, to hang on to my convictions when trying times persist. I believe your promise, dear LORD, and look forward to what you will eventually make of me when you are finished with your work on the Adventure in Middle Grove

NOT OK- Worth Repeating

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)




After yesterday, I was thinking all day about my position as goaltender. If I accept that it is OK for goals to be scored, I will never be "successful". This is VERY relative these days. By success, I mean if I settle for the same old stuff and say "I will never be any good" or "is it worth all the effort", the fun will be gone from playing. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON I PLAY!

To have fun... but to always look at what I am doing and not settle for OK, but try to improve


How many times have I settled for OK in life?

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

How many relationships have I lost because it was hard work?

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

TOO MANY TIMES

I am not settling for OK, ANY MORE.


Lord left 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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1OQFn-N8UM

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

Little Did I know....

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1


Sometimes goalies are your Friends, sometimes you hate them!


Little did I know that the first time I strapped on the pads at 7, that it would prepare me for life's challenges and trials.

OK, No Comments from all my hockey friends!

I have a life of bruises... I know if is my own fault.

When players shoot pucks at goalies, they do not think, "I better not shoot too hard"

No, they say "the harder the better"

Being a goalie is living a schizophrenic life. Players really like you or hate you.

No one says, "Wow, that forward let that player get by and score" They say" Why didn't he stop the shot"

Well,

Quite a bit like life...

I have taken alot of shots in life and keep coming back for more but if I let one by, it is not a good thing. To be a goalie, you have to shake off the goal that was just scored and get ready for the next shot.

As a goalie, you cannot say, "can everyone wait while I analyze what happened the the past so I do not let it happen again"

Doesn't happen.

The next shot is always a little different and focusing on the past does little good to help me in the future. The knowledge of the past is great but the experience gained for the future is minimal due to the quickness of the game.

What I always need to remember is to recenter to get ready for the next flurry. Facing danger and being ready to move in either direction is what is important for success.

Just like life!

Lord, Center me and get me ready for the flurry and help me move in any direction as the shots of life are coming at me on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.


Romans 8:25(New Living Translation)




"Some times it takes a long time to get to the finish line"

As the 2nd year of the "Adventure in Middle Grove" begins, I want to look at the HOPE, PEACE and JOY offered to me by God and the patience needed to receive it.

Please join me as the adventure continues...

May times in the clutter of life I have felt I was in a tunnel, but there was no light.

Why?


I probably was looking down and not looking ahead;

Looking at my feet instead of what is ahead;

Focusing on the present reality of the situation and not looking towards the future.

The light at the end for the tunnel starts as faint flicker of light and gains intensity as the opening gets closer.

Lord,

Help me to inch closer each day as the path heads towards the light on the Adventure in Middle Grove



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7V5t9ECZXo

SPECIAL EDITION >>> SPECIAL EDITION

Today is a special day!

This Summer has been fantastic with old and new people

LOOK FOR THE QUESTION AT THE END



Last year I make a commitment to looking at "me" but not from a "me"standpoint. I wanted to look at me for who I was before my friends and before God. I wanted to look at my friends and relationships in life and how I could improve who I was before them.

I looked at people on the "50"

I looked at the "Gift of being yourself"

I looked at things lost and things gained

I looked at old friends and some new friends who who were there for anything

I looked at relationships and what was good and bad

I looked at what I can do for my friends

I looked in the mirror and saw the reflection of not who I think I am but who I am before the eyes of God.

I gained confidence in not me but in what God is doing for me.

I learned I REALLY love hockey and made a mistake last year. Thanks MAW!

I learned I have an amazing capacity to love that was missing in my life. I also learned I have an amazing capacity to be love!

I learned how important how people are to me and how surrounding myself with great friends was a life saving move. Not just people who agree with me all the time, but people who are honest and loving.

Most of all I learn how much God loves me and takes care of me no matter what the circumstances.

I learned about me but more importantly I learn about the relationships in life, new and old.

Lord, continue to work in me, but not for me, but for my friends that I would be there for them just as they continue to be there for me on the 2nd year on the Adventure in Middle Grove

QUESTION?

Let me know you thoughts. Does this do anything for you? Do you want to continue to receive this? Has it made any difference? Any thoughts are appreciated. Send your thoughts and ideas to

Rick@cobello.com

Thank you for your friendship!

