Lay Your Burden Down

Have you even been so busy that you just don’t know what do next? Maybe you have so much to do on your list, you just shutdown and don’t do any of it. Ever felt overwhelmed? Anxious? Can’t catch your breath? You know, other things…

I have, and I’m feeling that right now. When I teach my youth group or preach I often remind people that everything I teach is something that I need to hear or has been on my heart. This blog is no different. The burdens for me right now are: school, big events for the church and youth group, health insurance (I’m getting out of the Air Force and Tricare is going away), our vehicles need some work, and a few other more private matters.

Here are some scriptures that I have been thinking on and praying about today.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  (Hebrews 12:1-2)

 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

 

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalms 55:22)

 

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

And this song:

 

What are burdens you are carrying today? I’ll be happy to pray for you and I’d appreciate your prayers for me.

Restoring a Craftsman Toolbox

A family friend gifted me a well used Craftsman toolbox. I haven’t been able to find a model number, but I guess it really doesn’t matter. I’m planning to restore it close to its former glory. I’m not a professional metal worker, so it’ll still have some bends, dents, and dings but I’m going to do the best I can. 

I plan to strip it down to bare metal, remove the underlying rust, then prime and paint as close to Craftsman red as I can get. But I am going to paint the drawers black instead of the original red. I like the way the newer Craftsman boxes have the black drawers against the red cabinets.

My only big question is: what to do about the inside of the cabinets? I’m not sure I want to strip/rust treat/prime/paint/clear the interior of the boxes. I’m afraid I may not cover all the metal and just reintroduce the rust. I may just scrub them out really good, plug the cracks and drain holes from the outside and give it a good few coats of rust reformer and call the inside good. No one will ever see the inside anyway. Then when I do the outside, I’ll seal all the openings from the inside so it won’t get stripped away.

Any one out there have an opinion on how to tackle the interior of the boxes?