Beautiful Ache

And Now These 3 Remain...

2012-02-17T01:59:00.000-08:00

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

So You Wanna Be A Rock Star?

2012-02-02T07:23:00.001-08:00

The following is an article I came across that was written by Keith Green. Keith was a man that some said was ahead of his time. Regardless, his message still rings true today. I encourage you to take a few minutes and read the article and then ask yourself, "Why do I do what I do?"

So You Wanna Be A Rock Star
by Keith Green

For as long as be could remember, Keith Green's greatest dream was to be a musical success. After be gave his life to Jesus, however, he felt the need to surrender those dreams and aspirations by laying down his music...perhaps never to perform publicly again.
Ironically, when sometime later he felt God release him to pick up his music again, he soon had a recording contract and his first album soared straight to the top of the Contemporary Christian Music charts.

The following message was birthed out of Keith's encounters with those who approached him, usually after a concert, to ask how they too could "make it big" in Christian music.

Today, so many people ask me if I can tell them how they can start or enter into a music ministry. At concerts I get countless questions about this, and I also get lots of letters and even some long-distance phone calls from many people who feel they are only "called" into the music "ministry." One day I began to ask myself why so few have ever asked me how to become a missionary, or even a local street preacher, or how to disciple a new believer. It seems everyone would prefer the "bright lights" of what they think a music ministry would be, rather than the mud and obscurity of the mission field, or the streets of the ghetto, or even the true spiritual sweetness of just being a nobody whom the Lord uses mightily in small "everyday" ways.

Are You Willing?
My answer to their question is almost always the same. "Are you willing to never play music again? Are you willing to be a nothing? Are you willing to go anywhere and do anything for Christ? Are you willing to stay right where you are and let the Lord do great things through you, though no one may seem to notice at all?" They all seem to answer each of these questions with a quick "yes!" But I really doubt if they know what their answer entails.

Star Struck
My dearest family in Jesus...why are we so star struck? Why do we idolize Christian singers and speakers? We go from glorifying musicians in the world, to glorifying Christian musicians. It's all idolatry! Can't you see that? It's true that there are many men and women of God who are greatly anointed to call down the Spirit of God on His people and the unsaved. But Satan is getting a great victory as we seem to worship these ministers on tapes and records, and clamor to get their autographs in churches and concert halls from coast to coast.

Can't you see that you are hurting these ministers? They try desperately to tell you that they don't deserve to be praised, and because of this you squeal with delight and praise them all the more. You're smothering them, making it almost impossible for them to see that it's really Jesus. They keep telling themselves that, but you keep telling them it's really them, crushing their humility and grieving the Spirit that is trying to keep their eyes on Jesus.

Ultimately, what we idolize we ourselves desire to become, sometimes with our whole heart. So a lot of people who want to become just like their favorite Gospel singer or minister, seek after it with the same fervor that the Lord demands we seek after Him! And again, we insult the Spirit of Grace and try to make a place for ourselves, rather than a place for Jesus.

A Thankless Job
How come no one idolizes or praises the missionaries who give up everything and live in poverty, endangering their lives and families with every danger that the "American dream" has almost completely eliminated? How come no one lifts up and exalts the ghetto and prison ministers who can never take up an offering, because if they did they would either laugh or cry at what they'd receive?

How come? Because (1) we're taught from very early on that comfort is our goal and security… and (2) that we should always seek for a lot of people to like us. Who lives less comfortably and has had less friends and supporters than the selfless missionaries who have suffered untimely, premature deaths trying to conquer souls and nations for the whole glory of God? Do you really believe we're living in the very last times? Then why do you spend more money on Gospel records and concerts than you give to organizations that feed the poor, or to missionaries out in the field?

There are ministries all over the world where "penniless" people are being saved and transformed. They are broken people who have promise and qualities, but just need someone to bring them God's light during the times when their lives seem so completely hopeless.

I repent of ever having recorded one single song, and ever having performed one concert, if my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you into Godly jealousy (Romans 11:11) or to sell out more completely to Jesus!
Quit trying to make "gods" out of music ministers, and quit desiring to become like them. The Lord commands you, "Deny yourself take up your cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). My piano is not my cross, it is my tool. I'd never play it again if God would show me a more effective tool in my life for proclaiming His Gospel.[God gives us each our own unique tools. But we may never use them if we become more interested in someone else's. Seek God, ask Him for His plan for ministry (true, God glorifying ministry) in your life.]

Conclusion
To finish, let me say that the only music minister to whom the Lord will say, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant," is the one whose life proves what their lyrics are saying, and to whom music is the least important part of their life. Glorifying the only worthy One has to be a minister's most important goal!
Let's all repent of the idolatry in our hearts and our desires for a comfortable, rewarding life when, really, the Bible tells us we are just passing through as strangers and pilgrims in this world (Hebrews 11:13), for our reward is in heaven. Let's not forget that our due service to the Lord is "... not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake"(Phil. 1:29).

Amen. Let us die graciously together and endure to the end like brave soldiers who give their lives, without hesitation, for our noble and glorious King of Light.

Just Don't Wear It..

2012-01-27T02:23:00.000-08:00

It’s easy to wear the bracelet; t-shirt even put the letters up to make a very corny church sign but living it out well that’s a totally different matter indeed. Last year I heard a pastor telling a story about how his friend was going on and on how "we" (referring to his favorite football team) won the game. And he asked his friend what position does he play? And he went to say much of us have a fan mentality in our lifestyle. And this is true in that if we wear a "Christian item", listens to the "right" music and even attends church and/or do the tithing and this supposedly puts us on The Team. It’s our Jersey. We wear it and that’s more than enough for most of we don’t have to even play a position (live it out) or even sit on the bench for that matter we can cheerlead and "wear the jersey". God knows there’s plenty to cheerlead in the likes of the Grahams, Francis Chan, Compassion International, World Vision, Greg Laurie,James Robison,Charles Swindoll, Mission work, and the list goes on and on. But nowhere does God call us to be a cheerleader or even for that matter to stay on the bench. He says Go ...and in Greek and Hebrew that word still means GO. Get involve and be a team player. Missions start in your home but it must carry on to next door, your neighborhood, From Keyser to Kenya. So many of us wrapped ourselves in being a fan of teams, which it carries out in the way we live. I find myself being a fan more than a follower much of the time in many areas of my life. Picture Jesus and His disciples wearing it well. Jesus with His "WWID" bracelet on and there’s Matthew with His "Hooked on Jesus"(fish hook shaped into a cross to make it official) shirt and John with his "Jesus went into Sky and all I got was this Shirt" Shirt. Obviously You don’t have to wear a jersey or a bracelet even a cross necklace to be on the team. But you do have to be a follower and Not a fan to actually be a Believer (team). In 2009 over 75% of Americans claim they were Christians. Ah I believe the majority of that makes us the fan base. Fans from wearing the “right stuff” to still getting cold chills when Lee Greenwood sings “God Bless The USA” (Not slamming Mr. Greenwood just his music :)). We need to stop living as if our life’s goal is to be a paratrooper but being completely satisfy in walking around forever with a mint condition parachute. Or course it’s much easier to be a fan (and at times perhaps more fun) but the cost in being a follower is worth it, worth it all simply because Jesus said Follow Me.

PS For those wondering no I haven’t read “Not a Fan”, Yet.

You Have Just WON One Million Dollars!!

2012-01-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

At least thats what Publishing Clearing House is telling me. And all I need to do is find 10-100 specific stickers and place them accordingly and then answer three emails a week. And of course it doesnt hurt my chances if I buy the backscratcher for my dog. And hey if that doesnt work out I can always reply to my emails from Sydney in Australia or Toby in Kenya. It seems those two chaps have come upon Millions but of course they need my help in securing this money and randomly they have chosen me to be, well the chosen one. ALL I need to do is send them my bank account number and my social security number and perhaps a credit card account or two and they will make me their joint partner in millions of dollars. Sign me up. PCH may be a bit more realistic than the spam emails but for years I always imagine PCH's Ed McMahon knocking on my door and then realizing he has the wrong address its my neighbors he wanted to inform that they just won One Millon dollars, yea thats right Toby & Sydney, congratulations.

In A Hurry?

2012-01-25T17:49:00.001-08:00

When did our lives become so busy? With all of our technology, our lives are suppose to become easier. What it's done is make us spoiled.
How long is too long to wait at a red light? When did 3 minutes become a lifetime? I'm guilty of getting anxious when I have to wait for more than 30 seconds for a light to turn green.
Remember dial-up on your computer? I remember waiting minutes to download a picture years ago and I didn't mind because before that, someone had to mail it to me. Now, if it takes more than a few seconds, we think something is wrong with our computer or we call our internet provider to complain of the slow service.
We have become a nation of instant gratification. We want everything as soon as we demand it. Coffee in an instant, microwaveable meals, news as it happens, cell phone coverage at all times. We are spoiled.
Take a few minutes...because that is probably all the time we can devote to one thing....ask yourself when was the last time you spent some prolonged quality time with a friend, your spouse, God. Many people think Facebook time is quality time. Uh...no! Do these four steps 1. Turn off Facebook, your laptop or iPad, your cell phone. 2. Meet someone face to face. 3. Spend more than five minutes together. 4. Repeat as often as possible.
Oh, and while your at it, Super Bowl Sunday is coming up. Quit staying at home and join the folks from Fire Escape at Believer's Fellowship and be a part of something great than just a championship football game. Contact us for more info or look up the Fire Escape on Facebook. Lol.

Gold Seal T P the Only way to "go"..

2012-01-12T03:05:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I kept seeing this commercial for toilet paper. Trying to sell us the idea that if you didn’t have a special casing for your toilet paper then you were not in style. After being thankful that I was not in style I thought who are these people that sit around and say lets sell the idea "respect the toilet paper." I mean they do realize the function of this item, right? It will be used once as in one time and one time only. And while thankful we have indoor plumbing and toilet paper at hand (literally and figuratively) Im not sure if this is respect and Im quite sure having a cover for my "butt wipe paper" is the least of my concern and hopefully any other human being. I thought the animated bears walking around with "paper berries" were bad enough but now I’m told to respect the toilet paper. Perhaps we have so much technology as it continues expand the market agencies are getting low on ideas (maybe the pet rock will lead to pet dirt, or pet rock kids also known as gravel). So anyway while this "bugged" me I had no thought blogging about this until our last stay in a hotel and I found that our toilet paper had a gold seal. Now I’m not sure this is just for looks or somewhere this paper was honored with a gold seal approval. This once was just tissue paper but now surely there is a higher meaning either way I finally realize that this toilet paper is getting some respect but I also found out more importantly (?) its all the same. So in closing I’m asking PETA to protest and ban the abused of those animated bears with all those paper berries because it’s JUST Toilet Tissue and unless you are out in the middle of nowhere with no paper (which is another story that we don’t want to talk about) it just doesn’t matter and if does matter to you then go to your local dollar store buy some golden seals. Tag your toilet paper, if it doesn’t impress your neighbors maybe it will improve your experience

Jan 11 the NEW New Years Day

2012-01-11T02:01:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years, Yes just a mere 11 days off. I guess 2012 technically hasnt started foe me since I havent made a resolution yet? Im still waiting (on what Im not sure?) So what are your resolutions or better yet what were they since for most of us they have already been swept away into the wind or postpone to a magical monday ("tomorrow") or even 2013? Again I tend to be king of the small things like straightening part of a house which leads to finding a lost item which turns a successful day into a journal entry. Resolutions are made to be broken i believe that is the make up of all humans. We eat all the food we can the day before the great diet starts. We promise to read the Bible through in a year and after two weeks we find that we are about 2 weeks behind in the reading. Before tv and computers (esp the compters) im sure hardwork and reading took up most of peoples time but I wonder when times were harder (less technology) were resolutions any easier. Im not sure about that but I bet many of them were more meaningful. I doubt if scrapbooking was involve, cleaning your computer desktop,organizing your music on the ipod,etc..For a believer the only thing worst in not carrying out a new year resolution is "attempting" to make one to the Lord as if you are going to be a "new you" and yea how long did that last? Chambers says all our vows and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to carry them out. Never the less theres absolutely no reason to stay the same and be satisfied in a "as is" condition. So make a resolution and no matter what day it is, January or June begin a new day, a new year just dont solely rely on yourself. Because as the song says we are not as strong as we think we are..which is easy to forget and even easier to find out. Happy New Years

PS By the way a good resolution would be to read these blogs and reply to let me know you are reading them...

You are so rich, Merry Christmas....

2011-12-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

Recently I came across a article about a local homeless shelter in the Tri State in need. They are in need of food supplies, money towards a new grill. That of course was bad enough but it was also stated that 12 kids live at the shelter and in the midst of all those needs I wonder about those kids and how they are spending their holidays? What are they waking up to Christmas morning? Obviously I know this goes on by the thousands in bigger cities. But to me in a small community it just seems like this should be "taken care of" from a few dollars from individuals to the churches throughout the area this Rescue Mission should never be in need. I know of 4 churches in the area that have built "gyms" for outreach opportunities. If loans and checks can be written out for such surely this Need can be taken care of as well. This also goes on a personal level in how I spend my money and many times think nothing of it. Although I have read the stats, figures several times its still hard for me to realize I am a rich, very rich according to the majority of the world. According to the World Bank low income people in the world, percentage of people in the world that make $825.00 or less, 37 percent, a year. $825.00 a year or less, 37 percent. Next, lower middle income, up to $3,000.00 plus, 38 percent. So that’s about 5 billion people right there living on less than $3,000.00 a year. Now, you’re in the upper middle class of the world, up to about $10,000.00, that’s 9 percent, and then the highest incomes in the world, $10,000.00 or more, 16 percent. It’s interesting, if you just kind of get in your mind maybe your salary. If you keep taking the salary higher, you make $25,000.00 a year, you’re in the top 10 percent of the world’s wealthiest people. You make $50,000.00 a year, you’re in the top 1 percent of the world’s wealthiest people, $50,000.00 a year. Average annual American Christian household income, $42,409.00, $42,409.00. That is in the top 2 and a half percent of the richest people in the world.
Today, over a billion people live and die in desperate poverty and live on less than a dollar a day. Just to give you a little glimpse, that’s 700 million in slums, 500 million on the verge of starvation, 93 million beggars, 200 million children exploited for labor. We say poverty, desperate poverty, what is poverty? What does that represent? Lack of food and water. Over a billion people on the planet today who do not have access to safe drinking water. Illiteracy, huge illiteracy rates in places like India and Africa. Inadequate medical care, disease. You’ve got a disease like AIDS, there are 6,000 people who die every day in Africa of AIDS alone. And then you’ve got easily curable disease and sickness. There are millions of people this year who will die of diarrhea. They will die from it. Brain damage. It’s one of the most devastating pictures of poverty in the world, permanent brain damage. Most of your brain development, 80 percent of it happens in the first two years of your life, and if that is not provided for, enough protein and nutrients, then your brain is deformed for the rest of your life.
Over a billion people in desperate poverty, close to two billion others living on less than $2.00 a day. That’s close to half the world living on what you and I would pay for French fries for lunch. It gets worse. According to UNICEF, 26,000 children will die today due to either starvation or preventable disease, a disease like diarrhea or pneumonia or malaria, 26,000…And those numbers unfortunately just stay numbers for most of us. If you are reading this do indeed enjoy the holiday season and if you love to buy gifts for others, then by all means go for it but may season by season our excessiveness lead to blessing others and even or should I say especially those who have little or nothing and simply could not give back in return. And may your joy be found that its truly better to give then to receive, Merry Christmas.

Boogie Man...

2011-12-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

As a kid growing up I don’t recall ever believing in any form of the “boogie man”. The ironic thing is 40 plus years later I started considering there just might be one. And no influence whatsoever from my 2 year old son. First the boogie man enter my mind just a little, like one foot in the door then my mind was no longer for rent for the boogie man was alive and “not so well” in my mind. I was diagnosed with skin cancer and there were several spots on my body. And Immediately I went from thinking bad to worst. Ironic thing is when somebody shares a concern or prayer request with me most times I am thinking, I actually believe good will come from it, Miracle will take place. I recently heard Andy Stanley said when a friend is in need we simply say we will pray for them. But when its ourselves in need we usually pull out the “not fair” card to God. There is selfishness in that one, indeed.
So anyway the thoughts went to skin cancer to the “what ifs” and from there the battle was on Believing in Gods Healing touch and then giving in to Im not ready to go in that I want to be here for my son and wife. Again Im just blogging my thoughts I know thousands go through this every day the sun rises and sets. But with all my prayers there were so many people that had me in their thoughts and prayers.
During this time we had a local concert. And well everything seem to be going wrong with the concert but in my running back and forth I met a friend outside which led to “counsel” with a beautiful ache and after the concert I talked to a band member about what’s going on and he said he wanted the whole band to pray for me which led to the members sharing struggles for them as well and for me to Believe and trust that the next time they saw me it would be nothing but Good news of Gods healing/sustaining hand. So a year or so later I continue to get treatment off and on for the skin cancer. A few months later I went to get my first physical in years(i mean years) and the results came back good/perfect ( i was in awe to say the least) but I was stil having this pain and ultimately this boogie man led to gall bladder surgery. So the "worries" have let up a good bit and far less of a struggle. And as Rich Mullins penned I know I am not as strong as I think I am…But through it all even in the midst of a world of doubt I still believe for there is nowhere, no one else to turn to but the Creator and lover of my soul. Through it all He is much bigger than any boogie man and the only one who can get pass these walls of " self". Along this journey when I was wondering what was going on with my health I told a friend of mine I wanted to be here for Noah. His simple reply was "You are here now".. True very true, make the most of the day we are given, its a gift of time that can only be used once and may we use it wisely and be bless that we would be a blessing to those around us.

Thankful

2011-11-25T04:18:00.000-08:00

In just passing with the day of Thanksgiving. I thought I would stop and take time to be thankful. Fact of the matter is that most of us take only this day or perhaps the month of November to express thankfulness. But through it all most of us (well all of us) have something to be thankful for everyday of our lives.

So some time ago my wife and I took a moment and listed things that we were thankful for, I'm sure even with this list we have missed out on something. But in all the complaining and grumbling we do in life there is even more reason(s) to be thankful.

