Interesting. I had an early morning call (but not early enough to make my first blog of the day) from Rian. He was asking for prayers.

As most of you know, Rian is a Junior High History teacher and Coach at O.L. Slaton Junior High in Lubbock, Texas. This is his third year. He will receive his Masters Degree in December commencement at LCU. He wants to be a principal. He interviewed this past summer but was passed over primarily because of his age. He is battling depression over this, and he called dear old Dad. He said he is not content with his life, with his job, or with various items in his life. He thought I might have a magical answer for his feeling as he does. I wish I did. I have been an owner of a multi-million dollar business and lost it all. I have also seen the other end of the spectrum where I was cringing at the grocery store as each item rang up, hoping I had enough money in my pocket to pay for my purchases. I have been at church and the person in charge of a special collection challenged everyone to reach in your left hand pocket and put everything in the offering and it was a large sum, I have voluntarily emptied my pocket into the collection plate and it was a small amount, but all I had. I can't honestly say I was more happy with money, because I wanted more. I can't say I am more happy without money, because money is nice. But somewhere, some way there is a happy medium. It's never really ours, we just manage it for GOD for a brief while. GOD hasn't let me starve and I do have a roof over my head.

Rian told me that he is not content with his job, with his vehicle, he likes nice things and if he can't provide them he feels like he hasn't worked hard enough, and there is nothing he can do because it is out of his control. Actually, it has never been in his control. GOD has the remote. We must quit depending on self and let GOD work his plan. Don't be anxious.

My daily reading book says to count your blessings not your crosses. We have never been promised an easy path. We have been warned of its perils, and all the way Satan is nipping at our heels, telling us that you work hard you deserve it all (whether it is a vehicle, a job, golf clubs, whatever)! Realize that if we achieve it all, the fame, the fortune, the job........we haven't done anything, GOD has done it through us. HE is working HIS plan. We can achieve it all and fail the exercise. What good is it if a man gains the whole world and forfeits his soul. Keep your eye on the ball.

Judy Thomas has had a pretty good series called Examen. I believe it is September 8, 9, and 10 in the archives (that will be close). It is kind of like doing a daily inventory as a family of all the high points and low points of a day. (Basically count your blessings). That description really doesn't do justice but take a look. I enjoy Judy's blog and include it in my daily read.

FATHER, I pray for Rian. I ask YOU to lift his heart, energize him, boost him. Surround him with YOU, Keep him centered. FATHER bless him with YOUR love, YOUR mercy, and YOUR grace. Fill him with YOUR spirit. Give him YOUR peace, YOUR understanding. FATHER let him be thankful for what he has, for what he has accomplished. Give him the understanding that job and possessions are not important. YOU will provide. Continue to work through him. Bless Erica and Reid. Watch over and keep them all. FATHER YOU are SUPREME and all things come from YOU.