My baby girl turned 17 yesterday. I can't believe how the time has flown, how she has grown and the things she has achieved and what life has brought along the way. It's nothing that I imagined but when I look at her I realize there is so much to be thankful for even while viewing it through the storms of life. My daughter is a special young lady, one who constantly shows me the hope we can have for the future and one who inspires me to reach for higher goals. I pray God will bless her journey, speak into her deeply and loudly and prepare her heart for the obstacles she will face and the joy he can bring.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Monday, August 08, 2011
Go Rangers!
I went to the Ranger game last night with my son and parents and were treated to a boring 7 innings, a great comeback victory and Michael Young's 2000th hit. Even with a 107 degree start time temperature, it was a fun night at the Ballpark.
Michael is the 11th fastest player to 2,000 hits and, I believe, the 3rd fastest right-handed batter. That's pretty good company I would imagine. I appreciate his work ethic and tenacity. Both of his hits last night were little infield rollers that he had to hustle out and I thought it an appropriate way for him to get there. Sure, a home run or game winning hit would have been great but I think hard work, determination and hustle have defined Young's career.
It makes me wonder what will define my career. Not my work career so much as my kingdom-building career. Much of it will be defined by a former life of hiding the truth and pretending to be something I may have wanted to be but wasn't living up to...and I'm ok with that because it might lay the ground work for what I can do in the latter half of my life to share the Good News. A friend told me one day he almost wished he had a story. I wish I didn't. He's lived a pretty directed life and has been the man God wanted him to be and I think that is the story, that we can choose to live that way. But sometimes a story of a rocky road, a hill climbed, of failures made and made again and overcome show people an option too.
I hope the day will come when I celebrate my 2,000th hit in the kingdom baseball game and I hope I celebrate it much the way Michael Young did - with a brief acknowledgment and desire to get back to work and keep doing what he's been doing.
Grace and peace to you.
Michael is the 11th fastest player to 2,000 hits and, I believe, the 3rd fastest right-handed batter. That's pretty good company I would imagine. I appreciate his work ethic and tenacity. Both of his hits last night were little infield rollers that he had to hustle out and I thought it an appropriate way for him to get there. Sure, a home run or game winning hit would have been great but I think hard work, determination and hustle have defined Young's career.
It makes me wonder what will define my career. Not my work career so much as my kingdom-building career. Much of it will be defined by a former life of hiding the truth and pretending to be something I may have wanted to be but wasn't living up to...and I'm ok with that because it might lay the ground work for what I can do in the latter half of my life to share the Good News. A friend told me one day he almost wished he had a story. I wish I didn't. He's lived a pretty directed life and has been the man God wanted him to be and I think that is the story, that we can choose to live that way. But sometimes a story of a rocky road, a hill climbed, of failures made and made again and overcome show people an option too.
I hope the day will come when I celebrate my 2,000th hit in the kingdom baseball game and I hope I celebrate it much the way Michael Young did - with a brief acknowledgment and desire to get back to work and keep doing what he's been doing.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, August 05, 2011
Loving Others
I met a couple of homeless guys in Decatur last Saturday. They weren't very lovable. They didn't say much so it's hard to know how to help them or if I can help them or if they want help. The easy thing to do at this point would be to move on and look for someone who is easier to love or just go do whatever it is I want to do and do some loving on myself (hope you see the drips of sarcasm in the last part). Instead, I'm going to try and find them again and talk to them again and to let them know that love exists in this world for them. I don't know where they've been or what they've done but I know God loves them and I know how God wants me to feel about them.
I was reminded of The Shack this past week and the great lesson I learned from that book that we are all God's children, all made in his image and all doing things we shouldn't always be doing. No one is perfect. Not those guys on the streets. Not my boss. Not the people around me. Not my kids. Certainly not me. Yet we are all God's children, made in his image and under attack by a force wanting to pull us away from his perfect and unconditional love.
I've experienced God's perfect and unconditional love and still I try to walk away at times telling myself God can't love a sinner like me. Day-by-day, week-by-week, month-by-month I'm learning more about his love and believing that nothing I do can shake it so I tell myself more and more than he does love me. He loves me when I mess up and he loves me when I live in his power and will and glory. The incredible thing about being open to his love is that it makes me want to live in his vision for me and not my own - his love is a mighty, powerful force. I just have to be open to it. And ready to share it.
Grace and peace to you.
I was reminded of The Shack this past week and the great lesson I learned from that book that we are all God's children, all made in his image and all doing things we shouldn't always be doing. No one is perfect. Not those guys on the streets. Not my boss. Not the people around me. Not my kids. Certainly not me. Yet we are all God's children, made in his image and under attack by a force wanting to pull us away from his perfect and unconditional love.
