Struggling with God

Genesis 32:22-32

22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children,[a] and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel,[b] for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel,[c]saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh.

I started a new 2 week devotional called Men's Devotional - By Men for Men.  The first scripture in the series is from Genesis 32:22-32.  This is when Jacob was heading back to a reunion with his brother Esau.  Jacob was scared silly because he had stolen his brother's birthright (inheritance and place in the family).  He thought that Esau would hate him and take revenge on him.  Worst case scenario in Jacob's mind, was certain death.  Jacob had sent everything and everyone on ahead of him and stayed one last night by himself.  That night, he wrestled physically with God.  The interesting thing is that God saw that He was not winning this wrestling match.  God told Jacob to let Him go.  Jacob's answer is both brazen and telling.  He said "Not until you bless me."  What perseverance!  Sometimes in life, we need to be stubborn and persevere just like Jacob.  I know that when I was on my road trip with just God for a companion, I did a lot of praying.  Every sermon I heard was on perseverance and overcoming.  In fact, when God gave me a promise, one of the conditions was for me to persevere, to keep struggling and fighting tooth and nail for Him.  Only when we don't give up, is when He can step up and bless us.  He will give us the strength to keep up the good fight. 

Another thing that I notice, is that Jacob was so bound and determined to win his struggle with God, that God had to knock Jacob's hip out of joint to get his attention. Remember, God was NOT gaining any ground with Jacob in this wrestling match.  Only after Jacob's hip was dislocated, when God spoke to Jacob, was he able to hear God and answer Him.  I think that there is a case of being too focused on getting what we want, that we can forget what we are fighting and even realize that we are focusing our struggles on the wrong person.  Jacob wanted a blessing from God.  He got a blessing.  His name was changed from Jacob, to Israel.  How is that a blessing?  We realize that it is a blessing, when we understand that the name Jacob means deceiver.  Israel means father of many nations.  Names were indicative (in those times) of a person's character.  By changing Jacob's name to Israel, God was telling Jacob that his character had changed from that of a deceiver, to one who would be a leader and patriarch.  God recognized Jacob's perseverance and rewarded him with the honor and responsibility of being a patriarch to many nations. God will use our struggling and perseverance to change our very nature (as evidenced by Jacob's name change). However, we need to understand what we are struggling against, and make sure that it is not God, but our very nature.  We need to not give up until we get that blessing we need from God.

Patience, Perseverance and Tongue Burn

Recently, I lit a bowl of tobacco and found that I could not taste it.  I tried 3 different blends (two different latakia blends and a straight VA).  Everything just had no taste (like drinking a glass of water).  Even my coffee had no taste.  It was pouring rain at the time, and I was sitting on my front porch trying to smoke a pipe.  I figured that the super high humidity was causing the problem. I went in and brushed my teeth and tongue really well, and realized that I could not taste anything!  Not even the toothpaste.  This was not good, as the taste and smell of the tobacco is one of the things that really make pipe smoking enjoyable.  To say I was devastated is an understatement.  I had finally done what I had only heard about but never experienced.  I had burned my tongue!  In a panic, I posted to a forum I am a member of and asked for advice from those much more knowledgeable that I.  I got advice and a time frame.  Do what I can to avoid or stop a cold from forming, and wait for a minimum of two days.  Ugh!  2 days without a pipe seems like an eternity! I also got advice on how to avoid tongue burn in the future.  Basically, I was most likely smoking my tobacco too wet.  I needed to let it dry out more.  Living in the Houston area, it is very rare for our relative humidity to drop below 60%  This equates to very long tobacco drying times.  I am not a patient person, BTW.  What to do?  What to do?  First, I asked my wife to make some chicken and dumplings.  It is my favorite meal, and chicken soup had been a suggestion for staying healthy.  Second, I pulled out some 'baccy to dry.  I let it dry for a full 24 hrs before my next smoke.  It was a LONG 24 hrs. But, the 'baccy felt bone dry after that time, and I packed it in my pipe.  It wasn't the best smoke, but my tongue was starting to heal.  I could taste a little more of the smoke, and it was very enjoyable.  So, I started pulling out the baccy I wanted to smoke and started letting it dry a minimum of an hour or two before I would pack it in a pipe and light it.  After 3 days of drier than normal tobacco, and very slow sipping, my taste has returned!  I have also enjoyed some wonderful chicken and dumplings that my wife was kind enough to make for me. I have learned a bit more about patience and tongue burn, but also about perseverance.  I didn't give up, I just kept trying different things until I was able to figure out how to fix the problem, not just the burned tongue.  Now, I am letting the baccy dry out more (patience again) before I pack it and light it.  My tongue is thanking me for it with more flavor and better, drier smokes.

