Hitting the Deck

I can actually see the end in sight. Tearing out our old deck and putting in a new one has certainly tried and tested me. Without the help of top-notch deck designer/builder Kevin T. I would never have been able to attempt this project. Nick and David D. have also been wonderful.

This weekend I am putting the floor of the deck on. Roughly 832 screws for just the flooring. I can't imagine the Amish concept of a barn raising. Building a barn in a day our two? They must be logistical masters!

I am getting tired of all the rebuilding. I wonder if God ever gets tired of rebuilding me. I warp and get out of square. I constantly need repair and I am sure God wants to replace a few of my habits with new ones.

Good thing God has more patience than I.

Prayer without Action

I have been thinking alot about the relationship between prayer and action. Prayer is not the opposite of action. It is not a substitute for action. As a matter of fact prayer is an action for which there is no substitute. (I believe that is a quote from Quaker theologian Thomas Kelly.)

All of this is true, but prayer does not leave out action. Proper prayer invites action. Are you really listening to God if you are praying for your church's finances, but are not looking for ways to contribute more? Are you really praying for a friend who broke a leg if it doesn't lead you into mowing their lawn? Are you really praying for our environment if you continue to purchase styrofoam products?

I could go on and on, but you get the concept. Prayer is far more than dumping our woes on God. It is an on-going conversation with God that leads us into a more Godly life.