I've experienced God's perfect and unconditional love and still I try to walk away at times telling myself God can't love a sinner like me. Day-by-day, week-by-week, month-by-month I'm learning more about his love and believing that nothing I do can shake it so I tell myself more and more than he does love me. He loves me when I mess up and he loves me when I live in his power and will and glory. The incredible thing about being open to his love is that it makes me want to live in his vision for me and not my own - his love is a mighty, powerful force. I just have to be open to it. And ready to share it.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Pitching and Conviction, Part 2
Mike Adams made his debut with the Rangers Tuesday night and it was a bit underwhelming. Now, I don't have a clue what it is like to pitch in the rain in your debut after a team gave up some of it's best prospects for you and I guess I can understand that the weather and nerves might throw you off your game a bit but this guy is supposed to be Superman and I was expecting 3 outs with 2 pitches. Don't ask me how he would do that but it's what I expected. Better luck next time Mike.
My discipleship is a bit like Mike Adams. My Lord gave his best player for me and often I come out and serve up meatballs to the enemy that he can hit out of the park. The good part is that just like Adams will get to go back out on the field and show what he can do, God will let me try again because he loves me so much. I read a blog the yesterday that reminded me that God is love. Not that God loves to love or likes to love and wants to love. GOD IS LOVE. If he's love and I'm not loving, then who do I look like? If I'm not living as love, that's when I'm serving up hanging curveballs and fastballs that are dead-red across the plate. It's when I live in love that I am walking arm-in-arm with my Lord and nothing can hurt me, nothing can beat me because he is living through me.
God, be patient as I try to walk in your ways and to love those who don't love me, those who aren't loved by the world, those who seemingly try to be unlovable and those who need to experience your love so they will have hope.
Grace and peace to you.
My discipleship is a bit like Mike Adams. My Lord gave his best player for me and often I come out and serve up meatballs to the enemy that he can hit out of the park. The good part is that just like Adams will get to go back out on the field and show what he can do, God will let me try again because he loves me so much. I read a blog the yesterday that reminded me that God is love. Not that God loves to love or likes to love and wants to love. GOD IS LOVE. If he's love and I'm not loving, then who do I look like? If I'm not living as love, that's when I'm serving up hanging curveballs and fastballs that are dead-red across the plate. It's when I live in love that I am walking arm-in-arm with my Lord and nothing can hurt me, nothing can beat me because he is living through me.
God, be patient as I try to walk in your ways and to love those who don't love me, those who aren't loved by the world, those who seemingly try to be unlovable and those who need to experience your love so they will have hope.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Pitching and Conviction
Koji and Adams. The Rangers certainly got busy and pulled off a couple of big trades at the deadline. It will be a few years to see how good the trade was as we watch the other guy develop, or fail to develop, but I liked what I saw out of Koji yesterday and everyone is saying Adams is the "it" guy from the NL. We'll see. Go Rangers.
Yesterday's sermon from Romans 12 was convicting. Rick did what good preachers do by reminding me that there is something missing in my prayer life that I'm commanded to do but don't really care to do - pray for those who are persecuting me. Now, I'm fortunate that no one is beating me or imprisoning me for my beliefs but sometimes the mental wounds feel as deep and as painful as what I imagine the physical wounds to be. From terrorists who threaten our safety and security to people who want to argue with us about our beliefs and actions to those who would try to gain ground and build stature around our mistakes to those who are simply abusive, everyone I know faces some level of persecution and I, for one, have certainly failed at praying for anyone and everyone who I believe is persecuting or hurting me in some way. I'm thankful I got an earful of reminder yesterday that the power of God can do amazing things if I will tap into it.
The more I read Romans, the more I want to read it again and again.
Grace and peace to you.
Yesterday's sermon from Romans 12 was convicting. Rick did what good preachers do by reminding me that there is something missing in my prayer life that I'm commanded to do but don't really care to do - pray for those who are persecuting me. Now, I'm fortunate that no one is beating me or imprisoning me for my beliefs but sometimes the mental wounds feel as deep and as painful as what I imagine the physical wounds to be. From terrorists who threaten our safety and security to people who want to argue with us about our beliefs and actions to those who would try to gain ground and build stature around our mistakes to those who are simply abusive, everyone I know faces some level of persecution and I, for one, have certainly failed at praying for anyone and everyone who I believe is persecuting or hurting me in some way. I'm thankful I got an earful of reminder yesterday that the power of God can do amazing things if I will tap into it.
The more I read Romans, the more I want to read it again and again.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Busted By An Aggie
I've got a friend, well, I know this guy, who is an Aggie and he sends me a text on Friday about my math abilities and the sad part is, he was right. Now, if you've even had something pointed out that you did that was wrong, you know how it can make you feel. Imagine that same thing pointed out by an Aggie. OUCH!
Hook 'em Horns is all I've got to say about that.
I had a deep philosophical/theological post I was planning for today but the busted by an Aggie thing has reduced me to wishing the NFL season would have been locked out and I wouldn't have to keep seeing Jerry on the TV screen while watching ESPN.
I'm writing this on Friday and wondering what the Rangers are going to pull off this weekend. Heath Bell to Texas? Someone else? No one coming to Texas? I wouldn't mind seeing Robbie Erlin and Tanner Scheppers and Chris Davis somewhere else if it gets the Rangers back in the World Series. They are good, promising players but I don't think any of them will get a good shot in Arlington and they deserve a good shot based on what little I know about them.
