THREE CHORDS & THE TRUTH: WAITIN' ON A WOMAN

"Country Music is three chords and the truth." - Harlan Howard

 

 

WAITIN' ON A WOMAN
Writer: Wynn Varble and Don Sampson

Sittin' on a bench at West Town Mall
He sat down in his overalls and asked me
You waitin' on a woman
I nodded yeah and said how 'bout you
He said son since nineteen fifty-two I've been
Waitin' on a woman

When I picked her up for our first date
I told her I'd be there at eight
And she came down the stairs at eight-thirty
She said I'm sorry that I took so long
Didn't like a thing that I tried on
But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty
Yeah she'll take her time but I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

He said the wedding took a year to plan
You talk about an anxious man, I was nervous
Waitin' on a woman
And then he nudged my arm like old men do
And said, I'll say this about the honeymoon, it was worth it
Waitin' on a woman

And I don't guess we've been anywhere
She hasn't made us late I swear
Sometimes she does it just 'cause she can do it
Boy it's just a fact of life
It'll be the same with your young wife
Might as well go on and get used to it
She'll take her time 'cause you don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

I've read somewhere statistics show
The man's always the first to go
And that makes sense 'cause I know she won't be ready
So when it finally comes my time
And I get to the other side
I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any
I hope she takes her time, 'cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman
_________________________________________

Thankful for my wife and daughter!

I am so blessed!!

"Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind Waitin' on a Woman!"

Soli Deo Gloria,
allan

2 PRINCIPLES, 1 PARADOX (3 Great Books From Randy Alcorn)

LIFECHANGE BOOKS by Multnomah

small books BIG CHANGE

These books live up to the their billing.  LIFECHANGE BOOKS & small books BIG CHANGE!

These small books from Randy Alcorn address three key areas: Money or Finances, Purity and Christlikeness (Grace & Truth). Each book is packed full of biblical truth. Money, Purity and Christlikeness, who doesn't need to be challenged and encouraged from God's word in these areas. If you invest a small amount of time and read these books, you will find that your investment will pay great dividends in your life and in the life of your family.  I highly recommend you make the investment. _ ah

The Treasure Principle

Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving

DISCOVER A JOY MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD!

The Purity Principle

God's Safeguards for Life's Dangerous Roads

A Higher Pleasure Is Within Reach!

The Grace and Truth Paradox

Responding with Christlike Balance

 

GRACE OR TRUTH... OR BOTH?

______________________________________________

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries and the author of many award-winning and bestselling books. He and his wife, Nanci, live in Gresham, Oregon, and have two grown daughters, Karina and Angela. 

ARE YOUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER?

Are your priorities in order? A good question to ask anytime, but especially at the beginning of a new year. 

Below is a resource I came across in the book "Confident Parenting" that provides a guideline for reflecting on the different components of your life. Are you being intentional about the Legacy you are leaving behind? Do you want more of Jesus in 2012?  MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER IN 2012!

Soli Deo Gloria,
ah
"Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God." William Carey

_____________________________________________________

Keeping all of the different components of your life in order is no easy task.  For your sake – and for the sake of your family – evaluating your priorities is an important step in keeping your life on track.

1. Relationship with God

Are you loving the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind?  (Matthew 22:37,38)

Are you seeking first His kingdom and righteousness?  (Matthew 6:33)

Are you spending regular time in prayer and in His word?

Are you growing in Christ-like character? Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) and Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

2. Relationship with your spouse

Are you loving your spouse sacrificially and unconditionally as Christ loved the church? (Ephesians 5:25-28)

Are you meeting your spouses’ needs?

*          Emotional

*          Physical

*          Spiritual

*          Romantic

What would your spouses’ answer be?

3. Family

How often does your family only receive your leftover emotional scraps?

Do you view your children as gifts from the Lord? (Ps. 127:3)

Are you encouraging your children, are you comforting them, are you urging them to live lives worthy of the Lord? (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Are you taking the responsibility and privilege of mentoring your children in their faith? (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Are you loving, enjoying, and spending sufficient time with your children? How about your extended family?

4. Work

Are you being a good steward of the gifts, opportunities, and resources God has entrusted you with in your work for the benefit of God's kingdom? (Matt. 25:14-30)

Are you enjoying your work as a gift from God?  (Ecclesiastes. 3:22)

5. Ministry

Is your involvement in ministry …

*          Appropriate to your giftedness?

*          Sufficient (too little/ too much)?

*          Fruitful?

*          Rewarding? (Ephesians. 4:11-12 & 16)

Are you active in reaching the lost world for Christ? (Matt. 28:18-20)

6. Friends

Are you spending and enjoying time with good friends?

7. Personal

Do you like the person you are becoming?

How is your health and physical fitness?

Are you continuing to grow mentally?

Are you spending time and developing personal interests or hobbies?

Are your priorities in order?

by Jim Burns, Ph.D.

