Much of the year has been quiet and fairly uneventful.
In Aug. however there are three things that stand out to me.
One was I was able to able to go and see ‘Vows in Paradise’ at Walter Dinner Theater at the end of Aug. It was absolutely funny and clean humour that every one could relate to even if you were not Amish. What made this a highlight was I had wanted to see it when in Pennsylvania in 2006 and 2007 but never worked out so God brought them here. This was their first time to this area but will be back next year with the sequel and yes, I was able to get a ticket before they sold out.
Another highlight was receiving a call from a friend, Doug, asking if I would like to go hiking along the Bruce trail. While we had talked about doing it sometime it all end up being every last min. Through out Aug it almost never stopped raining for more than a few hours or a day or two at best. Rain and more rain was on the agenda for the weekend but we headed out any ways and ended up with three perfect days of hiking weather. We hiked the Bruce trail from Cape Croker to south of Wairton with Sunday being our longest day of 32 km. (And it only stared to rain until on the drive home).
For some time, I had been thinking about getting a digital camera but since it was not high on my priority list I never got around to it until after the hike. It was then I decided it was time to move up to the modern world so I began asking questions, figuring out what I wanted and needed, and doing some research so I could make an informed and intelligent decision. That’s when I came across a cannon camera normally selling between $149 and $179 depending on where you bought it from before tax and shipping if applicable.
It was at this point that God blessed me with a deal at the last minute were I was able not only buy the camera but also a carrying case, battery charger with two sets of high end batteries, two – 2KB memory cards, the first 25 prints free plus tax included for only $172.08.
Then in October it was my birthday. My Mom took me to see The Lipizzaner Stallions and out for supper to a Chinese restaurant. Ray & Barb Lee friends from the church arranged it so I received a bunch of surprise emails with birthday greetings and encouraging words. They also brought a cake to a leadership meeting we had at the church that evening and prayed over me. It was special day and I really felt blessed.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and this year if fell in Oct... see footnote 2.
This year I’ve been reading through the Word. By Aug I was in 1st & 2nd Chronicles.
It was here that God spoke to me about turning failures into success. I’m so thankful His
Word always remains fresh and relevant. See footnote 1 for more detail.
Blessings.
Scott
Scott
Footnote 1
1 Chronicles 13: 6 - 14 & 15: 11 - 15
Included is some of my notes. When I was done I asked God for application. What he spoke was interesting because it could be applied to any area of life however He amazed and surprised when he said trading (stocks). It was the last thing on my mind at the time. It was not what i expected to hear but when I started applying it, not only did I see it's relevance but also how much it paralleled with where i was at.
The passage deals when David wanting to bring the ark back to Jerusalem. and UZZA dropped dead when the ox stumbled and he reached out to grab and stabilize the ark from falling. David was really ticked with God about this. He could have easily turned his back from God or at least from following Him with his whole heart. David could have given up on the plan or he could have ignorantly carried on with the plan and blamed Uzza death on a freak accident or circumstances and reasoned this tragedy away but David did not do any of this.
This caused me to ask myself '"when I fail do I blame God (or others or circumstances) for my failures or do I seek Him." Someone once said, 'If we do what we have always done we will get what we have always gotten.'
Anyways back to the story.
For the next three months the ark stayed at Obededom house while David figured out what was going on and what to do next.
David did not give up. He sought God. It took three months til he got answers and brought the ark home to Jerusalem. This time it came home in great victory and celebration. What a day it was!
It was at this point God spoke to me about the keys of turning failure to success even with my trading. This was the back drop to this power point lesson He gave to me that summarize up the passage and the things He had already been speaking to me about.
Keys in turning failure to success:
1. Take responsibility – don’t blame God, others & circumstances.
2. Seek God – regardless of how long it takes (seeking includes listening).
3. Prepare - get knowledge, wisdom, understanding. Get a detail plan together. Get whatever resources and manpower ready and in place. Set the required time aside to properly fulfill the plan.
4. Sanctify yourself before God - this is not just a one time event but a daily one. It’s spiritually preparing ourselves. It's submitting yourself and decisions to the Lord. It's making sure we our fresh in our relationship with the Lord daily. It's making sure we are walking holy and pure before Him.
5. Act – follow though. It's time to step out and take action. (because 1 - 4
is complete, fresh and current we can now step out in confidence not presumption, in boldness not pride, in faith not in fear).
6. Give God glory – acknowledge Him in the success. David held nothing back. (1 Chronicles 15: 27 -16: 3 and 2 Sam. 6: 12 - 19) Give God due response for the each and every victory.
7. Repeat.
Footnote 2
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5: 18
IAM THANKFUL: FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT
NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH
WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart!
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