This Momentary Marriage – John Piper October 13, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Books, God, Marriage.add a comment
If you’re married, then you should read this book. If you plan to be married, read this book.
Piper really dissects the truth and core of marriage. “Marriage was designed from the beginning to display the new covenant between Christ and the church.”
A man and a woman unite in one flesh to honor God, bring glory to His name and be a reflection of the relationship God has with His people, (the church).
Men, realize that your marriage is the most important thing in your life, aside from (but in addition to) your Father/son relationship with God. The more you put into your marriage with your wife, the better it will be. If you neglect it, expect it to deteriorate.
Also, realize that just as Satan tried to tear Jesus away from the Father, Satan just as desperately wants to tear you away from your wife. To separate and destroy the body of Christ. God is the victor though and if He is the defining factor of your marriage, the head over it, you win too.
More on this book soon…
Sick Dogs are the Worst October 6, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Dog, Health, Pets.add a comment
We have a new puppy to be a little brother to our 2yr old Yorkie. They do very well together just as my wife and I hoped. But when one is sick, it’s difficult keeping them apart.
I don’t have children yet, but I will say this about dogs. Having a sick dog is the worst, like having a sick baby I imagine. They can’t talk or point or help you know what is wrong. You have to guess, judge bowel movements, puking, etc.
Honesty, I don’t think vets can do much more than guess either or make ‘educated’ guesses. They’re stuck attempting to treat a silent patient. I know they try, but throwing pills, scans, blood work, etc into the mix in hopes of finding something out of place is costly and often pointless. I don’t envy veterinarians.
The worst part of having a sick puppy is the way they look at you. Obviously something is wrong. In my case, she’s not playful or jumping around or chasing her new little brother. Even a ball, a BALL takes effort to play with. It’s just sad.
Should we pray for God to heal our pets? I don’t think it’s out of the question, but I’ve never had reason to consider it before. In all, sick dogs are the worst. Hope you get better Berkley.
100 Most Creative People – Fast Company September 1, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Business, Creative, Fashion, Technology.add a comment
100 Most Creative People by FastCompany
Fast Company Magazine (@FastCompany) has put together a collection of 100 people they feel are the most creative right now in business. What I find interesting is the wide array of people that made this list. Fashion Designers, Artists, Movie/Film/TV, Entrepreneurs, Engineers, Techies, a Poker Player and some are simply regular people with a great idea and plenty of drive to achieve their unique vision.
I like that most of these people are successful within a specific niche. Many are masters at their trade or skill or area of interest. Some are willing to think outside the box, stick with it and create totally radical products/services/ideas.
This list also provides us an opportunity to see the faces of people who are behind many of the top industries around the world.
Not to mention, I think Fast Company did a great job with this page regarding style and interactivity.
See the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company
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God as a Proper Father August 20, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Faith, Father, God.add a comment
“Some argue that if we had an inadequate human father who lacked wisdom or the ability to show affection, or who abandoned or abused us, we can’t see God as a loving Father.” – Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden
Well, it can seem impossible. God the Father makes some peoples skin crawl to be quite honest. However, the Bible says that to those who believe, God is just that, Father. If your view of a father is negatively affected by any, all or other reasons stated in the quote above…I don’t blame you.
Same write countered that saying, “God is a Father who is faithful in love and care, generous and thoughtful, interested in all we do, skillful in training, wise in guidance, always available, helpful in teaching us maturity and integrity – no matter what our earthly fathers were like.
Some would say having a crappy, absent father is no big deal. You just accept it and move on. Well, you weren’t meant to move on or forget it. It’s easy to just give up on a father. But, if you could describe the kind of father you WISH you could or did have what would you say? We all need a real, good father…right to the very end.
You might refuse to follow or trust God if your earthly father wasn’t worth following; your mind likely can’t conceive the idea of a father being the best thing in the world. And you’ve likely spent years rejecting the desire for the father of your dreams. I will say this of myself, it’s very difficult and takes time. I don’t completely get it and my mind often rejects the idea, but I completely desire it to be true of God, that He is the perfect Father for now and forever. In more ways now that ever, He is.
Hope in His Love August 10, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Bible, God, Scripture.add a comment
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalm 147:11
A simple but profound statement with plenty of depth. Fear and respect go hand in hand. God takes pleasure in those who respect Him…respect and honor that He is the King. Not respect out of obligation, but admiration and fascination with Him.
People who believe in God and choose to follow His ways live with hope. Not hope in the world for anything, but completely hope in God for all things. This verse says they “hope in His steadfast love,” which is an expectation that God is all He claims to be. That His very nature (love) defines Him, is consistent and unending. Confidence in God’s steadfast love causes God to be pleased. That’s a big deal.