Life
Provision
Noah
Gods Word
Knowing My Grandparents
Mom
Family
Shelter
Great Cloud of Witness
Laughter
Wife/Husband
Freedom
Books
Music
Clean Water
Love (and all that involves)
Getaways (past & future)
Music Ability
Canaan
Mission Trips
Jesus Christ
Noahs Health
Health
Electricity
Randy,George & Sam
Heat
Chinese Food (wontons)
Pizza & Fries (Castiglias plate size)
Christians family growing up..
Money
Friends

Obviously they are in no certain order but as I copy that list I thought of other things such as technology,,four seasons, stars, campfires, even hamburgers ketchup & peanut butter..

the list goes on and on. And Thanks for taking time to read this blog. So what are You thankful for?

All roads lead to God

2011-09-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

I recently heard Greg Laurie speaking and he said that he agrees with the saying "All Roads Lead to God"..following Laurie for years I knew he wasnt going "off the mark" with this statement But I did wonder what he meant since most people do seem to believe all roads lead to God and/or the same "ending" So after listening to the message I found his writing on this subject as well. What follows is a writing by Greg Laurie on "All Roads Lead to God"...

I just had a physical with my doctor. Thankfully, everything is looking good.
After we were done, I asked him a question: "Have you ever had to tell someone that they were going to die soon?" He told me that he had; he said it was the hardest thing he did as a physician. But in most cases, he would detect a problem and give them a course of action that, if followed, would save their life.
As a pastor, I am in a similar situation, but with even more radical implications. Because I believe the Bible is true, I know both the problem and the cure to what happens beyond the grave.
It is said by some, "All roads lead to God." You may be surprised to know that I happen to agree with that. I did not say all roads lead to heaven, but that all roads lead to God. Regardless of what you may or may not believe, I do think you will stand before God one day. But there is only one way to get to heaven. And that is the one issue that more people choke on than any other.
It is said, "Are you saying Jesus Christ is the only way, and that if someone doesn't believe in Him they're actually going to hell? That's so narrow! So insensitive! So intolerant!" By insisting that Jesus is the only way to approach God, I may sound to certain people like I'm implying I'm somehow better than they are, or that I look down on them in some way. But I want you to know that I have a very good reason for believing that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. I believe it because He said so. It isn't my theory; it isn't my idea; it is His! It was Jesus who clearly stated, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6 NKJV). How plain is that?
The bottom line is that we're either going to believe everything Jesus said or nothing that He said. As for me, I choose to put my faith and trust in Him – for my years here on earth and for my eternity.
In Acts 4:12, the apostle Peter declared, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (NKJV). Paul told Timothy, "For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). If I claim to be His follower and believe His words, then I would be less than honest if I said anything but this. As a Christian, I am in no way better or superior to anyone else. I'm just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
Maybe you've had someone say to you, "Well, all religions basically say and teach the same thing. They're all true. And besides, if a person is really sincere in what they believe, they'll get to heaven." This type of fuzzy, illogical, politically correct thinking is typical of so many today – making the most important decisions of life on the basis of feelings and opinions.
Let's take this line of reasoning to its logical conclusion. If a person truly is sincere in what he believes and tries to live a good life, then he will get to heaven. So Adolf Hitler is in heaven, right? He sincerely believed what he was doing was right. He had a sincere view of racial supremacy and thought it was right to exterminate the Jewish people.
It also appears that Osama bin Laden is sincere in thinking Allah wanted him to kill 3,000 people. He was honest and genuine about his belief that every American man, woman and child are infidels deserving death. So, why wouldn't he end up in some kind of paradise?
"No!" you protest. "He is not good!" Really? According to whose definition? Yours? Mine? The person next door? Is it determined by consensus? Why is it wrong to lie, steal and murder? As much as we hate to admit it, it's because God said it is wrong in the Ten Commandments, among other places. This is why sincerity is never enough. We have to have a set of absolutes to live by. We can't simply make up the rules as we go along. You may want to believe that "all roads lead to God." You may really and sincerely hope that every religion is basically true and that they somehow all blend beautifully together.
The great world religions do not all teach the same thing. And I say that with respect for all people to believe what they choose to believe. We don't need to vilify, threaten or attack one another. We need a civil discourse, and we need to agree to disagree. But on the other hand, let's not foolishly say every religion is teaching the same thing, because they are not. For instance, take these three truths into consideration:
1.Concerning the existence of a personal God. Buddhists deny it altogether. Hindus believe that God is formless and abstract, taking the form of a trinity as well as millions of lesser gods. In direct contrast, the Bible teaches that God is a personal deity, who created man in His own image, loves us and wants to have a relationship with us.
2.Concerning salvation. Buddhists believe salvation comes by self-effort alone – with no personal God to help or guide you. Hindus believe you achieve salvation by devotion, works and self-control. Muslims insist that man earns his own salvation, pays for his own sins, and that you can never be certain if you have achieved salvation or not. In stark contrast, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and if we will turn from our own way and follow Him, we can be forgiven and have the hope of heaven.
3.Concerning Jesus Christ. Buddhists believe Jesus was a good teacher, but less important than Buddha. Hindus believe Jesus was just one of many incarnations, or sons of God. They teach that Christ was not the one-and-only Son of God. He was no more divine than any other man, and He did not die for man's sins. Muslims will tell you that Jesus Christ was only a man, a prophet equal to Adam, Noah or Abraham, all of whom are below Muhammad in importance.
Do you see my point? It doesn't work to believe in all of the above. The tenets of these religions directly contradict one another. They cannot all be true. These belief systems are diverse and contradictory. In reality, they have little to nothing in common.
Jesus claimed to be the only way to the Father. It is not enough to admire Him or think of Him as a "great moral teacher." We must examine His unique claims and make a decision concerning Him.
C. S. Lewis, the great Christian thinker and author of "The Chronicles of Narnia," said, "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. ... You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to" ("Mere Christianity," 52).
Make your decision about what you believe, based on the facts, not on your feelings.

WWID

2011-09-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

He began looking for just the right moment to hand him over (Matthew 26:16)

This verse caught my attention years ago. And even after "getting my attention" I found I soon had no problem handing Him over. I dont get it, I will never understand it and I would now (finally) never say I wont do it again..and I know for sure its not only me..go way back to the 1700s a 22 year old penned these words.. "Bind my wandering heart to Thee.Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and seal it,Seal it for Thy courts above."

Its amazing to me here right in a middle of a worship song we are telling God I love you with all that I am yet with All that I am I find it easy to leave you. Sometimes I struggle but just as many times I simply choose something or somebody else with little or no hesitation.
Its not like I havent tasted Your love, Grace & Mercy. Your blessings have been countless for me and my family. Personally I could have never imagine having such a beautiful wife and son. And opportunity to travel throughout the world. And even in the midst of these "mission trips" I was more prodigal than those I was talking to about needing Jesus. "Prone:" having a tendency or inclination : being likely- Yes thats me (you?). Prone, so easy for me thats why I dont get much of "Christian TV" for "ITS ALL GOOD" until a scandal hits the airwaves. I believe it would help a lot more for Believers to admit their faults and as I posted in a earlier blog not just hey I havent read my Bible in awhile or I eat too much chocolate. No, find a friend (a good one) and share the demons and darkness in your life. Because hey if you are human (or close to it) you have such in your life.
The Blessings, the Bible Reading, devotionals, Christian Music, Christian friends, Church, Prayers..etc etc..You think this would amount to a wall of protection and a engrave reminder not to go our own way. It just seems to come down to the most basic God in all of our lives which is Self, I, ME...if I had a WWJD (and NO I dont, havent had one and dont plan on it) I believe I could wear it while "proning" with no problem. See I would just look down at it and my very desire to please self would blur it and I would see WWID (what would I DO) and when its left up to me, self alone then I know I would be "fulfilling" Matthew 26:16 handing Jesus over as this seems like the "right moment" to do it.
Thank God for His grace and mercy, it is relentless. He loves like no other and I am forever thankful for He is the Only that truly is who He says He is...Jesus, Lover of my Soul. We may know love from another but we will only find Unconditional Love in Him.

"Lucky?"

2011-09-01T01:57:00.000-07:00

"Good Luck", "Best of Luck" "I was lucky" these are words that bother me. Unless of course you are about to adventure in a recreational game or some intense video gaming. Perhaps you found a coin, yes it was on heads so now you are Really lucky. But when I hear how somebody survive a near fatal crash, or sickness/disease is gone and they use the word luck. To me it cheapens everything about life. To use the same word "luck" when we find a coin or made a good shot,won a game and then mix it in with a life changing experience doesnt seem to add up to say the least. I mean I know people mean well for the most part and sometimes just dont know what to say. But when Im facing surgery or a crisis I dont want luck. I dont want the "power/outcome" of finding some loose change. I want to believe and know there is more than luck to it. Matter of fact when it comes to surgery I dont want the doctor to be lucky. Thats right I would actually like him to be good than lucky. When life is filled with blessings its not luck its "simply" you are being blessed. Enjoy it but dont cheapen it. Perhaps we could even if this out by celebrating when we find a coin. Thats right at that very moment stop and give a huge acceptance speech thanking God, family, friends, teachers,etc that if it wasnt for them you never would have found that penny. It wasnt luck no it was fate, unforgettable. A reason to journal, to live..or maybe it was just luck? ...A Penny for your thoughts?

All I Needed to Learn...

2011-08-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

Everything I Needed to Know I learned in Kindergarten, Preeschool, School, Universities, Life, a cave...you name it and Im sure a person will claim to learned his/her "everything" there. Learning indeed is a process to say the least. But perhaps more than anything or rather any place its the womb where we have everything we Need. And this is most important to have before we can even begin to learn. You see the Creator chose to create us in our mothers womb to first of all have a relationship with Him and live a life that would define that we are in relationship with a living God. Countless reminders in His word tells us of this creation: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. "Psalm 139
Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name..And now the LORD says—he who formed me in the womb to be his servant" Isaiah 49:1,5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
While we were in Canada we became friends with some young ladies from South Korea and they informed us that they have 2 ages, one is what is the norm to most of us in that at birth its day one for the child. But in South Korea many parents see their newborn child as 9 months old and will celebrate the babys first birthday in just 3 months. I do believe there is something beautiful in that as it recognizes the life that has all along been taking place. When you hear the heartbeat of a child in the womb and see a heart the size of a grain beating on the video its a moment of silence that puts you in awe. Of course we are missing out on this in that its common place for many in the world to have an abortion. And there are those who treat a child like they are a burden or confuse to which is to be loved on more the child or the pet.
But back to the womb the place where God touched us, already breathed life into us and through all the good, bad, the questions and answers in life He instilled in us a reason and will to live. And yet I know that life has twisted many hearts and blurred even snuffed out the reason for some to go on. But its there in His word, and I will take God at it.Life is not fair (at times far from it) but God is good! He promises everything we need is in Him. Not in material things, not in getting 3 wishes or even prayers answered but that we will see no matter how much we learn (or failed to learn) or how far we go we can always come back home and He will always be our only need.

"You're all I need when the world is closin' in my strength is runnin' thin when i'm lost in the storm You're all i need there's no need to look anywhere there's nothing that can compare to the love that You give You're all i need You're all that i want nothing in this world could give me more" "you're all I need" -Kry

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

Who Let The Dogs Out (& other love songs)

2011-08-15T00:56:00.000-07:00

Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

For years I thought this was a love song that is based on a relationship between a man and a woman. But once again TV has proved me wrong. For within the last year the only time I hear this song is during a ASPCA commercial. Never knew pets were Willie Nelson fans but thats for another time. Look I have nothing against pets matter of facts I really like dogs for a pet. I mean what could be better for a pet than a dog, well besides the talking hamster from Bolt. BUT come on can we cut down on comparing dogs to humans. Im sure mr Nelson wasnt thinking of a pet and for those who are when you sing or hear that song Well you are long overdue for some help. This commercial even tells me if I agree to give monthly support they will send me a photograph of the dog I am supporting. WHAT? You mean the dog cant do it on his own. Hearing the love song, seeing the pain they are in and now I get One photo of "my own personal dog". You would think the least he/she could do would be to write me personally. My own "petpal", maybe with a certain money amount they could offer pawprints from his days as a puppy.

This past summer my wife and I are in Kenya and on the tv is an old show of Oprah which was a tribute to dogs. And as they told stories of abuse (yes abuse to any pet is wrong, agree!) Oprah said yes you know its been said "we will be judge as people by the way we treat the least of these"-No Oprah that hasnt been said concerning a animal that barks or meows and drinks out of a toliet bowl. Obviously lets not do any harm at all to pets (we wont refer to football players at this time, too easy) but lets realize their is a difference in a needy pet and a needy child. So can we please just stop with the love songs for rover and mittens, and "confusing" pets with children. Thats right take the dog out of the stroller. And if you are one of the thousands giving monthly support for those "homeless pets" make sure the photo isnt stockphoto. And let me know when you get that letter signed with a paw print.

Lady Diana & Mother Teresa

2011-07-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago I came across the following in a book called culture making. The author related how Princess Diana and Mother Teresa died the same week. And how much of the world would give anything to be famous like Diana but so few will even come close yet almost all of us could easily be giving of ourselves...

....The moralistic turn to take at this point to urge us all to become more like Mother-to take up the vocation of service and among the poor, foregoing the accumulation of possessions and privilege. And there is no doubt that when Jesus met at least one young man of privilege, he invited him to do exactly that. There’s a difference, as the black preacher said between having a title and a testimony. Diana had the title, I can hear him say, “But Mother had the testimony.”
Furthermore, there is an unsettling asymmetry between the Princess and the Mother. I dare say that precisely no readers of this book ever could, in any possible scenario, take Princess Dianas place-either her royal station, her worldwide celebrity or her magnetic grip on every nearby camera. Leaving aside the fact that most of us are not subjects of the British Crown, you and I are simply not cut out for the job. Princess Diana’s singular life was just that, singular. There will be, in our lifetime, an absolutely tiny number of women (or men) who will charm the cameras and manipulate the celebrity press so effectively that they reach her level of fame. For the rest of us to chase that kind of popularity and visibility would be both foolish and futile. Of course, the sad conclusion of Dianas short life is that even for them to chase that kind of popularity and visibility would be both foolish and futile.
And yet there is nothing-absolutely nothing-stopping us from taking Mother Teresa’s place. None of the intrinsic barriers to taking up the life of a celebrity princess apply to those who might want to take up the life of a servant to the poor. As I write there are hundreds of people volunteering at the Missionaries of Charitys home for the dying in Calcutta. Some have been there for a day or two; others have stayed for years or decades. Hey obviously will not necessarily achieve Mother’s worldwide recognition but they are living, in every material respect the life she lived. At the end Mother Teresa was a wizened old woman whose face bore a crease for very year of her life, with all the plastic surgery money could buy, you or I will never look like Princess Diana in her prime-but for absolutely no cost except a life of love, we could look like Mother Teresa. For nearly all of us, becoming a celebrity is completely, categorically impossible. For all of us, becoming a saint is completely, categorically possible. So why are so many trying to become a celebrity and so few trying to become a saint?

Culture Making- Andy Crouch

JUST Read this...

2011-07-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Throughout the past few months I have discussed with family and friends the use of the words JUST. I looked it up a few different places and a friend of mine emails me the definition “Definition of just: fair; right. It’s such a small word that is over used in conversations but especially in prayer. And I think it’s safe to say it’s in prayer so much we don’t even realize it. And usually after a “just” we follow up with a healing, blessing, a saving of a life. Ex: “We JUST ask that you give complete healing.”. We just ask that you bless us financially (and perhaps overlook the ways we blew money and bought things we didn’t need-okay with that we JUST ask for mercy as well). Just seems a difference to me in asking a doctor to JUST give his opinion and just give me a triple bypass or a lobotomy. Nothing to it. I don’t hear people saying just lend me a dollar after a just it’s usually followed up with triple to four digits money amount. Such a loaded word from “Just do it” to “Just sign on the line and its yours”-be it the TV, car, house, surgery, etc… How about “can we just be friends?” Or “oh I forgot there’s just one last thing” I know this is next to meaningless but I also know this word to me is always follow by a major request or suggestion. Anyway thanks for reading this now if you choose to reply please Just follow up your reply with a blank check..

Got Milk? (Long Version of Short(en) Kenya Trip..

