Tag Archives: Jesus

Ask Gary?

  By Gary C | March 27, 2013 - 9:07 pm | , , , ,
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Ask-Gary mock ad

A colleague at work put this little mock-advertisement together.
It really struck me as entertaining because my job is focused around software engineering process improvement. However, as I thought about it, I realized that there really is an inherent problem with our perception of authority. Our friends at Meriam-Webster define authority as:

au·thor·i·ty

[uh-thawr-i-tee, uh-thor-]

noun, plural au·thor·i·ties.

1. the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine. 2. a power or right delegated or given; authorization: Who has the authority to grant permission? 3. a person or body of persons in whom authority is vested, as a governmental agency. 4. Usually, authorities. persons having the legal power to make and enforce the law; government: They finally persuaded the authorities that they were not involved in espionage. 5. an accepted source of information, advice, etc.

As Romans 13:1-7 tells us, we are all subject to the authority over us as it is God who puts that authority in place. If He wanted it another way, it would be. … Click to Continue →

Caleb Strong Men’s Challenge: Love on your families.

  By Gary C | February 22, 2013 - 3:29 pm | , , , , ,
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This is my anniversary weekend. I am a blessed man, but I am only blessed because of Jesus’s example and Peter’s challenge to us. ‎1 Peter 3:7 – … husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman …, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (ESV)

Over 20 years ago, I met my wife and fell in love. I asked get to marry me back then and she told me to ask again later. It took 15 + years to ask again. She finally said yes. Four years together, and we have faced many challenges and adventures together, including a move across the country.

There is no better partner, … Click to Continue →

He makes all things new.

  By Gary C | December 30, 2012 - 11:45 pm | , , , ,
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The Bible teaches us that Jesus came to this world in order to save it. In short He came to make all things new. We are new creations in Christ. We are made the Father’s new family in Christ. Our old self, the carnal, the physical self, dies to make way for our new, reborn spiritual self.

Sometimes I need to be reminded of these things. Sometimes I am so wrapped up in the symantecs, or meanings of the words and phrases that I forget to look at the deep meaning, the true meaning of things. I get so wrapped up in the legalism, of the commandments, and the rituals of my daily patterns, that I forget to show true thanks, and praise. I forget … Click to Continue →

Still a long road to walk.

  By Gary C | October 17, 2012 - 8:37 pm | , , ,
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We have been blessed in our new home. We have a home, a car, jobs that provide for our financial needs and usually provide for our personal growth, time for our families and for service to our Lord. The road to get to this point has been very long… In fact, one could say that there have been many forces conspiring against our attempt to serve the Lord and make a new life here.

Please forgive the lack of updates, as you read you will understand.

The list of trials has been long and continues to strike against us. Our trust in the God of all creation, has let us continue to come together as a family and stand firm in our commitment to Jesus, … Click to Continue →

Hedge of Protection

  By Gary C | August 15, 2012 - 6:07 am | ,
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Today we praise God for His Hedge of Protection ( Psalm 91:1-16 ).

Last night on the way home from picking up our son, we were in a car accident. It looks much worse than it we got though. Air bags deployed and our car may possibly be considered totaled. When all was said and done, God provided His protection. We were all checked out at the Hennepin County Medical Center, and everyone was quickly pronounced well and told we could go home. The most severe injury was sustained by my wife. She has a friction “burn” from the airbag on her arm. Though we got home rather late, we are all home and following the doctor’s orders to rest and take ibuprofen.

On an other positive … Click to Continue →

Dreams Die, Christ Lives

  By Gary C | August 14, 2012 - 5:41 am | , , ,
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Dreams of Lost Friends

Last night I dreamt (dreamed sp?)  about a person from my past. It was strange for me for many reasons. One is that this person had a large hand in shaping who I am today, as a follower of Christ. The other is that, all though I don’t know the state of her relationship with our Savior since we haven’t spoken in almost 15 years. Back then I was regularly let down and disappointed by this person. In this dream we were just talking with other friends, friends who I haven’t seen or heard from in a long time, about their walk with our Lord. This dream was prompted by a loss. My wife lost a long time friend to lung cancer yesterday. While mourning … Click to Continue →

Small updates and prayer request

  By Gary C | August 4, 2012 - 6:24 am | , , ,
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Hello brothers,
I just wanted to drop you all an update and give you all thanks for your continued prayers for our trek to Minnesota.

We made it last week to Minnesota. We tried to take our time and really treat it as a new adventure. Debbie and I went to the Grand Canyon and stopped off at Boys Town on our way here.
The man who founded Boys Town is a huge inspiration and reminder of what kind of lasting work can be done when our Savior is on our side.

Upon arrival we have had quite a few challenges.
The first night we arrived, all hotels within 30miles of the city were full (no room at the inn?) due to … Click to Continue →

Moving, in His strength.

  By Gary C | July 11, 2012 - 8:58 am | , , ,
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Today is the day they load up my belongings into a truck and send us halfway across the continent. God has filled our lives with blessings and I am grateful that we have been so loved. We really made an effort to reduce our collection of “STUFF”. Things that we had in storage and hadn’t seen in years are now just gone.

For those of you who knew, our dog was really sick. To the point that the doctor (vet) basically said they weren’t sure if he would survive a move. They had Big Dog on really serious meds to dull the pain, but it wasn’t working. After we prayed for wisdom and discernment we talked to the vet, and gave Big Dog some aspirin-like (NSAIDs) meds. … Click to Continue →

Who is in control?

  By Gary C | May 11, 2012 - 8:03 am | , , , ,
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In my morning quiet time, I came upon this passage.

Then Job answered the LORD and said,  ”I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. ’Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge ?’ “Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” Hear, now, and I will speak ; I will ask You, and You instruct me.’ ”I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear ; But now my eye sees You; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.”- Job 42:1-6

As I read these words, they spoke to me and I fealt compelled to remind all of us (including myself) that … Click to Continue →

33 the Series starts in Escondido

  By Gary C | March 17, 2012 - 9:11 am | , , , , ,
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The 33 Series first session starts at Emanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA this week. Class preview was on Tuesday March 13 2012. Now we go into the first class on Tuesday March 20, 2012. Please join us as we discuss the issues that we men face in this world as Sons, Husbands, Fathers, Sons, Leaders in our families and communities. Together lets learn to be Caleb Strong. #CalebStrong