Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Only Six Months Of Christmas Shopping Left

6/25/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
On my way to the city of Gillette recently I came across this truck parked along the street in Wright, Wyoming.  The photograph does not really capture the immensity of this machine.  It was huge.  I am not sure what I would do with it if I owned it, but since we are exactly six months from Christmas I decided to add it to my Christmas wish list.  I have not driven a tractor-trailer truck in 16 years but the fascination with heavy equipment remains.

Each of us bring our life experiences into the spiritual journey.  I grew up on a farm about forty miles northwest of St. Louis.  I learned at an early age some of the responsibilities of working around animals and equipment.  You respect both.  Hard work was part of the equation while growing up.  There were times I resented working all day on Saturday.  I also didn't appreciate feeding the hogs before and after school during the week.  This was especially true during the winter months when the work was completed in the dark.  I learned a lot from that way of life during my first 25 years.

We develop habits and values through our life experiences.  Playing sports through high school and college taught me perseverance.  Fighting cancer taught me about faith, hope, and trust.  Working in law enforcement and corrections taught me about some of the harsher realities of life.  Working for the power company taught me about business, corporate politics between union members and management, and the skill of driving a tractor-trailer.  Loading backhoes, bulldozers, and other equipment onto trailers was a bonus that I had not anticipated.  Good times!

When I entered full-time ministry in the year 2000 I had no idea just how much each of these life experiences shaped my ministry.  In many ways it seems like my experiences are varied and disconnected, but in the end it has provided a multi-faceted look at life that has been extremely beneficial as I minister to and with others.  I am grateful for the many opportunities and blessings all across the board.

What has shaped your spiritual life through the years?  Is there a connection between your many experiences?  Give it some thought.  Feel free to post your comments.  You only need to use your first name to post something. Some have told me they don't like putting their full name in the comments. That is fine.  As long as the comment is appropriate there will not be a problem.

Well, it is time to get back to my Christmas wish list.  What do I need to go along with the monster truck?  I am sure I will think of something.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.