Live Long and PROSPER- from neither a Trekkie nor Vulcan

The title of this blog comes from the Vulcan salute. This much I know, but I will go on record that the only thing Star Trek I have sat down to watch or even really liked was the updated version of the movie that hit theaters last year. Vulcan I am not, Star Trek fan-NO, stayed at the same hotel as a Star Trek convention-actually YES, and it was weird I may add (or at least the people there were-just bein' honest folks.) "Live Long & Prosper" is a great line though. Live Long- is a desire most people would have, at least I do; and the "prosper" portion of the phrase is a promise of thriving, flourishing, excelling and achieving. So, really this phrase and salute, if you will, can read "Stick around a while and while you do, why don't you expend yourself to thrive, excel, go to the next level." So, sad to say but Mr. Spock really had a way of encouraging people I guess. Actually long before Leonard Nimoy dressed up and started dropping this line, the likes of Moses, David, and Isaiah gave us the same pep talk regarding God's desire for us. Here are some examples of this found in God's Word:
Genesis 39:2
The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered…

Deuteronomy 6:24
The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God,
so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.

Job 8:7
Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 128:2
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Proverbs 8:17-19
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)
It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

So based on these words, I being a non-trekkie or non-vulcan, would like to say to you, "Live long & Prosper...because with God leading your life it is a promise for you. Now choose to strive, thrive, and excel in all you do, and do it all for the Glory of God." Peace Out (insert the little two finger peace salute here rather than the traditional vulcan one, because really it's the same thing-just easier.

Who Cares?

Have you ever wondered, if anyone really cares?...About you?...What you say?...something you messed up on... Have you been in a conversation with someone and as they talk, you wonder...really, who cares? I believe that many people live with this reality that no one cares about them. The truth is many people probably care. Many people walk through life and feel as if no one cares, it is sad, but true. As a kid I said numerous times, "I don't care", or "No one really cares." In fact, a few times I remember saying it rather compassionately. Scripture tells us there is ONE who cares. As you read through the God's Word-the Bible you will see that care can be defined as, God’s commitment of concern, regard and oversight for those who love Him. Here are a few places we see the value of God's care for each of us:

You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care. Job 10:12 (NLT)
For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly. Psalm 37:17 (NLT)
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:6-7
I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat. Hosea 13:5
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, Nahum 1:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. Jude 1:1 (NLT)

So, if you are walking through life today, and wonder if anyone really cares...well, someone actually does. Enough to send his Son into the world to die...just for you!

The BUDDY System RULES

As a kid, I remember the importance of the BUDDY RULE that came into play on field trips. We always had an adult, and always had a buddy. I have been fortunate to have 2 buddies that have been in my life for 22 years. This past week all three of us, with our wives, vacationed together(minus the kids). BONUS, I may add. The boys have had guys weekends for years now, but the wives along for the trip was a first. It was a blast. We raced go-karts, walked the beaches of So. Cal, ate a lot, played video games, accompanied our wives into the outlet malls, and talked business. As I reflect on the week away, I realize that as a buddy, I have the right to come alongside and can ask accountability questions. As a buddy, I am expected too. These buddies of mine have the right to ask any question to keep me accountable to them, and I hope they continue. The questions to be asked relate to finances, relationship with God, relationship with my wife, my family, and keeping my moral values in check. Buddies should be a part of your life to have fun and as you build relationship. We have a great friendship that is carried on through the use of the phone and internet weekly. Buddies rule and it is important to have them in your life. We connected as kids at church, and life has brought us plenty of adventure over the years. The buddy system is put in effect to keep you safe and making sure that you don't wander off. The same can be said for my buddies today-even though we are adults the system can and should still operate the same-just on an adult level. One thing I take away after this past week is that BUDDIES RULE!