REAL Trouble

"If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. "

Ecclesiastes 4:10,

Yesterday I wrote about friends and loyalty.


Friends do not let friends fall but reach out and help. I think the reaching out part is significant. I get the picture that there is a person falling an gripping to the rocks and their friend reaches out and risks their life to help a friend. This tells me that this is not a "Safe" thing to do for a friend but a risk. It is not something easy either and requires a great effort.

Friendship takes time

Friendship takes effort

Friendship takes risks

Friendship does not let the other friend fall.


Teach me Lord to be a better friend in my relationships. Let me listen to my friends and be able to reach out and risk who I am for them. Let me help a friend today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Real Friendship

Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?

Proverbs 20:6 (The Message)


What does it mean to be loyal?

Loyal - firm: unwavering in devotion to friend

One of the things I learned in the past year is what friends are all about. Many people claim to have friends but it is amazing how fast they "head to the hills" in time of trouble.

Someone who is a loyal friend is not someone who agrees with me all the time. It is someone who can lovingly tell me what I need to hear and stay by my side.

The are not "drive by" friends. Quick to criticize and drive off in a peel out of hate.

No, What I am talking about is friends who laugh, cry, grieve, hug, love, listen, and give good advice out of love.

I learned alot about friends this summer. People who unconditionally love and care. I learned about relationships and what is important. Just when I needed it, friends were sent to help me find out more about me to help me find out more about them.

Lord, let me learn from my friends about love and loyalty as the path takes another jog on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

It is all in the timing

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11


One thing we can have more of....

TIME

Once a second is gone, it is gone.


God has this covered. He has made everything beautiful in its time.

There are:

Times of joy;

Times of sorrow;

Times of happiness;

Times and people I will remember forever...

Time seemed to stop this summer as the past and the present intersected and new views started to emerge for a look at what the future could be.

Timing is everything in life. Also, something I cannot control or manipulate. Time happens in spite of me and what I do or think.

Even though I can image what God has done for me, I cannot even fathom what he will do for me in the future.

He will do things for me from the beginning to the end.


Lord, it is in your time I wait. Give me patience and wisdom as your timing is perfect.


Timing is everything, today, on the Adventure in Middle Grove

The Source of Love

We love because he first loved us.
-- 1 John 4:19






Love is an enigma...

a perplexing, baffling, or seemingly inexplicable matter, person,

If love depends on us ( me ) it really can be an enigma. My nuances and peculiarities will always get in the way unless I focus on the source of love.

This isn't for the "I love pizza", statement

This is for the relational love in the day to day battles of life.


We love others because God has first loved me. God taught me how to love in Jesus. He has given me security and confidence so I can love more fully. God loved me boldly and sacrificially so I could properly understand and define love.

I are not the source of love; God is.

I am not the great example of love; God is. I have to be careful not to just share my love with only those with whom I want to share it or where it is easy.

God's love is great and there for all...

We love because he first loved us.

Forgive me, Father, for the times that I have been careful and guarded with my love in relationships. Please help me to love others as you have loved me. I ask especially for today that I might use your love to touch someone who needs it in a special way, whether they respond favorably to that love or not on the adventure in Middle Grove.

The Outsiders

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Colossians 4:5, New International Version


Saratoga Simple Living is open for business.

My house has been a place of refuge and care for over 20 years. Many people have come to the house for short and long stays. It has been a place where friends and people I don't even know have come for time to rest or a time of decision. Outsiders can't believe that the house was available for them and they were welcome. The biggest crowd for a stay, actually dinner was 30 people from the Oswego Field Hockey Team. The longest stay was 1.5 years. The biggest family was 6 people. The largest party was 250 people with many gatherings over 100 people.

This is going to be more of an intentional community where we we live together as a community where we share responsibilities and duties and learn about how to live together.

Lord, let this be a place of refuge and strength as you use this place, today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Visit Saratoga Simple Living

www.saratogadream.com

No "EASY BUTTON"

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

Friends Matter...

There is no easy way to show how much friendships mean or how important they are in life.

