This B-17 saw limited action in WWII but today serves as a reminder of the countless men and women who invested their very lives in preserving the freedoms that we take for granted every day. Once these machines served to wreak havoc on the enemies of freedom, now they are memorials-markers to remind us of where we've been and the course we must journey upon to ensure justice and peace.

What memorials are there in your life? Markers that point to the justice and peace that have been granted you? Daily reminders that give the direction of the path of justice and peace are vital for most of us. For the followers of Christ we are given the Spirit within and the Word of God to direct us. Each day we set out on the journey of life with a common goal. To be bearers of peace. That peace was purchased with a great price. The Son of God. He fought the battle I couldn't win. Justice for me comes through Him. Peace for me comes through Him. I look at the plane and I am thankful for the freedom I have. But the peace with God I have? May I remember that every day.

Do you ever feel like a lone tree covered with a dusting of snow? Memories of the sun are buried deep in your roots but the only flowing sap seldom seems to rise to the surface. Yet still you stand. Waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting.

It is seasons of winter that the depth of your roots becomes apparent. Maybe not to you but to those around you. In the battle of life, yes, it is a battle, it is not until after the spring or after the thaw, that those who've made it can look back with a little perspective. And the beauty of trees that last, and people that grow through those times, is the shade they provide. Rest. Comfort. Strength. "He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in it season and its leaf does not wither and in whatever he does he prospers." Psalm 1:3

Refereeing Basketball

I spend most Saturdays in January and February refereeing games for Lubbock's Upward Basketball program that several of our churches host. I called about 5 games Saturday. I was tired. But I still kind of enjoyed it. Until I went to the store on my way home.
The thing about Upward Sports is it is a Christian based program and we encourage parents and the crowd to focus on the positive things thereby teaching the kids to do the same. It is pretty amazing. Even when I blow a call, which I do, occasionally, there is little negative feedback. I know I blew it and I work hard at not letting that happen so often.
But in the store getting some milk for the family a funny thing was happening. I had forgotten to remove my ref shirt. It looks pretty authentic. Just missing a patch that connects me to the UIL organization. But the shoppers didn't notice. I received some looks that let me know they had condemned me already for my role on the court. Someone tried to hand me their glasses to help me see. (not really:) ) But I stood out, in a not so pleasant way!

Guilt by association is a scary thing. I do it. Someone is dressed a certain way. Someone has certain mannerisms. Has too much hair. Or not enough (God forbid). Each of us has a list. Oh it is a secret list for sure, maybe shared with those we allow into our inner circle. But we have the list.
In Jesus that list was torn up. Thrown away. An early writer made a list of pretty bad people and said, "that's what some of you were, before..." but not now.

I'll remember to leave the ref jersey in the office next week, I hope. But more than that, I hope I leave my list as well. God looks at the hearts of people. I hope to see a little deeper as well.