...too small a thing...

Stuff We Don't Know About

You often find out about something that you did not know about after the fact so; I thought I would tell you a story, and then tell you about something good you may not know about. Here is the Story:

When Kathy was in hospital a good many years ago, I was spending the night with her in the room, and I of course wanted to try to sleep some. A very kind nurse told me that they would bring me a bed in a few minutes, and I could sack out. I looked forward to having a comfortable place. I waited very patiently for a while, (20 minutes at least.)  Kathy sacked out, and was resting comfortably. I kept watching for the nurse with the bed, and tried not to think bad thoughts about her, as an hour or two went by. About midnight I just bit the bullet, and pulled two wooden chairs together, and stretched my lumpy, bony, body across them. Remarkably somehow I fell asleep, (I actually can sleep most anywhere), but I would wake every few minutes. About 3 am I thought I would walk out in the hall and look for the wicked nurse who promised a cot and did not deliver. OOPs there it was right by the door, outside the room, a nice folded cot with sheets and pillow. I sure am glad I did not say ugly things about the wonderful nurse. Needless to say I had been missing out for a while, but now I unfolded, fluffed, and jumped in the bed and took full advantage of what I had been missing.

I just found out about something else I have been missing. You may be too. Obviously you use the internet. I just found out about our GA Baptist Radio station that has some great music and good programs that is right there on your desk top if you tune in. Give it a try at: http://www.lifewithpurposeradio.com/

Breakfast with Mark Richt

I am at a public saftey appreciation breakfast at Northstar where Coach Richt is the speaker

It was a great breakfast sponsored by Northstar Church and Chic-fil-a. Coach Richt told a group of law enforcement about his faith in Jesus Christ. What a privilege to meet and talk with our great men and women of public safety and then to hear them addressed by a great coach. I was fortunate to have a front row seat. Thank you to those who put the event on and to all our public servants.

I thougth I would Mention my Faith

Across the world in the week ahead there will be thoughts about an event, which occurred almost two thousand years ago. It will be a reality for many and others will wonder.  Some will scoff at the idea that someone could rise from the dead.  There are those who will be watching what others do and ask, “Do you believe that Jesus rose from the grave?”  “Is he alive today?”

 

This is Holy week and a time like no other on the Christian calendar. It is for those of us who know that Christ is raised from the dead, a great time of celebration and Joy.  For many it is Easter eggs and a visit from the Bunny.  A new dress and shoes for the girls, or a new suit for some young men might be the focus of the week.  It is sometimes the celebration that gets more focus than the worship.

 

When you greet and interact with others this week, take time to mention the fact that it is Holy week.  As you go about your business in these days leading up to Easter Sunday remember the events of two thousand years ago.  Simple words in a conversation about the fact you believe that Jesus is alive can make a difference.  You can say it like this to anyone you meet, “I am celebrating Easter, because I know that my Savior Jesus Christ is alive!”  These are some of the most powerful words a person can speak and will impact others lives. 

 

Just notice this week how many bunnies and eggs, or “Spring Clothing Specials” you see this week.  Compare that with how many crosses you see.  Now think about how many you will hear say those words, “I am celebrating Easter, because I know that my Savior Jesus Christ is alive. “ 

 

Have a great Holy Week.

Moods, Attitudes and Items of Personal Hygiene

Now I am not sure that you may be in the mood to read this blog. After all we all have different moments of the day whe we must deal with the different items that are commonly found in our bathrooms are all geared to aid us in the fine art of personal hygiene. I say it is an art as some are like Picasso, Rembrant, VanGough or some of the other great masters and the way they look and smell, (yes I did say smell - are you sure you are in the mood to read this?)

Have you ever really thought about it, I mean all the stuff in the bathroom we as a people are creative and diverse. We have ointments, salves, balms, salts, lotions, paste, stick deodorant, aftershave, and that is just on my side of the bathroom. Women have about twice as much as men folk when it comes to Items of Personal Hygiene (IPH).  Now what have the items of IPH have to do with moods and attitudes. Let me illustrate.

Have you been in the bathroom and needed the use of IPH and noticed that the roll was empty? It would have been better to notice before you were empty. Have you meant to buy toothpaste and forgotten and they for the next week you ration the rolled up tube trying to get just a little more out. I think there is a half life on tooth paste and you can always get a little more out of the tube but there gets to a point there is not enough to use and it is like a WWF tag team match all the squeezing that is needed to get a little more out. But you know you have to throw that tube away and there is just a little bit more in there. Soap is sort of the same way. I want to use the whole bar but it always gets to a point that it is too little to use and too much to throw away. So I always try to stick the old bar to the new. One big one little but it works (sort of kinda.)

OK, so you usually start the day in the bathroom. So is your bathroom time mindless? Do YOU stand in the morning running your comb through your hair? (I do not have this task) with litlle or no brain activity. I think a lot of our attitude for the day and our mood can be influenced and affected by the proper bathroom experience. Does it affect you if you have to hurry in the bathroom because someone esle is waiting? What if you are in a guest bath or away from home and using a public bathroom? DOES THIS AFFECT YOU.

