'Oh What A Beautiful Morning'

The song comes back from some childhood memory.

"Oh, what a beautiful mornin',
Oh, what a beautiful day,
I got a beautiful feelin'
Ev'rything's goin' my way.
Oh, what a beautiful day. "
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

The spring has sprung. Everything is fresh green with the warm morning sun spilling across the back yard and gardens. The birds are singing and chirping calling everyone to take notice of this gorgeous day the Lord has made.

Thank you God.
Blessings

Adulthood: Decisions and Onset

An interesting and thought provoking quote. In a student conference the professor gives this advice for the student to consider.

"Professor Stephen Malley: The decisions you make now, bud, can't be changed but with years and years of hard work to redo it... And in those years you become something different. Everybody does as the time passes. You get married, you get into debt... But you're never gonna be the same person you are right now. And promise and potential... It's very fickle, and it just might not be there anymore.

Student Todd Hayes: Are you assuming I already made a decision? And also that I'll live to regret it?

Professor Stephen Malley: All I'm saying is that you're an adult now... And the tough thing about adulthood is that it starts before you even know it starts, when you're already a dozen decisions into it. But what you need to know, Todd, no Lifeguard is watching anymore. You're on your own. You're your own man, and the decisions you make now are yours and yours alone from here until the end. "

From the movie "Lions for Lambs" (2007).

Think about it and post your comments.

Blessings....

A License to Live

While attending Bible class last Sunday in Fairfax, VA, the teacher's lesson had a point concerning the relationship of the Old Testament and how does legalism and faith apply to today's Christian. This got me to thinking.

When I had been flying for a few years, I needed to add another qualification to my license. To add this qualification I had to do some specified practice and then take a test to get my new license. The examiner who gave me the test made an interesting statement. He said, "A license just gives you permission to go learn more, legally."

This is true in so many areas. Take a driver's license for example. You take driver's ed or something equivalent. You are trained to some modicom of proficiency to drive a car. You may have had to even pass a driving test. Now you automatically have the ability to drive like Mario Andretti. NO. Now you can go learn as you drive. You learn cars really do hydroplane, not all yellow lights are created equal. As you learn you become more capable of controlling the car in difficult circumstances as your experience increases.

A Christian is a lot like this. We learn the basic rules. We find faith. We chose to change our ways and be baptized. We are like the driver with a new license, out learning how to live this new life. We make mistakes, but usually our mistakes are more about knowledge and ability in the beginning. As our experience and knowledge grows we find ourselves able to get further down the road and help others to see the advantages in getting their 'license' to live this new life.

On a side note. Some drivers learn how to drive without ever getting a license. They become fantastic drivers. They follow all the laws except one. When do they become legal to drive?

Blessings....

Jenny Bizaillion

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Jenny Bizaillion passed from this world at 3:38pm. (Feb 22, 2010)

She was the most beautiful, wonderful friend, perfect mom, devoted sister, loyal daughter, and best wife a person could ever have.

We will see her again.

Copied from her 'Carepages' post at https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates/updates.


A lot of people, groups and organizations were brought together in unified prayer for Jenny. She will be missed.

I understand when Jenny became seriously ill her father said , "No matter how this ends, God will be glorified."

We should live our life daily so we can say, God be glorified.

Blessings....

Opportunity is Knocking

Will you open the door?

Yes, but which one?

'Opportunity is knocking' something we hear over and over. We hear it so much because there are opportunities for change surrounding us with each breath we take. Opportunities to just keep on like yesterday or opportunities to choose extremely different than we did before.

Because of our moral compass we choose one thing over another without even thinking about it. There is very little temptation to do or choose the wrong thing when we pattern our lives to not include the wrong thing. We set ourselves up for success by continually picking the opportunity that is in line with where we want to go with our lives.

Remember the WWJD phase the country went through a few years ago. For people who rarely thought about how their lives lined up with Jesus and his teachings this was an eye opening experience for them.

Setting your moral compass is the first step in lessening the stress over the choices you have to make each day. If you choose to follow the pattern of Christ and his teachings many of each day's dilemmas would be eliminated. Choices become almost automatic. Deliberating hours over the options quickly become no-brainer decisions.

It is interesting to me when I create a pattern for my life, part of a moral compass, how so many things have no interest or draw to me. An easy example is; how I have never been attracted to the lure of drugs and dope. That choice was made a very long time ago and those opportunities have never been of interest to me. On the other hand as I become educated about eating habits,. chicken fried steak everyday for dinner probably would not be the best choice for me. I am learning to change the pattern of my eating habits to match my activity levels and metabolism.

