A Good Book this Christmas

I would recommend a good book for this season is The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren. I enjoy reading Rick's stuff because he has a special way of making things simple, plain and profound. I am enjoying this book now and will be reading portions of it aloud when our family gathers together this Christmas. Grab a copy for yourself, for your family or for a friend. It will appeal to anyone... regardless their spiritual beliefs and will help readers grow in their understanding of what God did for us at Christmas.

Enjoy this read.

We Have Hope

Getting back into a routine flow was not easy after Daddy passed away. I feel like just in the last week or so clearer thinking is beginning to return. All that I read and hear from others is that it takes from 3 to 6 months to resurface after a loved one dies.

Thanksgiving was a sweet time with our family... Diann's brother Larry and our children. Diann's dad passed away at age 78 on Thanksgiving Day last year. My dad died on October 18 at age 79.

God is so good just to walk close with me and give me comfort through reading his words in the scriptures and talking with him in prayer. I have felt his closeness and love in newer and deeper ways. Our whole family has become even closer going through such losses together.

Hope in God and the future he promises in the Bible gives me great comfort. The promise of life that continues into eternity is an amazing experience to look forward to. I can only read of it and imagine being reunited with grandparents, parents and others who followed Christ in this world.

My prayer from my college days was and still remains, "Lord let me live for you and help others to know and follow you." Thanks for reading.

Listen before you vote!

Does God's Word tell us who to vote for? If it did would you listen? Before you vote, if you haven't already, then take time to listen to this message by Ed Young Jr. I'll admit that he's a little bit over the top sometimes but he makes a really strong case. He's definitely an entertaining communicator and will keep your attention!:
Politicked - Rock the Vote from Fellowship Church on Vimeo.

Pray for my mom and dad

Over the last month or so we have been adjusting to the news that my dad, Troy Cotton, has lung cancer. The doctors have said he has between one and two months.

Daddy has been fighting Alzheimer's for the past 8 years. The news of cancer stirs up mixed feelings. We wish for long life and as many days together as possible, but dad never wanted to conclude his days in a nursing home with no memory.

So we are waiting and giving thanks for God's perfect plan and that God is the only One who knows the number of our days... His plan is best.
...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:16-17

Daddy and mom have been married 54 years and daddy's 79th birthday is tomorrow... October 1st. Pray for mom as she waits on dad... day to day and as we all wait for his graduation to a perfect home in heaven and new body.

Daddy with the youngest grandchild ...Caroline.

Meme with Catherine and Diann














"Pop" sitting around the table with five grandkids ... waiting for some of Meme's great cooking.

After the Storm - Hurricane Ike

Hurricane Ike came through Houston during the night hours of September 12, 2008 on into the morning hours of September 13. Here's how close the storm the storm damage came to our house. This pine tree trunk snapped about 40 up and fell toward our house... missing by this much from coming in our living room or bedroom!

This oak uprooted and fell toward the corner of the house... wedging on another pine and only touching on the roof and bending our gutter.

This oak snapped off about 30 feet high and fell toward our house... missing and hitting our side fence.

This type of debris and limbs covered our entire yard, the streets and neighborhood.

We gave thanks for how God protected us and our home. We it was light enought to see this damage for the first time... Diann burst into tears... I just said, "thank you Lord."

Even though the mess was extensive, we were so blessed by getting out and working with our neighbors... helping each other cut trees and haul limbs... we grew closer friendships and we encouraged by every one's positive spirit.

Would I stay through the next storm? Probably not... this was my first and hopefully my last hurricane up close.

Behind on blogging

I have been sidetracked in so many other activities... can't believe it's been this long since I logged in my thoughts and experiences. I have some catching up to do.

The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Last Thanksgiving (November 2007), Diann's father died. Being the first of our parents to pass away, we have traveled through lots of emotions and lots of questions. As a pastor, I sit by many beds and pray with lots of people who are facing "the valley of the shadow of death."

This comes from Psalm 23...
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ...