There is time every day that you must complete the task of life in the bathroom with or without all the stuff IPH. Mission work has taught me you can get by with a whole lot less IPH than you think you can. 

So it is in all of life. We have so much stuff in our lives and a whole lot of it we do not need. The bathroom is where we take care of the body. Grooming, washing, medication, and other stuff. If these are not right life can get complicated. Let us think about a comparison.

It is unlikely that anyone reading this blog does not know what a quiet time is. Yet do you spend more time in the bathroom with personal grooming than you do in personal spiritual hygiene (your quiet time.) We all need to go to God for cleaning (forgivness), for grooming, (put on the armor of God) and in doing so set your mood an attitude for the day. You would not think of leaving home in the morning without a few moments there in the bath neither should we so bold as to leave out without a few moments with the Lord.

Defenders Deliever

Today was the opening home game for the Atlanta Defenders a Semi Pro football team in the National Public Safety League. They played today at 4 PM at Sprayberry High School Stadium. They delivered the game into the win column 14  to  7 in overtime. This was the third win for the Defenders who are now 3 - 0 for the 2009 Season. I took the photo during the national anthem as the defenders line the bottom of the photo and the Washington Generals on the far side of field. What a great day for a football. The team has individuals from Atlanta, Austell, Marietta, Macon, Forest Park, Fulton, Cobb, Smyrna, Milton, Riverdale, Dunwoody, and Milton Police Departments, As well as members of the Fulton, Forsyth, Cherokee, Bartow, and Cobb Sheriff's Office. There are team members from Cobb, Marietta, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Cheorkee, Coweta Fire Departments.

The Value of a Friend

I just returned from my Friday prayer / accountability group meeting. There are 5 of us in the group. Rod Smith, Bob Koncerak, Ron Clifton, Daniel Pernell and myself. We have ben meeting a little over 3 years on Thursdays and then a move to Fridays at 6 am at Bob's house for prayer. We have seen each other through lots of stuff and encouraged, challenged, confronted and shared. We have been honest sometimes and somtimes we held our tounges. The reason... We share a love of the Lord Jesus Christ in common.

The group as we know it is ending next week. Bob and Carol are moving closer to his office which is a good move for them. As I have come to realize the passing away of the group time I am saddened but thankful. These guys are true friends and colaborers in the work of the Lord. We have been blessed for these years by praying and sharing together. A thought occured to me; what is that worth? Many people would love to have just one person that they can truly call a friend. I have been blessed with so many. Through Kathy's surgery I have seen the blessing of people sending a note or card, bringing a mea, giving me a call, and though I have not taken anyone up on it offers to even cut grass or other stuff.

I know that many who read this blog are my friends so I have something to say to you this morning: I love you. Not in a weird kind of way, but because of the blessing of God in my life to our many friends, supporters, prayer partners, and family I just want you to know I do love you. You are of a high value to the Davis family. The reason is simple because He first loved us. The friends we have are really due to the Love of God in our lives. So the value of a Friend? Paid for in full by the precious blood of Jesus Christ to enable and sustain friendship.

The Problem of Having a Problem

Yesterday was a beautiful day and as the sun is coming up this morning today is starting out even better. I do not know about you but the problem of having a problem is that it tends to put a damper on a perfectly good day sometimes. You know you get started into a day  enjoying your coffee and reading a little but then "problem" you have to go to work. Or you just get to enjoying something and "problem" the dogs need to go to the potty. Sometimes the problems are small and sometimes they can change the course of life. There is no way to eleminae problems even on the best of days.

We have a few moments it seems in life when there are no problems (or we forget about the ones we have), but then it does not last for long as a new issue will arise that is a problem staring you in the face again.

Problems, trials, issues of the day are all really just opportunities to refocus our attention on something that needs to be done or addressed or taken care of. The issue is not really the problem (no matter how big or small) the real issue is the problem solver and how you look at the issue.  Because people of faith have Jesus they should look at problems whatever they are differently than those who do not have Christ. The Bible says This about  Christian problems:

In This you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your fatih-- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1: 6-7

I do not know what cares may come your way today but I do know who can handle them for you.

Casting all your anxieties on him,because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:7

So as you enter this beautiful day make the most of it. And when opportunities that will refocus your attention for a while or even a long time, Praise the Lord and serve on. 

NOW Having been Spiritual for a minute here is a time waster........

If you want to smile check out the NOM NOM ing going on on this video from Tangle...

NOM NOM VIDEO

Bodacious Bobby Bowden

I knew who he was and what he did for a living and I even knew that he was known as a Christian man but I had never heard Bobby Bowden speak maybe other than an aftergame interview. He is a HOOT. What a cool man who says it like it is. The 80 year old former FL State Coach does not pull any punches. He told a crowd of over 1000 last night at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church Wild Game Dinner that What is important is to have God First in your life. He made a statement that all who call themselves Christian should say "I am not ashamed to say that I am a Christian." He went on to say "this country is founded on the Word of God and it is a Christian Nation. Why can't we say that?" Go Bobby Go!