If you've read this blog, you know I'm a fan of Charity:Water. Follow this link and read a very touching story about a young girl, a tragedy and what good might come from it. Rachel's Story
I got to spend time with my buddies from Lifebread (www.lifebread.org) on Saturday. I love people doing missions with a purpose greater than building a church building and hitting the road. Dusty and his crew are doing good work and following the "teach a man to fish" principle...but with bread.
That's all.
Grace and peace to you.
Hook 'em Horns is all I've got to say about that.
I had a deep philosophical/theological post I was planning for today but the busted by an Aggie thing has reduced me to wishing the NFL season would have been locked out and I wouldn't have to keep seeing Jerry on the TV screen while watching ESPN.
I'm writing this on Friday and wondering what the Rangers are going to pull off this weekend. Heath Bell to Texas? Someone else? No one coming to Texas? I wouldn't mind seeing Robbie Erlin and Tanner Scheppers and Chris Davis somewhere else if it gets the Rangers back in the World Series. They are good, promising players but I don't think any of them will get a good shot in Arlington and they deserve a good shot based on what little I know about them.
If you've read this blog, you know I'm a fan of Charity:Water. Follow this link and read a very touching story about a young girl, a tragedy and what good might come from it. Rachel's Story
I got to spend time with my buddies from Lifebread (www.lifebread.org) on Saturday. I love people doing missions with a purpose greater than building a church building and hitting the road. Dusty and his crew are doing good work and following the "teach a man to fish" principle...but with bread.
That's all.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, July 29, 2011
168
Several conversations I have been a part of, along with a sermon and a class, have raised the question of "what is worship?"
I grew up in a time when our churches battled over the style of worship and some wanted to condemn "musical instrument" churches to the damning fire while I was always thinking we were more worried about singing our parts than living what we were singing (and I was very guilty of not living what I was singing/saying/whatever). "When we all get to heaven (as long as you ain't using a piano to sing this song)..." Maybe it should have been "When some of us who think we've got it all figured out get to heaven..."
All that to say, the number 168 stood out to me this week. I have 168 hours in our week. Let's say I use 56 of them getting 8 hours sleep a night and another 21 eating 3 times a day for an hour each meal (yes, both are a stretch) then I have 91 hours left. What am I doing with that 91 hours? Working? Yes. Attending events or spending time with my kids? Yes Visiting friends, shopping, watching TV? Yes.
I remember when I used to gripe about someone turning the lights down during the communion service because I didn't like it. I had the time to gripe but I look back and try to think of anything I did to serve God in the way Jesus exemplified and I come up empty. I was like the Pharisees, trying to polish the outside of the dish while the inside was filthy.
The last few years have brought some inside cleaning. There's more to do for sure but I can tell you that lots of gunk and muck have been cleaned off and thrown away. Turn the lights down? I don't care as long as I'm using my 141 hours a week to find ways to serve. Sing new songs or old songs? I'm much more concerned with how I'm spending my 141 hours a week to find ways to serve those in my life the way Jesus did. And for my friends who go to church where there's a band or anything else that my fellowship might not agree with, I'll consider the fruit of what you are doing in 141 hours a week long before I'll want to talk to you about the band, the lights, the women or whatever else it is that I have seen my brethren worked up about in the past.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not establish the format for church service. Why would I want to do anything different?
I've got 91 hours coming next week to reach out, to help, to clothe, to feed, to give water, to provide shelter, to teach. I wonder what I will do with my time?
I grew up in a time when our churches battled over the style of worship and some wanted to condemn "musical instrument" churches to the damning fire while I was always thinking we were more worried about singing our parts than living what we were singing (and I was very guilty of not living what I was singing/saying/whatever). "When we all get to heaven (as long as you ain't using a piano to sing this song)..." Maybe it should have been "When some of us who think we've got it all figured out get to heaven..."
All that to say, the number 168 stood out to me this week. I have 168 hours in our week. Let's say I use 56 of them getting 8 hours sleep a night and another 21 eating 3 times a day for an hour each meal (yes, both are a stretch) then I have 91 hours left. What am I doing with that 91 hours? Working? Yes. Attending events or spending time with my kids? Yes Visiting friends, shopping, watching TV? Yes.
I remember when I used to gripe about someone turning the lights down during the communion service because I didn't like it. I had the time to gripe but I look back and try to think of anything I did to serve God in the way Jesus exemplified and I come up empty. I was like the Pharisees, trying to polish the outside of the dish while the inside was filthy.
The last few years have brought some inside cleaning. There's more to do for sure but I can tell you that lots of gunk and muck have been cleaned off and thrown away. Turn the lights down? I don't care as long as I'm using my 141 hours a week to find ways to serve. Sing new songs or old songs? I'm much more concerned with how I'm spending my 141 hours a week to find ways to serve those in my life the way Jesus did. And for my friends who go to church where there's a band or anything else that my fellowship might not agree with, I'll consider the fruit of what you are doing in 141 hours a week long before I'll want to talk to you about the band, the lights, the women or whatever else it is that I have seen my brethren worked up about in the past.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not establish the format for church service. Why would I want to do anything different?
