5:56 A.M.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans".
-Proverbs 16:3

I have been sitting before my lap top for quite a while this morning.  I can sometimes sense when there is something within me that I want to express and share; other times I intrepidly pause as if waiting for a signal to proceed.  And then I begin to type and my thoughts become syncronized with my hands and my heart and I am off.  It's 2:27 A.M. and I couldn't sleep. It is not because I am deeply troubled about anything or even worried over any specific situation.  I simply went to bed early and I have slept enough.  Besides, this is the best part of the day, for me. I like it when it is so still and quiet that you can hear your own heartbeat if you focus.  I always listen extra hard to try and hear the voice of God during these times.  Don't get me wrong; I seek to "hear" Him through my heart.  If He audibly spoke to me right now I would probably make an appointment with my doctor.  I'm just keping it real.
February 21, 1958 at 5:56 A.M. I entered the world from my dear mother's womb.  Five siblings  preceded me down that same canal but now it was my time to shine.  Thank you, mom, for not saying 5 was enough.  Astronomers can provide us with birth charts that are designd to guide us through every phase of our lives.  What to wear, who to date, when to play, what to think.  I make no argument as to the accuracy or the validity of the horoscopes and the reading of the stars; (did not the three wise men find Christ by following the stars)?  I do; however, believe in entering each day with my mind set that I am in control of what I do.  And for the most part this is true.  I am able to choose who I associate with and what events I will or will not attend.  I do not allow outside influences to dictate to me what is right and honorable.  I do make it a point to consider where I plan to tread for every direction has consequences.  (Not to mention that there has been enough examples that have gone before us to easily help us to determine if he choices we make will bring us good fortune or bring us ill will and destruction).  Can I get an Amen. 
 As for my special day, it was filled with people who loved me from both near and far, via telephone and mail, from email to text messages to Facebook and in person.  It was not an overwhelming calvacade of people but definately enough well-wishes from intimate friends and family to cause me to lie down last night with a smile on my face.  My dear friends, Heaven is real and we all will see death one day.  But I urge you to not become preoccupied with those thoughts.  Grab hold of what and who is before you at this very moment in your life.  Stop procrastinating about so mny things and go see Mount Rushmore, visit Disneyland, go fishing, shopping or take a long weekend drive to no-where-in-particular.  Stop counting pennies and planning so meticulously.  It all belongs to God and if you claim the same God I do then remember that HE Is Rich and will not withhold any good thing from you.  You are deserving! 
Finally, let me say this.  I always talk of how I trust God to provide my needs and the needs of my family. My wife and I were concerned that our growing David was becoming uncomfortable riding in the back seat of my Mustang and her VW Beetle.  We went to God about it and Last Friday and He blessed us with a new SUV. I will not elaborate at this time but I will tell you that the entire process was not only sporadic but it was absolutely miraculous and painless.  I always say that when you follow God you had better sleep with your shoes on.  When He moves you have got to be ready; there is no time for doubt or speculation.  I boast not on myself but only on the Lord.
And finally, cherish these times and one another.  Take some chances this week.  Trust God in a foolish way. Stop playing it so safe.  The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof!  When we were children He watched over us as we climbed the tallest tree, skated on thin ice ponds, swam in muddy swimming holes, and jumped of near cliffs with our bicycles.  And quess what? We are still His children.
I love you all. Have a great day.
Dennis