On Friday we were traveling down to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. If you know anything of the Shore, then you will know of the famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge back ups. We started to find ourselves in a backup around Rt 97 before Annapolis , Md. I began to look at the cars and saw every car imaginable. I put on loud music, and began to sing. Finally, I just decided to relax, and enjoy the trip.
Now I do not believe that I have road rage, but I usually get nervous when the cars back up. Often a driver will speed in front of me, like he is going some where. My hands start to get sweaty, as I hold the steering wheel tight. My wife sees me start to get uptight, and says" babe are you alright", in which, I say yes, I am fine, but really I am stewing inside.
This trip was different. I decided to try patience. I was cool, and calm. I smiled as the cars sped around my car. The bible says in Colossians 3:12" Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. After around 2 hours of backup we cruised over the big bridge towards our destination.
The whole weekend was great. I learning a big lesson. Start your trip with patience, and you will end your trip in peace. I am back at work today and I feel great. Try giving patience a chance in your life. You will see that you, like I did, find a whole new way to live. Have a great day.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Who did Jesus Die For!
To me Jesus died for everyone! I believe this with all of my heart. I talk with people who do not believe this. They say that he died for the rich, or for the poor.When I talk with an atheist, he does not believe in God.When I talk with a Baptist or Methodist or denominational person, they
say they believe, but their actions prove different by the people in their churches.
Rom 5:8 says that " But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." That verse says that Christ died for everyone. I would love to see a church full of sinners hungry to meet God. The problem is that you and I think we have arrived just because we have accepted Christ. This is just the beginning. Go out and bring in everyone to your church. Bring in drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, the poor, the rich, the mentally impaired, the professional, the fast food worker, and ever one else that you can think of.
Recently I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disease. My life has radically changed. I am on medicine to keep me balanced, and I have mood swings that cause me to sway in my balance.I do not like having this problem, and some people do not know how to deal with me. It is not their problem, but I need to help them to understand my disease. Bipolar Disease is a chemical imbalance in the brain. I have Bipolar 1 which means I switch from Depression to mania. I am praying that more mentally challenged people will come to my church. Christ came to die for all of His children. Reach out to someone today,fill your church, and help to change your world.
say they believe, but their actions prove different by the people in their churches.
Rom 5:8 says that " But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." That verse says that Christ died for everyone. I would love to see a church full of sinners hungry to meet God. The problem is that you and I think we have arrived just because we have accepted Christ. This is just the beginning. Go out and bring in everyone to your church. Bring in drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, the poor, the rich, the mentally impaired, the professional, the fast food worker, and ever one else that you can think of.
Recently I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disease. My life has radically changed. I am on medicine to keep me balanced, and I have mood swings that cause me to sway in my balance.I do not like having this problem, and some people do not know how to deal with me. It is not their problem, but I need to help them to understand my disease. Bipolar Disease is a chemical imbalance in the brain. I have Bipolar 1 which means I switch from Depression to mania. I am praying that more mentally challenged people will come to my church. Christ came to die for all of His children. Reach out to someone today,fill your church, and help to change your world.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Success
Success is the continual achievement of the goals that God has set for you. Ps: 20:4 says " May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. " I believe that I am a success because I am doing what God wants me to do. Even though I am diagnosed with Bipolar Disease, I still have a calling upon my life. Many teach that in order to be happy you must be pulling in large amounts of money, or work at a prestigious job .
I am passionate about helping people, and will put my feelings down to see someone get the help they need. I have been working in Full Time Ministry since 1978. I love seeing someone being set free from alcohol or drugs, and rejoice when they stay clean. Our marraiges are falling apart. We can make a difference by having a good marraige. I have been married for 32 years, and feel just as much in love, as when I got married in that little Mennonite Church in Pennsylvania.
Success is not money or power. Success does not puff up your ego. Success could be working for a local McDonalds for 30 years. I worked for a local church in Maryland, and never recieved a large pay check. I feel though that I was successful, because I fulfilled the vision of reching out to lost people. In closing, take heart to this blog. Change your mind, and become successful by doing what God wants you to do.
I am passionate about helping people, and will put my feelings down to see someone get the help they need. I have been working in Full Time Ministry since 1978. I love seeing someone being set free from alcohol or drugs, and rejoice when they stay clean. Our marraiges are falling apart. We can make a difference by having a good marraige. I have been married for 32 years, and feel just as much in love, as when I got married in that little Mennonite Church in Pennsylvania.
Success is not money or power. Success does not puff up your ego. Success could be working for a local McDonalds for 30 years. I worked for a local church in Maryland, and never recieved a large pay check. I feel though that I was successful, because I fulfilled the vision of reching out to lost people. In closing, take heart to this blog. Change your mind, and become successful by doing what God wants you to do.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Friends
I really wish to blog about friends today. So many people that I know do not have one single friend.The bible says Prov. 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." First of all, Jesus is my best friend. He is closer than a brother. He paid a debt that I could not pay, therefore, I owe him my all.
I have 6 or 8 friends, that will be there for me whenever I call. I also will be there for them too. I need friends, and we have a great time together. We have birthdays together, parties, and just get together. In 1978 I was told that as a pastor I could not be close to anyone.
I lived like that for many years, and was very sad. Ten years ago, I broke that mold, and started to friend good friends. I can laugh out loud, and tell good jokes, and just be quiet with my friends. My friends also tell me when I am getting out of line. The bible says that a good friend will tell you your faults. I appreciate this, and am a better man for it.
If you are lonely, and do not have any friends, just stop and ask God for some new friends. Start with one friend, and build your friendship from there. I can truly say that I am a happy man. My wife and I share our hearts and feelings with our friends. My prayer for you is that you will reach out and find some new friends. Have great day.