Words communicate and explain. I can tell people that I love them. I can explain how precious they are to me. Actions validate and confirm. When I sacrifice my preferences for another, I show my respect and affection. When I sacrifice myself, my wishes, and my preferences for a friend, I give the greatest of all gifts and prove my love beyond any doubt.


Lord, thank you for my friends who are important in my life.Father, thank you for loving me enough to send Jesus for me. Jesus, thank you for your loving sacrifice that not only saves me, but shows me the full extent of your love today, for me and my friends, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

The Only Cost...

Matthew 6:14-15 (The Message)

14-15"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do.






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. If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.

-- Max Lucado

Late today. I went up for a local kayak race and had a great time! Thanks J and B!

Forgiveness is unique to Christianity.

It doesn't cost anything;

You don't have to do anything;

You don't have to remember anything;

It is not brutal

Forgiveness is the recognizing that Christ came to this world to forgive us.

God felt it was so important he all his perfect son to be crucified so we could receive the benefit of the forgiveness Christ offers.

It is the only cost... A great cost as forgiveness needs to reign in my life today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Be Still in the fight

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14 NIV).

Summer is on the down side of the meteorological calender.

Some how we missed the upside!

The summer brings me memories of not just this summer but memories of things that did not go so well or relationships that  are still not mended in our families and friends.

In Exodus, go to the scene just before the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea. The Egyptian enemies are close on the heels of the Israelites, who take this opportunity to whine to Moses about being stuck out into the desert to die when they could have just as easily died in Egypt. Moses gives an inspiring speech concluding with:

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14 NIV).


This is a good  since it is a struggle to remain still and let the Lord fight instead of trying to dig out of the messes I make. You need  to keep reading in Exodus 14. Evidently, the Lord was not quite as inspired by Moses' words as me. The very next verse says, "The Lord said to Moses,

'Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on."

I love that. Sometimes I just need to move on -- the Lord says so Himself.

Need to apologize to someone? Apologize. Move on.

Need to forgive someone? Forgive. Move on.

Just move on.

God set me  free from bitterness,  fear, and anger, but often I live like I don't wear the badge as  defined by selfless love and forgiveness.

There are times to let the Lord fight for you and be still, but there are times when the Lord says  "Quit whining and MOVE ON." This can be a season for change.

Apologize. 

Forgive. 

Let go.

Move on.

Lord,

let me be a person of forgiveness and help me to  move on with your grace, mercy and love on the Adventure in Middle Grove

In the Cave... and out

¹⁸ If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.

Psalm 34:18

Yesterday I was taking about, it is in the silence where I can learn alot about myself and others. I started thinking of places where I experienced silence and remembered the times when I went "spelunking."

This is a nice word for going in places I shouldn't have gone squeezing my body through places I didn't think it would fit and seeing things I really did not want to see.

There was a particular cave I went in that was about 1 mile in through cracks, water, and small caverns.

At the end of the long crawl through water, was a giant room at the end. A large space with a 50 foot ceiling.

This is where we would eat lunch. After we ate lunch, we would turn off our lights and sit. In about 10 minutes our eyes adjusted to no sensory input.

It is funny what the brain does when in the total absence of light. Your eyes start to sparkle with sprites. I am not sure whether this is a chemical or nervous system event but the brain cannot "see" light so unusual things start to happen in this absence of light. The brain starts to make things up and tries to fabricate light. the brain tries to create something that is not there. When in the state of total darkness, the brain starts to imagine things that really aren't there and thoughts that are really foreign to what I have imagined.

Well, What is the point of all this, yes there is a point!

As you leave a cave this dark and head to light, your eyes start to adjust to the smallest amount of light. As you exit the cave to the light of the day and pop out of the hole or crack, the light takes on new meaning. The greens are much greener and the blues, much bluer. The dark of the cave is replaced with the light of day.

Many times I have let my life be in a cave, deprived of much sensory experience or feeling. In the past 2 years I have been crawling back from the absence of light through the cracks and crevices of life. In the past few months I have emerged from the dark hole and in to the light of the day. The greens look much greener and the blues much bluer today, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

In the Silence

Psalm 62

1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him



I got up at 3:00 am today to take a friend to the airport for an early morning flight.

Not much is happening at 3:00 am.

