kennethbaucum

Do you remember the feeling you got when you crossed the finish line?  Do you remember the feeling you got a couple seconds later when you realized there's still 7 laps to go?  Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Kenneth.

Last night I spent a considerable amount of time pouring my heart out and clearing things up with God.  It was an indescribable feeling of His power and a cleansing wave of grace and mercy.  His power was throughout my universe displayed.  Now I sing, how great Thou art, Lord.  I asked God for a couple very specific things.  To the best of my knowledge, both were answered today.  It would appear that in my plea with God not to let my faith end after a 30-day experiment; that he chose to bless my day with a completely surprising answer to my prayers.  To day I was blessed with a sudden, unexpected income that will help me with my upcoming expenses.  Not a lottery, just a little cash in exchange for work.  Work for hire is something I can find.  The up front payment was all about God's plan and timing.

I feel like I've come a long way in my relationship with God, and he is beginning to honor the change.  however, there's still a long way to go.  Let's walk this road together.  Let's pray for each other.

There are some things in life that are difficult to attribute solely to God, because you see man's hands so involved in it.  Then there are some things that only God can be given credit for, because no man came anywhere near it.  Start looking for these things that only God can do, great and small, and be sure to credit Him for them.

"Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom:  I am understanding; I have strength" -Proverbs 8:14

Sometimes understanding is hard to come by.  Who's fault is that?  God is full of wisdom and understanding and is ready to give it to those who ask it of Him.  I'm beginning to see this work in my life -- especially after the last 30 days have gone by.  I am so thankful for my Savior.  He is everything to me and His love is extravagant.

There is some understanding that takes time to gain.  This is understanding loss.  Whether a family member, friend, co-worker or classmate, loss is not easy to understand.  We wonder why bad things happen to good people.  I am comforted that God is in control and that things happen in ways that will bring Him glory and bring others to His loving arms.  Friday, September 4th, one of my coworkers lost her husband.  I'm not sure if they have any children, but my eyes tear up at the thought of a kid without their dad.  One thought that comes to mind is that we look at this situation from a negative view.  Somehow, because of the stress and grief of this event, we fail to recognize that our Christian brothers and sisters have just gone home.  God is so good.

Take comfort in God.

It's been one of those days.

I spent most of today under the bus, so to speak, for one reason or another.  Some of these reasons may have been legitimate, or at least given the information provided, but none of them were very comfortable -- being under the bus never is.  I worked a long shift today (Labor Day, go figure) and did my best throughout, but it seemed like the best wasn't good enough.  I think it's all about the point of view.  When you only see one side of the story, it's easy to come to judgement.  It's only after hearing the other side that you have to start weighing the truth between the issues and judgement becomes a little harder to pass.

Being human is so much fun.  Dogs and cats can't do this.  I don't even want to think about the world's lizard population.  It is so much easier to work out issues in person or over the phone, too, as opposed to email.  Wow.  Computers can't send the tone of voice, articulation of language or emotion that is conveyed in conversation by voice.  So I had to make a phone call.  Got some things cleared up and had a wonderful conversation with one of my friends (thanks!).  Cleaned up the apartment a little along the way and got a chance to wish mom a happy birthday.  Better late than never, right?  I was able to get a load off my chest then, too.  I am so glad that after I listen and help others that people are around on my bad days to reciprocate the favor.  Now there's just one person left to talk to before I wind the day to a close.  I guess I'll talk with you again tomorrow, thanks for listening.

I'm beginning to notice that unscheduled, impromptu meetings add a flare of speciality to my time with friends.  In fact, it makes my time with God more special as well.  To simply feel His prompting and know that its time He and I kneel down and talk.  I have four special places where I meet with God.  I'd love to tell you where they are, but I don't want to ruin His surprises for me there.  You can probably guess, if you know me very well, where at least two or three of these places are; and could guess all four if you spend enough time with me.  Frankly, I'm just glad that after all the dumb things I've done, God still wants to meet with me there.

I meet Him in a quiet place, after the last note fades to silence.

I meet Him in a holy place, where I can lay my burdens at His feet.

I meet Him in a dark place, where only His light can been seen.

I meet him in a special place, where only He can give me peace.

Find God in your hiding place tonight -- count your blessing; praise His name; clean your slate and then fall asleep with Him on your mind.  Let God give you rest.  If He should wake you in the night and bring a name to mind, don't hesitate to talk with Him, they may need your prayers tonight.

See you tomorrow.  Godspeed.

Whew!  I just got back after putting 250 miles on the Buick between here and Grove, Oklahoma.  I had a nice lunch with my high school band director and spent some time with his family today.  Pictures are forthcoming from the trip...  I had a wonderful time and it was completely worth it!

Tomorrow is Sunday (Did you need a reminder?).  Don't forget to thank God for His love and kindness -- He is everything to me.