Watch your opportunities and choices for a month, see where you have patterns set up and where you may need to change a pattern or two.

blessings....

Ten Years

Another year is come and gone. Come to think of it another decade come and gone.

A few things that we have gone through in the last ten years.

Living in Brussels.

Moving back to the states.

Buying a new house.

Unemployed.

Starting and selling a small business.

Oldest son graduating h.s.

Employed again.

Youngest son graduating h.s.

Oldest son getting married.

Gained wonderful daughter-in-law.

Oldest son had a daughter, became a dad - made me a granddad.

Many, many, many, many blessings on my family.



Blessings....

Travel Thursday

The "Where Am I" title has morphed into 'Travel Thursday'. The concept remains the same, a photo will be posted depicting a location. Your duty is to discern and guess the location.

Now for today's photo:
This will be relatively easy for most.

Blessings,

Where Am I???

Well, here is another place. These photos do not necessarily depict a national landmark.

Hint #1
This flower is often found in this region. (Although, native to South Africa.)


Hint #2
A relatively famous hotel.


And finally hint #3
A skyline.

Blessings, and enjoy yourself.

Where Am I?

Now for a little game. I will put up a photo of a place and see if you can guess where it is.



Photo from my hotel room.

Can you guess the town?

Becoming an Authority

It takes a lot of work to become an authority,

unless you are a teenager.

blessings,

Tim

The Spool Down

Life in our household was a little different than normal the last few weeks. We were preparing for a wedding.
My oldest and his bride got married last Saturday, August 22nd.
They thought it would be nice to have it in our backyard.
At sunset.
With 'tiki' torches.
And twinkle lights.
In August!

So, that's what we did.

Prayers for good weather started immediately. Can you say water, water, water the grass and flower beds? Did I mention watering? Some trimming and neatening. Lots of mowing. The Creative Soul & the bride brainstormed ways to decorate. They did a tremendous job and everything looked fantastic! (Photos found here: Creative Soul )

But, I saved the best for last. They asked me to officiate. Humbling, exciting, proud, anxious, WOW!


All went well. Now we are finishing up recuperate mode. Took most all week to get revitalized. It was well worth it.

Quiet In The Night

Isn't it interesting how 'quiet' it gets at night.
Especially when you can't sleep.
Restlessness removes cobwebs and senses sound an alert.
Background noises come to the foreground.
Sounds of life gain volume until blaring.

Houses breathe.

Floors creak.

Refrigerators roar.

Faucets drip.

Breezes rattle screens.

Plants scratching outside.

A cricket's crescendo.


And we usually sleep through all the din.

Blessings,

To Bed or Not to Bed

The grass is growing. Time to start mowing twice a week. My better half thinks we need to convert to flower beds - no grass - just flower beds. I am not too sure about that. I am not convinced flower beds are less work than grass, but that's her opinion.

Currently I think we are up to ten flower beds. Let's name them.

1. The front bed
2. Front corner bed
3. Front door bed
4. Front sidewalk bed
5. Well bed
6. West wing by fence
7. The bed by the air conditioner.
8. Rose bed
9. Bed by our bedroom windows
   
10. Pond bed
11. Nathan's bed
12. Pool bed
13. The Garden of Eatin' (Nathan named it)
14. Ami's Garden
15. The East fence row
16. The West fence row
17. The South shrub row
18. The East side of the house bed
    

It looks like 18 beds instead of ten. Some are not very big but I am pretty sure she is scheming ways to expand them and probably add more.

Looks like I am fighting a losing battle.

Blessings,

Went to a funeral

Yesterday I went to the funeral of a friend's brother. The overall feeling was uplifting. One of the phrases that caught my ear was,

"Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last."

This intrigued me enough to google it. The line is from this poem by C. T. Studd, a missionary of late 1800's early 1900's. Hope you enjoy.

Only One Life

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ‘twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

C. T. Studd

Blessings...

Happy Mother's Day

To all the ladies who have just experienced the soft sweet smell of a newborn,



to those who have been tested by the terrible twos,



to those who have answered the millionth question of the inquisitive preteen,




to those who have endured the trials of the turbulent teen,



to those who have had the child become a friend,




to those who have been blessed to the harvest of grand & great grand children...



May God bless you on this special day created to call attention to you,

and may He bless you every day

for you have earned and deserve the honorable title of

Mother.

blessings...

A Great Day For a Birthday!

Birthdays are good days. Time for a little reflection and time for looking forward.