I've got 91 hours coming next week to reach out, to help, to clothe, to feed, to give water, to provide shelter, to teach. I wonder what I will do with my time?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Retry
After 4 edits of today's original post, I give up and will borrow a link from Josh Graves.
This is a preacher who loves him some NASCAR.
Love me some NASCAR
I'm not going to go into how Jesus taught us to pray and make any comparisons (as if) or contrasts.
Here's a link to my good friend's blog if you want to read more on prayer and how Jesus' idea may be a little different than Pastor Nelms
Thoughts on Prayer
I'm not condemning Pastor Nelms or suggesting Rick knows all there is to know about prayer. I mean, can you really hate a guy who prays for his smoking hot wife? Just trying to be fair and balanced today.
Grace and peace to you.
This is a preacher who loves him some NASCAR.
Love me some NASCAR
I'm not going to go into how Jesus taught us to pray and make any comparisons (as if) or contrasts.
Here's a link to my good friend's blog if you want to read more on prayer and how Jesus' idea may be a little different than Pastor Nelms
Thoughts on Prayer
I'm not condemning Pastor Nelms or suggesting Rick knows all there is to know about prayer. I mean, can you really hate a guy who prays for his smoking hot wife? Just trying to be fair and balanced today.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Running on Empty
It's been tough to blog lately...as you've probably noticed.
Same sex marriages in New York. A murder spree in Norway. Oh yes, now I remember why I have quit reading the paper and watching the news. Burying my head in the sand, you say? In all honesty, I think I have been more focused on my Father's business since I went without "news" for awhile. Sadly enough, I can find enough problems in my own yard without hearing from around the world. I'm not advocating for all people to quit listening to the news, I just feel like it has been a good thing for me for a season.
I'm taking an Organizational Behavior class for a Master's program right now. One assignment was a Life Stress Inventory Test. A score of 0-100 indicates you have low stress, 100-200 indicates reasonable stress that a person should be aware of and taking steps to reduce, 200-300 indicates high stress that can result in a 50% chance of a major health issue within 2 years, 300 and up indicates extremely high stress that can result in a 80% chance of a major health issue within 2 years. I scored a 485 the first time so I took it again and got a 520. Maybe that's why I feel exhausted all the time. Silly tests.
I also took the Myers-Brigg Personality Inventory and found out I'm a INFJ. I still don't know all that means but my personality is the same as Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela - not bad company. It's also the same as Billy Crystal and Mel Gibson (that may explain some of my outbursts at times). Fascinating stuff.
I got into another faith and works conversation the other day. I'm still confused why anyone would try to separate the two. I do stuff for my kids because of love. God gave his son for me because of love. Love is unseen (faith) until manifested in something I do for someone but what I do isn't done for proof, it's done out of love. So is my work for God, not something I do for proof but something I do because of love. It seems so simple to me.
Then again, I may be a little simple-minded. That's why I'm looking forward to being at the Rangers game tonight.
Grace and peace to you.
Same sex marriages in New York. A murder spree in Norway. Oh yes, now I remember why I have quit reading the paper and watching the news. Burying my head in the sand, you say? In all honesty, I think I have been more focused on my Father's business since I went without "news" for awhile. Sadly enough, I can find enough problems in my own yard without hearing from around the world. I'm not advocating for all people to quit listening to the news, I just feel like it has been a good thing for me for a season.
I'm taking an Organizational Behavior class for a Master's program right now. One assignment was a Life Stress Inventory Test. A score of 0-100 indicates you have low stress, 100-200 indicates reasonable stress that a person should be aware of and taking steps to reduce, 200-300 indicates high stress that can result in a 50% chance of a major health issue within 2 years, 300 and up indicates extremely high stress that can result in a 80% chance of a major health issue within 2 years. I scored a 485 the first time so I took it again and got a 520. Maybe that's why I feel exhausted all the time. Silly tests.
I also took the Myers-Brigg Personality Inventory and found out I'm a INFJ. I still don't know all that means but my personality is the same as Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela - not bad company. It's also the same as Billy Crystal and Mel Gibson (that may explain some of my outbursts at times). Fascinating stuff.
I got into another faith and works conversation the other day. I'm still confused why anyone would try to separate the two. I do stuff for my kids because of love. God gave his son for me because of love. Love is unseen (faith) until manifested in something I do for someone but what I do isn't done for proof, it's done out of love. So is my work for God, not something I do for proof but something I do because of love. It seems so simple to me.
Then again, I may be a little simple-minded. That's why I'm looking forward to being at the Rangers game tonight.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Perseverance
How long does perseverance last?
On vacation, I reread James. It's become a favorite book because it addresses some areas that are key to living the life I want to live to know God better - persevering, controlling anger, confession and prayer.
