Proverbs 22 Thoughts

I can't describe how fascinating this book is. I used to think that the Bible only talked about the 10% , which is focused on too much. If we follow how God wants us to use the other 90%, the 10% will already be given first. Why does he give us so many passages about money, well he wants us to be wise stewards of what is his.

As I have been studying for my Crown studies I am finding more and more interesting tidbits.

Today I am taking Proverbs 22. Direct quotes will have "" all others are paraphases.
In the word of God it says
1, That we should choose a good reputation over riches.
Now that would seem obvious, but I know I have been tempted to sell things even though I know something is wrong with the item. Although this is small in comparison to selling a car and not saying anything about a leaky brakeline, I feel that there is not much difference between small sins and big sins.
2, The Lord has made both the rich and the poor.
4,We must have true humility and fear of the Lord and that will lead to riches, honor, and long like.
That is pretty straight forward.
7,(Perhaps one of my favorites). "Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender." Wow, how can we serve the Lord when we are shackled by debt. Break the bonds of debt so you are free to serve him. Don't know how, contact www.crown.org
9,Those that are generous and feed the poor are blessed.
22, Don't rob the poor or exploit the needy in court.
26, Thinking about co-signing on someone elses debt, think again especially if you can't pay it. Read this one for reference to surety.
28, This one talks about honesty in regards to transactions.

Still Moving Along

I am working on a couple of things for the new year and one of them in the Crown Ministries. This has been an amazing journey and has provided me with some valuable insight into my financial past. I look forward to coaching more individuals under the direction of the Money Map system and the success Crown Ministries has had over the last 30 years.

School is going well and thanks to Dr. Hamzaee's recommendations I am studying more than I ever did before, and I love classes more than I ever did before. I had a terrible habit inthe past of beign marginal with my time, and was always split between multiple things. Now I am more focused.

I was taking a shower

While I was taking a shower the other day, a feeling hit me like a ton of bricks. Something was telling me to get on the ball and finish up my Money Map Coaching training. For the last month I have made excuses as to why I shouldn't be doing it. I said " I am taking 9 hours in school," "I have to work on the house," I have to watch the kids," etc.

Anyway, I feel that God was telling me that I need to use the talents that I was given and to get busy. Well I did and I am. I wrote out a plan for me to finish. I am so convinced that people need this ministry and I need it too. What a calling.

Toward a Growing Marriage

Wow, what can I say about this conference. The Toward a Growing Marriage conference with Gary Chapman was great. Jennifer and I walked away with new tools to improve our communication. Most importantly I learned much about my failures in regards to that issue, to many to list so I won't even try. We both prayed together that God will become more and more a part of our marriage. While both of us always understood our commitment to one another, it was over this weekend we realized we could be a couple who just "share space" together or "share life" together. We both support the sharing a life together. I am so grateful to have her and grateful to God for bringing her into my life.

A late Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As most of you know I am not the best at getting on the computer and keeping up, I usually use the phone. I hope everyone one had a good Christmas we sure did! Here is our pictures that we went and got taken on Christmas Eve.

While I was working

While I was working on entering in stuff for tax year 2006, I was listening to some music. While I can't clap and sing at the same time, I can type and sing. I was listening to Casting Crowns version of "If We Are the Body." My search for a church home has left me feeling like the people in the song. I visited many churches during my search and several was never greeted by anyone. However, many noticed I was thereand never said hello. Maybe there is a big lesson I can learn in my walk.

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know Farther than they know

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way Jesus paid much too high a price For us to pick and choose who should come

And we are the body of Christ But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

Jesus is the way

How exciting 2007 will be!!

One week into the new year and I still can't believe it is here. I have upped my goals for both my family growth, professional growth and spiritual growth. 2006 was a wonderlful year; I learned a little more about who I am and most importantly who I am not. I have been brought to my knees more than just a couple of times. 2006 brought back memories from my teenage years when I lost my father. I was just 14, yet that short time that I had him I learned a lot, both good and bad. God had a plan way back then, and trust me it was far better than the one I could come with. I know I have taken detours along the way, but I am still asking him to change me and he is doing it.

One major thing I have relflected upon has been: Why I did not marry Jennifer earlier. This year we will be beginning our 10th year together, 4.5 of which we have been married. I have came to the conclusion that I was scared, lacked faith in myself, and I was holding on to the past ( all selfish reasons!). It wasn't my past I was holding on to though and that was the funny part. Sometimes scars take a long time to heal, but the mark will always be there, though the pain might not be. That is why I am glad Jesus is in my life. He gives me strength when I am weak, vision when I am blind, and a hand when I need it. He wants me to struggle through things, so that I remember I need him. I am weak, I am a sinner, and I have fallen short of his glory. Oh, how I need him. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. I pray he will always guide me. While I am in control of the speed of my journey in 2007; I pray that I will always let him steer.

Follow up is tomorrow

The follow up with Dr. Drake will be tomorrow. Hopefully, Aubrey will be off the Captipril and Lasiks. That would leave her only having to take the aspirin. Her scar down the front of her chest is healing very nicely as has her one on her side. She is now rolling over and putting on weight. When she was in the doctors for her shots, the measure her weight in the lower 3% and height in the lower 20%. She has definitely grown since then.

What I have learned

Over the last six or seven years I have used the week between Christmas and New Years day to see what things I accomplished and plan for the next year.

This is what I learned about this past year:
How great God is. He has blessed our family and brought us closer to him with the birth of Aubrey. I am glad Jesus walked with me during the surgeries and was there to listen.
That I have the best Mom I could possibly imagine. My Mom would give up anything for her kids and sometimes she has. For years I wondered what I could do to show her the extent of my love for her. I have figured it out and I look forward to the New Year to begin it.
Meeting my wife was not an accident it was planned. God knew what he was doing when I was delayed getting into the apprenticeship program. My wife was my first boss at Worlds of Fun and it has been 9 nine year since we have been together. I had just wished that I could have married her sooner than I did. However, I was scared of the commitment and tried every excuse to not. I am glad God had softened my heart, because begin married to her is the greatest. Not all the time, but most of the time. She does compliment in my areas of weakness. I love her.
I love kids. I am glad I had the chance to serve my community on children related boards because it gave me an appreciation of the true role of parenting. I love kids and I really love mine. Dylan has been great for my growth and Aubrey has been great for my spirit. Although the role of "Father" is an enormous one, I have good guidance and know that I don't have all the answers.

Very Busy Weekend

Well school is out for the winter and it is time for things to get worked on around the house. Today I spent the afternoon with my brother who is in town from the Navy. We blew in insulation in the attic. I also built some shelves up there for Jennifer's totes. I worked on the office to prepare to build a cabinet in there next week.

Jennifer, Aubrey and Dylan spent the afternoon over at Megan's birthday party, she is turning four. Aubrey is doing alright after her four shots on Friday. A few more days and well will be getting her out a little more.