FBC New Beginnings

How We Roll

2008-07-23T22:17:00.003-04:00

Yes Frank I have been lazy!! I have rather enjoyed my time off, but I will try to do better. Over 20 days have past since my last post and a lot has happened. God continues to stretch me and I see the mercies and wonders of Him everyday. I am getting stronger in Him and more into His word.

While on vacation I read the book of Daniel. It always amazes me when I read the stories in the Old Testament of how courageous they were and how they solely relied on God for everything. What would today look like if we lived that out? The people in the Bible are no different from us...we are all God's children and He loves each of us more than we could ever imagine. Even when we screw things up down here.

The podcast that I have been listening to on my ipod are rocking my world. Steven Furtick and Craig Groeshel are definitely anointed. I listen to them all day and take notes as best I can while driving down the road. The best thing about the podcast is that you can rewind, pause, and listen to it over and over so you can take it in. It's crazy how I can have the ear buds in and be totally zoned out thinking about something else. I hear something and the brain starts running. I'll catch myself and unlike the radio preacher, I can rewind and hear what I missed. Love it!!!

I would like to invite Frank to tell his story of how God used him the other day. Talk about goosebumps. So go ahead Frank, leave it in a comment or start your blog back up (hey, if you wait three more days you will have made it a year). If it sounds like I'm digging on Frank...well I am...that's just how we roll. God's M.O.B.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Where are You?

2008-07-03T07:12:00.004-04:00

I am really enjoying the "One Prayer" series! It is neat hearing preachers from all over and then checking out there website and seeing what God is where they are. You know it all starts with a vision. A vision or a word from God. Blessed are those who have the courage to act on what they see or hear. We are all called to ministry and to be a witness daily...not just on Sunday.

One thing I have never understood is how someone can be content with just a couple of hours on Sunday morning. To me that person is more self-centered than they are Christ-centered. Here is the bad part - our churches are full of these type people. I'm sure it breaks God's heart, because the scripture is clear that He wants our fellowship. He wants to know you intimately and for you to know Him completely. I understand it is all a journey, but if you are the same place today with God as you were yesterday then you aren't where you need to be. We need to be daily growing and never content, because there is always room for improvement.

As we celebrate our country's freedom from oppression remember your chains and the price that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ paid so we would not be bound anymore. Celebrate that freedom and always remember that greater is He that is in you than he which is in the world. I think the Greek translation to that verse is that if we call on God, He will kick satans butt!!!!

Have a great 4th, we are leaving on the 5th for some R&R with the family. Headed to Myrtle Beach and the kids are super excited. Lillie would rather be at the beach than anywhere.

Whatever you guys and gals do I pray for safety and your daily growth in your walk with the one true God.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

One Prayer

2008-06-20T06:57:00.003-04:00

So we have a heartbeat out there. I like it when you voice your opinion. I will say that since this is my blog that I am always right :-)!!

Are you fired up? Are you ready to go? Its my prayer for you that God would infect you, that He would inhabit you, that He would mess you up!!!! He is constantly stretching me and showing me His new mercies everyday. I am in an awesome place right now.

Wednesday morning me and the kids went with Lori for the ultrasound and I am happy to announce that we are having another son. Sid was so excited. Lillie wanted a little sister, but I think she is happy knowing she will be the only princess in our family, except for Aunt Amy. We are very excited!

One Prayer is awesome. Craig Groeschel the one behind this awesome movement of God. They have over 1300 churches from 20 different countries representing 750,000 believers. They have come together for a historic unification of God's people. Here is the link that you can learn a little about it. Around here you have Newspring in Anderson and Elevation in Charlotte. I think there are more in Anderson, but I don't know for sure, but what an awesome idea. Props to Craig for running with the idea that God gave him. I wish we had screens so we could be a part of it. Here is the link to watch Craig is his first broadcast message.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Say What You Need To Say

2008-06-17T00:08:00.005-04:00

I have finally gotten an ipod!!!! I know that this may not seem like a big deal to y'all, but I absolutely love it. As you regulars know I enjoy listening to preachers on the radio and it seems they are always getting interrupted by phone calls, sales calls, or lunch. Know thanks to podcast, I can download all my favorite preachers sermons and just pause or rewind and listen to something again. I love it!!! Not too mention I am a music lover and have all my favorite music on this little device smaller than a uno card. Technology rocks!

So onto my title for today's blog. I have just finished watching The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Great movie, and they have video in the special features with John Mayer and the song "Say". This song along with the messages I have been downloading all have the same theme...we need to speak up!

Why is it that the people who disagree always get there point across and the ones who agree remain silent? Why do churches split? Why do people care more about the color of the carpet than the lost people around them going to hell? Why do we have to look the part, but inside we look like hell? Why does everyone tip toe through the tulips of religion? Why do we act like we have it together on Sunday morning? What exactly does a Christian look like? Have you ever asked God what purpose He had for you when He formed you in the womb? What would happen if we got fired up? What if we allowed God to use us? What if we accepted the fact that its not about us? What if we layed down traditions and picked up a neighbor on the way to church? Why is the largest demographic leaving the church 22 - 39 year olds?

I think its time we say what we need to say and ask the questions we need to ask!! Who are you letting influence you? Do you have catalyst of courage talking to you or the peons of pessimism? Where are you this morning?

I am serious about all this, these are good questions to ask yourself. And this is for all churches and for all Christians. I think it is time for us to stand up and be the people God has not only called us to be, but created us to be. I'm ready to charge hell's gates with a water pistol! Do you ever get this sense of urgency? I like it, but it is sometimes hard to stay there, you lay it all out there like I just did and somebody says "now just calm down big fella... or wait a minute you can't just say those things...or we have to treat people like a flower." I'm done with it, because the only person I have to answer to is God, and as long as I'm in line with scripture I ain't skeered no more! God is bigger than you and He is my body guard.

Thank you to Steven Furtick, pastor at Elevation church in Charlotte, for the inspiration behind this entry. I hope to encourage and not enrage all who read this, and I look forward to our journey as we daily strive to not only let Jesus shine through us, but to lead us. Are you following Him?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Life Gets in the Way

2008-06-09T23:18:00.003-04:00

I have been away for quite some time. Probably the longest since I have been doing this. I will admit to you that I have fallen in the trap that too many of us fall into! You know what I'm talking about don't you. You have every intention of doing something, but if it is hard or will take away from your personal time, or inconvenience you at all - well then it turns into a hindrance. Am I right? You know I am!

No matter what the task it all starts with a thought, but putting that thought into action is a totally different story. It takes work and effort...two necessary traits that are missing in today's world. I'll give you a great example: everywhere I go people are complaining about gas prices, but everyone is still driving. No one has traded in the auto for a palomino. We are complainers by birth. It has been around since the beginning. Look at Adam in the garden, he blamed Eve and then she blamed the snake. 12 The Man said, "The Woman you gave me as a companion, she gave me fruit from the tree, and, yes, I ate it." 13 God said to the Woman, "What is this that you've done?" "The serpent seduced me," she said, "and I ate."
Gen 3:12-13 (MSG) We have gotten good at not taking responsibility for our actions.

I have so many ideas for the blog everyday and it is always on my mind. I'll see a bumper sticker on a passing car, a church sign, hear a sermon, or just get a thought, but the follow through is just lacking. All I can say is life just gets in the way. I love writing here, because it's a great release and I give all the glory to God for everything, and yes even when life gets in the way. Hope to catch y'all reading this and I hope to be back soon.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Find Out

2008-05-28T21:42:00.003-04:00

It feels like forever since I've been here. Life has been as busy as ever and there seems to be no end in sight. You know what I'm talking about, don't you. I don't have enough time to do all I want to do. I really enjoy writing here, but I like to read more and that passion is taking over. Right now I am reading 3 books and I can't get enough. I am currently reading The Vow, unchristian, and Church Shift. They are all good and I am learning so much. I really feel like God is preparing me for something big.

I feel like a sponge and I can't get enough. I just want to learn all I can and find new ways to apply what I am learning. Do you find yourself in this area? Do you pray for God to use you, do you pray selfish prayers, or do you even pray at all? Have you ever wondered what God has in store for your life? If not, maybe today is the time to find out!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Prayer

2008-05-23T14:46:00.002-04:00

Y'all be in prayer for the Steven Curtis Chapman family. Sincerely pray for the 15 year old son. Go to this link for the story. And this link to meet Maria in a video they made a few months ago.

Y'all please be careful this long weekend. And remember our troops both past and current.

Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend!!!

Funky Place

2008-05-15T06:40:00.003-04:00

Where are you at this morning. I am in a funky place. I feel good, but I have such a crazy next two days its kinda hard to get up for it. Do you ever find it hard to give it all to God? I know that God cares about our every activity, but do you ever question if what your doing is pleasing to Him? Am I bringing glory to Him every minute of every day with everything I do? Most of the time I get bogged down in my job, I try and do it all myself, and I feel like selling pipe doesn't impact God's kingdom at all!

What do you do with all the thoughts that run through your head daily? If your like me - one minute its almost like you are standing before the throne worshipping and the next you are walking with the devil. It is hard to daily transform and renew my mind, because it is a constant transformation and renewing. I never get to a spot where I can say OK, no more bad thoughts or bad impulses will be coming my way. Bottom line it is getting harder and harder to be what God has called me to be in this day and time in which we live.

But, in all reality it really is not hard to be so much more; the hard part comes in when you realize that you have to take a step back and let God step up. That; I believe, is the hardest part of being a Christian. We try so hard to do it ourselves.

I feel better already!

Thank you for reading and I love this blog when I get to write for the relief that it brings me to work out some problems I am having. Most of the time I just sit down and start typing and try to let the Lord speak through me, but this morning He was speaking to me. The take a step back and let God step up was from Him this morning and I hope it helps you today - wherever you are!

By the way McDonald's has free chicken biscuits this morning with the purchase of a drink and I Love FREE.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Happy

2008-05-13T08:10:00.002-04:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom's,
Happy Birthday to me (yesterday I turned 37),
Happy Tuesday to all of you,
and last but not least - Don't Worry Be Happy!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Hump Day Review

2008-05-07T06:39:00.004-04:00

So a lot has happened since I last wrote. Here is a little recap for y'all.

Root canal was expensive and it hurt. The left side of my face was numb for 4 hours. I felt like a stroke victim.
Wednesday night the RA's and GA's along with the Mission Friends had a bike ride at church for the Relay For Life. We had around 16 individual wreck and 1 major Chip's style pileup. A good time was had by all.
Men's fish fry last Thursday night. We had around 65 men and it was great to get together with all those men. Matt Lusk is the man - all I got to say about that.
Friday night was the Relay For Life. I wasn't there, but I hear that everything went well.
This past weekend I went to Santee for a golf outing with some guys I used to work with. The golf was great and maybe I'll post on the other events at a later date. Whew!
Man we are busy around here. We have 4 ball games this week. Between Sid and Lillie's T-Ball games, we are never home. Zeke (our dog) sent us a postcard letting us know how much he missed us.
Man do we as Christians have a lot of opportunities!!!!!! People need Jesus everywhere!
I think True Christ followers are a rarity, your thoughts please??

Have a Blessed Day!!!

National Day of Prayer & a Root Canal

2008-05-01T06:28:00.003-04:00

This morning we are having a prayer breakfast at church and we always have a mixed crowd from all over the area. Last year we had the BHP ensemble sing and a great speaker.

This year I won't be able to attend :-( I have a root canal at 8am and I ain't looking forward to it. My part after insurance is almost $500.00!! I am quiting sales and going back to school to be a dentist. Oh well, what do you do.

Anyway, I am happy (even in these screwed up times) to live in a country where we can observe a National Day of Prayer. Be a light today and share with people what this day means to you. And be glad that you are on the winning team. Share the gift, the enthusiasm, and pray for those who rebuke you.

Just Have a Blessed Day!!!

Patience

2008-04-29T07:06:00.003-04:00

OK, so maybe I can't be the cool parent. Thanks for the advice Jen and Clara. I will continue to pray for them, with them, and over them while they sleep. I just don't want to fail as a parent! It is getting harder and harder with all the distractions to be the parent I really want to be. So much gets in the way.

We have been studying Genesis and I am really seeing one constant that amazes me. The fact that everyone has unbelievable patience, they endure, they persevere, and their faith is 2nd to none. In this instant society and times in which we live, this is very intriguing to me. It took Noah 120 years to build the ark, and it had never rained before. Abraham was going to sacrifice his only son. Joseph went from an abandoned brother sold into slavery to the 2nd in command of all of Egypt, answering only to Pharaoh. All because they trusted God, walked with Him, and He found favour in them.

All throughout the Bible we see examples of this and it is a wake up call to me. I desire to be more patient and wait on God to reveal His perfect plan, I want to be used by God, but I sometimes have a hard time waiting on Him to prepare the way. Do you ever find yourselves in this situation? God never fails and His plan is perfect, I just have to hold myself back sometimes and be still and know that He is God. Just like with the parenting I am sure it will all workout, its just the unknown that I struggle with. I have to let go and let God!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

A Cool Parent

2008-04-24T06:48:00.003-04:00

It appears that I am falling into the black hole of good intentions. I want to blog everyday, but the reality is that I just don't have time.

I talked with the youth last night and I asked them how can I be a cool parent when Sid, Lillie, and the new baby become teenagers. I want to be a parent that they can feel comfortable talking to and sharing the ins and outs of their life. Do you guys have any suggestions, because they said that a parents involvement should be minimal. And almost all of them said they didn't feel that they could tell their parents everything that is going on in their lives.

So fire back your suggestions. Let me know what has worked for you or maybe what you are planning to do. I want to be all that I can be.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

UP, UP, and UP!

2008-04-22T06:48:00.003-04:00

Seems like forever since I have posted. I am just getting lazy, no more excuses needed. Busy at work, busy at home, and busy at church. Just a lot going on.

So what do you guys think about the rising gas prices? As much as I don't really like my job, I am so thankful for a company car and a gas card!! Could it really reach $5.00 a gallon by Memorial day? I don't know, and I don't really understand why we continue to pay so much at the pump. I wish someone could explain it to me in layman's terms. It really is ridiculous!

You will have to forgive me, I am just a little mad this morning and I want someone to do something. What is the Christian stance on this one? I know that everything under the sun belongs to God: the oil, the money, etc., but where should we be on issues such as this? I know that God is in control and maybe we are in the last days, but it really puts a crunch on the budget when you figure a 20 gallon tank could be $100.00 to fill up before long.

Thanks for allowing me to vent this morning...I feel a little better.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Jar or Knife

2008-04-17T06:58:00.003-04:00

How have you guys been? I am good and excited about our growing family!! Sid and Lillie are beside themselves and the rest of the family seems to be happy as well.

Last Sunday I met some customers at Newspring and it was awesome. These are some people I have been trying to get to go to church for almost three years. Perry delivered an awesome message and it was well received by the customers, so much that they are coming back this week. Wow. Persistence pays off.

It was all in God's timing and the 6 that showed out of the 15 invited were supposed to hear what they heard. They will probably have a greater impact on the remaining 9 than I ever will. But you have to be out there. It is our duty as believers to spread the love. Speaking of spreading I got a question for you: Are you the Jar of Dukes mayonnaise or the Knife? What I mean is are you constantly dipping and spreading or do you keep the lid secured and not let anything out? Please be a knife today and everyday. Be like a honey bee spreading the pollen. SPREAD THE LOVE!!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Pull - Bang - Ouch

2008-04-14T06:27:00.003-04:00

Friday I took some customers to enjoy a little redneck golf. We had a blast. For those of you who don't know what redneck golf is; it's shooting sporting clays. You know - Pull, Bang, wow my shoulder hurts. It really is fun.

The guys I took are down here from Minnesota doing a job and I just hit it off with them. They were my biggest customers last month doing a little over $80,000.00 with me. They have the mouths of sailors so while eating lunch before the event, I inquired about the number of churches back home vs down here. They were blown away by the "church on every corner" and asked if I attended. I told them that not only did I attend but I taught a Sunday School class. So we talked a little more about it and they said they both attended a Lutheran church back home which surprised each of them. Evidently they had never discussed it between them.

So anyway we get to Harris Springs and I let them go first. They miss a few a start cussing like crazy. I mean bad, so I get up there and miss half of them and say dad-gum. Well the next stand we come to they miss a few and in between the swearing I hear a few dad-gums followed by laughing. By the end of the day very few cuss words and a lot of dad-gums. It was pretty neat to see the change and influence we can have with just a simple example.

One of the guys actually thanked me for sharing the word (dad-gum) with him and said, "I like it and I can use it to work on my potty mouth." This was a perfect way to get in with these guys and maybe I can get them to attend church with me over the next 5 months while they are down here, who knows I'll just let the spirit lead me. Remember all we do is plant seeds, God does all the watering.

Have you had the opportunity to plant seeds lately? Look for the opportunities, God puts people in our path everyday.

Breaking news: Lori is expecting our 3rd child!!! We are so excited and look forward to watching our family grow. She is 11 weeks along and is due the 8Th of November. We thank God for this blessing and have already prayed over Lori's tummy and thanked Him for this awesome miracle.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

A Great Story

2008-04-11T08:53:00.003-04:00

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS,
THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP,
WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND,
BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING,
HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER
WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.
IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE
CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS
ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND
THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS
TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER
HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE.
WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE
PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.

'A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE
SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST ,' HE BEGAN.
'WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY
ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE.
THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE
FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT
KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT
INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.'
THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT,
MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE,
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN,
LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.
THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY,
'GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE
MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY
WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE.
HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION.
THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND
HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT.
THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY
THE TORRENT OF WAVES.

AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!'
HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND.
BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK
TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH
THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.
HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP
STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT
WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH.''
THE FATHER,' HE CONTINUED, 'KNEW HIS SON WOULD
STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT
BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO
AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED
HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. '

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE
SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY
BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO
ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE
LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.'
WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN
HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.

THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND
DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE
END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.
WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO
TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE.

'THAT WAS A NICE STORY,' POLITELY STATED ONE OF
THEM,'BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A
FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT
THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN.'
'WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE,' THE OLD MAN REPLIED,
GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED
HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS
AND SAID, 'IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT,
I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES
ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD
TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME.

YOU SEE...I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND.'

Transformed and Renewed

2008-04-08T06:37:00.003-04:00

This past weekend Lori and I attended a marriage retreat at Look Up Lodge with 8 other couples from our church. Greg Boone the executive director at camp was our leader and he is an excellent speaker. There was as much on the gospel as there was on marriage. It was a great time in spite of the men being in one cabin and the women in the other. I always enjoyed camp, I just don't remember the beds being that small. It really was a mountaintop experience and I know that all who attended took something away from it.