More resources from Jim Burns, Ph.D. available at HomeWord.com

The Dash Between Your Dates

Charles Spurgeon said "Dying is but going home. Indeed, there is no dying for the saints." Six years ago today my Daddy went home.  This post is in memory of him.  He made his dash count. I will see him on the other side when it is my time to go home. - ah

 

"A beginning and an ending, dates upon a stone

But the moment in the middle is how we will be known

Cause what defines us can be found within a line

Finding reason for our time"

... What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes

James 4:14 (ESV)

What will you do with the dash between your dates?

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

only what's done for Christ will last."

- C.T. Studd

"The measure of life is not its duration but its donation." - Peter Marshall

"Great beginnings are not as important as the way one finishes." - Dr. James Dobson

We must be intentional if we want to finish well. Remember Luke 9:23:

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23 (ESV)

chorus:

And the years go by, how they seem to fly

They’ll all be over soon

When our life is done, did we live and love

The way we wanted to

Cause everyday that we leave behind

Goes on to tell the truth

Of how we lived in the line between the two

The line between the two

So teach us to number out days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalms 90:12 (ESV)

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,   making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:15-16 (ESV)

"Will I walk straight, will I be true

Will I finish strong

Will I stand up for the moment

When I could right a wrong

Because the legacy we have will never change

It’s how we spend our days"

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

1 Cor 16:13 (ESV)

In 2 Chronicles 26 we read about the life of King Uzziah.  Uzziah started strong. In verses 1-5 we find him seeking the Lord. In verses 6-15 we see the Lord giving him success, but in verse 16 his life takes a tragic turn. Through all of his success and blessings from the Lord "when he was strong" Uzziah grew proud and it led to his downfall in verses 16-23. 

But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.

2 Chron 26:16 (ESV)

"I could live a life for just myself

Or I could live a life for someone else

But I’ll live and die just to hear

You say

Well done my son come and be with Me"

 

The question is less "what is God's plan for my life?" and more "how does my life best fit into God's plan?" - Alvin Reid

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.
Psalms 71:17-18 (ESV)

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.   I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

2 Tim 4:6-8 (ESV)

Be determined to make your dash count! Have a battle plan and be intentional about finishing strong.  Be able to say with Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Don't be like Uzziah. Remember it is not how you start but how you finish. FINISH STRONG!

The song "The Line Between The Two" was written by Mark Harris, Jeff Moseley & Pete Kipley. 

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

Courageous

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Josh 1:8-9 (ESV)

Casting Crown's new song & video:

Courageous

(movie in theaters September 30, 2011)

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 (ESV)

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

When Father Reads the Book

Happy Father's Day!
Father's Day Checkup:  Are you protecting your family?  Are you providing for your family? Are you leading your family spirtually?  Are you standing on the Word of God?  Fathers Day can be a good time to evaluate and make adjustments in how you are leading your family. Stay Strong & Stay in the Word!

When Father Reads the Book
by G. E. Foster

In these days of rush and bustle
When we hurry off to work,
I’m reminded of those early times
When father read the Book.
When father read the Book.
As we each our places took
Round the dear old family altar
When father read the Book.

O those dear old Bible stories,
Psalms that flowed like rippling brook;
Warnings, promises, and precepts
Lived, as father read that Book.
As father read the Book.
Satan’s kingdom round us shook,
And our Savior early claimed us
Because father read the Book.

O they say it was old-fashioned,
And what waste of time ‘twould look
To now take half-an-hour
To let father read the Book.
But as father read the Book,
Blessed thought in our minds stuck;
And the day went so much better
Just ‘cause father read the Book.

Oft I’m troubled as I journey
On toward heav’n with upward look,
To see families all about me
Grow up without father’s Book.
Let father read the Book,
Kneel and pray and read the Book;
Your home will be so different
If your father reads the Book.

_____
Thankful that my Daddy was a man who read the Book! Thankful that God and family were priorities for him. Thankful for his example, for his sacrifice, for his love for his wife and his children. I could go on and on for he was a great father. He went home to heaven in 2005 and I still miss him. Looking forward to seeing him again some sweet day! 

Soli Deo Gloria
ah


Psalm 119 - All 176 verses in Psalm 119 stress the written Word of God.  The Holy Scriptures are profitable in every way and able to meet every need in time and eternity.


All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Tim 3:16-17 (ESV)

"Let Our Hearts Be Stout" (F.D.R.'s D-Day Prayer)

This is the prayer written by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as Allied troops were invading German-occupied Europe during World War II. This prayer was a National Radio Address delivered on the evening of D-Day, June 6, 1944, while American, British and Canadian troops were fighting on the coast of Normandy in northern France.
My Fellow Americans:

Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.

And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest -- until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.

For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

And for us at home -- fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them -- help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.

Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

Give us strength, too -- strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.

And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keeness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment -- let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace -- a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

Thy will be done, Almighty God.

