Premio Dardos

Wow! I recently received word that my blog had been given the Premio Dardos Award. I found this an honor - especially since my blog readership could easily fit into the back seat of my car. Nevertheless, it really is an honor that Susan Easley (one of the funnies people I know) presented it to me. You can check out her blog at: http://talesfromthewaitingroom.typepad.com Thanks, Susan.

Isn't it amazing what a little encouragement can do for a person. I recently heard a speaker share that they always try to say something encouraging within the first 30 seconds of any converstation. What a concept. Just today I was in a conversation with a friend that frankly took a bad turn and was rather depressing. It was basically a gripe session. I decided to see if I could change the tenor of the dialogue and starting interjecting positive statements. Guess what? It worked!

So, let's commit to encouraging those around us.

So what is the Premio Dardos Award?

"The Dardos Award is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.”

The Risen Lord

I do it from time to time. You know, ask the question, "who would you most like to meet?", or "who would you invite to dinner?". And inevitably someone always reply's, "Jesus", throwing him in with such historical heavyweights as Winston Churchill, Napoleon, and Socrates. Why is it we so desire to meet the Christ of the Gospels?

Now, let me acknowledge up front that if time travel were possible my first destination (maybe after attending game 7 of the Royals '85 World series) would be ancient Galilee. However, our desire to visit the historical Jesus seems to be often linked to the idea that somehow being with Jesus would make the Christian life easier. And it begs the question: What about the greatness of the RISEN Lord we serve today?

The Jesus of the Gospels is portrayed as a gentle, loving Savior, who blessed the children and healed the sick. And that picture of Christ (though a little simplistic) is important. But look at the dramatic vision of Christ at the end of the New Testament. John falls to the floor as if dead when he encounters a Christ who is,

dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. ¹⁴His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. ¹⁵His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. ¹⁶In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. (Revelation 1:14-16)

This glorious Christ stands in power over all creation, ruling the earth and heavens by the power of His Word. We grossly underestimate the power of the Risen Lord we serve today! This Easter season acquaint yourself with the Christ of Revelation. And, draw on His power to live the life we're called to. You won't even need a time machine.