I was reading the scriptures tonight and read the verse of the day in my Bible app that I have installed on my Windows 8.1 laptop.  It is Hebrews 10:35-37.

35)Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward

36) for you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

37)"For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry"

These few verses reminded me of my road trip I took in June of this year.  I had been really struggling, and basically going through an existential crisis.  I had been praying that God would speak to me and show me what He wanted me to do.  I had been seeking specific direction from God, and didn't have an answer.  I had committed to listening to Him on this trip, and not letting things distract me, like the radio, Cd's, or music player.  I usually listen to music when on the road.  I was driving along through southeastern Oklahoma and praying when I felt that I should turn the radio on.  I came across a Christian talk radio station where a fellow was preaching.  It was on perseverance.  The next sermon was on overcoming, The next, perseverance again.  The whole trip, every sermon or scripture I heard or read happened to be on that same subject.  It finally got through my thick skull what God was trying to tell me.  He wanted me to be patient, and rely on His strength to persevere and overcome the obstacles I was facing at that time.  Duh!  It doesn't take a genius to see that is what He was trying to say to me.  But, I have never been accused of being the sharpest tool in the shed, especially when emotions are involved.  I tend to react swiftly instead of thinking things over when I am calmer.  He then gave me a very clear promise which I hold dear and make sure to thank him for every day.  My part of the promise was to persevere and to take His hand and walk with Him every day.  I try to do so, but fail a lot.  However, thanks to His never ending Grace and Mercy, I can get up and try again.  He is faithful, even when we are not.    The Bible verse I quote most often is Galatians 6:9  "And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not".  This scripture reminds me that as long as I keep pressing forward, that God will keep His word at the right time.

In the Shelter of the Almighty

I was reading some scripture tonight about Security in the Lord.  This brought to mind the following passage from Psalms 91.  King David (from the Old Testament) is somewhat of a role model for me.  God, Himself, said of David "He is a man after my own heart."  I cannot think of a higher honor than that.  

Anyways, King David went through all sorts of hell in his life.  He was betrayed by family. He committed murder and adultery.  How can God call a person who committed such acts as these "a man after my own heart"?  I truly believe it is because of David's faith, and repentance..  The following passage was written during some of the darkest times in David's life.  The faith of David is legendary, and is clearly shown in the following verses of Psalms 91

1 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.
4He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day;
6Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
8Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation;
10There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
11For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
12They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13You shall tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the serpent shall you trample under feet.
14Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.
16With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

I do not believe that there is a clearer passage in scripture where God's mercy and grace are spelled out for those that abide and trust in Him.  Does this mean that we won't go through trials and dark times?  No.  It just tells us what will happen when we go through those times.  We are not alone, and never will be.  

I thank God every day that he was with me during my darkest hours. 

Lonliness

I have been reading scriptures pertaining to lonliness lately.  These are scriptures that are meant to encourage us, even though we may feel like we have no-one with us in the trials of life.  Sometimes, even though we KNOW God is with us, we don't feel His presence.  It helps to read the scriptures for encouragement. Tonight's reading comes from  Lamentations 3:22-25.

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him;

This is encouraging to me as I have been feeling that I am searching and coming up empty.  I pray, read, and seek after God, but feel like I am playing a game of hide -n- seek.  I don't feel like it is anything that I am or am not doing, just that I don't sense His presence with me as I desire.  I don't feel like I am getting through with my prayers.  My feelings are that of being alone, out in the wilderness with no-one around to hear me.  

