Do I believe in heaven and hell

Just got word a friend lost her grandfather. I immediately grabbed my phone and sent a text among the things I said was "Find peace knowing he is no longer hurting. Find peace knowing this isnt the end and one day you will see him again". I then thought about what I wrote. When someone dies we are quick to say "well they are in a better place", "they have gone on to heaven" the list goes on and on. I got to thinking what if they arent going to heaven. What if we had to stand at the foot of a grave of someone we truly love knowing they busted the gates of hell wide open. Should this not change the way we do everything we do? Should this not change the way we look at everyone we meet. Should this not encourage to overcome whatever wall stands between us and witnessing to those around us especially those we love. If not maybe we need to dig deep and see if we really believe or not. If we really believe Jesus died for our sins so that we could spend eternity in heaven we must also believe there is an alternative. I dont know this thought has crossed my mind several times over the past few months. Either God is God or he isnt.

John 3:16
Romans 3:23 
Romans 6:23 
Romans 10:13 
Romans 10:9-10

Comfort

In deep pain, people don't need logic, advice, encouragement, or even Scripture. They just need you to show up and shut up.- Rick Warren

I know when my Pappy passed I know that folks praying for us helped get us through. I know the countless text and messages helped through out. On the other hand I know the few people who were there physically though they may not have said a world brought great comfort. I know often times I say "I don't know what to say" well I know that nothing I can say will make it better. I also know im guilty of saying ill pray for you and go about my day. Inside feeling as if I've done my duty. Simply saying if you need anything and then hoping no one ask. In a time of loss there is need. Sometimes that need is just looking over and seeing a face who is there, sometimes it's a hug, sometimes it's a shoulder sometimes it's just knowing they care enough to come.

Relax its worth it.

Today Im reminded of a conversation with my grandfather. In the course of our conversation I was telling him how this was going on and that. I was telling him about how this person ticked me off and was and idiot and this situation ticked me off and that resturant ticked me off. In his style he smiled and looked at me and asked "what do all those idiots and situations have in common?". I thought long and hard because I knew I was about to be bitten in the butt. Sure enough I asked and didnt like the answer it was me. I remember coming home that day and looking back through my FB feed. Everyday I was complaining about this and that and this person and that person. When in reality I was the problem. I cant control anyone but me and my reaction to others. When I get to this point I realize several things 1. This world doesnt revolve around me. 2. I can control how I react to the situation and people around me. 3. The only idiot I can change is the one in the mirror. 4. I can always find a reason to get ticked off but I can find a better reason not too.
About this same time I was talking to my uncle about trying to lower my blood pressure. I thought he was gonna bust his gut laughing. "You have high blood pressure? I never would have guessed." In the words of the great Blues Travelers song "it wont mean a thing in a hundred years". Getting excited about a messed up order or service isnt worth dying from a heart attack.

Stolen Mayberry

Today I realize that with the recent crime in our town that I have lost more than I realized. From 1994-1997 I lived in an apartment two blocks from our current home. During that time I never locked my apartment, slept with the windows up and left the keys in my truck. Lastnight double checked that there was nothing that could be stolen from my jeep and that De had locked her truck. I then armed our new security system and went to bed. Stop signs on Lee st which were once a place to stop and greet someone you know is now a hot spot for robbery. While you once looked for someone to wave to we now look for a predator in the shadows. Countless conversations of folks who have never considered a firearms to protect themselves are now wanting opinions, folks who once walked with ipods now walk with mace or dont walk at all. It sad to say these criminals have just robbed three or four they have robbed my community and small town of its security and peace.

Post election pledge

I can not speak for America. I can say that in four years I am determined to be better off. I will not let politics control this. I will better off physically, spiritually, mentally, financially. I will have stronger relationships. I will focus more on being intentional in everything that I do. I hope to make enemies. A man with no enemies rarely stands for anything. I will focus less on the things that are out of my control. Today I will begin my journey to work harder in everything I do. God guide my steps

Pappy

Aug 20 2012

Today the greatest man I have ever known went home to be with Jesus. At the youthful age of 95 William Douglas Sears or simply Pappy passed away this morning. I am thankful to be able to grow up in his shadow and am thankful for each and every memory we share. I am thankful for each lesson I was taught and I hope to one day see in the mirror half the man he walked out before me. Pappy never was much on goodbyes so I guess its Ill "come when you can" and see you down the road.

 

Aug 23 2012

I remember the day of my Granny's funeral that today the day of Pappy's that I would probably have to be put down unable to carry on. I am thankful that God and Pappy worked it out that he would stick around long enough for me to understand the peace that passes all understanding to surround myself in a strength far greater than myself. Today is one of the hardest days of my life. I am going to tr...

y to celebrate the fact that Pappy hurts no more and is in heaven. All while trying to tell the little boy in me that its ok to hurt its ok to feel like a part of me is gone but that its going to be ok and I will one day walk again in his shadow. To find comfort knowing the stories, memories and lessons will walk with me forever to pass on. Doesnt change the fact that Ill never drive down that sandy drive to see an old Ford truck parked outside the cabin next to the pond only to go in to find the one thing in life that has remained constant. Any man will be your friend when you are right a good man will be your friend when you are wrong. It aint how far or how many times you fall its how strong you stand up. Any place my friend aint welcome I aint got no business being. I dont care if you are right or wrong I will defend you to the death either way I just want the truth. I just want to live one day longer than your Granny so that I can take care of her. You better get papers on her boy before someone comes along that will. I am gonna live to be 100 I have talked to God we have a contract at that time we will renegotiate. I am 95 years old and dont have an enemy in the world, I outlived the "people". oh the sayings go on and on.

 

 

Seasons or seasoning

Sitting here thinking about seasons  Maybe its the fact that Spring has changed into Summer but really its deeper than that. I was sitting in church on Memorial Day weekend and thought of how slim the crowd was. I know that some folks are traveling and some are out of town and others just found things they felt were more important. I realize that Sunday mornings are not about fun or preferences but about worship. I then remember when there was nothing I wanted more than to be in Gods house on Sunday. I would leave at noon on Sunday and honestly was excited about coming back next week. I remember feeling fueled and refreshed and excited. Man the feeling I had I couldnt imagine wanting to be anywhere else and thought wow if everyone felt this way how could they want to be anywhere else either . Songs that gave chills of excitement and lessons and sermons that marinated through out and prepared me for the week. I sit here currently on a Saturday afternoon wondering what has changed? Maybe its more about seasoning that season. Maybe its just a season on my journey. Maybe I need spice for revival. Pondering