Many people may not remember that there was a point of silence during the day a while back. When I was growing up, I knew it was late when the test pattern came on the TV. It was usually proceed by an announcement:

This concludes the daily programming for WABC. Thank you for watching.

The test patterning came on for awhile and them there was static as the stations turned off their transmitter until the station went back on air in the morning.


There was a period of silence...

Not any more! We have 24 hour news where we know what is happening at all times of the day and night.

We don't have much silence any more.

We have internet news, TV and Radio. There is always something happening.

God wants us to be silent before him.

It is in the silence that we hear the voice of God;

It is in the silence that we see the reflection of who we are;

It is in the silence that we see in the eyes those around who are important;

It is in the silence where wisdom is gleaned and direction shown;

It is in the silence where grace and mercy are given and received;

It is in the silence where the love of God is felt.

Let me be silent before you today as I seek your wisdom and direction on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Compassion

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:8



God is holy, righteous, and just. But, as important as these qualities are, he reveals them within his compassion, graciousness, patience, and overflowing mercy and love. I must appreciate, and adore him! Maybe the greatest challenge, however, is to reflect the character of God in my own lives in the ways I interact with other people as well as the ways that I view him!


LORD , I not only trust in you, but I appreciate your faithfulness, your mercy, your love, your graciousness, and your patient compassion. Please help me display each of these virtues more fully in my life on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Hope is waiting

Ok time for a quiz...

I have been involved with the Internet since 1987 when I was Manager of Software Engineering at GE Research and Development.

That is a long time in Internet years! If that is like dog years, I am in trouble!

One thing about the internet now is the speed of information travel. News is almost instant, Scores are updated real time and lots of junk is floating around cyberspace.

I spend time once in awhile trying to find the source of information on the internet. One of the problems with the internet is I can create something completely fake and have it show up in a few days as the authoritative source.

So, When I see stuff come up frequently in a few days, I try to find the original source to see if it is real.

This is especially true with quotes.

There are millions of quotes that have been hacked, modified, or frabricated. Trying to find the orginal source is sometimes very hard.

OK, Now for the test..

Who said this? Answer at the end, NO cheating!

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when their right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

A better way to say this is contained in Proverbs 23


There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

The Quote is not bad and offers hope in circumstances that do not seem like they are good.

Proverbs 23 says I will not be cut off from the future hope I have today with people are important to me and after this life ends.

My hope is in the horizon as the path on the Adventure in Middle Grove heads towards life.

( I bet you did not know Marilyn Monroe was such a philosopher!)

In Prison?

*** This is a modification of an earlier Adventure in Middle Grove***

A message was preached today about forgiveness. There is more to it!




I overheard a discussion at work about two people who have not talked for years. Unfortunately is is not something reserved for non-Christians

The word forgiveness is mentioned seven times in the entire Bible. The first time it is mentioned is in Psalm 130, verse four.

(Read the chapter) Particularly look at verses one and two.


In the depths of despair, the psalmist cried out to God, "Hear me! Help me!"

Despair makes me feel isolated and distant from God, but this is precisely when we need God most.

Despair over this should not lead to self-pity, causing me to think more about myself than God.

Instead, it should lead to confession, and then, to God's mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.


When I feel overwhelmed by a problem, feeling sorry for myself will only increase hopeless feelings; but crying out to God turns my attention to the only one who can really help.

Now look at verses three and four. Holding a grudge is like building a wall between me and another person, and it is nearly impossible to talk openly while holding a grudge.

This is more than a grudge... It is the essence of Christianity. Without forgiveness, not much is left.

God never holds a grudge;

When He forgives, He forgives completely, tearing down any wall between us and Him.

When I pray, realize that God is holding nothing against me.

The lines of communication are completely open. Jesus not only taught frequently about forgiveness, He also demonstrated His own willingness to forgive.

Here are several examples that should be an encouragement to recognize His willingness to forgive me also. In Matthew 18:21-34, Jesus tells the disciples the parable of the unforgiving debtor. (Read the passage) The rabbis taught that Jews should forgive those who offend them three times. Peter, in trying to be especially generous, asked Jesus if seven (the "perfect" number) was enough times to forgive someone.

But Jesus answered, "Seventy times seven," meaning that we shouldn't even keep track of how many times we forgive someone.

