"Didn't He Shine"

With the blessing of my new job also comes the blessing of a 30 mile commute every day. Most people would dread a long commute - which it is. I use that time to not only get ready for my day but to get ready for my end of the day. It is truly my time with Jesus in the morning to lift up my prayers to Him and thank Him for His innumerable blessings, His ever abundant grace, and His limitless love. In the evening I unwind usually by putting some music on and enjoying the spectacular view of Tampa as I drive across the Howard Franklin Bridge. 

But this week God has laid some particular music on my heart - that from Dallas Holm. To me he is the reason I listen to Christian music today. The two songs that come to mind are "Against The Wind" in the morning on the way to work and "Didn't He Shine" in the afternoon on the way home. These songs help me to focus on Jesus and his immense love for me. I'm including the YouTube links to the songs along with the lyrics to "Didn't He Shine" ("Against The Wind" has the lyrics in the video).

Worship is a never ending circle - we receive life and love from God and give Him back our lives and love when we worship. And I thoroughly enjoy doing that with my beautiful blessing from God my Val <3

"Didn't He Shine" by Dallas Holm

"To a world of fear and darkness
Came a light as bright as day
With a song of love and words of kindness
He came to show the way

Though His face was not recorded
Nor the color of His skin
But His words rolled upon the darkness
And touched the hearts of men

Then the people called Him Jesus
He was a man of all time
Just a simple man called Jesus
But didn't He love, didn't He shine?

Let the light come brightly shinin'
Let it shine for you and me
That it was for all fear and sorrow
And then it set us free

Then the people called Him Jesus
He was a man of all time
Just a simple man called Jesus
But didn't He love, didn't He shine?

Then the people called Him Jesus
He was a man of all time
Just a simple man called Jesus
But didn't He love, didn't He shine?"

Three Crossroads

This morning Val and I heard and excellent message from Dr. Mark Rutland, President of Oral Roberts University regarding Three Crossroads.

The first ‘Crossroad’ comes from Deuteronomy 2: 1-2 as follows:

“1 Then we turned back and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea,[a] as the LORD had directed me. For a long time we made our way around the hill country of Seir.

2 Then the LORD said to me, 3 “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.”

These are times in our lives when the Lord wants us to completely change our direction in life and follow his leading. Dr. Rutland pointed out, for example, an angry father needing to turn away from his anger that is harming himself and his family. Or, in my case, how God had me do a simple act like drop the dating sites I was on and going to Christian Mingle – this lead me to my beautiful bride Valerie, moving to Florida from Ohio, and a new job. This did carry a price as I do miss Will, Victoria, Peter and seeing mom. God has blessed me with the opportunity to see all of them several times in the past couple of months of which I am grateful for !

The second “Crossroad” comes from Acts 16: 6-10

“6 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. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”

I would say this can best be described by the phrase ‘God has closed the door’. The Holy Spirit directed Paul not to go to Asia – we really don’t know why. But Paul was directed to Macedonia to preach the gospel to them.

The clearest examples I can give are from my own life. I diligently looked for a job for over 2 ½ years having applied to close to 900 times with a multitude of interviews – even flying me out of state. I was faithful and persistent in praying along with my family and friends. During this time I was also looking for a soul mate. So many dates with a lot of nice women - I did find bits and pieces of what I was looking for along the way. But never that ‘Proverbs 31’ woman who I couldn’t live without. God was telling me during this time that my job search and soul mate search were related. But the doors remained shut until January 27th this year when I met Val – we were so perfectly matched by God and knew each other so well we got married February 11th – 15 days latter (which by the grace of Jesus Christ our love grows for each other daily – we have never been happier in our lives !) and a job offer three hours after my interview – to God be the glory !

The third “Crossroad” comes from John 21: 1-13

" 1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.”

We all remember Peter telling Jesus that he would never leave him. Jesus told him that he would deny him three times. And Peter did so – twice while warming his hands over a charcoal fire and once even cursing (John 18: 15-18, 25-26). And immediately the rooster crowed. Peter knew exactly what this meant and was so ashamed - he hid missing the crucifixion. But as we read in the scripture above Jesus welcomed him not with condemnation but with open arms – even making breakfast over a charcoal fire. Dr. Rutland pointed out that there are only two places in scripture where it mentions ‘charcoal fire’ – during Peter’s denial and Jesus preparing the fish for them in John 21.

