Strong Coffee

Gratitude                 Gratitude                                    Gratitude Its a serious thing...its a biblical thing. I believe its one of the most important principles taught in scripture. In Greek culture, gratitude or thankfulness is the greatest of all gifts. Not only feeling a sense of gratitude but expressing it. Luke 17   15 ...One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.   17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Now I'm sure that all ten of the lepers Christ cleansed were happy but only one returned to express his profound gratitude to Him. Jesus implied that giving thanks is important and....spiritual              Having an attitude of gratitude strikes              at the core of an individuals personality.              Some have a stronger sense of courtesy              and appropriateness than o

Some thing's  only come when inspired by strong brew and soft acoustics. Hence, the title of my blog page. I wonder if we'll have coffee in heaven? Why not. He blessed us with it here. I can just imagine meeting Job at the corner java hut. He'll have an espresso, I would imagine.  You know John Mayer started his career in a bistro/coffee house. Playing tricky ballads and wooing young audiences. Just thought that was interesting.  My mother is to blame for my obsession with early brew in the morning sunshine. Even as a youngster, according to her, I would down her cup of Joe if she left it unattended. Coffee was the beverage always served at the Thomas abode. When my mother got up in age she switched to decaf. We branded her as a traitor to the forty weight club.  The Cadillac of Christmas gifts from my family was a Stanley thermos. I still have mine. Somewhere.  I once spent a week in Rio drinking Brazilian espresso. My bloodstream was toxic for 6 months.   

One of the most heart rendering experiences I've ever had occurred on a mission trip to the south pacific. My niece came with me along with a dozen other workers. We arrived at the airport in Manila Philippines for our return flight to America. My niece reached for her passport...and it wasn't there. One thing for certain, you're not getting on an international flight without a passport. It was lost on the bumpy ride to the city. She had everything, but not quite! Everything.. but the most important item... which gave her right of passage. At that point, nothing else mattered. I recall her weeping on my shoulder, "Uncle John, there going to keep me here forever". How God bailed us out of that jam was amazing and a great devotion for another time. What I'm reminded of from this is the story of the rich young man that came to Jesus in Matthew 19. He had everything and had kept all the law. He would have been like the Bruce Wayne of Palestine. He had money,

Angie must be part Eskimo !

These insurance commercials are hilarious. This kind of therapist would send anyone over the edge! Indeed we're not all cut out of the same pattern and it takes all kinds.  Thank God. Encouragement can have a variety of forms. However sometimes what we need is a little motivation on top of it all. Kind of reminds me of the therapist who had an inexpensive office visit but with proven results. It consisted of three words: GET OVER IT!!! Having to face the bitter truth about ourselves is always a tough pill to swallow but is often the best thing for us to hear and acknowledge. Keep pressing on. For a child of God the fire only refines.

I've Always been a fan of cycling, especially the tour of France. Okay, I admit, it's not for everyone. And the rules...? Well you've gotta watch it...alot... to understand it. 3 weeks of racing across the French countryside with 200 cyclist all competing for the best individual time. One of the fascinating things about it is although it's an individual sport where only one victor is crowned, it's impossible to win without a team. Our spiritual lives are similar to the tour. Living for Christ is like a race.  Hebrews 12:1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. No one else can run the race for you but many have run before you. Victory for the child of God is only possible through the help, support, prayer, motivation, and encouragement of others. I have a friend. I bet you didn't

My girls.....doing what they do best!!!! Allison at MissionFuge Hailey & Alora

Independence day has come and gone out with a bang. My goodness, I've never heard as much reveling in my life. Our entire neighborhood was lit up with fireworks for hours. Angie, Allison, and I sat out on the lawn and enjoyed a 360 degree firework show. We all talked about the meaning of the celebration. I don't want to sound corny but we wondered about how much, or how little, patriotism was involved. We all agreed that American pride and devotion is at an all time low. I want to share one thing we talked about. Liberty and justice comes with a high price. Because of our stand for freedom and liberty we are loved and hated.                It comes with the territory! The fight for the right is welcomed from those who are downtrodden by the unjust, but those who fight for freedom are hated by those who seek to enslave. There have been scenes in my lifetime when America needed a gut check in liberty. There have been unfair and sad chapters in our nations history