It’s all a test…

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Every now and then the television set will blurt an obnoxious alarm followed by the words “This is a test” of the emergency broadcasting system. This loathsome warning results in increased heart rates followed by concern over the possible end of the world.

That test is unnerving.

Life is a test. One big, long, we didn’t prepare for, didn’t study enough and are hoping for the best – kind of test. It’s scary and all the preparation in the world may not be enough to pass. In order to survive, we cram as much knowledge into our feeble brains just to get through another day.

Here’s the deal: Life is a test of our strength, training, courage, and determination. Some days we lose and some days we win; but to pass any test, we have to accept that failure may occur before victory is achieved. It is important to remember that getting through the test pleases God.

Tom Bodett says it best: “In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; Psalm 26:2

Be Thou My Vision

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With age come certain realities that affect how one should view life.

Whatever you might be worrying about today, won’t be remembered tomorrow. Work hard at worrying less and realize that God provides. Walking through the trials of life with confidence is part of the plan. Sadness is inevitable but succumbing to fear, anger, hatred and despair are not.

We are all heading “home” and it is unavoidable. This isn’t maudlin when there is no fear of the future. As believers, our future is certain and reflected in a wonderful old hymn:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Don’t put value in things, put your heart and soul into people. It pays off. Family and friends are irreplaceable and add a depth of joy that is indescribably wonderful.

Worship is not about the church. Anyone who depends on a pastor, teacher or religious institution will surely be disappointed. A personal relationship with God is meaningful, rewarding and fulfilling. Open your Bible, talk to God, worship with friends…but worship God. There is a difference.

God provides daily blessings – don’t be too busy and miss them.

I promise this to be true.

The C-side of life.

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45-rpm records always had an A-side and a B-side. The A side featured a recording that the artist felt was the best and most likely to receive “air play” on a radio station. In other words, it was the song most likely to become a hit with the public. Everyone wanted to hear the A-side and revel in greatness.

The B-side was a gamble and an additional “bonus” track that had potential although it retained a secondary ranking. No guarantees on the B-side.

This was the sort of musical record so many of us grew up playing. I remember placing the needle at the edge of the 45 disk and then flipping the record over later to check out the B-side. But most days, I wanted to play the A-side repeatedly. I wanted greatness.

If life were only that simple. If all our days were A-days and we could keep repeating them over and over. But some days are B-days and some days are worse. Some days are C-days. C-days are the hardest where there are few hits to be found.

We are not always promised A-days and in fact, C-days will happen more than we would like. But a person of faith knows that you power through knowing that the A-side of life will return.

And it will.

Wordsmith

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The quality of writing on the blogosphere is amazing and exciting. There are many talented people with a voice and an ability to speak through words.

Not all of us can be Tolstoy or Fitzgerald, but it does not matter.

What matters is a willingness to be creative and take a risk. To be amenable to criticism and scrutiny reflects a person of character and daring.

A famous author once told me that it doesn’t matter how well you write. It just matters that you write. Not everyone is going to be published and not everyone will become famous. Seeking fame is not a good reason to write. She added, “Write for yourself, your family and your legacy.” Her thoughts on writing permeate my soul. I believe her admonition to be true.

So, I write for those I love. I write for future generations so they will know that hopes and dreams can be written down and shared. And at the most basic level, I just want to write.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (KJV)