Sticks and Stones...

CNN and Nancy Grace have focused on the story of the Tennesee preacher shot by his wife recently and through it all, the Church of Christ was portrayed in a negative light. One Baptist preacher called Churches of Christ a cult while Nancy hounded a Church of Christ minister about the views on women's roles in the church. It's upsetting to read or hear what is said about the church because we hold so dearly to what we believe. For some, the initial response might be to fight back while others prefer to ignore it. I feel that the answer resides somewhere in the middle.
The conversation has started and I feel I would be remiss not to join in, not that I desire to argue the points brought up but hopefully to answer with the spirit that Christ would answer these charges. When the Pharisees made accusations or tried to ask leading questions to put Him in a corner, He responded and in His response, they could find what they wanted. If they wanted to see someone who was fighting against them, they would. Yet, if they wanted to find the source of living water, the source of their ultimate salvation, they could.
I believe we have to respond just as Jesus responded and allow God to work through our response and in the lives of those that hear. We must defend our faith but not be defensive. We respond to evil with good. We respond to hatred with love. We respond to error with truth. In all our responses, we must remember to allow Christ to speak through us. We are His vessels.
As Christians, we can take on those who throw their sticks and stones with the love and meekness of one who knows what awaits us and we must respond with the love and the joy that we want to share the incredible gift.

Do You Know Jesus?

Last night in our Bible class, we talked about dreaming like David dreamed. It was a good discussion and one I think we will take further steps on with dreams for our own church. While discussing dreaming, I thought about how well David knew God and how that impacted his dreams. From there, I went on to think about my relationship with Jesus over the years. I firmly believe I have come to know Jesus in a much deeper, more intimate relationship in the last few years than I have in all the years previous.
As my mind works (which isn't all that well very often), I would say that for several years I knew of Jesus but didn't really KNOW Jesus. I had an intellectual understanding of who He is and what He has done for me but I don't think I was able to internalize that, to understand it emotionally and spiritually. While I have many miles to travel to know Jesus better, today I believe I have a much better perspective of who He is and what He has done for me and only now can I begin to dream what I can do for Him.
I have experienced many years of discussing how we should "do church" or "be a Christian" without truly worshipping and without truly living Christ-exemplified to those around me. I worshipped by singing and by praying and listening to the sermon but didn't allow my emotions to come through in my worship. I worshipped from the outside doing the things that are listed in the Bible but failing to worship from the heart. I worshipped with good intentions (just ask my daughter where good intentions will get you) but didn't truly worship with the emotion of what being a child of God, a sinner saved by true sacrifice experiences.
Much the same, I could tell people why they needed to be a Christian but didn't have compassion for their burdens. Today, I have a deeper understanding of how loving and how patient Jesus is with me. Today, I have a deeper understanding of what His mercy and grace mean because I can look back at things I have done that has hurt Him (and others), yet He has remained so good to me. How can I be anything different to those around me than what Christ is to me? How can I not exhibit mercy and grace? How can I not be in diligent prayer for those that stumble? Whether they have hurt me or themselves or someone else, how can I do anything but point them to Christ because only in Him will they find what they need to overcome their failings. Those who fall and seek redemption through Christ will not forget their falling, so why should I need to remember it? Instead I must be constant in prayer and be constant in helping them be the person Christ wants them to be.
I believe now that I can begin to dream the dreams Jesus wants me to dream because I have started to make a breakthrough in a closer, intimate relationship with Him. I believe now I can truly have hope to reach the lost because I realize how lost I was.
I have a great anticipation of dreaming the dreams that God hopes I will dream.

Don't Know Much About Freud

I don't know much about classical psychology although I toyed with the idea of pursuing it as a major in college. People's minds are fascinating and studying and understanding why people think what they think is a hobby for me now. Going to the mall or a ballgame and just watching the people leaves me wondering so much about what you can really tell about someone by watching them.

The ego is certainly a part of classical study and something we would all likely do well to understand better. Why does someone's ego make them do the things they do? Why do other's check their ego and make sure it is not putting them in a position of looking foolish...or worse? I have often observed that ego takes over when confidence is lost.

As a Christian, we can always have confidence because Christ has defeated the enemy for us. We have the spoils of war awaiting us. A Christian doesn't need a big ego because Christ has done what none of us can ever do for ourselves but we can walk confidently and boldly that we, through Him, can overcome any challenge that may face us.

What a Difference a Day Makes

It turned downright cold last night. We were at a baseball game and everyone was wanting to go home. Unfortunately, we lost in the last inning but I think everyone was really to cold to think about it at the time.

Terrell's a Cowboy. You've probably heard his rap song already but the best song I've heard was written to The Devil Went Down to Georgia with the Devil being TO and Georgia being the Cowboys while Jerry was the fiddler that made his bet with the Devil. It will be an interesting year but one more reason I will watch less pro football this year. These guys make too much money to make it fun to watch. Give me high school (for the love of the game and a few steroids) and college (not too much money and a few more steroids) over pro sports any day.