This summer Tony Snow passed away on July 12, 2008. I discovered this article that he wrote about one year ago. Please take the time to read about facing death through the eyes of a man experiencing it. >> Tony Snow ARTICLE

I would love to read your comments on this.

Birthdays and apart for the first time

This week on July 14 (Diann's birthday) Catherine was away at Edge Camp and the boys are in Missouri. Diann and I had a great time together... but it has been a long time since we did her b'day without any kids.
Then on July 17 (boys birthday), Coby and Cory are away at Kanakuk working as counselors. I think this was the hardest change to swallow. We missed them and getting to really celebrate on the day they turn 21!
It worked out for them to call home briefly and Diann was able to talk with them both.
We will do a big birthday celebration in August when we all get back together.

I am so grateful for how God has worked in our children and keeps shaping them into his image. This is no greater joy than knowing and seeing your children walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

Journey with John 1.1

In a Thursday morning men's group that just started a few weeks ago... we are reading and observing what John wrote in his account of Jesus' life. John was Jesus' closest follower... the one we see sitting, walking and talking with Jesus in the most personal way.

Each week, I want to capture some of the thoughts and insights and applications that come from our group. Hope this helps you as it does me.

Some catch up notes...
John the "washer" (Baptizer) (not the writer of the book of John-- John the disciple of Jesus is the writer) is telling people to get ready for a new day... to make themselves ready for The Lord... to demonstrate their humility and their turning around in a new direction, he asked them to be "washed"... he stands in the river and "washes" each person... dipping them into the water. This was not the same, but similar to the purification ritual practiced at the temple.

People were lined up to be washed... and Jesus shows up. He comes to John to be washed also. John does not feel worthy to wash Jesus... but Jesus is washed to validate the work John is doing.
ACTION Q: Am I "washed" clean and ready to follow Christ today and each new day? I can be in two ways...
FIRST... I can physically be baptized (washed) to demonstrate to friends and family that I am a follower of Jesus. Many youth and adults get baptized when they understand what it means... even if as a baby their parents had them baptized. This spiritual marker of "washing," as an adult can be such a memorable event in the spiritual journey. Talk with someone about your baptism (washing).
SECOND... I can be spiritually washed by simply talking with God and agreeing with him about any mistake or wrong that I have done or even thought... "when we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness..." (1 John 1:9)
Each morning or any other spot in the day... I whisper to God... "I was wrong to say or think that... wash me clean in your forgiveness... thank you that you love me so much."

Only with this attitude am I ready for God's work in and through me.

So much more to discover in this journey with John...

I welcome your comments, insights and thoughts.

Fully Connected

For the next two weeks (July 13 and 20) I will be speaking on what it means to be "fully connected."
I am looking forward to this opportunity. I love to step back and observe the big picture. I hope to help those who hear these messages understand the value of connecting to other people in meaningful relationships.

Ask yourself ... Who's doing life with you? Who's cheering for you? Who's encouraging you to go for it and take that risk? Who's there to listen to you or pray with you about an important concern? Who's celebrating with you and who's crying with you? I hope you can name several close friends... but most people today cannot.

All of us need real friends that truly accept us, understand us and care about us. Pray that I will communicate accurately what God has established for all of us to understand about the value of being fully connected.

Parading on the 4th of July

This has always been an big day for our family. Diann and I have always enjoyed the parades and the fireworks. We sought out the celebrations wherever we lived. We took the kids, we acted like kids and made the most of the experience.
For the past eight years in The Woodlands we have been a part of the parade. The StoneBridge Band has played "oldies" and the crowds that line the street love clap and dance as we pass by. We hand out bottles of water to the crowds... and in the Texas heat, the crowds are so glad to see us come by.
Yesterday was such a day... but one block into the parade route, Rodney (age 14) was working hard to give water bottles to the crowds, when some kids began to run up to our water trailer from the street curb. In an effort to keep the kids back, Rodney's leg was caught under the trailer wheel. The large trailer was filled with water bottles and ice... very heavy. The driver stopped and backed up... Rodney was brused and scraped. We were all frightened as we pulled out of the parade while the EMT's examined his injuries. Before leaving for the hospital, Rodney stood up on his own... later the hospital xrays showed no breaks or internal injuries!

God protected Rodney and showed us all his watchful care! We will not soon forget this 4th of July. Rodney will be the first to receive a "Parade Purple Heart" awarded to those wounded while serving on the SB parade ministry team.

I continue to be amazed at the how God is at work around me... never a dull moment... but never left alone... God is good... all the time.

Gold is refined in the fire.

Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. -Mark 10:29-30

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Things don't always go as planned... it could be in your relationships, in your finances, with your job, etc. These problems and trials come with being human and living in an imperfect world with imperfect people.

I just never expected it to be so hard at times.

• Diann and I are watching our parents and friends parents wrestle with aging and health problems.

• I miss our kids when they leave for weeks and months at a time.

• I watch money come and go and wonder where it went.

• I know close friends who have been searching for work for months.

In the midst of foggy times, painful situations and days I face problems... I want my life to respond with ...

FIRST... a prayer of thanks to God that helps me remember how GOOD GOD HAS BEEN TO ME... HOW HE HAS FAITHFULLY HELPED ME AND HOW HE NEVER CHANGES... my circumstances may change but I desire to focus on who Jesus is right now... that He has not changed and that Jesus already has "overcome" the world.

SECOND... a prayer of trust that helps me remember that God will provide in the future all the relationships and stuff that I need (more than I need) to grow day to day.

Lord, thank you that through the pain of the cross you overcame the world... you overcame my mistakes and gave new life to all who follow you. Now You live in me to help refine and grow me into all that is planned for me as your child. Help me trust in the truth that you provide brothers, sisters and all that I need now and in the future. Let my life, my faith in you, my story to others be refined.

Family Vacation

We took time off... always a challenge for me:)... and yet I love it when I get away. We drove to Missouri to meet Coby and Cory following their staff training for working at Kanakuk - K2 this summer.
They had a great time... tons of training and hard work... they were tired, but very excited about working with Joe White and the Kanakuk team. This camp has truly helped thousands of kids and served as a turning point for many students who were heading in bad directions.
I am very thankful to God for raising up such a powerful change agent like Kanakuk Kamps. I am also grateful that my sons get to be a part of this team and learn from them. I pray that God will use this summer to make a lasting impression on Coby and Cory and those they serve this summer.

Resources for graduates

Podcasts to subscribe...
Search iTunes for:
Matt Chandler
Marcus Buckingham
Andy Stanley

The Bible online (various translations)
http://www.biblegateway.com/
Story of Daniel

Speaking at John Cooper Baccalaureate

I had the opportunity to address the John Cooper Class of 2008 along with their parents, friends and faculty of the school. What a thrill for me. This is a great class and my challenge to them was to
1. Build on their strengths
2. Guard their passions
3. Invest their influence

There are lots of resources available on the web to help graduates and students pursue their God-given purposes.
Keep checking this blog as I plan to update and build this resource list.

Improving at Golf

My golf game is really improving. I guess some would say... "so what else do you have to do as pastor, but practice your golf game."
The golf journey for me has been a slow one... overcoming the negative attitudes I frequently heard about the game. My dad sold golf cars, and yet did not "take the time" to play. Now my brother Steve and I both are beginner golfers.
I decided to get some real help and take some lessons with my daughter Catherine last year. We have enjoyed going to the driving range together and learning together.
The lessons and practice are paying off. My score is getting consistently better. I know the suspence is eating at you... my break through score was getting below 100! That's right, I scored 98 last week... legit... real score... no mulligans... no fudging! Then today I scored 95, sank some long puts and beat other players in our foursome! WOW!
Not ready to quit the ministry and go on tour, but it was very satisfying.

