Walk Humbly. Live Loudly.

            I want to be a man of prayer.  Too many times have I heard the phrase, “I’ll be praying for you” or “I’ll make sure to keep you in my prayers.”  Unfortunately, the phrase has been uttered from my mouth way too many times.  The problem with the phrase is that it isn’t true in most cases.  I may not end up praying for the person!             I think this goes for a lot of people today. These phrases have been used in place of a simple, “I hope you feel better” or “I’m sorry to hear about that.”  People now say they are going to pray for someone, but are they really doing it?!             I have been convicted of this more times than not as of late.  It is time to change this.  Whether it be praying for the person right then and there or writing down the prayer request in a journal, I need to change this often empty promise.             I can remember a time when I kept a small prayer journal with me at all times and I would write different requests in it as I would hea

            I’m sitting here on a firm hospital couch staring over at my wife.  She is passed out from the events that have taken place over the last 24 hours.  She has been in excruciating pain due to fluid on her hip.  Although the morphine has helped, it has left her with a migraine.  I honestly can’t imagine how people cope with grave illnesses to loved ones.  I can barely stand seeing Bri like this let alone having to fight cancer or some other extreme medical issue. Through tears and frustration, my wife has continued to stay strong.  As a matter of fact, the only thing she has been concerned about is the medical bills that this hospital stay will cause on our finances.  It amazes me that through the pain, this is her only worry.  Although this is not my main concern, I would be lying if I said I  didn't  dwell on them too.  Late last night prior to falling asleep by her side I was thinking through it all.  As I lay there, I began to think of how much we had in the bank;

            As most people know, I have been given the “gift” of gab.  Most days I am able to keep it in check, but there are times that my mouth runs and my brain tries desperately to catch up.  There have been a few times in recent weeks that my mouth has gotten the best of me.  Because of this, I find myself having to apologize and picking up the pieces of the disaster my words have caused.             I spent some time today reflecting on these situations.  Not just recently, but also the situations from my past.  I started to play the typical game of “I should have said this” or “I should have done that.”  Then I think what kind of outcome it could have led to.  Perhaps that person would still be talking to me if I would have reacted differently.  Maybe I could have avoided that fight with my wife if I had responded this way.  I think you get the gist.             In doses, this is good.  It’s always good to learn from our mistakes.  But for me, it has quickly turned into neg