Peter denied Jesus pretty much in person – not once but three times, wasn’t there for the crucifixion, and pretty much felt unforgivable. And Jesus forgave him. Wow. What a grievous sin but what radical forgiveness. And guess what? I have been there as well - just like Peter I felt unworthy of forgiveness. But Jesus practices radical forgiveness ! Amen !

In closing, Dr. Rutland told us that a major magazine conducted a survey of what American’s would like to hear from other people.. In order they were “I love you”, “I forgive you”, and “Supper is ready”. He pointed out that he as a unworthy yet ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ says to his congregation “I love you” , by the authority of Jesus as commanded in scripture “I forgive you”, and distributing the elements of the Lord’s Supper “Supper is ready”.

Thank you Jesus for your blessings to overflowing!

"Revelation" by Third Day

"My life has led me down the road that’s so uncertain
And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Tryin’ to find my way, tryin’ to find the faith that’s gone

This time, I know that you are holding all the answers
I’m tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem,
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

My life has led me down this path that’s ever winding
Through every twist and turn I’m always finding,
That I am lost again (I am lost again)
Tell me when this road will ever end
Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without

I don’t know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won’t You show me where I need to go
Oh oh
Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it’s the only way that I can get back home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

Oh, give me a revelation

I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You"

Sermon Humor

Our guest pastor (who happens to be the President of Oral Roberts University) told us this great “icebreaker” before his message: A 22 year old man & woman (who share the same exact birthday) fall in love and get married on their 23rd birthday. On their 40th anniversary, the 63 year old couple are on a tropical island when a bottle washes up on shore. The woman picks up the bottle and takes off the cork. A genie pops out and says that he will grant her any wish in the world. Without hesitation she asks for a diamond ring bigger than Elizabeth Taylors and poof – the genie gives her the largest diamond ever! The genie turns to the man and says “I will also grant you one wish” to which he immediately replied “I want a wife 30 years younger than me” and the genie granted him his wish – he made him 93 years old ! lol

Job 42 & “What Faith Can Do”

“1 Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 “I know that you can do all things;” no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.

12 The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.”

“What Faith Can Do” Kutless

“I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do” “

This song seems to be my theme song for 2011. God, matchless in everything good gave me the blessing of a lifetime in Valerie. The Lord blessed us with someone perfect for each other in every way possible. Every day with her is better than the one before. Having her as my beloved is truly heaven on earth.

Many of you prayed for me regarding finding a Godly mate – and for that my heartfelt thanks. And many of you also were praying for something else…..a job. Two weeks ago I received a call from a recruiter about a position in Clearwater, FL. For a Quality Analyst. I could tell she was much different than any other recruiter I have been in touch with – we talked over 50 minutes on the phone. She helped me re-work my resume and had me review the company. The recruiter submitted my resume and within a few days an interview was scheduled. By the time of the interview, I was a little nervous but ready. The interview went amazingly well and I had an excellent rapport with all three interviewers. I was given a tour and told that the company would be in touch. Well exactly three hours latter I received a call from their HR contact who apologized that she was not able to meet me as ash was in a meeting. Then she told me “Bill we’d like to make you an offer…….” to which I immediately replied a very enthusiastic ‘Yes” !.

God is so perfectly, amazingly awesome. The recruiter contacted me from a resume I had posted on a job site and thought I was a perfect fit for the job. And to receive a job offer within three hours is totally unheard of according to the recruiter – but I know it was all God !

Thank you seems so inadequate to all of you who have been walking this journey with me. There has been heartache & sorrow but the joy that has come from God simply brings me to me knees in awe of of our God – Jehovah Jirah Provider !”

“How Great Is Our God” Chris Tomlin

“Name above all names

Worthy of our praise

My heart will sing

How great is our God”

Q & A With Jesus Christ

People have said things about me Lord..........

"Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us." Romans 8:34

I've got so much on my plate Lord Jesus...............

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Lord Jesus seems there's a laundry list of things that we need...........

"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:30-33

You know I've worked hard and have applied for hundred's of jobs Jesus...........

"But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” " John 5:17

and Jesus I have some major prayer concerns that will take nothing short of miracles to be answered...

"The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it." Matthew 21:20-22

There is lot going on Lord Jesus ....you still love me.....right ?

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 35-39

I'm so thankful for my beautiful wife, awesome children, and a loving mother and awesome friends....may these 'questions and answers' encourage you as you seek the Lord Jesus daily....

