THE BLIZZARD / HOCKEY / MARTY B / GOD CARES

The Blizzard of 2015 is over.  We got roughly 10-12 inches of snow.  The storm pushed farther east out to sea, so the worst of the storm missed us.  Not sure how Long Island and New England would take to that statement.  2-3 feet is what I heard for those areas.  Yikes!

I took a PTO (paid time off) day today.  Going to a hockey game tonight.  Part of my Christmas present.  Devils & the Maple Leafs.  Should be a good one.

On a sad note, Marty Brodeur, simply the best goalie in NHL history, has finally hung up his pads.  He had 6 starts for the St. Louis Blues to fill in for the two goalies who were injured; however, he found there was no room for him on the roster when they returned.  He will reportedly finish his one year contract with the Blues in some capacity in their team offices.  All the best to you Marty.  You are the best and always will be.  AND you will always be a Devil.  

God loves you and He cares what happens to you.  Give your life to Him.  rlkeller

SNOW / THE GAME / GOD IS GRACIOUS

          It's still snowing here in Brick, NJ.  We have roughly a foot of snow on the ground and it's still coming down.  Not supposed to stop until this evening.  Won't find out about work until after 12 noon.  Not planning on going in even if they're open.  We'll see.

          Deflate Gate ... The Patriots have been caught cheating before.  It doesn't surprise me that they are doing it again.  After they were caught the first time, they haven't won a Super Bowl.  Is this what they felt they had to do to win another one.  Who knows.  I may not even watch the game ... yup, for the first time since its' inception, I may not watch the Super Bowl.  Don't care for either team, the ball allegations are disturbing and I don't like either coach.  Really don't care who wins or loses.  

          God is very gracious and kind.  He is slow to anger and abounding in love and mercy.  Being a faithful follower of Christ takes commitment, diligence and an earnest desire to change your lifestyle.  rlkeller

STORM COMING!

          It's snowing today.  We have a couple inches out there.  It's supposed to stop soon, but there is a winter Nor'easter coming tonight that could dump as much as 10"-18" of white stuff on us.  The reports vary greatly.  Some say it will turn to rain, others say 6"-8" of snow.  Let's face it, no one really knows how fast or slow this storm system will move until it does its' thing.  So the snow blower is gassed up and ready to rock, the back friendly snow shovels are posted right by the doors, the de-ice pellet bucket is on the porch ... we're ready.  Bring it on!!  rlkeller

THE PUPS / INSISTING vs. ASSISTANCE

       A rather uneventful day.  Although the pups new found freedom in the back yard off the leash has caused them to want to constantly go outside.  Hard to concentrate and even harder to write.  Every 20 min or so they beg to go out.  I love them to death, don't get me wrong, but this has to be regulated somehow (lol) ... they love to run around and the back yard provides more space than the inside of the house.  They're so cute.  I get annoyed but that quickly turns to joy when I see them chasing one another out back.  

       God is good and life is going well.  We don't have a lot of money but we have each other and we have the Lord.  God will never let us crash and burn unless we insist upon it.  That's crazy, why would we insist upon it?  What I mean by that is that sometimes folks do things that are not at all in God's plan, like perhaps going deep in debt for some material possession.  God isn't going to keep us from doing what we insist on doing.  He will assist us by His Holy Spirit when called upon.  Does that make sense?  rlkeller

KITTY LITTER / DEVIL'S HOCKEY

          Note to self:  Do NOT ever put kitty litter on a wooden ramp that has frost on it.  It may keep you from slipping initially, but it will end up being a slippery mess before you are done.  The brand we use is clay based and when it gets wet it gets slimy and therefore, slippery. Yuck!  Then you and your pups track it inside and well, need I go on.  No bueno!!
          Going to see Fleetwood Mac Saturday night in Atlantic City.  We saw them in October at the Prudential Center in Newark.  The wife is a huge fan.  Hockey next Wednesday night ... Devils vs. Maple Leafs.  The Devs went 2-1 in their west coast swing.  Beat LA 5-3, got clobbered by Anaheim
two nights later 5-1, then bounced back in San Jose Monday night 5-2.  They're still 5 games under .500 and well out of the playoff picture, but have been playing much better since they canned their coach the day after Christmas.  We'll see how things develop.  (Did I ever happen to mention that I LOVE HOCKEY!!!???)  rlkeller

SNOW / JERSEY / THE GAME

          It's supposed to snow this afternoon into this evening.  Perhaps 2-4".  Should make for a fun ride home from work at 10:40 pm.  My job is one hour from home.  It goes pretty fast if your listening to music or sports talk radio.  Lousy weather makes it a bit of a challenge, but it's nothing like the weather some regions of the country have been getting.  I think I'll stay on the east coast, close to the ocean.  

          I know some folks don't care for the blunt honesty of folks from Jersey, but I love it.  Tell me what you really feel and don't hold back.  I prefer honesty to political correctness any day of the week.  I appreciate a modicum of couth and mutual respect when spewing your opinion, but by all means, let it fly.  It works so much better then having to pull information out of people like you're pulling teeth.  

          The Patriots vs. the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.  Sorry, I don't much care for either team.  I would like the Pats to win because I care for the Seahawks less than I do the Patriots, but I really don't care one way or another.  I may not even bother to watch the game.  It would be the first time I've ever missed one.  It's simply not that important to me.  Now if the Giants were in it that would be a different story.  (lol)  rlkeller

GOD NEVER FAILS!!

