What’s this New Motivation

A distressed marriage, a frightened child, a realization of a hidden desire to be “in control”, a negative attitude to my surroundings…the list hasn’t gotten long (yet), but it could go on for a while. Basically, the motivation to document my journey is an effort to capture my feelings, emotions, opinions and whatever else that contributes to my actions.

I know, with all my heart, that I’m one of God’s children and have internal life through His mercy and grace. I talk to God, but for whatever reason, not regularly. The forces that oppose believers connecting with our Heavenly Father have helped cloud my ability to communicate with distractions of may kinds.

One of the biggest obstacles that I face in my life as a Christian is my desire or willingness to read. At an early age I rebelled against written words and to this day, in my early 40s, I am still not the strongest of readers. I made above average grades as a student so it’s obvious that the ability is there to read when it’s important. God is important to me, yet I fail to pick up a Bible and actually read it. What’s the deal. I even have multiple versions of the Holy Bible on my smartphone so there is absolutely no excuse.

It has to be a habit. I have to replace something that wastes my time with something that will be with me all the time and through into eternity. I think it’s time to put my copy of the YouVersion Bible App from LifeChurch.tv to use. It’s time to see what God really has in-store for me and my family. Stay tuned maybe I will post my progress.

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Easy As Child’s Play

Growing up in a Catholic family in the 70s was interesting, to say the least. I attend Catholic school from Kindergarten to Sixth Grade and went to Mass “religiously” every Sunday (unless of course we went on Saturday night). Funny thing is, I grew up knowing close to nothing about God or Jesus. Yeah, we had stations of the cross, nuns and all that, but I sit here clicking away at the keyboard knowing full well that I barely know much more than my daughter, who will be six in a couple of days.

My sweat little girl has an awesome heart for God. This fall, she has been going to Awana at a local Church that we don’t actually attend. They are so inviting, accepting and loving and she gets so excited when that one night of the week is finally here. She dons her red Sparks vest and eagerly awaits the moment when she will get to learn more worship songs, Bible versus and have the opportunity to play with new her friends.

Of course, I’m grinning ear to ear with a thankful heart that she wants to know God. I also feel very fortunate that I get to learn right along side her as she shares her knew found knowledge with me and her mother. For my daughter, learning just about anything is as easy as child’s play. I just wish my 40 something mind worked like hers…I suppose part of God’s plan is that she’ll be able to teach me a few things.

Ephesians 5:8 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light”

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So the Journey Begins

…or at least the chronicles of Michael Dogwood. The name that I’ve assumed is a pseudonym derived from that which relates to me in a fairly simplistic nature. I only do this so as to not step on the privacy of those closest to me. What I’ll share in the pages of this blog will most likely not sound all that different from many stories of men that struggle through life looking for a reasonably happy existence. I answer to a power that is unseen but very real and His name is God. The documentation of my journey will be that of man longing for a stronger connection and a willingness to grow as a Man of God. As this unfolds, I fully anticipate becoming a better husband, a better father and a better steward of those blessing that have graciously been given to me. If you are a fellow Believer in God and Jesus Christ, I humbly ask you to pray for me as I embark on a truly great adventure.

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