It seems like everything I do lately I am being pointed to prayer! The book that I am reading, the Wednesday night small groups, and sermons I hear on the radio. The need for prayer is really on me right now. And I mean a real prayer, not just a well thought out and scripted one. One with some personal relevance and not one to just show off.
We talked about this at church last night about how Jesus warned of this in Matthew: 5 "And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? 6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
Matt 6:5-6 (MSG)
In his book; In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson says "without prayer you have good ideas, but when in prayer mode you have God ideas." That is a huge difference.
Are spending enough time in prayer? Are you having good ideas or God ideas? I hope that you will commit today to spend some uninterupted time with God just talking.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Upward Is Here
This past Saturday was our first Upward game day and it was slam packed. The cheerleaders were too cute and I think all the players had a good time. We sold barbecue plates, had bouncy thingys, and Elvis was there handing out balloons. A good time was had by all.
It is just amazing to me how many volunteers we have that unselfishly give of their time to help in this ministry. You guys are great. And Matt Lusk our fearless leader has done a great job in his role as league director. Matt is very task oriented and organized and he can get-er-done.
I am so thankful that we are able to provide this ministry to our community. Not only are lives being changed, but the community I feel is getting stronger. God is really at work. I am very grateful to Jay Fennell for introducing us to Upward almost 4 years ago. It has changed my life, or should I say that God woke me up through Upward.
God is in the life changing business you know. Have you allowed him to change you or are you still trying to do it all yourself? It's very simple, just ask and you shall receive. He wants very much to be your best friend. Have you just talked with Him lately? Start today and see what happens.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
It is just amazing to me how many volunteers we have that unselfishly give of their time to help in this ministry. You guys are great. And Matt Lusk our fearless leader has done a great job in his role as league director. Matt is very task oriented and organized and he can get-er-done.
I am so thankful that we are able to provide this ministry to our community. Not only are lives being changed, but the community I feel is getting stronger. God is really at work. I am very grateful to Jay Fennell for introducing us to Upward almost 4 years ago. It has changed my life, or should I say that God woke me up through Upward.
God is in the life changing business you know. Have you allowed him to change you or are you still trying to do it all yourself? It's very simple, just ask and you shall receive. He wants very much to be your best friend. Have you just talked with Him lately? Start today and see what happens.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Build a Bridge and Get Over It
That is my favorite thing to say to someone that is going through rough times. I know it sounds a little harsh and not sympathetic at all, but it is true. And I should point out that I am not a counselor (duh) and I only say this to close friends and family who really don't take me seriously.
Have you ever been in a situation and the only reason you were in it is because it was familiar? This could said of anything, for example: a relationship, a job, a church, etc. Fear of the unknown is almost worst than the known. A lot of us are afraid of risk, we like it just the way it is and some of us just exist in world that is like yesterday morning.....Foggy.
If you always do what you've always done, then you will always get what you've always gotten. I love this simple statement. It really is simple in that it says we have to constantly change. We have to be a river instead of a lake. We should desire to be fresh and not stagnant.
The bottom line is that if God is not the common denominator in every equation of our life then it will not be as good as it could be. This applies for every part of your life. Change sometimes hurts and just like the fog we sometimes get a little lost in it, but just as the sun burns away the fog, the Son will direct your paths. He will lead you beside the still waters, He will restore your soul, and He will guide you down the path of righteousness. All we have to do is seek Him.
Remember it will get better and it could always be worse. If you have been knocked down stay there a while, there is power on your knees.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Have you ever been in a situation and the only reason you were in it is because it was familiar? This could said of anything, for example: a relationship, a job, a church, etc. Fear of the unknown is almost worst than the known. A lot of us are afraid of risk, we like it just the way it is and some of us just exist in world that is like yesterday morning.....Foggy.
If you always do what you've always done, then you will always get what you've always gotten. I love this simple statement. It really is simple in that it says we have to constantly change. We have to be a river instead of a lake. We should desire to be fresh and not stagnant.
