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things I like


So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.

Today’s post is a bit more personal in nature than most.  Just feeling like I need to share some of the things that are on my mind.  Thanks for reading, and I pray you will be encouraged a little.

There are lots of things I like, and this week affords me the opportunity to enjoy them.  As I share a few of them with you I do so to remind you that life is meant to be enjoyed, fun and to have purpose.

I like spring.  Seems like just a couple weeks ago we were shoveling snow and stayed all bundled up due to the extremely cold weather.  I do like snow and winter, but the joys of spring are happening.  A couple times in the past few days I have been able to roll down the windows of the truck and take a drive.  Yesterday I noticed some flowers growing along the side of the road.

I like Raceway Ministries.  This is the week that the world, at least the world of NASCAR, comes to our town.  Our group gets to share worship services, give away refreshments and serve race fans.  These conversations are all over the place, but several times I get to talk about Jesus and new life.  We meet lots of cool people from all over the place.  I believe this is a place where Jesus would be sharing lots of fun and purpose.

I like helping hurting people.  I heard a pastor say several years ago that “ministry is messy, and if you aren’t getting your hands dirty, you aren’t doing ministry”.  That is a point I highly agree with, and the last two days have brought some conversations about pain, truth and huge needs.  I am praying that some of these people allow God to radically change their lives.

I like my family.  No, I love my family.  Those drives in the spring with the windows down have been enjoyed with some of my closest family members.  We live a long way from my parents and my wife’s parents.  We miss them very much especially when something happens like early this week when my mom broke her ankle and is now in the hospital over 1,000 miles away.  Reminds me that I really love my family.

There are lots of more things I like.  Barbeque.  Donuts.  Cool movies.  Testimonies about God’s work.  The beach.  Beautiful countryside.  I like lots of things, and all of them are gifts from God.

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

I thank God for His gifts, but there are times you have to acknowledge the fact that there are lots of things that I do not like.  Some of those things make me real mad. 

I hate pain.  I hate the fact that hurting people are often so blind to the ways and the goodness of God. 

What I know about the things I hate is that God uses all things to remind me and all of us that He is God.  I need that.  How about you?

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

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