Like Spring Flowers

I love planting flowers, seeds and young plants and watching them grow. I am sure it is because I did this with my mom and dad on the farm in North Carolina... Dad in the garden, Mom in the yard. We had a very large garden with corn, peas, potatoes, green beans, cabbage, squash, onions... We had even larger yard with azaleas, camellias, geraniums, daffodils, roses, dogwoods...

I watched and learned and now I get to try my hand at this in Texas. My favorite planting at this point is to do lots of pots on our porch, patio and around the yard. The plants respond quickly. When moved from their little plastic containers into fresh, rich soil in a much larger pot, they stand up alert after the first day. Then new sprouts and blooms begin to show. Soon the pots are full and overflowing with growth.

This winter we planted two Live Oaks in our front yard along with some new bushes and roses. These have been a joy to watch. New leaves and blooms cover them now.

Ephesians 3 talks about plants taking root and growing.

14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I also love to use and read the prayers of Paul when I pray for my wife and children, friends, and partners in ministry and for myself. The love of Christ is very deep and rich soil. We can grow in it forever. When we tap into and become grounded in that love, the fullness of God fills us and blooms over around us.

Lord, like the flowers in my yard that people have noticed and commented on... cause people to notice the love of Christ in me, my family and friends. Allow us to do far more than we could every ask or think by your power and love.

Incredible India

Incredible India

As I exited the plane from Chicago in Delhi, I was greeted by a large tourism sign “Incredible India.” Little did I know how truly incredible my experience would be. In·cred·i·ble –adjective 1. So extraordinary as to seem impossible 2. hard to believe; unbelievable. 3. So implausible as to elicit disbelief.
4. Astonishing.

The sights, sounds and smells
As we loaded our 15 member team and our luggage on the bus, my senses were jarred awake, never to rest for the next ten days. Hazy and humid, the evening air in Delhi was heavy. It smelled of smoke, diesel fumes and sweat. I was surrounded by thousands of people in the airport and on the sidewalks. Taxis, cars, buses jammed together waiting to transport the crowds. The airport roads led to highways filled with traffic traveling on the “left” side. Moving quickly with unexpected aggression our bus pressed ahead and passed other vehicles. Through the hazy yellow glow of headlights and signs it delivered us in front of our first hotel.

In the villages
Every morning our bus would transport us for 30 to 90 minutes down small dirt roads, across wooden bridges and beside vast tea gardens or fields being plowed with oxen. During the five days of focused ministry, we entered villages where people lived in bamboo houses with thatch roofs and cooked in cast iron pots over open fires. Cows, pigs, chickens and goats roamed everywhere. The scents of plowed soil, smoke and manure mixed with the cool fresh breeze.
Northeast India
Northeast India has a population of over 3 million people and is made up of tribes or people groups, many of whom have never heard the good news of Jesus Christ. With today’s radio, satellite TV and internet, this may seem impossible. But literally millions of people still live spiritually uninformed. The Indian believers that we teamed with were enthusiastic and eager to introduce us to the people of their land.
They were our partners and translators as we entered villages where we would meet people in their homes and discuss their culture and spiritual beliefs. The people of the villages were very interested to meet and talk with “the Americans.”


Extraordinary, incredible story
In a village of tea garden workers, I was able to talk with one group of about 25 people. Men, women and children surrounded me as I asked them about their work in harvesting tea. I told them of my work as a young man on the farm and how often I thought about God when working on a farm. I asked if I could tell them the story about the One True God who created the heavens and earth and all the animals and men. As they nodded, many of them sat down around me to listen… (more details on the story later)
As I concluded up my explanation of why God sent Jesus Christ as the solution to every man’s separation from God, I asked if they believed and if they wanted Christ to forgive them and lead their lives. Two women, with tears in their eyes, raised their hands in front of the whole group (which was very bold in their culture.)
We prayed with them, recorded their names and gave them scriptures in their language. Then we proceeded to other homes in the village. A few hours later, as we were walking back near their home, one of the women greeted us on the road and held out a gift for me. She held a tattered piece of paper wrapped around some dried tea they harvested. Through my translator she said with tears, “Thank you for coming to my home. No one has ever explained how we could know God personally through Jesus. Bless you for coming.” Needless to say I will never forget this incredible encounter and the look of appreciation and joy on her face.