I love what James 1 has to say about persevering through trials but I wish it explained how long perseverance lasts. I'd like to know I'm getting to the end of trials and closer to the crown.
I know it's wishful thinking. I know trials will never end and some are on a loop it seems. I know my timing and God's timing vary slightly and I know His timing is the one I want to be aligned with (I've seen what doing things my way looks like - YIKES). I'll keep praying for strength and courage and wisdom to persevere and to take joy in knowing and seeing how my trust in God to get me through the rough times always looks and feels much better than what I would do on my own accord. And, I want to revel in the hope that comes from persevering in faith.
Grace and peace to you.
On vacation, I reread James. It's become a favorite book because it addresses some areas that are key to living the life I want to live to know God better - persevering, controlling anger, confession and prayer.
I love what James 1 has to say about persevering through trials but I wish it explained how long perseverance lasts. I'd like to know I'm getting to the end of trials and closer to the crown.
I know it's wishful thinking. I know trials will never end and some are on a loop it seems. I know my timing and God's timing vary slightly and I know His timing is the one I want to be aligned with (I've seen what doing things my way looks like - YIKES). I'll keep praying for strength and courage and wisdom to persevere and to take joy in knowing and seeing how my trust in God to get me through the rough times always looks and feels much better than what I would do on my own accord. And, I want to revel in the hope that comes from persevering in faith.
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Back In The Saddle
I had to hit the ground running yesterday after 7 days out of the office enjoying the beautiful scenery and cool temperatures of Colorado. It was a good vacation but one that ended way to soon. My son and I both thought we had some days stolen out of our week. I caught some good fish, took the Jeep high into the mountains and felt some really cool temperatures and had great conversations with regulars at Fun Valley and with some Decaturites who showed up out of the blue.
One of the things I read on vacation was John Grisham's recent book, The Confession. If you are a fan of the death penalty, I encourage you to read this one. Just to be fair, I'm an ardent opponent to the death penalty, believe anyone who uses the Bible to defend murdering anyone is in direct contradiction to God and think anyone who calls themselves a follower of Christ and death penalty advocate should be required to give the injection that brings death. I hope I was clear on my belief. Anyway, this book tells a great story of why and how one mistake is one too many and is written with Grisham's regular, captivating flair.
More thoughts on reading in the coming days...
Grace and peace to you.
One of the things I read on vacation was John Grisham's recent book, The Confession. If you are a fan of the death penalty, I encourage you to read this one. Just to be fair, I'm an ardent opponent to the death penalty, believe anyone who uses the Bible to defend murdering anyone is in direct contradiction to God and think anyone who calls themselves a follower of Christ and death penalty advocate should be required to give the injection that brings death. I hope I was clear on my belief. Anyway, this book tells a great story of why and how one mistake is one too many and is written with Grisham's regular, captivating flair.
More thoughts on reading in the coming days...
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Rocky Mountain High
I love the Rocky Mountains. I always feel closer to God when I'm in the mountains and it's not just the altitude but the beauty of his creation that comes to life for me. There's nothing I like more than standing in a river and taking in the creation around me. The week I spend here is my sabbath rest, certainly not how God may have intended it but it is the one time each year where I shut down and let the cares of the world float away.
I am looking forward to a week of rest and a week of getting closer to God. Open my heart, Lord.
Grace and peace to you.
EDIT: I had written the above post before leaving. While traveling on Thursday and listening to the Rangers game, I was aware of the fan falling over the railing when it happened. I was saddened to learn later the man had passed away. He was attending the game with his young son according to reports. I cannot imagine the effect this might have on Josh Hamilton who had tossed the ball to the man that he reached out for and fell. I read a report where Oakland pitcher Brad Ziegler was in tears after the game after watching the incident from the visitors bullpen.
I cherish the moments I have with my children and this incident is a reminder that those can be gone in the blink of an eye. I will enjoy this week with my son and cannot wait until I can hug my beautiful daughter next Saturday.
I am looking forward to a week of rest and a week of getting closer to God. Open my heart, Lord.
Grace and peace to you.
EDIT: I had written the above post before leaving. While traveling on Thursday and listening to the Rangers game, I was aware of the fan falling over the railing when it happened. I was saddened to learn later the man had passed away. He was attending the game with his young son according to reports. I cannot imagine the effect this might have on Josh Hamilton who had tossed the ball to the man that he reached out for and fell. I read a report where Oakland pitcher Brad Ziegler was in tears after the game after watching the incident from the visitors bullpen.
I cherish the moments I have with my children and this incident is a reminder that those can be gone in the blink of an eye. I will enjoy this week with my son and cannot wait until I can hug my beautiful daughter next Saturday.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Travel Day
Travel day is always a day of anticipation for me. It's a day where I'm excited to get where I'm going, excited to think about what might occur or what I'm planning to do. It's a day of adventure in knowing that I'm going somewhere with some idea of what it's going to be like when I get there but not fully knowing all the variables that might affect the trip along the way.