I should always forgive those who are truly repentant, no matter how many times they ask. In Bible times, serious consequences awaited those who could not repay their debts. A person lending money could seize the borrower who couldn't pay him back and force him or his family to work until the debt was paid. The debtor could also be thrown into prison, or his family could be sold into slavery to help pay off the debt. It was hoped the debtor, while in prison, would sell off his land-holdings or that relatives would pay the debt. If not, the debtor could remain in prison for life.

My life could be a prison of un-forgiveness but God has moved my heart to a place where he continues to work on my soul while on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Forgive me...

Time for a Harvest

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

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 section 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.


They are living out the charge in Galatians.  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...

Help! I can't see!

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34, New International Version




Wow! how this is so true. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  Aot of it I make for myself!

As I meditate  these words of Jesus, I must recognize that worry and planning ahead are different things.

Jesus said that is is unreasonable not to do some essential planning. (Luke 14:28-31)

Still, I have battled worry at points in my life.

I go to bed with that nagging concern about what will happen "tomorrow." (Clearly Jesus is referring to worrying about what will happen in the future and not just literally tomorrow.)

It may be a conflict that troubles us.

It may be a mess at the office that must be confronted.

It may be facing someone who has hurt us.

It may be that financial doubt about paying bills.

It may be in close relationships.


Jesus wants me to let go of our anxiety.

I must live in the present moment.

There are too many opportunities I could miss today by worrying about what might happen tomorrow.

The Lord could come between now and tomorrow and all my worry would have been stupid.

The Lord may be at work in the situation during today, in ways I cannot not comprehend, and my problems are not as insurmountable as they seem today.If the bad thing were to happen, my worry will have needlessly stolen the joy out of today.Let be me sure I fill up with
priorities of today, then I can deal with tomorrow’s mess when, and if, it ever comes.

Hebrew 11:1 says ...to be certain about the things we cannot see

Almighty and great God, I believe tomorrow is in your hands, so I will rest myself in your grace today as I seek to live for you. Please open my eyes to see the opportunities you provide today so can face tomorrow with focus, courage, and clarity on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Future Glory

[Jesus prayed] "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."

John 17:24



Wow, what an unbelievable collection of truth and promise! We are a gift from the Father to Jesus. Jesus wants us to be with him in the glorious presence of God. Jesus wants us to see his glory and experience it. Jesus has been loved by the Father from before the Creation. Think about these truths. I need to ask God for understanding so I can see how powerfully these reveal my importance to him. I dream of the day I will share in God's glory as one of his children! (cf. 1 Jn. 3:1-3)

Let me live the life based on the view God has of me.

Lord, forgive me for the mundane and earthly view that I have of myself and other people. Through your Spirit, stir in me a more profound appreciation of Jesus' disciples and how much each of us means to you. Please empower me to be more patient, tolerant, forgiving, and respectful of my Christian brothers' and sisters' imperfections as I acknowledge my own imperfections. I long for the day that we are united in perfection before your holy throne of grace as I wait on the Adventure in Middle Grove

A kick save... and a GOOD one

Psalm 16:11 reads, "You will make known to me the path of life...





Everyone who is reading this knows of my obsession with hockey. I took an unexpected hiatus last year but this was only a temporary set back.

I started playing hockey when I was 5 years old and have played or coached for all my adult life.


I play goaltender.


Players shooting pucks at high speed...no problem

Players coming down on breakaways...no problem

Players trying to knock me down...no problem

Players standing in front of me... BIG PROBLEM!

As a goaltender, I do not want players standing in front of me. I can stop what I can see but have no chance stopping what I cannot see!

It is the job of the players on my team to clear the path so I can see more clearly.

Sometimes I feel like a goaltender off the ice!

The view has been obscured for a long time. I have been screened for a long time. I have a much better view in front of me so I can see what's coming, today, on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Connected for Life

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







I can't get this verse out of my head!

Relationships have taken on new meaning in the last year.

Friends who were marginal friends or acquaintances are now people who are now part of the fabric of my life. Friends who care about me in times of trouble and times of contentment.

Jesus was very clear about relationships with people, in general. He taught about 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 is God would teach me to value the relationships I have in family and friends.

