Paving The Way

 

I am finally getting to that long promised patio extension project that I've been talking about for some time.   The extension connects the current patio to a small cement pad that leads from our back garage door into the back yard.    I have a lot of time to think as I stare for long periods at the pavers I've already placed,  wondering if I am building it correctly or if in fact it's just going to be a colossal waste of time and money.

During one of these long periods of contemplation, a couple of thoughts came to mind.  First, it's really amazing that when these tiny bits of sand cling together, they form a strong, firm foundation for the pavers to sit on.  The sand fills in in the joints and further firms up the patio.  As individual believers, we're like tiny grains of sand that don't have a lot of strengths by ourselves, but with the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer, we can bond & form a foundation for the work of Christ.

Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians:

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2:19-21

We along with the  saints before us form a firm foundation for the Church of Christ with him as our cornerstone.

The other learning from staring at the pavers is one of maintain and checking our course.  I have to continually, check the lines of pavers from all angles to make  sure the rows of pavers remain straight and true to the plan and don't veer off of the straight course I've laid out for them.  I also have to check the elevation to make sure they follow the lines of the existing patio and also meet the grade of the foundation.

So too, we as Believers in Christ must also continually check the course we are on, through prayer and Bible study.  It's very easy to get off course spiritually, if we don't follow the plan God has in place for us.

As a side note, I noticed that in fact my patio of pavers is off course and is rising where it should really be falling to meet the edge of the grass. I'll have to tear up some of the pavers and re-level the sand foundation.  Maybe it's also time to check my spiritual patio to see if I am off  courses there as well.

Happy Father's Day 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandfather

Bridging generations with ageless love

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my first Father's Day as a grandfather.  I go by the moniker Granddad.  Grandpa or Grandfather seems a little "Rocking chair & shawl" for me.  It's not that I mind being a grandfather but it's taking me a little time to remember that this is my new name.  I've always been Dad or Pops, until the latest arrival of our family.

  When I was visiting my new grandchild in the hospital, I first ran into this name confusion.  The nurse was following my son and me out of the hospital room.  She said," Dad, I'll just close this door since we're going to be out of the room for a while."  I replied,"Sounds good to me." and she said" Or Grandpa." oh yeah, I'm not Dad but rather Granddad.

This was my first realization that my role in the family has changed once again.  Another generation has been added to our family.  It provides a whole new prospective on our family for me.  I often wonder what my role will be in helping form this new life for my grandchild.

I think one of the things I can help with is sharing the knowledge of God with our little guy. We read in Deuteronomy 6:5-7:

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

I think the term children in these verses can refer to our grandchildren as well.  My prayer is that my grandson will have a true and special relationship with our heavenly Father and the Son, Jesus Christ.

What's On My IPod

Technorati Tags: Bebo Norman,My Eyes Have Seen Holy

One of my favorite songs, which really speaks to my heart  is My Eyes Have  Seen Holy by Bebo Norman.  Give it a listen and see what you think.

 

 

 

 

But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,  he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.  He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:4-6