This is the time of year when many people begin thinking about self-improvement goals and ending bad habits. But why not do something different? This year, instead of making a list of things you want to change about yourself, think of a few goals that will help others. Commit to reading for fifteen minutes to your young child each school night. Make it your goal to cook dinner for an elderly neighbor each week. Baby-sit for a single mom once a month. Improving yourself is great...but impacting the lives of others is even better!
received today in my daily Family Minute email from http://www.familyfirst.net/
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
being missed....would you be missed?
...we have often ourselves the question in our business, "would we be missed if we closed our doors"...as I was reading here last week, the question was asked of his church, would they be missed?...my thoughts were, if the church was gone would those members or attenders miss the church...it was then menitoned in a different light, would those individuals in the area, the community, elsewhere.... that the church is ministering to....would they miss the church?...miss the people (who are the church)?...would they be missed?...in the same sense, would your family miss you?...would you be missed...this speaks to me as to what am I doing in ministry at work, with my family, my friends, my church....who do I bless or minister to that would miss me?...that is the question I am pondering and that the Lord is working on in me...
thanks to Jay for sharing this with me.....
thanks to Jay for sharing this with me.....
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
President and Christ Follower George W Bush
copied from an email that I received from my father this afternoon...
sorry to be so long but well worth the read in my opinion, I am proud to call him my President...
WHAT AN AWESOME TRIBUTE TO GEORGE W BUSH! PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE STORY NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PERCEPTION IS OF HIM. YOU WON'T REGRET IT.............. Story by: Bruce Vincent
For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts about our President, here is an excellent piece -- worth every minute it takes to read it. This story is from Bruce Vincent of Libby, Montana, who had gone to the White House with others to receive an award from the President. He writes: I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends. Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When the President was told that we were from Libby, Montana, I reminded him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts about Governor Racicot. I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office. First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God." I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our vote. I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment -- that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream.' Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and, standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group. He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement about the President, and Mrs. Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought the place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one. After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees, shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family. "He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you -- and God bless you and yours as well." On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him your regards." I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr.President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you." As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it." I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell, Montana, having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes. This explains it." From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery. He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer." As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace. He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and his. As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office. George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting accounts. Each time I read them I hoped them to be true and not an Internet perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true. I was there. He is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day -- and yet he is tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart. He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son, husband-to-husband, Christian- to-Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.
sorry to be so long but well worth the read in my opinion, I am proud to call him my President...
WHAT AN AWESOME TRIBUTE TO GEORGE W BUSH! PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE STORY NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PERCEPTION IS OF HIM. YOU WON'T REGRET IT.............. Story by: Bruce Vincent
For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts about our President, here is an excellent piece -- worth every minute it takes to read it. This story is from Bruce Vincent of Libby, Montana, who had gone to the White House with others to receive an award from the President. He writes: I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends. Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When the President was told that we were from Libby, Montana, I reminded him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts about Governor Racicot. I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office. First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God." I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our vote. I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment -- that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream.' Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and, standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group. He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement about the President, and Mrs. Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought the place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one. After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees, shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family. "He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you -- and God bless you and yours as well." On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him your regards." I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr.President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you." As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it." I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell, Montana, having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes. This explains it." From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery. He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer." As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace. He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and his. As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office. George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting accounts. Each time I read them I hoped them to be true and not an Internet perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true. I was there. He is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day -- and yet he is tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart. He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son, husband-to-husband, Christian- to-Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.
"LOUDER THAN CREATION"
listening to LOUDER THAN CREATION, North Point Live worship CD...just got this in the mail today from North Point...check it out at http://www.northpointmusic.org/ North Point Church (http://www.northpoint.org/) in Atlanta is doing a great work for the Lord under their Lead Pastor, Andy Stanley...recently listened to a 4 part sermon series, Judgement Call, awesome word...check it out at http://northpoint.org/messages or you can download the podcast on iTunes...beginning on 10/21/08 for four consecutive weeks, Eye to Eye, Double Standard on 10/28/07, then Don't Just Stand There on 11/04/07, followed by part 4, Sentenced on 11/11/07...love the song 'Let Me Sing' from the album by Todd Fields...I would think it should be available on iTunes shortly....
