That was then - This is now

The old classic starts out with, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of time." And that is really all that I can remember. That and the title. And I have to say that everything in this blog perhaps could start out with that same sentiment, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." And anyone that was with us during those times can certainly relate and second that. Although some would simply say one or the other. It was the best of times. Or it was the worst of time. Not both.

But I like to think that our best years are ahead. Often you hear someone say, "Those were the best years of my life." but they speak as though they don't have a whole lot of living left to do. If you have said that I don't mean to pick, shoot I probably have said it myself.

But now --- I have a new direction. I will be diligent. I am determined. --- And I will until.

I hope you'll follow along. I may continue here with a new theme and tagline OR I may start a new blog altogether. If you get an email saying I have posted --- I am sorry that you signed up for updates and there have not been any for a long long time. I am back. A lot has changed. God's grace has changed me in some pretty amazing ways.

So to help others and to honor Him I will be sharing all that we have learned and are still learning. I hope you'll follow along. And -- If you do get an email from this post let me know somehow. Facebook message. Comment here. Message me on LinkedIn. Twitter. Instagram. SnapChat. Let me know --- I would love to hear from you.

I would like to pick up where we left off.

Until then. He must increase -- We must decrease.

Kind regards,

Carl

A Selfless Cause

When young David stood before Goliath the tower of a man laughed and his brothers were in awe. He seemed fearless, David's passion had no care whether others would join him and he was not content to stand in the safe zone with others. He did not go there to pick a fight; It was divine providence that placed David before Goliath -- he was just there delivering his father's pizza to the boys. And although he was often excluded as the youngest of them, When David stood before Goliath it was not for a pat on the back -- His passion for God and country placed him there. Why does this matter to me? I will not compromise my convictions to 'fit in' but -- I will not compel you to concur just so I can fit in either. There are causes far greater than what others think. The causes we live for, if of any value, must be bigger than our own selfish goals and motives. And we must clearly communicate those causes, not so that we can fit in, but so that those things which are only superficial can give way to the good, the right, and the noble of a selfless cause. (Ref. 1 Samuel 17)

Blessed are the Merciful

Blessed are the Merciful

Pleasant thought of the day 

-- Blessed are the merciful: 

for they shall obtain mercy.

Not so pleasant thought -- 

he shall have judgment without mercy, 

that hath shewed no mercy; and 

mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Thankful that mercy rejoiceth against judgement!! 

In praying and then looking again at the above text from the beatitudes. And the one from James. I am reminded of Hebrews 2:17 which says "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." And Hebrews 7:26 "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;""

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;" Hebrews 8:1

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Oh BOY believer!! We're BLESSED!

We have a Mediator. An Advocate.
A Great High Priest interceding for us.
We who are not deserving yet made His.

My hope my prayer is that He would increase 
and I would ever decrease -- that He would 
receive glory and I the joy of magnifying Him.

Be blessed friend -- and find ways to be merciful.