2011-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

To say I’m writing this in a tired state of mind would be a huge understatement. As within the last 2 days I may have accomplished to shut my eyes for 6 hrs. or so as we prepared and made our way back from Kenya. At least 23 hours of traveling is one thing but with a 18th month old it adds a bit more. We had planned for a 3 week mission trip which had a few “bumps” then interrupted due to milk. It more than seems our son cannot handle the milk sold in Kenya. Anyway to make a long story longer our flight went surprisingly well being Noah’s first flight ever. Two 7 hour plus flights and a four hour layover didn’t bother Noah as he would sleep a few hours and wake up smiling and clapping. But he did consume the milk (more than usual) and during the flight he fell and was favoring his right leg. And so the crying began and Adriane picked him up and carried him around on the plane. Meanwhile putting back Noah’s “all in one tv/phone” plane remote I accidently click the call button and my first thought was well I can’t blame Noah on this one. And as the stewardess showed up I went to explain what happen but she informed me that I was needed by my wife as my son had thrown up all over her. I suppose this wasn’t a desperate attempt by wife to get a new shirt at out layover in Amsterdam (which by the way she did get a new shirt).
So one flight down and one to go…as with the first one there was no turbulence from the airplane and none from Noah as well. We landed, got our luggage and were off to our first destination. After being there just one day Noah’s leg seem to be bothering him so his mom wanted to get it check and so there we are at a clinic waiting to get my sons leg checked meanwhile Im outside chasing after him. I told my wife it seems a bit odd to me that Noah Is here to get his leg checked and yet he is out here walking around taking off from me with no problem (Yes he was fine). Without going into details the first place of stay it just didn’t work out so within 3 days we moved in with our former host from past years Judah & Salma. In the past years they lived close to downtown but now to get to their house it’s a 45min to one hour drive. This is where I mention nothing compares to the traffic in Nairobi. We were told no fellow Kenyan would give how far they are from you in distance but only in time because one could be just a few blocks away but it could take 15-20 minutes to get there. So anyway we are now relaxing out in the country but that night Noah starts throwing up again So from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning we stay in and let Noah rest. So finally our second chance to restart our focus on ministry and we return to New Life orphanage (the place where we met Jimmy among others) and the main reason I wanted Noah there to get a opportunity to interact with the children. But upon our arrival Adriane notice a sign warning of a chickenpox outbreak. And after inquiring about it we were told to wait at least 2 weeks which cancel six meetings at New Life.
The next day we went to a park to have a team meeting and some prayer time then lunch at Pizza Inn which means it’s a Tuesday because its buy one get one at Pizza Inn. Their pizza is actually a favorite for Kenyans and Americans (my wife prefers it over American pizza). After lunch we go to Cheryl’s which is a home/school for abandon children. Class we went to was about 25 kids and Noah made be the first little munzugu they had ever seen. The kids said they wanted to meet him first. He clapped when the kids clapped which led to laughter from Noah and the kids. The teacher had to ask the class to focus on him and less on Noah
We were to return there at least 3 times as well. The next day was perhaps the reason we returned to Kenya. We met for several hours with Peter(Director of SYN) and put together a 2 week program for next year. This will be for a team of no more than 8-10 members and we will concentrate on one place. Peter says the conditions of this school are “deplorable” So we will plan to do work on the building and interact with the 75 or so kids that live there. More on that in future blogs. Meanwhile that morning Noah ate oatmeal that was boiled in milk so on our return to “home” Noah threw up a couple of times. During the evening and through the night he was given water and even went to sleep on water instead of his formula milk. We had a doctors appointment for 11am. But soon after waking up Noah started to get sick and begin throwing up water and shaking. So the doctor was contacted and we would meet her as soon as we got in town which was apx 8:30am. The doctor checked Noah and said he was dehydrated and needed to be put in the hospital. At the hospital they attempted to put IVs in him 4 times but could not find a vein. We requested a plan B which was to take medicine orally (our version of
Pedialyte )
But Noah would have nothing to do with the medicine. Meanwhile he took some water and eventually fell asleep. Judah took me back to the house to get clothing and such for the night. While I was away Adie said Noah had eaten a lot of baby food and had lots of water and was back to sleep. I told Judah I would know everything was okay when I saw Noah smile again (Salma had commented earlier she knew Noah wasn’t well because he wasn’t smiling.
Later that night he was very active and was back to normal. By morning he continued his eating binge. By 11am the doctor returned and said he was dehydrated and had a strain of rotavirus. So within 24 hours Noah was okay and ready for release in recovering from the entire ordeal. And his medicine was prayer, water, rest and more prayer! We are so thankful for the Lord in His healing hand and more than seeing us through all of this even unto our safe return home. Thanks to a friend of mine taking a call 2:30 in the morning to simply listen to me. It was good to hear a voice from back home. So we left the hospital and prepared to stay in a local hotel to avoid the daily 2 hours of travel and prepare to return home. We had to change our flight plans so that along with the cost of staying at the hotels (place didn’t accept credit cards) we found ourselves physically, mentally, financially and spiritually drained. But again through it all God is always near and saw us through as he continues to do so. Upon our arrival I told Peter that I wasn’t sure why we came this year besides keeping in contact and preparing for something next year that could be Big. On our way to the airport Peter told us he believed this trip was indeed to build for next year and he believes something beautiful will come out of next years’ work. He left us with this word James 1:2-5
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

That was the word the Lord gave me for you on this trip. That even though it looked as though all has gone wrong, God was still at work behind the curtains to produce us as a perfect work.

Whos Your Daddy?

2011-07-03T03:19:00.000-07:00

Here in the home of Judah and Salma,,,a thunder storm is taking place, and im listening to disciple, a kid in a candy shop wouldn’t be any happier. Meanwhile looking at a blog from our last visit in Kenya and this part got me once again.One thing that really got me was when a SYN staff member was sharing about when one commits a crime their parents don’t want to claim them. She then asked who would claim a child that was a thief or even done worst? And only 2 or 3 raised their hands. So she called on one of the boys and asked him, so you would still claim your child, why would you claim him? He replied because you can’t forsake your own child” (Speechless, nothing more needs to be said)
As Randy shared about a Fathers love the Sunday before we left for here. And as he mentioned imagined a dog attacking your child or grandchild you would be on that dog until its death to save your love one and that’s how God is with us and sin. He desires to destroy ALL of sin that is in us because we are His hearts desire, He cherishes us. Afterwards I mention to Randy I was flipping channels and came across a b&w “cheesy” Christian movie and the son had done something very wrong and he said to his dad do you hate me? Father answered no son , how could I ever hate you , to hate you would also be hating myself” (not so cheesy) and that blew me away thinking that’s God speaking to me. So much there to grasp. The Fathers heart of God is definitely indescribable. Combine All the dads in the world that were “perfect” to their families and in comparison that would be like dropping an ounce of water in the ocean. Growing up in a single parent home (dysfunctional perhaps but I have yet to meet a family that is not..) I don’t have a clear picture of a father/daddy to say the very least. So there is a struggle for most if not all when relating God as your loving Father. I came across this book where the author was wondering of all things why did Jesus say refer to God as your Abba Father aka Daddy when He knew there would be so much abuse of this name/title. Yet at the same there is no comparison in His love which is the only love that is yet goes beyond unconditional. Till this day I struggle, I stumble, doubt and believe and at the same time but Always find His love is greater and there is no place I should want to be than close to a God I can call Abba Father, my Daddy.

m i c k e Y i dont like him

2011-06-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Imagine you have a friend who has it all and at first being invited over to his place may seem awesome since you know he’s loaded and has all the “toys.” But you noticed upon arrival that almost everything is made in the image of his face, from his house, play area to the money (yes even the money) and lets say you have a tree house or even a man’s cave type of a place to hangout. Well this guy has a house that’s comes out of the ground with a push of the button and yes its Mouse shape as well. And if this doesn’t get on your nerves perhaps singing M I C K E Y M O U S E everyday would do you in. Come on imagine hanging with your friend and the songs were always about him. Yea the mouse really never bugged me before but when your child starts to get mesmerize by him then Im stuck watching the world of mickey as well. The other day I even heard Donald say “its always about Mickey”..Come on any honest reader will admit they are annoyed by similar “icons” like Barney,the wiggles, or perhaps a Bozo or Captain Kangaroo (old school)…

EXpectations?...

2011-05-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

Imagine me wanting my 17th month old son to understand my every word, the meaning in the words we speak to him. Expecting him to pick up after himself and well basically take care of himself. Expectations? There’s just no chance for an infant to understand an adult. These thoughts came to me in thinking about how we tend to believe (make believe) we completely understand God and His Word, His ways. Or more so our expectations are that He is in agreement with us. There’s not a person we know (or will ever know) that has lived up to our expectations and along the way we have put God in that same box “Meet my Expectations” As the saying goes God made man in His image and we returned the favor. Most of us have our own top 10 list of sins and most of the times of course we won’t find our sins on that list. We read that His ways are much higher than our ways. This can lead us to momentary change but just different (perhaps greater) expectations. And that’s just it sometimes we just can’t (and wont) understand what is being said in His Word. Let humility pour into our lives and admit we don’t understand it or “accept” that we wouldn’t do it that way but then again we’re not God.
So in knowing that His grace,mercy,wisdom,thoughts,justice,order,love( and so forth) are greater than all I could ever imagine to offer Him the only thing to do is to surrender. Sure we will wrestle and struggle (to say the least) with things in His Word or with things that take place in our life. But through it all He is and will always be God. And I believe for most of us our expectations are so distorted, cloudy at best in what we expect out of others and most of all God. I heard a preacher some time ago close his message by asking: ”What did you expect?” That question has come back to me throughout the years. To be brutally honest, I wish there was no hell, there was no cancer, for that matter that I hadn’t even experience my health issues this past year. I wish (and then some) Adam and Eve did obey or that God didn’t throw a curse down on the entire world and mankind. But with that came Christ and His life and death on our behalf which doesn’t make sense to me. Indeed it may be the One thing that makes the least sense to me in the Bible. When somebody gives me a gift I didn’t expect it means more to me because for one I didn’t expect but second and most importantly I realize it’s a gift and not only didn’t I expect but I didn’t deserve it. And so it is with God despite Him seemingly not living up to my expectations it’s me who has not (and will not) live up to His word. But He knew such and has made an offer for us that in the end will be way beyond our imagination and expectations Still very few things in life are easy or live up to the expectations but here’s a suggestion from Pete Wilson (No Plan B), “Instead of griping that God isn’t living up to your expectations, that he isn’t meeting your needs the way you think they should be met, that he isn’t answering your prayers with a vending machine whoosh..you can make the choice to receive what he is offering you in this moment. The comfort of realizing he knows what you’re going through. The hope of realizing he really does know what he’s doing.”

I've Made a Mess...

2011-05-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

The only thing worst than making a mess is not realizing just how big of a mess you have made. And that thought comes to me quite often. Its the struggle with this thing called shame even in the beauty of His grace and mercy. My shadows quite often seem to be pride and pity, subtle bullies from hell. First theres a struggle which leads to a strangle. In my 40 plus years I cant believe the Mess ups I have accomplished, I say accomplish because God knows I went out of my way to do the very thing that hurts the One who loves me the most.Okay we say in getting older we are all the more wiser(see here comes that pride..) but in my proneness to wander I have lost something perhaps best describe as Innocence. From a song "Innocence lost" the lyrics speak of this;
"Milton lost his paradise, Dorothy lost her way
Vincent lost his sanity, Thomas lost his faith
Hoover lost the second time, Sigmund lost his friend
Me, I lost my innocence and I want it back again. "
From the smallest of wrongdoing to the biggest (and not sure how we measure this thing called sin out as if God really does have a top 10 sin list and the rest are "not as bad") I wonder whats wrong with me? Why did I say that, why did I do that? The thought would be bad enough but to carry out sin mixed with stupidity with no regard to who I will answer to in the end(and Now) and how whenever we make this Mess it doesnt just affect us, No it wipes so many others out. Like the ripple effect of a rock hitting the water. And yet this Mess is in all of us ever since Adam. Just look at the words from 1758 (a few yrs ago)
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above. (Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing)
Prone to wander and leave the God I LOVE. And Thank God He does come after us. He did before, during and (even still) after the Cross. Takes us and seals us. There is no other remedy for this Mess but to be covered by His love and my life in His hands not the other way around. I'll close with the words from Switchfoot "Mess of Me" which sums it all up perfectly...

I am my own affliction
I am my own disease
There ain´t no cure they could sell
Ah, there ain´t no drug to make me well
There ain´t no drug
The sickness is myself

I made a mess of me I wanna get back the rest of me
I made a mess of me I wanna spend the rest of my life alive
I made a mess of me I wanna reverse this tragedy
I made a mess of me I wanna spend the rest of my life alive
The rest of my life alive!

We lock our souls in cages
We hide inside our shells
It´s hard to free the ones you love
Oh when you can´t forgive yourself
Yeah forgive yourself!

I made a mess of me I wanna spend the rest of my life alive
The rest of my life alive!

What about you? What is Your Mess(I will give you a hint look in the mirror)? We all have them but we are NOT one. Despite the circumstances and consquences you are not what you do. You were simply and wonderfully created to become a child of the Creator and have eternal daily relationship with Him. Pause for a moment and lets start over again by giving Him this thing we call a mess and truly live the rest of your life alive.

TIME...

2011-05-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”

This quote got my attention earlier this year as I was thinking if one is really sick or getting late in the years does that person spend his time different. When I heard the word cancer Im thinking okay time to kick it in and make the most of my time. But guess what its that TIME no matter who you are or where you are in the life. Call it Carpe Deim, Live Every Moment, call it what you will but time is precious and I still find myself most of the time playing marbles with diamonds. Just not getting how precious and fragile life is and the relationships that make up our life. John Fischer points out how he feels like he accomplished something in doing so little.." i will often busy myself with something trivial so I dont have to encounter the complex or the uncomfortable. I am lethargic when it comes to the most important" Im right there with him if I get the house straighten up (by the way have you ever went to clean the house, office and as you pick up a book to put it in its right place you started reading the book and well cleaning doesnt get check off the list) or the lawn done then its as if something can be checked off the bucket list. How much trivial things take up our time as in to be the best at a game, hobby, or as the saying goes to "die with the most toys and still die"
In our world we are consume with computer,cell phone,TV,cds,Blu Ray Dvds,PS3..and perhaps consume doesnt cover it when you see people texting one another as they sit in the same room. Lives are being based on how many friends you have on facebook and dropping your status to the world every 5 minutes. Its fun to have these things but a blessing becomes a curse when it takes up more time then it should in your life. Facebook posts,high scores,fantasy teams,biggest collection,etc.etc.
We are losing days,weeks,years of life as we squander the most important things around us and by not spending this time with those who matter the most. I just got back from vacation by the beach with family. And though I did take in the sunrise a couple of times and enjoyed the time with the family I know I missed out. I know I am still learning to take it each and every moment. Starting with the air that I breathe, I need to..taste the food,dance to the music, hear the words,listen, love and live for others. Thanking the Lord daily and realizing this thing called Time is a gift from Him. The More I realize such the more I will be consume by those things that matter the most.

12 in 90 welcome back post

2011-05-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Even though I know I tend to procrastinate with the best of them. I could not believe that I haven't posted since January. So the new goal is 12 (count 'em 12) post in the next 90 days (a thank you tip from John Acuff) In the beginning of the year I was dealing with skin cancer and though several spots found there way on me. Through treatment and a little surgery all is good. Then about a month ago I started to feel really bad and confess to my wife that hey after the "cancer scare" I'm a wimp..so with that I gave in and had a full physical done (for those who know me that may be equivalent of skydiving with a backpack) and over 40 things was checked and all came back good/clear. Here's where I pause again to thank the Lord because I had more than doubts that there would be a few things not so good. So although the good news the pain continue and actually through chatting with a person while playing online scrabble it was brought to my attention what was wrong with me-gallbladder..Yea never thought of getting a free diagnosis while trying to spell a 7 letter word. And so in the months of writing nothing I have struggle at times only to realize physically nothing is wrong with me but I dwell on the "little" and at times it consumed me. wavering and wandering...I easily wavered from drawing close to the One who loves me most. sickness,hardship,tragedies do not change us on their own. It remains us as the individual who must make the change and self will never do such on its own. And with these health issues/concerns I still am learning(and lacking) to make the most of my time. I mean its one thing to enjoy things but its completely another to get consume by them..meanwhile the dye test confirms my gallbladder needs to go.. so within the next month so I will be laid up for a few days, perhaps just maybe that will help with the 12 in 90 days...

Say Cheese!!

2011-01-29T01:35:00.001-08:00

This has been on my mind for years because well there has been so many cheesy "christian" shirts over the years sometimes its so painful I have to laugh it off. But then came the church signs..so for the Love of God and for the sake of it all could we just STOP!
I assume those that make up the signs get a nice laugh out of it but when I see them I cringed then I wonder what most of the world thinks when they see it and cringed even more. My wife wants to stop and see if anyone is at the church so she can talk to them about the gift of being corny. I hate to even give samples as such will being giving time to Cheesiness(no by the way such is not a gift)....

“God checks His Knee-mail
“CH–CH. What’s missing? UR.”
Seven days without prayer makes one weak
Stop, drop, and roll doesn’t work in hell!”
The Best Vitamin for a Christian is B1
Dont get burned use Son block
WalMart is the not the only saving place.
If you think its hot here imagine hell.

Okay thats enough, those few were painful enough. But the last two-Seriously?!! When did the church get so caught up in the heat and hotness of Hell. Its like we are screaming thats the number one reason not to go to hell. its Hot? I mean hey if you could perhaps find a window or two or maybe after serving some time get a A/C then you will be bad off but not as Miserable there. How about for etenity not being with Jesus, God Your Creator. I mean if Hell was NOT hot at All Im still 110% Sure I still want no part of a place that was created for Satan. If Hell was actually a cold place would we "scare" them with signs about being freezer burned?
And over the years we have found a wonderful (Sarcasm) way to market Crest, Mountain Dew, Dell, Ford, etc into Christian logos..could we just stop. Stop being the tail and not the head. Its on the church signs, on the t-shirts, even toys (wont mention the playsets-aargh), and for years in the music in either trying to be cute or copying the world and it will ALWAYS backfire. Like when a Carman gets Hip Hop artist of the year. The only thing that could make me cringe more than that and church signs combined are parody songs. So musicians listen to songs they wouldnt want teens to listen to and change the lyrics to reach others,your kidding me, right? I could be wrong on this but man I just dont get it. When you play that song Im still singing the original one or Im wondering what are you doing even listening to that song...in closing I googled "cheesy church signs" and it came right up, well right before cheesy church soup..lets stick with the soup for the SouperBowl...:( Now theres a winner.

If you read this post your not so favorite sign...Im sure you have see one or hundred...

"Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege." Matthew 7:6

Either Way (God is God, Cancer is a beast)

2011-01-13T01:38:00.000-08:00

Okay so in the last 3 weeks I've mixed delay with procrastination. I guess I could blame the computer crash for lack of writing but not sure if that would matter. If you like to write then theres always something to write about (much like if you like to read, theres always something worth reading) Well anyway as I previously mentioned I was diagnosed with skin cancer in at least 4 locations. And honestly when I heard the word cancer my first thought wasn't "All right" or "I will get through this with Gods Help." But more like I only wanted to know if it was life threatening. As a friend of my shared in a email with me "you are in my prayers, cancer is a beast." So the beast and my mind messed with me quite well. For the next 2 weeks I had a few meltdowns (and two of them being in a very public place) my thoughts were not being here to see my son grow up and also simply dying and meeting my Creator. Its ironic how most of us seem know we will die but we "know" it just wont be today. What I'm trying to say is we take so much for granted. I know in waiting to hearing from the doctor I was praying, hoping, crying and making promises to God. But with those promises I did state the obvious that no matter what (if He does answer this prayer or doesn't..) He is God. And man I have been so blessed with the family,friends, things I have and experiences in mission work God has allowed me be part of throughout the years.
And with that now onto my skin cancer. Yes I can now confirm even not so good looking guys are quite concern with their looks. I thought a pinhole area on my nose was bad but after having surgery and a area the size of a nickel scraped and removed hey the pinhole wasn't so bad. I have been told at least a month until the healing is back to somewhat normal. And at the moment still a spot or two to be burned off. I guess its a good time to mention that the doctor told me I was one centimeter off(concerning spot on the nose) from worst case scenario in recovery. I'll admit before the surgery it seem surreal to me I was thinking nah I don't have cancer, not me. It made me think about our return trip from Kenya the plane just suddenly dropped and that when a few seconds does indeed seem like a lifetime. A older married coupled reach across the aisle and held each others hands. A young lady in the back of the plane started screaming we are going down, going down. we are going to die! My wife and I just looked at each other and I thought No it cant be like this(as in I read the script and it doesn't end like this) But it could be..I hope and pray my wife and I live a long good life and that we are blessed so we can bless others. But either way God is still God...