neat picture that Susie gave me for Christmas
came home last night and my youngest son said, "dad you got something from UPS", "really, where is the UPS label?"...my wife chimed in, "what is it, something from the Sabres"? I am like seriously guys this is a package wrapped in Christmas paper with two bows, I told them since it is a gift I will open it on Christmas day...again, Susie says, "open it, I want to know what it is"...I opened it and it is this picture that Susie had painted here in Tulsa by Lee Ann Dixon from a couple of photos...anyway I think it is pretty cool and unique...we have it sitting up above our fireplace...sorry it is a little dark at the top with the shadow but that is what you get with a phone and an amateur picture taker such as myself...Susie is a huge blessing to me and I am so thankful for her...I am grateful that we have been married for 25 years...you are awesome sweetheart!...by the way this will be our 25th Christmas together...pretty cool....
Monday, December 17, 2007
He Will Be Called...Everlasting Father
Good stuff from church yesterday...current series 'He Will Be Called' taken from Isaiah 9:6, this week covering 'Everlasting Father'
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Our earthly father...
1) is sometimes not satisfied (can we please him?)
2) can sometimes be angry (maybe often)
3) sometimes he is not there (may never be there)
Our heavenly Father...
1) He is always compassionate
2) He always cares
3) He is always there
remember our identity is in our Heavenly Father, our identity is in Him
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Our earthly father...
1) is sometimes not satisfied (can we please him?)
2) can sometimes be angry (maybe often)
3) sometimes he is not there (may never be there)
Our heavenly Father...
1) He is always compassionate
2) He always cares
3) He is always there
remember our identity is in our Heavenly Father, our identity is in Him
Saturday, December 08, 2007
extract the precious...
heard a cool thought yesterday in relation to Jeremiah 15:19, 'extract the precious from the worthless'
use words truly and well (precious), don't stoop to cheap whining (worthless)
let you words change them (precious), don't change your words to suit them (worthless)
use words truly and well (precious), don't stoop to cheap whining (worthless)
let you words change them (precious), don't change your words to suit them (worthless)
Friday, December 07, 2007
Quiet Strength....
Tony Dungy mentions how fortunate he is to work for the Indianapolis Colts and a man, Jim Irsay who allows him to openly share his heart without apology...Mr. Dungy stated that he often reminds his team of Matthew 16:26, "What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?" (The Message)
another verse that spoke to me yesterday was in regards to having the privilege to share your faith, Jeremiah 15:19 from The Message reads, 19 This is how God answered me:“Take back those words, and I’ll take you back. Then you’ll stand tall before me. Use words truly and well. Don’t stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you’ll speak for me. Let your words change them. Don’t change your words to suit them." then continuing...
20 I’ll turn you into a steel wall,a thick steel wall, impregnable. They’ll attack you but won’t put a dent in you because I’m at your side, defending and delivering.” God’s Decree.
21 “I’ll deliver you from the grip of the wicked. I’ll get you out of the clutch of the ruthless.”Can Mortals Manufacture Gods?
is that good or what? Let your words change them, don't change your words...then...I'll turn you into a steel wall, a thick steel wall, impregnable!...
Tony Dungy's book, 'Quiet Strength' is well worth reading, http://www.coachdungy.com/
another verse that spoke to me yesterday was in regards to having the privilege to share your faith, Jeremiah 15:19 from The Message reads, 19 This is how God answered me:“Take back those words, and I’ll take you back. Then you’ll stand tall before me. Use words truly and well. Don’t stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you’ll speak for me. Let your words change them. Don’t change your words to suit them." then continuing...
20 I’ll turn you into a steel wall,a thick steel wall, impregnable. They’ll attack you but won’t put a dent in you because I’m at your side, defending and delivering.” God’s Decree.
21 “I’ll deliver you from the grip of the wicked. I’ll get you out of the clutch of the ruthless.”Can Mortals Manufacture Gods?
is that good or what? Let your words change them, don't change your words...then...I'll turn you into a steel wall, a thick steel wall, impregnable!...
Tony Dungy's book, 'Quiet Strength' is well worth reading, http://www.coachdungy.com/
I enjoy sports, especially...
the last couple of days I have been listening to the 'Sharing the Victory' radio program through FCA...hosted by Ron Brown, Mr. Brown was on staff at Nebraska with Tom Osborne (a Christian and who was recently voted 'The Greatest College Football Coach of All Time' at espn.com, a true honor but the greatest that could be said is that Tom Osborne did it right, plus as a follower of Jesus Christ) and Frank Solich but after Mr. Solich was relieved of his duties a few years ago Ron Brown became the Nebraska state FCA director....I had read in the past about Ron and his solid commitment to the Lord when at Nebraska so I have followed him and was excited to hear that he had recently accepted a postion on Bo Pellini's (incoming Nebraska coach) staff for the coming year...anyway, through google I found that he was with FCA and hosting the weekly 'Sharing the Victory' radio show...I have listened to a few of the recent programs (downloadable free at iTunes or at http://www.sharingthevictory.com/) bottom line great stuff...it is exciting to hear interviews with great coaches, players, ex-coaches, ex-players, many of these involved in ministry but above all each appears to have a heart for their peers and/or players to understand the true meaning of a relationship and the need for Jesus in their lives...I am excited to listen a few more programs and keep up on a weekly basis...Ron Brown is the real deal, even though I am not a Nebraska fan I will be pulling for Ron Brown as he continues his ministry and work in mentoring, loving, and developing young men for the kingdom...he is going to continue to host the STV program along with his coaching duties...I was also impressed that both Tony Dungy and Bobby Bowden mentioned they had tried to hire him but he was committed to FCA and his home in Lincoln, which now includes going back to the Cornhusker program...best to you Ron Brown, Tom Osborne, Bo Pellini, and others in getting Nebraska back to national prominence...I am confident that the Lord will find favor on these men and their decisions...
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
be generous and build into others...
two things I have read this week have hit me pretty good...one, err on the side of generosity...when I am thinking about what I am going to do (this doesn't just apply to finances but to time, spoken words, etc.) for my family (or for others) I need to be willing to do more, be more, and give more...the Lord will often prompt or speak to us to share with someone and I am often apprehensive but if I am going to err on the side of generosity I need to step up and listen, be obedient and do more than I think I can or should...maybe the Lord is working in me to strengthen my faith!...secondly, believe in people that others overlook...that is a pretty strong statement and I need to be an encourager and an uplifter to those that I come in contact with...be a builder of good into others...do not overlook the opportunity to encourage and build good into the life of others...
Monday, November 26, 2007
swerve.lifechurch.tv blog today
http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2007/11/26/spiritual-esteem-1-of-5/ excellent post today at swerve about 'spiritual esteem' as opposed to 'self esteem'....how true.....Craig defines 'spiritual esteem' as "To find our identity in Christ, not ourselves, our performance, or our ministry."
good word! I appreciate the reminder and want those I have influence over to truly understand who they are in Christ.....that is our security...that is who we/you are....
again, copying from Craig Groeschel at swerve...
No amount of “self-esteem” could fix my problem. I needed (and still need) true spiritual esteem. I need to know “who I am in Christ” and find my security in Him alone.
You are not what you did, what you do, or what you are going to do.
You are who Christ says you are.
good word! I appreciate the reminder and want those I have influence over to truly understand who they are in Christ.....that is our security...that is who we/you are....
again, copying from Craig Groeschel at swerve...
No amount of “self-esteem” could fix my problem. I needed (and still need) true spiritual esteem. I need to know “who I am in Christ” and find my security in Him alone.
You are not what you did, what you do, or what you are going to do.
You are who Christ says you are.
shut your mouth please.....
reading a post this morning at www.stevenfurtick.com about rumors...speaking to his experience of how rumors can affect the work of the Lord when they are spread about those in ministry....Furtick said, "I have tried to remain devoutly committed to the sacred practice of keeping my mouth shut when presented with the opportunity to say something negative about someone God is using. Even when the criticism is valid (because even the most anointed people stumble and fall), I see no value in spreading the criticism like gangrene. Now, if I have a relationship of influence with the person, I do my best to talk with the person about the issue in a spirit of love and encouragement. I’m not talking about sweeping stuff under the rug. But if I can’t talk to the person, I’d rather pray for them than talk about them. That’s just my philosophy. It has served me well. And it is thoroughly Biblical.
So, whether it’s how much Joyce Meyer’s jet cost, what cuss word Mark Driscoll said, or the dumb decision your pastor made last week, do yourself and the Kingdom of God a favor:
Speak truthfully, pray sincerely, and then practice the sacred act of shutting up. After all:Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls.
awesome thought! our toungue can be so harmful to others and to the work the Lord wants to do in our lives and that of others...when there is gossip flee, don't be a part...when there are rumors...don't participate and do your part to stop them....
So, whether it’s how much Joyce Meyer’s jet cost, what cuss word Mark Driscoll said, or the dumb decision your pastor made last week, do yourself and the Kingdom of God a favor:
Speak truthfully, pray sincerely, and then practice the sacred act of shutting up. After all:Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls.
awesome thought! our toungue can be so harmful to others and to the work the Lord wants to do in our lives and that of others...when there is gossip flee, don't be a part...when there are rumors...don't participate and do your part to stop them....
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
EGO!
EGO! Exalting God Only!
or
EGO! Edging God Out!
I want to be all about Exalting God Only in all I do! Lord, I pray that I would be humble and all about you. That you would increase that I might decrease! It is not about me but about You! Keep working on me, show me, teach me, mold me! Amen!
thanks to Ken Blanchard in his book "Lead Like Jesus" for sharing this with me
www.leadlikejesus.org
or
EGO! Edging God Out!
I want to be all about Exalting God Only in all I do! Lord, I pray that I would be humble and all about you. That you would increase that I might decrease! It is not about me but about You! Keep working on me, show me, teach me, mold me! Amen!
thanks to Ken Blanchard in his book "Lead Like Jesus" for sharing this with me
www.leadlikejesus.org
Monday, November 19, 2007
Happy Anniversary!
Wow! Our 25th anniversary is today....expected yes, tough times?...a few (not many) but more than anything many wonderful memories!...the Lord has been good to us!....we are closer today, have more fun, and love each other more today than ever...you are a blessing!...thanks sweetheart!...I love you!...I had a great time on our little trip we took!...I am so thankful that the Lord was so good to me in bringing us together...to think back of the time when we began dating and then, married 10 months later seems like a short time ago...it has gone fast...all of the kids are older and gradually moving into their own areas of life...no matter where they are they still need their mother and father...it is a privilege to be there for them...you have been and are a fabulous mother and a wonderful wife!...how blessed we are by you!...thank you for all you do!...do you want to go on a date Saturday night?...we have been going on dates weekly and I think we need to keep it up, cool thing to me is that we both enjoy it and look forward to going!...I love being with you!...I promise to serve and love you more every day!
Proverbs 31:28-30
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Proverbs 31:28-30
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
fall in love.......
Lord, I ask You to break my heart with the things that break Your heart!
Lord, use me!
Lord, disturb me!
Lord, I desire to fall in love with You in a way that I cannot even comprehend!
Lord, teach me to love You with all my heart!
Lord, help me to love people as You do!
Lord, use me!
Lord, disturb me!
Lord, I desire to fall in love with You in a way that I cannot even comprehend!
Lord, teach me to love You with all my heart!
Lord, help me to love people as You do!
Monday, November 12, 2007
today...our kids will?...be tomorrow....
Seth...in 8 months he will finish hair design school, then will be working in a salon and doing well taking care of his clients hair needs....
Rachel...enjoys politics, getting her degree in poly sci and criminology and working towards going to law school, probably at the University of Tulsa...then?...
Cooper...pursuing a career in photography, being creative and finding his niche in the photography business as he attends school....
Hannah...enjoying playing soccer and golf in college, my guess in 4 to 5 years she will be working with and blessing special needs children...
Kramer...attending school, doing some welding part time,...plus he is passionately driven to become a professional skateboarder....
Quincy...a little over 2 years of high school left, says she will attend OU, then become an RN working in labor and delivery...
let's see what happens.......
Susie and I pray that each of our children will find their passion...that they will enjoy what they choose to pursue...that each of them will seek to be fully devoted followers of Christ...
Rachel...enjoys politics, getting her degree in poly sci and criminology and working towards going to law school, probably at the University of Tulsa...then?...
Cooper...pursuing a career in photography, being creative and finding his niche in the photography business as he attends school....
Hannah...enjoying playing soccer and golf in college, my guess in 4 to 5 years she will be working with and blessing special needs children...
Kramer...attending school, doing some welding part time,...plus he is passionately driven to become a professional skateboarder....
Quincy...a little over 2 years of high school left, says she will attend OU, then become an RN working in labor and delivery...
let's see what happens.......
Susie and I pray that each of our children will find their passion...that they will enjoy what they choose to pursue...that each of them will seek to be fully devoted followers of Christ...
Contagious Generosity!
While I am certainly blessed and blown away by acts of generosity, I am also hit in the face with a tough question: How am I being unusually generous to others? The thought occurred to me this morning that when God uses people to be unusually generous to me, it's a call for me to be unusually generous to others. It's contagious generosity. So, I wonder whom God will bring into my life today who needs an unusual act of generosity? It might call for me to be generous with my time, maybe a little money, who knows. But here's the really cool part: contagious generosity turns into multiplying generosity - it just keeps on going. Who can you be unusually generous to today? Who knows, your generosity just might start a wave of contagious generosity. Or, your generosity to others might extend the wave of contagious generosity others have shown you.
Either way, be generous...it's contagious!
copied from www.jayhardwick.com, posted by Jay on 11/12/07
Either way, be generous...it's contagious!
copied from www.jayhardwick.com, posted by Jay on 11/12/07
Thursday, November 08, 2007
ouch.....good stuff!.....
“Don’t worry about the things in the Bible you don’t understand. Worry about those things which you do understand but don’t do”. attributed to Corrie Ten Boom
Monday, November 05, 2007
serve and love one another.....life choices?...
was having a discussion with one of my girls this weekend about a young man in her life...our discussion centered around the way she felt she was being treated because she was unhappy and hurt...I asked her if she ever saw his parents mistreat each other in anyway, no!...do you see the dad serving and loving the mom, the mom loving and serving the dad, yes!...what you see in their parents is probably what you can expect from him and what you receive today is what you might expect tomorrow.....how about at our house...do you see me doing things to your mother or acting in ways that I shouldn't?...she said no even though there are times when I am not what I should be...the bottom line is that I want her relationship to be one in which she and her friend understand that they are to treat each other (serve) in the manner in which Jesus has called, no commanded us to serve and love each other....this is the example that I want her to see at home and I can do a better job of this...it reminds me of my need to be more like Jesus and as Phillippians 2:5 says 'in my life I must think and act like Christ'....praying that my children will see Godly relationships...see their parents serving and loving each other and that this would be their expectations as they move toward the life changing decision of whom the Lord would have them marry....what an honor for my girls to look for someone like their daddy and for the boys to look for someone like their mommy....Susie and I pray that we will be a Christlike example to our precious children.....
are you the greatest?...
"The greatest one will be the one who thinks the least about being the greatest, because he loses sight of himself in seeking God and His kingdom." Andrew Murray
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
thank you Michael.....
my pastor brother Michael Harrison of www.thecommunityfellowship.org in Collinsville, VA sends out a deaily e-devotion...last week he shared in his daily e-devotion a word that blessed me.....he is often asked by others to pray for them and he seeks out opportunities to pray for others ....he shared that he has begun praying for them right there on the spot whether it is on the phone or in their presence...I witnessed this first hand at Catalyst with him, he prayed for someone on the phone and for a fellow pastor friend that he saw there.....it is easy to say I will pray for you but how often do I/we get busy or sidetracked by something else that comes up in front of me/us....thanks Michael for sharing and bringing to my attention the opportunity to immediately pray for others or someone when they ask at that moment.....last night it came to me in the form of a text message, Steve, "pray for me"....because of Michael I sent a note back asking the Lord to take care of my brother right then.....
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
I need to be a better listener.....
