All In A Days Grace

  There is an interesting balance we have in our spiritual growth. The key to it, is to develop holy and healthy routines. We like to call these “spiritual disciplines”. These are things that we do on a regular basis. These are things that we would miss from our day if we left them out. These are important things that help us to focus on God and our relationship with him. Now here is the conundrum in developing such a pattern, habit or routine. It becomes a routine. Definition of Routine : (noun)a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. (adjective) performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason. As a noun it is pretty benign, but as an adjective, well, we have a problem. Anything we do in our faith as a fixed program or a regularly followed action that loses its purpose is a problem. Did you catch the definition in adjective form? “Something performed as a part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason.” If our spi...

  At the beginning of Summer, I saw a huge display set up in one of the popular stores in my area. There was definitely a theme going on and that theme was “Summer Fun”. At the heart of this theme was a mascot of sorts adorning all the items on display. Plates, cups, towels, bathing suits, t-shirts, etc.. On every item was a bright pink Flamingo. It was a display that really made you smile as you walked by. For what ever reason the Flamingo has become the international symbol for all things tropical and fun. Interestingly enough, a group of Flamingos together is called a flamboyance! That sounds like an appropriate description. They are really incredible creatures even beyond their beautiful pink plumage. They feed by turning their heads upside down to eat, often sleep standing on one leg, and some can live in extreme environments. There is yet another thing that makes them incredible creatures in addition to all that. They are not naturally pink! As a flamingo eats a...

  Sometimes Gods aim looks like it's missed the mark. We might read that and wonder, what in the world that means. Let me put a little more context behind that statement. One of my favorite devotionals is “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. The daily devotionals were taken from lectures given at the Bible training college from 1911-1917. Oswald Chambers was born and grew up in Scotland. His ministry of teaching and preaching took him to the United States and Japan. During the last six years of his life Oswald was the principal of the Bible Training College in London, and served as a chaplain to British Commonwealth troops in Egypt during World War l. After his death, the books which bear his name were compiled by his wife. He is thought to be a man who had mastered the spiritual secrets of a life in Christ. There certainly seems to be truth in that, as you read through his thoughts. This morning his entry grabbed me. In the final paragraph it reads “God’s aim lo...