Acts 8: 28-29

I attended a great presentation on the Impact World Tour a couple of days ago, and this verse spoke to me.

"and on his way home he was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit said to Philip "Go to the chariot and stay near it". Acts 8: 28-29

The point Patti (who did the presentation) was trying to get across is that we need to listen to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit spoke to Phillip, and because Phillip listened (and obeyed), he was able to share his knowledge and the "good news about Jesus". By the time Phillip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch and abruptly left, the eunuch was "rejoicing" and I can imagine him sharing the good news with his fellow travelers or anyone who would listen.

I try to talk to people at different events I attend (I am slowly becoming less of an introvert), and I always find it amazing when they open up to me, sometimes sharing things they rarely talk about. Most times, all I can offer are words of comfort, or a prayer, but I think these simple things can make a difference in someone's day. I know that I personally feel great when the people around me (or the ones I meet on the wonderful world wide web) give me a "pep talk" or words of encouragement. It's very refreshing!

A few chapters later:

"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia" Acts 16: 6

Call it intuition, or discernment (hopefully not judgment), but He really does want the best for us!

EED

How true Mr. Kipling!

As an economist (by training), this quote summarizes my current view on statistics and its actual value to researchers. Statistics can be very useful when measured and applied properly, but the source of the data is always the key. If you don't believe me, try finding any dependable data on "good governance" or political instability (seriously, let me know if you do...)

"Governments are very keen on amassing statistics. They collect them, add them, raise them to the nth power, take the cube root and prepare wonderful diagrams. But you must not forget that everyone of these figures comes in the first instance from the village watchman, who puts down what he damn well pleases"- Rudyard Kipling

I could not have said it any better myself!

EED

Elom reflects on Scott's reflections: Apocalypse now?- Part 2

If the day and the hour of the coming of the Son of Man are unknown, what can/should I do in the meantime? Sin and wait for His return, knowing that I will probably get another chance for forgiveness? Obviously not!

"Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise, but wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" Ephesians 5:15-16

I need to occupy until He comes, by living a godly life, the one My Father has intended for me to live. A few pointers from Matthew 24: 45-51:

- be faithful: it is very hard not to have faith in God when I see all the wonderful things He has done in my life. I may not realize what He is doing right away, but when I get a chance to look in the rear view mirror of my life, my faith just keeps growing...

- be sensible: I try to live a life filled with wisdom, but it's hard sometimes to distinguish my will versus His will. That's why He has placed wonderful people in my life to help me, encourage me, support me, and pray for me.

- be a servant like Jesus: living a godly life means imitating Christ. Knowing that Christ came not to be served, but to serve us makes it easier for me to be more than just a nice person, and really try to become a servant.

- be responsible/ reliable: I have always been careful when it comes to making commitments. Commitments imply that the person/ people you commit to know that they can depend on you. I try to be the "reliable one" in different aspects of my life. It can a little overwhelming at times, but it is also very rewarding.

EED

27

Excuse me, reader, as I wallow in self pity tonight... just tonight...

I will be 27 in exactly one month, and what do I have to show for it? Nothing much I am afraid.

Experiences? Yes. Experience? not really.
Hurts? Yes. Healing? Still working on it.
Single? Yes. Looking for a relationship? Don't think I am ready.
Still want to see the Grand Canyon? Yes. When? Not sure... next year?
Stronger? Yes. Ready to face the future? Some days are easier than others...



EED

REO Speedwagon

This was too cool! Just a week ago, I posted a blog about some of my favorite cheesy songs, and I talked about REO Speedwagon's "Keep on loving you" being my favorite one.

Fast forward to last Saturday, I am flipping through TV stations, and there was commercial for the Darke County Fair in Greenville, OH with special guest REO Speedwagon!!!
I couldn't pass that up! It was an awesome show!

EED

100 years from now...

I was watching "Sunday Morning" on CBS, and learned that 100 years ago today, a French cartoonist named Emile Cohl created the first animation movie called "Fantasmagorie". The movie barely lasted more than 1 minute, but it changed the world of animation forever... Amazing!



I cant begin to imagine what future generations will remember about us 100 years from now.

EED

Q&A

I used to write down "tough" questions to ask God:

"What's the meaning of life?
Where were you?
Why did you make me go through this particular event(s)?
Why? Why? WHY?"

These days, I am so exited at the thought of meeting Him face to face, that I don't think I will ask ANY questions. I imagine myself giving Him a huge hug and saying thank you.

"Thank you for saving me. Thank you for loving me, thank you for your patience with me. THANK YOU"

EED