Since around the end of last year, the Lord had been speaking to me through His Word that He was going to mix things up in 2021; like for me to keep preparing for the work of the ministry and all that, but to also lace up my new cool Hoka running shoes so we can do some running together. Well, the race is on, has been on since January 1, 2021. Let’s take a look at the route where we have been running together since the beginning of the year. Make no doubt about it – Jesus is my pacer. ...
Merry Christmas to you all! The celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is probably already starting. Praise the Lord! Let our praises go forth now, early, whenever; time to thank our Father for the greatest gift of all, His Son. I like the psalmist shouting out in Psalm 96:12, “Let the field be joyful and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice.” Nature breaks forth in praise every day. We should too. ...
New Beginnings – “The new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17 ESV) Right at the start of this morning’s run around the neighborhood (not above – I wish!), I kept turning around marveling as the sun slowly crept up over the mountains in the east. After so many days of gloomy sunrises due to the fires and all, God gave us a doozy sendoff this morning. Dynamite stuff. I instantly flashed on the gorgeous sunrise I was blessed to witness at the Dead Sea a few years ago (now the above pic). “Oh Lord,” I said this morning, “How did you ever come up with this morning’s golden ball lighting up our skies? It’s so beautiful!” And the clouds this morning – there were thousands of teeny ones all over sky – all over! It was truly panoramic. Definitely a breakout morning for me. ...
Ok, this is it. I got it! You can get your own pic on a paper cutout displayed in the new Dodger Stadium Pavilion Home Run Seats for only $299! There are other less expensive options higher up in the nosebleed seats. What a deal! Do we have any takers? Play ball! Man, for such a time as this…. Babe Ruth must rolling in his grave right now. Paper cutouts? Hey, I thought I’d take your mind off things for a second before we dive into what the Lord has been doing in my live during this past month. Let’s play ball… ...
I’m digging in - got my flashlight in hand and miner’s headlamp strapped around my forehead. I don’t want to miss anything our Lord has for me. We know He uses all seasons, bright and sunny ones as well as those unexpected, “what is happening?” ones - for our good: (Romans 8:28). Oh, yeah, I’ve been through a handful of those. Tough to figure them out… I remember in those crazy times the Lord told me (ok, sometimes screamed at me) “to get with the program Charlie Brown (Jim) and start digging in deeper, deeper! - find your focus, purpose and preparation.” Well, this is such a season. And so it goes… ...
Praises from 7,800 Miles Away How have you all been? Please go to the beach or mountains or desert - NOW! Stop robbing banks and breathe in some fresh air, I hope it is… Isn’t it? Ok. I have some serious missionary updates to go over with you. Planning and Preparation I am taking advantage of this unexpected season by preparing myself for the mission field. I am continuing to pray the Lord will lead me, in His timing and perfect will, to teach English. I’m really open to wherever He wants to send me. He knows that. So in preparation for my calling: ...
I need to take you back a few years for a second. Let’s jump into our DeLoreans and go for a spin. Playing by the Numbers During my junior high and high school days, I lived and breathed and had my being hanging onto every single curve ball thrown by my idol, Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax - “Swung on and missed, a perfect game!” Vin Scully, September 9, 1965, 9:46 pm (PST). I was in the third heaven that night. Hey, I heard this and probably every game he pitched. Number 32. I had his number. I still have his jersey! And all the stats and numbers and baseball records Sandy accumulated throughout his so illustrious career, I knew them all on the back of my hand. And tons, I mean tons of other stats and numbers from every team and player in baseball. Yep, I knew my stats. I knew my numbers. Play ball! ...
no pipes or running water. Yet they are the happiest people I have ever met why? “Retirement? Are you crazy? We’re just getting started. Get your running shoes on and let’s go!!!” I feel those were the Lord’s words to me a couple years ago after I did my mission’s trip in Haiti. I was so hooked. As most of you know, I have been a short-term missionary since then. I praise the Lord for this calling. On different trips, I have had the privilege to teach students at a Bible College in Port-au-Prince, preach at a women’s prison and at a pastor’s church (all interpreted - hello?), be part of a weeklong well drilling project and run in a 20K race in the hills of Jacmel (out of 21 runners, I came in 21st place - how cool is that! Loved the coconuts at mile 8!) But what I enjoyed the most there was getting to know the people and making relationships; telling people who Jesus is and how much He really loves them. ...