The Voyage of Life

Life is often compared to as a voyage.  Many things have been written or spoken about our lives being like a ship sailing on the sea of time and somehow or some way, we will make it safely to shore.  During the sailing process, there are times of clear sailing and other times of rough sailing because of the storms we encounter.  Some of the storms are beyond our control and others because of our own actions.  All of us know that life will never be void of the storms; however, the one thing to remember is that the storms are not necessarily the destroyers; it is our reaction during and after the storm, that determines our destiny.  One must never allow the storms to take away ones hope; hope is the beginning of success.

There are some great lessons found in the Bible (Matthew 14:22-32) concerning the disciples and a storm they encountered.  Jesus had sent them into the boat to go to the other side of the lake.  It was when they were past the point of no return, that a great storm came and it looked like they would be lost.  It was also at the darkest time of the night, between three and four in the morning and light of day still seemed so far away.  Note some very special principles that we can apply in our life. 

·         Following God’s perfect instructions does not guarantee exemption from the storms of life.  Most of us have experienced the storms in the shape of sickness, death, family issues, or financial difficulties and have asked, “Why has God allowed this to happen to me?”  One thing for sure is that He is always watching over us in the storms of life and takes the initiative to help us.

·         It is safer in the “boat” than out in the sea.  “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”[1]  When we find ourselves in the storm, knowing we are following God’s plan for our life, we must remember that He brought us here and He can and will surely take care of us.

·         The solution is usually found in the things we fear most.  The disciples feared the waves and Jesus came walking to them on the waves.  They were so concerned about the circumstances around them and their own safety that they did not even recognize Him.  Do we not fall into this same situation and fail to see the answer to our problems because of fear.  “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”[2]

·         When He climbed on board, He spoke peace to the wind and the waves and they at once obeyed His command.  There were times He spoke to the circumstances and times He spoke to the individual.  However He speaks, the result is the same.

None of us enjoy going through the storms in our voyage of life; however, the storms give us opportunities to surf the waves and use these storms to take us to places we have never been before.  When we face the problems of life, we can look at them as problems or opportunities.  We can use the problems as obstacles or see them as opportunities to move to a higher plane of living.  Let’s learn to surf the waves in our Voyage of Life!

 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.”[3]

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[1] Isa 43:2 NLT

[2] FDR’s First Inaugural Address

[3] Prov 3:5-6 NLT

Why Not Today?

What is a “day?”  Ask this question and the answers will be as varied as the individuals.  One may hear, “a time period of twenty-four hours,” or “eighty six thousand, four hundred seconds,” or “one revolution of the earth on its axis, or “a period of time given to enjoy life and prepare for tomorrow.”  Many are bypassing the opportunities of today as they keep their eyes and hopes on tomorrow.   It is always good to plan for tomorrow and set goals in life; however, it is so easy for us to live so far into the future that we forget what real life is all about.  Some choose to live in a dream world as they look into the future rather than living a dream-life.  A Scripture tells us, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself”.  This does not mean that we should live a life of mediocrity and just sit around waiting for things to happen.  It means that we should not have our eyes so fixed on something happening tomorrow that we fail to realize that, “tomorrow is just today in the waiting.”  

So many people look back at their life and will often say, “I wish I had…”  The regrets of the past and concentrating so much on the future often keeps us so occupied that we forget about today.  However, each of us has an opportunity to start creating something special today and realize as David records, Ps 118:24 “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  We can draw a line in the sands of time and say that today is the first day of the rest of my life and live in the future with no regrets.  Today is the day to make every day count; yesterday is gone but today we have an opportunity to live.  Today is the day to appreciate every moment and take from it everything that is possibly, for one may never be able to relive the experience because today will never be duplicated.

