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...
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