One of the verses he shared that really impacted me was Romans 12:2:
2 And do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NASB)

We talked at length about the transformation that occurs when we become a new creature in Christ and the renewing our our minds. He laid it out in a way that I have never really thought of. He really pushed me even further out of the box than I already am in my thinking. And I am fired up and ready to go. It is my prayer that God will continually and consistently push me, pull me, stretch me, and lead me. I want to stay in His will. Where are you this morning? Are you in His will or yours?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Creamer

2008-04-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

How y'all been? I hope all is going well. My days have been real busy. Got a question for you? Can you tell if someone is a Christ follower just by observing them? Do our actions let others know?

I had a conversation yesterday with a customer who told me something that I know, but I don't like to hear. We were talking Jesus and church and he confided that the biggest problem he had with church was the way that church goers look down on him on Sunday mornings, but will buy him a drink at the local tavern on Monday - Saturday, tell all the latest dirty jokes, and make crude sexual comments. So he asked "What makes them different from me?"

I told him that I view our walk as a journey to which some are a lot further along than others. Some people have a Paul like conversion and others take longer to get to where they need to be. I shared that it has taken me years to get where I am and that I used to be one of the guys he mentioned earlier. I like the coffee illustration. Picture your life as a cup of coffee - black, and God is the creamer. If you put in just a little creamer you can't even tell its in there, but as you add more cream (or God) it starts looking more like cream. Bottom line the more of God you put in to your life the more you look like Him and act like Him.

Mostly what I take from this situation is that people just want us; as Christians, to be real. We all struggle with sin, we don't always get it right, and yes we are human. So maybe we should start acting like it. If you are a devil through the week and try to be a saint on Sundays ... quit it! The only person you are fooling is yourself. Oh and I love this one, if you don't want to go to church, because you are afraid of looking like a hypocrite ... get over yourself. I can't even count the number of times I heard that as I asked people if they were going to church on Easter Sunday. Hello, eternity is on the line here and you are worried about what people will think of you! None of us are worthy of the free gift we receive in Christ Jesus.

In Him we are made perfect, new, strong, and everlasting: would it kill us to start acting like it. For those of you who are really living for Jesus, I commend you. For those who didn't like this post there is your sign that maybe you need a God check!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

A New Week- A New Possibility

2008-03-31T06:30:00.000-04:00

I never get to post on Monday mornings so I figured I would do it tonight (Sunday). If you have read this blog for any amount of time you know that I am passionate when it comes to telling people about Jesus everywhere I go. I think I am finally getting comfortable in my Christian skin. This is a feeling that I have been longing for. I really feel like I am doing what I was made for.

Let me explain what I mean by that last statement. I have always thought that I was good in sales because I have an outgoing personality and I'm good with people. Necessary if you want to be a successful salesman, right. But now I realize that God created me this way to be a salesman for Him. I have these gifts because He gave them to me. And that is the most humbling part of my job. You see we work for God first and foremost, what we do to earn a paycheck is just and ends to a mean.

So the way I see it; this a new week with a new possibility to see what it is God desires from you. Why did He create you and why did He gift you with your gifts? If you don't know, then spend some time with Him. It has taken me almost 37 years to come to this realization. Remember it's not about you, it's all about Him - for those of us who have called on Jesus to save us. I pray you will seek why you are here and start living life to your full God potential.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

T.G.I.F.

2008-03-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

I don't know if this will shock all of you or not, but I have some news that I think you will find interesting. I have just started The Purpose Driven Life study. Our church did it about 5 years ago and we got the book, but never did it. Lillie was an infant and honestly we just were not plugged in at that time. I am only on day 3 and I can tell already why it was and still is a great tool.

Instantly I was challenged and I dig that. I like for a book to grab you right off the bat. The first 4 words "It's not about you" are just riveting!! How awesome would it be if we all could grasp that idea? How much more would our church's grow, how many people would erase the word "Hypocrite" from there vocabulary, and how much happiness could we spread? Imagine a church where the focus was on other people instead of personal feelings!! We could turn this whole world upside down.

I will be sharing from my journey of this study over the next 37 days. I know a lot of you have already been a part of this study, and if you have anything to share please feel free. You know that y'all can post a comment...right?

On to the title of today's post. No I do not have my days mixed up, I either read this or heard it I can't remember, but I know it's good. Instead of Thank God It's Friday, we can use it as Today God Is First. I can see you smiling now. You (like me) have probably never thought of it that way, but now you will. And just maybe we can start applying this little acronym of TGIF the way it should be used. Do you make God first everyday? Will you commit to start right now? I am.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Recap

2008-03-26T06:48:00.003-04:00

I know I have been MIA for a while and I really have no defense. I have just been busy. So let me catch you up on everything since we talked last.

The Casting Crowns concert was awesome. No other words needed. It was more like a worship service than a concert.

Saturday's Wrapping Belton in Love was a great time. We opened up the gym and had kids from the community come in and had games, the Easter bunny, prizes, and the Easter story. Some folks from our church went out and helped people with various projects within the community. It really was a great day.

And Sunday was a great day as we celebrated the empty tomb and a risen saviour. What hope we have.

I trust you are taking the HOPE we have and sharing it with those who need it. Go ahead and tell that co-worker, that family member, that stranger at the gas station. You aren't one of those who is keeping it all to yourself are you? Step out on a little faith and look for the opportunities that God has put into place for you to be so much more than just a passer by. You can be an ear, an extra hand, a smiling face, and encourager, or you name it. Just spread the love! It really is that easy and it is fun and humbling. What are you waiting on...try it today.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Watch The Lamb

2008-03-24T17:23:00.001-04:00

For you and me Jesus endured all this...What are you doing in return? Are you doing all you can to show the world that you are a child of The King? Are you living out-loud?

Thank You Jesus!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Thank You

2008-03-21T07:42:00.002-04:00

Easter is so much more than the eggs, bunny, and a set of new clothes. It is the debt of sin paid on the old rugged cross by God's only Son. We are truly a loved people because we are His people. We are totally unworthy of His sacrifice and yet He did it because of His love for us.

In light of the above mentioned all I can say is...THANK YOU JESUS!!!

I hope you take time this weekend to reflect on this awesome sacrifice and Praise His Name.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Slow Day

2008-03-20T07:50:00.003-04:00

I posted a video from you tube this morning b4 7am and it has yet to pop up. I hope its coming. Y'all have a great day and check back in a little later.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

4 More Days

2008-03-18T06:54:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend and this week has got off to a great start for you. I am really getting excited because this Friday night, I am going to the Casting Crowns concert. I was able to go two years ago and I can't wait to see them again. These guys are awesome and they are so much more than just a band. They are youth ministers with a passion that shines through in their music. It is going to be awesome, and being on Good Friday makes it that much better. What a great way to usher in the most awesome time of the year. Hope you are going!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Mission Trip

2008-03-14T07:29:00.003-04:00

Do you guys remember last year when I talked about going to Tanzania, Africa with Berea 1st Baptist? Lori and I decided that with all we had going on that it would not be the best time for me to go this year. I so wish I were going. Anyway, they are leaving in the morning for two weeks to tell people about the love of Jesus and to help put roofs on the 10 church's they have planted in the last two years over there.

I may not be there in person, but I will be there in spirit and in prayer. Will you guys join me in daily praying for the people who will be going on this life-changing journey. Thank you in advance for your prayers and I will update you as I hear. One of the pastors that goes on this trip is Matt Lusk's brother-in-law, so hopefully I will get some updates over the next two weeks.

Have a Great Weekend and a Blessed Day!!!

Cyberspace Difficulties

2008-03-13T07:40:00.003-04:00

I don't know if it is taking the videos a long time for you to download, but I am having a horrible time. Something is going on in cyberspace. The one by Michael Jr "Oversaved" was supposed to go through last Friday am. Oh well, something ain't right.

The lesson this Sunday that I am teaching is from Genesis 32 & 33. It is about Jacob and Esau's reunion and the wrestling match that Jacob had with God. It is amazing to me how God can take something written so long ago and use for literal application today. That is what I love about the Bible, it is alive. Have you picked yours up lately? If not, get in it and see what the Lord has in store for you today!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Cheerful Giver

2008-03-12T19:19:00.001-04:00

Which one are You?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Over Saved

2008-03-12T17:51:00.001-04:00

A little Friday morning humor for you.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Random Thoughts

2008-03-11T06:35:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to hit some randoms this morning.

I received this American Family Association Alert from my dad and sister yesterday. Here is the link to get the full story and a list of schools. I didn't see any schools in South Carolina, but there were lots in Georgia. Very disturbing what they are teaching our kids. We need to stay involved and make sure that the schools aren't educating our kids on such matters they have no business. What ever happened to simple arithmetic and reading.
Friday, April 25, several thousand schools across the nation will be observing "Day of Silence (DOS)." DOS is a nationwide push to promote the homosexual lifestyle in public schools. AFA is joining other family-oriented groups in urging parents to keep their children at home that day if their local school is participating in the DOS project. By remaining silent, the intent of the pro-homosexual students is to disrupt the classes while promoting the homosexual lifestyle. DOS is sponsored by an activist homosexual group, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). DOS leads the students to believe that every person who identifies as a homosexual, bisexual or cross-dresser is a victim of ongoing, unrelenting harassment and hate. Students are taught that homosexuality is a worthy lifestyle, homosexuality has few or no risks, and individuals are born homosexual and cannot change. Those who oppose such teaching are characterized as ignorant and hateful bigots.
The Upward awards banquet was last night and it was awesome. Kudos to all who had a hand in pulling this off. I would venture to say that we had at least 1250 people there. Tony Eubanks (from Clemson University FCA) did an awesome job as keynote speaker and delivered a very simple and fun plan of salvation. The band Changing Ways was great and it was just a wonderful night.
I wish everyone could get it!!
Just got back from aerobics and Kathy Alley is a freak! All I can say about that.
Pray for Will Blackston and his parents Russell and Robin as he will be undergoing some test tomorrow. I'll try to keep you guys updated.
God is in Control and just remember that He has a plan for each of us. Look at this:
11 I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12 "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. 13 "When you come looking for me, you'll find me.
Jer 29:11-13 (MSG)
Isn't God good!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Status Quo

2008-03-06T06:29:00.004-05:00

Good Morning all. I trust that the Lord is blessing you. Got a few questions this morning. What does your witness look like? What kind of measures do you take to protect your witness? Do you even feel like your witness needs protecting? What exactly does your witness mean to you? Pretty tough questions this morning I know, but I have really been battling this one lately. Or should I say that the Lord has been opening my eyes more and more.

As many of you know I read several books at a time, just to mix it up a bit. I keep un-christian in my car (no I don't read while driving) and the other book I am reading is Lifestories by Mark Hall (lead singer of Casting Crowns). Lifestories is a great read and I highly recommend it. Anyway, Mark made a statement that really hit home with me..."before you can realize who you are in Christ, you have to realize who You are not." WOW!! Never really thought of it that way before. That immediately hit home with me and it led me to do a quick evaluation of the status quo in my life.

For me, the closer I get to God and the more time I spend with Him, the more He opens my eyes to the things in my life that I could always reason away. The closer I get the more of me I don't like. It's all about the witness. Its all about everyone else. Its all about letting Jesus shine through you. Its all about Christ being in the center and you rotate around Him.

You are not an addiction beater...Jesus is
You are not the perfect parent...Jesus is
You are not the unconditional lover...Jesus is
You are not __________...Jesus is.

Do you notice the common denominator above; its Jesus, and it always has been and it always will be. So I guess what I am trying to say is if your witness is weak, its because you are weak. You are nothing without Jesus. The quicker you realize this simple truth the greater He becomes in you, and you quickly see the need to move yourself out of the way and let God lead your steps.

I could go one for a while with this one, but I have to go. Ask God to lead you today and if you need it, work on adding more of Jesus to your daily diet, He is the perfect portion.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Lillian Dale Locke

2008-03-04T06:36:00.003-05:00

Today is Lillie's birthday. It is hard to believe that she is 5 years old. It is amazing how time flies. I am amazed at the understanding of both her and Sid. Just the other morning I went to wake her up before leaving for work and the first thing she said was "daddy remember to pray for brother today, you know he has a dentist appointment and he's a little scared". Not bragging too much, but a 4 year old saying that 1st thing in the morning...wow. How many of us think of others before ourself. I usually wake up selfish and want to know what I'm going to eat.

I look forward to the years ahead and am so thankful for God's gift of my children. They truly are a gift. Happy Birthday Lillie...I Love You so much!!!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Kirk Franklin - Imagine Me

2008-02-29T07:14:00.001-05:00

Are you able to see yourself the way that God see's you? I love this video and I wanted to share it with this morning. The message is very powerful. Hope you enjoy.

Last Upward games tomorrow. If you haven't caught a game yet, come out and support it. The kids have a great time.

Have a Blessed Weekend!!!

Upward '08

2008-02-27T06:11:00.008-05:00

Upward is almost over and it always comes with a bittersweet feeling. What have I learned this year so far at Upward:

I am very passionate about the program and its original cause...to see children and their parents come to know Jesus.
The referee's were a big complaint after last years season...and it wasn't much better this year. I can say this because I am over the ref's. I have officiated more games this year than anyone and I know first hand; it has not improved that much. But I ask you with a ministry such as Upward that simply uses basketball to draw the kids in does the quality of the officiating really matter? Did we as coaches and referee's show the kids (in the heat of competition) Jesus? This should be the biggest concern, not the quality of the call. And just like the officiating suffered so did a few of us in this area, myself included. If you volunteered and helped me ref this year please do not take this personal, this vent was all on me. Thank you so much for giving of your time to help in this area...You Rock!
I am becoming less sports competitive and more God competitive as the years roll on.
The more of "I" that we put into whatever and the less of "Jesus" the more complicated it all becomes.
We simply can't do anything an have an impact on the Kingdom without Jesus in it.
With the other church involvement we had this year I think we have made strides toward growing the program in the years to come.
Without countless volunteers this program would be nonexistent. Everyone who helped Thank You very much. Thanks especially to all the commissioners and to Matt Lusk for his countless hours he and Tonya poured unselfishly into this year.
The cheerleaders are the best. All the girls are awesome and this new program
was a big hit and I look for it to grow next year as well.
Pray hard for this Saturday (our last game day) and especially for Monday March 10th as we have our Awards night celebration. This is one of the most important times of the season, we will share through a guest speaker the plan of salvation to not only the kids, but the parents as well. Thanks in advance for your prayers.
In all things give God the Praise, Honor, and Glory!

All in all it was and still is a great season and I am already thinking BIG for next season. Once again if you are reading this and were a part of Upward '08 in any capacity, Thank You!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Awesome

2008-02-26T07:26:00.002-05:00

For those of you who don't read Perry Nobles blog, you have got to ckick on this link. Click right here and prepare to be moved. This is far better than anything I had this morning.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

UN-CHRISTIAN

2008-02-22T07:38:00.005-05:00

Good morning all. The days sure get by don't they? It is just amazing to me how fast time goes by the older you get.

I want to share a brief word on a book that I am currently reading. It's titled: UN-christian...what a new generation really thinks about christrianity. It is a real eyeopener. This book was based on surveys, polls, and interviews that the Barna Research Group conducted over a couple of years. It was written by David Kinnaman (president of The Barna Group and a christian) and Gabe Lyons (cofounder of Catalyst - a christian conference for young leaders in the church today).

I am only 50 pages in to this 250 page book, but what I read yesterday really got me. Read this carefully:
Here is what it all boils down to - and I believe, one of the most important findings of our research for this book: among young non-Christians, 84% say they know at least one committed Christian. Yet just 15% thought the lifestyles of those Christ followers were significantly different from the norm. This gap speaks volumes.

So my question to you this morning: Can the friends that you run with see any difference in your life that makes you stand out? Do you just talk a mean game, but when it comes down to it are you just someone who fills a pew on Sunday? Is there really a difference in your life that lets people know you are a Christ follower? Bottom line: Would you be in the 15% or the remaining 85%?

Think about it and really do some soul searching, because everybody is always watching YOU.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Tim Hawkins - Cletus Take the Reel

2008-02-21T07:25:00.001-05:00

In honor of the Bassmaster Classic being at Lake Hartwell this weekend...Here You Go! Thanks to Frank Gravina for sharing.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Blank

2008-02-19T06:30:00.003-05:00

I sit here this morning with a million thoughts running through my head, but I just can't nail it down. Do you ever have those days? You know what you want to say, but when you open your mouth nothing comes out, or the way it comes out is not at all the way you imagined it or even heard it. I have found since I've been married that men are a lot worse at this than women. Lori almost never messes up with her speech, but I spend a lot of time with one foot in my mouth or leaving people wandering what I mean by what I just said. Can I get an AMEN from the men or is it just me?

A lot of times I go blank like this morning. Our walk with God can be a lot like this. We have every intention of doing this, that, or just trying harder to be good. But you see the devil is the master of confusion and sometimes we find a empty blank where we should have inserted God.

So today as you have your blank moments seek His counsel and use Him to fill in the blank. I promise it will make every situation better.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Examine Yourself 4 Minute Compilation by Paul Washer

2008-02-15T09:04:00.001-05:00

Worth Watching. Paul Washer raises some good questions for thought. Hope you enjoy.

Winterjam tonight...get there early!

Have a Blessed Weekend!!!

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T06:56:00.004-05:00

Good Morning everybody. To all the male readers if you have failed to get a present for the love of your life there is still time.

Here is a little Valentine Day Humor going out to all the Dads. Enjoy!

APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor. NAME_____________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH_____________ HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT____________ IQ__________ GPA_____________
SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________
DRIVERS LICENSE #________________
BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES__________________________________________
HOME ADDRESS_______________________
CITY/STATE___________ ZIP____________
Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No
Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No
If No, explain: _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Number of years they have been married ______________________________
If less than your age, explain ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
ACCESSORIES SECTION:
A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No
B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No
C. A waterbed? __Yes __No
D. A pickup with a mattress in the back?__Yes __No
E. A tattoo? __Yes __No
F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring? __Yes __No
(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)
ESSAY SECTION:
In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
REFERENCES SECTION: Church you attend ___________________________________________________
How often you attend ________________________________________________
When would be the best time to interview your:
father? _____________ mother? _____________ pastor? _____________
SHORT-ANSWER SECTION: Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential.
A: If I were shot, the last place I would want shot would be: ______________________________________________________________
B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my: ______________________________________________________________
C: A woman's place is in the: ______________________________________________________________
D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is: ______________________________________________________________
E. What do you want to do IF you grow up? ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is: ______________________________________________________________
G. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________

I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE. _________________________________________________________ Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!) _______________________________ Mother's Signature ________________________________ Father's Signature _______________________________ Pastor/Priest/Rabbi
________________________________ State Representative/Congressman
Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual. Please allow thirteen years for processing. You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentleman wearing white ties carrying violin cases. (you might watch your back)
To prepare yourself, start studying Daddy's Rules for Dating. Daddy's Rules for Dating Your dad's rules for your boyfriend (or for you if you're a guy) :
Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them..
Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'
Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge . Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi . When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

The Hawk and The Crows

2008-02-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am constantly looking around and taking in things when I am outside. You know, if I hear a sound I want to know what made it; except if its dark and I'm alone, I don't stick around very long at all.

I love to hear a birds singing and try to find out which one is making the noise. I think everyone knows what a crow sounds and looks like, but do you know how they act? Have you ever noticed how a small bird can chase away and aggravate a larger one. I have seen it so many times to where a mockingbird will chase a crow away. This big crow is dodging the darts and dives of this little mockingbird. And the crow pays it forward as he/she will do the same to a hawk.

It took me a while to set this up, thanks for staying with me. Anyway the other day I was riding down the road and I pass this huge Oak tree and I see about 10 crows scattered about the limbs all around this very large Red Tail Hawk. Its cold outside and my windows are up, but I can actually see the crows crowing all together at this Hawk.

The Hawk just sits there, steady and gazing at the horizon. Not for the perfect time to make a run for it, but for lunch. The Hawk is not at all influenced or swayed by his current situation. He is steady, sure, and confident.

On a daily basis would you consider yourself a Hawk or a crow? Are you so focused on Jesus that no matter of your current situation you remain steady, sure, and confident? Or, are you quick to jump on someone, spread a little gossip, and try to inflict some pain, like a crow? This past Saturday at Upward I am sorry to report that I was a crow. We had a situation that arose and I missed my opportunity to shine like a Hawk. For me it is a daily struggle to move me out of the way and focus only on Jesus. Do you battle this as well? What say you this morning...Hawk or crow? I hope Hawk!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

The Waiting Game

2008-02-11T10:25:00.001-05:00

I will be back tomorrow. I have some exciting news from the weekend that I want to share, but I just don't have time today. Sorry and see you back here in the morning.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Steve Harvey Introduces Jesus

2008-02-07T07:31:00.001-05:00

I hope you enjoy!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Super Bowl

2008-02-04T08:33:00.000-05:00

So who would've thunk it? The NY Giants won! A modern day David vs Goliath, nobody expected it. But then again who really cares? I went to 2 different parties to view the game and it is the same every year.....nobody really watches the game.

The youth at church were busy playing in the gym or the game room despite having the game on the big screen, and at the Dorn's house everyone was grazing in the kitchen and just talking. It was just another Sunday night.

Reminds me a lot of our lives. We have the greatest gift living inside us and giving us power and we just walk around for the most part; with the business as usual attitude. We usually only exercise this power on Sundays. What if we let God show up and show out in our life every minute of every day? What kind of impact could we have in our environment? Think about it!

I updated the church website last night. It is a little plain right now, but it is a work in progress. I will be improving it as I get more used to that kind of thing. You can check it out here

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Friday

2008-02-01T07:37:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to drop you a line and say that I pray that God blesses each and everyone of you today and this weekend. See ya back here next week.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Prayer Mode

2008-01-31T06:35:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Upward Is Here

2008-01-29T06:41:00.000-05:00

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!!!

The Evil Eye Baby

2008-01-25T08:02:00.001-05:00

This is just a little Friday morning humor. Hope you enjoy.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Build a Bridge and Get Over It

2008-01-24T06:26:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Somebody Please Make Me

2008-01-22T06:18:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Snow Day

2008-01-17T08:42:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Be Careful

2008-01-15T06:14:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

2008-01-10T06:27:00.001-05:00

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!!!

How Do We Pray?

2008-01-09T06:59:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Girly Man or Just Crazy

2008-01-08T06:18:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Prayer Request

2008-01-04T06:35:00.000-05:00

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!!!

What Say You in '08

2008-01-03T07:06:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Collards and Black Eye Peas

2008-01-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

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!!!

Abby - Psalm 23

2007-12-31T07:54:00.001-05:00

Hope you enjoy.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Christmas Eve

2007-12-24T07:58:00.000-05:00

Well, we are knee deep in what is our busiest time of the year. We get to see just about everyone in the family over the next two days. We complain about having to be here and there, but in the end I realize how blessed we are to be able to come together as a family. There are those who have kids abroad, missionaries who haven't been home in years, and then those who are sick and in the hospital. Yes, we are truly blessed and I am thankful for it.

What are you giving God this year for Christmas? Have you even thought about it? For me it is simply what every parent wants......Quality Time. I am gonna give God more of me and my time this year for Christmas.

I hope you and your family have an encounter with Jesus this Christmas and I pray that each of you receive His gift to all of mankind. Watch the Nativity story as a family. I think it paints a pretty good picture of what it was really like.

Have a Merry Christmas and May God Bless You All!!!

Elf On The Shelf

2007-12-19T06:21:00.000-05:00

This is one of the 2 pictures on our Christmas cards this year. We are going to mail them out today. But if you look to the right of Sid you will see our little Elf hiding in the tree. This is our new Christmas helper.

My sister, Amy, gave him to the children so we named him Amos. It is a lot of fun. He stays in the house all day and flies back to Santa at night and tells him how the kids were that day. The next day he comes back to a different spot in the house. The kids wake up with excitement each morning to find where he is in the house.

This can be turned into a great life lesson. The lesson that someone is always watching. I plan to use this Christmas Eve as I talk to the kids before Amos makes his final journey to the North Pole. Just like Amos and even more important......God watches us every minute of everyday. But His gift is far greater than what we open on Christmas morning, it is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus came so that we may join God in the home He has prepared for us. How awesome is that?.

I would like to report that Sid and Lillie are acting better and Amos is helping restore a little order, but it would be a lie. The fact is that they are no different than we are. We understand far greater than our children, yet we still daily disappoint God. Look at these verses from Psalms 139:
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Less Than A Week

2007-12-18T07:34:00.000-05:00

I can't believe this time next week it will be Jesus' birthday. Wow the time really flies. I hope you have all your shopping done and will just be able to sit back this year and truly celebrate the reason for the season. That would be my wish for each and everyone of you!!!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Dodgeball - A Spiritual Gift

2007-12-13T05:57:00.001-05:00

I laugh out loud every time I watch this. Hope you enjoy.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Mary

2007-12-12T06:48:00.000-05:00

Have you ever really looked at the people throughout the Bible and examined how much faith they had? I am completely amazed every time I research this. Especially this time of the year, when I look at Mary.

Here we have a young lady who was not married and an Angel appeared to her and proclaimed that she would give birth to God's son. And her response was immediate! Lets look at this passage:
38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38 (NASB)

There was no "let me think about it" or "are you sure you have the right address", no.... Mary was eager to be used by God to fulfill his plan. Never mind that she would be ridiculed, possibly stoned, and exiled...... she said YES.

How do you answer God when He ask something of you? Have you ever felt God pulling you in a certain direction, or asking you to do something and you ignored Him. Thinking to yourself "that can't be God I feel, it must be the fajitas I had for lunch". God is still very much in control, He is still whispering truth to us (His children), and He still uses Angels everyday to protect us. The Bible says in Psalms that God commands the Angels to protect us.

We do serve; not only a risen savior, but a loving Father and He wants to very much be a part of our lives daily. Not just on Sundays. Are you listening and watching for His direction in your life?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Pitfalls

2007-12-09T23:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever looked at someones pitfalls to make yourself look good? You know what I'm talking about. The way in which we judge our actions by that of our peers. We have a knack for making the ugliest sin in our life look good by comparing it to a worse sin that someone we know has committed.

I am as guilty of this as the next guy, but God has been pointing me in the direction of truth lately. And that simple truth is that sin is sin.....plain and simple. It doesn't matter what the violation; in God's eyes, it is all sin.

With Jesus, we get everything we need to conquer any sin, but we get stupid and think we can do it alone and that is when we sin. All we have to do is read His word, rely on Him in every situation, and keep our eyes fixed on Him. Read these verses from 2 Corinthians:

16 So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. 17 These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. 18 There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
2 Cor 4:16-18 (MSG)

So the next time you see a brother sin, instead of pointing to his weakness to make you look better, pick him up, lift him up, and point him in the direction of Jesus.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

An Unspoken Plea

2007-12-07T11:44:00.001-05:00

Do you know anyone like this? I think we can all take something from her plea.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

God Provides

2007-12-04T06:37:00.001-05:00

My good friend Brandon Whitworth sent me this email and I wanted to pass it along. I hope you enjoy and thanks again Brandon.

Saw your blog on the fact that your Sunday school class studying the book of Exodus, so I thought I’d pass this along. Don’t know of it’s complete validity but with 3,000,000 people these stats make sense to me!
Blessings my brother!
Brandon

Moses in the desert! (And you think God can’t take care of you!)
Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them? They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food. According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, this is what all Moses would have to do:

1. 1500 tons of food each day - That’s two freight trains, each at least a mile long

2. 4000 tons of wood for cooking - 2more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day.

3. 11,000,000 gallons of water each day - This would take a freight train with tank cars, almost 20 miles long, just to bring water!

4. And then another thing! They had to get across the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights getting through. So there had to be a space in the Red Sea, 3 miles wide so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night.

5. But then, there is another problem...............each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long........ Think of it! This much space for camping!
Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? I think not! You see, Moses believed in God. God took care of these things for him. Now do you think God has any problem taking care of all your needs?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Evangelism Linebacker

2007-11-30T18:50:00.003-05:00

Video Test

2007-11-30T07:15:00.000-05:00

I am trying to download a video from YouTube. I don't appear to be working. I am trying to load a video of Mike Huckabee's response to the evolution question. Check it out here if it doesn't work.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Moses and the Israelites

2007-11-29T06:29:00.000-05:00

We are going through the book of Exodus in Sunday School. I will admit that when we ordered the material, I wasn't overly excited about it. But I am learning so much that I don't remember or just didn't realize from the childhood stories. Currently to date we are in the 16th chapter and God has just parted the Red Sea.

The miracles that these people witnessed first hand, find me really wondering why they questioned everything. How much more proof did they need, yet throughout the book we will see them drifting from God and complaining about everything.

My question this morning to you is....are we all that different? We have God's word, we have the faith, we believe that Jesus was raised 3 days later, but yet we still question God. We want everything the way we want it and when we don't get it we start complaining. Are we really that much different? It is real easy to sit back and say that they saw it first hand, but don't we see it as well. I know that God is daily parting Red Seas in my life and in yours as well. Just like the story in yesterdays post, God is still very much in control and if we look we can find evidence of His mercy everywhere.

Look in your life today for the evidence of how God provides and I am certain that you will realize just how blessed you are.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

God's Plans

2007-11-28T07:40:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I listen to a lot of talk radio and I heard something yesterday that I want to share with you. I will be paraphrasing Dr. Tony Beam who is a professor at North Greenville University and has a talk show called The Christian World View on this radio station...click here, and you select listen online. He is on from 7am - 9am.

Anyway he was telling a story from when he was in Atlanta for a Promise Keepers conference. They parked outside Atl and took the Marta (subway) into the city. Before the event he went to a very crowded Chick-Fil-A and the young man who waited on him inquired where they were all going and he briefly got to share his testimony, but not wanting to tie the line up he moved on and wasn't able to finish telling the man all he wanted to. After the event they boarded the Marta only to find the bus they had rented was dead and it was going to take the bus company another 3 hours to get another one to them. With everybody having schedules and it being 10pm in Atl they were not too happy. Just sitting around and waiting they looked up as the last Marta train ran the young man from Chick-Fil-A stepped off the train. Dr Beam saw him and they immediately recognized each other and they got a chance to finish their conversation. And Dr. Beam led that young man to Christ right there.

That story touched me yesterday and again today. God is perfect and His plans second to none and he knew what He was doing when He put these two paths together, but there was a choice that Dr. Beam made to initiate the conversation that ended in salvation. I just pray that in every situation I will have the courage to share what the whole world needs, even in a crowded food line. Thank you Dr. Beam for this story and for who you are.

I hope you enjoyed that story and I am sure that it touched you as it did me. And I hope you will see the importance to plant seeds without fear wherever you go.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Still Here

2007-11-27T07:55:00.000-05:00

I am still here.....just been a little slack. I have the best intentions to get back in the groove of daily blogging, but it seems more and more difficult. Anyway I will try and start it up again in the morning.

I trust all of you had a wonderful Turkey day and for those who ventured out Friday to do some shopping, hope you got some good deals.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Happy Turkey Day

2007-11-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

To everyone that reads this I just want to wish you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. And for the freaks who will be out at the butt crack of dawn on Friday morning shopping for that great deal............God help you!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Dark Meat

2007-11-19T07:23:00.000-05:00

I love Thanksgiving for 2 reasons.....dark meat and the kick off to the Christmas season. Nothing says happy holidays quite like dark meat and I love Christmas music that will start, nonstop on the airways until (in some cases.....New Years Day).

Yes, it truly is my favorite time of the year and if I wasn't so busy around the house I would probably be a little giddy right now. I hope all of you can take time this week to be thankful. Just give thanks, be happy, and save the dark meat for me.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

You Have Got To Read This!

2007-11-16T07:25:00.000-05:00

This morning I just have to share with you the post that pastor Eric Boggs published yesterday. Brandon Whitworth called me yesterday and said I just had to read it, and he was right. I know a lot of you may not have time to go to the links over to the left, so I wanted to share this. I am pretty sure Eric won't mind.

This is one of the best blogs I have read in a while. The title he chose is ".....Kiss My......" I hope you enjoy as it challenges you to wrap your brain around this scriptural parallation.

"After all that punishment I had dealt the beast that day, all I could think was, 'after this is over, I need to kiss my ass'." This may be what the story would have read like in the King James Version, had Balaam's recounting of the event to others, been recorded in Numbers 22. The Bible says that he smote the animal over and over in an effort to make her move in a direction that God was against. The story tells us that Balaam entered a conversation with the ass, saying "...if I only had a sword, I would have killed you." In reality, this man's beast saved his life - and what did the animal receive for it? You guessed it - a real ass beating! Now don't go and get your religious devil's riled up too quick because of the "play" on words. There's a powerful point here if you will see with your heart.(By the way, there are several great sermon titles afforded here if we allowed for the true vernacular of the KJV. Here are a few: "Hauling Ass", "The Talking Ass", "Stop Beating Your Ass", and my personal favorite, "Kicking Your Ass!".) This donkey was perceived to be an obstacle for Balaam and his own plans. Yet the stubbornness of the donkey prevented Balaam from walking into sure peril. The Angel of the Lord said, "if she would not have turned back, I would have slain you, and saved her life."

I wonder how many times in our own lives we have faced perceived obstacles, that in reality, is the providence of God at work in our lives. How many times have we stubbornly forced our way past resistance, only to find out that the grass, on the other side of the fence that we hurdled, was not that great after all? You see there are times that God is watching out for your best interest even when you're not really aware of it. Many of those times we even question God as to why He's saying "NO" - when obviously, to us anyway - "YES" would be so much better. That promotion, that new car, that girl or that guy was the thing that would have fit perfectly into our plans. "Lord,I need it my way, and right now! Those donkeys that are in my way and keeping me from getting to where I want to go, need to be shot!" Not so quick there young fella'. God may be keeping you from a mistake that could cost you the rest of your life!

This may help:
1)Perceived obstacles may be the exact opposite of your perception. These may be the stepping stones or the open door to your most beneficial opportunity.
2)Try to discover the source of your resistance. If it's God, I'd advise you to STOP!
3)Hold On! The thing you are 'hating on' right now, may be the thing you love the most later.
4)Look Again! There may be more to it than you see initially.

I hope the point is taken well. Believe it or not, I'm NOT encouraging the use of slang. I'm not trying to be a wise-guy or disrespectful in any way. But what I promise to do, as best I know how, is to be real with you on these blogs. I hope this is an attention-getter! There are so many life's lessons that we sometimes miss or overlook in the scripture. You may say I could have gotten the point across another way, but, one thing for sure, you won't ever forget this one! The blog where the Preacher said... "there may be times that I need to 'kiss my ass'."

Thank you Eric for who you are and what you are doing, and I pray that God will continue to bless you and your staff over at Beech Springs. You guys Rock!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Clear As Mud

2007-11-15T07:44:00.000-05:00

What is going on in your world this morning? Mine is as clear as mud! Robert Beaver (our music minister) uses this phrase a lot in choir practice. I've have just got so much going on that it ain't funny.

The only constant I know is that Jesus is seated at the right hand of my God and in times like these that is all I can hold on to. If you think about it......That's all you need.

My day is better already! How about yours?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Upward Evaluations

2007-11-13T07:18:00.001-05:00

All I can say is that Sunday was awesome. Our SS department had a pretty rowdy goal of 325 for our high attendance day. Well we all out did ourselves and we had 347!!! Good Job everyone.

Last night Upward officially got kicked off and we are all very excited. I can't wait to see the cheerleaders this year. I think we have close to 300 kids who pre-registered, and this number in years past has almost doubled during evaluations. Thanks to all the volunteers, you guys are awesome. Greg Tysl and Matt Lusk have really put a lot into this year and we are all excited to see where God is leading as we faithfully follow.

Hope you all had a good weekend. Pray for us and Upward as we have 2 more nights of evaluations.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Monday-Wednesday-Friday

2007-11-08T22:29:00.001-05:00

The title of today's blog; well actually tomorrows, reminds me of my high school days. We would always work out on Mon, Wed, & Fridays. It was a pretty good routine. I'm sure a lot of you remember those days. You would work out the entire body all 3 days and rest in between.

Later on in life I worked out 5 days a week. I got a lot better results than when in high school. I would work 2 body parts a day and I really got strong. I don't believe in those new fangled work outs. You know the ones I'm talking about: work out for 20 minutes a day and you will look like a underwear model. I ain't buying it.

This can easily be said of our christian lives. For those who work out their spirituality 7 days a week, well, they are stronger. I will admit that I am not there yet. All too often I let me and my hum-drum life get in the way. Are you as tired of that excuse as I am? I do want to read my bible everyday and learn something new, but it seems that life just gets in the way.

Our maturity in Christ is dependent on what we put in. What you put in is what you get out, and the reality for this blogger is that I need to work out harder. I need to turn off the TV and pick up the Bible, or just talk to the wife about what God is doing in our midst, and believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

For the Belton peeps who read this I need you to remember EP Dorn in your prayers she lost her mother rather suddenly on Thursday morning and also Brad Hughes lost his dad a few days ago. Please pray for these families. I hope you all have a great weekend and remember this Sunday is high attendance day for us at BFBC.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Will You Take The Son?

2007-11-07T06:25:00.000-05:00

Good Morning all. I trust your week has gotten off to a great start. I received this email from one of my customers yesterday and I want to share it with you this morning. Hope you enjoy!

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. ! The father was notified and grieved deeply for his ! only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bull! et struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his! son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"
There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."
But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?"
Another voice angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"
But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it ! was all he could afford.
"We have $10, who will bid $20?"
"Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters."
"$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
"What about the paintings?"
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!"
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?"
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.

Have you taken the Son? Is your eternity secure this morning? All you have to do is except His love and believe. It is the best decision you could ever make!!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Just A Few Quick Thoughts

2007-11-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

I know that I have been a little slack in my blogging and I don't really have a good excuse. I have just been lazy and a little busy.

Let me bring you up to speed since my last blog. The Block Party on Halloween was a huge success. I think we served 875 hot dogs, dispensed about a 40 acre field of pop-corn, and contributed to about 956 cavities due to the large amounts of cotton candy served. What an awesome night and to me this is what church should be all about. Brown Avenue is the place to be when it comes to trick or treating and we definitely have started something that will hopefully be an annual event on our front lawn. My very talented wife even made Michael Gilreaths jeep look good. Her vision never ceases to amaze me. Not sucking up at all, just stating the facts.

This coming Sunday is high attendance Sunday within our Sunday School and I am looking forward to see if we hit our goal. Invite everybody.

We are having our 2nd bathroom renovated and it is coming along very good. Please pray for me and Lori. It is amazing how a room 6'6" X 9' can cause such in depth discussions.

Hope you are all doing well and please keep in touch. I hope to do better this week with the blog. I'll do my best to meet you here tomorrow and do your best to check in on me. I appreciate each and everyone of you, whoever you all are. Thanks again for reading.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Block Party

2007-10-31T07:28:00.000-04:00

OK, I have been missing in action for the past few days. It seems impossible, but I get more busy every day. Welcome to the rat race.

So today is Halloween and we are having a huge block party at our church. If you happen to be in the Belton area tonight.....drop on in. We will have Free hot dogs, the Youth Praise Band will be playing and most of the SS classes are participating in trunk or treat.

Hope you have a fun and safe night if you do venture out and like always spread the love of Jesus.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Lost In The Shuffle

2007-10-26T07:10:00.000-04:00

Well I am glad this work week is almost over. We have been slammed at work and I have been pulling some late nights trying to stay caught up. Being busy is sometimes good, but I like it better when it is just steady.

This week God has once again reassured me that I need Him every minute of every hour. No matter what it is or how hard I try, I just can't handle it without Him. We do serve an awesome God!

What has God shown you this week? It is real easy for us to lose sight of God in the madness we create in our daily routines. Make it a point to always look to Him for guidance (preaching to the choir) and He will not let us down.

Have a Blessed Day and a Great Weekend!!!

Recharge Day

2007-10-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Good Morning. I am praying for each of you this morning and it is my prayer that God would just have His way in your life and that you would let Him. Pray with me that God would be OUR constant today and everyday.

I love Wednesday nights at our church. It is the perfect pick me up in the middle of the week and the fellowship is great. Hope you all have a great time of worship tonight.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

God Places You Right Where He Wants You

2007-10-23T05:39:00.000-04:00

So you remember yesterday when I said that I was going to let Jesus handle everything the devil threw at me? Well sometimes we just think it is the devils doings, but it ain't.

Yesterday I was at Office Depot getting some supplies (Duh) and I had a tight schedule with a fast approaching lunch appointment. Well as I was cleaning out the front seat for the customer I locked the keys in the car. I don't have a spare......and yes I felt stupid. Long story short I had to call a lock smith.

Have you ever had a moment when you looked back afterwards you were floored at the events that unfolded before your eyes? Quick story within a story. All of his life I called my dad's dad Papa Locke, and that is what Sid and Lillie call my dad. Well the name of the locksmith was Pop-A-Lock. And honestly it didn't hit me until last night when I was telling Lori. She had gotten it right off the bat, but it wasn't until I said it real fast that I got it.

Well, I had to call the customer and tell him I would be late. I was feeling real stupid. It took the guy around 40 minutes to get there and when he did we started talking and I just happen to have an old Upward coaches shirt on. After some small talk, he asked me if I worked for Upward. I told him no, that I coached in an Upward league. And then we started a pretty long conversation on church and Jesus.

He said he had been out of church for a while, but wanted to get back involved. I have a ton of customers who go to church in Greenville and I was able to tell him of at least 10 different churches in G'ville that range from old school traditional to a very contemporary service. We talked about everything and I gave him a business card and told him to call me with any questions he may have. I also offered up some names of some of my plumbing customers that would love to have him at their church. I did invite him to our church, but he wanted somewhere in Greenville.

God put me right where He wanted me yesterday and He used me. We have to always be ready for whatever God ask of us. And constantly be on the lookout for such opportunities, and He will use you. What an awesome feeling!!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Music Therapy

2007-10-22T05:26:00.000-04:00

Good Morning. Got a question for you this morning....What helps you relax? What can put you in a better mood despite the rotten day your having or just had? For me it is simply.......music.

I have always been a big fat sap, I love a slow song, ballad, or simply a song that tells a story. There was that time in the early 80's when I was into rap and break-dancing, but that was short lived (thank you Jesus). I listen to mostly christian contemporary and some country. Right now at 5:30am while I am writing this I have on the headphones and I'm listening to Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace (love this version). I downloaded all my Cd's to iTunes (on my laptop) and I really dig the way you can scroll through all the albums and pick out the one you want to listen to. It rocks...no pun intended.

Got two links for the rest of music lovers. These are from You Tube and the content within this website amazes me. The first one is my cousin Jan Jordan who God has definitely gifted with a beautiful voice. You can check it out HERE.
The second link is a new song by Steven Curtis Chapman (mine and Sid's favorite singer). It's a song with a story from his new and upcoming CD. The title is Cinderella and you can check it out HERE. The story he tells coupled with the lyrics really hit home with me. You just have to listen to these. I know it will be just what the Dr ordered.

Finally this morning I am looking forward to today and I want to right now give it to Jesus and I am going to let Him handle whatever the devil throws at me. Its a jungle out there, but He is king of that jungle.....Will you let Him be?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Are You a First Responder?

2007-10-18T06:50:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been at a red light and looked over to see someone just looking at you with no emotion? You can cut the tension with a knife. Then one of two things happens: one of you nods or you just drive off. Has this ever happened to you?

I don't know if its because I'm bald and so handsome that everyone feels threatened (I really am bald), but I get these looks all the time. OK, so I maybe stretched the handsome part, but I really do get it a lot.

I try to always be the first responder in these situations, because I feel that is what we are called to be. We are all God's children, but we act so distant toward each other a lot of the times.

Lets take a little test. If you are in a crowded mall, do you try to make eye contact with as many people as possible or do you just keep to yourself? I like to smile, speak, and nod at everyone I see. I just love people and apparently I am bad at it, because I get asked all the time by the wife and kids who that was, to which I respond - I have no idea. You would be surprised to see what a simple smile can do to a perfect stranger. Even the Bible says that laughter is the best medicine.

So be happy and spread that happiness. We are called to walk the Earth just like Jesus, and to do that we are commanded to love our neighbor as our self. Are you taking every opportunity to share that love?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

The Upcoming Upward Season

2007-10-17T07:05:00.000-04:00

This morning I need to ask a favor of all who read this. I need you to pray for our upcoming Upward season. The registration / evaluation nights are less than a month away and we need your prayers. For the new people, you can click HERE to learn all about this awesome ministry.

Pray for Matt Lusk (our fearless leader), pray for the wisdom to lead the ability to delegate.

Pray for all the different commissioners and especially for the new program we are adding......Cheerleading.

Pray for the kids and the parents, because without them there is no league.

Pray for all the volunteers who will be so graciously giving of their time.

And most of all pray that in all we do we will give God the honor and praise for he alone is worthy.

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Who Brought Snacks

2007-10-15T21:31:00.000-04:00

Decided to do a post tonight rather than in the morning. I am planning on doing a little exercise in the morning to try and loose a little weight before the holidays. Putting on weight is a lot like getting in debt; it's a fun trip, but when you finally decide to get back to where you were it gets hard.

Had a soccer game tonight and we got thumped by a team who had not won all year. I talked with the coach before the game and she informed me of the seasons demise. So I decided to take it easy on them (I have a heart), well they beat us 8 - 5. Sure I could have made some changes during the game to change the outcome and I don't like getting beat, but I want everyone to be able to play. I like the Upward way of doing game time - everyone gets to play and everyone is a winner. We had a good time, no one got hurt, but the way the other kids reacted to winning their first game was well worth our loss. They were jumping up and down and the parents were happy and our kids, I think were happy for them. All my kids wanted to know was who brought snacks, that's all they ever care about. I mean its 8 & under soccer, as long as we are having fun who cares about the outcome.