Have you ever been in the woods after a rain, but when the mist is about?  It is quiet... too quiet.  No birds singing, no animals walking, the only sound is your breath and heartbeat.  That is where is seems I am as of late.  This scripture reminds me that I am not alone.  It tells me that maybe instead of searching for what is right there, that I need to stop and wait on Him.  My question is "Wait for what?"  I think I can find my answer in the First book of the Kings 19:11-13

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 

12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 

13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

I need to wait on the Lord to speak with me. Sometimes, I get so wrapped up in my problems and my prayers, that I forget that communication is a 2-way street. I know that I have constantly been praying about things in my life, but forget to take time to listen for God to speak to me. I ask for wisdom, but don't take time to listen to His answers.  I will make it a point to enjoy the silence as I wait for Him to speak.  He is there, I just have to listen.

Rain, Pipes, and Unusual Music

A wonderful Summer Rain rolled through this afternoon around 4pm.  Lightning turned the world white and blue as thunder rolled almost continuously for about 30 min.  The house shook a few times as lightning struck perilously close.  It was an amazing storm... the kind I call an Oklahoma Thunderstorm.  There are very rare here, and I miss watching them roll through.  However, I am sure that my dogs are happy it is passed, as my 14yr old lab started worry chewing.  When this happens, anything can and will be eaten... not fun to clean up afterwords.

I stayed home from work today as I had a borderline migraine when I woke up. My neck has been super tense and I couldn't pop it. Thankfully, it finally popped this afternoon, and my headache has receded for the most part.

I lit up some 221b Baker Street Black Shag today in another of my Briar Spirit Pipes.  This is the brother to my BSP poker.  This one is a bit taller of a poker and has a wider base.  Very similar and an equally good smoker.  Both pokers are excellent smokers with no gurgle.  They are fairly light and stay cool.  I think I am going to set some Old Dark Fired out to air dry for a bit and smoke that in an Oom Paul.  I have been neglecting my full bent pipes for a while due to the wonderful smoking abilities of these two pokers.  It is time to let them rest for a day or so.  

So, I read a thread on the Spiritual Briar forums that got me thinking about music.  I am an eclectic when it comes to music.  I like a little of a lot of different genres.  One such genre (not necessarily thought of as a genre a country boy listens to) is Melodic Metal.  However, it is not conducive for a Christian to listen to as it tends to be very dark and he message is not glorifying to God at all. So, I decided to search for Christian Melodic Metal.  I was surprised.  There are quite a few groups in that genre out there.  So, I started listening to them and reading the lyrics.  Very good stuff, and beautiful melodies.  I know, shocking!  

There is a great schism in the church over music.  There is a big concern over whether genres that add the Christian name and Christian lyrics to the same melodies and rhythms as secular music are truly Christian music .  This is a huge can of worms to open, that I do not necessarily want to delve into.  However, I do have a couple provoking questions to ask without, hopefully, tipping the proverbial apple cart.

1) What is the heart attitude of the musicians?  Are they truly trying to serve God, or are they just trying to fit into a genre so that they can be popular and make some money?
2) Does the music glorify God and give him praise?  Is the message that is being shared Biblical?
3) Would you consider the hymn, Amazing Grace, to be Christian music?  Were you aware that the melody is an old bar song? It puts and interesting perspective on things, doesn't it?

My opinion on the matter is that the music is just a vessel for the message.  If the message is true, then even if the musician's hearts are not necessarily in the right place, the music can be glorifying to God.  Just because I don't care for contemporary praise music, doesn't mean that it isn't glorifying to God.  In the same way, Christian Melodic Metal may not fit your tastes, but it can be just as glorifying to God.

When I was reborn, you gave your sign to me. The cross was the way and it says you'll be with me... Day after day. I Heard you calling and felt that I had to seek you! And I finally realized. That your ways are so much higher than mine.

You know everything. Your wisdom and power exceeds all limits

God has all glory, power and honour! He came to save us. He give His life for us! God has all glory, power and honour! He concurred death and brought us salvation.

You forgave all the things that were sin against You. It was so outstanding - my dark heart is so clean - You love me so! Now I want to serve you. Whatever You want, I will do. You have all the power that's why I can trust in You. Jesus. My Lord!

