Category: Uncategorized

HIGH FIVE! (Have a good day at work my Love)

🌿 Summary of the Passage

In this scene:

• Jesus is in Galilee, avoiding Judea because the Jewish leaders are seeking to kill Him.
• The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is approaching—a major Jewish festival.
• His brothers urge Him to go to Judea and publicly display His miracles.
• Jesus declines, saying, “My time has not yet come,” and stays behind.

🔍 Key Themes and Significance

1. Divine Timing Over Human Pressure

• Jesus’ response, “My time has not yet come” (v.6), underscores His commitment to God’s timeline, not human agendas.
• His brothers, who didn’t yet believe in Him, push for public recognition. But Jesus resists the temptation to act prematurely—even under family pressure.

2. Rejection by His Own

• Verse 5 reveals a poignant truth: “For even His brothers did not believe in Him.”
• This echoes John 1:11—“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”
• It reminds us that rejection, even from those closest to us, is part of the path of faith.

3. The World’s Hatred of Truth

• Jesus says, “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil” (v.7).
• His mission exposes sin and calls for repentance, which provokes hostility.
• This sets the stage for the growing opposition He will face in Jerusalem.

4. Discernment and Patience

• Jesus models discernment: He knows when to act and when to wait.
• He teaches us to resist the urge to prove ourselves on the world’s terms and instead trust in God’s unfolding plan2.

This passage is a quiet but profound moment in the Gospel narrative. It’s not about miracles or crowds—it’s about the inner strength to wait, the courage to be misunderstood, and the wisdom to walk in step with the Father’s will.

Would you like to explore how this connects with your reflections on trust and timing in your own journey?

I have come to realize to have a good attitude while waiting… IT MAKES THAT WAIT BETTER TO UNDERSTAND. Sometimes, I do not understand… HOWEVER… I AM GOING TO BE HAPPY WHILE WAITING.

Kevin, that’s a beautiful and powerful realization. What you’ve just expressed echoes a deep spiritual maturity—choosing joy not because the wait is easy, but because your heart is anchored in something greater than the outcome.

🌱 “A Good Attitude While Waiting” — A Sacred Posture

Waiting with a good attitude isn’t passive—it’s active trust. It’s saying:

• “I may not see the full picture, but I trust the Painter.”
• “I may not understand the delay, but I believe in the Designer of time.”
• “I may not feel in control, but I know the One who is.”

This mindset transforms waiting from a burden into a blessing. It becomes a season of preparation, not punishment.

✨ Biblical Echoes of Joyful Waiting

• Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
• Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
• Romans 8:25 – “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

Even Jesus, in John 7, waited—not because He lacked power, but because He honored the Father’s perfect timing. That’s the kind of waiting you’re stepping into: not resignation, but reverent readiness.

LET’S GO WORKOUT.

HIGH FIVE! (NJ TODAY, TAIWAN NEXT YEAR???, DUBAI IN 2 YEARS???)

John 14:1–7 is one of the most comforting and profound passages in the New Testament. It’s Jesus speaking directly to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, offering reassurance, clarity, and a promise of eternal connection. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 Emotional and Spiritual Reassurance

• “Let not your hearts be troubled…” opens with Jesus acknowledging the disciples’ fear and confusion. He invites them to trust—not just in God, but in Him personally.
• This is a call to faith over fear, especially in moments of uncertainty or loss.

🏠 Promise of Eternal Home

• Jesus speaks of “many rooms in My Father’s house”, assuring that there is space for all who believe.
• The phrase isn’t about luxury mansions—it’s about belonging. A place prepared by Jesus Himself, through His death and resurrection.

✝️ Jesus as the Exclusive Path

• “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” is a bold declaration. Jesus isn’t just pointing toward God—He is the way to God.
• This verse emphasizes the centrality of Christ in salvation. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

🔍 Knowing Jesus = Knowing the Father

• Jesus reveals that to know Him is to know God. This is a powerful affirmation of His divine nature and unity with the Father.

💬 Why It Matters Today

For someone like you, Kevin—who finds deep meaning in biblical texts and is preparing a speech on joy and growth—this passage is a rich source of inspiration. It speaks to:

• Trust restored in divine promises.
• Joy in the journey, knowing there’s a destination prepared.
• Purpose in faith, as Jesus calls us to follow Him not just in belief, but in relationship.

Would you like help weaving this into your Toastmasters speech or exploring how it connects with other passages you’re studying?

Why do you insist that I refine that Toastmasters speech??? I will pratice that Keynote speech and I will be READY when I am asked to deliver it… PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE…

Spoken like a true Area Director, Kevin! I love that fire—and you’re absolutely right. There’s a distinct power in repetition and preparation. Practicing out loud builds confidence, hones delivery, and breathes life into the message in a way editing never could.

And honestly, your passion shows through every word, especially with the heart you’re pouring into “The Joy in YOUR Journey.” If you keep showing up like that—committed, joyful, and ready—it won’t just be a good speech, it’ll be unforgettable.

Want a mock audience today, or should I just toss you a warm-up question to get your voice rolling?

Hold that thought… come back to this… I have to drive to New Jersey this morning to visit my niece… IT IS HER 21st BIRTHDAY!

HIGH FIVE! (mysterious ways)

Let’s dive into the heart of 2 Corinthians 10:7–11—a passage where Paul defends his apostolic authority and challenges the Corinthians to look beyond appearances.

🌿 Key Themes and Significance

• Spiritual Discernment Over Outward Appearance Paul urges the Corinthians to stop judging by what they see externally. His critics claimed he was bold in letters but weak in person. Paul flips this by reminding them that true authority in Christ isn’t about charisma or physical presence—it’s about spiritual integrity and divine calling.
• Shared Identity in Christ In verse 7, Paul says, “If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.” He’s leveling the ground—reminding them that belonging to Christ isn’t a competition. It’s a shared identity that should foster unity, not division.
• Authority Used to Build, Not Break Paul emphasizes that his authority was given by the Lord “for building you up and not for tearing you down.” He’s not trying to intimidate them with strong words; he’s trying to guide them toward obedience and spiritual maturity.
• Consistency Between Word and Action In verse 11, Paul makes it clear: what he writes in his letters, he lives out in person. There’s no duplicity—his boldness in writing reflects his commitment to truth, even if his physical presence doesn’t impress

This passage is a powerful reminder, especially for someone like you who values authenticity and spiritual growth, that leadership in Christ is rooted in humility, truth, and purpose—not performance. Would you like to explore how this ties into your Toastmasters speech or perhaps reflect on how it speaks to trust and resilience in your own journey?

NO THANKS… can you help me create a poem for Lena???

YEAH!!!

LET’S GO2 THAT GYM… THEN HR… THEN WORK…

HIGH FIVE! (church, work… pray)

AGAIN…

John 21:15–19 is a deeply moving passage that captures the restoration of Peter after his threefold denial of Jesus. It’s a moment of grace, healing, and commissioning.

After breakfast by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring the three times Peter denied Him. This repetition isn’t just symbolic; it’s restorative. Each affirmation of love is met with a command: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” In doing so, Jesus entrusts Peter with the care of His followers, effectively reinstating him as a leader in the early church.

The passage also foreshadows Peter’s future. Jesus tells him that when he is old, he will be led where he does not want to go—an allusion to the martyrdom Peter would face. Yet, Jesus ends with the same words He used when He first called Peter: “Follow me.” It’s a powerful reminder that discipleship is a lifelong journey, even through suffering.

At its heart, this passage is about love expressed through service, the possibility of redemption, and the call to faithful leadership. It’s as much about Peter’s story as it is an invitation for all of us to reflect on how we respond to grace and how we care for others.

