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J
JollyRoger

This was written, back in early summer of 2005, right after Stacy and
I found out we were going to be welcoming Megan into the world. I had
lost my job and was working at getting my appraiser's license. They
were some tough times, but with God's guidance and help, we came through.


Focus


Wow, life has been a whirlwind for the last few weeks for my family!
Lots of ups and downs. In case not everyone knows, Stacy and I are
expecting our third child (March 5th, due date) and we are absolutely
thankful to the Lord for this blessing. God has also taken care of us
by providing for our needs when things were looking a little shaky.
Yes, I do worry, but that is my fault. God has shown himself
gloriously and let me know that everything is going to be OK. Anyways,
back to the subject at hand. About 6 weeks ago, a friend of mine got
me hooked on something that I never would have thought would be SO
addictive. Kayaking. I have learned a lot about myself during those 6
weeks. One of those things is to not lose focus on what is in front of
you. While paddling down the river, you always need to be aware of
what is directly in front of you. Not what is behind, or to the side.
Focus on the front. If your mind wanders even for just a minute, or
take time to pat yourself on the back for making it through a rapid,
the river will let you know it is still there and you will find
yourself swimming, at the mercy of the current. So, today I decided to
check out what the Bible says about the word "focus" and came out with
a very familiar passage. It come from Phillippians. It says:


Phillippians 3:12-14

12 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or
that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that
day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and
wants me to be. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I
should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing:
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I
strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which
God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.



You see, kayaking is a lot like our life and the life God intends for
us to live. Don't get wrapped up in what is in the past. Focus on what
is ahead and the prize that God has for you, by finishing the task at
hand. You will be blessed just by doing what God calls you to do.
Sometimes that race is tough, like a marathon. Pace yourself and
endure. Or, the race my be short and fast, like a sprint. Focus and
achieve. Life is a race we all run. How will you finish?



"See your struggle as God's canvas. On it He will paint his multi-colored supremacy." - Max Lucado Facing Your Giants


END OF LINE


JR

Comments (35)

C
CapnHun·
Wow, thanks Jolly! We are what we read...Check out RockCrawlers post for his Yahoo group starting up!!! Sounds like you would have a lot to add!
D
Devonsangel·
I can only add my best wishes and prayers. Good Luck!
J
JollyRoger·
Hey, I joined that group yesterday and also posted this there this morning. Just thought maybe, some on 2o2p could use some encouragement. :)
D
doorgunnerjgs·
You and yours are still in our prayers and you provide an inspiration to many of us in the way you meet lifes' challenges which are more than many of us could endure.\r \r Peace be with you and yours.
P
PeepshowJanitor·
Good luck man! I'm rootin for ya!
C
CapnHun·
Jolly, love the new avatar :) Mater and Megan!!! Woohoo!
B
biorod·
When I was a young boy, I prayed to God to give me a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.\r -Emo Philips, comedian
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Gatsu·
good stuff man. \r \r Are things seeming to be a little brighter? I hope so.\r \r I really need to get to God...I've kinda stepped away for a while after alot of crap happened with my girlfriend and a fallout with some friends.\r \r I didn't blame God or anything. Just felt like I didn't wanna ask for help. I felt like if I couldn't do it on my own, it wasn't meant to happen because I don't want God to be a safety word I can tug on anytime trouble happens. If I cant talk to him when things are good...why would i have the right to do it when they are bad.
W
WallyBR·
Awesome, Jolly. Thanks for sharing.
D
DruishPrincess·
I agree. Awesome.
M
meemoos·
Love ya J!!
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Gatsu·
hang in there man. the prayers wont stop. You can count on that.
D
DixieBelle·
Were the whole realm of nature mine\r that were a present far too small.\r Love so amazing so divine\r Demands my soul my life my all.\r \r My very favorite hymn!\r
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Stryker927·
Good stuff Jolly. Keep it up!
D
Devonsangel·
That is a really tough question to ask yourself. How would I answer if my life depended on it? As I'm sure you know, there have been cases where kids have been asked that question and answered in the affirmative (Do you believe in God?) and lost their lives. Do their parents wish they had answered differently?
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Stryker927·
Good thoughts Jolly. Thanks for continuing to share.
C
CapnHun·
Jolly - Jesus says in Mark 10:30 we will recieve 100 fold back to us - with persecutions. If you faced a job loss because of your testimony God would take care of your family. Remember He loves them more than you do. But regardless where you are at with your testimony, even when we are faithless, he remains faithful. :)
T
TexasTwister55·
Thanks for taking a stand, brother.
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Stryker927·
More goodness from the Jolly Man! :D
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CofC·
Congrats on Jeopardy.
L
Liger117·
Way to steal your little girl's thunder.
U
UnwashedMass·
Have you ever thought of becoming ordained? You definitely have the ability to put together a good sermon.
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Stryker927·
Good stuff Jolly. Even mature christians or people that have been around a while still need to hear this. It's a daily walk and a daily choice. Keep it up man!
A
Avril·
Nice Post Jolly! Happy Friday:)
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codemonkey·
Makes me hope their's a heaven waiting. Won't know until its too late to turn back.
X
XSSmoke·
I've never really thought of who a hero is to me. Odd really, I look more towards what kind of an example I can set as oppossed to who I look up to for inspiration. Don't get me wrong, I agree that hero's can have an awesome place, just for me, I don't know that I really had any... :/ Maybe it is egotistical but I guess I work more off the feeling of what kind of hero can I be for those I affect...? Interesting question to ponder.\r \r Thank you Jolly! :-) Give Megan a 'blblblblblbl' for me!
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Stryker927·
Thanks for sharing Jolly. I always keep an eye out for your avatar up there. :)
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DruishPrincess·
Thank you for sharing. :D
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Big0ne·
Thanks for sharing. Nice blog.
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Avril·
I really liked those verses too Jolly, thanks for sharing:)
R
rockcrawler69·
Great Verse. \r \r
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OldManRiver48·
If you can get the \"forget\" part down pat, its then easy to forgive. It can be tough but we have to move on and not let these things overwhelm us.\r \r Btw, Megans picture always carries me a smile-always!
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Stryker927·
Marriage takes a lot of work, but honoring that covenant, working at it, and pouring yourself into will reap rewards that you can not fathom. My wife and I have our 10 year anniversary this fall. And while we have had our ups and downs, we have grown so much and I can truly say that my wife is my best friend. (even though she won't play XBOX with me - hehehe)
J
J-Cat·
I was at a wedding once, and the minister said something to the effect of whenever you attend a wedding, you are renewing your love for one another and thereby renewing you vows to each other. I LOVE weddings now more than ever!
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Gatsu·
I think sometimes people overcomplicate faith. With the faith of a mustard seed you may move mountains.\r \r A simple child-like faith. Simple accpetance.\r \r God exists...this mountain will move...you will be healed...etc..\r \r Keep it simple. As human beings we love to complicate things so we can fix them or prove something to others.