Reflection on how very very very blessed my life is. I grew up in a family that loved and loves me. God placed a wonderful woman by my side to share life with...good, bad and terrific. I have two handsome sons who have a desire to have God in their lives. My needs are more than taken care of. Many friends whom I am honored to have.

Looking forward to the gifts of life yet to come. I know that good and not so good are ahead...BUT there is more and more of good even in the not so good.

Blessings.

Spring Refreshment

Refreshing.
Spring showers, spring flowers, SPRING TRAINING.
Had a great time with Deb experiencing a few days of Texas Rangers spring training in Surprise, AZ.

It was fun learning the etiquette of spring training. There are obvious rules - Don't Cross the Red Lines - Stay OFF the fields. A more subtle one, they are happy to take time to sign your memorabilia, just be polite and wait your turn as they walk from one practice area to another. Sometimes they don't have much time, but they stay as long as they can and are even apologetic if they have to go to 'work'. The minor leaguers enjoy a little attention, also.

One of the things that struck me as quietly poignant, after batting practice EVERYONE helps pick up the baseballs!

They don't have some flunky out there running around gathering them up for next batting practice - they could - but, they don't. The pitchers had a fielding practice and afterwards they ALL helped gather up bats and balls.

For more photographs and great perspective check out Deb's thoughts at 'Creative Soul'. She is an enlightening communicator. You will enjoy her perspective.

blessings,
Tim

Headwinds

An airplane is a little like a boat in a river. If the boat is going downstream the boat goes the same speed through the water, but with the current pushing from behind goes faster in reference to the shore. If the boat is going upstream, against the current, it goes slower in reference to the shore. An airplane going into the wind, or headwind is like a boat going against the current. The airplane with a headwind still flies at the same speed through the air, the headwind just slows the plane in reference to the ground.

In the last few trips we have encountered some hefty headwinds, some reaching over 1oo mph. In fact yesterday we saw a headwind of 173 mph for a segment of the flight. If you are familiar with small airplanes, you will know in most of them you would be backing up with that much headwind. If you encounter some very strong headwinds you did not plan for, you will need to land your airplane and get more fuel to reach your destination. There are a couple of things you can do to combat headwinds, but mainly you just have to put up with them or not go.

Living life can be a little like flying an airplane. Sometimes you have a headwind and you just can't seem to get anywhere. So you have a couple of options. You can go park you plane in the hanger, waiting for better conditions. Or you can get in your plane and soar into the skies doing the best you can. Both can be right answers.

Refreshed From Anothers Well

Being on the road often has definite drawbacks. But, today I want to focus on one of the pluses. When I am away from home on Sundays, I usually get online to find a local congregation to worship with. The internet makes it so much easier than it used to be. Looking in the yellow pages and trying to figure out what addresses might be within an accessible range was challenging without knowing the local streets and suburbs.

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to worship with the Northland Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio. Having flown the night before and finally settling into our hotel around 2:30 am, I had some difficulty hopping out of bed in just a few hours. After I had my morning visit with Deb, it was get ready and go find the church building.

I made it there a couple of minutes early. Greeted by several as I entered, a nice lady escorted me to an adult class. The class was informative and interesting. After class I visited with the teacher, an elder off and on for about 35 years. We made our way to the auditorium just as the singing was beginning. The singing was robust and hearty. Voices joining together praising God. Ron Adams presented an excellent lesson on forgiveness. We finished with a couple more songs.

Well, I went away refreshed from my time of praise and worship with the Northland Church Christians. So if you are in the Columbus, Ohio area stop by and pay them a visit. You will be blessed by your time there.

Blessings

Sweets For My Sweetheart

Yesterday I started celebrating Valentines. My reason for getting a head start is my schedule will have me out of town on Saturday. Therefor yesterday I went for a little date lunch with my wife.

After lunch we stopped at Wallyworld to pick up some necessities and valentine cards for the family. We walked in through the garden section. (Do they have any other doors?) We looked at some potted tulip plants. I was thinking ahh she just might like some of those. We went on and got most of what we needed. I picked up a couple of lemons to make her a pie. Near the produce was the floral department. We glanced over the flowers and found a few bunches of tulips. She expressed an interest and she ended up with some tulips for the house.

Later that afternoon there were tulips in several vases through the house. And I proceded to make her favorite, lemon merigne pie. I was not a fan of this pie growing up, it just didn't interest me. But, after a few years of making it and having it around, I have developed a fondeness for it.

So Valentines has begun at our house.

Hope you find something special for your sweetheart. Something that warms the cockles of her heart. Enjoy this opportunity to express affection for each other.

Blessings,