My walk with God is like that. Everyday is a travel day - one where I know where I'm headed when I leave the house but don't know what all will come along during the day, what opportunities God will present to me, what temptations will try to pull me down, wondering if it is a day where I will help someone or someone will help me get closer to God.
I know I'm headed to South Fork, Colorado today and I have plans but I don't know what will come along during the journey. I will pray my daily prayer for God to open my eyes to see what he sees, to open my hears to hear what he hears, to open my mouth to speak his words and to open my heart to be like his heart.
Mid-70 degree weather won't hurt anything either!
Grace and peace to you.
My walk with God is like that. Everyday is a travel day - one where I know where I'm headed when I leave the house but don't know what all will come along during the day, what opportunities God will present to me, what temptations will try to pull me down, wondering if it is a day where I will help someone or someone will help me get closer to God.
I know I'm headed to South Fork, Colorado today and I have plans but I don't know what will come along during the journey. I will pray my daily prayer for God to open my eyes to see what he sees, to open my hears to hear what he hears, to open my mouth to speak his words and to open my heart to be like his heart.
Mid-70 degree weather won't hurt anything either!
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Blogging Blah's
First, I want to again thank my readers who helped support Camp Coldwater. They reached their goal and will get the GPS coordinates in 12-18 months on where the well sits. I'll try to remember to post that when it comes in. If you weren't able to support Camp Coldwater, I hope you will consider supporting Charity:Water at some time in the future. It's a good cause doing good things for the people Jesus told us to reach.
I've got the blogging blah's. I'm not feeling very cohesive in my thoughts of late, busy with travel, with school, with some cool stuff that God has led me to in a nearby city, with managing kid time and personal time, guest blogging for a friend's site and something else...oh yeah, work.
Last week I was in Searcy, Arkansas at Harding University as a sponsor for our youth group and a teacher and it was an incredible and uplifting experience. They brought in some great speakers each night and kept the kids busy and active in both learning and burning energy. I taught 3 classes on Tuesday and 3 classes on Wednesday and had a blast doing it. I love talking to young people who are getting ready to embark on so many new adventures of life. It's an honor and a challenge to try and share some life lessons in a way that meets them where they are. I know I am ineffective on my own and pray always that God speaks through me so they will hear his message for their lives and not mine.
I leave for Colorado on Thursday and will reach my destination on Friday where the high temperature is predicted to be 77. Sweet! I can't wait to be there, relaxing, fishing and spending some time with my son. It's a little bittersweet in that my daughter is still in Arkansas attending a two-week college program and won't be with us but I know it's a great opportunity for her and I'm glad she's able to do that too. I still miss her though.
Here's the lesson that has stuck with me from last week through my own preparation. I cannot let God down because I never held him up. He holds me up in his victorious hand. It's a lesson I'm still learning, slowly but surely. I love God.
Grace and peace to you.
I've got the blogging blah's. I'm not feeling very cohesive in my thoughts of late, busy with travel, with school, with some cool stuff that God has led me to in a nearby city, with managing kid time and personal time, guest blogging for a friend's site and something else...oh yeah, work.
Last week I was in Searcy, Arkansas at Harding University as a sponsor for our youth group and a teacher and it was an incredible and uplifting experience. They brought in some great speakers each night and kept the kids busy and active in both learning and burning energy. I taught 3 classes on Tuesday and 3 classes on Wednesday and had a blast doing it. I love talking to young people who are getting ready to embark on so many new adventures of life. It's an honor and a challenge to try and share some life lessons in a way that meets them where they are. I know I am ineffective on my own and pray always that God speaks through me so they will hear his message for their lives and not mine.
I leave for Colorado on Thursday and will reach my destination on Friday where the high temperature is predicted to be 77. Sweet! I can't wait to be there, relaxing, fishing and spending some time with my son. It's a little bittersweet in that my daughter is still in Arkansas attending a two-week college program and won't be with us but I know it's a great opportunity for her and I'm glad she's able to do that too. I still miss her though.
Here's the lesson that has stuck with me from last week through my own preparation. I cannot let God down because I never held him up. He holds me up in his victorious hand. It's a lesson I'm still learning, slowly but surely. I love God.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
A Final Plea
TODAY is the last day of Camp Coldwater's effort to raise $5,000 to drill a well. I know I have a lot of people who can read this blog and I'm asking you to help. I won't do it often. I don't expect it. But, I am hopeful. We need $995 as of 2:15 pm on Wednesday.
I have been at Uplift since Saturday with our church youth group and taught classes Tuesday and Wednesday to 150 or so kids both days. We are driving back today and I can't wait to sleep in my bed again. It's not that I mind a twin bed, I've just had enough of it!
What an incredible experience with incredible young people. I'm encouraged about what the future will hold with these kids I get to be around. Some may talk about their tattoos and piercings and crazy hair-do's and whatever else but when you are around them long enough to peer into what God is looking at, their hearts, I believe you will find hope.
Grace and peace to you.
