It’s been a few weeks since the last blog and I thought after all that’s been going on with Leah and I, today would be good day to catch everyone up. The freshman basketball team hasn’t lost a game since our Thanksgiving tournament. The varsity team now has 4 freshman playing quality minutes and despite the absence of some talented young players, the freshman team has been able to handle anybody that crosses their path. 12 games in a row the guys have found a way to win and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
Leah and I have decided to take the big plunge into the house buying department. We’ve been researching our options: build or pre-owned, Crowley or White Settlement, three or four bedrooms, and many furniture and appliance decisions. We believe that taking advantage of this tax-credit is a great opportunity for us and the timing of being able to move into a house this summer just seems right. We are giving thanks to God for our many blessings and can’t wait to have many of you over for dinner and games. By tomorrow we will have hopefully decided on our lot and then the construction can begin.
We had a great message in church today. Actually a couple of great messages lately have really touched my heart and I’m excited about sharing my thoughts with you. The image of Peter denying Christ in the Bible was told beautifully by our pastor today. The focus on the single line “and the Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22: 61) really stood out in my mind and I began to think about how would Jesus look at those of us when we let him down. I believe that when reading this story in the past I’ve always pictured Jesus as having a highly disappointed look on his face. Do we really think that Jesus would have a look of “I told you so” or even one that seemed to say “I’m ashamed of you?” I don’t think so now. I’m thankful for our pastor shedding light on this story in a way that I’ve never depicted it before. I’d like to think (and believe that this makes more sense) that Jesus had a forgiving look on his face. This “look” has had me thinking all day about what I believe (and who we all believe) that Jesus Christ truly is. As a Christian I feel that we are called to live a certain way. Striving to live as Christ lived may not be attainable by everyone or anyone, but is our perfect example to follow. I understand that this might not be understood by all, but as a Christian, trying to live as Christ lived should be somewhat of a goal. I’m reminded of my favorite poem (I’m not much of a poem guy but this one always does some good reminding).
When I Say I Am A Christian
When I say…” I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I am saved”
I’m whispering “I get lost”
“That is why I chose this way”
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are all too visible
but God believes I’m worth it
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved.
This last stanza really reminds me (as the this verse of Jesus looking at Peter will now remind me) that we need to be careful how we look at others, how we react to those who may let us down, and to remember that our job as God’s children here on earth is to forgive and love others no matter the circumstance.
I hope that you all have a great week and we can’t wait to show you pictures of our future home!
“Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up.” -Red Auerbach
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