Being Exceptional with Exceptions

Here's one of the things about the life and legacy of David that has become more real to me:  he was exceptional with an exception.  He lived a life that was pleasing to God and he accomplished his purpose in his generation.  I think if I can say I've done that as I take my last breath, my life was a success.  But David messed up by pursuing Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah killed.  His exception.  His sin.

But there are times when I inventory my life and think, "How can I be exceptional?".  I'm flawed beyond being able to accurately put into writing just how flawed.  I could be exceptional.  But.  But I'm not.  Or at least I don't feel like I am.  How can I be like all of these incredible people and heroes of the faith in the Bible?

So how was David exceptional?  Well, for the sake of brevity in this post, he killed a giant in battle as a teenager with a slingshot and a smooth rock.  I've heard this story for years and somehow the thought that the rock was guided by God to kill Goliath to position David to be king overshadowed other parts of the story.  Don't get me wrong.  I know God fulfilled his part of the equation.  I just don't think that the day on the battle field was the genesis of David's path to significance.  What about the times when David was out tending to sheep and perfecting throwing a rock with a slingshot?  When there was no lofty goal of pursuing becoming king, only being pleasing to the King of kings?  Those are the times that David's heart was formed and made to long after God. And that is what I believe is what made David exceptional:  his heart after God. 

So what about the exceptions?  Yes, David messed up.  Badly.  He grieved the heart of God with his sin.  But he didn't allow his mistake to define him.  I can mess up but I don't have to let my mistake define me.  It is imperative as we walk through the obstacles of this life that we are quick to repent and quick to move on while remembering the price that was paid to forgive us of our sins.  Living in the freedom that God gives is only obtainable if we allow ourselves to be free of the guilt and shame.  Yes, we are all flawed.  Yes, we have all made mistakes.  Yes, many of us have made horrible mistakes, but God is bigger than all of those things.  There is a Redeemer who has paid the price for us to be exceptional.  Our sins and exceptions can become only slight footnotes of the story of our life to bring glory to God.

Let's not let the exceptions of our lives define us.  Rather, let us purify our hearts, pursue God, and let him lead us into the dreams He has given us to accomplish exceptional things.

Cutting the Cord

Somewhere along the way, I became convinced that I was paying too much for cable..  The countless articles I've read about other and cheaper ways to receive content at home finally influenced me to give it a go.  Now let it be said that cable providers in my experience have been gouging customers for a while.  At least that's my opinion.

So after about a month of being cable-less and cutting the cord, here are my oberservations:

•  There have been times that I've searched for some background noise to interrupt my peace and quiet around the home.  Problem solved:  3 year olds are very gifted at this.
• I've never considered myself much of a reader.  Not having so much TV has actually helped me to discover that I enjoy reading more than I previously gave myself credit for.  Several books down.  The bookshelf is not so foreign anymore.
• Overall, I don't miss TV and cable as much as I thought I would.
• My biggest challenge:  ESPN withdrawals.  I've never been hooked on crack but I would imagine that withdrawals have to be something similar to my nights without SportsCenter.
• Netflix is the bomb-diggity.  Great value.  Lots of content.  Lots of programming for kids.  The kids haven't missed a beat.  If anything, it's helped because we have more control over what we put on for them.
• I admit that the ESPN streaming app or channel or whatever it is called on XBox Live is impressive.  It's a shame that it isn't available on other platforms.  Since Apple and ABC/Disney seem to be tightly knit together, wouldn't it only make sense for ESPN to become the Netflix of the streaming sports content (and not be restricted to Live)?  Do you hear me in Bristol?  Puh-leeze make this happen.  Offer me an option for the full ESPN content as a streaming service.  Make it happen.  Yesterday.  And for $8/month or less.
• I just picked up a digital antenna to pickup local stations.  I should know soon whether this will provide me with quality, local programming.  The feedback I've gotten from others for this seem to make it sound worthwhile.

So there you have it.  Until cable decides to be more reasonable in pricing plans for customers, I'm content with other options.  That is, unless the ESPN crack demon takes over and forces me to re-up with cable.

And A New Adventure Begins

For those of you who don't already know, I want to get you in the loop on some recent changes in our lives.  And the reason I'm sharing this is not soley for informational purposes.  My reason for sharing this is because I'm asking you to keep us in your prayers.

Just get to the point already, right?  OK, here goes:  Miriam and I have committed to serve as the children's pastors at our church.  There are only a couple roles or areas in ministry that we have not done together before and one of those just so happens to be children's ministry.  I guess it is only fitting that we fill out our resume with a new adventure.

I'm not at all intimidated by this challenge.  Quite the opposite.  I'm confident that God has led us to where we are and that He is equipping us to do what He wants us to do.  Besides, loving kids and loving people are easy!

As God brings us to your remembrance, pray that God anoints us and blesses us to reach the children in our community and surrounding areas.  We know that when a child's heart is captured with the love of Jesus, families are impacted as a result.  When families are impacted, a community is impacted.  When communities are changed, cites and then states and then countries are changed.  Let the change begin!

"The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them."

 --Mark 10:13-16 (Message)