The Calm in the Storm

Well, I know that it can be a bit strange to leave a job in the middle of it and making good money. I ask myself at times "why did I do this?" Yet there is a voice, the Holy Spirit saying that I did the right thing knowing what was going on. I know it is not perfect, though I have thought about how everything went and realized I could not continue in that situation. I will not go in to much of the particulars.

The reason I say this is that when God asks you to go a direction that might not be comfortable for you or even a place where it might be a hard road, do you continue down the easy? In Psalms he says that,

Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;    they saw the deeds of the  Lord , his wondrous works in the deep.    For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.    They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight;    they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end.     Then they cried to the  Lord  in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.    He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.    Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.     Let them thank the  Lord  for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!    Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Psalm 107:22-32

God raised the storm yet he still saved them. Sometimes the storm is to show his grace. So when you are in a place of hardship, know he is there. Christ will always be where you are, his plans are great.

Denton in the Olympics?!?!

What, you mean there is an Olympian from Denton, TX? Yes there is, his name is Jordan Malone.

Photo from Dallas Morning News / Rick Bowmer/AP

He is a short track speed skater, now representing Denton, TX in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi. I am a big fan of the Olympics and have been waiting to watch them since they have been airing commercials. I like the different stuff they do, like speed skating, curling, and most of all, hockey. Now I know there are teams out there that might have the numbers to beat some of our guys, but hey, we are the USA, we are always climbing to the top, so get excited! If you need more encouragement check out Jordan's official website here.

Go and support Denton, Get yourself a Greenbelt Ale or a Quakertown Stout from Armadillo Ale Works, sit down at one of our great local bars, like East Side Social Club and lets GO DENTON!

NOLA

As you all know, my life is and has been a bit crazy. This shouldn't surprise anyone, I am always doing some strange outing, eating new things at new restaurants (check out Denton Traveler). Now recently I had a chance to experience New Orleans, or NOLA. Now that was an experience.

Let me tell you, New Orleans has some of the best food with great people. They are very pleasant, interesting, and fun. We headed out to a little jazz bar one night and had a great time. Great music and singing, you should hear this guy's version of Purple Rain by Prince. This experience made me think of how we experience events. This was truly amazing to me. On the other hand, some just were not as interested. Now I am all about meeting new people. I met his sister, brother, and nephew. They were just as fun s everyone else I met.

We also went to one of my favorite places, Café du Monde. This is a need to go place in New Orleans, this is the place binges are created as an art form. Everyone needs to head out there to see the great food they deliver, even if it is only pastries. But one of the best places was Mother's Café. The food there is awesome, true to the New Orleans flavors and southern cooking at it's best.

So, that is what has been going on this month. Hope everyone is having a great new year.

New Year's Realizations

I know everyone has new year's resolutions, many deal with getting fit, starting something, being more of something. Now I am not saying that is a bad thing, just that there is a tendency to put everything into that basket. I think that there should be more than that. Why do we think that we can change this, change us. This should be something that should be looked at in a way that can glorify God.

My wife and I have decided to start eating better and being more active, okay she decided. But not that I am disagreeing that we need to be healthier. But I do know we need to seek a healthier life in relation to God and Christ. I think this year I am going to start a spiritual fitness. Finding things in life and trying to be more proactive to my spiritual life.

And with that I am hoping to be more involved, find things to do that will lift my community and "be more awesome" as Kid President would say, but doing it in a way that will shine the light of Christ. So, I am loosing some of my middle mass, and gaining some in the mental and spiritual areas.

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,  and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

-2 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV