Christmas Music

I Love Christmas Music!!! I'm serious, I could listen to it all year long! I know I may be in the minority on this one, but I can't help it. Winter is my favorite time of the year. Why you may ask? Simply because I am a cold weather person. I can always put on enough clothes to get warm, but can't ever take off enough to get cool (sorry for the visual). I also associate winter with Christmas, and along with the music, I love the whole season and meaning of Christmas.

For me its the memory of Christmas' long ago. Well, not that long ago, but I am blessed with a close knit family, and I mean a big one. And we still get together at all the holidays, but with Christmas everybody comes out! We always have the best time and it just keeps growing and growing. With two kids of my own, I get to be a kid all over again.

I remember one Christmas where I opened all my presents prematurely. As mom would wrap them I would simply take them to my bedroom and carefully unwrap them, see what was inside, secretly do a little victory dance, and wrap them back. I would have never got caught, but I asked where one of them was that had gotten covered up by all the paper, and mom asked how I knew I had got that. I was busted, just can't lie to mom. I was a little sneaky when I was a kid.

I also love the way the way people act around Christmas (with the exception of Black Friday, the shopping day) most everyone you meet is a little more joyful. I believe this stems from giving. Giving always makes you feel better. If I buy someone a gift I can't wait for them to open it. I love to see the reaction on their face when they open it.

I know that Jesus is our gift from God and I think His reaction to someone finding that gift is one of great joy. The Bible tells us that the angels rejoice around the throne of God when just one person opens that gift.

Christmas is so much more than Santa Clause, gifts, music, and parties. It is the gift of salvation, the gift of redemption, and the gift of knowing that we have a Heavenly Father that loved us when we didn't love Him. From where I sit, we have every reason to be joyful. Get out there today and spread a little of that Joy with people you encounter.

And Have a Blessed Day!!!

Magnets

Let me start this post by saying that I received some heat for not sharing from the heart yesterday. Y'all are tough on me. Well today I was informed at Men's Fraternity that Frank had a revelation. I know, I know.......Frank!! Well I'm gonna try and take his input and run with it. Here we go.

Now let me say that I'm not up on my magnet lingo, but I do know that there are two sides; a positive and a negative. And when the like sides are aligned you can't push them together, but when you align the opposites they are drawn together. Frank referred to God as a gigantic magnet that draws us in.

Let me go a little deeper and lets say that God's magnet sides are Holy and Unholy, just like the positive and negative. We are definitely unholy and God of course is Holy. We can never be like God and this in turn draws us to Him. Going even further I believe that it is not until we realize that we are unholy that this drawing in is realized.

To a majority of the people out there the need for God doesn't exist and therefore they don't feel the draw, because in their mind they are in essence....Holy. But we know this to be very far from truth. When we see the need for some Holiness in our lives, we want to become more like God and instead of being drawn to Him we turn and run into His arms.

Is God drawing you in this morning or are you still pretending you are Holy and don't need God. Rethink it and run into His open arms.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

The Bounty of the Destitute

This morning I was struggling on what to write. I picked up the beloved book by Oswald Chambers My Utmost For His Highest and found the devotion for today was just the help I needed. Instead of paraphrasing, I figured I would just relay to you exactly what I read.

"And are justified freely by His grace..." Romans 3:24
The Gospel of the grace of God awakens an intense longing in human souls and an equally intense resentment, because the revelation which it brings is not palatable. There is a certain pride in man that will give and give, but to come and accept is another thing. I will give my life to martyrdom, I will give myself in consecration, I will do anything, but do not humiliate me to the level of the most hell-deserving sinner and tell me that all I have to do is to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
We have to realize that we cannot earn or win anything from God; we must either receive it as a gift or do without it. The greatest blessing spiritually is the knowledge that we are destitute; until we get there our Lord is powerless. He can do nothing for us if we think we are sufficient in ourselves, we have to enter into His kingdom through the door of destitution. As long as we are rich, possessed of anything in the way of pride or independence, God cannot do anything for us. It is only when we get hungry spiritually that we receive the Holy Spirit. The gift of the essential nature of God is made effectual in us by the Holy Spirit, He imparts to us the quickening life of Jesus, which puts "the beyond" within, and immediately "the beyond" has come within, it rises up to "the above," and we are lifted into the domain where Jesus lives. (John 3:5)

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Bragging Rights

Good Morning!! Way to go Gamecocks, the better team definitely won Saturday. You have 362 days of bragging rights left until the next face-off, so enjoy.

Now let me start out by saying that I don't really like braggers nor do I consider myself a person who enjoys bragging. But, after yesterday's message and the Sunday School lesson, it appears we, as Christians, have some bragging rights. In Websters dictionary the word Brag, means to boast; and the word Boast, means to speak proudly of. We are to brag about what Jesus has done for us and how he can do it to our lost friends.

