"Seeing the Real Beauty"

The most attractive of us are not always the most beautiful. On the flip side of that, the most beautiful of us are not always the most attractive!

Beauty is so interpretative. each person has their definition in what truly is and isn't beautiful. Even simple colors are preferred by some and not by others. When it comes to people we all judge and determine what we like and don't like.

There are though some areas where it seems impossible to differ on beauty. Mere acts of kindness and love have a very real and tangible beauty to them. Our natural world is full of beauty that is so hard to deny.

When you love someone they surpass all levels of beauty and shine like no other. God has blessed us with the ability to see and to recognize beauty in all things in our lives. Praise God for "Beauty" Verses: Ecc 11: 7-10 Isaiah 52: 7-9 Ester 1: 1-8

"Priorities in Life"

I guess we all daydream about being rich and/or famous. I also guess that most of us will never be either! If rich is an endless supply of money, it's improbable and unlikely for most of us. The pursuit of money and fame can be all to attractive.

Essentials in our lives would seem to be shelter, food, and finances for our expenses. Shelter can be quite simple or very elaborate. Functional and practical shelter may suit us best. If we think back to earlier times a one room cabin would have sufficed. Today we think we want a more modern multiple room house.

Food used to be grown and raised as a life style. Most of us today rely on others to do the growing and our incomes to buy what we want and need. Everything else is really our choices we make. God would just have us respect and know what he gave us and live a life well within our means.

Verses: Psalm 103 1-5 1 Tim 6: 17 Matt 6: 8-13

"Finding Joy In The Simple"

Given today's advanced technology we are all influenced by it's temptations. The Internet itself is a vast and endless supply of information both good and not so good. There is still a lot of joy to be found in the simple act of reading a book or magazine.

Not to dwell on my passion(bicycles), but there is an enormous potential for joy in the simple act of riding a bike. I suppose those that love and ride horses feel the same way.

I pray and hope that we all can dig deep into what really satisfies us, and what really enlightens and builds character in us all. The picture of an elderly couple sitting on a porch swing, holding hands and sharing in a sunset tells it all.

My conclusion is that the important things are: Know God, Trust God, Follow God, treat others as God would, Love as God does,and live for the simple yet complete pleasure only God can provide! Verses: 2 Peter 3: 11-13 1 John 4: 7-21

"Taking Life for Granted"

My blind bicycle group and I had our first June ride last Saturday Here is a group of people that live for this day to ride and feel a freedom it brings. Most of us could choose to ride or drive any day of the year. For these people they have to rely on others to enjoy that past time.

I can only imagine what they are feeling and experiencing each time. Once the tandem bikes roll they will feel the wind and smell the summer in a whole new way.

How many of us ever give it a second thought? The many pleasures that God gives us in life can so easily be taken for granted. Everywhere from our jobs to our homes, our spouses, and families we are all so blessed. God has gifted us with so much and we could all do well thank God and appreciate everything.

Verses: Philip 4: 10-13 Heb 13: 5

"Deepening Our Relationships"

If we could survive in life without a specific job what would we do? I think I know the answer! On Monday I would visit my friends that have small children and spend the 8-10 hours with them in their world!

On Tuesday I could meet with my hiking buddies and we could explore miles and miles of trail all day long. On Wednesday my wife and I could go for a bike ride, a walk, a kayak tour or visit the museum together hand in hand.

On Thursday my children and I could roll up our sleeves and change another families lives. We could fix things up for someone else and make their lives better. On Friday I could bike to Denver and back and meet many wonderful and interesting people along the way.

Oh darn I am out of work days and only begun to deepen my relationships with others. I suppose it is a good thing that God blesses us with so many weeks in our lives!!

"Exploring Gods' Green Earth"

I am a huge proponent of this planet we live on. Not a day goes by that I don't experience some sort or other of how great the Earth is. Our God has designed and created a beautiful and phenomenal paradise for us to experience and discover.

Living here is such a joy and has no limits to it's potential for all of us. I look forward to each new and amazing discovery yet to come. My wife is excited to one day design, plant and nurture her own garden. She has a vision of both edible and colorful plants to grow. The varieties that are available to choose from seem endless.

In Gods' untouched and natural environment there is a great wealth of plants and rocks and things to admire and photograph. The picture that God paints is ever changing and always differs from place to place. How cool is that!!

Verses: Rev 10: 5-6 1 Tim 4: 4 Isaiah 6: 1-3

"Impactful Living"

Having a goal and purpose in life seems like a good plan. Having raised two kids and raising two more I hope I have been somewhat successful in life. Their individual potential in this world is quite substantial.

I can't hardly remember a time where I haven't been involved in some sort of group or other. Particularly in various churches I have tried to serve well. Experiences go from nursery, to greeting, to set-up, clean-up, worship music help, and social group organizing.

As in our families quest for a permanent house, I am also prayerfully waiting for an impactful community endeavour. It's a difficult place to be, for no apparent answer is presently available. Faith and trust in God that our lives will be in a certain place, doing a certain ministry will some day be a reality for us. Until that all happens we can only pray and trust God!

Verses: Romans 8: 28-39 Romans 12: 9-13 Prov 19 20-21