One has stated that, “Each day is an opportunity to travel back into tomorrow's past and change it.”[1]  We need to spend each day doing something good, enjoying something simple, making the most of relationships because we cannot take today with us when it is over.  “Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be fair, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself and your future. You can never win when you wear the ugly cloak of self-pity, and the sour sound of whining will certainly frighten away any opportunity for success. Never again. There is a better way.”[2]

It would be great if each of us could start each day with a simple prayer, “Dear God, I accept your gift of today.  I will try to live it in a way to benefit others as well as myself.  I thank you for another day of opportunity.  Help me to enjoy the beauties of your creation and be thankful!”

Ps 90:12 “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.”  NLT

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[1] Robert Brault

[2] Og Mandino

Red-letter Days of Life

(Forgive me for my personal notes but I trust that you will see the hidden nuggets of truths for a special relationship with one’s spouse.)

      There are many special events in each of our lives that are very significant life-changers or life-builders.  These events serve, as reminders of precious moments in time when something special happened life and examples to others those great accomplishments are still possible even when the winds of opposition blow steadily against them. 

      One such event happened on August 26, 1961 when on that day I said, “I do,” to my beautiful bride.  It seems like just yesterday when I experienced another of God’s mysteries in my life.  It was a new creation of two individuals transformed or recreated into one.  When He created the world and all the marvelous things in the world, He looked and saw that “it was good.”  I somehow believe that when He creates the oneness in marriage, He also says that, “It is good.”  I can also say along with Him, “It was, and is good.”

      Many ask the question, “What is the secret for a marriage of fifty years?”  One definition for the word secret is, “Something that remains beyond understanding or explanation; a mystery.”  There are so many things that contribute to a long and healthy marriage but if I had to give just one, I would say, “Make God the head of your household and you will not only be happy but successful under His direction.” 

      We know that the sanctity of marriage has been under assault in recent years and the courts of this land have placed marriage into a part of the “throw-away” society.  However, it really does not have to be that way.  With all the attacks on marriage, it is still a miracle designed in heaven and given to us to enjoy here on earth. 

      So today, I restate something that I have heard over the years, “Behind every successful man are a brilliant wife, and a surprised mother-in-law.”[1]  Thanks to my beautiful bride of fifty years (and God), my life has been unbelievably great!  August 26, 1961 was a designated a “red-letter” day in my life.  Our wedding was many years ago but our commitment must be renewed every day.  The celebration of marriage is not an event; it is a process to be continued for a lifetime. 

      Of all the successes one may have in life, nothing is higher than to be blessed with a marriage of two hearts that beat as one.  A marriage may never be perfect; after all, how can two imperfect individuals create a perfect union?  However, as each tries to love the other without expecting anything in return, the joys of the honeymoon will stay alive and well.

      One of my favorite Scriptures that I use in every wedding ceremony is, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.  It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”[2]

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[1] unknown

[2] NLT1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Don’t Stop Me Now!

We read in the Bible of an individual who was born blind and an extraordinary thing happened to him.  He encountered the One that could accomplish his one goal in life, and that goal was to see.  Jesus did something that was perhaps controversial, but He spat on the ground and made a mixture of spittle and dirt, put it on his eyes and told him to go wash in the public bathing place.  One imagining his hurry to reach his goal and perhaps bumping into others on the way, stated, “Hey!  Where are you going in such a hurry?” “Don’t stop me now; I’ll see you in a few!”

All of us dream of things we would like to accomplish or goals that for which we are striving and we, if not careful, will allow the obstacles in life to prevent us from reaching them.  Look at some of the obstacles that will hold one back or cause one to just lose hope and give up.  It may as simple as time; it may be friends or relationships we have chosen; it may be the choice of comfort over effort; or it may be just a lack of confidence. 

This young man was not just blind; he had his eyes now covered with a muddy substance and one can only imagine how he looked as he was running toward the water.  He could have listened to the voices around him perhaps stating, “You can’t accomplish your goal; you can’t even listen to the advice of those around you; you are not capable of achieving this desire; after all, this would be a miracle and miracles don’t happen to people like you.”  He overcame all the impossibilities, made his way to the pool to wash, and believed that he would receive the success for which he had been striving.  He washed and received his eyesight.  One can only imagine his reaction when his dream of a lifetime finally became a reality! 