The bottom line is that if God is not the common denominator in every equation of our life then it will not be as good as it could be. This applies for every part of your life. Change sometimes hurts and just like the fog we sometimes get a little lost in it, but just as the sun burns away the fog, the Son will direct your paths. He will lead you beside the still waters, He will restore your soul, and He will guide you down the path of righteousness. All we have to do is seek Him.
Remember it will get better and it could always be worse. If you have been knocked down stay there a while, there is power on your knees.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Somebody Please Make Me
As most of you know I started group exercise a few weeks ago. I went through the horrible soreness and pain, and was finally felt like I was getting used to it. Then all of the sudden we have a snow day, MLK day, and this morning was called off due to the forecast. All of these days off; I am afraid, will lead to certain soreness starting all over.
Now, you may be saying you know what to do, just do it at home. Well if someone isn't making me work out I have a hard time doing it. And really since we are talking about making me, the Bible is so much more easy to get into if you do it in a group. It is all about accountability.
It is just me or do you also find it hard to do anything without someone pushing you or holding you accountable? This is what I love about our SS class, this blog, and our corporate worship together on Sundays. It kinda holds you accountable. It makes you study and you want to do your best. And just like the group fitness the more you do it the better you get, your endurance increases, and the stronger you become.
I hope we are able to get back working out on Thursday AM, that will be perfect timing with Upward games starting this Saturday. Nothing like not being able to walk while trying to referee! Can't wait.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Now, you may be saying you know what to do, just do it at home. Well if someone isn't making me work out I have a hard time doing it. And really since we are talking about making me, the Bible is so much more easy to get into if you do it in a group. It is all about accountability.
It is just me or do you also find it hard to do anything without someone pushing you or holding you accountable? This is what I love about our SS class, this blog, and our corporate worship together on Sundays. It kinda holds you accountable. It makes you study and you want to do your best. And just like the group fitness the more you do it the better you get, your endurance increases, and the stronger you become.
I hope we are able to get back working out on Thursday AM, that will be perfect timing with Upward games starting this Saturday. Nothing like not being able to walk while trying to referee! Can't wait.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Snow Day
Good morning. What is your favorite memory of snow, when you were a kid? For me it is the snowmen with my cousins, mom bundling up me and Amy so tight if we fell in the snow you would require assistance getting up. Back then there wasn't any Goretex, so you either wore rubber boots that froze your toes or hunting boots with 12 pairs of socks that froze your toes. But you were a kid and none of that mattered. All that mattered was that it was snowing and school was out.
Now it is more of an inconvenience, but I still like to see the snow fall, and I still get excited about it. I love the way it looks. Everything looks clean and pure and without sin.
Anyway I'm at work and the phone is going crazy, the roads aren't that bad, but be careful if you venture out.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Now it is more of an inconvenience, but I still like to see the snow fall, and I still get excited about it. I love the way it looks. Everything looks clean and pure and without sin.
Anyway I'm at work and the phone is going crazy, the roads aren't that bad, but be careful if you venture out.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Be Careful
Monday mornings are wide open, and I find it hard to get the time needed to give y'all a shout out. I may look at Sunday nights.
This morning I want to share a song by one of my favorite groups; Casting Crowns, and the song is Slow Fade. It is from their new album entitled The Altar and The Door. Dodd Wilson and I were discussing this awesome album yesterday and we both enjoy this song, so naturally I think you will too.
Be careful little eyes what you see, It’s the second glance that ties your hands, As darkness pulls the strings. Be careful little feet where you go, For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow.
Be careful little ears what you hear, When flattering leads to compromises, the end is always near. Be careful little lips what you say, For empty words and promises leave broken hearts astray.
There is a lot more to this than just a song you teach your children. This applies to us, but how many of you (talking to me too) really take it seriously? Let's see what Jesus has to say about this simple little song.
29 "And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 "And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.
Matt 5:29-30 (NASB)
After reading this from God's word it all takes on eternal relevance. So today as you are out in this sinful world. Remember the words to this song and more importantly remember Jesus' words. Everything matters and everyone is watching us!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
This morning I want to share a song by one of my favorite groups; Casting Crowns, and the song is Slow Fade. It is from their new album entitled The Altar and The Door. Dodd Wilson and I were discussing this awesome album yesterday and we both enjoy this song, so naturally I think you will too.
