A Minute And A Half of God Stuff for 6/30/13 - Audio Podcast

God's timing is always right.  Check out the podcast.  It's quick... and fun!

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Rachel's Outing With Willie of Duck Dynasty

When Rachel suggested to Willie of Duck Dynasty that it would be fun to go see the Celtic Women concert he was a little standoff-ish, at first.

He said, "I ain't much for that kinda' fancy singin'. I'm happy right here wandering through the hardware section of Wal-Mart."

But they went and he was pleasantly surprised.

"It's hauntingly beautiful music," admitted Willie. And he added, "They really do have some lovely harmonies," as he wiped away a tear.

Rachel can be very persuasive.

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff for 6/28/13

This is both fun and encouraging... and it only takes a minute and a half!  Come on, take a listen!


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High Speed Scooter Danger

The senior citizens in Florida are just a bit more aggressive than they are in other parts of the country.  It has something to do with all the extra vitamin D they get from the sunlight. 

…And experts suspect that it may also be linked to constant exposure to no-holds-barred-bingo.

We got a first-hand lesson in this reality tonight while we were shopping.

A woman on a scooter drove straight at Rachel—who was simply standing still.  The aisle in which we were standing was wide enough to accommodate all of us, so, I thought the woman on the scooter would alter her course to the right or to the left and go around Rachel.  But the woman had a steely look in her eye and she kept bearing down on Rachel at speeds of up to 1 or 2 miles per hour.

As I watched all of this unfold it became clear to me that the woman on the scooter was not going to change course, so with no time to spare, I grabbed Rachel by the arm and yanked her off to the side of the aisle.

Then we stood there with our hearts beating quickly, thanking God we were alive.  (You’re nervous just reading about it, huh?)

When the woman on the scooter passed by us—I’m not positive—but I think she said, “Watch it, punks!”

(NOTE:  Okay, I may have made that “watch it, punks” line up in my mind, but, she did say something as she whizzed past us… at speeds of up to 1 or 2 miles per hour.)

A trip to Walmart can involve high speed “scooter danger” here in the sunshine state.

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff for 6/26/13 -- Audio Podcast

God doesn't ever make mistakes, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Check out the podcast for a quick shot of encouragement!

                    Click here for podcast!

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While Standing In Line

I was standing in line, last night, and the couple right behind me in the line was hugging and nuzzling and kissing. 

The situation was a little bit unusual for three reasons.  First, the behavior seemed to be a little bit more “lovey dovey” than would typically happen while standing in a line at a food joint.

Second, the couple was probably in their sixties.  Please don’t misunderstand.  I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a couple in their sixties being romantic.  In fact, I suppose it’s nice that they have such strong feelings.  It’s just that a public physical display like this is usually not typical for a couple their age.

But the third reason that this was unusual was that the couple was in my personal space.  At various times, as the line moved toward the counter, they were literally 4 or 5 inches away from me whispering sweet nothings at each other.  And by virtue of their proximity, sweet nothings at me too, sort of.

At one point, I turned around and smiled at them.  I figured seeing my face just inches from their own would make them self-conscious.

Nope.  It didn’t bother them one bit.  In fact, they just smiled at me and continued doing what came naturally.

I was finally able to order my food but, frankly, it was a bit of a letdown after standing in that line.

[ NOTE:  As you can imagine, I really wanted to take a picture of the couple but it didn’t seem like a good idea.]

Christianity Is Not Safe And Predictable

Because Christianity has been around for a long time some people mistakenly think that following Jesus is safe and predictable.  It’s not.  Following Jesus is good and right.  It’s meaningful and leads to a full, rich, abundant life.  But it’s not safe and predictable.

Happy Father's Day

A number of important life values were passed on to me by my dad without him ever talking much about them.  Instead he passed along these values in a more effective, persuasive and compelling way:  He lived them.  I was truly blessed to have a wonderful, loving, generous, responsible, courageous, honorable father. 

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

When Jesus Talks About Eternal Life

When Jesus talks about eternal life, he’s not just talking about an existence that goes on forever—that’s part of it—but the eternal life that He’s referring to also has to do with the quality of this existence.  It is life that goes on forever in the presence of God.  He’s talking about life forever in a very good way.  He’s talking about an existence that never comes to an end and it’s filled entirely with joy and love—in fact, the experience of sorrow and tears and negative feelings will not happen during this eternal life that Jesus speaks of.  It will be entirely good, sinless, meaningful, exciting and happy.

E-Flash From Dan, June 14, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Next to Christmas and Easter what is the greatest day of celebration on the calendar?  That’s right, you guessed it!  Father’s Day!  Everyone knows that widely accepted fact, right? 

We will be honoring our dads at the services this Sunday (June 16^th) 9am or 11am.  I sure hope you are planning to be here.  You won’t want to miss it.  In fact, why not plan on bringing your dad and we will celebrate and honor our dads together?

If you would like to hear some more details about the services this Sunday, click on the link and take a listen to the “What’s Coming…” podcast with Lisa Roule, Stephanie Chiocca, Nick Chiocca and myself.  (It’s a lot of fun.)

Link….  http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=20130614120646058AF2

Of course, our number one priority is always to worship and honor our Lord.  But, as you know, He has told us to honor our parents and so we will make that a part of our time together this Sunday, too.

I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Love and blessings,

Dan

What's Coming Up 6/16/13 with Dan, Lisa, Stephanie & Nick?

You'll enjoy this podcast.  Click on the link and take a listen!

              Click here for podcast!

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Our Time of Prayer And Fasting

While I am joining with many others from the church (First Church of God, Oak Lawn) in this time of fasting and prayer, today, I am allowing the occasional moments where I feel a bit of hunger—and, therefore, think about food—to be a prompt for me.  I’m using these thoughts to prompt me to pray. 

I am praying continuously throughout the day for the specific people who are on the list that I placed in the “God Box.”  And I am praying for all the names in the “God Box.”  Even though I don’t know the names, I’m lifting them before God.  He knows them.

All of you who are participating in the fasting and prayer with me are on my mind, as well.  Thank you for responding to God’s leading.  Please know that I’m praying for you all today!

God is hearing our prayers, we know that’s true.  Let’s believe that He is going to work in mighty ways!