We get all excited about the face off of two teams playing a game that has no eternal value whatsoever. What if 83,000 people showed at church next Sunday with that same intensity to see what God had to say? What if people really cared about the people around them the way God cares for us? What if we boasted about and quoted from memory scripture about our wonderful savior, the way we can quote from memory the number of yards Carolina rushed on Clemson, or the record of the two teams, or the lyrics from your favorite song, etc.

We put so much value on worldly things and forget about the things that really matter. I am just as guilty of this as you are, and I will admit that I get caught up in everything possible to take me away from where I need to be in my walk. I'm not saying that caring about football is bad, because I enjoy it as well. I just wanted to use this to make a point this morning, that we have the right to "speak proudly of Jesus". We are called to go out into the world and be witnesses. This is the last thing Jesus told the disciples before he ascended into Heaven.

18 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: 19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
Matt 28:18-20 (MSG)

That just about sums it up. Have a Blessed Day!!!

Super Cool Person of the Week

Hope everybody had a wonderful thanksgiving yesterday. We had a great day down in Atlanta with some family we rarely see. OK onto the S.C.P.O.T.W.

The person I chose this morning is somebody who rarely talks and although very visible, he is kinda recluse. Yeah, maybe in our dreams. Frank Gravina (frankiegfromthenyc) is a very vocal New Yorker. He may be a lot of things, but recluse isn't one. I'm just kidding Frank you know I Love You!! Lets take an in depth look at Frank, in his own words.

1: Fav food- Anything Italian or basically anything(that's why I go to group fitness)

2:Fav thing to do-Talking to the Lord, it gives me peace.

3:what I want to be when I grow up-I REFUSE TO GROW UP!!!

4:fav tv show and movie-All 3 CSI's and Prison Break. Fav movie-Shawshank Redemption

5:Fav music-contemporary Christian

6:Fav place on planet-Wherever I'm at(especially if I can take a nap there)

7:place I want to visit before checking out- The Serengeti Plains

8:Fav sport &team- Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Team- Kobayashi(the boy can eat some dogs)

9:Family info-Wife-Mandy, Maegan 8, Haley 4, Dog, 2 fish, parents, 3 sisters and my brothers and sisters in Christ

10:Best Friend-Mandy

11:afraid of- Heights if I'm in control and clowns on mopeds

12:When saved-2005(thanks to the New Beginnings Class)

13:Church background- Raised Roman Catholic then drifted. But Praise the Lord I'm back!!!!

14:Most pos influence in life-My wife, her spiritual strength always keeps me focused and played a HUGE role in me coming back to the Lord.

15:Defining moment if life-Sorry, have a couple. Marrying my best friend, holding my girls for the first time, and getting to know the Lord, oh yeah and serving my country( 7 years United States Marine Corps, Desert Storm Veteran.

Thanks Frank for all you do and who you are becoming. I look forward to see what the Lord has in store for you. And thanks most of all for being a friend in whom I can just talk to.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

I hate to start anything and take away from Frank................but I got to.............GO TIGERS!!!!!

Thanksliving on Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

To everyone who reads my thoughts and puts up with my rants on a daily basis, I am thankful and I pray that y'all will have a safe Thanksgiving. And maybe we can; as a group, start Thanksliving on this Thanksgiving.

What I mean is, in every moment we are given live it out for what it is: a gift from our heavenly father. When you think of it in those terms, it's kinda hard to be:
Mad at your spouse, kids, parents, friends, the guy who insist on doing the speed limit in the fast lane, or you name it.

With everything give thanksgiving and it will be easy to start thanksliving.

Finally don't eat to much turkey, and be careful wherever you may be going today. And remember our troops and the those like Carl Dacus who are stuck in hospitals.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!

In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day

Thanks for the comments and phone calls I received yesterday concerning Carl Dacus. We know that this matter is in God's hands and all we can do is pray.

Some days ago I was reading another blog and he was reading a book to which he highly recommended, so I went out and bought it. It is awesome and although I've just finished the 1st chapter, I too wanted to let you guys in on it. I got my copy at Family Christian Bookstore, but I know Amazon has it as well.

This book, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day, is further confirmation to me that I need to get deeper in the Bible. Their is so much in the Bible that I have no idea about. The title of this book is taken right out of scripture. I had no idea the Bible even mentioned snow. Check this out:

20 Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day.
2 Sam 23:20 (NASB)

The book takes an in depth look at Benaiah and his courage and no fear. He was a bad man and later in scripture climbed the ranks in David's army to the secretary of defense.