The mind is a bit of a blank slate today so I'll return to the grindstone.

Have a great day!

A Pat On The Back

Do you enjoy getting compliments? I don't know many people who don't like getting a pat on the back occasionally. Last night, my wife was reading her list of blogs and after reading mine, said "good blog." It was a simple statement but one that made me feel good.

She's the same person who stays up with her daughter to help on a homework assignment that was remembered at the last minute while I suggest stringing the daughter up by her toes. She's the same person who cleans the house, washes the clothes, fixes one of the best peach cobblers you've ever sunk your teeth into, delivers kids from one place to another, comforts us when we hurt, helps us when we are down and says "good blog" when we do something good. That's just a snippet of what she does for us, and, it doesn't include all the little (and big) things she does for others while still caring for her family.

A year or so ago, she had surgery and was unable to get up and about for a few weeks. She worried that we would fall apart I think, yet we made it through that time without much trouble. We had plenty of people who fixed meals for us and helped get kids from one place to another. Yet we also had something more, we had an example of what we needed to do and how to do it and we had a desire to return a little to someone who has given us so much.

To my wife, thank you doesn't do justice to the thanks you deserve but it's where I'll start. I speak for the kids and myself when I say you hold us together and push us forward. Thank you for the servant-example and the love you give us.

One of Those Days

Yesterday was one of those days where I didn't feel good but couldn't pinpoint what was wrong. I just felt bad all over so I stayed home. I missed being at church. I missed seeing people I look forward to seeing all week. I missed a time of study that makes me think all week. I missed a time of worship where I am encouaraged and can refocus. I miss that when I am not there.

My kids are preparing for LTC (Leadership Training for Christ). It's an exciting time because while they have plenty of activities to occupy their minds, the focus is still on God and His will. It's amazing to hear them answer questions about the book of Ruth, to hear them talk about the meaning behind a puppet story, to see them volunteering to do things that will equip them to one day carry the message of God to others. What a blessing this time is. I remember having a feeling of dread before they were old enough to participate because I had heard the stories about the crowded hotel, the crowds of people and on and on. Now that I've been able to go, to see thousands of youth and adults gathering to celebrate and share in the purpose of preparing our children, it is an awesome experience. Now, I look forward to being crammed into a stairwell with kids trying to get to their Chorus event, finding their Bible reading or song-leading room, filing in and out of the puppet room. I look forward to it because the purpose is for something that will be the most important thing they will experience in their lives...growing in knowledge of God's will and acting on Christ's request to go and teach. I will again thank God for the blessing of that weekend.

Rain Baby, Rain

Liquid moisture from the sky is predicted for this weekend and while I don't want to miss baseball games, I want to see rain. We need it desperately and it sounds as if we might see it for a few days. Prayers would be answered.

Yesterday was the start of March Madness, my favorite sporting event of the year. I've been known to take time off from work to watch games and yes, even wager a few dollars on an office pool. I love college basketball and I love watching both good teams play good basketball and little-known teams take down giants. Yesterday, while I remain a staunch Longhorn fan, it was great to see A&M win a tourney game. It brings credibility to Texas and Big 12 basketball.
HOOK 'EM HORNS!

What A Difference A Day Makes

Last Thursday, I couldn't see very well without glasses. I have worn glasses since I was 15 years old. Friday afternoon, no glasses and I can see everything sharp and clear. Days later, I continue to be amazed at what surgery has done. It is fascinating knowing I am seeing things with just my eyes that for years I haven't been able to see. It's funny each time I reach up to push my glasses up only to hit my nose because they are no longer there. It's just amazing.

We spent a few days in Austin, ate some good Mexican food, saw a great baseball game and did some shopping. It was nice to get away for even a short time and makes me look forward to our annual trip to Fun Valley where I can truly relax. Austin is always an interesting place and this trip was no exception. We went to the Bob Bullock Museum which is an incredible place though it does get hard to keep up your enthusiasm after the 2nd floor. And if you go, be sure to find an Amy's Ice Cream. The people working there are a little different but the ice cream is really good.

It's good to be away but it's also good to be home. Last night, after the unpacking, I got to spend some time sitting on the sofa watching a little TV with my wife and enjoyed the comfort and peace of being home.

20/20

After several years of waiting, I finally did it. Last Friday, I went and let them (or I should probably say paid a ransom) to have my eyes blasted with lasers. It was a very odd experience but following the doctor's directions, went home and slept for about 5 hours. When I woke up, it was a whole new world. I could see the little scroll at the bottom of the TV. I could see the letters on the water tower north of town. I could see the neighbor's horses clearly. It was amazing. I can't help but to keep from laughing as I look around and see things without glasses that I would never be able to focus on before. I also keep laughing as I try to adjust my glasses that are no longer there, or take them off before going to bed even though I don't have them on. Old habits.

I want to thank my wife for putting up with me for a few nervous hours before and after the surgery. I want to thank my parents for helping me get to the point of doing it also. I want to thank everyone who said a little prayer for me.

Changes can be so amazing. I see friends who have a new relationship with God and with their Christian family and I see comfort in those changes, happiness in those changes.

