Cybertough Industries » Faith

Be very grateful when you can

cybrfrk — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:20:03 +0000

There have been times in my life when God’s grace has been hard to find. It’s during those dark days that being grateful for health, wealth, family and friends has helped to pull me out of the gutter and lifted me up on the shoulders of those who love me. Right now is a tough time for many around me and my heart hopes for the best of times.

CC @get directly down on Flickr

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18)

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7)

Do we protect our children too much?

cybrfrk — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:33:04 +0000

When I was 19 years old I joined the US Navy and went through eight weeks of basic training. During that time I was broken and rebuilt as a person, into a member of a larger team. Some old habits were erased and I learned different, more efficient methods to perform tasks and respond to events.

Learning to deal with problems

My military training taught me to open my eyes much wider than what my less-than-perfect childhood had brought me. For myself, basic training was an opportunity to fill my toolbox with lessons to be applied when the right (or wrong) situation presented itself. Whether it was jumping from a sinking ship, putting out a fire, surviving a chemical attack or rescuing an injured shipmate, the things I learned still serve me well today. I learned to think for the team and how to survive any situation (real or virtual).

As a parent I struggle with what to teach my children and what to let them endure on their own. If the Navy had not taught me how to fight a fire properly, when one broke out in the galley, I may have panicked instead of grabbing the proper gear and helping to put it out. Then again, the lessons learned often sink in the deepest and stay the longest.

Do I let my kids deal with heartache or warn them of some upcoming problem before it occurs? Do we shield them from so much that they think the reality of the world looks much different than what it is? How equipped are our children in dealing with conflict if they never see it at home? How trusting will our children be in their personal relationships if the only picture is that of their parents? Is it healthy or unhealthy to fight about and resolve issues openly versus in private?

While teaching our children it is necessary to establish boundaries within social normalcy. To our children these boundaries come in the form of rules and restrictions. These are not always popular but they are often necessary in order to keep our children on the right path. It is a balance between being their friend and being their parent.

At some point in their life we hope that all the wisdom we have imparted is enough to get them through every day. The lessons they learned and how they apply them will be a testimony to our parenting, but we need to take that testimony with a grain of salt. Not everything they encounter in their lives could have been foreseen. Many encountered events, no matter how much planning, can be random.

Eventually life dictates that we step back, cut the binds and pray for the best. The greatest gifts I hope my kids have learned from me involve hope, faith and love. Do you hope for the same?

The rain can be a beautiful thing for some

cybrfrk — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:17:02 +0000

As someone who spent a large portion of their youth in the Pacific Northwest, I love the rain. The freshness that the world carries after the air is cleaned and the plants are fed just brings a sense of peace. For anyone living in the
desert they know that rain can bring new life, sometimes not welcomed weeds, and flooding. We are experiencing the largest storm in decades blanketing the west coast as well as Arizona, and still for some, this is not the storm to be worried about.

Rain falling in my backyard

Storms are disruptive to our lives. Storms cause change.

Everyone needs to remember that even damage caused by a storm brings things of beauty, things needed. Plants grow and wounds heal.

Keep love in your heart and all will come as God promised.

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles

cybrfrk — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:16:27 +0000

For our wedding anniversary this year, I had the opportunity to surprise my wife with a trip down to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) in Sonora Mexico. I have a kind co-worker who offered me a stay at her condo in Sandy Beach for three nights (Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort, Phase 2). It was the most amazing gift at a beautiful place and we shared it with my wifes sister/brother-in-law.

The overall drive was a little more than four hours from Phoenix and was quite uneventful. After you get into Mexico do not expect glorious views and excitement, at this point you really need to pay attention to any directions since the signs in Mexico fall far below what we are use to in the States. I don’t recommend stopping for hitchhikers. Follow the directions towards Sandy Beach Resorts.

Check-in was a breeze, but then again there was no one around except the staff for the resort. Our names were in the system, we paid our fees and were given keys. Parking was next to the elevator and the room was immediately after exiting on the sixth floor. I couldn’t have imagined anything easier.

When we stepped into the condo we were speechless. Although the shades were drawn, the room glowed with beauty and elegance. Tiled floors, colorful paint, gleaming counters and comfortable furniture greeted us and promised of fun times to come. Only after pulling back the shades did we realize that the better view was through the window and off the balcony.

We discovered the water was cold but tolerable, the sand was warm and comfortable and the sky was blue and beautiful. One of our first tasks was to walk around both phases so we can see what this paradise has to offer. One of the neat things was finding the hammock farm over on phase one.

During our adventures, we headed towards Cholla Bay and found a great place to have breakfast (or any meal, since we had three there). Although not as upscale as the resort it had the feel of a beach side community that had forgotten how to maintain themselves. In the same area we ran across JJ’s Cantina, a favorite for spring break visitors as well as locals.

If you are interested in booking some time at a resort and soaking up the restoring atmosphere of a great vacation, my friend Barb can hook you up.

The title of today’s blog is brought to you by writer Tim Cahill.

Merry Christmas one and all

cybrfrk — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:44:20 +0000

Kelsey, John, Lisa, Mitch, Heather and Stephanie (left to right, top to bottom)

It is during this time of year that I find myself most grateful for all the wonderful things in my life. The love of my family, the work that I am fortunate enough to enjoy and the Grace that God has given to us. If you are reading this you have touched my life and more than likely my heart. Just being who you are is a thing of beauty.

Enjoy every day.

Have a blessed holiday season and a very merry Christmas.

Prayers happen if you are patient and pay attention

cybrfrk — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:53 +0000

William Law was born in 1686 and was known for practical divinity. Many of his works influenced important theologians such as John and Charles Wesley (who founded the Methodist movement). In his book titled, “A serious call to a devout and holy life (source)”, William states:

For there is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him; and when you can once do this sincerely for any man, you have fitted your soul for the performance of everything that is kind and civil towards him.

Placing aside the anger in my life is something I try to do every day. We all have our “trying” moments when dealing with family, friends or co-workers. My goal is to replace the anger with hope, prayer and love for my friends.

My best friend believes in God but has not read the bible or attended any church service for 35 years. For years I have prayed that one day my best friend would see how God has filled my life with grace and would want to fill the void he too feels.

This morning he attended a bible study with me. For the last 13 years of our friendship I have shared my faith but never forced it upon him. We share a respect for each other that goes beyond normal friend; he is also my shipmate.

Today was one of filled prayers and hopeful tomorrows. I love you Brad and God bless!

How do you relax?

cybrfrk — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:39:33 +0000

After no vacation for the last 8 months, the wife and I finally took some time to completely remove ourselves from our environment, travel to Iowa (the source of all fun), and decompress. Usually when we take vacations like this we end up bringing a laptop or two. Based on activities, this time those suckers stayed home.

Heck, I didn’t check email, voicemail or really watch television. Only once did I find myself texting a co-worker to find out what was going on with stock, after hearing a news report on the radio.

John in Iowa

What I failed to realize was that I was wound tight. If you have never owned a clock that you wind then the imagery will not bring to mind what happens when you over-wind a clock. The internals explode in a cacophony loud enough to make you take a step back and quickly withdraw your hands.

What did I do?
I went fishing, camping, shopping; simply relaxed.

Take the time to take care of yourself or you will not be able to take care of those around you.

Catch and release
Private ponds and lakes only
Yes, the camouflage helped me to sneak up on the bass (the crappie and blue-gill were less intelligent)