The author is Mark Batterson who is the senior pastor at this church http://theaterchurch.com in Washington, DC.

He challenges us in this book to strive and thrive when opportunity roars. To be a modern day lion chaser like Benaiah. One quote from the book I just love says "Think of every opportunity as God's gift to you. What you do with those opportunities is your gift to God."

In The book of Ephesians we see that the opportunities we face God has put in our path long before we were even here. Lets take a look.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Eph 2:10 (NASB)

Sheds a little light on the current situation you may be in, huh. Bottom line God knows it, God is there with you, and he is just waiting to see if we roar and charge it or cowar and run.

I am going to add Mark's blog to my link page and maybe you can put this book on your Christmas wish list. I'm looking forward to the pages ahead, both in this book and in The Book.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

ps. I will do a brief post tomorrow for turkey day.

Angels Among Us

Last night after work I went to the Greenville Children's Hospital. This is where I have a big problem, I am a little tenderhearted....OK, I'm very much a woman. I have teared up before over TV commercials. Just can't help it.

For those of you who don't know, David Locke (cousin) has a 2 year old son,Carl Dacus Locke, who was recently diagnosed with a form of Leukemia. This coming on the heels of David's sisters (Lisa Locke Neal) death earlier this year.

As I walked into the hospital last night I had a rush of emotions. I wanted to be strong for David and Cara (David's wife) and I had a very good feeling until I hit the children's floor and I saw little kids everywhere pushing the IV towers up and down the hall. At that moment I had a thought of all the Angels that must be in my midst. In the face of all that bad stuff, I had a calming feeling I can't explain. I may have had an Angel too.

David and Cara were in good spirits and we laughed and talked over some McDonald's cheeseburgers and french fries. Carl Dacus just laid there sipping on his juice and watching Baby Einstein. He even had a few fries. He looked like he could jump up any moment and run around the room. We had a good visit and David's mom (Judy Locke) and Aunt Claudette were there as well.

There is no doubt that Angels were everywhere in that Hospital. I know there are prayers for probably all those kids being lifted up all over the County, State, and maybe the Country. I know God answers prayers and I believe He sends Angels to help us get thru the rough times. What could be more difficult to deal with than one of your kids needing hospital care.

Although it does not appear that Carl Dacus has a terminal form of Leukemia, the little fellow will have a rough road with chemo treatments coming up pretty soon. So pray for him, David and Cara, the nurses, and Doctors. Pray for God's guidance with everything and pray especially for the extended family.

We don't always understand why bad things happen to good people, but the Bible tells us that God is in control and that is all we have to cling to. I was talking with a good friend who told me "I hope God has a back brace, because he carries me all the time." He went on to say "all I do is throw my arms around His neck, because He is already holding me." What a perfect picture.

Have you let God hold you lately and wrapped your arms around his neck.....or.... are you still running from him. Turn and run to Him and experience the joy in loving and serving Him.

The book of Matthew tells us:
28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matt 11:28-30 (NASB)

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Helping Out

First off, I would like to thank Frank for not getting us choir members wet yesterday when he got dunked. There had been some talk of us men on the back row getting a little over splash. Whew!!

Yesterday was a great day and congratulations to the three who were baptized. What an important time in every believers life. This is a public announcement that they are on the road. The road to live, act, and be more like Christ. As the body it is our responsibility to mentor and help these new members. A lot of times people will get baptized or join our church and we assume they are getting what they need from their quite time. Sometimes new believers have a difficult time because there is so much they don't know and understand. We need to do a better job at equipping our people with love and understanding. When someone accepts Christ that is when they really feel the heat from Satan. Up until then they have not been a threat to him, but now he wants them back and he can be very persuasive. I'm sure you can see the importance for helping out or just being a friend. Reach out and extend a helping hand to those around you who need an ear or some words of encouragement.

Max Lucado says it best, this taken from his book called The Touch of the Master's Hand:

"Oh, the power of a Godly touch. Haven't you known it? The Doctor who treated you, or the teacher who dried your tears? Was there a hand holding yours at a funeral? Another on your shoulder during a trial? A handshake of welcome at a new job? A pastoral prayer for healing? Haven't we known the power of a Godly touch? Can't we offer the same?"

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Super Cool Person of the Week

It's that time again where I showcase a person and we find out a little bit more about them. This weeks choice is a person that I really enjoyed getting to know through the email. I will say that I have never seen Lisa Liddle angry. She always has a smile and seems to have the best attitude. I say all this without having talked with Tom, but I'm sure he would agree.

Here is Lisa in her own words:


Favorite food? Fried pork chops with rice and gravy and butterbeans. A good biscuit on the side wouldn't hurt either!

