there was anything I would talk about today.

tvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Cliff Lee.  Un-b-LEE-vable.
Texas Rangers.  Outstanding.

Josh Hamilton’s homer to get the Rangers on the board was incredible and the added runs at the end of the game sure sent a message to the Yankees fans as they left in droves.  The Rangers are for real. 

I’m good with a Tommy Hunter/A.J. Burnett matchup tonight.  Burnett’s a bit of a head case and coming off a lot of downtime.  Hunter isn’t a great pitcher but can pound the strike zone and eat some innings.  Tonight well may come down to the bullpens and while the Rangers can be shaky, the Yankees showed last night that they aren’t perfect either.

Let’s go Rangers!

Grace and peace to you.

I haven’t done a good job blogging of late.  There is much on my mind but, once again, it’s not coming out of my head and onto paper in a sensible state.  Many people would tell you that most of what comes out of my head doesn’t come out in a sensible state.  I don’t always disagree! 

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
GO RANGERS!  Cliff Lee is on the bump tonight.  I don’t care what you have planned.  Drop it and watch the game.  If you are a Yankees fan, I hope your sewer has problems and you get tied up with that. 

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I had some great conversations with friends, new and old, this weekend.  Wonderful times.

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Here’s a thought I had from yesterday that I’m still working on but it’s rolling around in my head; I look for God to be a warrior in my physical life and expect Him to serve me in my spiritual life.  God is expecting me to serve Him in my physical life while He takes on the role of warrior in my spiritual life. 

I hear people talk about God being a warrior and I wonder why He isn’t winning the battles I want Him to win.  I think I’m looking in the wrong places again, wanting God to do my will.  I read John Eldredge and others talking about the God in battle and I don’t see the victory but I’m looking in the physical realm and ignoring the spiritual realm.  ALERT!  God’s not the problem here.

It was a good reminder for me of where the battle is, of what the lamb is and who should be serving who (or is that whom?). 

Grace and peace to you.

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

The Rangers won!  Here’s to hoping the next series goes at least 6 games because I have tickets for Game 6. 

Jvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I thought it was cool that the players celebrated with ginger ale so Josh Hamilton and C.J. Wilson could join the party.  That’s a little glimpse of who this team is.

Jvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
The scripture that popped up on my blog today was Jeremiah 29:11.  I love it but always wish Jeremiah 29:12 would contain specifics of what the plans are for me.

I wish I didn’t have desert places.  I feel like I’m entering into one now and it seems impossible to explain to someone else why I feel that way.  But I do.  I know God uses the desert to teach me and refine me.  I would prefer a cabin in the mountains.  The desert is so desolate.  It doesn’t have all the stuff I want, the stuff that makes me comfortable, that stuff that allows my mind to wander, the stuff I’m used to.  No, it’s just me and God.  Me learning to trust that all I need will be provided and to be content with that.  God there with his arms open, waiting for me to choose him or my own path.  I don’t like the desert but my previous trip through it brought me to new heights of recognition of who and what God is and for that, I am thankful for the journey.

Grace and peace to you.

Jvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

Jvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

The Rangers play tomorrow for all the marbles.  I wish I felt better about it.

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Charity: Water.  Check it out at www.charitywater.org.  This is an organization that has a great story and is doing a great work.  I heard the founder speak at Catalyst East 2010 last week and it was a great experience that makes me want to do much, much more to help the world.  I’ll probably have more to say about Charity: Water in the coming days/weeks.

I want to give more money away.  I’ve heard of people recently who are trying to build their budget so they can give 50% of their income away.  One of the first comments I hear from people in the church is “but, what about _____________________?”  You can fill in the blank with retirement, emergency funds, college funds, etc.  The question I want to ask myself is “how am I going to get there?” 

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I’m frustrated I can’t help a friend break through a wall in his relationship with God.  I have to keep reminding myself that it is his relationship and he has to own it.  I can’t do it for him but I sure want to because I know the pain he is in now and I know there is a way out.  I pray God gives me the words to say to him that will help him check his ego and fall on his face before the Lord.

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Separation from the people you love the most is hard.  I wish I could re-write history in a more favorable script for my life but I don’t have yesterday anymore and I don’t have tomorrow yet…just today.  While my pain doesn’t subside a great deal, I pray that I will walk the path God has for me today and that I will align my desire with His good and perfect plan for me.

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I heard a great message this past Sunday.  I love Romans and the many, many messages that are there to lift me up and draw me closer to God. 

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Grace and peace to you.
Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

I expected silence yesterday.  Be perfect.

dvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I covered that verse with some 9th grade guys Wednesday night and one started to ask “were supposed to be…?”  He, and most of the others, hadn’t considered that we are supposed to be perfect.  I asked “what does it mean?” and started getting “but God knows we aren’t perfect”, “God sent Jesus because He knew we’d mess up” and “we can’t be perfect.”  I loved the last one.  We can’t?  My response was simply “why?” which was only met with silence.

dvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
We are called to perfection.  Not simply doing our best.  Not just trying to be as good or better than the best person we know.  Perfection.  So, why is it so easy for some to say “don’t beat yourself up” or “you can’t be perfect” when we mess up?  I’m called to perfection so pointing out my failings and learning from my mistakes should be only a natural progression to striving for perfection, shouldn’t it?

dvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Why do baseball players take hundreds of practice swings a day?  Why do golfers hit hundreds of golf balls a day?  Why do musicians practice their instrument hours and hours each week?  Why does anyone who wants to be the best in the endeavor work on being the best?  The best strive for perfection.  I don’t know an accomplished baseball player who ever said they wanted to hit 3 out of 10.  They did everything they could to hit 10 out of 10.  I’ve never heard a professional golfer say they wanted to hit most of the fairways or make most of their putts.  I’ve never heard of a musician saying they hope to play at least 90% of their notes correctly.  They all want perfection.  And, sometimes they achieve it.  Plenty of baseball players have hit 4 for 4 in a game.  Plenty of golfers have shot below par.  Plenty of musicians have played perfectly in a concert.  They did it because that is what they shot for.  Not to simply do their best but to achieve perfection.

dvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I have to ask, will I simply try not to make too many mistakes today or will I try to achieve perfection today?

dvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Grace and peace to you.
dvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

Matthew 5:48 – Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Grace and peace to you.

I’m headed to the Ranger game tomorrow night.  I think Cliff Lee is supposed to be on the bump and I’m hoping for a great performance and some run support. 

I’ll be wearing the same thing I’ve worn to the last 13 games – all wins for the Rangers.  They really should hook me up with a suite.  I’ve bought in to the baseball superstitions but it’s all in good fun.

I can wear the same thing when the Longhorns play and they lose to UCLA.  Drives me crazy.

I told someone the other day I’m going all Purple Reign/Rain from here on out.  I’m cheering for:
TCU
ACU
Prince (it’s a long story)

I caught a bit of a video about an abortion survivor on Facebook today.  I’m going to try and remember to check it out and learn more about the young lady and might post it here.  Assuming it’s all legit – WOW! – a powerful story.

Francis Chan is becoming one of my favorite people.  I don’t know the man but he’s not afraid to call Christians out to a higher standard than what I typically see and live myself.  I get to hear him speak next week and I’m getting jazzed about that. 

I’ve got a lot of friends in pain right now.  Some of the stories are known, some are not.  If you are looking for something to pray for today, just lift my friends up to God.  He’ll know what you are talking about and I hope it will bring a little more peace to their lives.

Grace and peace to you.