The Blur

Summer ends and the fall season begins with anticipation. Many new things start: tv shows, school, lessons, job, and so much more. It is as if the month of September warrants its self to change. Some of the changes that take place maybe minor, while others maybe significant. Before you know it September has come and gone, and the month of October hits and we are doing our best to be thankful, while trying not to fight against our  selfish desires to get more and more things.

Before long we land at the end of October staring straight into the eyes of winter asking ourself ‘Where has the last two months gone?’

Lately I have felt that life has been on fast-forward and moments have been just a blur. At the end of the day I am left trying to catch my breath and digest what has happen during the day, week, and even month. Finding quite time where i can recharge my spiritual batteries is increasingly more and more difficult.

I have challenged myself to slow down, and not let life be a blur.

Be encouraged today, your not alone in this race called life. Try this week to take some time and slow it down to reflect on what God has done for you.

jh

 

GUYS Get Moving

Guys! Chances are that you have looked in the mirror lately and have utter these words “man I need to get in shape”. And for the most part you do need to get in shape.
Something happens in our thirties that no guy wants to admit. We start to get out of shape, and have gained a little (or a lot) of extra and unwanted pounds. Call it getting older and slower, or call it what it is. You and I would much rather watch a sport than to participate in one. Come on, be honest!

So here a are few tips from a guy (me) who struggles to stay in shape:
1) Don’t try and climb Mount Everest in one day – Small consistent work-outs help out huge – they help you feel a sense of accomplishment instead of discouragement
2) Do something you enjoy – chances are if you hated a particular sport in your twenties you will still hate it in your thirties
3) Stay Accountable – find someone or something that can hold you accountable. This is huge – this is the person that will call you out and make you feel guilty for just sitting around and doing nothing.
4) You Owe It To Yourself – God has given you the body you have – love it, respect it, and take care of it!
So whether it is running, basketball, hockey, football, boxing, or UFC – get out there and start moving.

We here at the ‘the30network’ recognize that this is an issue. So we have started up men’s basketball on thursday nights. Its free, and a great place where you can get your butt off the couch and pretend your in high school again.

Jeff Hackett – the30network guy trying to stay in shape.

Who’s Driving Your Car?

I’m driving westbound on the 401, the traffic is fierce.  It appears that there is an accident in the westbound express lanes that is backing up the highway for miles.
At this rate it could take likely 1 hour to get to work instead of the estimated 20 minutes.  I feel prompted to get off and take the side roads, then rejoin the highway beyond the accident site, this will likely save a lot of time.  But my response is to stay in the traffic.  STAY IN THE TRAFFIC!  Why?  Because I am simply too lazy to get off.
Is that our response sometimes when the Lord asks us to do something, No?  because we are just too lazy!  Isn’t it better to trust Him?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.
Well when I came to my senses, I got off the highway, went down the side roads and rejoined the highway past the accident site. I made it to work in 20 minutes.
Just think, if I had obeyed earlier, I would have been on time for work!

Deion Weir – the30network blogger

Life!

As I watched some of the proceedings about the officer who was killed in the line of duty Constable Garrett Styles, it made me realize a couple of things about life yet again;

1 -Life is too short
2 –You don’t know when it’s your time to go
3 –Now is the time to get together and celebrate life

Let’s not wait for tragedy to hit before we come together. This officer was young, in fact my age. He had a beautiful wife, and 2 adorable children (a toddler and baby). In a moment his life was taken away and life for his wife Melissa & children changed forever. She never got to say goodbye, say I love you; he didn’t get a chance to hold his children or wife one last time. Let’s not take this life for granted. Let’s not assume that everyday will be the same old, same old. Love your spouse, love your children, cherish each moment. If we knew the date of our deaths, or our loved ones deaths (I know that sounds freaky) I’m sure we would make every effort to make the most of each moment. Tell your friends/family you love them & stop making excuses for not getting together with them. Don’t let your first visit in a long time with a friend/family be at their funeral. Really – is that the way you want to see them again? I think not.

I am thankful for you my friends and family. I am so thankful that you are in my life. I know that I don’t see a lot of you often but that doesn’t mean that you’re not thought of and loved.  Even though we may live in different areas, attend different churches, it doesn’t mean that I don’t consider you a friend or care about your life. You are loved and I pray for God’s hand to be over your life, your children’s life, and that each day you will truly look at it as a gift from God.

Blessings to you all and let us start celebrating life now and cherishing each moment that the Lord blesses us with in this life. May we make a positive impact, love others, and reach out to those who don’t know God.  Now is the time – not later.

By Tricia McKenley

The Garden

I am proud to say that I finally have my garden in an acceptable condition.  As a first time home owner I did not really know what it took to maintain a garden.  But I saw quickly how if left untouched how quickly weeds could take over.
The first weed that was brought to my attention was in the front yard, I quickly sprung into action to ensure that people passing by would not see any disgraceful weeds in my yard, after all I was new to the neighborhood and needed to make a good impression.  Well I did not really pay any attention to the backyard until I felt it was time to start `gardening`.  Well to my surprise growing in the back was the worlds largest weed.  I`m really not sure if I could call it a weed, it was more like a tree, probably something from the fairytale `Jack and the Beanstalk`.  This thing was tall and large.  I could not believe that all this time I was taking care of the front appearance I was neglecting to take care of this over grown weed that was hiding neatly behind an evergreen tree in the back.
It made me think how often we can concentrate on looking good to others, but neglect our own spiritual garden that may have big weeds that God the gardener is waiting to take down.  Well take down is exactly what I did!  I finally was able to construct a very lovely garden, if I do say so myself.

Deion Weir

Summer Time…

A Conversation about ‘Challenge’