I can try to beg You off or bring it on
Let it rain, let it shine
Either way, it don't matter to me
'Cause I know that You're still God and I'm still not
Call it six, half a dozen
Either way, it don't matter to me

There's some who say to me
Life is pleasing to the touch
But I think that it could be
That they don't get out so much
They could try to come with us or not
Either way

"Either Way" - Satellite Soul

Hello again....

2010-12-18T03:48:00.000-08:00

To say I havent kept up on the blogging is quite the understatement. I guess I could blame the behind the scene busyness of keeping up with my followers. But since that number is single digit(but thankful I only know one personally so that means a few went out of there way to read a blog or three, thanks!) I actually do love to write but such has faded over the years. Most of us have "satisfy" ourselves with posting any trivial and deep thought on Facebook (and just think a few yrs ago Myspace was the place to post?) I would write lyrics to the amount of 50-100 "songs" but now down to a few and instead of blogging a few entries in a journal suffices (somewhat?) for now.
So I missed on writing about Thanksgiving...and the thoughts of having So much to be thankful for in life. Blogs on everyday life, from thoughts on books, movies (like with The Book of Eli...did anyone else wonder if Kirk Cameron was going to make a cameo in the movie) putting together a youth concert, to my son just turning one (now theres easily a daily blog) and now recently being checked for skin cancer. So can I double up in one day and write more in depth on such things of life. Meanwhile the only thing worst in being away for so long...is not being missed....Hope to hear from those that just "happen" to read this and take part together in this Beautiful Ache.

Miracle in Chile

2010-10-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Its amazing what those 33 men live through, darkness for 17 days. I cant imagine the feeling of hopelessness that must have took place when they fully realize they were indeed in the depths of the earth/darkness. But as the rescue procedure took place I was thinking could you imagine this taking place in the United States. There would be no wait for the reality tv media to get a hold of it. I can see it now a big brother show live from the cave and you get to call in and vote for what order they come out. And speaking of which I heard the 33 have already agree to split all profits gain from the media attention. Hopefully the same would be if this took place in the USA but I do have my doubts. But I dont have any doubt those 33 men deserve some blessings to say the least. Who knows by this time next year maybe they will all be on first name basis to us. If not all of them Im sure most men have had a life changing experience in if nothing else putting important thing in their life as first and foremost of highest priority. Sad things is it usually takes a life changing event for us to do such, personally I stumble and struggle to do the "live every moment"...hope and pray to find such one day and to live it...Soon.

In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him ps 95:4.

Communion Gum

2010-10-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

Weird topic but I would say that many church goers have come face to face with the challenge of what to do with "communion gum" You never gave thought to it being "communion Sunday" at your church. Perhaps the act of chewing made you oblivious to the stack of trays on the communion table. But now out of nowhere you hear the pastor begin the service of presenting communion and you are now all but consumed with trying to rid of your gum. Sure the easy way out is to place it in a piece of paper to throw away later but that paper could end up being a grocery list, contact numbers/emails perhaps even last weeks notes. Or do you play it "cool" and try to keep it in your mouth place under your tongue just right as you partake of the bread and juice/wine. Personally this ordeal has caught me off guard and a few times I have tried to just hold it in my hands using the tips of my fingers unfortunately there is a certain brand of gum (Orbit?) that sticks to you like Gorilla glue. And by the time communion is over I have gum stuck to the bottom of the cup and fingers and cannot get it off. Its strung out like a nice bite of hot cheese being pulled from a piece of pizza. Now I'm asking for paper or tissue and like magic I have all 3 stuck together. So now I'm wondering what is this gum actually made of? Who is looking at me. And theres no way I can place this trinity of cup, gum and paper aside so no one will notice. I brought this topic up to some friends, family members and even my pastor and they immediately knew what I was talking about in "communion gum" Makes me wonder if the pastor is ever distracted seeing the congregation use their deepest imagination to rid of gum a split second from entering a very sacred moment.
Thats just it we are distracting ourselves from what is at hand, literally right before us, in and around us, the presence of God and the celebration of remembering that His love is beyond reasoning, explanation but that He would die for you and me. Its even grace that He would tell us to remind one another of what took place, this act of love that has no match throughout history. Some may read this and think I am making light of communion. The truth is I am pointing out the reality that we do make light of communion in various ways. Where has our heart and mind been during the week Monday through Saturday? How about that very Sunday morning. Did we have to get in some sport scores? How was our conversation to our love ones at home and on our way to church. John Acuff gives a message called "Booty God Booty" Where we are consumed with self/world then Sunday we have God back in our life only to return to "booty" by Monday if not in the church parking lot as soon as we exit the church doors.
Making light of communion is certainly no new thing In Corinthians 11 we see communion turned into a party (okay now the gum thing dont seem too bad) "And then I find that you bring your divisions to worship—you come together, and instead of eating the Lord's Supper, you bring in a lot of food from the outside and make pigs of yourselves. Some are left out, and go home hungry. Others have to be carried out, too drunk to walk. I can't believe it! Don't you have your own homes to eat and drink in? Why would you stoop to desecrating God's church? Why would you actually shame God's poor? I never would have believed you would stoop to this. And I'm not going to stand by and say nothing." And you know WHY they had to be told to STOP being glutton pigs and getting hammered at the "communion table" Because believers, the church was actually doing such, thats right they would enter in to partake of sacred communion and leave bloated with food and intoxicated with grape juice (for the extremely conservative we will make believe it was a special Welch’s juice). Most of us have read that and thought man how lost, messed up were they back in the early church. And when we know deep down this is in each one of us. Many of us have done far worst but at the same time we share with one another that our "deepest" sins are we dont read as much as we should and perhaps too much TV. When in reality sinfulness goes deep and wide in our hearts and minds. As one person put it if we were truthful some of our thoughts would have Jesus drinking gin from a cat dish. There is a saying (that has been credited to Augustine but seems no one is certain) The church is a whore but she is my mother No matter who said it or in what context I understand such that we as a body tend to sell out for most trivial things. The church has committed tragedies in the name of Christ. We have come to His table as a ragamuffin and been a made pure, holy, saint overflowing with His grace and mercy only to leave stumbling back into the world consume with self. Im not sure how we "pull this one off" and quickly forget what God has done and is doing for us and what He has for us as we take our very last breathe. Communion indeed is more of a invitation then a refusal/denial. Jesus wants us to come to the table but how tiresome is it for all involve, spiritual draining for only that one moment to be your connection with God for the week, the month. I believe theres a call for us to always see the table before us. In the best of times and in the wilderness where there only seems to be darkness and storms. Jesus remains awaiting for us to come and at that table we are His children, sons and daughter. There is no caste system in Jesus eyes and at this table we are practicing and preparing for the grand banquet where once and for all at His table the lame can walk, the deaf can hear, the blind can see, the poor are rich, and the weak are strong. The lost are found. No shame. No condemnation. More than enough reason to be in awe. Jesus says “Come and Remember Me”
　
Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord's Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me.After supper, he did the same thing with the cup: This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me.What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt.
27-28Anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Master irreverently is like part of the crowd that jeered and spit on him at his death. Is that the kind of "remembrance" you want to be part of? Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe.

Three Days Later

2010-09-24T22:51:00.001-07:00

32They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33"We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise."

A few days ago I was reading this and the "Three Days later" got my attention. As in being a disciple and following Jesus you have witnessed Him do great things. Miracles after miracles and perhaps most of all Loving those who hated him. And the hate was obvious but now He takes the 12 aside and lays it all out before them. In a nutshell Jesus lets it be known once and for all that he will be betrayed (by the chief priests and teachers of the law, so yea they see themselves doing a "God thing" aka doing God a favor), Condemn to death, mocked, spit on, flogged (beaten till his back is turn inside out) and finally they will kill him. So I'm wondering after saying all that he concludes with Three days later...Would I be taking it all in and truly believing Him. Or would I be glad I packed a lunch (wouldn't have to ask for another miracle before I went my own way) and be on my way. Of course I would love to say I would have followed Him even unto the cross. Well at least be there at the scene and well, ah its no use if I didn't run then I know I would have ran just like the disciples did when they finally arrested Jesus. They were told again and again it would take place and these great followers assure themselves they were ready. Couple of them even asked about seating arrangements in Heaven soon after Jesus states what will happen to Him. They sort of had the attitude hey if you can do it so can we..And Jesus say yea in a way you are correct You will indeed taste such things as well.
So anyway we know what took place "3 days later". As Tony Campolo says in a message :"Its Friday but Sundays a coming!" I know all about the "Fridays" in our life But do I live as if Sunday is a coming? Do I live before or after the "3 days later"? Thomas has been branded with the nickname "doubting Thomas" But its this very same man who said "Let us also go, that we may die with him" Jesus was going to raise Lazarus from the dead but all Thomas and others heard was that they were going to place where Jesus wasn't well liked to say the least. And while Jesus is talking about a "sick" Lazarus, Thomas only comment is Lets go die with Him. Its been said when Jesus said follow me it was a invitation to the cross. There we die to our self, sins, past and everything that is not of Him. And in that rests our hope and trust in that no matter what we will come to see Him face to face three days later. Because for now its Friday...but Sundays a coming!..

What Makes Sense?....

2010-09-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

Nothing. From the extreme ends of tragedy to the ultimate gifts that comes out of someones love, grace and mercy. None of it makes sense. We learn early on that life isnt fair (to say the least) but that doesnt soften the blow that breaks our heart, brings us to our knees, as tears magnify the pain and we find seclusion and numbness to be our friend and enemy at the same time. When one is mad as hell or doenst care if they dont see a tomorrow. There are no words. Many say on this side of Heaven we dont understand but do you really believe on the other side this would Ever make sense to the heart and mind that is suffocating from their loss. And for those of us who proclaim to be Believers lets STOP coming up with "answers" or even a "message" using someone elses tragedy and for the love of God dont offer 3 simple steps, the "i know how you feel" or other countless cliche sayings to "speak" into someones life, enough already. How about admitting many things dont make sense to us. How about a offering of silence with your words and scream with your action in just being there for a world that is hurting.

Welcome Back..Life goes On...

2010-08-17T23:21:00.000-07:00

The welcoming back was for me because lets face it after a 4 month hiatus. Im not too sure who is checking out this blog. I use to like to keep a journal but now I like the concept of blogging and actually getting others to give their thoughts. And honestly I thought a few of the blogs that had no comments would actually get some interaction. Anyway as for an update...we didnt go to Kenya this summer (we did go in summer of 2008 & 09) we do plan to return in 2011. Our son Noah just turned 8 months old. Yeah that will consume some of your time instead of blogging. He definitely has brought laughter and comfort in our life. I know he has shown us some things that gave reason to blog(share) with others. I have several things running through my mind during this hiatus with a variety of subjects like "cheesy churchboards", "slavery", Jesus, "communion gum" Kenya, etc...hey I said there was a variety. Meanwhile our host in Kenya was in last fall and plans to return to the area in October. He has been given 2 acres and plans to have a hospital built for those that live in the bush area in Kenya. Doctors from the states have already agree to give their help. So thats what is going on...if you stumble upon this blog just let me know you are around and perhaps along the way we can stumble together. Forever learning that life goes on...

take two Jesus Pills and call me in the morning

2010-04-10T01:04:00.001-07:00

This peice is from Mike Yaconelli..at first written for youth leaders but as you will see its a must read, "a must live" for todays church. "The Jesus pills do not work".....

Jesus said to his disciples, "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the seas with a millstone tied around his neck than him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves" (Luke 17:1-3)

Sinning is part of adolescence. Sinning is the natural consequence of young people rebelling and finding their way. That's why youth workers talk a lot about sin. We're good at warning young people about dangers of sin. We talk a lot about aborting, alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography-and we should. And even more than warning kids away from sin, Jesus' admonition to his disciples makes it clear that we're not to cause any of them to sin.
What if our ministries cause little ones to sin? What if our programs cause the little ones to sin?
Think that's ridiculous? I wonder.
See if the following tendencies feel familiar...

Oversimplification.
When we tell young people that Jesus is the answer to all our problems, when we paint the world as black and white, when we make following Jesus an either/or proposition, when we suggest that young people "just pray, then everything will be all right," when we promise that Jesus always makes us happy and always gives us what we want, we cause little ones to sin.
We know life is much more complicated than "take two Jesus Pills and call me in the morning"
If we're honest, we know not everyone who follows Jesus is happy, fulfilled, or has it all together. Surely we understand that prayer is much more complex than simply requesting and receiving. Even asking "What Would Jesus Do" isn't all that simple-because often we don't know what Jesus would do!
When we promise that life with Jesus is simple, we set up our youth for failure. when we run off in affairs, what do our youth do then? When their senior pastors are caught abusing little children, what are our youth supposed to think then? How do we communicate the harsh, complicated, difficult, wonderful reality that Jesus really is worth following-even when life is blurry, confusing and difficult?
Manipulation
If I witness one more Jesus cheer, If I hear one more "let's have a hand/round of applause/praise offering for Jesus," If I have to endure more pep rally for Jesus, I'm returning my youth ministry I.D. Card Because as much as we criticize and complaining about our media-ravaged society, as much as rant about the evils of MTV and Pop culture, we've imitated them by rushing to create the worlds biggest youth events.
At these events we parade around and glorify all things "beautiful"-the dazzling musicians, the laser shows, the foxes and studs for Jesus. At these events we mesmerize young people with how "cool" Jesus is. These pep rallies give teens the illusion that God is cool, that God is winning, that God is the majority-and that their ministries and youth leaders are cool, too. But what these events don't dare say is that even cool, dazzling, "beautiful" youth workers (adults) are screwed up,broken and constantly in need of Gods grace.
So rather than cheering our young people into the kingdom, maybe we should point them to the the broken, inconsistent, uncool followers of Jesus found in the Bible. Maybe we need to stop pressuring our young people to cheer long enough to prepare them for a world in which the real heroes are powerless, tiny and considered insignificant.
The radical, ugly truth? Jesus was killed by the very people who threw him a pep rally a week before.
Self-Deception
What characterizes followers of Christ is that we tell the truth. I'm not talking about doctrinal truth-I'm talking truth truth:Where we talk about our strengths and weaknesses;where we talk about victories and defeats;where we talk about our successes and failures;where we talk about our answers and doubts;where we talk about our joys and depressions;where we talk about or courage and fear.
We talk about all of life. We're not afraid that teens will see life as a struggle every day-and that it will always be so. Most of all, we point them away from us and toward Jesus. We decrease while Jesus increases.
Whats so disturbing about youth ministry today, however is how little truth telling there is.
I've been in youth ministry for 40 years and I wish I could have some of those years to live over again. Oh God, forgive me for causing your little ones to sin. Oh, God, help me to learn from my mistakes. Oh, God, in spite of me, cause all of your little ones to run into your arms.
Oh, God help us all.

**Mike Yaconelli (July 24, 1942 — October 30, 2003) was a writer, theologian, church leader and satirist. Co-Founder of Youth Specialties,[1] a training organization for Christian youth leaders, and The Wittenburg Door (sometimes just The Door), a satirical magazine,[2] Yaconelli was also the pastor of a small church in Yreka, CA - "the slowest growing church in America" as he called it. He and wife Karla used to share their time between Yreka and the Youth Specialties offices in El Cajon, CA.As well as his contributions to the Wittenburg Door, Yaconelli also wrote a number of books for youth leaders, and was a well-received Christian conference speaker. He was a regular at the Greenbelt festival in the UK.[1] On his last visit to Greenbelt, he said:

If I were to have a heart attack right at this moment, I hope I would have just enough air in my lungs and just enough strength in me to utter one last sentence as I fell to the floor: "What a ride!" My life has been up and down, careening left then right, full of mistakes and bad decisions, and if I died right now, even though I would love to live longer, I could say from the depths of my soul, "What a ride!"

Mike was killed in an automobile accident in 2003.

Beautiful, Scandalous Night...

2010-04-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Beautiful Scandalous Easter
This Easter think about what it means that Jesus arose from the dead. Without such news the cross would mean little, well actually nothing. We are in desperate need of a risen Savior. Think about how everything first fell apart in the Garden with Adam & Eve. And the very first time the risen Savior is seen He is mistaken for a gardener, that is beautiful irony. In just the first few chapters of Genesis mankind had exited shamefully from the Garden and man has spent the remaining chapters of the Book and life to get back to the Garden. A paradise, a peace, a hope, a Love that is unconditional and because of this thing we called Easter also known as a "Beautiful, Scandalous Night"..

At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white On that beautiful, scandalous night

Dont let this go by us so easily this year. Take a quiet time with a sunset and let your heart and mind go those moments on the cross. The movie Passion doesnt (and cannot) touch the emotional & spiritual pain that took place in Christ solely for you and me Beyond the Easter Bunny, candies, nice dinners, church service there is more so much more..In closing Steven James sums it up just right..

The bunny has upstaged the rabbi and stolen the show. The search for plastic eggs has replaced the search for a missing body. Easter has evolved into just another nice,harmless,spineless. little holiday with the climax being a bunch of snot-nosed kids fighting over a piece of chocolate, when its supposed to be about a wrestling match between life & death, a cosmic struggle between good and evil. Easter has lots of lilies and spring hats and piles of fake, green, curly plastic grass stuff, but none of that has anything to do with the raw reality of a bloody cross and the final hope of the empty tomb. The truth is most people just aren't moved by the Easter story anymore. Its like we've walked in at the end of the movie and we just don't get what all the fuss is about. "Is something wrong?" The people who are crying shake their heads. "Then why are you crying?"..the empty tomb doesn't make sense without the cross, the cross doesn't make sense without the manger in Bethlehem and the manger doesn't make sense without the Garden of Eden. Its All one story. And only when you finally untangle it, see its scope, and enter it for yourself do you realize that the story has finally entered and at last untangled you."- Steven James (Story)
Easter such a Beautiful, Scandalous Night...
"Go on up to the mountain of mercy *To the crimson perpetual tide *Kneel down on the shore Be thirsty no more* Go under and be purified*Go on up to the mountain of mercy *To the crimson perpetual tide *Kneel down on the shore* Be thirsty no more Go under and be purified"

losing MY religion

2010-03-10T02:58:00.000-08:00

Again thanks for taking time in reading this,,,religion has been on my mind so much lately as in the lack of Christianity among Christians. We are quick to give answers and these answers we are not even living out ourselves, but hey it sounds good.
One of the "favorite quotes" Christianity isn't about religion its about relationship, really? While that is true the question that needs to be asked is this true in our lives? Personally if Christianity is based on relationship then I know I'm a lot closer to religion.
Years ago in this movie a young lady said she told a teacher you are my favorite teacher and the teacher replies then why didn't you pay more attention to me..and she adds I sort of see God the same way. And that makes me think about my walk, this relationship. I lack so much quiet time, devotional time, call it what you will but its lacking. And such shallowness leads to not seeing Him in every aspect of life. Most of us in the last 2 years have chased after time with Facebook than the face of our Savior. See that's what Jesus Christ is Savior, Lord, God, ..how much time does such deserve?
Rich Mullins said he was once asked who his hero was and he replied St. Francis of Assisi and the person said but why isn't Jesus your hero? Rich replied Hes my Savior not my hero. Again I think many of us tend to treat Him as a hero who perhaps saved us from drowning and at one point perhaps we couldn't get enough time with Him and show thankfulness but now its okay if we just keep in touch. Its like we are "tweeting" God. Our words and ways have lost their meaning much like the worlds views on holidays.
Churches are quick to criticize the water down version of Sacred Holidays but are we not the ones leading this dance. Which matters more the world saying Happy Holidays or Christians Spending millions for "toys"/gadgets rather than giving to those that need it most? Lets see "what do you get one who has everything" or how about clean water for the one who absolutely has next to nothing.. We really are in need of a reality check. As we go into the doors of the meeting place we called Church (btw..we are the church not the building) and as we leave. I believe many of us are clinging to how God see things through our eyes and yet we should be seeing through His eyes, to love what He loves, and hate what He hates, and finally a passion to be with Him. To Know Him. To Know Him More and More..
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

God Delusion

2010-02-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

Awhile ago I read Dawkins God Delusion. Of course I knew I would disagree with some if not most of the book. But I did think there would be more "facts" to openly discuss or debate not so much the disdain (yeah thats the subtitle for this read)...what follows are quotes and questions from Mr Dawkins.

He spends several pages on Hitler proclaiming to be a Christian only to announce the absurdity of such statements as Hitler stated his dislike for Christianity. Blames the effect of religion when tragedy was done in the name of such but "of course" atheism doesnt affect ones action? Lets continue with more thoughts..Most theologians say the bible stories are not to be taken literally. Really? "It could be argue that humans are more capable of suffering than animals but theres no absolute distinction"-Well thats a big smile or smirk from the gang at Peta. He states that there was a police strike in Canada and lots of looting took place therefore he proclaims this shows no fear of God, well yea people in general are self seeking, and extremely fickle..that is clearly shown in the Word, OT and NT...Dawkins asks What if dna was found proving Jesus had a father? That is a BIG "What If"..and then he adds that there is No evidence that Jesus thought he was divine. Ah well no not if one isnt counting what Jesus actually said about Himself. Like if You have seen me you have seen the Father(God) and the words "I AM" really bother the Jews back in the day. Dawkins add God is the ultimate boeing 747? (if there is a creator he has to start somewhere) design cant be the answer because who design the designer. This will spin forever in circle into the ground..Hard to grasp but many (even if religions are different) believe that Yes Life, creation Started somewhere with somebody aka Creator in this case God. Dawkins defending his side says its Utterly illogical to demand complete documentation of every step. Okay great but you seem to want every question answered from Christians? By the way there seems to be a few steps missing in something came from nothing.

And in closing Dawkins ask When a woman is told she only has months to live due to cancer why doesn’t she beam with excitement? REALLY? This man is knowledgeable right:? Gets paid to write books,etc and many follow his words..So being a christian this woman (man) should have tears (pain) in the thought of leaving love ones behind (family, friends, children, grandchildren) and not too mention pain and love ones watching him suffer. I would say this question is absurd but that is a understatement. His disdain for religion, Christianity definitely has twisted his thinking. And finally he questions Why don’t religious people talk about hope in the presence of dying. Well again I question this in wondering how many Christians has Mr Dawkins been around as they died, passed from this life onto the next life. And Mr Dawkins through it all CHRISTIANS do have this HOPE in the presence of all things including dying. Its nothing they have done or can do but what Christ has done and will do, that and that alone is Our Hope!

ANYONE (anyone) out there? Got the Time?

2010-01-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

Just a short and to the point question is anyone out there? Could you please make a reply and perhaps we could actually have a discussion or such. I actually saw the best description of most of us and it was at Facebook (where else) somebody posted that they was so busy they needed more time in life to get things done. But somebody came back with a Great reply..yet you have time for facebook. Once it was chat, then myspace now its facebook (something will come along to replace it sooner or later) anyway somebody along with Mr "Anonymous" (seems to want sunshine when it rains and rain when its sunny) leave some comments.. last blog was WHAT TIME IS IT IN YOUR LIFE?..

Happy New Year, What Time is it?

2010-01-10T00:09:00.000-08:00

SO what are your resolutions? Better question yet are there any left that you still havent broken. Its "okay" that you have broken them just start all over again. I mean thats all one can do. Of course dont wait till ah 2011 but start over now. Sometimes we need to offer a bit of grace and mercy to ourselves as well. We will mess up, some more than others (by the way doesnt make you better than others just perhaps a better opportunity to encourage others with a taste of grace and mercy). And while we are starting over how about we think on things greater than ourselves such as things that may last eternally. We tend to fool ourselves thinking we have "tomorrow" and for most of us that means we promise ourselves old age of 80 plus will come before we leave this place. And I would say we really take away from the value of time by the way we use it.

I read an interesting thing about what time it is in your life.

If your age is 15, the time is 10:25 A.M.
If you are 20, the time is 11:34 A.M.
If you are 25, the time is 12:42 P.M.
If you are 30, the time is 1:51 P.M.
If you are 35, the time is 3:00 P.M.
If you are 40, the time is 4:08 P.M.
If you are 45, the time is 5:15 P.M.
If you are 50, the time is 6:25 P.M.
If you are 55, the time is 7:34 P.M.
If you are 60, the time is 8:42 P.M.
If you are 65, the time is 9:51 P.M.
If you are 70, the time is 11:00 P.M.

SO what time is it in your life? Lets say its not even noon or perhaps 11pm. No matter the time in our life we should be using this gift carefully and wisely. This definitely sounds alot easier than it is, well at least for me. In hindsight most of us will be sadly shock for not getting away from things like the TV and computer to deepen relationships. The conversations we only talked and fail to truly listen. Take in the beautiful creation around us.Fix your eyes on the stars and moon at night. Appreciate all that we do have rather than whine and wish we had more. Be in awe of the things your body can do and the so many things we simply take for granted. The Word tells us a prayer should be is to ask our Creator to teach us to number our days. This resolution would change our world if we made this our resolution. The little things in life will matter little to us as we take in the more important things in life. Now you the reader must decide what is of most importance to you and live accordingly no matter what time it is in your life.

PS actually started this blog to say Happy New Year and to say we have a newborn about 2 weeks old. So yeah according to his clock he isnt even getting up yet. Which is good since at the moment hes sleeping right by me as I blog this entry. Its 4am, and that seems to be about the time in his life.

Is It Well With Your Soul?

2009-12-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

At the end of this year, I want to make sure everything is ok...with you and your soul. The video above is a more upbeat rendition of the song, but Denver & MHO do a great job at it.

My pastor says that how you leave one season will determine how you enter the next. Before we go into 2010, make sure your are healthy and whole. Make things right that need be. You should already be eating healthier. Your relationships with your family and friends should be healthier than ever. If you say that you will take care of that after the new year, then you are only deceiving yourself. Seldom do we keep New Year's Resolutions. Don't wait until the new year.

Enjoy the music and make the declaration that IT IS WELL WITH YOUR SOUL. God's peace is available to your through His Son Jesus Christ. Let Him take your life so you can have peace of mind, soul, and spirit.

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to you! I Certainly haven't kept up with the blogging. Again it would help to have comments to keep it more consistent. But the last 2 weeks have been a bit busy to say the least with a newborn son coming into this world. But more on that later (I'm sure)...After a "Merry Christmas" or Happy Holidays (for the PC People?) the first thing usually people ask "is what did you get"...a week later or perhaps even a day later we could follow up with do you feel different or better ? I certainly don't have a problem with gift giving its just the extreme we have taken it to. At one time this meant a time for family and friends and a few gifts at best. Now its black Fridays, and sales on behalf of a baby in the manger. We actually have people trampling one another to get to the latest toy on sale. I believe all of us can learn from a child when he gets a present. This little one can find just as much if not more pleasure in the wrapping paper and the box. And we could learn from this in letting the simple things, the things we take for granted be what comforts us but not just doing the holidays but everyday. Christians have taken this season out of context if not more than non-Christians. God sent Jesus to get messy. And ever since this Jesus dives right into our mess to offer us grace, mercy, comfort, correction, love, life. Check out: "He Came To Get Messy" on YouTube or SkitGuys.com its worth 4 minutes of your time during this time of the year. By the way tell some one today, you love them, give them a hug, take time for family and friends and show thanks to God who has blessed you to bless others..,if nothing else say hi to your neighbor and wish them a Merry Christmas!

Tis The Season to...

2009-12-16T01:24:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Americans will spend 437 Million on "Christmas" (down 1% from last year) Avg American will spend 832.00 on Presents&decorations. And over 3 billion ppl make less than $2/day thats 730 a year.. See I think that alone is enough for a blog. I believe the majority of us would agree that we spend way too much. Yet that doesnt stop the majority of us from buying for others things they dont need and in return they get us things we dont need so we can say Merry Christmas. Could you imagine if we only spent on gifts the amount we drop in a Salvation Army bucket then perhaps use that "spare change" to buy the gifts. Im not sure how any family spend 800-1600.00 and then explain to the kids its not about the gifts. Im no scrooge in that theres nothing against celebrating this Holiday season and exchanging gifts but we could actually make a difference in helping out those in need of help and perhaps let that be our giving/gifts. This church in the Houston area led by Chris Seay held a Advent Conspiracy program where the people agree to actually give their money away to help provide clean water for those in need instead of buying clothes someone will return or the latest game your kid will be bored with in a day or three. In 2006 three churches combined to give 500,000, In 2007 more churches got together and gave over 3 million. Its estimated 10 billion dollars is need to Solve the clean water epidemic. Sounds like a lot until one hears the world spends about 450 million on Christmas. Okay its late in the year but each of us can do something for somebody (someone that cannot pay us back) without expecting or wanting something in return. Perhaps next year plan to do more, give more. After all that is the reason for the Season, right? Its not the PS3, Wii, Black Fridays, returning 1 million gifts, etc. If you are reading this you are so bless, and you simply are bless to bless others. Merry Christmas.

Stones of Remembrance

2009-11-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

While having a conversation with someone the other day, I began recalling the story of my grandmother’s conversion. She was a wonderful woman who didn’t come to know Christ until she was 80 years young. I remember how a neighbor came and sat down with her and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ. What a glorious day it was for her and our whole family.

Thinking about that caused me to remember some other great events in my life. I have been so blessed throughout my years to have some great times with family and friends. In the midst of turmoil, it is good to have joyful memories to recall. No matter what happens, I will always have these embedded in my mind.

While certainly not being one who totally understand all of the complexities of the human mind, I’ve come to learn that major events of joy and pain cause a chemical to be released in the brain that in essence burns the experience in. What is so miraculous is that even many years later, you can still remember the smells and sounds of the occurrence. It’s not just confined to the emotional tag either. Many times a sound or a smell can trigger the emotional tag.

In the Old Testament they had sites where they piled some rocks and named the place after the event. They were called stones of remembrance. Everyone around knew what took place there. Some where places of great joy or victory. There were a few places where the memory was not one of happiness but of defeat or mourning.

This got me to thinking….why would you want to remember the bad things? Wouldn’t it be much better to only focus on the happy moments? I for one don’t want to think about the bad things that have happened.

I don’t believe we should focus on or dwell in the times of pain or regret but I do believe it is healthy to visit those places. Just don’t stay there. There is, however, one place of suffering and shame that we could all probably do better by visiting more often….the Cross of Christ. In fact, during the Passover, He broke the bread and gave them drink symbolizing His body and blood. He even said “as often as you do this, do it in remembrance of me.” What happens here is that a horrible act is remembered and because of that joy is birthed within. While I believe in being reverent during communion, there is also something to the joy that erupts within. His sacrifice bought my freedom. His death gave me liberty. His atonement brings me life eternal. For the joy that was before Him, He endured the cross.

I invite you to take some time to remember. Remember the good things. And old song I recall hearing in church asks God to remind me. It says to “roll back the curtains of memories now and then. Show me where You’ve brought me from and where I could’ve been.” Get into the discipline of taking communion at home once in a while. Remember the Cross. Remember the sacrifice. Remember Him.

This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope.
Lamentations 3:21

Stryper,DC TALK, Carman, Petra, Newsboys..

2009-11-11T02:00:00.001-08:00

Any of you readers have these CDs, or should I say Cassettes? I was just reading a blog someone did on Stryper and I recalled when they were the one and only Christian rock/metal band until the crosses (White, Barren, & Neon) came along. I used to have all of their stuff but I actually don't own any of their music now. My wife says they are extremely talented but just cant sing (she says this about almost every Christian Rock band from the 90's). They say history repeats itself but I don't see the spandex and high hair thing coming back anytime soon. Although stryper is back at it with cds and tours. Nothing against them but I thought of this when the Rolling Stones came back out and started touring that perhaps there should be a "force retirement" age for all bands. I mean seeing Jagger with a walker or cane singing Jumping Jack Flash or a few years from now Van Halen and the boys singing Jump at a rest home just doesnt cut it. Then again it would make a interesting reality tv show. Then there is Petra they may be the dinosaur of CCM music and have made more changes to their lineup then Menudo (see wikipedia if you have no clue and just thought I named a Mexican food?) to keep going through the years. As for the Newsboys well they are very much still around but no that new lead singer is not from Australia. I met theses guys back in the 90's when they were touring over 300 days a year playing any place available (i do mean ANY, I think they would have played at your cookout or even a yard sale) as I use to listen to the heavier music I would joke with my friends and say I was a closest Newsboys fan. But Steve Taylor did turn them to in a real band with his added lyrics to the songs. I mean "when you come back again will you bring me something from the fridge" only Taylor could put those lyrics to a reference on the second coming. DC Talk ,well they brought SAFE Christian Rap to a all new level. Perhaps the Pat Boone version of "gangster rap" and much better then Carman. What can I say about Carman. He actually won best rap/hip in 1996 Dove Awards.. That says so much for those awards in a major small way. I would have open the envelope and said REALLY? Seriously? is this a typo? Can we go to a commercial? I actually got all warm and fuzzy inside when I heard the news and realize I was about to throw up. I'm sure he has talent but please save the rap and hip hop for somebody Else, anybody! I recently saw him on tv in concert (okay I was just flipping the channels) and he was singing(?) as animated veggies danced on the screen and with Carman was four young men dressed in some loud green,orange,silver,blue outfits perhaps a version of the Baptist Street Boys? Anyway to each their own. I Mean there are really bad Christian and Non Christian artists and "btw" I'm not sure why we even label music in such a way. But it gets me how really bad artist become famous and sell out concerts and some really really good musicians have a hard time making a living at the same thing. In any case now that you are finished reading this go to Itunes and listen to those great 90 bands or better yet break out those cassettes.

"Booty God Booty"

2009-11-11T01:30:00.000-08:00

If nothing else I thought the Title would get your attention..Now if nothing else while you are online do checkout Stuff Christians Like Blog..this man is a good daily read and here is something that just took place in less than a day that is amazing and reminds once again I treat God much of the time that He is short arm, and I wonder about Him and even more so about a church(as a whole) are we asleep but this is a great reminder that He is moving and people (church) is listening... btw "the title is from a message by the writer of this blog"-
$30,000 in 18 hours.

Did that really happen yesterday?
Did we raise $30,000 in 18 hours to build a kindergarten in Vietnam?
Did a blog, that isn’t even based on an original idea, come together and do something much bigger than a blog?
Did a community of people who use the phrase, “Booty, God, Booty,” and know how to instantly score how metrosexual their worship leader is, really give $5 and $10 and $5,000 donations until they hit $30,000?
Did that really happen yesterday?
It did and if there’s one thing I want you to remember, it’s this:
The miracle of yesterday is so small compared to how much God loves you.
The sum of $30,000 is so tiny compared to the outrageousness of God’s love for you. He’d crossed countries and oceans and space and time to pull you close, traveling to Vietnam is but a hop skip and a jump for a God who can’t keep Himself away from you.
That’s the truth of yesterday, but what does tomorrow hold?
Good question, I think there are four things we could do …
1. We could stop.
2. We could raise the remaining $60,000 to build the two other kindergartens in the area.
3. We could figure out if it’s possible to raise money to sustain and nurture the one kindergarten from yesterday.
4. We could find sponsors (like Compassion International, Catalyst, Samaritan’s Purse, Zondervan and Desiring God) to send me, Abraham Piper, Tripp Crosby and a bunch of ya’ll to Vietnam next year to pour into that village in a 3D way and make a documentary film of the whole thing.
Clearly, that last one is far fetched, but after yesterday, I’ve decided to retire the phrase “far fetched” from my vocabulary.
I’m talking to Samaritan’s Purse today to figure out next steps, but in the meantime, if you missed the razor thin 18 hour window of craziness that was yesterday, you can still donate. We’re going to continue raising the money and I don’t want anyone to miss the chance to be part of this just because they don’t read Stuff Christians Like on Mondays. Click here to donate.
Yesterday in my journal, I wrote to God, “I pray you raise $10,000 today. I pray you blow everyone’s expectations out of the water.” And $10,000 felt big and impossible but I forgot something I learned a few years ago – God loves dancing.
In 2006, after a really tough season, such a fantastic Christian word, I realized that I had made God into an emo God. I had made him a God of weeping and tears. When life got hard and painful, I would go see him, take him my problems and weep with him. When life got good, I would walk away and eventually pat myself on the back for all the good times I was experiencing. The outcome of that cycle was that I associated God strictly with seasons of hardship, pain and suffering, and never with joy.
So one morning driving to work, I confessed, “God I’ve made you into a God of weeping. I don’t know how to dance with you.”
And I felt like God said back, “Well, the best way to learn is for me to give you lots of reasons to dance.”
Today is a day of dancing.
Let’s put the glory and the honor and the whoa did that really happen where it belongs – God.
Let’s finish this sentence:
God is _______________
I’ll go first:
God is just getting started.
God is bigger than my big dreams.
God has a huge heart for children and that includes me.
Your turn:
God is _________________

Wanna Go Fishing?