The harvest in India
I stood on a path looking across acres of rice fields surrounding me all ready for cultivation. Later I stood at the edge of a vast tea garden with lush green bushes that stretched as far as I could see. The tender tea leaves were ready for the first harvest. How could all this work be done? How many workers would it take to cultivate the fields and harvest the tea?
The same question resonated in my head about the spiritual harvest of souls. How could all the people who were ready to listen hear the story of Jesus? Matthew 9:36-38 says, “When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’”I thanked God for the opportunity to be a small part of the harvest that is beginning in this land. Please pray with me that the Lord will send the workers and resources needed for His harvest.

Turning 50 today!!

It is a real praise to know that I can plan and prepare for such a trip to India on the week I turn 50 years old.
I do not feel like 50... but I've never been here before and don't really know what it feels like.

Thanks to God for his many blessings.
I feel that the prayer Jabez prayed, one that I often pray, continues to come to reality.
“Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request. -1 Chron.4:10

I look forward to many years ahead... serving God and loving people.

Adventure to India ... 3/26 thru 4/5/2008

PRAYER CALENDAR
Sibsagar & Jorhat, India >>map
Wednesday, Mar. 26—Saturday, Apr. 5, 2008
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

On Wednesday, Mar 26th, a team of 17 Americans begin a 11-day mission trip that we pray will change lives for eternity. We will be ministering throughout North-Eastern India.

Please pray for our team during this cross-cultural outreach. The ministry of intercessory prayer is essential for a successful ministry trip. Please put this prayer calendar in a prominent place and join me as a prayer partner. God will use you and we as a team will experience the power of your prayers!

Our team will be focused on working with our Indian brothers and sisters
… to reach many people of Sibsagar and Jorhat who have never heard of Christ’s love and forgiveness
… and that many churches would be effectively established.
… and to serve Lipok Wati (Indian ministry partner) and his team to take full advantage of the God given opportunities to expand the ministry.

Our team includes people from North Carolina, and Texas. It is the desire of each member of the team to demonstrate God’s love and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of India.

Team Members
John Fitzgerald (North Carolina)
Stephen Canipe (North Carolina)
Carolyn Thompson (North Carolina)
Don Wimbish (North Carolina)
Adam Yount (North Carolina)
Tom McDonald (North Carolina)
Brian Dunn (Houston, TX)
Larry Cotton (Houston, TX)
Brad Greenstreet (Houston, TX)
Jack Pitney (Dallas, TX)
David Windley (Dallas, TX)
Kelly Shea (Dallas, TX)
Cy Cozart (Dallas, TX)
Barry Durman (Dallas, TX)
Rob Skiba (Dallas, TX)

India is 10.5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time so please pray accordingly!

Brian and I will try to give reports throughout the trip… via email, web, blogs, or phone. Check the following…
http://larrysbridgeblogs.blogspot.com/
www.eastwest.org for field reports or
www.portland.eastwest.org
We will do our best to get them to you.

Our focus for this particular trip will be working in three different people groups with three church planters who are experiencing incredible open doors.

People Groups we will be working with:
1. Assamise
2. Adivasi
3. Mising

Daily Schedule
Mar 26th (Wednesday) – Entire group departs Chicago together @ 7:40 P.M. for Delhi, India arriving on Mar 27th at 8:55 P.M.
Pray for…
Safety and rest as we travel. Opportunities to share Christ on the plane. All luggage to arrive. God to prepare hearts in India. Customs process to be smooth and quick, allowing all team members and their baggage to get through without problems.

Mar 27th (Thursday) – Arrive in New Delhi
Pray for…
Easy Customs check & smooth hotel check-in Emotional & physical adjustments to a new culture and time zone. Excellent health & a good night’s rest.

Mar 28th (Friday) – Travel to Sibsagar in-country flight and by car caravan
Pray for…
Team unity and bonding. Flexibility and continued adaptation to cultural differences. Preparations and details of campaign. Safety for in-country flights and land travel.

Mar 29th (Saturday) – Sibsagar Ministry, village for evangelism among the Assamise people group
Pray for…
Discernment for Lipok Wati (Indian partner - trip coordinator) on how to best coordinate our time. An awesome time of worshipping the Lord with our Indian brothers and sisters. Wisdom in matching interpreters and Americans. Continued bonding with our interpreters and our Indian brothers & sisters. Faithfulness & consistency for our prayer partners. Team members to be diligent in spending time daily with the Lord.

Mar 30th (Sunday) - Outreach in Sibsagar continued among the Adivasi people Group
Pray for…
Open hearts to the Gospel Multiple divine appointments. Boldness as our team steps out in faith to share God’s love and the Gospel message. Bonding and unity of purpose with our interpreters Servant hearts and attitudes. For a positive response to the Gospel.

Mar 31 (Monday) – Last day of evangelism in Sibsagar and travel to Jorhat by vehicle
Pray for…
Increased faith. People to see Christ in and through us. Wisdom in dealing with peoples questions about spiritual issues. Safety as we travel to Jorhat.

Apr1 (Tuesday) - Evangelism project in Jorhat among the Mising people
Pray for…
Open hearts towards the Gospel as we share the truth of God’s love. Each person to be fully clothed in God’s armor depending completely on Him. Satan to be bound. Physical, emotional & spiritual strength.

Apr 2nd (Wednesday) – Sharing Christ among the Mising people
Pray for …
Our American team ... that God would give them boldness to present the Gospel Many to hear and positively respond to His love New believers to understand the importance of becoming involved in and with the Christian community. Our families and friends back home. Team to do all things through Christ who strengthens them.

Apr 3rd (Thursday) – Continued ministry among the Missing people group for evangelism and encouragement
Pray for …
The name of Jesus to be Exalted and Glorified. Our team as we begin to process a life changing and spiritually profitable week.Spirits sensitive to cultural Differences. Servant Hearts and Attitudes. A wonderful last day of ministry in Jorhat.

Apr 4th (Friday) - Travel back to Delhi
Pray for…
Safety as we travel by road and air back to Delhi. Physical, Emotional & Spiritual strength. Flexibility Rest after an incredibly busy week of ministry. Emotional strength as we say goodbye to our Indian brothers and sisters.

Apr 5th (Saturday) – Fly back to the States
Pray for…
God’s new work in the people of Sibsagar and Jorhat. That it would continue to flourish and that many churches would be effectively established. Lipok and his team to take full advantage of the God given opportunities to expand the ministry Opportunities to share with those back home all that God did during this outreach. That our team would have a positive impact on our churches back home as we plug back into ministry in our own churches. Safety as we travel home today. A time to process all that has happened and to rejoice in God’s faithfulness. Follow-up of those who have made first time decisions for Christ. Our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as He continues to do His work in our lives after we return. An invigorated desire to share Christ with our friends, families, neighbors and co-workers. Restful transition.

A Rookie Blogger

This is the beginning of a new form of journaling for me.
Starting in 1978, my mentors taught me the importance of keeping a journal of my thoughts and prayers. It is a written record of your spiritual journey.

I have many notebooks full of scriptures and reflections about what God was teaching me and what I was hoping for.... struggling with... seeking to change.... I am thankful for that record and I hope this will be profitable for me to write and others to read.

Psalm 119 (selected verses)

1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.

18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations.

32 I will pursue your commands for you ... expand my understanding.

The truths, values and wisdom from God's Word is the most reliable instruction we have on this planet. This is because if comes directly from God Himself... the One, True, Faithful, Almighty Teacher.
I have hidden this truth in my life ... but not as much as I want to in the future.

I want to memorize more. I want to have this Word shape my thoughts and actions. This is what integrity means... everything I think and say and do... integrated together in a joyful life.