Be Still, and Know That I Am God.

When your heart is in turmoil ...

"BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."

When situations with friends are not what they should be ...

"BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."

When your work seems to be overwhelming ...

"BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."

You would think I'd know this by now. I've been born and raised in church. And yet, here I am, trying to take control of everything ... every little thing ... in my life. Situations have arisen recently that I have no control over. When this happens, the verse "BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" always drifts into my mind -- never as a direct order, but more like a gentle whisper, and yet do I always listen? No. Why is that?? Why is it that I think I have the answer to everything, when in reality ... I have nothing.

To this day, I can honestly say that I still haven't trusted God with everything. I'm dealing with stuff at this point in my life that I never, ever thought I would be dealing with. There's things that have been a certain way for such a long time, that I'm not willing to let them change; not willing to let go. But if I did, I know it would be for my own good. That's a shame because I'm cheating myself out of a deeper walk with Him. And you know, it should be simple. He is my Father. He loves me. I am His child. He always ... always ... has my best interest at heart. He loves me. He will NEVER lead me down the wrong path. He loves me.

I know that I'm not the only one who has issues concerning this. So, I'm asking this question ... Why do we do this?? As children of God, why do we sometimes have problems trusting Him?? Psalms 46:10 - "BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" is my favorite scripture in the Bible. It speaks to me the most. Why can't we just sit back, take a deep breath, and know that everything is in control ... not in our control, but in HIS control.

"BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD".

Ministry.

The foundation of ministry is character.

The nature of ministry is service.

The motive of ministry is love.

The measure of ministry is sacrifice.

The authority of ministry is submission.

The purpose of ministry is to glorify God.

The tools of ministry is the Word, and a little "knee-ology".

The privilege of ministry is to grow.

The power of ministry is the Holy Spirit.

The model of ministry is Jesus Christ.

The objectives of ministry are: "WIFE":

W-Worship

I-Instruction

F-Fellowship

E-Expression (or Extension or Evangelism)

Margie.

I moved furniture yesterday for my frail, 92-year-old neighbor, Margie. Upon leaving, I hugged her goodbye. She then took my face in her trembling hands and said, "I love ya, honey." That gets me misty-eyed every single time ... can't help it. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the elderly.

Except for when the issue of Depends comes up. At that point, they're on their own.

Temptation.

When temptation comes, I run to the Father.

Snugglebunny.

I was talking with friends (yes, I have some) the other day about how we like our bedrooms to be (don't worry, this is G-rated). Some like no cover on the bed, some like just a sheet on the bed, some like it warm, some like it cold, some sleep in pajamas, some ... well, never mind ... blah blah.

When I mentioned that I like to sleep under a cover and with the ceiling fan on medium speed, one of my friends said, "Ooooooo I know ... you're a snugglebunny."

I never thought about it, but you know what?? Yes, I am ... I'm a snuggler. Ryan Jones ... Snugglebunny. It fits. It fits well.

One Funeral. One Date.

Today was the funeral for Carlos Nunez. Of course, it was a sad occasion, but it was punctuated with fond memories of him and his life. During the funeral, a baby was crying in the row behind me. I want to make some deep correlation about there being a brand new life directly behind me, while I'm observing the end of another in front of me, but I don't think I'm eloquent enough to make that sound good, so I'll just skip it.

However, during the funeral, someone did become ill and passed out two rows in front of me. My brother, Rick and his wife, Linda were seated in front of the gentleman, and when Rick turned around, he said the man was not breathing and was starting to turn blue. 911 was quickly called, but thank God, the man came to on his own. It was definitely nerve-wracking for a few minutes. A new life behind me ... A possible ending two rows in front of me ... A definite ending a few rows even further.

Afterwards, the lunch was held at the Moose Lodge in Caseyville. I, however, was not aware of that because I was told a couple of days prior by someone (but I'm not mentioning Aunt Ruth's name because that wouldn't be nice), that the lunch was being held at the Caseyville Senior Center on Bunkum Road. Upon arriving at the senior center, I realized (quickly) I was in the wrong place because I had walked into a rockin' bingo tournament going on instead. Well, as "rockin'" as it could get (remember, these are seniors).

I'm not complaining because I won $20 and became the boy toy of one "Myrna Appleby". Myrna is a sweet ole gal who has brandished me with the nickname of "Young Stud". I don't think Myrna even knows my name. I feel like a piece of meat ... maybe a "prime rib", but a piece of meat nonetheless. I'm very impressed with Myrna because she has no need for glasses and has all of her own teeth ... well, except for that one.

Myrna asked me to go out with her next Saturday (hey, at least I'm attractive to someone!!) I told her "I sure would", because honestly, she looks like the type that has a disdain for banks, and therefore probably stashes a fortune under her mattress. I'm sure she'll pay for dinner. And if not, I'll pay because I suspect she won't eat much. If you don't see me around by next Sunday, call the police because that means I had Myrna pegged all wrong ... (haha)

A boy toy ... hmmm, maybe I've found my new calling.

Florida.

My body will be in Florida. My mind will be here.