My life belongs to you, you promised to lead me and never leave me.

The above lyrics are from a Christian Melodic Metal Band called HB. The actual song can be found HERE  I think those words are true and glorifying to God.  

Remember the following verse as you go about your day.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35,38-39 (NIV)

Fall is on its way. and so is the Beard

Saturday and Sunday were absolutely beautiful days.  The temps were in the 70's both days and the skies were overcast.  It truly felt like Fall.  Fall is my favorite time of year, cool weather, cider, gallons of hot, fresh coffee, looming holidays, and lots of energy.  I don't like the shorter days, but the cooler weather allows me to get out and do a lot more around the yard.  It is kinda hard to work in 100+ degree weather with 70% or higher humidity.  I keep telling my wife that we need to move to a cooler climate.  One of these days, it may sink in, and we will find a place to move. Until then, I strive to be content where I am.

With Fall, comes the beard.  I enjoy this as I do not like to shave.  However, I will attempt to keep my beard more tamed than I did last year.  Last year, I just let the beard grow wild, and ended up looking like a mountain man.  It got to about 6" in length before I cut it off as a gift to my wife.  She hates the full beard. However, I did get her to agree to allow me to grow a beard during the winter months.  It does wonders for keeping my face warm, especially when I am out hunting.  Here is to beard growing season!

TAD, PAD, and Devotions

TAD and PAD, both are "afflictions" that those of us who smoke pipes suffer from.  TAD is Tobacco Acquisition Disorder, and PAD is Pipe Acquisition Disorder.  Neither are bad things, but just like other things in life, they can take over your wallet and web time in a heartbeat.  There are other types of disorders that some pipers suffer from.... LAD (Lighter Acquisition Disorder) RAD (Rack Acquisition Disorder) and tAD (Tamper Acquisition Disorder).

I primarily suffer from TAD.  The reasons for this are as follows:
1) tobacco doesn't get any cheaper.  Having a cellar stored up allows one to go through tough times without suffering with the lack of baccy to smoke.
2) I like to try different blends.  There are hundreds, if not thousands of different blends to try.  I may love some and hate others.  You can't try them if you don't have them
3) Sales.  Sometimes there are excellent sales or deals that one just can't pass up.  www.4noggins.com is notorious for selling  different blends at a heavily discounted rate every month.  I try to take advantage of this as it allows my cellar to grow by leaps and bounds.  (I now have close to 16 lbs of cellared tobacco) This should last me several years if I suddenly couldn't buy anymore.
4) Ageing tobacco.  A lot of blends really benefit from ageing in the tins or jars.  They loose their sharpness and gain sweetness, or the flavors just blend better over time.  Sometimes I can find aged tins for cheap.  ie.  I just scored some 4 yr old tins of Esoterica Penzance and Butera Pelican for a very cheap price (traded some tobacco I had).  I snagged it up as both are very difficult to find, or not in production anymore (pelican).  The aged baccys are worth much more than I paid, and can, in the future be used as an income source, or as a barter item for baccy that I prefer.

Today, I just got in an order of tobaccos that I truly enjoy, PS Luxury Bulls-Eye Flake, PS Luxury Twist Flake, and Newminster Superior Round Slices (smells and tastes of wild honey)  These weren't on sale, but I was running low on these blends that I smoke regularly.  I got 4 oz of each.  They will last me a few months.

I just recently suffered a major attack of PAD.  I scored 6 handmade Briar Spirit Pipes in a trade and 3 estate pipes.  I have kept 4 of the BSP pipes and 1 of the estates. I traded off 1 of the BSP and one of the estate pipes. And, 1 BSP is to be a gift for someone who needs a good dose of encouragement.  There is nothing quite like receiving a new pipe and breaking it in with your favorite baccy.  It truly does lift the spirits.  It truly is better to give than to receive. It is always fun to see someone excited about something that you sent them with no strings attached.  I haven't decided whether to keep the last estate (a canadian) as I am not a huge fan of straight pipes.  However, I hear that they smoke extremely well.  I have listed it for sale on a couple of the forums I frequent.

