Almost

I was driving to work one day and I noticed as I looked out my window the trees had started turning yellow. I am always amazed by God’s creation and how on cue the seasons flip channels, if you will. I started looking around at the busyness of the world. Cars were whipping in and out of traffic, people were honking, some were reading (yes and driving), and some were applying lipstick to their faces. Imagine what would happen if someone decided to just stop for no reason. What a mess! But I began to notice a Jeep in front of me with one of those wheel coverings on it and it read “Almost a Landmark.” Of course, it was talking about the company that it was purchased from being almost a landmark but God began to speak to my spirit, “what if Christians had something like that on their cars that said, ‘Almost a Christian.’ How sad would that really be? People are driving around that way, William.” I had to stop thinking for a moment and realize that there are people like that. “It’s time to either be on fire for me or not for me at all.” I really pondered that. Then I was reminded of Laodicea in Revelations 3:15-17, “I know your [record of] works and what you are doing; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth! For you say, I am rich; I have prospered and grown wealthy, and I am in need of nothing; and you do not realize and understand that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” In other words, you are either going to be on fire for God or you are not.
Picture with me a cup of coffee sitting on a countertop. You notice that the coffee pot is on and so you safely assume that it’s a hot cup of coffee. However, you take a sip and it is as cold as ice. You immediately spit it out into the sink. That is how God feels about being “almost” a Christian. Later in the Chapter, Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Could you imagine someone coming over to your house and knocking on the door and you just ignoring them? Ok, except for the annoying sales people. Let me paint another picture. The Pharisees were religious men who were “waiting” on the Messiah to come as the prophets had foretold. Jesus came and knocked on their hearts but they refused to believe that He was the Messiah. Could you now imagine someone you have been waiting for and they knock on the door but you decide not to answer it? I believe we are to be like the high school girl waiting for their prom date to arrive. They don’t just sit in the living room watching television all day, but they prepare themselves for when the time comes. I believe we should be this way for Christ, waiting in anticipation for His coming by and preparing for that event.

May I Help You Please?

Well, you are in luck! Two blogs for the price of one! :) Sara and I have been so busy the past two weeks that I haven't had time. But here we go, another blog and another day. We went on our usual shopping trip on Saturday (the one we go on every pay day) when we were abruptly met with rudeness not from one place but three! Honestly, are you having that bad of a day that you have to treat your customers with such disrespect that you can't even say hello? We went to IGA (our local grocery store) where our checker didn't even crack a smile when we approached her. I cracked a joke but she didn't budge. Nice. I know I m not the funniest person out there but come on...humor me people. We walked toward the exit, the person behind us came up and "Hi! How are you!?" screached the IGA employee. Yes, I am naming companies... Next on our shopping list....Walmart. We get our usual stuff that I won't mention because of the innocent but we went to the "speedy" check out... Not even a smile. She didn't even greet us. Alright. Stop number 3...Aldi's (Save money...loose a smile.) The checker talked with the other customers and when we got up there, she managed a hello...nothing else. Hm.... Stop number 4 (The "Friendliest" Store in town...right..) We finished our shopping trip here with the remainder of our food (the meats and things). We headed towards a clerk when Sara smiled at her, the woman scowled. We went to the self-check line instead. Even the clerk there was short with us, "why are you giving ME the cupon?" when the machine tells us to do so...duh? Anyhow, here you go. Honestly, if you hate your job that much I only ask that you turn your smock in and leave. Simply put.

We had more trouble with our car for a couple of days but it's back to us. Same problem but a better solution! :) IT works!

There's not too much other than that going on, I still love my job and I guess they still love me. I still really really love my wife and she really really loves me.

Have fun tonight people! :)