A New Beginning

Congratulations! If you are reading this, you have successfully navigated your way to my blog page. . . and are about to experience something new!

I have been writing stories for this blog since 2012. In fact, this will be my 1,872nd story. As you might have guessed, I like to write. 

Each week in have posted three of these stories on Facebook, to the point where many of my friends have either blocked me or unfollowed me. I get it. It's okay. That's not the reason I am making this change.

Someone out there has been verbally attacking me and my wife over the content of some of my stories. That is unnacceptable to me. I don't care if people attack me, but when you go after my bride,  that's it. So, I am making some changes that will hopefully minimize that person's "pain." And ours.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another." - Romans 12:14-16

I will still post a link on Facebook, but only once each week instead of three times. It will appear in your newsfeed, just like normal, sometime on Sunday, just like this one did. It is the Lord's day.

I will still write three stories each week (M, W, Sa). I just won't share them all on FB. That's why the link you clicked on today is important. The link is also at the bottom of this page.

My Facebook post will still look pretty much the same, but the link I post will take you to my blog page, not to an individual story (But you have already discovered that). ALL of my stories will be there, the newest right on top. Just click on the story you'd like to read. If you've missed one, this will actually make it easier for you to find.

There are also other features and tools on the page to help you find anything you're looking for. This is automatic for computer users. If you access the blog via phone you will need to scroll down to the bottom and click on "View web version."

I realize that this move might effect my "numbers," but that's not why I write these stories. I write them to honor God with the gift He has given me. Like the little drummer boy.

"I write my blog for You. Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum."

Each story is related to His Word, and will always contain at least one passage of scripture.

So, it's off with the old and on with the new (Eph 4:17)! May His glorious name be forever praised (Psalm 72:19). Amen!

https://bobslifesongs.blogspot.com/

The Parable Parable

Each week I publish three of these stories. Sometime they're so-so. Other times I think they're wonderful. But they are always about God.

The thing about these stories, and about the parables of Jesus, is that not everyone is receptive to the message, or the subject. Either people don't care about Jesus, or the good news of the Gospel, or they love it!

"This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “ ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ - Matthew 13:13:15

I don't expect everyone to read these stories, just like Jesus KNEW that not everyone would receive HIS message. So, why do I bother writing them?

For me, I can't help but write. I see God at work in so many things around me. I simply just write it down. Easy. Writing stories about God is an act of worship for me. I use a gift that I have been given to me by God and I use it for His glory.

God knows that not everyone will respond to His message. He knew that not everyone would listen to His prophets. Not that I am a prophet. Hardly. But we are all servants of The Most High God.

When something pops into my head, I simply write it down. It's my e-journal. This story is an example of that. It was written at 2:00 AM.

Recently, I wrote a story that I thought was absolutely wonderful. I was so excited to share it. Yet, when I did so, hardly anyone read it.

Doesn't that hurt? A little. But I don't write these stories for MY glory, but for God's. There are plenty of writers who are more eloquent than me. More talented. But I am compelled to write. I can't NOT write.

There are over 1,760 stories in this blog. The topics may vary, but the subject never changes. Like the old Bryan Adams song says, "Everything I do, I do it for you."

If you are reading this, I thank you. I appreciate you. As for me, now that I have these thoughts all written down, I'm going back to bed.

No Mountain High Enough

These days our main form of communication is phone based. Either it's the text or an instant message of some sort. Or we call each other. But that practice is dwindling in favor of the more impersonal communication means.

When was the last time you received or sent a personal letter? I mean actually sat down and thought about someone. Took the time to think of words to say that might bring a smile to their face. To offer, in your own hand-written words, expressions of love or thankfulness. Has it been a while? Has it been TOO long?

Recently a young friend of mine decided to quit smoking and also end her presence on Facebook. "Shedding negativity," she called it. Good for her! This world would be a better place if more of us did something like that.

Shortly after my friend's announcement about leaving Facebook, I was informed on Facebook that it was her birthday. Great. I had no way to wish my friend a happy birthday. Well, I did. But I would have to write her a letter . . . Hmm.

So I did just that. And what a blessing that turned out to be for both of us!

When was the last time YOU wrote a letter? That long, huh? If someone wrote you a letter, would you read it? Of course you would! Who wouldn't, right?

Did you know that God wrote all of us some letters? He did! 66 of them. Their all compiled for easy reading . . . in the Bible. So why don't we read it?

When I was in college my girlfriend wrote me letters. I read them over and over again. I imagined what she was doing when she wrote them. I could almost smell her perfume as I read the words, "I love you."

We simply don't seem to have that same zeal when it comes to God and our reading HIS love letters. Why is that?