Favorite thing to do? Wow, this one will make you think! One of my favorite things to do is spend the day on the beach with my family.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I always wanted to grow up and be a Chiropractor, a wife, and a mother.

Favorite TV show and movie? Favorite tv show...Lost, Boston Legal, Grey's Anat., Ugly Betty. (so many!!) and Movie top 3 would be Forest Gump, Eddie and the Cruisers and The Big Easy

Favorite music? Love lots of different kinds of music from George Straight to Bon Jovi. Went to see Journey and Def Lepord in concert a few weeks ago!

Favorite place on the planet? New Zealand is one of the most amazing places I have ever been to.

A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Greece!!

Favorite sport @ team? Gamecocks, without question

Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings ) Tom the Canadian,40, Ellis the redhead, 6, Watts the wildman, 3. I have 2 sisters, Lori is one year younger than me and lives in Columbia, where she is an attorney. Katherine is 11 years younger than me and is a nurse in Georgetown. My mama lives in Kingstree, SC. My daddy died in 1998.

Best friend? I have been blessed with lots of best friends all over the U.S.

What are you afraid of? Snakes. Live and pictures. Ok, and even those stupid ones made of rubber.

When did you get saved? When I was 12 years old. Dr. Carlos Peterson baptized me.

Church background? I grew up in Kingstree, SC and was a member of Kingstree First Baptist. It reminds me alot of Belton FBC. I can remember being in the nursery and the ladies telliing us to be very quiet so we could hear the adults singing in the sanctuary. It's funny that I can remember this, but not what I had for dinner 2 days ago!!!

Who has been the most positive influence in your life? My daddy. He was a strong man with a soft spot for his daughters. He also was a Chiropractor, and I always wanted to be like him.

What has been a defining moment in your life? There have been a couple of things. The loss of my daddy was a huge one. He was a strong healthy man who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 57. It was such a shock. He died 7 months after he was diagnosed. It put things into perspective for me in so many ways, but one of the main things was realizing that you have to live life today, because there is no guarantee that it won't be your last one. Having my children was another "moment". The awe that I felt towards this amazing part of my life is something I'm not sure I can put into words. My children are a true blessing.

Thanks Lisa for sharing and for always having such a positive attitude. God bless you and your family.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Satan and The Weather Channel

This morning I was laying on the couch watching the Weather Channel and I couldn't get up. I've got to write the post, shave my head, and be in Liberty @ 7am to meet a customer for breakfast. Its 5:40am, but I've been just watching the tube since 5:15. For those mathematically challenged that's 25 minutes I should've been in here writing this, and those minutes are gone forever, never to return.

The devil is very convincing and he continued to say "5 more minutes under this down blanket won't hurt". Why is it so hard to daily hear the voice of truth? It has become apparent to me over my life, that if its easy, then more than likely it is the devil talking. Just like the song by Casting Crowns the Voice of Truth (God), tells me a different story. There is nothing in God that is lazy, and I know He would have me jump up and not waste a moment of the day I've been given. Like Jennifer Byers post a few days ago, I too feel like God calls us to "Get Up".

Serving the Lord in such an evil world is hard work and it requires all of our attention and 110% of passion. If we truly love the Lord we want to always please him, but its not always that easy. Wanting and doing are two totally different animals. It can be done and it takes a lot of time in the word and talking to God, and also listening to the Holy Spirits promptings.

Get out there today and listen for the Voice of Truth, and in doing so lives will be changed, differences will be made, and at the end of the day we will be grateful for yet another productive day.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Gossip

OK, so yesterday I let you guys down. It happens to the best of us. Ironically enough, I heard a preacher yesterday on the radio talking about how we humans are very good at that.

Why is it that are so quick to gossip, and why is the bad gossip always the easiest to tell? Why don't we get excited about the good things that happen to people and gossip about that? Have you ever heard someone say something good about anybody and it spread like wildfire?

The Bible addresses gossip many times, but lets look at one of the earliest examples found in the book of Genesis.

20 Noah, a farmer, was the first to plant a vineyard. 21 He drank from its wine, got drunk and passed out, naked in his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and told his two brothers who were outside the tent. 23 Shem and Japheth took a cloak, held it between them from their shoulders, walked backwards and covered their father's nakedness, keeping their faces turned away so they did not see their father's exposed body. 24 When Noah woke up with his hangover, he learned what his youngest son had done. 25 He said, Cursed be Canaan! A slave of slaves, a slave to his brothers!26 Blessed be God, the God of Shem, but Canaan shall be his slave. 27 God prosper Japheth, living spaciously in the tents of Shem. But Canaan shall be his slave.28 Noah lived another 350 years following the flood. 29 He lived a total of 950 years. And he died.
Gen 9:20-29 (MSG)

Does Ham remind you of anyone? Can't you just see him looking in the tent and seeing Noah and eagerly finding his brothers tell them what he had seen. How many times have we watched a brother or sister fall only to run and spread it like a town cryer (reference Paul Revere)? When we should really act like Shem and Japheth and cover them with love and not look upon their nakedness. The real examples of what we are supposed to do and be are in the roles of Shem and Japheth. Wow, what a story of love and respect.