It is about relationships near and far and especially those close to me, today on the Adventure in Middle Grove

Catching a Knuckle Ball

Job 1 6: One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. ⁷ The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"
Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

⁸ Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

⁹ "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. ¹⁰ "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. ¹¹ But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."

¹² The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

¹³ One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, ¹⁴ a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, ¹⁵ and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

¹⁷ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

¹⁸ While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, ¹⁹ when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

Talk about a bad run!

When I was in high school, I was a catcher for a knuckle ball pitcher. I was used especially for this pitcher . I wasn't sure it was because I was good or crazy!

A knuckle ball pitch is a pitch that starts out uncontrolled and gets worse..... It is a difficult pitch to throw since there needs to be no spin on the ball. The aerodynamics of the pitch are very weird and depend on many factors.

Something I learned was don't always expect to have the ball go in the expected direction. At the last minute, the pitch could dive or rise. If a batter hit a foul tip, I had no idea where it was going. I can attest to this by the broken fingers on my right had from foul tips.

The ball seems to be going on a set trajectory when it leaves the pitcher's hand only to take a completely different direction.

Sounds like Job and sounds like me. God threw Job a knuckle ball and it sure did mess up his life, for awhile. Job was expecting the ball to go in one direction only to get a foul tip in the face.

So it is with me... God has thrown some knuckle balls at me recently. I am fortunate I have the catching experience to know what is expected may not happen in the intended way as I wait for another knuckle ball on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

A BUDLIGHT in the RAIN

...I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.


Philippians 4:12



*** Sorry for the example of Beer,**** I tell it like it is.

This past weekend there was a good party at my house. Tommy, my son-in-law and Matt, a friend of both of us hosted the first annual "Battle of the Bands and Brews" at my house. They are both in a brewing club and had great attendance and many good home brews.

It was a beautiful day. Not too many this summer, or lack thereof!

Lots of swimming, horseshoes, Frisbee, badminton, lots of good conversation, food and great home brews.

There we also 4 bands with live music around the pool.

A day to be remembered.

UNTIL....

Cleanup the next day...

I was ready to get going with the cleanup crew to pick up the yard.

Walked out the door with enthusiasm and excitement only to find out, I WAS THE CLEANUP CREW.

How come the young guys are all in bed and an I ready for cleanup!

Leave this for another time!


I started to cleanup and guess what? It started to rain again. I continued to clean up the yard and got to the point of cleaning out the coolers. All five of them!

This is where all the home brews were stored. At least, I would get one of the great home brews.

I opened the first cooler, nothing

2nd cooler, nothing

3rd cooler, nothing

you get the idea!

It start to rain really hard and I was total soaked with no home brew!

I opened the 6th cooler and there was something in it. YES, I got one!

Wait, oh no, not me, please not me.

It was a beer but it was a can of Bud Light.

What a disappointment, after expecting a cold home brew.

After wiping my brow from the torrential rain, I went over to the big rock, cracked open the Bud Light and drank a Bud light in the rain.

In a very simple way, I learned a lesson in contentment. In life, my expectations are for a home brew and I got a Bud Light. I was ready for the home brew but was not prepared for the Bud Light. I learned the contentment in life comes from the Bud Light and not from the Home Brews. I need to be content no matter what the circumstances or trials.

Some times a Bud Light in life is just what is needed for contentment and knowing God has a plan for me, sitting on the rock on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Sharing the load

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2,

"I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you!" Samwise gasps to Frodo in one of the final scenes of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Sam then lifts Frodo on his shoulder and staggers up the mountain where ultimately Frodo is able to put an end to the evil threatening to consume the world. Sam knew that Frodo's purpose was to destroy the ring, but that was not Sam's purpose. Yet Sam showed amazing servant
leadership with the words: "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you."


One of the things becoming more evident  as the Adventure continues is how important friends are in my life. Casual acquaintances are good and needed but what is really needed is friends who will help me carry my burdens.


It does not say help, it says carry. This means I am to carry others burdens too.



Carrying a burden  in the early days of the church was very physical work and usually was putting heavy stuff on your shoulders.


I need to continually remind myself that others are more important than me and I need to carry their burdens. Helping others is a mandate not an option. I have some very close friends  who need  me to be there and carry their burdens.

"I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you," today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.