Worry, Small Talk and Sugar Cane

I do not consider myself a "worrier" and if I do on occassion decide to worry, I do not like for anyone else to know that I worry. I try to be a "rock" an "anchor" and worrying is not a good quality for either one of those personality types.

With gas prices increasing by the minute and our economy the worst I can ever remember I can say that I am a little "concerned" with everything. Florida passed a Property Tax deal that would lower property tax and in return the budgets of local emergency services and schools would be lowered, due to the cut in local property tax base. So for the first time in my career I have grown increasingly conscious of lay-offs, cutbacks and other budget disasters. There used to be an old saying that there were 2 jobs that would always be safe and that was teachers and Law Enforcement, well in our corner of the world they are both being laid off.

As if this news is not enough the 2nd largest employer of the county announced they were selling out to the State of Florida. US Sugar announced a plan to sell their land for the revitalization of the Everglades. 1700 jobs will now be done away with for the "restoration" of swampland. Within the city I am sure that US Sugar represents nearly 75-80% (generous estimate) of the city's tax base, as well as a large percentage of the county's tax base. Although it will be a slow transition (6 years) the thought of our community becoming a ghost town or a haven for violent crime and poverty is a little unnerving.

A day after this announcement I am at the gas pumps with Brice and he is "helping" me pump gas. Beside me is a big black SUV and a nice gentleman gets out and begins pumping his gas. After some time passes he peeks his head around and says it is a sad day when $100 cannot fill up your vehicle. Still "floored" about the US Sugar deal and the upcoming financial woes and doom to follow I chimed in with "yep, and it doesn't look like it will get any better with the closing of "Sugar" (big mistake)". I should have kept my mouth shut because I had just thrown my 2 cents at the CEO of one of "sugar's" citrus companies. Well, he still remains to be a nice man. He politely ask if I worked for Sugar and I replied, "no sir", expecting him at this time to tell me to mind my own business. Without a lot of detail he said that the community will be ok. The poeple of Sugar will be OK.

Let me pause to tell you something "spooky". While traveling to the Gas station with the Sugar deal heavy on my mind I thought (literally) what about the people who agreed to this deal? How will they be received by their employees? Do they worry about their safety? How have their lives been effected? Not 2 minutes after that I am face to face with Mr. CEO.

Mr. CEO had began telling me about "his" day and how he had to meet with employees all-day and share the news with them. He also told me of how his day was interupted by a funeral he had to attend of a 33 year old man (hey-that's my age group). Suddenly out of the sky a big pile of bricks fell on top of me. Mr. CEO must have seen it because he said the same thing I was thinking. "Work is work, our job should NOT be our life." Mr. CEO appeared to be saddened over the fact that his day was not yet complete. He had an 11pm appointment with the midnight shift at the plant to tell them yet again the news.

My heart went out to Mr. CEO. By this time I am holding Brice (so he doesn't get run over) and almost as if it is an object lesson, the man looks at Brice and says-"This is YOUR life" take care of him. As I worked to close my jaw dropped mouth I mustered up the words that EVERYTHING will be ok. We then "shared" that God is our provider, He's the Landlord, the Accountant, the CEO and Dad that we all need to make it through and "be OK".

The whole way home I was so upset for bringing up the Sugar thing. It really is NONE of my business. But I have come to believe that my big mouth may have been the Lord's way to minister to me and the CEO. The encounter with Mr. CEO was odd in the fact that I feel that both of us kind of ministered to ourselves as much as we did to the other.

The thing I want remind us (me included) is to be sensitive of opportunities to share, to smile and chit chat. You never know what may spring up from it. As a side bar also TRUST the Lord for He is in control.

Father's Day: Day of Reflection

Well today is Father's Day. I take joy in telling people it is my 4th Father's Day when Brice is only 3. Brice's first trip "out" was on Father's Day 2005 when he was just a few days old and we went to church. I remember being so proud. That feeling really hasn't changed at all. I can remember being so "scared" of Brice. He was so little and small and I felt like a giant and was so scared that I would break him. I was concerned with every grunt, cry and moan and always worried myself with what do I do now?

I learned, maybe too late or right on time, that kids are tougher than we know and that we put all the pressure on ourselves. I have done some really cool things as a Dad and I have messed up here and there too. Through it all both Brice and I have survived (so far). Every day I am challenged in a new way from Brice. I am constantly amazed at how fast he has grown, how much smarter he is than I give him credit for and the countless number of cute little ways he tries to get my attention. "The greatest gift I ever had came from God-and he calls me Dad!" by an unknown author.