I have been at Uplift since Saturday with our church youth group and taught classes Tuesday and Wednesday to 150 or so kids both days. We are driving back today and I can't wait to sleep in my bed again. It's not that I mind a twin bed, I've just had enough of it!
What an incredible experience with incredible young people. I'm encouraged about what the future will hold with these kids I get to be around. Some may talk about their tattoos and piercings and crazy hair-do's and whatever else but when you are around them long enough to peer into what God is looking at, their hearts, I believe you will find hope.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, June 27, 2011
On The Road Again
THANK YOU to the folks who are helping Camp Coldwater sponsor a water well for people who are suffering in this world without clean water. I hope the Lord covers you in his blessings for helping those who are not in a position to help themselves. Know that Jesus is speaking to you in Matthew 25:40 because of your selflessness. If you haven't helped, there are just a few days remaining. Please support this great cause at mycharitywater.org/campcoldwater.
In Christ Alone may be the most powerful song I have ever listened to. I have yet to hear it or sing it that I don't have to pause to wipe tears of joy from my eyes. (Yes, I'm an emotional kind of guy. What about it?) I hope you will be reminded of the power of Jesus Christ as you listen.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, June 24, 2011
God's Provision
We will return to our regular programming, God's Provision, in just a moment. First, please listen to this announcement from our sponsor, Camp Coldwater. "Bad water = bad health, even death. Please help. Donate to Charity:Water through the Camp Coldwater link to the right and help give the gift of health and help save lives. Thank you."
One of the chapters in my book (it's still in my head) comparing my walk with that of the Israelites is my take on God's provision. He gives me everything I need. When I need it. Pretty simple, huh? Of course, I want what he gives me plus a few other things and when he gives me some of those things I want a few more things. Pretty goofy, huh?
A year ago at this time, I was going through some of the darkest days of my life. I was questioning God and not sure I really trusted him. My prayers had not been answered and my fears had become reality. I felt alone and empty and felt like all the bad stuff I had done had finally caused God to give up on me.
I was wrong, of course. What I have learned is that God went to the shed to get his hammer and chisel knowing I was ready for some work to be done on me. That might not make sense until you watch this video: God's Chisel by the Skit Guys (see more of their great work at www.skitguys.com).
It's a year later and a time that could be filled with sadness but God has provided again. I'm traveling to Searcy, Arkansas with our church youth group for Uplift and will be presenting lessons on two days about faith and salvation. It hit me a day or two ago that God has taken a time I could choose to run a myriad of negative emotions and fill those days with thoughts and ideas about faith and salvation.
Tell me he isn't giving me my daily bread.
I look forward to posting some things from Uplift in the coming weeks but in my absence next week, I plan to have links to several songs that spoke to me in dark days and helped me lift up my eyes to see Jesus at work and helped me open my heart to what God has in store for me. I hope they may speak to someone else as loudly and forcefully as God spoke to me through them.
I believe that God is sovereign and he does and will always provide all that I need. All I need to do is be still and be content in his provision.
Grace and peace to you.
One of the chapters in my book (it's still in my head) comparing my walk with that of the Israelites is my take on God's provision. He gives me everything I need. When I need it. Pretty simple, huh? Of course, I want what he gives me plus a few other things and when he gives me some of those things I want a few more things. Pretty goofy, huh?
A year ago at this time, I was going through some of the darkest days of my life. I was questioning God and not sure I really trusted him. My prayers had not been answered and my fears had become reality. I felt alone and empty and felt like all the bad stuff I had done had finally caused God to give up on me.
I was wrong, of course. What I have learned is that God went to the shed to get his hammer and chisel knowing I was ready for some work to be done on me. That might not make sense until you watch this video: God's Chisel by the Skit Guys (see more of their great work at www.skitguys.com).
It's a year later and a time that could be filled with sadness but God has provided again. I'm traveling to Searcy, Arkansas with our church youth group for Uplift and will be presenting lessons on two days about faith and salvation. It hit me a day or two ago that God has taken a time I could choose to run a myriad of negative emotions and fill those days with thoughts and ideas about faith and salvation.
Tell me he isn't giving me my daily bread.
I look forward to posting some things from Uplift in the coming weeks but in my absence next week, I plan to have links to several songs that spoke to me in dark days and helped me lift up my eyes to see Jesus at work and helped me open my heart to what God has in store for me. I hope they may speak to someone else as loudly and forcefully as God spoke to me through them.
I believe that God is sovereign and he does and will always provide all that I need. All I need to do is be still and be content in his provision.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, June 20, 2011
I'm Talking To You
Usually my blog is written to myself. Things I'm thinking that I need to "think" out loud so I can see it and chew on it. Today, it's written to you.
See the picture to the right? The baby bottle filled with dirty water? Kids are dying because of filthy water and you have the opportunity to do something about it. I've got the link to Camp Coldwater's Charity:Water page where you can give money to help children (and adults) get clean drinking water. What's stopping you from donating? Today?