Honestly, I think it's because we don't really believe He wrote them to us specifically. And that's too bad. Because He did.

The following is Romans 8, with a few added words by me . . .

"Dear you,

I would like to remind you once again my dear friend, that there is nothing that could ever separate us. Ever. Death cannot separate us nor life's struggles and trials, nor angels nor rulers. No event in the present or in the future. There is no power strong enough, no mountain high enough, no valley low enough. There is NOTHING in all creation that will be able to separate us from the love of God, as long as we are IN Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:37-39

Write someone a letter today and tell them that you love them. And try, just try, to beat those words written by Paul so very long ago.

"7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." - 1 John 4:7-12

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross

Love Letters

[Please, click this link first, then begin reading this blog. Thank you.]

These Honored Dead - Luke Richards

When someone we love dies their memory can remain with us for quite some time. We never really get over the loss of someone who was such an important part of us. It seems as if they are still with us in many ways - through our memories, through old photographs . . . and though letters. Oh, to have letters, written by the very hand of the person we love . . . the person we have lost.

I remember reading love letters from my girlfriend as a young man in college. I would read them and re-read them dozens of times. The words were a part of her . . . and she sent that part of herself . . . to me. I loved receiving them and reading them over and over again. Those letters helped ease the pain and anguish in my heart caused by the distance between us.

These days people don't write many letters any more. They tend to send instant messages or e-mails. The personal-ness, the meaningfulness of the written word is being lost to a generation that has grown up entirely without it. They are not even aware they are missing anything. Perhaps that is why so many young people find it hard to read their Bibles these days. Not enough interaction perhaps. No smilie faces or emoticons. A sad an tragic loss not to read the letters of someone who loves them so much.

I'd like you to read a very special love letter written to especially for each of us . . . 2,000 years ago.


A Father's Love Letter

As you could tell by all of the Bible verses used, the person who wrote those love letters loves you very much. Perhaps, if you are willing, you might consider writing Him a love letter . . . with your heart. He would love to hear from you. He will read your letter over and over again.

P.S. - He loves you.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." - Proverbs 3:3-4

[Please share this message with others and help spread the Gospel wherever you are. Thank you.]

Year

This past Saturday was my one year anniversary of writing this blog. I was going to wow you by telling you all of the readers I have, but I don't really have that many. If you are reading this you are one of the few, the proud, the . . . well, I appreciate you and your taking the time to read these stories. It means a lot.

There are ways I could have chosen to bolster my readership. I could have written about things that the world is REALLY interested in. For instance, I could have written about something "extreme" using the latest web technology and graphics for my blog page. Or I could have chosen to write one of those warm and fuzzy, self-esteem boosting type of blogs. People would love my writing because I would be so positive and uplifting. Maybe I should have had a gossip blog where I spread rumors about everyone I know. That would probably draw a crowd . . . all carrying torches and one of those do-it-yourself tar and feather kits.

I suppose I could have given away stuff. "A free iPod with every hundred reads!" But that would mean I'd actually have to go out and buy and iPod and give it away. Yeah . . . that's not going to be happening.

The purpose of this blog, at its core, has always been to spread the Gospel. Oh, occasionally I have strayed from my "prime directive" but not too far. I've tried to be funny, encouraging, discerning . . . and hey, I've even called out a few churches and/or denominations when ever I notice they have strayed from God's Word. I get very protective when people start twisting God's words to suit their own particular agenda.

To date I have posted 140 posts (stories). They have been read in 78 countries around the world. Russia, Germany, The United Kingdom, France, China . . . I think it's so cool that all these countries have stumbled across my blog. But I get a special thrill when I see that people from Jordan, Turkey and even Iran have read some of my stories. I pray for them. If they are truly seeking I know that they will find Him.

I just enjoy writing and sharing stories of how I have seen God working in my life and the lives of those around me. He never ceases to amaze me with His wide variety of means and methods. He is amazing to watch as he orchestrates situations and circumstances.

Like my recent trip to the emergency room. After two hours of analysis, the ER doctor simply advised that I see my regular physician for further information. My "regular doctor" is a busy boy. Making an appointment to see him usually comes with at least a four week lead time. However, I had already been scheduled for an appointment. Today. The first possible day after my emergency room visit, all scheduled months ahead of time.

God gives us all certain abilities or talents. How we use them is up to us. But I would challenge you today to look at your life and find one thing you are currently doing for yourself that you COULD be doing for God. Then do it. It's easier than you think. And you will be blessed for it, as God has blessed me for writing stories for His gain and not my own. Thank you.

"31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31