Today is a celebration of "family". I believe that in today's household, Mom's and Dad's have become a "blended" role that we call a "Parent". I could not do this without Jennifer and I am thankful for both her and Brice. Brice is entering into a stage where he is alot of fun to "hang out" with. He is very independant and entertaining. I love the times we have together. Whether it be singing songs together on our way to Day Care, watching silly movies on TV or making fun of Mommy we have a good time. I can see the little things he does that I know he has picked up from me and some of it is cute; while some of it is scary....

Although I was treated to a barrage of gifts with Father's Day, Birthday and Anniversary all very close together I truly enjoyed spending the time with my family the most today. Daddy got to try his hand at making "homemade ice cream" and did get to have a relaxing nap (uninterupted, in the dark, in my own bed and without time restraints).

As I have spent most of the day reminescing about being a father, being a son I must admit I have had a day full of love and great memories. Today in church the children had a presentation where they sang "Jesus Loves Me" and then sang a 2nd verse that said, "Jesus loves YOU" and as they did they each went and grabbed their Dads by the hand and brought them forward. The thing that got me the most was how there were men there who probably realize that they have not been the best of Dads, some who did not get to experience a Dad and some who grew up with a great Dad and every scenario in between. I was reminded of our Heavenly Father who was "THE" father who was to be honored on Father's Day. He loves us and regardless of what kind of Dad we are or what kind of Dad we had He still loves us, cvares for us and calls us HIS own. He is as proud of us as I am of Brice (if not more).

Finally I look back and see alot of my Dad in me as I am starting to see so much of me in Brice and I am reminded of this quote..." He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland" I hope that I too can live by this pinciple as my Dad did. I have desired to be a Dad for a long time and have suffered, struggled and prayed until it happened. I think the greatest desire to be a father comes from the goal of being a great Dad like the one I have. I love you Dad.

To Brice I want to say "Thanks Dude!" for being the reason I celebrate Father's Day. You are a blessing far greater than you will ever be able to understand. I enjoy you and look forward to so much more. You make me happy. I want to watch you grow and become your own person and if you ever need any help always remember I am by your side. I love you BRICEY!

Happy Birthday

Jennifer has already blogged about Brice's Birthday but I too would like to share. As a parent you start out when the children are young with a list of attributes you would like your child to have and then there are the things you hope to teach or pass on to your child. Well I was pleased to see some of these things unfold today.

Brice awoke to find the house decorated in Scooby-Doo. We had built up this party for some time and he was anxious so it was a "Christmas Morning" type awakening this afternoon when Brice got up from his nap. He was soooo excited and as his friends started arriving he was telling them there is a BIG surprise and was telling them all "let me cho you sumtin!!!" Even though the party was for Brice he was so fixed on sharing this experience with everyone. I was pleased to see him share and take turns, thanking people for the gifts they brought and really being a sweet host. I was proud.

The highlight was his new Fire Truck. We got him a ride along Fire Truck and it is so cool. Brice is really into Fire Trucks and Fire Fighters right now and I too think they are "generally" super people. Well today some of our own "Hometown Heroes" brought the Fire aTruck to the house for te kids to see and experience. This was really great.

I cannot help but think during times like this what would Brice's life been like without us and what would are lives be without him. I think alot about his birth Mother and what she must go through every year around this time. To coin an old Garth Brooks' song "I guess the Lord knows what He is doing after all..."

My baby boy is growing up and I am so pleased with the gentleman he is becoming. Whenever you see a Firefighter or Police Officer remember it is little things like today that shape and mold a child's heart, dream and ambition. Thank You guys you are 10-8!

Cleaning Up the Clutter

This weekend I was able to do something I have not been able to do in over 2 years. There was a full size fully functioning automobile parked inside our garage. Our garage had always been a "catch-all" of sorts and storage for many out of the way things. Well this weekend I met it head on. After countless tyrips to the dumpster with loads and loads of "stuff" and other trips taking donations to other places the garage was finally swept out and ready to start housing some vehicles.

Late in the afternoon Jennifer lets out a squeal and I automatically think, " What is it now?" Well convinced she has encountered a 50 pound black widow I "rush" over to see in the handle of an old bucket that it was indeed a black widow. I assisted this spider to the "afterlife" and consoled my poor wife for her scary ordeal. Now many times I have been ridiculed and scoffed at for my "mean" (misunderstood) spirit. But I will have you know that even though we were back to work in the garage I never, ever, not even once acted out on my strong urges to point at my wife's feet and say "don't move!" or "SPIDER!". I did chuckle each time I thought of it but I never did go through with it. Am I not the sweetest?

Well today I looked at a passage in Pslam 139 where David was doing some "clutter cleaning" himself. Well, he cries out to the Lord to "search me". David was a guy who was either hot or cold when it came to the Lord. One moment he would be doing mighty things for the Lord and then before you know it he would do something outrageously wicked. Well i his cry he asked for the Lord to search him in order to make him right. I began thinking about our day of clutter cleaning and how it was amazing some of the things you put away and lose track of. Countless times I would have to stop and say, "wow, look at this" or " I have been wondering where this thing was". Some items I had totally forgotten about. The same is true within our own lives. We can tuck, cram and hide things within our own lives and if we leave it alone long enough we forget that it is there. Easy enough? Well the truth is that whatever it is we hide does not go away if we hide it; basically it is just removed from "our" sight.

In order to have a renewed fellowship with our Creator we must "clean our clutter". Allowing God to search us , purify us and change us we must let go of alot of stuff even if we have forgotten it or hid it. Is it ironic that the things we hold close to us (not giving it to the Lord) are usually the things that hinder us or harm us the most.

I pray that each of us "trust' God's Grace and forgiveness enough to allow Him to help us clean up the clutter. I can attest to the fact that it is a hard chore; but rewarding when it is done.

GPS

For some time now I have wanted a GPS of my very own. Not that I ever get lost or anything; but sometimes I think I would enjoy the sound of someone reminding me that I am on the right path or a "friendly" voice "gently" telling me that I have abandoned my desired route. Well, nevertheless, I am not blessed with such a gadget. Or am I?

Our service today had Pastor Jay sharing about how easy the Christian Life is as long as we learn to "be obedient" to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. Then all of the sudden my A.D.D. kicked in and I began thinking about how our (Christian Life) is a journey. The song from Cars will not leave my head-"Life is a highway..." and I begin thinking about how bad I want a GPS. Then it hits me. God blessed us with what He referred to as "the helper" and what I now recognize as a GPS (Godly Positioned Spirit). The GPS is CONSTANTLY advising us of where we should be going. But, for whatever reason we do not obey. Either the kids are screaming, the radio is too loud, the car in front is going too slow or whatever else that may distract us. It hits me again as to why I probably do not already have a GPS (Electronic) is that I am so consumed with everything around me that I would not listen to what the GPS is telling me.

So be encouraged today to know that God has provided you with a GPS for your journey. Be careful. You must pay close attention to it or else it is not effective.

PS-Tell my wife this makes a great gift idea. The electronic one not the Holy One I am already using it.

Life is a highway and I want to ride it all night long...

Why Blog?

Well first things first...I have blogged a little bit here and there on my own. But now my super creative spouse has started the Blog revolution in the Griffin household. So not to be outdone I decided I too would create a site to let the world see my views, aticdotes, philosphy on life and overall perceptions that I have kept silent for too long. SO I have combined my blogs from other sites and created a few new ones for the world to see. But none of this would not have happened if I had not been WOWED by my wife's page and dedication to writing the memoirs of our lives. Besides now that I know she is blogging everything I better be careful what I say--"it can be used against me..." Check out her page and let her know she rocks...I love you Baby.

I Have Nothing To Wear

How important is our clothing? Does it really define who we are? Surprisingly I answered, "YES" to this question. I have thought about how the clothing we wear makes such an impact on how we are perceived.

One night I was working an undercover detail (yes I am a Cop) and I was dressed-not like a cop. I was wearing jeans, an old t-shirt and a ball cap (backwards). I had my gun tucked in a holster behind my back (out of view) and my badge dangling from a large beaded chain around my neck. We had heard a "hot" call come across the radio and we were right there almost immediately on scene to see the perpetrators exiting their vehicle on the way into their hotel room. Immediately we jump out of our SUV and with guns drawn order everyone to the ground. Normally, I would be in a uniform or be recognized by some type of Official clothing and I was no often called upon to be in "undercover" attire. So in total fear the 3 assailants dove to the ground. AS I began patting down the suspects I heard one of them, literally begging not to be robbed! "What"? Then it dawned on me that I was not dressed "properly". My clothes did not match "who I was"…Finally; I pulled my badge out from under my shirt to make it visible to everyone. I have never seen 3 criminals so happy to see the cops in all my life.