Amen.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt - June 6, 1944

Created in Christ Jesus for good works

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.    Eph 2:10 (ESV)

We Will Work Till Jesus Comes

Elizabeth Mills

(1805-1829)

O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by
And dwell in peace at home?

We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.

To Jesus Christ I fled for rest;
He bade me cease to roam,
And lean for comfort on His breast
Till He conduct me home.

We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.

I sought at once my Savior’s side;
No more my steps shall roam.
With Him I’ll brave death’s chilling tide
And reach my heav’nly home.

We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.



____________________________________

Mr. Meant-To has a comrade,

And his name is Didn't Do;

Have you ever chanced to meet them?

Did they ever call on you?

These two fellas live together

In the house of Never-Win,

And I'm told that it is haunted

By the ghost of Might-Have-Been.

"Work while it is called today, for you know not how much you may be hindered tommorrow.  One today is worth two tommorrows; never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."  - Benjamin Franklin

________________________________________________

Work for the Night Is Coming

Annie L. Coghill

1836–1907

1. Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work 'mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.

2. Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon;
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.

3. Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies;
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work till the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more;
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man's work is o'er.

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

Family Worship: Why? & How?

"As goes the home, so goes the church, so goes the nation.  Family worship is a most decisive factor in how the home goes. 

Family worship is not the only factor, of course.  Family worship is not a substiture for other parental duties.  Family worship without parental example is futile.   Spontaneous teaching that arises throughout a typical day is crucial, yet set times of family worship are also important. Family worship is the foundation of biblical child-rearing."  - Joel Beeke

"It is highly honorable to family-worship, as a spiritual service, that it languishes and goes into decay in times when error and wordliness make inroads into the church." - James W. Alexander (1804 - 1859)

Jason Helopoulos has written a series on Family Worship at the Gospel Coalition Blog.  I have included links to the two articles below.

WHY?

Most evangelical Christians are aware of the importance of secret and corporate worship, but fewer have even heard of family worship. What is family worship? It is pretty simple. Tonight, sit down with your family on the couch or at the dinner table. And then . . . pray together, read the Bible together, and sing a great hymn of the faith together. There are many reasons for doing family worship, but let us just mention a handful.

Click here to continue reading: 11 Reasons To Worship With Your Family

HOW?



Few of us who grew up in homes that practiced family worship. So let’s look at a few practical helps that may aid our families in this new journey.

Click here to continue reading: The What, When, and How of Family Worship

____

"As for me and my house,
we will serve (worship) the LORD"
ah

Are Your Priorities In Order?

How are you doing?  Are you fininshing 2010 strong or are you limping to the finish line?
The end of the year is always a good time to reflect on the year that is ending and make adjustments for the new year.  Below is a resource I came across in the book "Confident Parenting" that provides a guideline for reflecting on the different components of your life. Are you being intentional about the Legacy you are leaving behind?

Soli Deo Gloria
ah

_______________________________________________

Keeping all of the different components of your life in order is no easy task.  For your sake – and for the sake of your family – evaluating your priorities is an important step in keeping your life on track.

1. Relationship with God

Are you loving the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind?  (Matthew 22:37,38)

Are you seeking first His kingdom and righteousness?  (Matthew 6:33)

Are you spending regular time in prayer and in His word?

Are you growing in Christ-like character? Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) and Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

2. Relationship with your spouse

Are you loving your spouse sacrificially and unconditionally as Christ loved the church? (Ephesians 5:25-28)

Are you meeting your spouses’ needs?

*          Emotional

*          Physical

*          Spiritual

*          Romantic

What would your spouses’ answer be?

3. Family

How often does your family only receive your leftover emotional scraps?

Do you view your children as gifts from the Lord? (Ps. 127:3)

Are you encouraging your children, are you comforting them, are you urging them to live lives worthy of the Lord? (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Are you taking the responsibility and privilege of mentoring your children in their faith? (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Are you loving, enjoying, and spending sufficient time with your children? How about your extended family?

4. Work

Are you being a good steward of the gifts, opportunities, and resources God has entrusted you with in your work for the benefit of God's kingdom? (Matt. 25:14-30)

Are you enjoying your work as a gift from God?  (Ecclesiastes. 3:22)

5. Ministry

Is your involvement in ministry …

*          Appropriate to your giftedness?

*          Sufficient (too little/ too much)?

*          Fruitful?

*          Rewarding? (Ephesians. 4:11-12 & 16)

Are you active in reaching the lost world for Christ? (Matt. 28:18-20)

6. Friends

Are you spending and enjoying time with good friends?

7. Personal

Do you like the person you are becoming?

How is your health and physical fitness?

Are you continuing to grow mentally?

Are you spending time and developing personal interests or hobbies?

Are your priorities in order?

by Jim Burns, Ph.D.

More resources from Jim Burns, Ph.D. available at HomeWord.com