2009-10-29T07:48:00.001-07:00

It’s not often that I come across a news article that makes me smile but today I found one. In fact, tears of joy even welled up on my eyes. It wasn’t that I could even identify with the people in the story. I just saw the goodness of God in it. In fact, I could even see Jesus doing this.

It’s been a long time since I’ve packed up my fishing gear and headed for a favorite fishing hole. I have a friend who loves to do it. Maybe it’s the challenge of luring the fish in or maybe it just the lure of the fish that calls him to quiet, peaceful times. Whatever the reason, I get it. I used to go fishing with my grandmother. Actually, we made it a family event with my dad and mom, grandma, and my one brother. Those were the days. Speaking of which…Hey Fish! When are we going?

So I’m reading this article about a special fishing camp for veterans who have been injured. The one story that really touched me was one about a man who had a roadside bomb in Iraq explode near him. He ended up with a piece of shrapnel in his head. He lost motor skills, has headaches, and PTSD on top of the many emotional problems that I’m sure he is dealing with.

During his week there, he was able to be with other veterans who have had similar experiences. What was so cool is that his wife was even allowed to accompany him for the week, all expenses paid. He was able to learn how to fly fish, but in reality, he was learning how to work through his problems and know that he is not alone in dealing with them.

This is not a Christian organization that does these week-long workshops but I believe this is something that falls right into our back yard…or maybe pond. After all, who is better to teach fishing skills than someone who has been commissioned to be a fisher of men? Regardless of who is doing it, I’m glad it’s being done. Personally, I don’t think we can do enough to honor these men and women.

Honestly tho, there are many wounded warriors walking around. Many times you can’t see the wounds but trust me, they are there. Maybe you don’t fish. That’s ok. What do you like to do? Maybe you’re a hunter. I just heard an interview today during the AM Café with Melissa about an evangelistic program for hunters. Jason Crabb shared how he was at one of these events and many dads and sons came to know Christ. All from simply going hunting and showing and sharing the love of Christ. Maybe you’re a lady and you like to go shopping or bake. Why not invite someone to be a part of it with you? It’s not hard. Find what you like to do and invite someone to share it with you.

Here is the website for that group
www.svasp.org

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for HE faced all of the same temptations as we do, yet He did not sin.
Hebrews 4:15

Breathe Today

2009-10-21T02:08:00.000-07:00

Is this the 3rd or 100th time I mentioned that I plan to keep up with this blog. I'm not even going to ask Is anyone out there? It would be like playing Simon Says alone. This is more than symbolic for me in being a leader. To be a good leader you have to know how to follow. And I do struggle with both more than I know. In running a youth center and promoting concerts there is leadership taking place there (or the lack of) having a Bible Study, preparing for events to parks, concerts, festivals,etc.. but just as important is how well I follow others that I suppose to be following. We find it a lot easier to follow people and things of this world that has God saying "are you sure about that?" (no not an exact quote). Here are some words from Flyleaf's Breathe Today
You can only move as fast as,Who's in front of you,And if you assume,Just like them,What good will it do,So find out for yourself So your ignorance,Will stop bleeding through.
If we are our own (or those around us) ultimate leader we are fooling and hurting ourselves and those around us. Its up to the individual to decide if the time,talents,pleasures (things we take for granted) are really ours or a gift from God. I tend to put that aside and it becomes "easier" to not concern myself about leading or even following but "better" yet just grumble my way through the day. Many of us are "competing" at wasting time(we are bleeding) When we are gone from here will it be how much time we spent with the computer, TV shows, books read,collected most "toys", games won, even facebook contacts? How about with God, family, friends and did we make a difference. I do find myself going through the motions (any old schoolers here just started humming M W Smiths song) reading just t0 finish up a book. Writing just to write, taking part in a conversation but not really listening (waiting for my chance to speak), in all of this and so much more not taking in the day but more like "taking advantage" of it. A lot of the time we are merely existing not truly living, taking in every moment; to see, hear, talk,laugh,cry,listen, being still and breathe.

Plastic Jesus?

2009-08-27T07:30:00.001-07:00

"Alle, alle auch sind frei!"

2009-08-26T01:19:00.000-07:00

"Followers" I believe this is the term used for those following such blogs. Webster describes followers as 1 a : one in the service of another : retainer b : one that follows the opinions or teachings of another c : one that imitates another2 archaic : one that chases. But here following is possible without notice/interaction. But in life, everyday living following will lead to interaction and indeed give notice to those around us. So who are we following? I'm asking this to the reader and at the same time questioning myself. Who and/or what are we chasing after? As a Believer the obvious answer(Sunday school answer) is Jesus Christ but I know many times I find myself simply following self and all the wants.moods,desires that seems fit for self. I will watch what I say, write, blog at times because I'm "concern" what this person/people might think (and I'm not talking about being considerate) making for that moment that person my "leader". This pass weekend I saw a "special" on a preacher (of course he now gets a one hour special since his teachings are against the main steam church they (News) wouldn't think of interviewing a pastor such as Greg Laurie, Francis Chan, Charles Swindoll, Andy Stanley for an hour well that is unless they "fall") who after preaching the gospel for years decided that there was no way his grandparents could have went to hell and for that matter not even Hitler so he said God led him to proclaim "Olly olly oxen free " (okay thats my version) or as he put it God told him to preach this new message that Hell is a place in life, and that after death. Everybody is redeemed. Everybody.. And immediately Im thinking some deep thoughts like "REALLY?!" and "SERIOUSLY!!" To quote the great musician & philosopher Steve Taylor "I'm no theology nut, but the reverend may be a little confused" So he and his assistants were surprise that they were dismissed by mentors and many churches didn't want him preaching at their church (I think Im a bit surprise that this surprised him but I guess the preaching another gospel thing changed in his mind as well) Anyway towards the end of this program this man who is now preaching heresy (not exactly the Truth ) said he believed the majority of the church is following a cult version of Christ. And I was like wow I cant disagree with that one at all. As its been said," God created man in His image and man returned the favor" When the true Gospel and preach and we are challenge to live according to books like ACTS we start looking for that new leader. Francis Chan told how members of his church question if he was heading towards being cult because he talked so much about giving money and things away aka blessed that we may bless others. I have no great closing for this but I do know most of us if not all of us keep running of the trails set before us to find another leader or even worst a make believe Gospel one that fits us for short term or long term. The thing is we need to be sure who we are following because there are many (family,friends,children,neighbors,strangers) following our lead.

What About Me?

2009-08-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

I had the extreme pleasure of helping out some friends tonight. They help out with a ministry called Shoes For Orphaned Souls which collects new shoes from all over the U.S. and distributes them to orphanages all over the world. I won’t embarrass them by telling you how many shoes they collect to send in, but suffice it to say that they help many children around the world.

As myself and a brother that I work with were helping to carry boxes of shoes from an attic, I could hear the unmistakened voices of many who would say “What about me?” or “Why not help children in our own community?” It seems that, even while people may not say it, many think it. Many are looking for how it will benefit them.

While I do not believe in Socialism or the Social Gospel for that matter, I do believe in helping others. Socialism is a forced way of sharing the wealth, which is contrary to scripture…if a man does not work, he does not eat; and by the sweat of his brow will a man work (let every saying be qualified by two or more scriptures). The Social Gospel is humanism in disguise and seeks to promote the flesh whithout regenerating the spirit by the Spirit…if you sow to the flesh you will of the flesh reap corruption; unless a person be born again (of the Spirit), he will not inherit the Kingdom of God. I do believe in showing the compassion of Christ and helping out those in need. It is logical and falls within the boundaries of the church to show care and concern for the material needs of those around them, especially those in the Body of Christ.

So what does this have to do with me…or YOU??? I want to encourage you to get and and help someone else out. Random acts of kindness are great, but why not do some intentional and planned acts of kindness? Make it a habit to get involved in something in your community, even if it’s only for a couple hours a month. I know some really good ministries that would love to have someone help out for just a couple hours one day a month. Find someone nearby and visit with them or help them get their groceries. The opportunities are endless.

When you help someone else out, I believe it fills a void in your life and puts you on the path to wholeness. You’re not doing this in order to repay God or to do some kind of service for God that will make God love you more. What you are doing is responding to the love of God in your own life and acting accordingly. When you do things out of obligation to God, it becomes works and salvation comes by grace through faith, not works. If it was by works, you would have pride in yourself. When you do things because of what God has done in your own life, it becomes an act of love.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37, 39

Broke The Main Rule so Quote Me...

2009-07-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Due to some not so nice computer crashing I have been "working" with a laptop that gives me 10-20 mins here and there. And on that I have read the number One rule of blogging is that you must be consistent. And to say the least I havent been such and well its easy to lose a crowd when you dont have that big of a crowd (of followers) so Just to let any noted follower/reader..I plan to continue this blogging and this one will be Quotes...so If you stop by and/or get this by mail leave a quote....

For those who believe in God no explanation is necessary and for those who do not, no explanation is possible...

The Hole in ALL of Us

2009-06-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

While here in Kenya I have been reading the book A HOLE IN THE OUR GOSPEL (What Does God except of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change The World) by Richard Stearns, President, World Visions U.S.
Fortunately I received this book in the mail a day before departing in Kenya. And I was thinking it would be eye opening in reading and experiencing the “hole” in our lifestyles. The book is very,very good. I would recommend you check it out and read it for yourself immediately. I’m sure I will blog more on the thoughts and stats from the book. And some time ago I heard a message from Francis Chan “Lukewarm and Lovin’ It” which he started by throwing out 2 dollar bills and commented how that meant nothing to those in the congregation yet that is a daily wage for the majority of the world. Look for those reading this isn’t a guilt trip, I’m just sitting here half tired/half relax and decided to blog about whatever. I know at home we get tired of the “help me” commercial and most are so numb to it that we can finish a slice of pizza or two as we see the starving children on tv, or change the channel but honestly changing the channels didn’t change anything except you and me becoming more numb to the fact that we are so blessed and spoiled at the same time.
Now there’s NOTHING wrong in being blessed, BUT that blessing is to BLESS OTHERS! Most people reading this cant imagine 2 dollars a day for wages. Come on if we get short change checking out at the store we complain, grumble, bitch and moan about that or perhaps our need for higher wages. I recall a Pro Basketball player saying he was holding out despite the 15 or so millions per year contract he had due to the fact that he had a family to feed. And my friends and I were talking about what a idiot he was to talk in such a way. But we do the exact same of talk and walk in the rest of the worlds eyes. Do you know if you make 25,000 per year or more you are richer than 90% of the world (the world!!) So go almost anywhere else in the world and you are a Bill Gates in eyes of the world. We don’t realize it because we usually compare ourselves to others and yea its usually to those who have more. (I don’t think I have heard anyone wishing they had less?) Im not going to overflow this one with stats (save that for later) but if you are in the 90% bracket there is so much we can do help others. There is need all around us. If you want to try to live on $2 a day for awhile, or try not using clean water for a day or two-great but please don’t stop there. Those achievements will leave you uncomfortable and yet comfort no one. Giving to others will always cost you something. But it will ALWAYS be worth the cost!
I recently heard pastor Chris Seay tell a story in which his friend told him to imagine of his 4 children one became rich but the other three were in need and the rich one kept his riches to himself and didn’t bother helping out the rest of the family. How would that make you feel as a father? He said I would be Piss! His friend said and that’s exactly how I believe our Father in Heaven is feeling towards a nation that has so much and gives so little.” Right, this isn’t about being a Believer or Atheist, Christian, Muslim,etc. Its simply blessing others because we are so very very blessed. Oh for those that may have gasp to read the words bitch and pissed. Did that upset you more than the fact there are Millions dying due to lack of clean water and Millions more “Surviving” on $60.00 a month, $720 annually. Just wondering? Get involved! To quote a man that Stearns refers to as a modern day prophet.. “We can be the generation that no longer accepts that an accident of latitude determines whether a child lives or does--but will we be that generation?”….

TIA........

2009-06-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

TIA….We arrived in Nairobi Kenya around 11pm..it was cool and raining out. A few familiar faces met us at the airport and indeed it felt good to back in Kenya once again. This time our Pastor Randy came along with us, and now the three of us were looking forward to getting to our home away from home. To say the least it was good to see Judah,Salma & Mwende again. They were excited to see us but I’m not sure if it was me or the books Judah wanted to see more (perhaps more on that later). This family has opened their house to us the last two years and it certainly has been a blessing to have it as a place of rest. Last year there baby girl Mwende was in love with my wife Adriane but now that she’s one year older and wiser she seems more fond of me :). On weds Morning we went to the office downtown to meet with Dominique and he gave us a orientation of SYN( Swahiba Youth Networks ) and things that were in need for the ministries that they are part of throughout Kenya (more on that in future blogs). Thursday we went to “Hidden Treasures” It’s a kindergarten class about 40 minutes out of town. This was our first time there. This place is actually not considered a slum but the conditions at the kindergarten class would certainly make you think and see otherwise. With our initial visit we played with the children. Randy became a human lift machine for the kids and they gladly took the challenge to wear him out. On Friday we took a walk throughout Kibera, not only the Blue House area but more widespread this time. It had rained the last few days which made the walk a bit more interesting. Then we returned to Hidden Treasures once again and tried to lead them in songs which actually led to the children teaching us songs. Then Randy told them the story of Father Abraham. As with Sarah Juniors class last year (In Kibera) we helped give them their lunch of rice and beans. For more than a few in this class it’s a race to finish your food first to be one of the few fortunate ones to get a double portion. Saturday we returned to Blue House to teach on Personality and Communication. Classes were divided as Randy and Dominique took one class and Adriane, I and Sally took another class. Once you get the students started there is a good bit of interaction. And finally Saturday afternoon we returned to NEW LIFE CHILDRENS HOME, this is where I met Jimmy last year. This is a beautiful place that holds orphans from the ages of 3 months to age 4. Anne the receptionist gave us a tour of the place and when we asked about Jimmy she immediately knew who were we talking about and informed us that he had been adopted and in fact to their amazement adoption had really picked up and the kids were being adopted at a faster pace more than ever before. So for the rest of the afternoon we helped feed the little ones, and then took them outside. Its amazing how over 20 one to three year olds can be laid back and be well behaved (only in Africa?) Sunday we returned to the Blue House (school/church) where Randy gave the message this time. As with last year they really are glad and encouraged to see Christians from another nation. Sunday evening we had off and Randy did a leadership class for SYN. Monday was national holiday for Kenya so it’s a time to relax and celebrate. We visited Salma’s parents home out in the country. It is beautiful, fresh air, farming, and gardens. This definitely led us to think about out home in West Virginia (and the house made us think of homes in Canaan, very nice). That evening we returned to dine at the Carnivore. We went to this last year and this place deserves its own blog, we wanted Randy to take part in this Brazilian style buffet that ranges from sausage to crocodile and ostrich meatballs (personally one of my all time favorites, I think I had at least 8) for dessert was pineapple pie (yes just like apple just do the pineapple, again very good) and ice cream. So yes as you can tell Monday was a very hard day for us :). Tuesday we returned to the Bluehouse to teach about Father Abraham and His Faith and then we stopped in to see the kids at Sarah Juniors, the teachers were glad to see us and the kids welcomed us with a number of songs. Then we returned to New Life, there is a child name Enoch and for some reason he only likes Munzugus (whites) he is attached to Adriane and he cries when she puts him down and of course when we leave. One of the nurses said she hopes that a white couple adopts him. Weds back to Huruma Hidden treasures where this time the kids were even more excited to see us chasing after us and running from us. Taking turns letting me lift them in the air. Hey by the way have you EVER seen a 4 or 5 year old get excited over a sticker? ( I said it before many of children we meet if they are given anything from a piece of candy, a pencil or sticker its like you just bought them a Wii system). Then we went to Moi Avenue Primary school to teach on effective communication? Well scratch that, that’s what was on the schedule instead we taught on sex, yea a bit more interesting. As Randy told the class we came all the way from America to talk to you about sex, which broke the ice. Thursday Randy visited a few homes in Kibera with some of the team members then all of use went to Juvenile home this is the place that we visited last year and gave money to help purchase shoes for 120 teens to help prevent jiggers (see post in archives for info). They patiently waited for us as we were late getting there. Then we shared with them about what to do now that they had obviously made bad choices (this is a reception station and within 3 months they will be sent to detention from 6 months to 10 years). One thing that really got me was when a SYN staff member was sharing about when one commits a crime their parents don’t want to claim them. She then asked who would claim a child that was a thief or even done worst? And only 2 or 3 raised their hands. So she called on one of the boys and asked him, so you would still claim your child, why would you claim him? He replied because you can’t forsake your own child” (Speechless, nothing more needs to be said) I then shared on the way we see ourselves is actually through the eyes who means the most to us. Which can usually lead to bad choices through trying to impress friends and others but the good news is God wants us to see through His eyes how much we mean to Him and that was shown through Christ and what He did for us and as the young man mentioned once your Gods child He will not forsake you. Adriane shared with them its okay to be angry with God, some here have been through a lot in life and have reason to let their anger out and God can handle it. And as a team we shared that all of us at times have been angry at God. Randy closed in prayer. Then we set off for the longest short ride ever and ah finally made it home. Friday we woke up 5:45 am to leave at 7am to travel apx. 40 mins to teach for 30 mins at St Bridgets school. This is a public Catholic school (non catholics, catholic as well as muslims attend here) afterwards we headed back to our place for lunch and then went to New Life where they had a birthday party for the child turning one (felt like we crashed party showing up without a present?). By the way Moses is the only child we recognize from last year. Again this is awesome as mentioned earlier adoption here is on the rise. And just the other night, NEW LIFE got national tv coverage in Kenya. Doug, Joe (yes have to love the Kenya names) and Enoch are the ones that have stuck out to us this time. Doug told me no several times, scratched me then we became good friends. Saturday we were back to Blue House and taught a class of 75 kids, and Saturday seems more like an optional thing for them so its good to see that many show up. For the most part the teens are very responsive in the class. Afterwards we introduce Randy to YAYA, a mall just about 5 blocks from Kibera. YAYA is the place where I tell out host Judah that we see many of our tribe members. They have a very good restaurant here called the Java house which offers a full menu but I cant turn down a good hamburger , fries and Heinz ketchup (God bless Heinz Ketchup). The director of this ministry Peter met with us today for a few hours to share his testimony and the vision of SYN. We also had several good laughs. Peter has a great heart for God, youth and life.
So did you make it this far? (no bookmark needed) thanks. If you are checking this out for the first time then look at the archives to see last years blog on our trip and they are indeed much shorter and well better. Tomorrow we go our host Pastor Judah’s church then we are hanging with Victor, he was our all around tour guide from SYN last year. But this year he is doing his own ministry. We miss hanging with him this year. Okay thanks for reading this, hopefully will add a few more before arriving back HOME.

