What I've learned from my Uncle Brian

I know, I know.  Normally you write something like "What I've learned from my mom", or "What I've learned from my dad" but I think this one may have the potential to someday save my life.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that a weed-wacker on skin hurts.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that hot grease can melt skin.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that a rusty nail in your knee may or may not cause an infection.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that if you want to spin the tires on a Corvette, make sure that the "competitive driving" feature is turned on.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that the Governor will throw a water balloon at you.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that you should always check the forecast before putting the top down on your car.

I learned from my Uncle Brian to watch your footing on the treadmill or you will end up with scrapes and bruises.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that iced tea is a way of life.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that a wire brush, in a drill, in the arm = blood.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that if you're hauling a long ladder on the Interstate always fasten it down.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that the best way to store up patience is to never use any.

I learned from my Uncle Brian to make sure you completely tighten down the top on your car or it will act as a sail.

I learned from my Uncle Brian not to put your leg too close to the tail pipe on your motorcycle...it gets kinda hot.

I learned from my Uncle Brian to be careful with shellac because it will glue the cat's nose shut.

I learned from my Uncle Brian that.......

Oh the list goes on.  But I'm assuming you have lives, so I won't take up your whole day. ;)

Shine on,

Life.

Life.

It's a funny thing.

Within it you have times of extreme happiness and times of extreme sadness.

Sometimes you wish for it to just be over, and other times you're thankful for every minute of it.

Today I went to a memorial-type service for a little guy whose initials spell J.O.Y. He was stillborn.

It really makes you appreciate life. It makes you want to do whatever you can to proclaim the good news of Jesus -- To make the most of the short time you have here.

It also makes you just a little jealous of the little guy because, as his older brother put it, "He gets to skip out on this life."

I've dealt with stuff in my life, but nothing like that. I just hope that should anything happen to me I would have the faith and joy of that family.

But back to life. It's a confusing and wonderful thing. It's your .25 seconds of fame in a much bigger picture.

I've been thinking a lot about it lately. Stuff along the lines of "What's the point of life?" or "Why do I do what I do?" or "Why do I care so much about what people think of me?" and last but definitely not least "How does God want me to live?"

I've been pretty confused.

I'm not going to pretend to have all the answers but I was listening to this pastor the other day and he was talking about pretty much the same thing. He talked about in Acts, when the Gentiles were included in the covenant, how they rejoiced His word. They rejoiced!

Have you ever been the one to be picked last in dodge ball? Not that I ever was... cough cough.

The Gentiles were those kids that were picked last for dodge ball. They weren't included in God's vision.

After Jesus came they were finally not just acknowledged but they were accepted into the covenant! So what did they do?... They CELEBRATED!!!

Then I started thinking "Wow. If only we got that excited today." What would happen if just in the middle of the mall I started dancing and shouting praises? Well aside from being kindly escorted out of the mall, I would get a whole lot of strange looks. Why is that?

But then again, why should I care? We were called to go all out for God. If I would do anything for say, Orlando Bloom, then why shouldn't I for God?!

I decided I'm going to do just that: Go all out for God! Celebrate all the time! Live life like it's a party in God's honor!

So you'll have to excuse me if I break into a chorus of "Oh, Happiness" (or something of the like).

For the glory of God,

Carrie