Anyways, on to my devotions.  I have struggled a little bit lately to be in the right mindset for prayer and devotions.  My mind seems to wander way too much.  Pipe smoking gives me time to relax and to pray and read the Bible.  I make sure that I take the time to do both.  However, there seems to me, that my mind cant seem to slow down lately.  I will be in the middle of prayer, reading, and then I remember something I need to do, or a situation at work that I am dealing with.  Next thing I know, it is 15 minutes later and I have gotten sidetracked.   I know that this is just the evil one trying to keep me from growing spiritually.  So, I bring back my focus until the next time the rabbit trail crosses my path.  It is a constant struggle lately.

So, tonight, I got distracted by some website hosting and then some forums.  Fortunately, I remembered that I needed to do my reading and prayer.  I opened up my Bible app on my laptop, and proceeded to read.  I am glad that I did, as I was able to receive an encouraging word.  A lot of times I feel that I struggle with my relationship with God by myself.  That I am the only person I know that is really trying.  Well, I am not alone.  And I am not alone in pursuing a deeper relationship with God.  Tonight's reading was Isaiah 41:9-10.  It reads,

You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions,
And said to you,
‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
10 Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

It is encouraging to see that no matter how distracted, tired, or worn out we are, that God is by our side.  He doesn't ask us to be perfect, just to trust in Him.  

Well, it is now bedtime, and I need to get some sleep before my long day tomorrow.  My prayers are with you, whoever you might be.  

May God Bless you and Keep You.  May He make His face to shine upon You.  May you feel His love and presence surround you.

Faith and Patience

I have been reading a lot lately, and it seems the theme for this week is faith and patience. Patience is one of the hardest things for me to learn. I ran across this passage tonight.

James 1:2-8
Bretheren, Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But, let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like the wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

I find that when I pray and ask God for wisdom, or for Him to do a specific work in my life, or in the lives of others, that I have to vocalize my faith. Vocalizing my faith helps to drive out the doubt. The way I vocalize my faith is to first ask. Even though God knows what we need, or will be asking of Him, the first step of faith is to ask. Once I am done asking and praying about whatever it is, I then thank Him. I thank Him that he will do as I have asked, and that He will honor my prayers in His time. This is the vocalization of faith. The bible says to "pray with thanksgiving" How can we do that, if we never thank Him for His work (even before He has done that work) Faith is believing that what we ask will be done, even before we see it done.
One more thought on this too. When we are falling into various trials, recognize that as the Hand of God working. He is allowing our faith to be tested so that when He does answer our prayers, that we will see his mighty power and have even a stronger faith at the end of the trial.

A promise

I missed updating yesterday as I was highly distracted and had a lot of thoughts running through my mind.  Even my usual quiet time with my pipe was cut short.  I did read the scripure, but felt like I was in a dry spot.  To be honest, I was not mentally prepared to receive any insight or knowledge from them.  It wasn't a wasted time, as reading the scriptures never is.  But I just couldn't concentrate.

I did get several new pipes from my good friend, Kirk (Briar Spirit) in the UK.  Beautiful pipes, each and every one of them.  I fired up a bowl in the one that called my name the loudest, and enjoyed a truly smooth smoke.  I was smoking some Carter Hall (not one of my favorites) but it was a good baccy for breaking in a pipe.  I think I will try using some CH as a burley base for blending some tobaccos. I had an aromatic baccy in it today and is smoked it perfectly down to a fine grey ash.  This is probably the best smoking pipe I have had of his to date. 

I had a good, busy day today, and finally got to sit down and read the Bible a little bit this evening. I was in a much better frame of mind to receive from the Lord.  The following passage caught my eye, and it was if the Lord told me to stop and really understand what He was saying.

Jeremiah 33:1-3 NKJV

Moreover the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the prison, saying, “Thus says the Lord  who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord  is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

To me, this is an encouraging passage.  First notice where Jeremiah is... in prison.  He was in a trying time in his life.  No way out of the current situation was immediately available.  Now, during this time, what was Jeremiah doing?  Was he moaning about his circumstances?   Not according to this verse.  It instead implies that Jeremiah was listening for God to speak.  For when God spoke, Jeremiah heard.  As we know from other Scriptures,  the voice of the Lord is heard in quiet.  It is a "still small voice"  it requires active listening and focus to hear.  So, in the midst of trials and discomfort,  God spoke to Jeremiah.

