The path that leads to life is a Person.
He provides the bike.
I hop in and enter in.
Preparing for Triathlon with my Redeemer
Common Good
I voted yesterday.
The results are in.
It was a challenging exercise of a given right to reflect Scriptural ethics.
Thus I followed my mentor's good counsel:
So ... how would Jesus vote? His ballot would be cast for that which honors God and allows his creatures to flourish in life and to manage the creation well. His party would pursue the virtue that makes for a stable society and respects that we are all made in God's image. His approach would be to woo the one on the other side to consider a better, more virtuous path. Jesus' vote would not be to create people who function as independents but to have us sincerely seek the path that honors God and his creation. The mutual pursuit of that kind of common good would be good for us all. (Darell L. Bock / How Would Jesus Vote "Do Your Political Positions Really Align with the Bible?)
My precious nieces in observance of a good duty.
Theodore
The definition of hero speaks of aspects of redemption in tangible terms.
A little creature qualifies albeit its nature.
It is God alone who provides the winning lift.
My youngest daughter with our unassuming friend.
Error
I am mostly terrorized by my own errors.
By default I strain hard towards a goal unmindful of some silly implements.
The Word of God reveals this ineptness.
A La Carte
The abundant life Christ offers is distinctly nuanced.
Never generic.
It is always succulent and fresh.
Hardcourt
I begin my daily trek with a sojourn in the hardcourt.
I shoot hoops constantly aiming for a swish.
There is something deep in my soul that craves for a life that never misses the mark.
Author
Prior to birth, our days have been carefully ordained.
God claims authorial purview over our lives.
It is one thing to merely recognize it and another thing to pursue such with hope.
Nathan, my hope-filled nephew.
Hidden
The complexity of humanity's fall is well represented by our propensity to hide.
Adam and Eve hid.
And the seeking never ends ... until we yield to the only cover that protects us.
Easy Win
There is hard labor.
There is easy work.
Athletes refer to the swing zone as a stage of effort where ease takes over cruising towards victory.
The biblical writers referred to such as grace.
It is the grand exchange of one's weakness with Christ's enduring strength.
BCC Three-on-Three Champions / with Tasheba Butler, Jeremy Ramilo, & Marco Pineda
Birthday Girl
It is Nika's birthday today.
It was just like yesterday when I stood speechless cradling her in my arms a few seconds right after birth.
It will remain a sacred mystery on how this young lady leverages the cloth of Christ in all she does.
I praise God for the beautiful gift that you are to us.
Clothed in Wonder Land
Precious
We were created by Elohim (אֱלֹהִים).
As such, the majestic grandeur of His craftsmanship layers our existence with delicate care.
We are precious in God's eyes.
Training
The original intent of athleticism is towards a prize.
To know the why of our expended efforts requires constant pauses.
I stop frequently to seek the eyes of my Master who trains me for battle.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Earl Klugh
God's musical craftsmanship is indescribably staggering.
In my on-going artistry, no one has quite surpassed the thematic influence of the jazz guitarist Earl Klugh.
It is such a wonder how strummed strings elevate one's affections towards good.
Last night, I was one-on-one with the iconic genius.
Handpicked was I when he played the classic Heart Strings just ten feet away.
Steward
Our children are precious grants.
For a season, we are tasked to be faithful stewards.
God has designated my ineptness to become His receptacle of indescribable grace.
With Nika at 5 years old.
Mystery
Marriage is a mystery.
God claims it to be His work.
When two are joined as one, identity is altered by divine fiat.
I am called to relax and lean in on this deep truth.
I am a witness to this spectacle. I was both Father of the Bride and Officiating Minister.
Yesterday
Today runs with zeal towards yesterday.
No amount of chase keeps up.
Except of course ... the flight of memories.
My little Bianca back in 1995.
Behind the Scene
Behind every laughter is a tear.
Behind every tear is a fall.
Behind every fall is a promise.
One day all chaos will disappear. Write that down. That's what the Author of Life said.
Nika Diwa-Ihedigbo's practice run.
Strings
Earl Klugh set my ears towards the nuance of jazz.
The improvisations of music reflect the amazing dexterity of God in turning twists and turns into a concert tapestry.
Everything works together for good for those who are in Christ.
Yes, even for snapped strings such as I.
Sketch: David Talaguit / Finding Klugh based on my Sunday Sermon: All Things New / Book of Revelation Chapter 21
Home Court
Home is where the aspects of recreation are felt.
An abode is said to be homely when the aura of play sweetly prevails.
Does God play hoops in heaven?
I try to prepare for our surprising one-on-one.
Steps
Every summer, my church holds a Daily Vacation Bible School that features a distinct gospel theme.
Each year, a petite Romanian girl and her sister living at the condominium next block gets drop off by their parents.
I have seen the miracle of a slow but steady witness turn lil' Mimi into a fine young lady.
Her cruciform began with a few steps leading to the house of God.