Be careful little eyes what you see, It’s the second glance that ties your hands, As darkness pulls the strings. Be careful little feet where you go, For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow.
Be careful little ears what you hear, When flattering leads to compromises, the end is always near. Be careful little lips what you say, For empty words and promises leave broken hearts astray.
There is a lot more to this than just a song you teach your children. This applies to us, but how many of you (talking to me too) really take it seriously? Let's see what Jesus has to say about this simple little song.
29 "And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 "And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.
Matt 5:29-30 (NASB)
After reading this from God's word it all takes on eternal relevance. So today as you are out in this sinful world. Remember the words to this song and more importantly remember Jesus' words. Everything matters and everyone is watching us!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Lifehouse's Everything Skit
I showed this to the youth last night and now I would like to share it with you. This is awesome and please watch it all. At the beginning it starts out with Jesus breathing life into this girl and it seems a little wierd, but I promise it is worth it. Between Youtube and Godube this video has over 7.5 million hits. I promise you will receive a blessing.
From the comments that have been left here and on godtube.com, this video is changing lives. I pray that it will change yours. You can use this video to show your unsaved friends just how much Jesus cares and fights for us.
Just got back from Group Pump and I am hurting all over.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
How Do We Pray?
I am still sore and after talking with a few people I probably should have gone yesterday morning to help work out the soreness. Live and Learn. I almost broke 2 different toilets yesterday. As I was approaching landing, my legs gave way, and I had a brief free-fall. Thankfully I was centered!! Sorry for the visual , just trying to be as real as I can with y'all.
Started back reading In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson and it is really good. He included a prayer from a book that Ted Loder wrote called Guerillas of Grace and I wanted to share that with you this morning.
How shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers, or groans, or sighs, or curses?
Can trembling hands be lifted up to you, or clenched fists,
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back,
or the cramps that knot my stomach?
Will you accept my prayers, Lord,
my real prayers, rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just the pretty, cut-flower, gracefully arranged bouquet of words?
Will You accept me, Lord, as I really am,
a messes up mixture of glory and grime?
Do any of those look familiar to you? They sure do to me and I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and prays for us in groanings that connot be expressed in words.
The following is an exert from Mark's book about the above prayer.
Here is an incredible thought: Long before you woke up this morning the Holy Spirit was interceeding for you. And long after you go to bed tonight, the Holy Spirit will still be interceeding for you. That ought to change the way we wake up and fall asleep.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Started back reading In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson and it is really good. He included a prayer from a book that Ted Loder wrote called Guerillas of Grace and I wanted to share that with you this morning.
How shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers, or groans, or sighs, or curses?
Can trembling hands be lifted up to you, or clenched fists,
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back,
or the cramps that knot my stomach?
Will you accept my prayers, Lord,
my real prayers, rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just the pretty, cut-flower, gracefully arranged bouquet of words?
Will You accept me, Lord, as I really am,
a messes up mixture of glory and grime?
Do any of those look familiar to you? They sure do to me and I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and prays for us in groanings that connot be expressed in words.
The following is an exert from Mark's book about the above prayer.
Here is an incredible thought: Long before you woke up this morning the Holy Spirit was interceeding for you. And long after you go to bed tonight, the Holy Spirit will still be interceeding for you. That ought to change the way we wake up and fall asleep.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Girly Man or Just Crazy
Thank you so much for your prayers concerning Lori's dad. He is in a room and will be coming home one day this week. He had a few complications after surgery, but has come through it all with flying colors. Thanks again.
I am a little put out this morning. Yesterday I did something that I have never done before....aerobics!! And this morning I was going back for some more, but I over slept. That really makes me mad. It was real nice to be mad while looking at the clock, but as I went to get out of bed I realized that there are worse things. I HURT everywhere!!