For Example: Superman-his clothing distinguishes who he is. Referees-if not for their clothing it would confuse the game. Everyone would pass the ball to the ref because they are always open. Wal-Mart Greeters-their clothing helps us identify their job and responsibility. Without their identifying clothing we would just think the person at the door of Wal-Mart was some weirdo talking and greeting everyone as they entered the store.

As a Law Enforcement Officer, I constantly JUDGE people by what they wear. Our "covering" says a lot about who we are. For believers, our spiritual covering is Jesus Christ; His shed blood "covers" our sins. Most of us are particular about the clothes we wear, but is Jesus the "covering" that people see when they look at you?

In Matthew 22 Jesus told a parable of a king who prepared a Wedding Banquet for his son. No one in the land wanted to come to this Banquet and when the few do show up, they show up improperly dressed. Wedding attendance was a Social Obligation during those times, especially if the party was royalty-if invited you MUST go…No questions asked! V. 3 tells us that the people REFUSED to come. There is no logical reason why the people refused to come-just like there is no logical reason why people refuse the good things God invites us to.

Naturally, the king is upset with the fact that nobody has showed up to this Wedding Banquet. He sends his servants on into the land to tell everyone to come to the Banquet. Well, V.5 tells that these people continued on their way about their own business and that some of the people overtook his servants, mistreating them and eventually killing them.

Unfortunately, this is an accurate description of how people respond to the Gospel and God's invitation to them. "They paid no attention and went off". This upset the king even more and he his set on bringing judgment to the ones who murdered his servants.

Again the king sends out his messengers to invite people to the Banquet. He tells them to anyone and everyone, because the ones originally invited do not deserve to come. In V.9 the king instructs them to go to the street corners, the slums and wherever they could go to find people to come. He wanted the good and the bad it did not matter to him he just wanted the Banquet Hall full.
This sounds like another King we know doesn't it? It also resembles Jesus' call to all sinners right?

Finally, after 3 different invitations the king is ready to greet the guest. He finally enters into a full Banquet Hall and as he is greeting the guest he notices a man who is not dressed properly. The king politely asked him how he got into the Banquet "dressed like that"? As it turns out, the king has his servants throw the gentleman out of the Banquet. Is anyone besides me wondering why the king had this man thrown out of the Banquet Hall? What did he expect when he told his people to go and get anyone and everyone to come?

Get a load of this…Back then it was customary for the Wedding party to provide its attendees with proper Wedding attire. What a concept! How many of us, especially you ladies have gone out and spent lots of money for ensembles to wear once (twice if we were lucky) to a Wedding and then it remains cluttering our closet for eternity? So the king has provided outfits for everyone who is to be at the Banquet.

Now we see why the king was so focused on everyone's attire. The man chose not to wear what the king had provided. See his clothing set him apart or lack of "proper" clothing made him stand out. He was trying to tell the king by remaining in his own personal clothing that what he has is just fine. There is no need for anything else to make him suitable for the Banquet. He refused the "covering" offered by the king.

Lucky for us that God is in the clothing business. Isaia61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has "covered" me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels.
How many people do we know that are like this man at the banquet? The man knew the "dress code" when he accepted the Wedding Invitation; but decided that what he had was "good enough", he thought he could clothe himself. Haven't we all tried to make ourselves righteous before God in our own way? Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
Take a look at what was in store for the man as he was removed from the Wedding Banquet. He was bound by his feet and hands and tossed out into outer darkness. If that is not enough, the "outer darkness" is described as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.
V.14 gives a chilling statement. It basically says, everyone has been given an invitation to the Banquet, everyone was offered everything they would need to attend this Banquet-but so few have chosen to attend.

See, this man who rejected the offer of the king was assigned a horrible fate. .
To sum it up, there were those that the king invited that were "indifferent" and then there were those who were "antagonistic". Nevertheless, they both shared the same fate. Neither one made it to the Banquet. Whether people choose to ignore God and His invitation or they are openly antagonistic towards Him the end result remains the same.

The bad, dirty and ugly were invited to the Banquet; but they did not remain that way. They were made fit for the Banquet by the garments offered by the king.
Don't waste your invitation to the wedding because you have nothing to wear…Instead, try on the garment that the King has prepared for you-I promise it is just your size!