It's just chips and dip.

I just read a statement by a man who was asked what he wanted to leave for his children to remember. He gave a few moments of meditation and said, "Find Jesus in the Gospels." He concluded by explaining that today's church seems to, "...make the Gospels the chips and dip of the meal headed for the main dish of the Pauline Epistles."

Mentally graphic!

Truth expressed - In our attempt to hold to the foundation we may miss the form of the Builder.

My wife and I had two of our previous homes built. In that process I learned that every wise builder sets a firm foundation. Yet, I also found that through the process the foundation is laid with a form to secure its placement. Stability for building takes both parts but the form determines the shape the house will take as its built on the foundation. To falter in the form is to develop a less than stable foundation. And a faulty foundation will eventually fall.

Paul's Epistles are vital but only as they apply the truth of the Life and passion of Christ. The, "How To" of Paul's writing is built on the "what" that is revealed in the Gospels.

May I ask... have you made the key ingredient the chips and dip portion at your table?

The bell tolls...

The citizens of Great Britain are celebrating the birth of their new prince. The Abbey bells will toll for three hours. It takes a total of 10 people to accomplish this feat. In addition, the child is given a 41 gun salute. I also heard that a total of 43 million dollars will be infused into the economy by the purchase of alcoholic beverages by the citizens.

The Royal family has a private wing at the hospital. Photographers gathered in hope of being the first to snap a picture of the royal baby, his parents - anyone related to the royal bloodline. Prince Charles and wife entered a back door to view their new grandson. A name is being determined - It took Prince Charles and Princess Diana five days to name their first born son, William, who is the legitimate heir to the throne.

Celebrations abound and the new mother and dad have brought a level of dignity back to the Royals.

I wonder... were there bells ringing at your birth? Did the paparazzi wait outside the birthing room for your arrival? Do you feel your name was a special gift or an after-thought? Has your destiny been determined by tradition or do you sense some influence over these things?

Our parents have bequeathed to each of us our DNA. God was involved in the formation of your body, hair, and the number of days you will live. But, not all things are determined. You have influence on many aspects of your legacy. I have heard it said that your life is God's gift to you and what you do with it is your gift back to Him.

It doesn't take bells ringing, a volley of gunfire, parties of followers to make you important. Take each moment and live it to the fullest. In all things give honor to God. Seek His presence each step of your journey. Laugh a lot. Have intimate moments with your family. See the beauty in the wrinkles and gray hair of a life well lived. And never forget... your Daddy is THE King of kings.

Thanks for sitting in the corner with me.