He says, "call to me, and I will answer you."  Wow, what a promise!   There is no prerequisites other than to call unto God.  But even more interesting than the promise of an answer is thevsecond part of the promise.  "And, I will show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."  Notice what is not promised.... Deliverence from the situation.  God didn't tell Jeremiah that He would get him out of prison, or even make his time in prison easier.  He said He would show Jeremiah new things.  

Sometimes,  we have to be in a rough spot in order to be receptive to the Word of God.  God is not wanting bad things for us.  Jeremiah wasn't being tortured or beaten that we can tell, just in a situation that he couldn't escape from.  God, instead of delivering Jeremiah,  took his mind off the circumstances and showed Jeremiah new things, interesting things, visions and prophecies.   This captivity turned out to be a good thing in the long run as Jeremiah listened to God and learned what God was trying to teach him.

I have heard it said that God always answers prayer with one of three answers, yes, no, and wait.  In this case, it was "wait and learn"  What situation are you in that you can't escape?  Open your mind and heart to God.  Listen to what He wants to show you.  It may just surprise you and help you down the road.  Jeremiah eventually was granted freedom once he learned what God wanted to show him. 

The Perfect Pipe

As I sit here tonight, I am enjoying a great, after-dinner smoke of Virginia Spice.  I am smoking this in a pipe that I had commissioned by a good friend in the UK, Kirk, of Briar Spirit Pipes.  To most people, this pipe would be just a simple pipe that has visible flaws.  There is a small pit in the outside of the bowl that most pipe collectors would say is the mark of an imperfect pipe.  They would not want it in their collection as , in their opinion, the pit is a fatal flaw.  Some renoun pipe makers would even point out that the shape could have been finessed a bit more to make it a "perfect pipe".  None of this matters to me, as I see the pipe for what it really is.  It is an instrument for the burning of tobacco to produce a pleasing taste and aroma.  To me, this is a perfect pipe.  It does exactly what it is meant to do, and very well I might add.  Even, what others would call imperfections, are perfect to me.  They add character and uniqueness in a world of "perfect" pipes. 

This brings to mind a scripture that I just read tonight.

Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

God made each and every one of us, flaws and all.  We suffer from the dings of life, and "pits" in our characters.  To others, we are not "perfect".  We suffer from inherent faults, like the unstraight grain in this pipe.  However,  God saw us before we were born.  He knows exactly how we will turn out.  He knows all of our flaws.  We may have physical deformities and mental issues.  How could anyone want us for their friend? How are we desirable?   Remember, it isn't what a pipe looks like that makes it perfect, it is how it smokes.  In the same way, it isn't our looks or personality that makes  us perfect, but how we live for God.  Even the best smoking pipe has its off days, and tobacco blends that it doesn't smoke well.  It is the same way with us.  We are not perfect in every situation.  But, God made us for a reason.  We are valuable and perfect in His eyes as he knows where to put us so that we can be "perfect" for Him.

Pipe Smoking - a hobby or lifestyle?

I am a pipe smoker.  In a world where smoking is frowned upon, I am proud to say that I thoroughly enjoy the benefits of being a part of the pipecsmoking community.   More importantly,  I am a Christian.   I am proud to say that Jesus is my Savior and that I try to live my life the best that I can for Him.  The first question that people will ask,  is how I can be both?  They will say that smoking is harmful to my health and that since I am a child of God, and we are told to take care of our bodies, that this is in direct contradiction to the Bible.  If I was to take that argument at face value, I could not disagree.  However, I don't agree with this stance.  It is all in the determination of what pipesmoking really is.  Is it a hobby? Or is it a lifestyle?