Just like with us nothing good ever comes out of spreading gossip. And Ham found this out when at the end of this passage he and his son were cursed by Noah. I think that we too curse our self by falling into this trap and don't even realize it. The curse is the that we distance ourselves from God by this action.

Dale did a passage on this last year and he used a handy acronym about gossip:
T - Is it TRUE
H - Is it HELPFUL
I - Is it IMPORTANT
N - Is it NECESSARY
K - Is it KIND
The next time you hear something THINK about it and ask yourself the above questions. I think you'll start learning to help cover the nakedness instead of exposing it.

Jesus is forever covering my nakedness (sin) and completing me. He can do the same for you if you'll just ask him. Have you thanked him lately for completing you?

Have a Blessed Day!!

Blog or Bog

Some days are better than others. Some mornings I really enjoy the blog and some days it turns into a bog. It get bogged down with all that's going on that I just can't think of anything for the blog. This just happens to be one of those mornings.

So lets have a comment day. Send in those comments and give me some ideas. See ya later.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Never Have I Ever

Last night I led the youth Bible study and afterward we played a game called never have I ever. This game is kinda hard to play for an older guy (me) with the 20 years on the much younger youth. What you do is stand in a circle with everyone seated and there are one fewer chairs than needed. So the person standing professes never have I ever ________. Everyone who has done _______ has to get up and find an empty chair and the person left standing has to come up with something new. If nobody has ever done ________ then that person has to come up with something else.

So last night some kid who clearly couldn't think of anything said never have I ever been married. Well that was me, duh. So start the struggle. I said never have I ever wore parachute pants....(they just looked at me like what are you talking about) and I struggled for a few minutes on what to say. Finally I came with something like thumping buggers on somebody, which I have probably done, but just forgot. I remembered that young people love gross stuff, and this got all the guys looking for a seat.

My point is that 20 years isn't that long, but what a gap. The things I wanted to say they haven't heard of or haven't had the opportunity in their life as of yet.

I wish I had more of the never have I evers in my life. I have done some stupid things in my life and I sure am glad we have a loving heavenly Father who forgives us of these mistakes. What a blessed people we Christians are to have such an awesome gift and we should be more than willing to share this with those around us.

It doesn't matter what we've done, God still loves us and wants us to have a relationship with him.

Have a Blessed Day!!

Super Cool Person of the Week

It's that time again. This has been a rather short week. Anyway this week I chose a person that not too many people know about, because he is such a new member. Although new, he has really stepped up to the plate and helped a great deal with the starting of the Crossroads class for college and career. His love for the Lord is very evident and we are so grateful to have him and his family in our church. On a side note I really don't won't to make fun of Matt Wurst, because....hmmm....HE COACHES WRESTLING!!! I ain't gonna end up hollering uncle so y'all can have a chuckle this morning. So here is Matt is his own words.

1.. Favorite food? Chicken Wings ( Charlie T's is my favorite)

2.. Favorite thing to do? play with my kids, play tennis

3.. What do you want to be when you grow up? evangelist

4.. Favorite TV show and movie? Tv - Deal or No Deal Movie - Rocky III

5.. Favorite music?Contemporary Christian

6.. Favorite place on the planet? Clemson South Carolina

7.. A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Too many to name, I would love to travel the world

8.. Favorite sport @ team? High School - BHP College - Clemson Pro - Steelers, Cubs

9.. Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings)Wife - Amy Kids - Jacob and Grace I have 3 brother and both parents all siblings and parents live in Anderson

10.. Best friend? I don't have any friends will you be mine, but really My wife and my 3 brothers

11.. What are you afraid of? snakes, my wife when she gets tired

12.. When did you get saved? 24 years old

13.. Church background?went to church sparatically growing up started attending regularly when Amy and I got married. Got saved and baptized at Pope Drive Baptist in Anderson

14.. Who has been the most positive influence in your life? Steve Dickey - Pastor who led me to Christ, my family

15.. What has been a defining moment in your life? Birth of my 2 children, taking my job @ BHPand deciding I wanted to serve God through my work

Matt, thank you for everything and I love you like a brother. I pray that the Lord will bless you and your family beyond measure. We miss you and Amy in our class, but are grateful for what y'all are doing and where the Lord is leading.

See y'all Sunday when Dodd will be bringing the 2nd lesson from Max Lucado. If you didn't make last Sunday remember to bring your Dr's excuse and you can get a book then.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Talking About or Talking With

Yesterday I was talking with a friend and I confessed to this person that I had only talked to God once, the whole day. It was almost 5 pm!!! I had talked about God on several occasions during the day and I listen to preaching or Christian music on the radio as I ride around. But it just hit me that I had not talked with Him since Men's Fraternity.

Is this just a problem that I face or do you guys find yourself in the same boat?? I usually think all day about Godly things, but rarely do I talk to Him. I know there is room for both, but I think He wants us talking to Him more than just about Him.

I think I get caught up in religion instead of a relationship. What I can do rather than what God can do through me, or what needs to be done vs. God what do You want done. The more I confess here the more I realize it is just a change in the thought process. Now I know this isn't ground breaking information. I knew it already, but why is it so hard to put into practice. I think because we get in the way with our personal agendas and the thought that we alone can make a difference.

We don't have to be on our knees every time we talk to God. All He wants is for us just to talk with Him as we do with everyone else.

If you fall in this category with me try today and everyday to do better.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Life is a Team Sport

Let me just say that Men's Fraternity rocks. You guys who are from different churches who read this blog need to inquire in this awesome program. If your church doesn't offer it, here is the link so you can check it out http://www.mensfraternity.com.

We meet every Wednesday morning at 6am for about 1 1/2 hours. After a 45-minute DVD we break up into small groups for discussion on what we just saw. It is real neat to hear your peers share deep stories about their mom, dad, and siblings, and also stories that shaped them into the men they are today.

This morning we talked about the need for men to have meaningful relationships with other men. That means, to a lot of men, breaking down the tough barrier and admitting to other men that we do need help and companionship. And contrary to the society in which we live this does mean that we are weak or sissified.

"Male cheerleaders" are how Robert Lewis (the man behind Men's Fraternity) referenced this role - an accountability partner and someone who can lift you up and encourage you.

The following verses were used this morning and I wanted to share them with y'all. They are taken from the book of Ecclesiastes, 4th chapter.

9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Eccl 4:9-10 (NASB)

It is easier when going through tough times to have that person to lift you back up. I wish everyone could have that "go-to" person. I do and it makes all the difference.

For the women readers, y'all already experience this companionship with other women. The men are still playing catch up in this category, which can be a little difficult at times for men, but as I'm sure you will agree, it is a necessity. Pray for the man in your life today and ask God to help him seek the plan for his life as he leads your household.


Have a Blessed Day!!!

Lost

Last Sunday Sid and I went exploring. We were on some property we have never been on before. Although I knew the general layout of the land I had never been on it, and didn't really know what we would see.

We started out in a pasture behind my cousin's house, and after a while we entered the woods. This was when Sid got concerned. We could no longer see the house or the pasture and he was worried we were lost. Sidney asked me if I knew where we were and I said, "No, but I know where we are going." Big mistake.

For the next hour he was crying (on and off) and voicing his opinion of how he just wanted to go back. I heard a hundred times that he wished he had stayed at home with Lori and Lillie. Honestly, he really got on my nerves because I couldn't get him to trust me. Finally, we came out of the woods - he could see the house and knew where we were. He quickly recalled all we had saw and how much fun he had.

This must be how the Lord feels with us when He wants to show us a new direction. He takes us out of our comfort zone and the majority of us freak out and get concerned. We don't know where we are OR where we're headed. This happened to me when we started the New Beginnings class. I had never taught a Sunday school class and I was worried about my ability. I'm sure I got on His nerves because I didn't trust Him. But as the Sundays went by, I realized that He was right there with me and knew the way all along.

Our lives would be so much easier if we just trusted the Lord and let Him lead. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Embrace the challenge, live the opportunity, and enjoy the reward, we are not alone... ever.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

GO VOTE!

Vote Time

Time to Vote!! Tomorrow is the day we get to exercise that right. I think I'm out of my element here, but I do see the importance of voting. And furthermore, I don't understand those who don't vote.

Why is it that all over the world people would give their right arm to vote, and here we have the privilege and only a small percentage of voters actually hit the polls?

I believe the most important item on the ballot is the marriage amendment and the need to preserve the sanctity of this biblical unity between 1 MAN and 1 WOMAN. That's it.

The Palmetto Family Council has the question as it will appear on the ballot, and I copied it over to here to give you guys a preview of what to expect tomorrow. The vote is a "yes" to preserve the union God ordained long ago.

The South Carolina Marriage Amendment was crafted through an intense, deliberative process both in the South Carolina Senate and House. The goal of the legislation was to insure that the clear public policy of the state defines marriage as an institution for one man and one woman while protecting the ability of individuals to draft strictly private contracts unrelated to the incidents of marriage.
The Senate passed the Amendment 42-1 with 3 abstaining and the South Carolina House passed the bill 96-3 with 25 abstentions.
Palmetto Family Council coordinated the testimony offered in the SC Senate on this bill, H.3133. That testimony from Attorney Byron Babione, Pastor Toney Parks, SC Baptist Public Policy Director Joe Mack and PFC President Dr. Oran P. Smith can be found here.
The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), a law firm that studies Marriage Amendments, rated South Carolina’s Amendment “the strongest in the country” at the time of its passage.
The actual wording of the Amendment, which passed the legislature as H.3133, is as follows:
"Must Article XVII of the Constitution of this State be amended by adding Section 15 so as to provide that in this State and its political subdivisions, a marriage between one man and one woman is the only lawful domestic union that shall be valid or recognized; that this State and its political subdivisions shall not create, recognize, or give effect to a legal status, right, or claim created by another jurisdiction respecting any other domestic union, however denominated; that this amendment shall not impair any right or benefit extended by the State or its political subdivisions other than a right or benefit arising from a domestic union that is not valid or recognized in this State; and that this amendment shall not prohibit or limit the ability of parties other than the State or its political subdivisions from entering into contracts or other legal instruments?
Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'."
If you support the Amendment, we invite you to sign our Pledge, credo for marriage in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Marriage Amendment Campaign is a statewide effort to pass Amendment 1 on the November, 2006 General Election ballot. The Amendment defines marriage as an institution for one man and one woman.


Now let me say I am not a political person; and that is not where this blog is gonna venture probably ever again, but I do see the importance of God-fearing people standing up and proclaiming that enough is enough. Christians are the majority in this country and if we ever stood and proclaimed our beliefs in one voice, we would be an unstoppable force. I am so tired of the ACLU and their agenda, all in the name of not wanting to offend anybody. They are a bunch of losers who need Jesus instead of trying to get Him out of the schools and courthouses.

Think about it, pray about it, and get out there tomorrow and cast a ballot.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Super Cool Person of the Week

Well it has been two weeks and yes I lied! Dodd reminded me of this yesterday when he called me a failure. Last Wednesday night I said there would be 2 maybe 3 of these post this week. All I can say is oops.

Before I get started let me just say that the email questionnaire is awesome and it makes my life a lot easier. I should have thought about this from the beginning and then we wouldn't have missed 2 weeks.

OK this week lets take an in depth look at Jennifer Byers. She is my pick for this week. With the questionnaire I emailed out I think it will be best to show you what I received back in their own words. Without the phone conversation I miss the element of crazy stories that I can draw some funny stories and kinda make up some humor from. I will tell you the first time I met Jennifer was on the set of Lord of the Rings where she and Lori were extras. They were Hobbit extras (sorry I couldn't resist). Seriously, Jennifer is an awesome person with a beautiful voice and she and Tommy (husband) are a dynamic duo. They are very active in the church and we are blessed to have them. Without any further ado.......here is Jennifer in her own words.

Favorite food? Chocolate! Ha! Italian, Mexican and seafood are also pretty good!

Favorite thing to do? Have my family all together for the holidays. Play with my dogs. Talk with my girls about “stuff”. Be with my hubby at the kitchen table just the two of us, drinking coffee and talking. Planting flowers. (sorry, I couldn’t come up with just one thing!)

What do you want to be when you grow up? A rock star.

Favorite TV show and movie? Desperate Housewives, all CSI’s, American Idol/All Harry Potter movies, all Lord of the Rings movies, Liar Liar (I die laughing every time I watch it!), anything with Johnny Depp in it.

Favorite music? Classic Rock…but, I really like all kinds of music…except for rap and screamo….that’s not music!

Favorite place on the planet? Home

A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Italy

Favorite sport @ team? Don’t do sports

Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Wonderful husband, Tommy, who can do just about anything and loves me more than I probably deserve, and to awesomely amazing daughters, Ashley (20) and Maggie (15). Two Chihuahuas, Bandit and Sophia, that keep us all entertained and two fire belly frogs that amuse me. Two crazy parents whom I love very much….I have great admiration for my mom who is a breast cancer survivor. My amazing 96 year old grandmother lives with them…we thought we lost her to pneumonia this year, but she fooled us all! A sister, Renee, who lives in Berea with her family. She’s the best sister in the world! And my loveable brother, Jeff, who lives in Virginia with his family…he’s a nut and very fun to be around!