Pittsburgh Penguins 2010-2011 ‘Great Expectations’

The season began on October 7^th for the Penguins on a high note as they opened against the Flyers in the inaugural game at the brand new Consol Energy Center. The crowd was deafening as Mario took a bottle of water from the ice at the Civic Arena and poured it on the ice at Consol. It was an awesome evening but, alas, they succumbed to the Flyers 2-1 with the first Penguins goal scored by Tyler Kennedy.

It was a couple of rocky moths for Marc-Andre Fluery, but once he found his groove, it became apparent, not only to the Penguins and their fans, but the entire NHL that he was a force to be reckoned with. He made saves that simply defied description night after night. And when his team needed him to step up to the plate, he did so in such a way that he became the team’s MVP. In my opinion, no other player meant more to his team than Fluery so he should be the league’s MVP.

Sidney Crosby was having an MVP season leading the league in goals and at the top with points. He scored goals that defied description and that simply left you speechless. He was on track to a 60 plus goal season when, we all know what happened. He was hit by Steckel (then from the Capitals) during the 2011 Winter Classic with a elbow to the head – the puck was nowhere near him. Then, during the Tampa Bay game at Consol, Sid was hit violently into the boards with his head hitting the glass by Hedman from Tampa – again with the puck not even close to him. The result of this was we lost Sid for the rest of the season and playoffs because of a concussion.

Evgeni Malkin was having an ok season – not as great as Sid’s – but still a key member of the team. Everyone was expecting him to step up and fill Sid’s skates. Well, as fate would have it, during a game against the Sabers at Consol, a legal check into the boards and Geno hit his knee awkwardly tearing both his MCL & ACL – ouch !

Jodan Staal coming back was simply a blessing beyond words. He is blossoming into a super star of his own making – working hard shift in and shift out. His scoring punch and penalty killing ability came at a critical time in our season.

Well that’s when the call ups began from Wilkes-Barre Scranton and what a great jobs these guys did – Letestu, Conner, Tangradi, Lovejoy, etc. And the role players and grinders stepped up – Dupis, Talbot, Kennedy, Kunitz to name a few. Aaron Asham came back from his concussion to not only provide a physical presence in front of the net but contributed offensively as well. The blue liners were simply awesome – Orpik, Letang, Martin, Michalek blocking shots and getting physical when necessary.

What remains to be seen is how Comrie plays in a full season as a Penguin as his hip surgery sidelined him for a big part of the season. Also the jury is out on Niskanen and Neal but its was sweet to see Neal get the goal in double OT in the playoffs to win it for the Penguins.

Kudos to head coach Dan Byslma and assistant coaches Tony Grnato and Todd Reirden. What they did was nothing short of a miracle – trying to fill the voids left by Malkin, Crosby, Staal and other injuries. No wonder Dan is one of the finalists and should be a shoe in for the Jack Adams award as coach of the year.

I was blessed to be able to go to a number of games with Victoria including Opening Night, 2011 Winter Classic (Will as well) as well as Sid’s and Geno’s last game. After I relocated to Tampa, I had the pleasure of taking my beautiful wife Valerie to a Penguins / Bolts game at the St. Pete Times Forum.

The playoffs were a tight affair with Tampa. Our inability on the power play was critical in why Tama won the series but a reminder to Pens fans – it was not very effective with both Sid and Geno in the lineup during the regular season. Just a few goals from the power play and we advance. But Rolson was awesome and made some spectacular saves. The Pens could have mde it to round two and who is to say how Matt Cooke would have made a huge difference.

On a note to the NHL: Thank you for being more aware and leveling suspensions and fines for the hits to the head and for taking actions to prevent further concussions. But, I am appalled, that nothing was done to Stekel & Hedman for their hits to Crosby – he simply was out of action for the rest of the season. My prayer is that Sid is ok physically and that we will be blessed with him lighting up the lamp come October at Consol. But the league ruling that there was nothing inapproiate in either of those hits leaves me scratching my head.

Looking forward to October 2011, a healthy Sid, Geno, and the rest of the team, and hearing those words from the voice of the Penguins Mike Lange ‘It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh’.

Proud to be a Pittsburgh Penguins fan for life !

Let’s Go Pens !

So Very Blessed

To be married to the most beautiful woman, from the inside out, in this world my Valerie Horosz

"I love you more today than yesterday and more tommorrow than today"