Let me take you back in history 19 years ago when I first took up the pipe.  I was 18 at the time, and just starting out on my own.  Most of my friends were smoking cigarettes and the Black 'n Mild cigars.  I had started smoking the cigars and found out that they were terribly expensive on my minimum wage salary.  I love the smell of them, so to save money, and to look cool, I bought a pipe.  I smoked it for a few months and the switched to cigarettes.   I quit smoking the pipe, as I didn't understand what it was all about.  My attitude was one of instant gratification,  and not conducive to the pipe smoking lifestyle.  I eventually gave up cigarettes in 2005, after 10 yrs of smoking those nasty things.   For a short while, pipe smoking was a hobby that I never really got involved in.

Spring forward to the fall of 2013.  I suddenly had the desire to smoke a pipe again.  I researched this "hobby" inside and out.  I read reviews, watched youtube video "how to's", and read tobacco reviews.  I was intrigued by the idea of being a pipe smoker.  Well, after researching, I talked to my wife, and she agreed that I could try smoking a pipe for a while.  So, in January, 2014, I started on this amazing journey.  I ordered a churchwarden pipe and a sampler pack of aromatic tobaccos.  These are the blends we fondly remember our fathers, grandfathers, and uncles smoking when we were kids.    Besides just wanting to smoke a pipe, another reason, was to force myself to slow down in my rat race of a life.  I had realized that my stress levels were too high, and that I needed to find a way to force myself to take time to step away from it.  Thus started my journey from hobby to lifestyle.

As I got involved in the pipe smoking community, I started to realize that smoking a pipe is a purposeful activity.  I have to choose my tobacco, choose my pipe, prepare the tobacco, pack the pipe correctly, and then, I get to enjoy smoking it.  Even in smoking, I have to be mindful of the way I smoke, as too hot of a flame, or too quick of a draw can ruin the whole smoke.  As I worked to understand pipe smoking, I came to realize that it is a form of meditation, and yes, even prayer.  It is a mindful activity that lends itself to meditative and purposeful action.  Every step in preparation and smoking is done with the goal of achieving the "perfect smoke".  As time wore on, this attitude of mindfullness started to invade my every day life.  I would find myself slowing down to assess the results of my actions, or thinking about what I say before the words leave my mouth.  I found myself being more mindful of my relationship with God.  I found myself with time for meditation of the Scriptures, and for prayer.  Whereas, before, I was too busy to spend time with God, now I found myself with plenty of time for Him.  Pipe smoking has now become a beneficial lifestyle.

On the issue of health, this is the elephant in the room.  I cannot deny that smoking cigarettes is bad for you.  I agree whole-heartedly.  However, I cannot agree that smoking tobacco in a pipe is bad for you.  
1) Cigarettes raise your blood pressure, wheras pipes lower it.  I used to have really high blood pressure, but since smoking a pipe forces relaxation, my blood pressure has actually dropped with the reduction of stress in my life.
2) Cigarettes are inhaled. Pipe smoke, as a general rule, are not inhaled like a cigarette.   The smoke is drawn into the mouth, tasted and smelled, and the exhaled from the mouth, or through the nose (not the lungs). I still get some smoke in my lungs, but nothing compared to the smoke from a cigarette
3) Cigarettes have nasty additives that are not present in pipe tobacco.  The additives in cigarette tobacco are the carcinogens,  not the tobacco itself.

Based on these three points, I have found the risks (if there are any) to be extremely low.  I feel that (due to the reduction of stress) my health is much better since picking up the pipe.  I have actually lost almost 30 lbs since January as well due to the lack of stress.

Pipe smoking as a lifestyle has been extremely beneficial.   I believe that it is completely compatible with my Christian lifestyle.  On that note, if God ever asks me to give up the pipe, it would be necessary for me to do so.  However, I do not forsee that happening anytime soon.

So, is pipe smoking a hobby?  I say not.  I have embraced the lifestyle with great zeal, as it has chaned my life for the better all around.  I belive that those who know me would agree.

John Patton - Cool Hand Fluke Review

According to everything I read, this is 60% virginia blend and 40% perique. The tobacco is mostly a consistent dark brown with a few shreds of golden Va leaf. The tin note is very pleasing, and the sweetness of the Va's really stand out. Surprisingly, the perique is fairly subdued in my mind for a 40% blend.

