"...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:3-5)

"Get up and walk it off."  How often have I heard that phrase before?  Outside the daily call of "It's time to go to the barn!", those were perhaps the most used words in my father's vocabulary.  It wasn't that I was accident prone or had a propensity for hurting myself, but life on the farm...or life in general... grants ample opportunity to experience bumps, bruises, scrapes and cuts.  For me, it seemed every time I got kicked by a cow, fell down, dropped something on my foot, or incurred an injury of any kind,  Dad would first check to see if I was losing blood in quarts (as opposed to cups), give me a quick once over to see if my affected limb was pointed in the right direction (or thereabouts), and if finding no cause for advanced CPR, would pronounce thsoe prescriptive words of healing.  Words that could only come from a man trained in the fine art of surgery with a Barlow jack knife and a pair of needlenose pliers.  "You'll be alright, just get up and walk it off."  So with a band-aid of tissue paper and electrical tape, or hobbling with a pronounced limb, (worst cases were handled with baler twine tourniquets)  I would get up, get back on task,  and always felt the better for it.

Now to you who are not schooled in the disciplines of rural diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, these words may seem the epitiome of cruel and unusual punishment by a cold, uncaring father.  Quite the contrary; these are words of wisdom from a caring father who understands that what life throws at us can have a disabling effect when not faced head on or left untreated.  Sometimes...working through pain...both emotional and physical...is the best treatment and the only way to heal.  Just ask any physical therapist or psychologist.  Dad's sole purpose was not to instill toughness, but perseverance.  It wasn't just his words that motivated me to get up and go on either.  Dad exampled it then and still does today.
Thanks Dad.
Scripture is full of those who "got up and walked it off."  Those who in spite of pain and injury, suffering and persecution, persevered and finished strong the jobs they were called to.  Of course the greatest example being Jesus Christ on his way to the cross.  He was ridiculed, rejected, beaten, whipped, spat upon, kicked, and knocked down, yet getting up, looking forward,  and walking on to the cross.  For me...and YOU.
Thank you FATHER

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck, it must be a duck”

Maybe I’m reading in a lot more than what’s in this proverb, but  to me,  it is speaking of people who seem to have it all together.  Those whom—on our more hectic and overwhelming days—we find ourselves envious.  You know the type; perfect life, perfect body, family, job, marriage, etc.   They always seem to have their “ducks in a row,” and seem to float through life as if on the still waters of a tranquil pond.  

What am I getting at?  Well, when you see ducks on the water, they are the picture of grace.  Gliding effortlessly, they are seemingly so in tune with their environment, so above the fray of trying to stay afloat, we find ourselves envious of their ease.  But if you could look beneath the surface, those big webbed duck feet are paddling like crazy—whatever it takes to keep up the appearance.  More often than not, it is the same with people.   

So when you find yourself envious of the life of someone else, keep this in mind.  More than likely they are paddling against the troubles of life just as much as you may be.
The Apostle John speaks, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment (John 7:24 NIV)
Wouldn’t it be nice of all of us could be honest with each other and stop working so hard to keep up appearances?  Maybe then we could all just hold onto each other and float.

It’s been a long time coming, but as you can see,  the LCC website is finally up and operating.  (Thanks, LCC IT tech team!)  I’m sure you can see as well, it’s under construction, and I suspect it will always be under construction—or being updated—changed—altered, and growing.  Although I would love to see it complete, fully functioning to its highest potential, and never to be altered again, I know that won’t happen.  It can’t happen, ministries change, and events come and go like the days on the calendar.  Umm…the calendar that needs updating already. 

Maybe that’s a good metaphor for us.  We don’t remain static.   We change whether we want to or not.  In fact, it’s good to change, or better put…grow.

Scripture speaks that truth.  We are to grow in our spiritual life, and within that context our fellowship within the Body, our prayer life, stewardship, and wisdom will be changing (growing) as well.  The writer of Hebrews tells us to leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…and God permitting, we will do so.” (Hebrews 6:1-3 NIV) 

Let me tell you a little about what you will read here.  First, the opinions you read are mine and may or may not be the opinions of Lycoming Christian Church leadership.  Because we read the same Bible, and come from the Restoration Movement background, more than likely we will be in agreement.  That being aptly stated, if I write something brainless in the future, the imprudence is mine, and mine alone. 

·         Don’t expect perfect grammer…I’s jus writin as I’s thinkun.

·         My opinions are subject to change.  Hopefully they will change as I personally “leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.”

·         I’ll share with you the books I read, interesting quotes, and an abundance of Scripture.

Feel free to comment, agree, disagree, or tell me I’m nuts, but I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever, (abusive, rude, profane, or anonymous comments) so keep it affirming to Christ.  You know, He who reads everything we write... think.... ponder...speak...