Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

This mindset is prevalent in so many areas of life. Students compete for the top grade point average and class ranking. Athletes compete for the highest jump, the lowest time, or the most wins. Businessmen and women compete for lucrative deals and influential positions. We crave the benefits and the honor of being recognized for rising to the top and nothing will stand in our way to achieve this goal. There is not much room for encouraging and building others up because this could cause us to lose our edge.

Today was a beautiful day! After quite a few weeks of rain, the warm sun caressed the earth and teased me through the office window. Finally, I could stand it no longer and took an hour to go home for lunch. Gulping down my salad I ventured out into the front flowerbed to pull some weeds and soak in the rays. Imagine my surprise when I knelt down to attack the unwanted vegetation to find myself peering into the wide eyes of a toad. Hidden away within the soil this little guy had dug a hole and burrowed into the ground. His skin color matched the dirt and he could hardly be seen but for the brown unblinking eyes staring up at me.

Have you ever run in the rain? Nathan did last night. He along with many other student athletes participated in our District track meet. Instead of the sunny mid 70s weather of May that we were all hoping to enjoy, the temperature was chilly and the sky was overcast. Part way through the meet the rain began to fall, but the races continued on.

Who do you see in the mirror? Those who are born into the same family more likely than not resemble each other in some way or another. Because the family members share the same genetics there will be similarities in appearance, talents, personalities and interests. Each person, though different individuals, will be identifiable as part of their family of origin by these similar characteristics.

One of our favorite past times around here is watching an old sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show. After many years of watching, Andy, Aunt Bea, Opie, Floyd, and Otis all seem like old friends. And, of course, everybody’s favorite character is the braggadocios, bumbling, yet lovable, deputy, Barney Fife. He takes his job seriously, though Andy has to bail him out of trouble more times than not.

The cell phone craze has brought a new meaning to picture taking. No matter where you are, there is the possibility of recording the event in color, but this little handheld camera/phone has also given a new meaning to selfishness. A couple weeks ago Dad and I attended Luke’s graduation at Wright State University. We got up early, and arrived at the arena a couple of hours before the event to ensure that we could get a good seat to view the ceremony. I brought my camera so that I could snap Luke’s one-second moment of recognition as he received his diploma. With the school graduating 1,600 students there would be no second chances at getting this shot.