Planning and living in the moment.

I asked God today what is the plan? How do I need to organize my day to be efficient? It was then it hit me what if life wasn't always about planning and efficiency? It was at this moment I remembered that God is so much bigger than we are. He created a world where there are very efficient creatures and some that aren't. There are well planned out people and people who don't plan anything. These people aren't bad (whichever you aren't) they are normal. We need both the planned and the spontaneity for our lives to be their fullest.  

I am wondering does God both have a plan and lives in the moments? I believe he does and though those seem completely incompatible maybe they are for us, but God is more than we are. 

How does this apply to our lives? Perhaps it is a reminder that we need to find the balance between these two both have a plan but don't be afraid to have spontaneity. Or if you are great at living in the moment maybe you need to start using a plan too. Let's find the balance. 

To use another illustration if you're a hammer, remember there are screwdrivers out there too. 

Just ask!

YES! 

 Our youngest daughter got an article written about her book in the newspaper, the front page continued to the top of the back page (almost the entire top of the back page). It isn't the New York Times but it is still great. 

How did this take place? I mentioned what she had done (published as a senior in high school) and said it might be a feel-good piece. I thought it would be just the thing for a small local paper. They could have said no and the results would have been the same as a no if I had not of asked. 

This reminded me again of the power of asking. Now, I'm not saying we need to be annoying but there is a time and a place to ask, so ask. The worst that usually can happen is they say no. However, a yes might bring more than you expected. It did here. 

Not only did she get a very thorough article, but when we talked to the reporter he told us she was the best interview he had ever had. He went on about how great she was in her answers and in her demeanor. He also praised us for supporting her and being good parents. (I'm smiling)

Why? Because I asked. 

Well, months later and things are still the same?

Working Title/Cover for old/new book.

 Well, months later and things are still the same.

Have you ever felt that way? I have lately. 

Now I want to point out that it isn't true. We have vastly improved our video for our Sunday services. I was able to finally open a file that has been locked away for 20 years taking a book from an idea to rough draft in an hour (pictured above). I thought I was going to have to rewrite the entire rough draft. School has started again. My daughter finished her teaser book. I finished the rough draft of another story I started over 25 years ago. Do I need to go on?

Things have been happening, yet the return to what was before Covid-19 is nowhere in sight. This above all else is what I believe is fueling this feeling. 

For me, to overcome this I am writing down what I am doing each day. I am also writing this, a declaration to myself and both of my followers that things are changing and in some ways getting better. 

Is everything lined out and perfect?

No! but let's be honest. They never are. I and I guess you who read this have to remember our feelings can lie to us. Don't let them. 

Let's charge forward. (and maybe get back to writing on a blog like I used to?)

It's my Blog and I'll brag on my daughter if I want too...

Yes, it's just a small book. It's just a taste from a larger project. But it's my daughter's, Elizabeth, first published book. So I can brag if I want to and I want to. 

It's a great story too. 

Darkly is the Dark Lord of Ineget, a world where magic runs in the blood of its people, but the destiny of the Dark Lords begins on Earth. It begins with the death of Camelot, the end of magic and Merlin. It begins with the heartbreak of a mother and Mordred, knight of Camelot, who legend casts as it’s villain. It begins at The Battle of Camlann. This small, limited-edition book is the first legend from Darkly: Legends of the Dark Lord. It is the first commercially available work by E.M. Areson. Mordred’s birth was never planned. He was a child of magic gone wrong. The godson of Merlin, knight of Camelot, and heir to the throne, his crime was to the illegitimate child of a king and the need for history to assign a villain to Britain’s greatest tragedy. This is the story of the death of Camelot and the end of Mordred's time on Earth.

It's only a $1 on kindle but I would wait and get the print copy but that's me or better get both. Either way, you will be supporting a senor starting high school get more of her work published. 

The Battle of Camlann

The Unspoken Prayer Request

We often look around in church and maybe just wonder if these people who are asking for unspoken prayer request are really got a real need, just gathering attention, or following the actions of others around them.

I was reminded recently that there are times you want prayer and you really, really, can't go into detail. Yes, some may just want attention, some may be following the crowd, but pray anyway because there are some who desperately want prayer. They NEED prayer and they can't share. 

So let's pray for these because someday you may find out just how desperate an unspoken prayer request can be. 

Evidence is a dangerous things.

Trust me I have evidence!

If you are careful you can see where people twist evidence to prove their points. The current argument over masks is a perfect example. Both sides have some evidence and from what little I have seen shows more of the middle of the road approach. However, I notice both sides of the debate ignore contrary evidence or hype up supportive evidence rather than admit either side has merit. 

The yells of "liberty" and "saving lives," not to mention slander of the worst kind which doesn't allow for honest debate or differing opinions. Both sides, for the most part, want what the other is claiming they don't but the yelling, screaming, and labeling people gives us permission not to listen to anything which contradicts our ideas.

How did we get to this place? I would argue we have always been in this place. A look at history shows a huge lack of cooperation and setting aside personal bias for the public good. Unfortunately, it is tragedy, tyranny, suffering, or war which motivates people to be cooperative.  

So should we pick a side we like best and go at it?

No.

We need to try and find the truth and be willing to admit we may not have all the information. If we are going to be responsible people and I would add responsible Christians we have to walk a middle ground which means the extremist on both sides will probably hate us. It may mean that we need to let some people go their own way. 

No one said life was easy. 

Comfortable?

Being comfortable isn't bad but it is a poor way to live. 

Yes, this seems strange but expert after expert will tell you striving and growth are what make life worth living. This is why I don't think that eternity in heaven is going to be us sitting around all the time being comfortable. No, it won't have the strife we struggle with today but I don't see it boring either. This is a different lesson and not where I'm heading.

We (myself included, or especially) have to accept that if we are going to be happy and fulfilled then we need new challenges. We need to be uncomfortable. 

I am learning video streaming and editing now. There is also an ongoing effort to learn more about God and ministry. Yes, there are times I would like to just be comfortable and there are seasons for rest and comfort but it is never to be our life. The key is balance. 

So what are you doing to make yourself uncomfortable?