This Thursday is our last game and it will be bittersweet. I love kids, but it will give me back two nights a week to work on the house or just hang with the family. Whew!

Check out these words by Mark Batterson. He is the author of In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day and he is also the pastor at National Community Church in DC. I have a link to his blog over on the left, and the below was in his blog this morning.

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.
Chase the lion.

He has hit the nail on the head with every word, there is a lot of truth and a ton of lessons in that short paragraph. Man I'm pumped right now!!!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

The Weekend

2007-10-15T05:22:00.000-04:00

It appears that the wife invaded the blog on Friday's post, she added all the writing in red. We had a great weekend and last night at church we had our celebration dinner for the new youth building. It was a great night filled with fellowship, singing, and testimonies. We really do have a great church family. Afterwards the Crown financial class went to Jake's on Main to have ice cream and hang out. Wishing right now that I skipped the banana split.

They announced last night that we have pledged over $460,000.00 to the construction of the Youth building (over the next 3 years) and yesterday during the first offering they received $88,000.00. This is truly and God thing and it is exciting to see where He is leading. We really do have an awesome church.

Newspring has created a website for their upcoming series entitled "The Perfect Kid", and it is unbelievable. They have invited the youth and parents and given them an avenue to vent anonymously. There is a column for the kids and also for the parents. Take some time today and just browse through some of the entries, it will blow your mind. You can check it out here.

Mr. Steve (the painter) should finish this week and the house looks like a brand new one. Thanks again to whomever. We LOVE you! Hope you have an awesome Monday.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

God Is Still In The Amazing Business

2007-10-12T05:32:00.000-04:00

So everybody knows that we are trying to get our house ready to sell. (If not, please pray that we aren't committed in the process.) Well, last Friday this guy named Steve Jones shows up on our porch and tells Lori he wants to scrape and paint the trim on our house. To which Lori responded, "We would love for you to, but that just isn't in the budget at this time." Then he said that it has already been taken care of by a group of our friends. Are you kidding me? Lori called me at work and I asked her if he looked like Ty Pennington (Extreme Home Makeover) and if he had a megaphone. I still am having a hard time believing it, and he is almost done with the prep work!

This is the most humbling experience I have had to date. It is an awesome experience to give from the heart - especially to do it anonymously - but when it happens and you don't know who to thank, it takes on a whole new meaning. Did I mention we are extremely humbled? All we can do is thank God for providing for us, because we will never find out who did it. (Although there have been suspicious reactions from friends!)

I have told a few people that are close to me, and I'll tell y'all... if you know who did this, tell them thank you and that we love them. I think through all this God is teaching us how to receive a blessing and a gift. Like I said before it is a lot easier to give than to receive.

Has anything like this ever happened to any of you? It is an awesome experience that we will never forget and we are just overwhelmed. Thank you to whomever, but mostly to God.

So today Lori and I have been married for 11 years. (Really?) God has brought us through some good times and bad ones, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Marriage is a funny thing and it's amazing how it changes daily. It is alive and needs constant attention and nurture. Honestly, for me as a husband I am still learning this on a daily basis, but I can't think of anyone I would rather learn it with than Lori. Please pray for Lori as she continues to tolerate me. (Thank you.)

And finally, we have a friend who has entered the blogging world and I am extremely excited about it. This man is a great friend and an awesome man of God - Preacher Eric Boggs of Beech Springs Tabernacle. I will put a link to his blog (on the left, under "Blogs I Read") for you to check out or you can click here on his name: Eric Boggs. (Eric, bless you for being the only soul to let me out on the highway from that unrelenting school traffic a while back.)

Y'all Have a Blessed Day... The Tomb is Empty and He is at Large!!!

The Sid Man

2007-10-09T06:56:00.000-04:00

It is very hard for me to believe that 7 years ago today we became parents. Sidney Michael Locke was given to us by God on October 9th, 2000. He is a wonderful son and such a caring big brother.

As I look back over the 7 years we have had to watch Sid grow, I realize that Lori and have grown as well. We have a more healthy relationship as husband and wife, we turned out to be pretty good parents, and most of all our relationship with our heavenly father is far better.

I truly believe this is a result of being parents. Isn't it funny how God can use the innocence of a child to teach grown-ups life lessons. I personally have learned so much from Sid and I look forward to learning so much more. We are all a work in progress, and our tomorrows are promised to be better than our today's, and I can't hardly wait.

For the parents - cherish your children as they are truly a gift from God!
For the children - be patient with your parents, because we don't always get it right!
And God give both of us the wisdom to handle each other!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Monday AM

2007-10-08T07:40:00.000-04:00

Good Morning everybody. I trust that you had a good weekend. I am delighted to tell you that God has showed up and showed out recently in mine and Lori's life. I will get to the specifics later, but just know that we serve an awesome God.

That's about all I got, got to get into a meeting.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Rejoice

2007-10-05T06:43:00.000-04:00

I want to tell you that the celebration of Mama Huck this past Tuesday was great. As the minister Jason Webb put it "everything we have ever wandered or had a question to.......Mama Huck now knows". And we know where she is and we will see her again.

The Hope that we have is rooted in Jesus Christ and His promise that He has prepared a better place for us is where we find that Hope. So rejoice today in your salvation and believe in the one who paid your debt in full.

Pray for us as an Upward team this weekend. We are going to have a booth at the Standpipe Festival and then on Sunday night Dodd Wilson will be speaking at Mt Bethel Baptist Church and showing the Caz video. This years season is coming quickly upon us. Start praying now that God will be glorified and given all the credit for what He is going to do.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Mama Huck

2007-10-01T06:19:00.000-04:00

I am happy to report this morning that my Grandmother "Mama Huck" has graduated to Heaven. She has been in that glorious city since Saturday night and I am so excited for her. I know that she is at the feet of Jesus and worshipping the only living God because of these verses from Luke:

42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
Luke 23:42-43 (NASB)

I honestly don't know how the non-believers handle death? But for us as Christians it is a time of celebration and the promise that they are in a better place. Sure we will miss Mama Huck, but she has won the prize and I know she would want us to rejoice with her. And as Sid told my sister yesterday, we will see her again when we get to heaven.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Rolling Stone

2007-09-27T06:54:00.001-04:00

Are you lazy? Do you sit around wishing for abilities without putting forth any effort? Let me be the first to say that I do. I am constantly wanting to be so much more than I am, and I want it immediately!!

I want a better prayer life without really spending more time on my knees.

I want to know scripture better without spending more time in God's word.

I want to do so much and stay in my comfort zone.

Does this sound familiar or is it just me? I am finding out that it is not only up to God, we have a part as well. And our part is simply.........to do.

Do spend more time on your knees, Do spend more time in the Bible, and do whatever it takes to be constantly changing. My grandmother (Mama Huck) always says that "a rolling stone gathers no moss", don't you just love the wisdom that comes with age.

So back to you: Are you doing your part, or are you waiting and wanting God to do it all? Think about it.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

A Great Story

2007-09-26T05:39:00.000-04:00

I'm sure a lot of you have seen this email, but just in case you haven't I wanted to share this amazing story with you. Hope you enjoy.

A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to share this on September 11th, 2003. His Name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

"A few weeks before September 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said amen, we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. Both very upset, we drove home.

I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak.

My father also had more news for me. He was going to help. He said, "This is not something I can't just sit by for. I have to do something." I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, "Take good care of my grandchild." Those were the last words I ever heard my father say. He died while helping in the rescue effort.

My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye. Then something happened.

About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, "I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son." He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her.

My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, "There is something else you need to know." His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves. When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of the man who gave his life so that mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize two things. First that God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of Heaven, but God is always in control. And second it that though it has been several years since the attacks, we should never let it become a mere tragic memory. Please take time to share this amazing story with those you love. You may never know the impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Fall Campus

2007-09-24T07:07:00.000-04:00

I am loving me some fall campus. Lori and I are in the Crown Financial class and I am really looking forward to what God is showing us and where He will lead. It is a profound eye opener. Did you know that money is mentioned more than 2300 times in the bible? I think God knew exactly where our weakness would be and this is why He gave so much instruction on it.

So the next time you are having financial burdens look to the bible, God covers every question we have about everything in His word.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

TGIF

2007-09-21T05:49:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! Hope you had a good night. I am glad it's Friday. I have a lot going on today and it is going to be a great day.

Today I am taking some customers to Waterloo to shoot sporting clays. I know I have it rough, but hey someone has to do it. And then tonight at the BHP ballgame our SS class is tailgating and cooking hot dogs. This should be a great time of fellowship and I am looking forward to it.

What has God done this week in your life? Has he led you or are you still trying to do it all yourself? Commit today to letting Him lead and follow His promptings. I promise that it will be the smoothest day you have seen in a while. I hope you all have a great weekend and in all you do acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

191

2007-09-19T07:41:00.000-04:00

This post today is the 191st post since I started on Blogger. It is hard to believe that I have actually stuck with something for this long. And let me be the first to say that I normally will start something and then get burnt out on it and just quit. And there are still mornings when I have to make myself write. I read something last night that said God will lead us to a task more times than not, for our benefit instead of those we feel we will be serving. This is definitely the case with this blog. It helps me stay where I need to be and to be more diligent and open to hearing God speak.

Thank you for reading each day and I pray that God will continue to bless. Remember if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Have a Blessed Day!!!