Most of us are familiar with a children’s story, “The Little Engine That Could,”[1]   Notice how this is applicable to many of us as we reach for what seems like an impossible dream. The story tells of how a large engine was asked to help pull a long train of freight cars over a mountain and the large engine said, “I can’t; that’s just too much for me to pull.”  In desperation after asking a number of other engines, receiving the same answer and the same excuses, the little switch engine was asked and it replied, "I think I can." It pulled in front of the heavy freight train and began to pull. As it pulled, it kept on puffing faster and faster and saying, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."  Though it was difficult, it found that it was not impossible.  The most difficult time was just before reaching the goal.  However, it kept saying, "I think I can, I think I can." It reached the goal, proudly went over the top, and congratulated itself with the success by saying, "I thought I could, I thought I could."

What goals have you established for your life?  Have things along the way tried to discourage you from reaching your goals?  Remember.  There is amazing strength available to each of us.  The apostle Paul stated it this way, “For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” [2]  Remember also, the most difficult time of one’s journey toward success may be just before reaching the goal.  We must tell all the obstacles that we encounter, “Don’t stop me now; I’ll see you in a few!”

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[1] Watty Piper

[2] Philippians 4:13-14

Independence Day

       Independence Day, most often referred to as the Fourth of July celebration, is a very special time to celebrate a very special event in the history of our nation.  It’s a day set aside to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  This day gives us many opportunities to spend time with our families and friends and just relax in the freedom and traditions of the significance of this day.  It is more than a celebration or a long weekend; we as Americans need to take time to remember the significance and the price paid for this day and also the value of freedom.

The word freedom is a word that has been ringing around the world louder and louder in recent months.  We have seen the struggles, battles and the victories won by people in the pursuit of freedom.  Freedom, for many has come with a great price; and requires a great price to protect it.  Many brave men and women gave their all without seeing the prize of their pursuit.  Freedom is a privilege, which we as Americans have boasted about for many years, but it has not come cheap.  Most of us have been fortunate to live in a free country and possibly have never had to fight for freedom as many have.  America has been a symbol of freedom and people from all around the world have longed to be a part of this freedom.  

A monument, symbolic of freedom stands towering above New York Harbor is the Statue of Liberty; this has been a symbol of hope for the oppressed peoples around the world.  I’ll never forget, while returning from a tour of duty in Europe, how we strained our eyes to get the first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.  What a sight!  The songwriter pinned these words--"In New York harbor stands a lady with a torch raised to the sky; and all who see her, know she stands for Liberty for you and me.  I'm so proud to be called an American, to be named with the brave and the free; I will honor our flag, and our trust in God, And the Statue of Liberty." [1]

Our freedoms are being attacked in many ways today.  It is time to pause in our busy life-schedules and count the freedoms that we have lost or could potentially lose.  Let us declare this day, July 4, 2011 as the day to renew our commitment to freedom and declare that our brave men and women who sacrificed so much will not have been wounded or died in vain!

True freedom involves more than just living in a “free” country.  One may be physically free; one may be socially free; one may enjoy the full enjoyment of the social and political privileges and yet be a captive. One may be mentally free and have all the knowledge the educational system offers without being free indeed.  One's intellect may be sound, one's mental vision clear and far-reaching and still be a prisoner.

True freedom starts and ends with “Come unto me all who are loaded down with the burdens of life, those whose strength is almost gone, those whose life has no meaning, the rich, the poor, the wretched, the blind, the outcast, from the lowest in society to the highest, and I will give you rest”[2]  What we do in between the beginning and the end is up to us!  

May God bless all the men and women in uniform today and hope you have a great Independence Day.

“May God Bless America!”