It was a great night and a true inspiration to me to challenge me in the world of political correctness that I have Christ Correctness first then do all I can not to offend others.  I had the privilige to speak to Coach Bowden for a minute or two as he sat down at my table for a minute or two before he spoke. We had three tables with the majority of the people being Cobb County Police Officers.

Early Spring - Hot or Cold

The days are a little longer and the temperature a little warmer. There are a few flowers that are already blooming and now the date says it is officially Springtime. Gradualy and so slowly it seems this trend will continure until by the end of Spring we will be running air conditioning full blast and beginning to talk about getting in the swimming pool to cool off. The moving of one season to another is always gradual but it is always happening and cannot be stopped.

The moving of a person spirtually is always on the move too. Are you aware of which direction you are moving. Are you getting warmer or cooler toward the Lord? In a few months could you be red hot for the Lord or are you cooling in your love, service and devotion to the things of God. To figure out the seasons we use a calendar otherwise we might forget the day or month, and not realize what is ahead. If you are confused about what season it is spiritually maybe you need to open the Word of God. Take a look today to check up and see what is going on with your walk with the Lord. Try Psalm 42 for a starter today.

Never Live it Down

There comes a time to confess, and this is the morning. The day after. Own up to it, and take the licking. Well, this is my story and I am sticking to it. Kent Brummeler and I were on the quick trip to Chicago for the Spring Meetting and all went well. I had booked out flights several weeks ago based on price and knowing that the village of Manteno was about 40-50 miles south of Chicago. Not having to this northern city before for me getting to Chicago is getting to Chicago. There is about 15 miles difference between O'Hare and Midway airports as I soon learned. We were very graciously picked p by the people from the church and the pick up man when he learned we were coming in at O'Hare sort of said "OH. Well OK "- the little bit of heisitation in his voice gave me the clue (you dummy it woud be eaiser to come into Midway) OK, my goof. So I am carrying this burden knowing that they have to carry us back to O'Hare when we leave Saturday. Now you will be able to understand this story.  By the way I must have been asked by half a dozen more "Did you fly into MIdway?" NO O'Hare. and I always go that look - OH Well OK-----

We left in plenty of time to get back up to Ohare on Saturday after the meeting and as we left our great driver - gave it the gas. Kent and I both raised eyebrows as we sped out of the parking lot toward O'Hare. The ride was quite long and the traffic was bumper to bumper and about half way it bagan to snow. And then to snow hard. We crept on still with plenty of time and grateful for the cushion of time. Sliding in through the flakes into O'Hare. We said goodby to gracious driver and headed in to the terminal. I went to the self check in and tried to check in -no luck- one  more time - rejected. So we stood in line at the Delta Counter. When we got up to the counter I handed the lady the paper work and told her I do not know why it will not check us in ----- Well she sort of giggled- Not out Loud --- but you could see it in her eyes --- YOU DUMMY- this flight is out of <MIDWAY>

Talk about a sinking feeling. Our ride gone. About 2 hours before the flight at the wrong airport in a snow storm with egg on my face. (You know i did not even think the computer would let you do that - But it did.)

So we taking a tip from Dorthy began to click our heels together and repeat "I want to go Home...I want to Go Home...." After a few minutes we realized this was not working so we ask the Delta lady who trying to help said soeething like this "Oh lots of people make this Mistake" -Then she gave us advice There is a shuttle between the airports or you can take a cab. We hiked across O'Hare (it is a big place) and found ground transporation and after several confused moments we (we seemed to hava a hard time reading directional signs) we arrived where the shuttle should be, but NO Shuttle. We walked back to the terminal in the Snow and found our ride.

A 70's something Chevrolet that missed the recall notices. We also were greeted by the pilot of the vessel- Alakim Mohamurabi Alakazam. Not a very talkative fellow but he had printed on the back of his cab - FLAT RATE TO MIDWAY AIRPORT. I asked how much he reliped - "Whatever the meter Says." I said but your sign says Flat rate. "Only in Summer" came the replay. Under pressure to make a flight and stading in a blizzard I said "OK" ( at this point I am sure somewhere the Music for JAWS played and said what was happeing - DUM- DUM _ DUM.

Our Driver was very quiet but had and obvious pastime of watching stock car races and emulating this in his work. But since we were limited on time we held on. Left hand turns from the right lane - running RED LIGHTS that were red way before we got close to the intersection, and all this at the top speed of the old chevy was quite envigorating. But the main event of this ride was watching the meter. $20 - $30- $AAs40 I am thinking this is mounting fast. It is a long way. As the meter passed the $60.00 mark I really swallowed hard and realized this an expensive BOO BOO. When we finally arrived at $ 82.60 I regained enough pride to look cool had AL $90.00 and asy keep the change. -Maybe we sould have waited on that shuttle. No matter - we made it, in the snow, through the traffic,  with enought time to sweat the 40 minute security line. We even had time to  purchase a Mountain Dew before the flight.  Just as they called us to board - we could see out of the windows of the terminal building at the entrance to the Airport the shuttle arriving. Knowing  it took 40 Minutes to get through security we had made it thanks to AL our fearless, ruthless driver.

Wrong Airport - What a dummy. I am afraid this story will surface again so I wanted you to have it straight.