I'm averaging over 30 page views a day. If those 30 people donated $10 the goal would almost be met. So here's the deal. If you read this and haven't donated yet (I think 2 of my regular readers have prompted a donation), go to mycharitywater.org/campcoldwater today and give $10 or more and I'll cover the remaining balance to reach the $5,000 goal. I know who some of you are so don't disappoint me. When you donate, put "wayoutwise" in the comments so I'll know my peeps aren't cheapskates.
You can prevent someone from dying from germs/disease/infection that comes from dirty water.
Grace and peace to you.
See the picture to the right? The baby bottle filled with dirty water? Kids are dying because of filthy water and you have the opportunity to do something about it. I've got the link to Camp Coldwater's Charity:Water page where you can give money to help children (and adults) get clean drinking water. What's stopping you from donating? Today?
I'm averaging over 30 page views a day. If those 30 people donated $10 the goal would almost be met. So here's the deal. If you read this and haven't donated yet (I think 2 of my regular readers have prompted a donation), go to mycharitywater.org/campcoldwater today and give $10 or more and I'll cover the remaining balance to reach the $5,000 goal. I know who some of you are so don't disappoint me. When you donate, put "wayoutwise" in the comments so I'll know my peeps aren't cheapskates.
You can prevent someone from dying from germs/disease/infection that comes from dirty water.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Fine Line
It seems so often in life there is a fine line between so many things. I've often tried to find the line and see how close I could get to it before crossing and there have been many times I've blatantly stepped across it without much concern for where my path was headed. Maybe the things I think are co-existing on a fine line really have a chasm separating them and I just can't see it...but it's the way I see it at the moment.
Yesterday, I was reminded that there is a fine line between using the word of God to build up and strengthen and using the word of God to be the judge of another person's heart and actions. I was handed a Bible and asked to read a scripture by someone who doesn't know me or my heart or my burning desire to know God better. I was handed the Bible and asked to read the scripture because this man thought it would convict me of something he thinks I'm very wrong about and that he wanted to call me out, in his own way, to come around to his way of thinking. Now, I'm completely open that he may be right and I may be wrong in the sense that it is something I will pray about and ask for God's direction, but today I don't feel I am crossing any lines with God. I'm also open to the fact that he is convicted by what he believes and in that sense I appreciate he would share his concern for me. On the other hand, I do not appreciate how it was done or the fact that he doesn't appear to want to know anything about me and my thoughts on the matter.
The most telling part of the morning to me was this - as soon as I knew he was there, I knew he would confront me and I immediately prayed that God would simply hold my tongue and I would remain silent. I didn't want to get in a verbal battle and I didn't want to go into collision mode (meaning I would collide with him like a jet propelled madman as I'm apt to do at times), I just wanted to be silent and let God work in that moment, whether on him or on me. I had the strength of restraint that came from something greater than me and in that moment I was confident I was turning my heart and mind over to God.
I know the day will come when this man will approach me again to share his views and I believe I will be fully prepared to answer him with what I am convicted God is revealing to me and in that space, I'll pray that God speaks to us both to know him better, to hear his desire for our lives and to live in either agreement or disagreement with the knowledge that each of us will seek God to furthest reaches of our being.
Grace and peace to you.
Yesterday, I was reminded that there is a fine line between using the word of God to build up and strengthen and using the word of God to be the judge of another person's heart and actions. I was handed a Bible and asked to read a scripture by someone who doesn't know me or my heart or my burning desire to know God better. I was handed the Bible and asked to read the scripture because this man thought it would convict me of something he thinks I'm very wrong about and that he wanted to call me out, in his own way, to come around to his way of thinking. Now, I'm completely open that he may be right and I may be wrong in the sense that it is something I will pray about and ask for God's direction, but today I don't feel I am crossing any lines with God. I'm also open to the fact that he is convicted by what he believes and in that sense I appreciate he would share his concern for me. On the other hand, I do not appreciate how it was done or the fact that he doesn't appear to want to know anything about me and my thoughts on the matter.
The most telling part of the morning to me was this - as soon as I knew he was there, I knew he would confront me and I immediately prayed that God would simply hold my tongue and I would remain silent. I didn't want to get in a verbal battle and I didn't want to go into collision mode (meaning I would collide with him like a jet propelled madman as I'm apt to do at times), I just wanted to be silent and let God work in that moment, whether on him or on me. I had the strength of restraint that came from something greater than me and in that moment I was confident I was turning my heart and mind over to God.
I know the day will come when this man will approach me again to share his views and I believe I will be fully prepared to answer him with what I am convicted God is revealing to me and in that space, I'll pray that God speaks to us both to know him better, to hear his desire for our lives and to live in either agreement or disagreement with the knowledge that each of us will seek God to furthest reaches of our being.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Story of the Loving Father
If you know me, you know I love the story of the loving father (often called the story of the prodigal son) because I believe it's my story. Jon Acuff wrote a great blog about this story and I want to send you to his thoughts today. I think it's a story that can never be read enough.
Jon Acuff's Blog - The Prodigal Story
Grace and peace to you.
Jon Acuff's Blog - The Prodigal Story
Grace and peace to you.
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