Tonight we had a beautiful time together as a family. I had originally thought that I would be at a gathering in Greer tonight — but Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled program was pre-empted by a more pressing matter, time with Mandee and Mia. I felt that was the way things were headed, but on the drive home when my usual ride on Tuesday night was needed in a different capacity, it was like a refreshing confirmation of what was already on my heart — “go home, love your family well” my spirit seemed to sing to me.
And tonight was a wonderful mix of dinner together, unpacking and preparing supplies for the Good News Club we are starting up next week, tickle wars, pillow fights, mad libs, teaching Mia sudoku, and praying and praising the Lord together. It was sweet and precious and valuable beyond measure.
What an amazing life! What happy days I get to enjoy.
Last night I sat with a friend at Spruce Pine Apartments and we just talked in awe about what God has done, is doing, and what is to come. It wasn’t some academic Bible Study, it was two men in utter awe of the things of God for an hour and a half where a physical Bible wasn’t opened, but so much Word of God was spoken, and so many stories, parables, promises and instructions were recalled, revealed, and rejoiced.
Where did this amazing life rise up from?
When did such glorious things begin to manifest so overwhelmingly in my life that my only arguments seem to be with well intentioned men of God so passionate about “getting it right” — and that even then heartfelt apologies outweigh my insistence upon “proving myself the smartest guy in the room”.
I’m amazed. I’m in awe. Even though I am still imperfect. Even though I still fall short of His glorious and perfect example, I can see an awakening, a change, welling up from the inside. And it seems to infect EVERYTHING!
For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
1 Peter 3:10-17 NLT
And the good times are so sweet, even as the fiery trials are so hot, but even when the serpents bite I can shake them off and crush their heads under foot — because my eyes are on the work of the Lord — He is God and He is good in all of it.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/229912988
Come, catch fire with me friend.
Harold J. Ballinger 