Every Soldier's Battle

For several years, Holly and I have supported New Life Ministries. During that time we have both been richly and forever blessed by New Life. One of the areas of ministry that New Life touches many lives is through the Every Man's Battle books and seminars. For men struggling with sexual integrity, this can be life changing. New Life is beginning a campaign called Every Soldier's Battle, and is hoping to touch the lives of our soldiers everywhere. Please consider following the links that I provided and making a donation to this great cause. As you will see, a small donation will go a long way in providing valuable resources to both men and women in our armed services who are waging a daily battle for sexual integrity.

Be good

Happy Birthday, Holly!

Today is my wife's birthday. Holly is an incredible woman. She is beautiful, thoughtful, kind, loving, sexy, generous, Godly, forgiving, patient, joyful, peaceful, fun, romantic, gentle, nurturing, strong, humble, happy, trustworthy, faithful and supportive. I really could go on for quite some time. She is truly a woman of Proverbs 31, and I am indeed blessed to be her husband. I have taken portions of this passage and pasted it below. This is how I feel about Holly, taken from the New Living Translation:

A Wife of Noble Character

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She will not hinder him but help him all her life...She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She watches for bargains; her lights burn late into the night. Her hands are busy...She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes...She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Our New Addition

Here he is, our new addition. That's my son, Braden with him. When Sabella had to be put down we told Cara-Lee that she could name the new kitten. Holly and I wanted to name him Simon. Cara-Lee didn't like it. Then I came up with Toonces (of Saturday Night Live fame - the driving cat). The whole family thought that was a great name. However, the girl didn't approve. How about Napoleon? No. I think she didn't like these names because we all did.

The new cat's name? Muta. This is the name of a fat cat on an obscure film called The Cat Returns, which was made by Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of Spirited Away. Its a cute film and worth a watch.

Did I REALLY Nail That to the Cross?

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to the cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:24-25 (NLT)

Wow. I read this this morning and I began to question myself. "Did I really nail that to the cross? Or am I back at the cross trying to pull it back off for my own use?" God, I hope not. (That is a prayer, not a vain comment)

When my sin gets nailed to the cross, it is no longer mine. Sometimes I want it for myself again. Just for a few minutes, please? But it is no longer completely mine. I share it with One who knows everything about me and loves me anyway. Not my earthy wife, but my spiritual and eternal Husband. I am His bride and it is my desire to please Him - to present myself pure and holy to Him.

Do I still wrestle with sin? Yes. I argue, quarrel, lust, get jealous, get angry, desire the praise of this world, the list could go on. What is different is that I do not wrestle alone. There He is in the ring with me. No longer is He behind the ropes looking in yelling for me, cringing every time I get pinned down, waiting for the count and my defeat. He is in the ring with me, strengthening me for the rest of the fight.

Have YOU nailed your sin to the cross but find yourself looking back for it? Remember, it is no longer yours.

Be good.