No Comments..please leave a message

2009-05-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

Okay so this is like a personal journal. But I must admit I really thought the last entry would get a few comments. I mean every (Every) person I have met definitely has a opinion about everything(Well almost everything). Anyway we leave Tuesday for Kenya and I will once again attempt to blog about whats going on with Life in Kenya. Meanwhile I may take a roll call to see who is present. Hope to hear from some (or all) of you readers soon. Like my answering machine says my wife is away right now and we have caller ID so Im not answering but leave a message if you want to..
See you in Kenya....blessings...

Comments on Being Real? Part II

2009-05-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

A p.s. to the previous post ..just to add a final thought by Gall towards those who think he is trying to "glorify sin". The Truth is we have a tendency to let people know the real us because of not being acceptance but thankfully God already knows Everything about you and me. And as Gall explains the Bible is quite open about the dirty laundy in peoples lives. We do need to find that somebody in our live to share our deepest struggles, hurts, hopes, desires and dreams. Or as one of my friend puts it there is a need to "vomit" our "stuff" on one another...Now (finally) the final thoughts...
Im not interested in being slave to or defined by my sins Im not looking to be a hero for them. I don’t even want to hold onto them. But certainly there must be some way for me to make sense of my sins, to learn what is true in the face of pain and confusion and lack of control I’ve known. Isn’t there? And I can think of dozens of really nasty stories in the Bible, about a woman driving a tent spike through a man’s head into the ground, or about a king-a man “after God’s own heart,” no less-who sees a woman bathing and later sends her husband to certain death so the king can cover up the fact that he’s already knocked her up, or about Jesus taking and eating wheat from another man’s field on the Sabbath when all of the good religious people were scandalized by such forbidden behavior. Beyond those are a whole assortment of stories about rape, incest, adultery, idolatry, murder-everything. If there is a point to the experiences in the Bible, if those stories mean something when held up to the light of God, why wouldn’t it make sense for me, or anyone else, to do the same?
I think Pamela’s comment during the Bible study was perfect. In fact, if there was a problem, it was treading so naively on ground made sacred by the battle between good and evil for the prize of our souls and sanctification. My battles and my temptations are hard places, bloody and filthy places, sacred places, where the image of God I bear is under significant attack. It is a holy place, and it is not a trivial pursuit. If you’re going to wander where the cows graze, you’d better be ready to get your shoes dirty.

The Cost of (not) Being "Real?"

2009-05-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

The following is a excerpt from Pete Galls "My Beautiful Idol" on the sense that we think we are being so real and open but seem to be desperately missing something, a long read but worthwhile.

At a Bible Study that Pete was attending the host/leader suggested that since they were going to talk about temptation that they would go around the room and each share what is the biggest temptations in their life. So Gall goes on to say..”If I’ve ever experienced a perfect example of the absolute loss of contact with the real world that exists in much of the Church today its in Twan’s question. Our biggest temptations? As an icebreaker? In a quick trip around a circle on futons over safeway grape soda and Chips Ahoy? I sigh I know how this is going to go. Joanie is first, because Twan gestures for her to start. I guess its probably procrastinating? Ooooh Good one, beck says. “That was mine” Kathy echoes. “I’m so bad about that.” “What about you, Kirk?” Twan continues. I think TV takes a lot of my life, he replies. There are nods. Crissy, the bublly, granola, Meg-Ryan-esque nurse who wears blue hospital scrubs at all times in next, “Chocolate. Absolutely. That is Holly’s too, though she doesn’t say so to the group. She turns to Joanie the Procrastinator and their body language makes clear the jealousy and bitterness the two heavier girls have toward Crissy and the attention she gets from the men in the group. The men, to Holly’s point, respond to Crissy with things like: (Antonio) “If that’s you sin it sure doesn’t show.”(Twan) “Better be careful-someone could use that against you” wink. (Robert) “You know, Chocolates and aphrodisiac” And as soon as he says it..he shrinks back a little. He’s obviously not the sort to say such things. Jon and I may are the only people in the room to catch what he said. We looked at each other and smiled. A new friendship is born. The next person in the circle is Pamela, a dark haired Swiss woman who looks and dresses lie a slender single mother in love with a rock star. In fact she is a single mother, to a 3 year old, and her ex-husband is in jail for something to do with cocaine. Twan scrapes his eyes off Crisyy to turn the question about temptation to Pamela. “What about you?” he asks. “I think you’re all full of it” she says. “I like chocolate, and I would watch too much television if I could, but the truth is that what we really want is to be having sex.” There are guffaws and squeals and gasps and furrowed brows everywhere. But she continues. “I want chocolate, but I want it melted and licked off me. Several times. And so do all of you. Maybe in front of the television. And Joanie, even you wouldn’t put that off till tomorrow.” Twan is desperate to regain control of the moment. “Well I’d say the ice is sufficiently broken!” And he steers the discussion to the notes he’s printed out. As we file out at the end of the evening he pulls Pamela aside and tells here that he understands it was her first time to the study, but that her answer had been inappropriate, especially in mixed company. That’s Christian culture in a nutshell. We have this Bible that tells horrible stories about sin and depravity and temptations and addictions that overwhelm people, even to death. And we pray to this God who loves us and mourns over our suffering and yearns to clean us up, set us free and draw us to Him-and not necessarily in that order. And we have Jesus who sought out and spent His time hanging with people who laughed too loudly, who surely were not tea party material, and who were very often absolutely buried in inappropriate behaviors and lifestyles. Jesus preferred them because they were not religious “whitewashed tombs,” painted and clean on the outside but dead and reeking on the inside.
Christianity has this entire worldview that treats the filth of life as impermanent, redeemable, escapable, and unable to make the bride too filthy to be loved. But we have this thing in our culture where we don’t believe a bit of it. We work so overly hard to make God look good that what we say has no credibility at all; we lie about him all the time. We’re such cow-brained dullards. In our insecurities and arrogance, and out lack of honesty we demand to see God turn lives around, to do something cool for us. To be our dancing poodle. We want to be able to tell a great story about how well our lives have been transformed by this God who, to our exquisite torture, simply does not do enough flashy stuff for us to feel comfortable letting his work stand on its own. We are so desperate to share the good news that we almost always fake it. We forget the miraculous and we promise more than we really experience ourselves. And we are so conflicted about hot to be “good Christians”-people whose lives have been turned around and made squeaky clean-even though that’s not what we experience exactly, that we have developed a twisted hand wringing culture where we are far less mater-of-fact about sin and temptation and doubt and the profane than are our scriptures, our God, or even the rest of the world around us where there is no promise of rescue or redemption. We’re obnoxious fools, and our dishonestly makes us incredibly vulnerable and weak-and far from trustworthy to people who could actually benefit from knowing the Truth according to God.

Still Wide awake in my sleepwalking...(repeat)

2009-05-15T00:16:00.000-07:00

Yes this is a repeat. Almost a year ago I started this blog and once again in 10 days we will be returning to Kenya. So I thought I would "re-blog" this for some new readers. Yes Im like the band that has one cd out and then follows up with a "greatest hits" In any case thanks for reading and for any followers, bloggers, leave some thoughts, blogs, feedbacks,,,even prayers and/or prayer request.

Wide Awake in the land of Nod
A few of my friends suggested I start posting some of my "ramblings" so lets start the Blogging with 16 days away from our trip to Kenya. But first I just want to "ramble" about life in general. Based on a book she recently read my wife suggested "Beautiful Ache" as the title for the blogs. I was going to use "Live Laugh Love" but I think "die, cry, hate" would have been more eye catching and just as true, as in its all part of life. Life is a Beautiful Ache, we indeed are living in the "Shadowlands." My friend "D" and I ramble via emails about life, from God, religion to music and the best places to eat. There's definitely a beautiful ache in all of us and its all around us but most of us are so caught up in self and the things of the world that we miss out on this thing we call life. I realize there's a slim chance no more than a few actually reading this, but in case this gets a following I know there will be Christians saying "whats wrong with him?' and non believers saying "Wow, now he wonders why Im not a believer?". So let my first blog clarify this one thing: I believe in God aka Jesus Christ. He is the Creator behind this beautiful creation. But His people including myself have the tendency to represent Him about as well as a bad used car salesman or one selling an Encyclopedia set door to door. So in saying that now I can continue to ramble on....I have been on several mission trips and all along volunteer at a local youth center. And in all these years there are those who wonder why we go overseas when there is such need here. And at the same time the need here remains a Need in a land of plenty. Again one doesnt have to go overseas to be a missionary. Matter of fact it seems much easier for local Christians to enter a third world country then to work inside a youth center with aircondition and heat. I still cant figure that one out. Maybe its because we can come back with some cool pics and impress others that "the natives are friendly and we changed the world" That is of course until we have a concert then the bandwagon is filled and people having their spiritual pennants and poms poms to cheer us on. They even say they are on the same team. But they never show up for "another game". And I've said off and on for years Im burned out but NO I now realize its not that its Im just TIRED of people, religion, Self (Yea perhaps even you) to quote my friend.. "I'm tired of church. I'm tired of church politics. I'm tired of religious people getting upset because a man preaching has a tattoo or a piercing. I'm convinced that if Jesus walked in to most churches, no one would recognize Him. The man that they say they strive to be like they would treat like the plague. I'm tired of humanism. We build up self esteem to let the soul die in it's sin. I'd shut myself in a cave if I wasn't afraid of spiders. God has to be God or He can be anything else. If God would open the earth and swallow people, the world would say that God is not a God of love. However, when we declares His love, the church say that God has to judge sin. What do they want? Everything?" (A year later, much the same?)I do wish You and I were "wide awake" to know what it means to love Christ and to live every moment cause most of us (including myself) are not fully convinced this could could be our last day and so much of what we give our time to has little eternal value. So 10 days till Kenya then hopefully I can blog daily on our stay there meanwhile any topic by suggestion or burden will be blogged. I will close with the words of C.S. Lewis. "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

P.S. Lost without Facebook?

2009-04-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Okay havent exactly kept up with the blogging but I have noticed the evolution in "technology"..in that first it was hand written letters then Finally it was emails(yes save a tree or 2) but suddenly Myspace came along and that was the way to keep in contact. I mean hey who has time to email. Then it was Facebook. Now theres no time for emails when you can send "one liners" to stay in touch and let the world know you mowed the yard or had a deep thought. Also like when people say I would email or blog but Im seldom on the computer this is usually the person that has a couple computers at home and/or IPod to keep up with every move by the world. Kind of like the person who says I seldom watch tv, theres nothing good on then they give you a list of movies they never missed which usually includes 3 or 4 reality shows, yes just cant get enough of them. And others can tell you word for word of several movies and sitcoms. Okay so just a little note but I do plan to get in some more blogging. We are less than a month away from leaving for Kenya. May need to go revive my Myspace from the dead and actually start a Facebook (or start "other body parts" book) to draw in some bloggers...if you accidently read this by chance pretend this is "Handbook" (for you Donny) and blog a line. I want to know if you mowed your yard or perhaps had a deep thought.....thanks

As an Atheist I truly believe Africa Needs God..

2009-04-09T02:39:00.000-07:00

As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God. Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem - the crushing passivity of the people's mindset
Matthew Parris
Before Christmas I returned, after 45 years, to the country that as a boy I knew as Nyasaland. Today it's Malawi, and The Times Christmas Appeal includes a small British charity working there. Pump Aid helps rural communities to install a simple pump, letting people keep their village wells sealed and clean. I went to see this work.
It inspired me, renewing my flagging faith in development charities. But travelling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too: one I've been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I've been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.
Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.
I used to avoid this truth by applauding - as you can - the practical work of mission churches in Africa. It's a pity, I would say, that salvation is part of the package, but Christians black and white, working in Africa, do heal the sick, do teach people to read and write; and only the severest kind of secularist could see a mission hospital or school and say the world would be better without it. I would allow that if faith was needed to motivate missionaries to help, then, fine: but what counted was the help, not the faith.
But this doesn't fit the facts. Faith does more than support the missionary; it is also transferred to his flock. This is the effect that matters so immensely, and which I cannot help observing.
First, then, the observation. We had friends who were missionaries, and as a child I stayed often with them; I also stayed, alone with my little brother, in a traditional rural African village. In the city we had working for us Africans who had converted and were strong believers. The Christians were always different. Far from having cowed or confined its converts, their faith appeared to have liberated and relaxed them. There was a liveliness, a curiosity, an engagement with the world - a directness in their dealings with others - that seemed to be missing in traditional African life. They stood tall.
At 24, travelling by land across the continent reinforced this impression. From Algiers to Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and the Central African Republic, then right through the Congo to Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, four student friends and I drove our old Land Rover to Nairobi.
We slept under the stars, so it was important as we reached the more populated and lawless parts of the sub-Sahara that every day we find somewhere safe by nightfall. Often near a mission.
Whenever we entered a territory worked by missionaries, we had to acknowledge that something changed in the faces of the people we passed and spoke to: something in their eyes, the way they approached you direct, man-to-man, without looking down or away. They had not become more deferential towards strangers - in some ways less so - but more open.
This time in Malawi it was the same. I met no missionaries. You do not encounter missionaries in the lobbies of expensive hotels discussing development strategy documents, as you do with the big NGOs. But instead I noticed that a handful of the most impressive African members of the Pump Aid team (largely from Zimbabwe) were, privately, strong Christians. “Privately” because the charity is entirely secular and I never heard any of its team so much as mention religion while working in the villages. But I picked up the Christian references in our conversations. One, I saw, was studying a devotional textbook in the car. One, on Sunday, went off to church at dawn for a two-hour service.
It would suit me to believe that their honesty, diligence and optimism in their work was unconnected with personal faith. Their work was secular, but surely affected by what they were. What they were was, in turn, influenced by a conception of man's place in the Universe that Christianity had taught.
There's long been a fashion among Western academic sociologists for placing tribal value systems within a ring fence, beyond critiques founded in our own culture: “theirs” and therefore best for “them”; authentic and of intrinsically equal worth to ours.
I don't follow this. I observe that tribal belief is no more peaceable than ours; and that it suppresses individuality. People think collectively; first in terms of the community, extended family and tribe. This rural-traditional mindset feeds into the “big man” and gangster politics of the African city: the exaggerated respect for a swaggering leader, and the (literal) inability to understand the whole idea of loyal opposition.
Anxiety - fear of evil spirits, of ancestors, of nature and the wild, of a tribal hierarchy, of quite everyday things - strikes deep into the whole structure of rural African thought. Every man has his place and, call it fear or respect, a great weight grinds down the individual spirit, stunting curiosity. People won't take the initiative, won't take things into their own hands or on their own shoulders.
How can I, as someone with a foot in both camps, explain? When the philosophical tourist moves from one world view to another he finds - at the very moment of passing into the new - that he loses the language to describe the landscape to the old. But let me try an example: the answer given by Sir Edmund Hillary to the question: Why climb the mountain? “Because it's there,” he said.
To the rural African mind, this is an explanation of why one would not climb the mountain. It's... well, there. Just there. Why interfere? Nothing to be done about it, or with it. Hillary's further explanation - that nobody else had climbed it - would stand as a second reason for passivity.
Christianity, post-Reformation and post-Luther, with its teaching of a direct, personal, two-way link between the individual and God, unmediated by the collective, and unsubordinate to any other human being, smashes straight through the philosphical/spiritual framework I've just described. It offers something to hold on to to those anxious to cast off a crushing tribal groupthink. That is why and how it liberates.
Those who want Africa to walk tall amid 21st-century global competition must not kid themselves that providing the material means or even the knowhow that accompanies what we call development will make the change. A whole belief system must first be supplanted.
And I'm afraid it has to be supplanted by another. Removing Christian evangelism from the African equation may leave the continent at the mercy of a malign fusion of Nike, the witch doctor, the mobile phone and the machete.

