Ascension Day

Today is Ascension Day. This little fact would normally not be part of my thoughts, I can't recall every celebrating this day, but a devotional I read from Scripture Union talked about the very first Ascension Day in Acts chapter 1. I was particularly struck by what the devotional said about what this day means and what it means for Christians now. Here is the last two paragraphs of the it:

The ascension of Jesus signaled the beginning of his heavenly ministry. He is now exalted at the right hand of the Father, where he reigns as head over the cosmos and serves as the great High Priest, interceding on behalf of God's people (Heb. 7:24, 8:2, Eph. 1:21-23). 

By faith we share in Christ's ascension (Eph.2:4-6). We are citizens of heaven (Phil.3:20) while living out our lives here on earth. Such a realization assures us of our destiny, encourages us in our endeavors for Christ, and can keep us steady through all the ups and downs of life. (Encounter With God, May 13, 2010)

Ascension Day is a day of encouragement! I know that I am encouraged by meditating on the risen, ascended Christ.

Caught

Guess what my little girl saw me doing this morning? I think she captured the scene very well.

B-ball connections

I played a couple of basketball games at Camp Lebanon this past weekend. I had not played in quite a while. Needless to say I hurt. It was really fun to get back to playing the game. I noticed something as we played 4 on 4 on a outdoor hoop with dribble stopping cracks in the concrete. I have noticed that men quickly form a connection with each other as they play basketball. In the span of a few minutes I am talking back and forth with my teammates, encouraging and exhorting as we work at trying to win. I felt that I knew these guys better than anyone I had met all weekend. A teenage boy had to guard me one game. I had an inch or two on him as well as a good 40 pounds. I was able to take it to him, push him around at will. After that, whenever we saw each other, even across a room, we smiled. I was able to get into a significant conversation with one of the dads that was on my team at supper time. I probably wouldn't have had that without the b-ball connection. I think that we guys often struggle with personal relationships with other men and we often need an activity to help us to connect.

Do you like hymns?

Justin Taylor writes a blog that I love called Between Two Worlds. He put up this post offering free streaming audio of this album all week. It's really good. Check it out. Enjoy!

Dad's & Lad's

Had a great time this last weekend at Camp Lebanon with my son James. We did the polar plunge, (though James swears he will never do it again!), explored the length and width of the camp, went on a pontoon ride, and tried out the new zip line (James was too young, but I had fun on it). It was great just hanging out with a 6 year old. I can hardly wait for the two other boys to catch up and go with too!

Here is a pic of James checking out a tree: