Fall Rituals

The fall always brings certain annual rituals to the Blackaby home. Lisa puts out beautiful fall decorations. Our college students turn our house into a study room with books and papers strewn in every direction. But the grandest tradition is the annual hockey pool. My sons and I along with our nephew have picked our dream hockey teams each year with the intent of winning the privilege of having our name engraved on the coveted “Blackaby Cup,” a large trophy proudly displayed in the family room. Weeks before the annual draft, my son Daniel is poring over hockey magazines trying to gain an edge on the rest of us in drafting his team. Then, once the NHL hockey season commences, the trash talking begins! Every time someone’s player gets a hat trick or a shut out, the rest of us receive an obnoxious e-mail making sure we are aware of that breaking development! Then, almost before we know it, the season draws to a close and another plaque is added to the trophy. Over the years I have become very busy and have had to cut back on a lot of things I no longer have time to do. But I continue to compete for the prize of the Blackaby Cup. I think it is because I have learned that it is often the little things in life that make life’s journey the most enjoyable. Bantering with my adult sons and receiving e-mails from them while I am on the other side of the world about a hockey game played the night before add a special dimension to the mundane moments of life. I hope in all you are doing you are finding ordinary, simple moments to enjoy the one life you have.

Blackaby Cup

Reading

I cannot tell you how many people have told me they have considered writing a book. Today I received a book from a friend, Bill Bliss. It is always wonderful to rejoice when people follow through and turn their dreams into a reality!

I just finished reading a biography on, of all people, Genghis Kahn. It is fascinating how a simple nomad could lead a divided and free spirited people to conquer such an enormous territory. History is filled with examples of what can happen when one person becomes focused on a goal or calling. I am praying that God calls out more of His own who feel compelled to claim large territories for God’s kingdom.

Prayer

I’d appreciate your prayers. This month I’ll be speaking in Ireland, the Netherlands and Mexico as well as the USA. God is at work around the world. Pray that He will give me the words to encourage church leaders in those countries to truly believe that with God, all things are possible.

Posted by Richard Blackaby at 8:45 am