My first "blogger' book review, One of the Few by Jason Ladd

Having seen my name on another book blogging site, Mr. Ladd reached out to me, looking for an early review. Because I did not have an e-reader and was not interested in reading an entire book on a phone screen, he was kind enough to send me this very nice hard cover copy, including his signature on the title page. I must confess, I have not read the entire book. In fact, I have read a few pages short of half of the book.

Mr. Ladd is a Marine and for his service to our country I am grateful. In this autobiographical book, he shares the real life experiences of a young man making life decisions and navigating a career in the military, and then relates those experiences to a biblical truth regarding his relationship with Christ, making this a very practical book. Unfortunately for me, the book just didn't flow. The constant "herky-jerkiness" of the back and forth of real life to spiritual application and back again throughout the book made it difficult for me to stay with it. Additionally, the author's regular use of military terms and acronyms made for a challenging read to a non-military person like me.

Even though some of the practical applications drawn from the events of his life were, in my opinion, a bit of a stretch, his description of them was both interesting and enlightening. I feel that this book was written to a specific audience, of which I am not a member. I would strongly recommend this book to any with a military background. The accounts and unique spiritual discoveries would be a tremendous encouragement, especially if the reader is on their own spiritual journey toward/with Christ. Their understanding of the environment and acronyms will serve as a help to identify with the author and connect with his challenges. At this time of year, and any other time, this would be a great resource to give a soldier in your life. It will certainly offer clarity in a world of confusion for those seeking honest answers to life's tough questions.

Where do I go next?

Yesterday was my 47th birthday, which makes today the last day of November, the month that so many use to express their thankfulness. My eldest child posted a happy birthday message on my Facebook wall, along with a picture that is around 16 or 17 years old. I didn't even know it existed. As one of the coaches of her T-ball team, I was coaching at first base. She obviously has successfully hit the ball and stands securely at first base, looking for the next base to run to and I am pointing it out to her. Being Bethany's ball coach for around nine years was one of the funnest things in my life. It gave me a lot of time with her and it gave me a tremendous thought today.

If you are a daddy, I hope you feel the same way about it as I do. Personally, I think "Daddy" is the about the greatest title a man can hold. I have savored every minute of it. Of course, now it's usually "Dad" and I've added a couple young men to the list of individuals that call me such, but it's still great. Daddy and coach are pretty similar if you take the title seriously. For instance, take this picture...

As I stood at first base, Bethany stood at "home" with her first goal in mind, get to first base. When she reached first, although it isn't evident in this picture, I am sure there was a lot of congratulating and celebrating. By the way, there's also a big bunch of pride in the both of us once that goal is reached. I can almost hear the question, " Daddy, where do I go next?". Ergo, the picture of me pointing to second base, the next goal. Since this is T-ball we are talking about, I am sure that once her eyes were fixed on that goal and the first base coach sent her, she achieved that next goal.

From her position at "home", I have had the ultimate privilege to see goals placed before her, either by her or by me, and watched her successfully reach them. I have congratulated and celebrated so many times, I could not count them. I have also had innumerable opportunities to stand (or squat) beside her and answer the question, "Daddy, where do I go next?" and point her in the right direction and send her off. I have been blessed to be a part of every major decision that she has made. I do not take that for granted. It has been a highlight of my life.

Well, my little T-baller grew up and now she is playing some "major league" life. Again, after much coaching, she got up to bat...this time the goal wasn't as clear, but it became clear when she met him. With Mom and Dad's prayers and God's help, she reached that goal too. She's standing securely on first base, engaged to a great young man, and I'm still standing right there with her...and now we're both looking at "what's next". On March 18, I'm going to walk her down the aisle, but before I do, perhaps I'll stop for a moment and just for old times sake, whether she asks or not, and I'll just point to what (or rather, who) is next before I send her off. It'll probably be all that I can do while I cry tears of love, congratulations, and celebration. And as she rounds that next base, her eyes will fix on the next man, waiting to stand with her, set new goals, and celebrate all of her successes.

But hey, I'm still on the team, so I'll celebrate them too. This November, I am so thankful for the blessing of fatherhood and the children that made it a reality. If I may offer advice...take the title seriously, teach and direct accordingly, celebrate the successes, and always, always be there for the next, "Daddy, where do I go next?"

One of the most influential people in my life

For nearly 27 years, I have called her Mom, and as such she has, for every one of those years, been a teacher, guide, cheerleader, prayer warrior, example, and friend. Just as a mom should, she has corrected me, advised me, cried with me, prayed for me, and most tenderly loved me. But more importantly, she has done the same and more in the life of my wonderful wife, as her devoted mother. Those who know me know I am not a fan of the term "in-law". When I married Jennifer Burroughs, I inherited a family with no dashes or strings attached. Jen's mom is my mom. I propose a better reference to replace MIL. How about MOMS, Mother Of My Spouse?

