The Bar Set High- A worry free life

I had originally wanted to write this blog on a NPR interview that I heard near the end of 2009. The blog idea was that I took issue with the idea of "the Dude" from the Big Lebowski as a Christ figure. You can follow this link above and decide for yourself. I think that we too often let the Christ figures in life be "good" men and not "perfect" like Christ truly was in his lifetime. But that is not the point of this blog.

In church today, we spoke of the things that we get when we live the life of the new covenant. One concept that was brought up that spoke to me was the idea that we are free from worry. The Lord knows that I struggle with worry. I have had times of near insanity worrying over the finances of my family. I struggle still to look at the numbers and believe that I am not one cent away from total destitution. But in the new year we try new ways of life. So to that end, I want to live a life free from worry. This doesn't mean that I will not plan or budget. It means living outside the numbers. Experience should have taught me by now that the numbers never add up with God. God can work in everything for his good. Example: My family recently landed free hockey tickets this week. Tickets that are way outside our budget, but still God wanted to give us this gift. With that example lifting my spirits here is to a year lived free from worry. Time for you to think about what your living for in 2010.

Rounding out the Year

On the last day of 2009, I am reflecting at the year and decade previous. I got married, had a family, started a career, dealt with personal and professional problems, and raised children. I could go on about some great philosophical idea that I have learned, but I will settle for this simple list.

Things I learned in the last decade

1. Faith is a muscle. It needs to be stretched in order to grow.

2. I would never trade youth for experience.

3. Being a parent is about trying to do the right thing everyday.

4. Remember everyday your not a good parent tomorrow is another chance to try again.

5. God meets you where you are not in the "Church."

6. God works miracles even in the modern age you just have to expect them.

7. Random events are not random at all just God's plan.

8. Money is not important.

9. Family is important.

10. Live for today. Tomorrow is gone. The future is uncertain. Live today for God's glory by loving God and loving your neighbors.

Happy New Year.