          Being Christ to others is difficult at times, like when they rub you the wrong way or tick you off.  The old man really wants to take over in times like that.  We have to fight the urge to lash out.  Being at peace in our spirit helps immensely.  Just work at not letting things bother you.   I can get churned up about some pretty crazy things.  Things that either haven't and may never take place or things I have no control over.  After nearly 36 yrs walking with Christ I still haven't learned certain lessons.  Be calm in spite of your circumstances.  God knows what He's doing and will not fail you. Period! rlkeller

A THOUGHT FROM ALEX

My Kenyan brother Alex from work had something rather profound to share with me at the end of our work day (10:30 pm) last night.  In the course of the day the Lord laid this on his heart:

Today is over, which means we are heading somewhere.

I found that to be rather thought provoking.  rlkeller

THE WEEKEND / MY NEW BOOK

     Another weekend is by the boards ... another work week begins.  It's overcast and raining lightly this morning.  The pups are asleep on the bed behind me.  Marty is snoring.  Too funny!  

     Good service yesterday morning.  Nice dinner with friends Saturday night. Nice time with family yesterday.  God blessed us with a full, satisfying, restful weekend.  No complaints.

     The writing of my 4th book has hit a roadblock.  My research has stalled due to my schedule.  I am a random thinker so my thoughts and ideas hit me at odd times.  Not being able to sit down and write whenever I feel the urge to has been a bit of an issue.  The book will be completed when God wants it completed.  I not terribly concerned about it.  Some things are just more important at the time than writing a manuscript.  Know what I mean Vern?  rlkeller

ETERNITY HANGS IN THE BALANCE

          Looking back on my devotionals for the last few days or so, some might say I am coming on a little too strong.  My response is that I honestly feel led by the Spirit to say what I write.  Serving God is serious business and a definite choice that every man and woman must make at some point in their lives.  You can say to yourself "I don't believe there is a God" and go on your merry way or you can seriously consider God to be who He says He is.  It requires faith - believing something is, without actually seeing it.  The God issue is of eternal importance.  Christians believe heaven and hell hang in the balance of ones decision.  Choose wisely.  If you don't believe there is a God that you will have to stand before one day, you better be sure.  All eternity is at stake.  rlkeller

RANDOM THOUGHTS

       It's Wednesday morning.  It's a very cold morning ... 19 degrees to be exact.  The coldest day NJ has had so far.  It pales in comparison to some regions of the US, but still it is cold.  It's also sunny out, so that takes some of the bite out of the cold.  I like cold weather.  

       

       The Devils have won 2 in a row.  Happy day!  I think they're coming around.  Good.  

       Did I happen to mention that I love the Lord very much.  I am trying my best to imitate Christ with all my thoughts, words and actions.  It's a progressive thing.  Being painfully human I have good days and bad days.  I'm pretty transparent when it comes to expressing my thoughts.  I think a lot of people like that about me.  I don't pussy foot around ... I call it like I see it in Christian love.  I don't fire a salvo of judgment at people, especially non-believers.  I am not their judge and jury.  Only God can judge or at least that's the way it's supposed to be.  Lead them to Christ, don't condemn them to hell.  Later ... rlkeller

LIFE IN GENERAL

          Well, the Devils came out flying Saturday night and the Flyers were grounded.  NJ 5 Philly 2.  Great game!!  Anyway, we took down our Christmas decorations yesterday.  Always a sad day.  We really love the Christmas season.  There's talk of possibly some snow for tomorrow ... near midnight.  Who knows.  We usually wait till the morning to see what has happened weather-wise.  A doff of the cap to Stuart Scott of ESPN who died the other day after a 7 yr battle with cancer.  He was an iconic sports announcer and his loss shall be felt in the sports announcing community.  A new week is just beginning, unless you consider Sunday the first day of the week as some do.  The pups are asleep behind me on the bed.  I am doing what I do on any given weekday morning prior to going to work.  2nd shift work is pretty nice.  2 pm - 10:30 pm.  Not bad.  Goes pretty quick.  After 6:30 the last remnants of the day shift goes home and most of the big bosses have left for the day.  It's nice and quiet.  That suits me just fine.  Have an awesome day in Christ!! rlkeller

HOCKEY & DEVO HITS

          The NJ Devils (ice hockey) canned their coach and are still having trouble scoring goals.  We're going to see them play the Flyers at the Rock tonight.  Hoping for a win.  It's been a rough season so far.  I believe they are currently 13-20-6.  Ugh!  Oh well, glad my salvation doesn't depend on the outcome of a hockey game. 

          Huh!  Over 47,000 people have visited my devotional blog since it began back in March of 2011.  That's a lot of hits.  I hope all were blessed in some small way.  God is a good God.  Slow to anger, abounding in mercy and love.  It is my good pleasure to serve Him in this small way.  rlkeller

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

       In watching New Year’s Rockin’ Eve last night and taking in all the sights and sounds of the festive occasion, it made me think of how many people may wish to have last night wiped from their life-slate.  Choices were made by millions of people.  I wonder how many are regretting them right now.  All our choices come with consequences.  Think before you speak, think before you act.  Sometimes there is no second chance.  God forgives, but pain and sorrow can be averted if wise choices are made in the first place.  Seek God's guidance in all life decisions and reap the benefits of being obedient. rlkeller