GAL 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” 

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[1] Neil Enloe

[2] Translation of Matt 11:28, unknown

Anchors of Life

Anchors have many meanings; perhaps the most common meaning is that of a heavy object attached by a cable to a boat and cast overboard to hold the vessel stable and prevent drifting.  While on the boat, it is important to secure the anchor; however, when thrown overboard, it becomes the security.  Each of us needs an anchor; it may be our deep faith in God, our family or a close friend.  It provides great comfort to know it is there for dependence in the time of potential danger; it is also great comfort and gives confidence that we can make it in the most difficult storms of life. 

We have witnessed and perhaps personally affected by many storms of life in the past few months including tornados, fires, draught, floods, and all of us have been affected by the economic conditions in our nation.  One has stated, “Amidst the confusion of the times, the conflicts of conscience, and the turmoil of daily living, an abiding faith becomes an anchor to our lives.”1

The writer of Hebrews states, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”  We have a choice to make during the storms of life; we can drift aimlessly and allow the storm to determine our destiny or we can throw out the anchor and then rest in hope and confidence until the storm subsides.   One must also be sensitive to the situations and know when lift the anchor and start the process of moving forward.  This may be entirely out of one’s comfort zone.  We must remember that “comfort zones” are not necessarily “growing zones.”    One writer described taking risks like this: “If you want to walk on water, you must get out of the boat.”2

There are times that the storms of life are so severe that we need to set anchor and there are times that we need to lift the anchor and move forward.  Anchors often become entrenched in the sand or rocks so securely that one must cut the rope and leave the anchor in order to moving toward one’s goal.  It may be less risky to depend on the anchor to hold us steady at all times; however, just floating aimlessly and restricted by the anchor will take us nowhere.          There is a song written that a few years ago entitled, “The Anchor Holds.”  The chorus of that song says:

“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.”3

The anchor holds, though the ship is battered
The anchor holds, though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees, as I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds, in spite of the storm.4

Therefore, I ask, “What is your most important anchor of your life?”  Christ is the firm and sure foundation that will hold one secure in the world of turmoil all around us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” NLT

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1Thomas S. Monson

2John Ortberg

3 Marjorie Holmes

4 Ray Boltz

More Than a Name

As I sat here at the computer this morning thinking about the great times we had with our children and grandchildren over the years, I paused to thank God for the blessings of our family.  We know that fathers do not come with special instructions on how to operate so there are times that we too make mistakes; therefore, it becomes easy to look back and think, “I wish I had…….”  I constantly remind myself that "Yesterday is gone; tomorrow is built on uncertainty and hope; but today is the greatest opportunity to make the best out of life."  Looking back one man stated, “My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys."1  We often prioritize what we think is important and sacrifice the things that mean the most to our children.

When our children were small, we had a night of the week set aside for family night.  That was the night when the children made the rules of what to eat, what to do and even how long to do it.  Most often, it was just “fight night with Dad.”  That was one of the most important nights of the week and remembered more than the trips to Florida or the vacations in Washington.  It was the night that Dad reverted to second childhood and once again learned the life-lesson of what it is like to lose a battle.  It was the night that the house organization became secondary and the amount of noise was not an issue.  I think of some words in a song, “Those were the best days of my life.” 

One has written, “Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad.”2  What is a real “FATHER?”

F- Faithful person
A – Attentive and always there
T – Teacher and trustworthy
H – Hero who deserves honor
E – Encourager and ever-loving
R – Recreationalist and emphasizes Right-living

       A father is more than a friend to his children; he is God’s personal representative to show all the attributes of God’s love.  Thank God, for fathers who take on the awesome responsibility to pattern their lives after our heavenly Father and realize that future generations are being shaped as they perform the office of The FATHER! 

Ps 112:1-2 “Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.  Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.”3  NLT

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1 Harmon Killebrew

2 Author Unknown

3 Ps112:1-2  NLT