I thank God for the changes in my life. I hope they all push me to know Him better.

The Blogging Life

It's funny how you start one of these things just for kicks, not expecting it to last long or have anyone read it and then reach a point where someone asks "why haven't you blogged today/yesterday/lately?" OK, it's only funny to me so in my own introverted way want to say, thanks for the laughs.

Now that I've quit amusing myself, I'm reading a book called The Cell by Stephen King. I've never read his books before but wanted something different and something that would let my brain rest. I'll try not to give it away but the premise is based on cell phones being used to transmit an electronic wave that makes people do bad stuff. Science-fiction, right? I wonder, with all of our technological advances, how open we are for that technology to come back and bite us. We see it more and more from terrorists using it to send messages around the world to identity theft and on and on. It's amazing but also a little scary to think about what can be done with technology.

Now that I've brought you down and made you look at your computer like you were looking at a mass murderer, I'll change directions. In the midst of whatever problems we face in this world, I know I have a family around me that is confident that we face a better life in the future. We are walking towards a life of beauty, of peace, of joy. There will be no stress because Jesus has taken our burdens. There will be no debt because He has already paid on our account. There will be no hatred because love will rule. My family lifts me up. My family reminds me of what awaits me. My family shares my hope. There are good things happening in Decatur, Texas that are leading to great things that will happen in Heaven. I thank God for His blessings.

Have You Moved Your Cheese?

The title of a popular book about handling change relates to some mice and "little people" who have to change their way of thinking and acting to keep finding their cheese. I don't know many people who get excited about change and even when there is some level of excitement, there is some level of trepidation also. We can convince ourselves that the rut we live in is better than the smooth road we could be on because we have to go over some bumps to get there.

Yesterday was one of those days for me. I was preparing for some changes, excited by the prospects of what will come with it but also dealing with some level of concern, some level of fear even, about what I have to do to get to the point I'm excited about. There's some comfort in doing what I've always done.

Our lives are like that. Physically, mentally, spiritually...change can cause us to hesitate, to worry, to see the negative. Not all change is good and not all things should be changed. There is some level of study or maybe common sense that goes into a decision to make a change but when it is something that will be good for you, why the hesitation? We get comfortable with our life, with our relationships, with God. We get comfortable and we too often fail to see that something better is out there. We overlook what can be exciting in our life, we overlook the specialness of our relationships and we overlook how much closer we can be to God.

In all the changes I go through, I will pray that the Lord walks with me, that He will encourage me and that He will comfort me.

Trips to Tyler

I just figured out how to put a titile on a blog. There's always some obscure setting in the background and the title function was turned off on my blog. I may leave it off because I'm not sure coming up with a title is a productive use of my time (as if blogging were) but I'll give it a go.

I was in Tyler last week and attended church with my parents. So much has changed there since I grew up that it doesn't really seem like the congregation I knew as a youth. The building is different and most of the people are different. When I was in college, I would go back and see friends and people I knew. I was the person returning home to people I knew. Now, I am the visitor, the guy people see and introduce themselves to not knowing that I spent 18 formative years there. Still, there are things about it that remind me so much of my early years. The preacher is the same man that was there when I moved away. My parents friends and even a couple of my old friends are still there. Yet, there is always a memory of one person who is not there anymore but who is emblazoned in my mind and in my heart.

I used this story for a communion thought once and will probably use it again. Hillard was my youth minister, my basketball coach, my best friend's dad, a cut-up extraordinare and a friend. He baptized me, he helped raise me and train me. He convinced me to preach during a youth-led Sunday night service when I was in Junior High. Hillard was a lively, encouraging man who had a profoundly positive impact on many, many people.

Hillard passed away suddenly a few years ago. He was coaching one of his grandchildren's youth basketball games when he passed out. They rushed him to the hospital but there was nothing the doctor's could do. He had been to the hospital earlier in the week, not feeling well, but he was checked out and sent home. Just days later, he was gone.

I got the church bulletin about the same time as the funeral for Hillard. The bulletin, referring to his first hospital visit, stated that "Hillard is feeling better and has gone home." The statement was just as true the day I read it as the day it was written. Hillard was feeling better and had gone home.

While I miss seeing Hillard and know his family misses him greatly, Hillard knew what we all know - that Heaven awaits us and that we do look forward to the day we are feeling better and get to go home. Jesus' death and resurrection gives us that assurance. Jesus paid a horrible price for us just so we could one day feel better and go home.

It's Wednesday so that means Mexican food at my favorite local spot with the family along with a couple of friends of ours. It has become a routine that we follow each week and one that I look forward to. I enjoy the conversation and the laughs. I enjoy building the relationships and getting to know everyone there a little better. Afterwards, we will go to church and start over with a larger group but basically doing the same thing. We'll be spiritually filled instead of physically and we will build relationships. We will talk, we will study, we will laugh, we may cry and we will pray for and with each other. I love building these relationships. I love building the connections with my brothers and sisters and with God. Tonight will be a good night.