Best friend? Next to my husband, I would have to say Linda Taylor. She knows things about me and still loves me!

What are you afraid of? Abandonment

When did you get saved? I was 9 years old and went to White Oak Baptist church. Eugene Lawrence was pastor there and he baptized me.

Church background? White Oak was my home church for years….then I kinda got out of going to church and was busy doing my own thing for a few years, but God never took his eye off me. When Ashley was old enough, I found out about the WEE program at FBC Belton and we started going to church there, eventually joining that church family.

Who has been the most positive influence in your life? My Grandmother…. Ernestine Jones…..she is the best example of what it means to be a Christian. I adore her.

What has been a defining moment in your life? Having my first child….what a wake up call! Time to grow up and take a look at what kind of life I am living and where God fits in all this.

Thanks Jennifer for allowing us a look in. We are truly blessed to have you in our family and we love ya.

If you did not receive the email to be a contestant in the Super Cool Person of the Week Sweepstakes just post a comment and I'll shoot you an email.

See you Sunday morning as we will be starting a new study "Touch of the Masters Hand" by Max Lucado

Have a Blessed Day!!

Christain Vanity

More change. I couldn't resist with the awesome picture of Death Valley. I know there are a lot of Carolina fans out there (hello, I'm married to one), but that picture is just beautiful.

Jennifer Byers joined the blog world and I have a link to her page below to the left. Check it out and let her know what you think.

I also added a counter to the page so we can all see how many people have been checking us out. This is kinda a segway into what I wanted to say this morning.

Vanity is a ever growing problem, just like with the counter. Let me explain. On the old website I could go to a stats page and see how many people were reading the blog daily. When I changed to this free site it wasn't offered, so I've been curious how many hits I've been getting. I should also say that on the old website we had almost 2000 pages viewed when I switched. For a little redneck, that ain't bad. So last night I find this free counter and now I can keep track once again. But why does this matter to me? I don't do this for any recognition, so why should it matter if anyone looks at it? It matters because we want to feel accepted and hope that somehow we make a difference. When Dodd filled in for me last week, he said that he would check every so often to see if someone had posted a comment - and I'll admit that I'm the same. I love it when you guys leave a comment or give me a call of encouragement. We enjoy getting our ego stroked, and when others recognize us for what we do we swell up with pride, which can be as damaging as vanity.

The realization is that we are all important and we do make a difference. We are created perfectly in the image of God for/by/to his glory. If we have His approval, then why do we put so much emphasis on the approval of our fellow sinners? I am sorry to say that I don't have an answer to this one. Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts; I'm curious to see what you guys think.

On a lighter note - last night the testimony of Caz McCaslin, the guy responsible for starting Upward Basketball, was shown in the Family Life Center. Churches who aren't involved with this awesome program, please go to this link to find out a little more about it http://www.upward.org/. Caz is an awesome speaker and he really has a gift of conveying his passion for sharing Jesus with children. I could watch that DVD every night, it really is that good. If anybody wants to borrow it just let me know. All I need is a $500.00 deposit. (Just kidding.)

All right - get out there and make a difference today, and as always, Have a Blessed Day!!!

Change

OK, I know I'm late this morning, but you guys know how busy Wednesday mornings are for me. I know it's not all about me, but you ain't all that either.

Change is a difficult thing for most to accept, but in almost every aspect of our life it is inevitable. Our bodies are constantly changing. Take me for example - I'm experiencing furniture problems.... my chest is falling in my drawers. :-)

Take this blog for instance. I know there are people who are used to reading it first thing in the morning, and those people didn't get that this morning. Facing a change in the daily routine, which I'm sure was not received well, they charged on.

Seriously, we are in a constantly changing environment, but why is it so difficult? I am here to tell you that the only thing that comes to mind is we are scared. I changed the blog and it wasn't scary, but I hesitated doing it. I even went so far to ask a few people for their approval. Why is that?

Church is the worst place for change to take place and in reality it should set the pace for change. With all that's on the line for eternity's sake, we should do whatever it takes to reach the people who are going to hell. But yet we ease into the waters not wanting to upset the norm.

Matt and Amy Wurst recently made a change and started a new class called "Crossroads". They are new members and answered a call to fill a void for our college and career members. They had 8 people this past Sunday and I'm sure the Lord will bless their endeavors. Pray for them and for the people they will be reaching out to.

Change is not always a bad thing and I think it is a necessary part of life. So the next change you make or are challenged with, embrace it as an opportunity to make a difference.

I would like to invite those who haven't already created a blogger identity to do so today and make a change by posting a comment. Dodd said it seems like you are signing up for something that will cost you, but trust me it is free.

Have a Blessed Day!!!