One Solitary Life

Many years ago someone wrote a very famous essay about the impact of Jesus’ life. It goes like this: 

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty, and then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put his foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself. 

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executors gambled for the only piece of property he had on earth—his coat. When he was dead, he was taken down and laid in a borrowed tomb, through the pity of a friend. 

Nineteen long centuries have come and gone and today he is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever were built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life. (Evidence That Demands a Verdict, p. 140) 

There is seemingly no better time than the Christmas season to envision the glory of God. As we wonder at the nativity scenes and decorations throughout our city, in stores and shopping malls, homes in our neighborhoods, all aglow with the twinkling lights are our attempts to capture the glory, but ultimately we must remember that Christmas represents God's gracious plan of redemption. 

In Jesus we see both man and God. We can relate to Him as a fellow human being, but always remembering He is God! Proclaiming Truth, He taught us how to live. Radiating grace, He showed us what it means to forgive. And as the only begotten of the Father the unique Son, His coming into our midst showed us that God has a plan for us...to be with Him forever! 

John 3:16"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)
Merry Christmas!!

Watermelon... is the answer!

It’s summer, and beach time is beautiful in San Diego! Our beaches are the absolute best. It’s time to get out, get wet with a boogie board, surfboard, kayak, or try SUP (stand up paddling) for a great new experience on the water. I started last summer at the lagoon in Carlsbad, about 10 minutes from our home, and have since SUP’d on Mission Bay and the ocean as well. Kayaking on the open ocean is awesome. This weekend I'm going to paddle out at La Jolla Shores to observe the Leopard Sharks, as they are said to be non-aggressive.

Ice cold watermelon during or following a warm day at the beach is always refreshing. However, thanks to Wally Amos, the founder of Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company (you probably know of him for his famous cookies) who has written his “Watermelon Credo”. It has been a guide that has helped others, and the truths contained herein, have benefited many which I have enjoyed the privilege of coaching during our couples relationship meetings.

It is my pleasure to share this palatable and inspirational wisdom;

W~Whatever you believe creates your reality. Believe that life is a positive experience and it will be. You are a spiritual being, having a human experience!

A~Attitude is the magic word. Your greatest asset is your attitude. We have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace. Be positive regardless!

T~Together everyone achieves more. There are no limits to what we can accomplish together. I am more than I am but less than we are.

E~Enthusiasm is the wellspring of life. There is no limit to what can be accomplished with passion coupled with enthusiasm.

R~Respect others as well as yourself. Self-respect will manifest itself in respect for others which literally reshapes the world.

M~Make commitments, not excuses. There is overwhelming power in the words; “yes, I will.”

E~Everyday can be lived as a day of empowerment. Laughter is the lubricant that keeps life moving.

L~Love is the answer. Whatever the question. Love is the answer. It is the greatest force in the universe! (1John 4:16; “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in Him.”

O~One day at a time. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. All of life happens in increments of one.

N~Never give up or become a victim. You're guaranteed to lose if you give up. Winston Churchill was right, never, never, never give up! It works if you work it!

Watermelon is fun and good for you! Inspirational and a wonderful reminder for us to always live life from our highest self. Do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by events. Allow Watermelon to remind you that you are larger than events. You do have the power to create and change events by what you believe!