i am sure

i was reading this morning. it was one of those days when the Holy Spirit made it really clear to me that i needed to start my day with Him in the Word. so ... i sat down ... got my Bible, my journal, a devotional book and i start to read. i started with a reading from Glen Evans ... Daily with the King — he was talking about how to handle life when God is silent ...

a few highlights ...
... from the Word
John 13:7 You do not realize what I am doing but later you will understand
Job 23:10 He knows the way I take, when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold
I Cor 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I have been fully known

... from Glen Evans
~ a disciple of Jesus Christ must learn to understand God's silences
~ the life of faith would end if God explained His every move
~ the spiritual man lives by faith and reserves God's right to be silent

refelections ... the year i just finished was so full! beginning with my dad's death, it was truly an up and downhill year. there were times when God was loud and clear — others when i couldn't hear His voice no matter how hard i tried. i journeyed though. i had times of great faith and times of doubt i hope never return. i don't know where i am in light of the big picture of what God is doing. am i coming forth as gold? is it time for me to realize what He has been doing? not sure.

i could feel God talking to me today. i heard Him say that He's here and His work is in full motion. i heard Him gently, i mean really gently, boost my faith in Him and His great love.

i love His word and the way He chooses to interact with me ... may i always follow Him with the faith of a child. He is a mighty King — so worthy to be praised, worshiped, followed, adored, and lifted high!!!!

i am sure of Him ... i am sure of His ways ... i am sure and happy with the way He chooses to do things!

My Dad

One year ago this morning I was sitting in my house dealing with the news that my dad had just passed away to be with Jesus. The news hit me like a rock ... needless to say, my role model, my friend, my dad and — tied with my mom— my biggest fan was no longer going to be with me here on this earth. I sat still for what seemed to be like hours.

I had no idea what this year would bring. I had no idea that so many emotions would come my way. I had no idea I could miss someone like I miss my dad.

As I write, I wonder ... what is he doing right now? What is eternal life in heaven like? How much time does He spend with Jesus? What is he doing in heaven? I found myself earlier today writing a prayer to Jesus and asking Him to let my dad know I am thinking about him today ... I felt strange asking for that ... I just wanted my dad to know I still miss him. I really wish I could hear his voice again. Just one time.

I don't ever want to forget my dad. I want to remember his love, his face, the days at the lake, the times in the mountains, the trips, the prayers, the mornings at the lake, the days in the snow with the jeep, little league baseball games, learning to drive at the terminal, sitting on his couch, getting gum on the way to church, watching him work, hunting, cutting wood, learning to shoot a shotgun, walking along the creek at Uncle Kens, the day he preached at the church, the talks, the drives, the days getting ready for all the fun we had, and spending time with him. The memories go on and on and on.

I hope to be remembered this way. I hope to be half the man he was. I miss him so much!!!

As year two begins, let me pay tribute to a man of God.
James Eldon Burks ... a man of God ... may the things he lived for live forever!

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