I am grateful for her and have chosen today to express as much because tomorrow is her birthday. But this is no attempt to butter her up or gain brownie points. I finished that during our courting years when I wrote in a Mother's Day card, "My dad told me if I want to know what my wife will look like, just look at her mother. If that is true, then I am a lucky man." Pretty good, huh? That might not be exactly what I wrote, but it is very close and most of all, it worked. I have been putty in her hands ever since. No, I did not mix that up ;) My actual intention is to raise awareness of the tremendous good our MOMS are and do, yet their reputation does not reflect that. Believe me, I have seen and heard why. MOMS, in many cases, have not aided their cause. Unfortunately, these bad apples have spoiled the bunch. So if you have a good and godly MOMS, say as much. Certainly say it to her. She has doubly influenced your life for the good, in raising a husband or wife who loves Christ and you, and then she has taken you in and lead and loved you as her own. At least, that is what she has done in my life. Now take that understanding and, while you have time and opportunity, give honor where honor is due. Don't allow society to dictate how you talk about her. Don't give in to the assumption that "mother-in-law" jokes and insults are normal. MOMS and future MOMS, don't live up to this "popular belief". Influence your children for good. Their future wife/husband will be blessed by your efforts. If you are already in this position, use your influence to encourage and mentor a well-lived life. You can have that kind of influence if you refrain from complaining, interfering, and bossing.

So Happy Birthday (a day early) Mom. I love and appreciate you. You have been an example to my wife, to me, and I have to assume, to many other ladies who have endeavored to serve the Lord and raise a godly generation.

A new way to look at the scripture

I am not very good at developing "click bait" titles to bring in the traffic, but maybe today's got you. No, I am not getting ready to espouse some updated attempt to translate scripture. I am getting ready to tell you how my devotion time has been helped and blessed by looking at the scriptures through a specific set of lenses. Perhaps your devo time has gotten a bit stagnant, mired by the habit of it all. I know some people that like to rotate how they do or what they read during their private time with the Lord each day. Wait...You DO have a private time with the Lord each day, RIGHT? Well, if you don't, you may not even know where to begin so keep reading.

But you should have a private (=intimate) time with this person you say you love and who loves you most dearly.

Over the last several weeks, a few points have emerged from my devo time and I have been literally writing them down and responding to them. To the point, here they are with a little explanation.

• Personal Impression...Did you know that the Lord Jesus Christ can seen on every page of your Bible. He should. He is the Word. John 1:1 tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." A pastor friend of mine is spending every day of this year presenting Jesus from the pages of the Bible, even from the Old Testament. It's a very good video series that you can find on this Facebook page. During your time in God's word, realize the personal impression of Jesus in the passage. What attribute, characteristic, or quality do you see? Is there a picture or type of Jesus? An easy example would be Psalm 23 where the Lord is pictured as a shepherd leading, providing, and protecting. 

• Practical Implication...The Bible can be broken into some very distinctive segments: poetry, history, prophecy, and several others. In every one of those portions of scripture there is a encouragement to be found to help you live a life that would lift up Christ and glorify God. In our example of Psalm 23, the first verse says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." What practical action can I take to more live a fuller and richer life for the glory of God? from this verse, I can begin to live a life of contentment and gratitude. Or perhaps the implication there is to stop complaining. Listen, the Bible is a great read, but James says in his book in chapter 1 and verse 22, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

• Prayer Imperative...If the Bible is God speaking to you, and it is, then the appropriate response is to speak back. "I don't know what to say." I know. Many times, I do not either. When I do know what to say, it becomes a "Christmas Wish List" of blessings here and there. The psalmist wrote, "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name" in Psalm 138:2. God has magnified His word above His own name. That tells me that this word is probably His favorite thing to hear. What better words could be used to pray than His own? As you read, be aware of the things God is revealing about himself, about your self, things that you should be praying about. Perhaps you are convicted of sin. Note that and in prayer, confess it. Maybe you see something you should be or should be doing. Give it to the Lord in prayer. Again, from our example, you might pray, "Lord, help me to be obedient and submitted to your will as you lead me in paths of righteousness and may I learn to trust you and not fear, knowing your presence is always with me."

I hope that you can use these three "lenses" to view your Bible reading through and that as you see Jesus revealed, as well as Bible truth for your life, you would go to the Lord in prayer. This certainly is not the only or best way to study the Bible, but it has sure been helpful for me and I pray this perspective helps you.