Charring light left a very sweet taste on my tongue with a hint of pepper. No bite present. 2nd light got it going well, and the perique really started to shine, however, so did the Va's. Even with heavy draw, this blend refused to bite. I slowed it down, and enjoyed the sweetness of the Va's. Some people say they taste raisins, etc. I can see that, but this is more like sweet-grass. It has a cooling effect on the perique that works beautifully. I do get the taste of perique, but it is so well balanced by the virginias, that it leaves you with a ton of flavor and no bite.

It required several relights, as i tried to smoke it low and slow. I have never been one for VaPers, but this is one I will definitely smoke again. The room note is pleasant, but not outstanding. This will make a great summer smoke with that tall glass of ice cold lemonade (or sweet tea if you prefer). It also makes a great blender for bland aro blends as it adds a little spice while keeping the aro sweetness.


I smoked this in a captain black rusticated full bent billiard.

Happy Labor Day!

It is a beautiful morning out here on my porch.  I am sitting in my rocking chair smoking McClelland 221b series Black Shag in a Savanelli Oom Paul.  It is a pleasureable tobacco with no flavorings.  Sweet, and cool burning.  I can see why this would have been Sherlock Holmes' go to choice of tobacco.  Simple, straight forward, easy to smoke, and no mystery. 

As I sit here, smoke curling out my nostrils and a slight breeze carrying it away, I can hear a woodpecker drilling away in a tree.  I see deer meandering through the wooded lot next to mine an then down the road in front of my house.  I hear a neighbor having fun shooting his pistols and rifles at his private shooting range.   The sun is out, and the weather has cooled down from the unbearable upper 90's to the low 80's.  My dog Sunny, a 13 yr old lab, is laying down next to my rocker, just wanting to be in my presence.   He follows me around no matter where I am at when I am home.  Loyal no matter what.  All in all, it is a great morning.

When I am not at work, I come out here first thing after making coffee, to have quiet time with God.  I pull up my Bible app on my tablet, and read scripture and a small devotional.   It seems like the reoccurring theme of my devotions has been Patience and Perseverance. If I had to choose two things that I struggle with the most, it would be those two.  I was raised that it is rude to make people wait on you.  So, I tend to really get irritated when I have to wait on someone.  Also, I have always struggled with seeing a project through to its completion.   I get bored with it, or hit a wall, and just tend to give up.  Both of these are definitely NOT a Christian attitude.  Thus, I feel like God is trying to teach me something during my quiet times.

Today's scripture comes from Genesis 13:14& 15.  In this scripture, God gives Abraham a promise.  He tells Abraham that whatever land he can see, will be his and his children's.  Keep in mind that Abraham is childless at this time.  This means, that AT A MINIMUM, Abraham has 9 months to wait before he has his first child.   What did Abraham do?  He believed God.  And then HE WAITED.   You know, God has made me (and every Christian) a promise.  He says "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all His righteousness, and all these things will be given unto you."   What things is God talking about?  I beleive there are 2 types of things.  1) Those things we need.  God is our provider.  He will give us all our needs.  That doesn't mean he is like welfare, but he gives us the things we need to live, to follow Him, to be a witness, and to succeed where we as humans fail.  The second thing He gives is the desires of our heart.  This is a sticky and often contoversial area.  Some will say that God will give you anything your heart desires.  However, they forget to apply a little common sense to the situation.   God is not a vending machine.   As we seek first His righteousness,  our desires change to be in line with His will.  If we are wanting something contrary to His Righteousness,  then I feel confident in saying that He will not grant it.  An extreme example would be if you are married and you have the desire for a mistress.  God is not going to give you one.  It is against His nature that we should cheat on our spouses.  That is not to say that we couldn't disobey and get one for ourselves, just that he won't GIVE us that desire.  However, I believe that if we are truly seeking as He wants, we won't have that desire.

However, I have gotten off track here.  We need to wait on God's promise to be fulfilled as He has perfect timing.  He sees everything that you need and want.  He will provide WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. 

Anyways, it is now time for me to get working on things here around the house.  Have a wonderful day,  and remember to wait on God.  Have faith that He will do what He has promised.