INTROSPECTION

     Yesterday, for whatever reason, was a day of deep introspection for me.  It involved being told I am a blessing.  I've been told by several people over the last few years that I am a wonderful blessing.  I know myself and I don't see how that can be remotely possible.  The words of my first ex are still ringing in my ears all these many years later ... "People are only nice to you because they want something from you.  If they really knew you they wouldn't like you."  Isn't it a shame that garbage like that never seems to get removed from your subconscious mind.  I take solace in the fact that God knows my heart and I suppose what people see and hear isn't me at all but Christ in me shining through.  I am truly grateful that some folks see me as a blessing, because that in and of itself makes my journey with God all the more rewarding.  I will always be grateful for that. rlkeller

DEVILS / WEATHER / GRATEFUL TO GOD

Another weekend has gone by the boards.  The Devils are on a 3 game winning streak (yeah) and still may have a fighting chance to make the playoffs.  Anything can happen, so stay tuned.

The snow, sleet & rain that hit us over the weekend has come and gone.  We are left with cold temps (yesterday was in the mid-40's and sunny ... pretty nice) and hard slush.  Yippee!  My heart goes out to those unfortunate souls in the New England area who have been inundated with piles and piles of snow.  Yikes!

Pups are napping.  I'm getting ready to run an errand.  Another work week starts.  I'd like to be bummed about that, but in reality I'm grateful for any job at all.  So thank you Lord for my life, my wife, my pups and my job.  God is too good to me.  I deserve nothing and He gives me everything.  rlkeller

BITTER TEMPS / KNOWING GOD

Back again.  We still have bitter temps.  4 degrees today and 20-30 mph winds.  Yummy!! Bundle up, it's cold out there.  I really don't mind it at all.  I like the cold much better then the intense heat.  Yuck!!

Knowing God is trusting Him.  Many say they know God, but are just saying it.  Some say it to avoid being preached at.  Some say it because they really believe they are okay with "the man upstairs".  God isn't "the man upstairs", nor is He "the BIG guy".  He isn't your pal, although Jesus Christ is referred to as our friend and brother.  We are told to fear God, however this fear isn't to be afraid, but rather to look upon Him with reverence, awe and respect.  We're talking about the creator of all things.  He deserves all our respect and reverence.  What do we deserve?  By our own actions we stand condemned and deserve nothing more than hell fire.  Did you know that hell was created for Lucifer and his fallen angel comrades?  Hell is not intended to be man's final eternal residence.  It's only by our rejection of God's gracious gift of forgiveness through the blood of Christ, His own Son, that we find ourselves bound for everlasting separation from our Heavenly Father.  It doesn't have to be that way.  rlkeller

SNOW / MY DEVO BLOG

I'm back after a nice weekend.  It snowed about 4-5 inches Saturday night.  We're supposed to get another 8" tonight into tomorrow morning.  Coming home from work could be dicey.  I work 1 hour away from home.  I know God will be with me.  That's all I need.

Each day, Monday thru Saturday, I write a devotional on a blog whose title is BREAD OF LIFE.  The link is http://minidevos.blogspot.com.  It's not a fluffy, everything is beautiful, love, peace and harmony type of devotional blog.  In it I write those things that God lays on my heart based on a certain verse or verses that I find each morning.  They are definitely meant to encourage, edify and bless the reader.  But more than that some are meant to instruct or even challenge believers to examine their lives.  Comparing our life to that of Christ's can be daunting, but it's quite necessary if we are going to become more like Him and shouldn't that be every believers goal, to be a reflection of Christ. Check out my devo blog. rlkeller

TRUE LOVE

          With Valentine's Day on the horizon, we look at true love.  It isn't sexual and it isn't driven by ulterior motives.  It is found with Christ on the cross.  That is true, sacrificial, all encompassing love.  It is mercy and compassion, patience and kindness.  It really has nothing to do with sex.  Sexual involvement is born out of man's base need for closeness and affection.  True affection is found in the One who gave Himself to save you from your past misdeeds and indiscretions.  That is a tidy way of saying 'sin'.  Anything that is displeasing to God is sin.  God isn't a cruel task master.  He just happens to know what we need and what will make us most content in this life.  Going it alone will bring temporary satisfaction but it will be fleeting.  Take my word for it, I know.  I have chased after the golden ring too many times to know it is unattainable.  God's love is not.  Ask for it and receive it, in Jesus name.  rlkeller

WEATHER / BOOK SALE / DEPRESSION

Monday morning.  A threat of some sort of nasty weather, but we aren't really sure what to expect.  The weather peeps said rain, but the temp is below freezing.  Will it snow, will it be a mixture, will it be icy.  It's like a crap shoot or a game of roulette.  Round and round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm having a book sale on my website which I will start next week.  Not sure how much of a discount just yet, but I would like to get the books into more peoples hands because I believe it will encourage and bless those who read them.  I say that not because I am such an awesome writer, but because God was in control of what was written and that makes it special.  All glory, honor and praise goes to the Lord.

I struggle with depression sometimes.  It's only the Holy Spirit who pulls me out of it.  I look at my life and allow the devil to tell me I haven't done anything of any value my whole life.  I know that is a lie, but sometimes the reality of all that has transpired in my previous life weighs heavy on me.  Divorce is a lousy thing. Nobody wins, everyone gets scarred, especially any children involved.  May God have mercy on us all.  rlkeller

WEATHER / LOST IDENTITY / BOOK TWO

The weather people say we're supposed to get much snow in the next two weeks.  I'll believe it when I see it.  Supposedly we have a huge snow storm coming our way Sunday night.  It's supposed to snow into Tuesday.  Who knows.  I guess I'll have to just wait and see what the day brings.  I like the cold.  The way I look at it is, you can always put on another layer of clothes, but when it's hot, there's only so much you can take off within the limits of the law to stay cool.  Give me the winter. 

At work I do a lot of observing.  I notice many people struggling for their identity.  They don't see it, but I do.  They are trying to fit in by the way they dress, the way they talk and the way they act.  They seem to want to be cool, to be excepted.  I am who I am.  I change for God alone.  When people find out I am a Christian, some are drawn to me, others stay clear.  That's fine.  I deal with the cards God has dealt me.

In an effort to help struggling believers, I have been led to give as gifts my second book, which is a 365 day daily devotional.  It's pricey ($20) and knowing people are essentially broke, I feel as though the Lord would have we distribute them wherever I feel they will be an encouragement to people I meet.  The words within its pages are not mine, although I typed them.  God inspired what is in the book.  I take no credit.  God receives all the glory, honor and praise for that effort.  May His name be praised forever!  rlkeller

PUPS / DEVILS / GOD'S GIFTS

Wednesday, Feb 4.  It's cold out.  Snow is still on the ground.  The pups are loving there new found freedom off the leash.  Sometimes it's hard to get them to come in.  Asking them if they want a treat usually works like a charm.  They love to eat.  

The Devs won again last night.  2-1 over Ottawa.  That's 6 wins out of the last 7 games.  3 games under .500.  Their defense has been awesome, as has their goaltending.  Now if they could just score a little more.  Right now they aren't in the playoff picture, but we still have all of Feb & Mar to go.  They can't have any letdowns.  They are not the best team in their division, but they're very good.  We'll see how it all shakes out.  GO DEVILS!!

God is at work through my devotionals.  People are ministered to and that is a blessing to me.  None of this is my doing.  It's the Lord who flows and moves in peoples lives.  I am humbled that God would use me in any capacity at all.  He gives the gifts, we are called to use them to His glory.  I am a vehicle, a conduit to be used to expand the kingdom of God.  May the Lord be praises now and forever.  rlk