Yesterday morning 15 brave souls showed up at our church at 5:30am for an intense butt-whooping. I always laughed and made fun of the people at gyms doing aerobics. You know I was too proud and too strong to do something girly like that, I stayed with the free weights. Well, I am here to tell you that there ain't nothing girly about it. My fingers even hurt while I'm typing this.
For anyone interested we will be going at it for the next four months. Mondays at 5:30am for aerobics and Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:15am for group pump. Its only $40 per person, but I promise these women will hurt you!!
I think it might have been God that allowed me to sleep in this morning.....to heal a little, but I plan to be back at it Thursday morning bright and early. This reminds me of the pain I felt when we had 2 a days in high school football.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I am a little put out this morning. Yesterday I did something that I have never done before....aerobics!! And this morning I was going back for some more, but I over slept. That really makes me mad. It was real nice to be mad while looking at the clock, but as I went to get out of bed I realized that there are worse things. I HURT everywhere!!
Yesterday morning 15 brave souls showed up at our church at 5:30am for an intense butt-whooping. I always laughed and made fun of the people at gyms doing aerobics. You know I was too proud and too strong to do something girly like that, I stayed with the free weights. Well, I am here to tell you that there ain't nothing girly about it. My fingers even hurt while I'm typing this.
For anyone interested we will be going at it for the next four months. Mondays at 5:30am for aerobics and Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:15am for group pump. Its only $40 per person, but I promise these women will hurt you!!
I think it might have been God that allowed me to sleep in this morning.....to heal a little, but I plan to be back at it Thursday morning bright and early. This reminds me of the pain I felt when we had 2 a days in high school football.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Prayer Request
This morning @ 8:00 my father-in-law will be having open heart surgery. All prayers on his behalf will be greatly appreciated. Lori is more than a little concerned, so if you could, lift her up too.
Thanks in advance for your prayers! I will try and update you guys this afternoon.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thanks in advance for your prayers! I will try and update you guys this afternoon.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
What Say You in '08
So what do you have planned in '08? What do you want to accomplish this year? And in deciding these have you asked for God's help?
Without His help even the most simple task, resolution, or request will fail. You have to give it all to Him! I got reminded of this last night and I just wanted to pass it along.
Bundle up and Have a Blessed Day!!!
Without His help even the most simple task, resolution, or request will fail. You have to give it all to Him! I got reminded of this last night and I just wanted to pass it along.
Bundle up and Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Collards and Black Eye Peas
New Years for as long as I can remember has consisted of collards and black eye peas. Its the age old superstition that if you eat these on New Years that you will have a lot of money. I don't really believe this, but it does give you a good excuse to load up on some great soul food. I eat them as if it were true. I consumed this fine southern cuisine twice today. Lunch with the in-laws and supper in Pendleton with my cousins who just happen to be serving fresh barbecue that he started cooking Monday afternoon. The best hog you will ever eat, hands down!!!
I have a long list of resolutions that I will be starting to implement tomorrow. The odds aren't in my favor as 80% of all resolutions don't last a week, but I am going to take it one day at a time. I looked back at last years post on Jan 2nd and I still haven't finished either book that I wanted to get read in '07. Oh well, there is always this year.
I trust you all had a wonderful and safe holidays and are very eager to get started in '08....I know I am.
We have a few family members who are in the hospital or at home recovering and would appreciate your prayers. Also pray today for our leaders, our soldiers fighting abroad, the coworker who you know is lost, and for God to have His perfect plan played out in your life today an everyday in '08.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I have a long list of resolutions that I will be starting to implement tomorrow. The odds aren't in my favor as 80% of all resolutions don't last a week, but I am going to take it one day at a time. I looked back at last years post on Jan 2nd and I still haven't finished either book that I wanted to get read in '07. Oh well, there is always this year.
I trust you all had a wonderful and safe holidays and are very eager to get started in '08....I know I am.
We have a few family members who are in the hospital or at home recovering and would appreciate your prayers. Also pray today for our leaders, our soldiers fighting abroad, the coworker who you know is lost, and for God to have His perfect plan played out in your life today an everyday in '08.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
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