Gas Prices are soaring, costs are up in every one's budget, we all have less to spend than we wish too....and it seems as though it is only going to get worse....
I love this country we live in, but it has become a society of instant gratification, a "must have it now" and an "I deserve it" mantra. I am no different, I know I struggle with that same attitude, the same worldly desires...the "I want it now" attitude. Some might think that the above statement in 2 Corinthians justifies that attitude -- If we are only here for a short time we might as well make the most of it...take what we can while we can....but Paul actually meant the exact opposite. You might say Huh? How can it mean that....well.......
If you read the preceding chapters and verses and look at the bigger picture, Paul was encouraging the church in Corinth in their faith, that they can praise God for the trails and troubles they go through....to stay the course and not lose sight of Christ. No matter what adversity we face, we can keep going. Paul spoke from experience - he was shipwrecked several times, beaten almost to death several times, hunted, imprisoned, and received a "thorn in his flesh -- a physical affliction of some type that never went away...Paul speaks from experience, he doesn't just speak out of idea..but he speaks out of reality, out of his own personal trials.
Paul in no way encouraged the "get it while you can" motto. Rather, he encouraged us to understand that our troubles should not diminish our faith or dissolution us. we should realize that there is a purpose in our suffering. Problems and human limitations have several benefits 1) they remind us of Christ's suffering for us 2) they keep us from pride 3) they cause us to look beyond this brief life 4) they prove our faith to others, and finally they give God the opportunity to demonstrate his power. We should see our troubles as opportunities not dead ends or bad luck.
I find refuge in the scriptures God has given us to guide and have us live by....I find when my attitude becomes cynical or poor I just need look into the word of God - and I am re-energized...encouraged and refreshed...I pray this is the case for you today as well..
Daddy / Daughter Dance
I had the pleasure of accompanying Natalie to the Brownies Daddy/Daughter Dance this past Friday night. We got dressed up, and headed to Trilogy Country Club for the festivities. When we arrived we took a few pictures, then went inside for our seating and what would turn out to be a very very fun evening. I don't think I have danced that much since Cheryl's and my wedding. Natalie was glowing all night....she was in a beautiful purple dress, and was all over the dance floor once it seemed all the other Dads and Daughters were on the floor. We enjoyed Hawaiian BBQ for dinner, more dancing, cake, and lots more dancing....It was a blast and I pray it is something she remembers for a long time. Here are a few pics from the evening.
Swim Team Events Begin
Saturday morning came rapidly after the Daddy Daughter dance and Preston's awake time in the early am every day....But the Girls really were up to the challenge of the 1st swim meet of the summer. We drove to Clark Park and joined Tempe and Clark Pools for a combined meet against Rio Salado Swim Club. It was Hot, but the heat did not keep them from doing a great job in their events. Both Alexxis and Natalie were right back to where they left off last summer...turning in really good times in their heats and soaring through the water. Payton was a little nervous as this was her 1st meet ever but had no hesitation and did an excellent job -- participating in Backstroke, Breaststroke and freestyle...Coming in 4Th, 3rd and 5Th respectively...She DID GREAT and she loved it. Here are some more pics of the mornings events....
PRESCOTT PINES CAMP or BUST
Alexxis is spreading her wings for the 1st time this week as she took off for Summer Camp today up in Prescott Pines. She is joined by her friends Emily and Maddy for the next 5 days of cooler weather and fun times...We miss her already but we know she is going to have a great time and grow up a bit all at the same time. Here are some of the pre-camp drop off pics.....
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