I have 6 or 8 friends, that will be there for me whenever I call. I also will be there for them too. I need friends, and we have a great time together. We have birthdays together, parties, and just get together. In 1978 I was told that as a pastor I could not be close to anyone.
I lived like that for many years, and was very sad. Ten years ago, I broke that mold, and started to friend good friends. I can laugh out loud, and tell good jokes, and just be quiet with my friends. My friends also tell me when I am getting out of line. The bible says that a good friend will tell you your faults. I appreciate this, and am a better man for it.
If you are lonely, and do not have any friends, just stop and ask God for some new friends. Start with one friend, and build your friendship from there. I can truly say that I am a happy man. My wife and I share our hearts and feelings with our friends. My prayer for you is that you will reach out and find some new friends. Have great day.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Vacation
I started vacation today. It is such a feeling of joy. It does not matter if it rains or if it is sunny. It is a time to relax, and chill out. One thing I am doing is helping Karen around the house, working on her gardens. America is way too busy. I talk to people every day who just seem to be overloaded with burdens. The bible states that every man needs a sabbath, a day to rest, and find peace with God.
I try to find a day every week to stay in my sabbath, a day to rest, to pray, to meditate, and find God's peace for my soul. I believe that this is very hard for most people because we feel that we need to work to make money. Also most of us, need to keep busy for our self esteem.
Just recently I went part time at work. It was hard at first, then became easier as I started to rest in my self. Things will work out for you if you rest in God. While on vacation this month, I plan to watch a few movie, work outside, go to Maryland to vist our son and wife, and two granchildren. Life is good right now, and I plan to replenish my soul by taking a sabbath to reflect on God's amazing grace. Have a great week, Van
I try to find a day every week to stay in my sabbath, a day to rest, to pray, to meditate, and find God's peace for my soul. I believe that this is very hard for most people because we feel that we need to work to make money. Also most of us, need to keep busy for our self esteem.
Just recently I went part time at work. It was hard at first, then became easier as I started to rest in my self. Things will work out for you if you rest in God. While on vacation this month, I plan to watch a few movie, work outside, go to Maryland to vist our son and wife, and two granchildren. Life is good right now, and I plan to replenish my soul by taking a sabbath to reflect on God's amazing grace. Have a great week, Van
Friday, June 5, 2009
Peace
Recently, I have felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I realize that peace only comes from God.
Jesus leaves His peace with us, His peace He gives to us. Not as the world gives only as Jesus can give. Let not your heart be troubled, nor should you be afraid. (John 14:27). Everyone I talk to is troubled by something. It seems as if the world is crashing down around us. I have a new relationship with Jesus Christ, and He promises me peace as I trust in Him. I also have faith in Him to keep me from the evil one. I have Bipolar illness, and that causes me to have problems. I am in recovery, and I sense that with God's help I will be ok. Peace comes from Jesus to my heart.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1).
I cannot gossip and have peace, I cannot lie, cheat, and steal, and have peace. To be justified means to be made right with God, and the only way to be made right with God, is to accept His son Jesus into your heart.I did this in 1973, and was filled with God's peace, love, and joy.
Today I am a man of peace, not because of me, but because of Him. I love Jesus with all of my heart. I can rest in His promises, and have the assurance that no matter what happens, I am His child. Be blessed.
Jesus leaves His peace with us, His peace He gives to us. Not as the world gives only as Jesus can give. Let not your heart be troubled, nor should you be afraid. (John 14:27). Everyone I talk to is troubled by something. It seems as if the world is crashing down around us. I have a new relationship with Jesus Christ, and He promises me peace as I trust in Him. I also have faith in Him to keep me from the evil one. I have Bipolar illness, and that causes me to have problems. I am in recovery, and I sense that with God's help I will be ok. Peace comes from Jesus to my heart.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1).
I cannot gossip and have peace, I cannot lie, cheat, and steal, and have peace. To be justified means to be made right with God, and the only way to be made right with God, is to accept His son Jesus into your heart.I did this in 1973, and was filled with God's peace, love, and joy.
Today I am a man of peace, not because of me, but because of Him. I love Jesus with all of my heart. I can rest in His promises, and have the assurance that no matter what happens, I am His child. Be blessed.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Laughter
One day not long ago I started to laugh. I cannot remember what started it, but I rolled and rolled all over. After the outburst of laughter I felt so good inside. Proverbs 17:22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. I desire to have a cheerful heart, one that sings, and encourages people. Maybe you do not know that saying bad words to people crushes their spirit, but scripture says in many places, that life and death are in the power of the tongue.There are thousands of people that fight depression every day, and we need to help them with encouragement, and kind words.
I do smile a lot, and take time to make others smile. Someone said to me I just can't get into that joy stuff. I can and I do because I have a choice to be happy or to be sad. Over winter I got really depressed. It was a terrible feeling, and it lasted for 3 weeks. I cried because there are people who are depressed for months, years, and their whole life. My goal is to make people happy. Smile a little more, laugh a lot, and tell people a kind word today. You do have a choice.
I wish you God's riches blessings, Van
I do smile a lot, and take time to make others smile. Someone said to me I just can't get into that joy stuff. I can and I do because I have a choice to be happy or to be sad. Over winter I got really depressed. It was a terrible feeling, and it lasted for 3 weeks. I cried because there are people who are depressed for months, years, and their whole life. My goal is to make people happy. Smile a little more, laugh a lot, and tell people a kind word today. You do have a choice.
I wish you God's riches blessings, Van
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