Our Heavenly Father Is Still Guiding Us

Taken from Deuteronomy 1:29-31

God is still fighting our battles for us. Things we cannot control, we must leave up to Him; do all we can within the abilities. God gave us that burden to carry on despite our limited ability to do it all.
1) it's all about what He says. Verse 29 says not to be afraid. It's up to Him which direction to go in. Look at where God has brought us from (old heads have been there, done that). 
Isaiah 55:11 is a reference point to simply shut up whining and listen!
2) He goes ahead in battle. The Lord your God will fight your battles for you, as proven by all He did in Egypt for the Israelites. See Proverbs 23:19 - whatever is said, consider it done. 
3) Trust Him. The walk through the wilderness could easily have been 80 years instead the 40 year trek around in a circle, ans another generation could perish without seeing freedom. God is going to take care of us like He would a child, always in our best interests.

Father's Day 2013 Thoughts & Tribute

father (fah ther) - a male parent; progenitor; a person who originates or establishes something' paternal protector or provider; a man who exercises paternal care over others

Every third Sunday in June, we celebrate our fathers by giving them their own day - and honoring the man we call dad, pop, daddy, father, paw, pa, pappy, etc. in our own unique ways. Traditionally, dads usually receive a myriad of gifts such as neckties, another hammer, grillmaster apron, a free trip to a random Sunday buffet, new electronics, and so forth as a small token of thanks to the man who is one-half of how we got here and who we inevitably become. As fathers, these men are more often than not overlooked by our culture as little more than modern-day buffoons if not sports-crazed workaholics who seem to constantly bark commands to the progeny of which we know is nothing further from the truth. While they would like to spend some time watching the US Open, NASCAR, the NBA Finals, what our fathers would definitely prefer is to be loved and appreciated. Without the male seeds, how can the world properly function?

Since I don't have my own physical children (yet), I simply sit remember the lessons my dad taught and entrusted me in the event that I do get to be the first role model for a child. From seeing him in the mornings, I know it was hard work! The blessing is twofold: by being there, we not only saw the man every single day and night, but also picked up some great memories. When we were in Scouts, dad would come home worn out from a hard day's work to help us make some of the most aerodynamic Pinewood Derby cars in the history of our pack just from showing him a picture of the car from either a poster or Hot Wheels toy, and two or three weeks later, we would crush the competition. If that's not legendary, then I don't know what is. 

Thank you to my own father, Mr. Kenneth R. Armstrong for everything I've learned over the past 34 1/2 years and all of the memories - and forcing me to grow up the rest of the way. Now that you're a grandfather to Aston, let's see how Alan passes those lessons to Aston. One day, I'll get my crack at it.

Thanks to my brother K. Alan Armstrong for taking care of my nephew. What was a sibling rivalry is now a complementary thing; if Astro even gets half of the memories we did growing up, he's had a heckuva childhood. It's not so much #weallwegot now, but more of being dad (and in my case, uncle). Keep up the super work.

Thanks to my male cousins who are raising kids in their unique situations as married men, single fathers, and even post-divorce. Keep holding down manhood.

Thanks to my bonded brothers for sharing some of their kids' moments with me; as a friend, I'm eternally grateful for that. Your styles may eventually shape how I raise my future ones. 

Thanks to my former students who sometimes looked at me as a role model. I know Mr. Armstrong got on your last nerves, but after being out of the classroom the past year, I do appreciate the relationships we were able to cultivate in addition to being your (favorite) English teacher. 

Thanks to my nephews Joshua and DeShawn for proving that I can do this. I want you both to keep pushing and become real men in a cold, cold world. If there is anything your uncle can do short of spending a boatload of cash, you know I'm there. Period. Of course, turning pro would be a huge help though I'd rather send you out there as balanced, quality men.

Thanks to all of the men I missed, the truly unsung brothers out there. The guys locked up in jail cells, the brothers who have to work extended distances from home, the men who are unable to cherish their babies due to child support issues not limited to visitation rights, the ones we see in Sunday best in our churches, etc. you are appreciated. As I misquote 2Pac, you're appreciated even if no one else cares. 

Grown Up Faith

A Grown Up Faith, James 1:1-4

Many people speak their minds in the manner of being full grown, grownup without recourse of consequences. Some children are more mature than many adults, yet adults have a Peter Pan disorder while the child is more composed. In the church, some people have been there so long that they think they are grown when they are still relying on milk. Meat is good for your nourishment. You are never too old to learn!

Whatever God has for you is intended for you! Therefore, stand unabashed as a loyal servant to Him. Be proud of the position you're given - and always have an ear piqued toward hearing what thus saith the Lord.

A prime example of being disconnected is attending a high school class reunion after so many years. After 10 years away from CHS, I quickly learn that not everyone is on the same page nor travelling in the same linear direction.

1. Addressed as brethren, those of you who are saved to remain wary of the upcoming troubles. To curb it, you MUST have a positive outlook on life. How? Your thinking must reflect the direction not from whence you come, rather where we advance. Not all trouble is negative; often, situations present themselves as a challenge. How we respond is what determines if we are truly grown up or if we still have childish faith.

Grown up faith requires patience. While it is easy to run at the first sign of trouble, it takes a certain level of maturity to breathe. It's not the end of the world; Fabolous and Toni Braxton both remind us to breathe again in so many words. Patience is a virtue with a perfect worth - the things that once bothered you should now be of no concern. You should be able to stand on faith when everything is crumbling around you. 

Superhero In Need

Whatever trouble you were going through, your problems were gone when the hero came around. Remember Darkwing Duck, GI Joe, Ghostbusters, Batman, etc? We have a great high priest as our superhero in God. Jesus came to save his people - who can say Buddha, Confucius did come back? - the Word is quick, a sword.

All you have to do is stop and pray to power up to become a different being. You have to know how to defend the struggles out there. You don't give a recovering alcoholic a bottle of Crown to hold til you get back or lend an addict five dollars for food if you know he's going to get a hit instead.  Like Mario after he eats mushrooms, touches a star, frog suit, winged suit, or leaf, you will change up.

To further expand the thought, visit Ephesians 6:10-19 to understand the whole armor of God. Every day is a test to get it right, give thanks for the good and bad. We need Him every hour.

Is Christ your superhero?