Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (verses 4). death. No one likes to talk about this subject.  yet, it's reality has been painfully inflicted into our hearts and minds on more occasions than we would like to admit.  there is no greater fear, in the world today, than the fear of death.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name (verses 2-3). As we follow 'the shepherd', He takes joy in ministering to us. What a sobering and humbling thought. He doesn't simply say "yeah, ok, you can have my salvation but you're on your own until 'the end' - heaven" - no way! He leads us to places that we don't deserve. He blesses us with rest & refreshment.  To the lost, God's generosity is nothing but a dry, dusty wasteland but for us, who know and love Him, His mercy is sweet and His provisions unlimited. Even if we have little in earthly wealth or possessions - we live lavishly on the abundance of the Almighty! There are streams of living water that flow from the very presence of God offering rest to the weary, hope to the discouraged, and strength to the weak. The Holy Spirit is our gift - our peaceful stream. Even when everything around us rages, tranquility is a whisper away. He doesn't have to take us away from circumstances but rather soothe us right where chaos threatens - renewing our strength. It's impossible to honor the name of the Lord ...

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. Well, I've decided to continue my blog study on the Psalms of David. So, it seemed obvious to jump into the most famous one! As I approached this amazing passage, I intended to highlight several verses, but I couldn't move past verse one. No matter what translation you use, it's powerful. It's wonderful! INCREDIBLE!

Ahh, yes, it's Monday... I'm still in a 'processing-mode' on several levels right now (see previous post for explanation) ... and, as I chill and simply try to understand; I'm looking at a few things that intrigue me:

Ever have one of those times?

Thanks to me friend, Jeff Leake, for the heads-up about this great article by Charles Colson... enjoy!

These are strange & crazy days...  there's lots of tension in the D (thus, my title). Shootings, layoffs, corruption and way too much drama.  I'm trying to stay focused in the midst of a sea of random thoughts... it's JULY and only 61° my wife is having a root canal today Erin & Anthony are having a SON today just tweeted: "A morning without coffee is like sleep!" I get more hits/comments for posts like this than Bible study stuff... hmm. ... is today the day of the 'midtown miracle'?? man, I hope so!! love watchin' some Wimbledon tennis. USA, USA!! "If you are generous with the hungry & start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, your lives will begin to glow in the darkness" Is. 58:10 been praying that @1RC peeps would display 'Fearless Motion' today (and everyday). Tag! You're it!! still need to workout today - killing mr. procrastination! was asked yesterday to write a weekly article in another local paper - but, they want exclusivity - meaning: stop writing for the other paper... hmm. lovin' the new Jars of Clay - it tops my playlist right now "There’s no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when He sets ...

So, here's some random stuff about me - in no particular order ... for the most part, this is an absolutely pointless, random blog  - so many things that you simply DON'T want or need to know. Enjoy (or not)... it's entirely up to you! I hate cinnamon. I've lost 65 pounds since September '08 (and just devoured half of a dark chocolate candy bar). I've jumped off 80' cliffs but never out of an airplane. I've been to 49 states - still waiting on Alaska - hmm, you know, I'm not sure IF I've been to Oregon - I think I was... so, maybe 48! I love asparagus but it really hates me! I almost died a few times - high fever as child - bee sting as adult. I was healed of deafness at age 5. I started for my college baseball & golf teams (now I hate golf)... I love Starbucks but could totally live w/o it -- Hey, no laughing! I could! But, I won't!! I've ministered on 4 continents... more someday. When I was in Bible College, I was told that I should quit because: "I wasn't ministry material"... I love my iPhone (and anything apple/mac in general) - never going back to PC. I get up each ...

LORD, don't hold back your tender mercies from me. My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness. 12 For troubles surround me too many to count! They pile up so high I can't see my way out. They are more numerous than the hairs on my head. I have lost all my courage. 13 Please, LORD, rescue me! Come quickly, LORD, and help me. 14 May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace. 15 Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, "Aha! We've got him now!" 16 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!" 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now. You are my helper and my savior. Do not delay, O my God." As we wrap up this amazing chapter, David's humanity unveils itself with raw passion and uninhibited vulnerability. Face it, we all feel like this from time to time - probably more often then we would ...

Allow me to defragment my brain for a few minutes...