In the midst of the article is a “new to me” term, ambi-verts. If you knew me, you would know that any time i take one the personality assessments my graph or scores end up looking almost like I’ve flat lined or within a point or two of each other. No matter which “brand” of test it is just about the same. An ambi-vert evidently is right there in between the extrovert and introvert with qualities of both.

Overall great read about the strengths of introverts we just don’t know much about because the extroverts won’t stop talking…

Also, a brief list of current and past leaders, politicians and others who exemplify these categories.

Well, their top choice for the NFC was eliminated a couple of games ago. Oops.

I read through their reasoning and stats and it made sense to me. But, I also know there is a reason you play the games and there are many variables and intangibles.

Imagine if everything in life went according to your plan. How would that work out for ya? For your family? extended family? neighbors? community? church? I had to think about God’s plans. His sovereignty and wisdom and realize there is a reason things don’t always work out like I want them to. Should I sit around mope? No, I should be asking who can I pray for in this situation? How can I be like Jesus now? What is God working on in me?

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of that fact and Isaiah 55:8 declares God has a handle on it, too.

…hope I didn’t just jinx myself!

Fixing stuff around the house is not limited to things and stuff. There may be a relationship that needs some work, too. When was the last time you worked on your communication or listening? How about forgiveness?

And there’s personal things like anger, telling the truth and lust…

Lots of stuff may need fixin’.

As I continue, I’m reminded of God and how He remains unchanged and the same and yet we are constantly drawn to Him and discover new things about Him for ourselves. New to us not new about Him. How great and truly incomprensible for us! Take a few moments and meditate on our God and add a few scriptures, to0.

Psalm 55:19

God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and  today and forever.

Romans 11:33-36

 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
   How unsearchable his judgments,
   and his paths beyond tracing out! 
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been his counselor?” 
“Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”
 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
   To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Recently, the focus for one of the devotionals was in Isaiah 9 and the names and titles of the Messiah.

⁶ For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
   there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
   and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
   with justice and righteousness
   from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
   will accomplish this.

 The activitiy for the day was to listen to part of Handel’s Messiah and meditate on one of the titles given to Jesus. Great stuff. Involve your kids and have them pick their favorite, too.

Thank You God for Jesus!

I mean it, really, Parents talk, parent’s talk!

And not just to each other about how crazy the kids are or what the latest problem is. The news story of last week should have given parents around the country a reason to talk about several topics. Sex, for one. What is right and wrong. Appropriate actions between adults and kids. Not to hide or cover up problems. You always get caught. It gets worse and affects more people the longer you wait to do what is right.

Marriage and who to marry could have been on the list in the last few weeks, too. Finances may be another constant topic available out there.

Talk is important to your kids as you discuss your heart. Bring your thoughts and beliefs into the conversation as they ask questions and think about things. Believe me they are thinking and hearing a lot of other conversations about these topics and events. Don’t put such pressure on the conversation that you never have it.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 talks about weaving your faith into daily things. The book of Proverbs identifies several topics for fathers and parents to talk about: wisdom, finances, family, marriage, morality, friends, character, etc. Use the web for a scripture search on BibleGateway.com or similar. Search the topic and have a couple of verses ready. Then just start, call a family meeting, whether they like it or not. It is that important. If they ask “why” and they will, tell them because it is time to talk. It is always the right time to do the right thing. It’s your responsibility as a parent to talk to your kids and shape them because one day they will need to be adults and parents who talk to their kids.

Do you want to know the will of God for your life so you can decide if you like it or not? Or do you want to know so you can please God and obey him?

Do you tend to say to God, “I’ll give you such and such if you do so and so for me”? Or are you prepared to commit to obey his will, even without knowing what it is?

—Floyd McClung in Follow

So, I was thinking about real joy in life. When and why do I experience real joy? How do I express it? Does my family experience joy? What does your celebration “dance” look like? And, what are some joy killers?

Clearly there is something to the hard work and success of a team (we can include family here); achieving common goals over a period of time; emotional vulnerability, discipline and sacrifice. Where does that happen in your life?

Think about it for a minute or two… What causes real joy in your life? What are some joy killers?

This is the bedrock of the Bible. Genesis 1:1 encompasses the totality of Truth. If this verse is true, everything in the rest of the Bible is plausible and logically consistent.

I love it! What a great statement of faith! This quote came from a book called, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart.

But the quote that made me think …

“The enemy of clear language is insecurity.”

Anyone know who said it?