9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
1 Samuel 3:9 (New International Version)
(from The Message) 8-9 God called again, "Samuel!"—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, "Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am."
That's when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, "Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, 'Speak, God. I'm your servant, ready to listen.'" Samuel returned to his bed.
1 Samuel 3:9 (New International Version)
(from The Message) 8-9 God called again, "Samuel!"—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, "Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am."
That's when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, "Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, 'Speak, God. I'm your servant, ready to listen.'" Samuel returned to his bed.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Swingers.....
Cool to look out back and see Rachel and Cooper both swinging
together.....fairly often we will hear one of the kids ask one of
their siblings, "do you want to go swing"...the big swing set was a
nice investment as it has provided another method for them to enjoy
spending time together...neat to see a 20 and 21 year old out there
together...
together.....fairly often we will hear one of the kids ask one of
their siblings, "do you want to go swing"...the big swing set was a
nice investment as it has provided another method for them to enjoy
spending time together...neat to see a 20 and 21 year old out there
together...
Friday, October 26, 2007
nothing......
...nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless..... from Luke Whitmire (see below)
http://www.lukesfoodforthought.blogspot.com/ Luke
http://www.ronstale.blogspot.com/ Ron
http://undergroundokc.blogspot.com/ Chandy
3 young adults that are doing ministry (loving, sharing, being, living, talking, doing, giving, encouraging, etc.) in downtown OKC....right in the middle of what would be considered a bad area to say it nicely...crime, prostitution, drugs, poverty, etc. ....it is hard for me to read about these folks and not be broken....these 3 (along with others) are doing it...the truth is 'real ministry is messy'...but I think that is where Jesus would be....Lord 'disturb me' to be more like you...
http://www.lukesfoodforthought.blogspot.com/ Luke
http://www.ronstale.blogspot.com/ Ron
http://undergroundokc.blogspot.com/ Chandy
3 young adults that are doing ministry (loving, sharing, being, living, talking, doing, giving, encouraging, etc.) in downtown OKC....right in the middle of what would be considered a bad area to say it nicely...crime, prostitution, drugs, poverty, etc. ....it is hard for me to read about these folks and not be broken....these 3 (along with others) are doing it...the truth is 'real ministry is messy'...but I think that is where Jesus would be....Lord 'disturb me' to be more like you...
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
God wants you to....
"God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go!" from Mark Batterson
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
good word here!!!!!! from oobe
www.oobe.com our corporate goal
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward others, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. - COLOSSIANS 4:5-6
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward others, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. - COLOSSIANS 4:5-6
Monday, October 22, 2007
This is it!
In my life I must think and act like Christ. Phil. 2:5
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. Phil 2:5 (The Message)
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. Phil 2:5 (The Message)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Run through the rain....
Rain Washed Author Unknown
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked.
"Let's run through the rain!" She repeated.
"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain."
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories... So, don't forget to make time and take opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I hope you still take the time to run through the rain.
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked.
"Let's run through the rain!" She repeated.
"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain."
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories... So, don't forget to make time and take opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I hope you still take the time to run through the rain.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
'faith is the willingness to look foolish'
I love hearing the creation story of organizations so I asked Gary about the genesis of IJM. Gary Haugen, Founder and President of the International Justice Mission was working at the Department of Justice where he was exposed to high doses of injustice and he felt like he needed to do something about it so he started IJM. He said he had no idea it would become what it is. In fact, he told me he had to picture the endeavor failing and going home to live with his parents and be ok with that. I found that fascinating. And it resonated with me. Gary said he had to come to terms with the potential downside: personal humiliation. I honestly think the willingness to fail is at the heart of faith. Faith is the willingness to look foolish. copied from mark Batterson at www.evotional.com
Invest in others.....
"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching."
St. Francis of Assisi
I heard Andy Stanley say, "invest then invite." If you intentionally and genuinely invest in others they will want to follow you. A leader genuinely cares about and invests in those he/she leads.
St. Francis of Assisi
I heard Andy Stanley say, "invest then invite." If you intentionally and genuinely invest in others they will want to follow you. A leader genuinely cares about and invests in those he/she leads.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Lion Chasers Manifesto
Read it. Post it. Live it.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
