In the mood for Spring

Alright, nothing kills me more than this 60 degree stuff in January when I'm tired of being cooped up inside and its getting close to time to the beginning of a new cycling season and all I want to do on a day like today is chuck it all and get out on the bike. But, since Berea doesn't sponsor a pro-racing team, I'm here in my office writing on my blog and prepping for the Big Deal. I do, however, enjoy the trips to the church from the office where I can get some fresh, warm air without having the feeling that the cold was going to peel off my skin (think freezer burn instead of sunburn. Ziplock anyone?). I also feel for the students who are in class now and have no choice but to be inside on a day like today. Mack, Nick, Chan, TB, Grif, my heart goes out to you all. Of course 60 above or 60 below, Griffin and Jordan are in training for track and they'll be outside chuggin' along like they work for the Postal Service (neither rain nor sleet nor storm, eh guys?) Days like today are good for the soul though. I've never been one to get really depressed during long stints of bad weather, but I know people who do. I don't think cabin fever is a diagnosable condition but you can definitely tell its effects on some folks. So even though it's still wet outside, and whether or not you suffer from cabin fever (or are excited about the upcoming cycling season) get about 5 minutes at some point in the day and take in some nice, fresh air. You never know, it might be just what the doctor ordered.

Proverbs 12:6 says, "The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them". Remember on Monday when we talked about violence overwhelming the mouth of the wicked? This verse goes right along with it. If your mind works in pictures like mine does, this could really stir up some graphic thoughts about wickedness. Like the mouth that spews out wickedness, the words of that mouth do nothing but harm. Their very purpose is to cut down, degrade, insult, slander, and back-stab. You can think of them in terms of a trap, that baits a person only to hurt them later, or as ammo in an assult rifle that come on in a full-forced barrage. The speech of the upright is the opposite of this. It is not malicious or destructive. Instead it is life-giving, uplifting, and healing. It is able to get themselves out of trouble (not that an upright person would be in much anyway, but to stick with the illustration) as well as lead others out of it and around it. Remember talking about how the wickedness of the wicked will come back on them? Their speech will eventually turn on them and do the same or greater damage to themselves than they dished out. The upright, righteous person has the opposite to look forward to. Their uplifting words will save them in their own time of need. Choose your words wisely, for in whatever you say, you may be baiting your own trap or setting yourself free.

Fellas, remember I need you at church tonight (today is Wednesday, just in case you lost track) at 6:30 to listen to Harold Boldon speak about the importance of Offering and Communion meditations. IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU BE HERE!!!

Can someone bring snacks tonight? Thanks.

Later...