To My 3 Sons - by birth and by law

May 30, 2018

On the day I celebrate my 37th anniversary and the week that I officiate Michael's wedding, I thought it relevant to remind myself (each of you) of God’s design and challenge to me (us) as husbands. Of all of these the most challenging is to love our wives as Christ loved the church — a sacrificial love that sets our rights aside (Philippians 2). Jesus loved us and died for us "while we were still sinners." A Christ-like marriage always begins with us, not our wives.

In Genesis and the gospels we find our call to  “leave [our] father and mother and be united to [our] wife.”

Ephesians 5:

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives...

1 Peter 3:7

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

May we love our wives well with the mind of Christ doing nothing out of selfish ambition and considering them more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2).

34 Years of Marriage

Today, Patty and I are celebrating our 34th wedding  anniversary. As I thought about the day approaching, I came across the picture of a plaque that my kids had given me on a previous Father’s Day in memory of a conversation that I had with them about what each of them meant to me. Actually, elements of these traits exist in each one of them, but I had forced myself to narrow down my thoughts of them to a single word.

Ryan was my ROCK … dependable, unchanging and providing a firm foundation. Megan was my WARRIOR … showing great vigor and courage, undaunted in the face of a challenge. Michael was my JOY … a cause for keen pleasure or delight.

As I reflected on these, it dawned on me. My children had acquired the traits of their mother — my wife, life companion and friend. Patty has been all of these for me. When I’m doubting or uncertain, she’s my ROCK, coming through with a faith stronger than I’ll ever possess. When we face struggles, she’s the WARRIOR by my side fighting alongside me to overcome our circumstances. And, everyday, she’s my JOY. I love walking this life’s journey with her by my side.

In Ephesians 3:20, God says that he “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” … In my marriage, God fulfilled that promise in a big way by bring Patty into my life.

I love you Patty Holt. #iwillalwaysloveyou #married34years #youaretheoneforme

Personal Mission Statement

Some time around 1991 when I was early in my thirties, I wrote a personal mission statement. It has served as a compass for direction and decisions in my life. Recently, a young friend of mine asked me for a copy. I’m posting it here as a reference.

My Life Mission

It is my mission in life to experience sustaining joy in living an abundant life spiritually, industrially, socially, and financially.

Objectives

Possess and instill values (integrity, respect for others, passion).

Impact, positively, the industry in which I work.

Achieve financial independence.

Have fun!

Passion: A powerful emotion; boundless enthusiasm.

Strategies

Live through positive interdependence.

Celebrate the eternal moments.

Live by stewardship.

Be grateful.

Assembling - on the Disc Golf Course ?!?

We are relational people. From the beginning of scripture throughout, we see evidence that God designed us to be relational. The first “not good” in scripture was regarding man being alone. Thank God for women :-).

In Hebrews, we see that God encourages us to be in relationship with fellow believers.

... let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another ... (Hebrews 10:24 − 25 NAS)

We are to be in relationship, encouraging one another.

Where? Does this only mean in church? I don’t think so. There are at least two instances where God communicates to us the concept of “as you go.” In Deuteronomy 6, he talks of spending time communicating with our children “... when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” When we received the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, the phrase “Go” is literally translated “in your going.” So, we should spend time with one another in various ways encouraging one another in life and in our walk with God.

So, here’s my vote ... Disc Golf. Seriously, I really enjoy the sport. I’ve spent plenty of time on the course — alone, with family, with friends, and with general acquaintances. The time on course takes about 90 minutes. There’s plenty of time to talk. I’ve had at least four or five opportunities to use this time to encourage people who are struggling or looking for guidance.

It’s not about disc golf. Find something you enjoy doing and invite others to come along. “In your going” spend time with people, get to know them, and encourage them. If they don’t know Christ, invite them to experience life — and a relationship — with Him. In your time with them, you’ll find yourself encouraged — I promise.

PS. If you’re interested in Disc Golf, you’ll find opportunities all around you. And, I’ve found a cool site where you can order some nice discs online. Give it a try — http://www.discgolfstation.com/Disc-Golf-Drivers.html.

Live LOUD,

Russ

In the Arena?

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt

Be an encouragement to those in the arena; or better, join them in the arena. Life can be tough — it’s better when it’s fought with someone alongside you. The context or circumstances that people may be dealing with was highlighted to me as I read “Same Kind of Different as Me” and “Shattered Dreams.” We rarely now the battles of others. In the beginning, God declared that it was not good for man to be “alone.” We need people in our lives who are on mission with us. Some will be warriors, some will be helpers, some will be in need, some will be providers ... God granted us gifts and talents. We have various experiences. When we use these together on mission with God, we can be “more than conquerors.” Better a conqueror than a critic. See you in the arena.

[Reference valiant warrior]

For God so loved ...

"Every Man, Woman, and Child" - The Infinity Alliance (http://www.theinfinityalliance.com/)

"Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." (Revelation 5:9)

If Jesus died to purchase them, shouldn't we try to reach them?

Solitary Purpose

Solitary in habit
He runs alone
Inside himself
His mind races

No rest inside
The battle rages
The search is constant
Purpose drives him

Community at home
His love she strengthens
Together in life
The passion renews

Connecting in Christ
The purpose is realized
The future is hope
This day is mission