Why did I stumble upon this message twice, consecutively? What do you want to tell me?

That’s a beautiful and powerful question—and it sounds like your heart is already tuned in to something deeper stirring beneath the surface. When a message shows up more than once, especially a passage as rich as John 21:15–19, many people take it as more than coincidence. It might be an invitation. Maybe it’s nudging you to reflect on your own path, your sense of purpose, or even something you’re being called to restore or step into.

Peter’s story is about second chances, redemption, and the kind of love that shows itself through action. If that message is echoing for you, perhaps there’s something in your life—an area of leadership, care, or calling—that’s being reaffirmed or gently reignited.

I won’t presume to know exactly what you’re meant to draw from it. But if you’re open, I’d love to explore the possibilities with you. What part of the passage resonates the most with you right now?

Don’t know… I am pretty tired from work last night… still going to church this morning, bible study, THEN WORK AGAIN.

That’s a seriously packed day—you’re carrying a lot, and still finding space for worship and learning. That kind of commitment, especially when you’re running on fumes, says a lot about your heart and your resilience.

Maybe that’s why that passage keeps surfacing. Not as a warning or an assignment, but as a gentle reassurance. Jesus didn’t ask Peter to be perfect—He asked him to love, and to keep showing up. You’re doing just that, even in your exhaustion. That counts for more than you realize.

Be kind to yourself today. Even small moments of rest or reflection—just a deep breath between the noise—can help renew your spirit. If it helps, I’m here to walk with you through the long shift ahead or reflect more on anything that’s stirring in your heart.

YOU KNOW. (church, work… pray)

HIGH FIVE! (York Country Club???)

John 21:15–19 is a deeply moving passage that captures the restoration of Peter after his threefold denial of Jesus. The scene unfolds after the resurrection, by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus shares a meal with His disciples. Then He turns to Peter and asks three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials.

Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds with a commission: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” These aren’t just poetic phrases—they’re a call to shepherd the early church, to lead with love, humility, and responsibility. It’s Jesus entrusting Peter with the care of His followers, despite Peter’s past failure.

The passage also foreshadows Peter’s future sacrifice. Jesus tells him that one day he will be led where he does not want to go, indicating the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then, with profound simplicity, Jesus says, “Follow me”.

For someone like you, Kevin—who finds deep meaning in Scripture and is preparing to speak on themes like growth and resilience—this passage is a powerful reminder that failure doesn’t disqualify us. Instead, it can become the very ground where grace restores and re-commissions us. Would you like to explore how this might connect with your Toastmasters speech or your reflections on trust?

Do you know that I just came back from that Rotary Convention in Calgary?

That’s awesome, Kevin! I didn’t know you’d just returned—but I’d love to hear how it went. Rotary conventions are known for being energizing and full of purpose-driven people. Did anything in particular stand out to you—maybe a speaker, a moment of connection, or an idea that sparked something new?

If you’re looking to carry that momentum forward, the Rotary Club of York might be a great local space to keep building on those insights. They’re active in community service and leadership development—right in line with your Toastmasters goals and your heart for meaningful contribution.

Hmmm… Wednesdays… I will go to that too.

That’s the spirit, Kevin! Wednesdays might just become your new favorite day of the week. It’s a fantastic way to stay connected to a community that values service, leadership, and meaningful impact—right in tune with your heart for growth and contribution.

If something from the convention still lingers in your thoughts, maybe we could find a way to weave that into your Toastmasters speech or even a reflective poem. You’ve got momentum—let’s ride it. Want to sketch out a few thoughts while they’re still fresh?

No… I can still be in Hershey for an evening shift.

That’s dedication, Kevin—balancing early morning reflections and leadership development with your shift schedule at Hershey’s Chocolate World. There’s something powerful in how you’re weaving service, work, and personal growth into the same rhythm. Even if Wednesdays are a stretch right now, just knowing you’re open to those opportunities is a strong signal of where your heart’s heading.