Back to Kenya

2009-03-28T01:55:00.000-07:00

This is to let you know that this summer we will be returning to Kenya to serve in summer missions through ICY (International Christian Youthworks). As most of you know we went last year to Kenya and while expecting the unexpected we never imagined that our hearts would be drawn to the people there with such a burden to at least attempt to meet some of the demanding needs there. While there we were able to provide shoes for over 100 boys in a juvenile home and since returning home through the giving of friends, family and local churches we were able to send contribution for their Christmas program which gave shoes to over 400 youth and fed over 1,000 of them as well. We said last year that we had no idea why we were being led to go to Kenya but just believed that God had placed on our hearts to go to Kenya.
So now this will be our first time ever returning to a missions destination (trips including Northern Ireland, Germany, Amsterdam, London, Morocco, & Canada). We will be leaving on May 26 and returning June 12th. While on this trip we have been informed that ICY’s leader, Colin Piper (Global Youthwork Strategist from the UK) will be in Kenya as well. (ICY is a worldwide ministry with locations including Europe, Middle East, Asia, New Zealand and the U.S.) ICY has been in Kenya for years working in schools, children’s homes, orphanages, churches, missions and camps in evangelism and discipleship. They also specialize in training Bible Teachers. The ministries are very diverse which allows them to develop a program to suit our skills. As they have advised us “Tell us your heart and we will do all we can to fit in.”
So here we go once again, looking forward to meeting old friends and making new ones. And our prayer is to be more open in reaching out and being more of a blessing to those we meet. Our thoughts are that places like the slums of Kibera are not something one gets use to and we believe our return will feel like our first time there as well. Our work will continue to be in the slums, orphanages and schools. There’s no doubt there is a great need in Kenya. Larry Jones (Feed the Children) was once asked, “Where do you determine where the need is?” to which he replied, “Take a map, turn out the lights and throw a dart. Where it lands that’s where the need is”.
Leaders from ICY advised us last year that “You will find nothing is predictable in Africa. It is both the charm and frustration of the place. Things will happen which will leave you feeling confused, baffled, and out of the loop! You will be challenged to your very core, but will emerge with a new perspective and a world view which will change the rest of your life for the better. Living in Africa can be tough. You can get sick easily. You’ll miss things you take for granted, and certainly miss loved ones back home. You’ll struggle with culture, relationships and the poverty about you. Without a very real call from God to go, you won’t last the place.” We found this to be true. Our hope is to build a connection that we use our sources here to be of encouragement to the believers there and at the same time be able to contribute in that our help with resources is not just taking place while we are there but throughout the year.
As with last time we believe God will show Himself and lead us as we are to go. To you the ones that pray for us and/or give towards this mission trip you are part of our team, part of this mission trip and outreach and helping the hurting. Thanks to some gifts already We will need apx 3,500.00, and ask that you would greatly consider supporting us financially but also in prayer for protection, guidance and that we would be blessed that we may bless others. Please make checks out to Roger and/or Adriane Miller. Thank You

Balance Beam (Life)

2009-03-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Short message to the point. Its amazing to me all the tragedy Chan has been through and with that I would say he has every "right" to hug the balance beam of life. Whoever sees this please tell others to check out this video. Thanks!

Green Day Ramblings

2009-03-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

Made it through yet another St Patricks Day without wearing Green. I think us Americans just make up things and days to either sell something or drink a few. (I mean lets go for groundhog day, if he sees his shadow you dont go to work or one determines to just drink a few or get smashed if theres a shadow...) I mean its not like in Ireland everyone is wearing green to avoid the "pinch" and well as for the drinking a few that pretty much goes without saying that is taking place just not so sure its the "special" green beer sold in our bars/restaurant's. Perhaps some green potatoes. Anyway years ago I was fortunate to visit Northern Ireland(dont just call it Ireland!) and everything is indeed green. And beside the beauty of the place the coolest thing is that theres NO snakes! Unlike Australia where just the thought of the spiders and snakes can keep me away.Checking out Hillsong still doesnt outweigh the thought of finding one of those things in my room. The people in Ireland are upfront as in they do indeed say whats on their mind. Upon our arrival in a small town in Northern Ireland a group of street kids left us a greeting on the playground that read F *** Off Bible Bashers. In working with youth here in the states I usually get at least a few hellos and can I have a drink before they flip me off. But there in N.I. within a weeks time those same teens were hanging out with our group and asked us to judge their skateboard contest. Which is equivalent to asking Richard Simmons to judge a Tough Man contest. One older couple had the team leaders (The were from N. Ireland) over for lunch and advised them that the group was wasting their time working with the street kids. (Did I mention they will say whatever is on their mind). And I was among a group of 3 visiting a couple where the woman of the house did her best to "mess" with me. I wont go into details but it involved a gold fish and a "hidden camera". But anyway in saying all of that the people and the place is beautiful. Actually for the most part everyone including complete strangers were very friendly. And I cant say enough how beautiful it is there. Yes Im just rambling,in honor of this "green day" Im reminiscing about Ireland. By the way if wearing Green isnt your thing heres a few to do for next year, dye your food green, listen to Celtic Woman, U2, Read something by Rich Mullins (the man was in love with Ireland), drive people at work insane with your horrible fake Irish accent,where red and tell others you thought it was valentines day (hey that might get you a 2 week notice) or just eat a few pounds of potatoes and call it a day. Anything else to do on this green day? If you actually read this one go treat yourself to some green eggs and ham...you deserve it.

Success is to Admit...

2009-02-27T18:18:00.000-08:00

Success in Life is not measured by what we achieve But by what we come to admit, It is not measured by how far we journey, how many zombies, goblins, or droids we slay or by our return as champions, It is not measured by how much good I do for any of the people I get paid to care about. Success in life is measured by what we come to admit. We need a ride from an eagle. We succeed when we admit that we are sinners in the hands of a God who has every right to obliterate us but has instead invited us to journey-to tour this playground of a planet and this universe of spirit and beauty and joy. We success when we admit-as a child admits. When she closes her eyes and soaks in her mothers song-that there is nothing for us to do to earn Gods love but to receive it. The point is not the triumph, the point is the deliverance-the point is not the hero-the point is the deliverer. I want the hero in me to die. I ADMIT I need My Lord. Now what?-
"My Beautiful Idol" Pete Gall

Resolutions...

2009-01-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

Okay now that we are a few days into the new year time to set some resolutions,,,okay so heres my starter list, to take myself more serious, be more sarcastic, put on some weight (narrowing down the food groups to 2 peanut butter and french fries), look in the mirror and remind myself its all about me. Invent new cuss words. And dont give unless given to first, and read less and watch more tv,,,Well now that I got the list going hopefully these resolutions will last as long as all the previous ones as in somewhere between a half hour to a half day. Perhaps resolution became a thing not just because of a new year but many of us eat and drink so much we "justify" it by saying from this moment on we will "do better" Im not sure about you but I have never been good keeping any sort of resolution in my own strength or will. Matter of fact resolutions or no resolutions I need God more than I could ever imagine. Thats the only thing Im sure of in 2009. Happy New Years..

Merry Christmas To You!!

2008-12-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

HELP Section: "Comment Box"

2008-12-09T22:50:00.000-08:00

Okay so We do happen to have one new "commenter" who just happens to be a "marketing guru" for the bailout. Ah Yes just what I was looking for. But this is just a little note perhaps from the HELP section for those out there that say I tried to comment but didn't know how to do it? In the words of Doug (king of queens) "Seriously!" You have made it this far 1. You turned the computer on (Or perhaps kept it on since you plugged it in and have ever since been praying for no power outage) 2. You found this specific website so you can right & left click 3. Perhaps you are even now googling aka searching. So ALL you need to do is click comment then submit and we have "liftoff" Yes I would like to see a a "group" of people commenting and exchanging ideas here, call it blogger envy, call it "online fellowship" call it whatever you want I just think its one of the better ways to use online. By the way do people still go to chat rooms? I remember chat rooms before Yahoo,MSN,AIM,IM,etc..Then theres myspace then came facebook (a millionaire from getting people to add their faces to the concept of myspace, seriously? Im sure the anatomy online book wont stop there) I believe our talk on the bowel problems had more comments than prayer concerns, Interesting? And for some I know who read this are thinking they have nothing to say? But Please, everyone always have something to say. If nothing else consider this a slow chat room and leave a comment as you leave the (cyber) door on your way out.

Tis the Season to Bailout...

2008-12-06T02:11:00.000-08:00

Time to Ramble but first another thanks to those that helped out towards the Christmas Party for the kids in Kenya. The actual total came close to 3800.00 as people continue to give towards this outreach. Kibera is in need of one of those bailouts as well. Now it seems companies are getting in line to ask for a bailout. Not so sure if its a good idea to fly in on a private jet to ask for some money? And the economy is so bad yet Black Friday sales were up over 7 %? I heard Fox news say this only took place due to good deals. Ah isnt that what Black Friday is about? Stampeding one another for that "limited supply" item to the tunes of Silent Night or We wish You a Merry Christmas? I believe we should bring back "pong" and Atari and we could easily convince kids (and parents) its a Must for the Holidays. For most of us no matter the present we are eventually like the 2 yr old who is just as amused with the wrapping paper and the box than the gift itself. Most of us cant recall what we got last year and forget about asking who got us which gift. And when it comes to giving We do tend to give to get back. Mostof us have to know who is getting them a present so they can exchange and hopefully it comes close as in a necktie for socks. Admit it, if you got somebody a plasma tv for Christmas and they got you a pair of gloves you would say wow they fit, thanks! But all along you are imagining using those gloves to beat that love one up. Of course its nice to hear at least a thank you, or if you give a lot of yourself or money you may want to see change in that persons life. Even a card/ thank you would be nice. But the reward is in the giving itself, nothing needed in return. At least thats definitely the example Jesus set for all of us. He gave and asked nothing in return, simply a Gift to all of us. If we are still waiting for that thank you, holding our breathe for our reward in return then I think we are pretty much still caught up in the box and wrapping paper. So this Holiday season give someone a "bailout" a friend, a neighbor, even a enemy or complete stranger...after all Tis the Season.... to Give..Now back to a game of Frogger...

Anyone Out There...

2008-11-19T03:39:00.000-08:00

I know more were checking in on this as we were away but Heres a update for the Tabasamu ("Smile" ) Christmas Event we were able to raise 3,400.o0 thanks to 2 local churches and contribution from family & friends. The amount was a blessing to the ministry in Kenya and in their words..From the support that you have sent for the shoes we have been challenged to think big and and trust God to make provision for this years Tabasamu Christmas Event...
So perhaps you are reading this and still would like to help please do so as this will allow them to buy even more shoes. Again this is a yearly gift for these kids/teens. Its not about looking under a tree hoping they got their wish or wondering what to open next. Your gift of 10.00 provides a gift and necessity for them as well. Youth Center P O Box 513 Keyser WV 26726 Make checks/orders out to Youth Center or just leave name blank but not the amount :) )
So once again thanks for reading this and if you arer actually reading this consider giving also simply leave a comment, perhaps leave a reason for Thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving..

"buck" (selah)

What Happened?????

2008-11-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

OK folks, help me out with this one. I was in the mall the other day and while it didn't surprise me, it did disturb me.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THANKSGIVING????

I've been in retail and I know that many businesses depend on the Christmas season ( and yes I said Christmas and not "holiday"). While I'm kind of glad that retailers haven't marketed Thanksgiving like they have Christmas, I feel like I've already missed Thanksgiving and it hasn't even happened yet. Can you imagine retailers trying to make a profit off of selling one turkey to each family?
I guess that's why I haven't seen a single sign in the mall wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, I haven't even had one single person wish me a Happy Thanksgiving.
Is it culture or just being way to busy that keeps us from showing thanks?
Jesus knew this was true even in His own day. He heals 10 lepers and only 1 returns to thank Him. That sounds about right...10 percent. What is interesting is that all 10 were healed but Jesus told the 1 that he was whole. This word has intriqued me for a while. What does it mean to be "whole"?
Without going into a bible study or trying to "exegete" the phrase, let me just say one thing...there are a bunch ( and probably all) of us who need a healing somewhere in our lives. Maybe the wholeness comes when we start giving thanks.....hmmmm. Think about it.
And while I'm at it, let me say "thanks" to every one of you. Thanks for reading and thanks for your friendship.

Ten Buck Shoes (Kenya)

2008-10-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Okay well heres finally an update. The area we worked in Kibera will be having a Tabasamu Christmas Party coming up on December 17th. It's a Christmas party designed for kids of ages 6 to 14 in Kibera. We basically run a feeding programe on that day, as well as give them a few gifts. We're looking at having 400 kids for this event. Just like last year, we are hoping to give each one of them a pair of shoes. A good pair of shoe here would costs about $10. From past experience, it's so expensive to send shoes from the States and there's no guarantee that they will arrive as one MST did last year. It would be much easier to send money that would be used to purchase the shoes here as it cuts costs as well as saves time. If we can get the money a month before the 17th of December, it would be great as it would give us sufficient time to look for the specific shoe sizes. (Youth Center P O Box 513 Keyser WV 26726 Make checks/orders out to Youth Center or just leave name blank but not the amount :) ) So Anyone and Everyone reading this if you care to help out you can send us a check or money order. Our goal is actually the 4,000 and well they can use the leftover money for other Needs. This is most likely their one gift. My wife has decided to tell family and friends to pass on getting us gifts but use the money towards this Party. Thanks and Blessings,

What God Doesnt Know wont hurt Him?

2008-10-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

Out of nowhere this morning the memory of a written excuse came to my mind. You see back in high school most likely my freshman year my mom wrote an excuse for me when I stayed home one day. And though teachers were to sign it and/or collect it they never did such to this one. So from that point out I had a written excuse from mom also known as a genuine day off whenever I felt like ah skipping. And in my randomness it came to me that’s what those are doing with this belief called Open Theism. Open Theists’ believe in a God that knows all that can be known? Ah that sounds a lot like me, or at least my wife she seems to know everything, just ask her (just kidding, love you ). Actually I never knew this was even an option. Never knew this was out there until a few years ago. Its big but even people who believe it seem to not like to talk about it. They explain away bad things in life, that’s why bad things happen because God wasn’t prepared (bad Cosmic boy scout), ready for it. Kind of blows away any prophecy as in OT or where this Godman Jesus told his followers you will do this and you do that. Lets skip a few thousand years and see the hurricane heading towards Texas. Is God at the mercy of the weather channel as well? (Well that would make a good Far Side comic if nothing else). See what I’m getting at, bad things do happen, tragic things but we come off cheap and we frantically try to explain it away or give answers to everything. And most of all God doesn’t need anyone writing an excuse on His behalf. Believers that do this ought to take a look at Job (Where were you When I….). I’ve been told God knows when you go for a drive or walk… but not the outcome.(Seriously??!!) When Jesus tells Peter and others this will happen to them the open theists say this is a good guess or piece of the future (interesting yet so stupid so there’s a known but not known?) So I guess our days actually being numbered will surprise Him as well…(“Hey “selah “ what are you doing here already?)” While we are at it why not just take in Universalism, lets except that with a spiritual “Ally Ally Oxen Free. “ Of course hide and seek would even be a challenge for God in the world of Open Theism. Maybe you believe in this “Open T” please do email me, blog, etc… It blows my mind I feel like Coach trying to discuss things with Luther, it just doesn’t make sense, I do get frustrated and just cant comprehend anyone thinking of writing an excuse on Gods behalf, but hey if you ever need one I still have my moms you can use.Everyone who believes in God at all believes that He knows what you and I are going to do tomorrow." --C. S. Lewis

The times..they are a changing!

2008-10-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's not very difficult to look around and see that things are changing. Where I live, the leaves have turned and are falling rapidly. Very soon, our thoughts will turn to Thanksgiving and yes, even Christmas. By the way, wasn't that just a month ago???

Anyway, it just seems like we can't keep up. I'm getting older a whole lot faster than I'd like. I can see my mom's health failing faster than I'd care to. All of the presidential candidates are promising change.

Heck, change is good...ask any woman. However, I like a little consistancy. Just once I'd like to go into my eye doctor's office and be told that my eyes haven't gotten worse.

I'm reminded of God's Word that says "Forever O Lord Your Word is settled in Heaven." Now it's up to me to settle it in my heart. I need to know that He doesn't change. I need to know that His mercy endures to all generations.

No matter what is changing, I know that some things will remain...Now these 3 things remain; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Hey Florida its About That Time again..

2008-10-01T00:53:00.001-07:00

Okay I said awhile ago my next blog would be about politics, to be honest no deep thoughts on this more like some more ramblings. But first out for those reading this: VOTE! Second and most importantly everyone, Reps, Dems, Black, whites,etc,etc.. need to realize McCain nor Obama is the answer. I mean no president has ever been the savior to all needs. But on that, Obama is promising better life for 95% of people with tax cuts, man Mr Obama that is a lot of people. My thinking is if dad is giving allowance to his son and dad gets a paycut then son gets less. SO ah Mr Obama if you tax the big dogs then they will pay cut the dads/moms in this world. McCain good luck in shaking off the "ghost" of Bush it doesnt seem to be working no matter if you are quite different. Okay I know more like 10 will read this rather than 1,000 or 1,000,000 (now that would be nice) but how does Obama pick a VP that said Obama had no experience and President of the United States was no place for on the job training, ah you think?!! I guess working at a youth center wont help me make a good canidate for Pres. Hmmm Well I think I have been to more countries then Obama or Palin. Hows that? Man I honestly cant wait will this election is over. I mean when else can one hear Pamela Anderson tell of her hate for Palin on the news. Why is anyone asking her thoughts on Palin,politics? Politics...as the comedian said poli=many, and tics=blood suck creatures. Politics is up there with religion they both seem to destroy quite well on their own. Obama has a book based on his faith. Yet he never heard his Pastor said anything so negative in 20 years of going to his church. And when his pastor was condemning America, Obama said ah he was misquoted but wait when the same man condemns Obama well then he disowns him, be it 20 years later. McCain your pick of Palin was surprising to say the least and good or bad you could not have chosen a more interesting person. The right love her and the far left hates her. And Mr Obama you said your pay grade isnt high enough to answer the question when does life begin? WOW! How long have you held that one in your pocket? As Peggy Noonan said, anyone who has ever purchased a condom knows when life begins. Ah I guess its not based on pay grade after all. I actually watch a good bit of the debate and wondering the whole time now why wont McCain look at Obama? Strategy? And Mr Obama you looked as distressed as Gore was in his debates. Its a bit scary to think of you meeting leaders without a teleprompter. And finally for those still reading this did you hear Biden say Mrs Clinton would have probably been a better choice then him. And mention in a interview about Roosevelt on TV in the 1920's talking about depression? Roosevelt? TV? Now when Quayle couldnt spell one word it when on weeks into years but Biden is pulling off some zingers. If Palin did such she would be asked to step down. In any case, thanks for reading, do vote but at the same time realize its just not the answer. Meanwhile this Thursday night will probably be the biggest watch political event ever with Palin vs. Biden. I can see the wrestling like ads now proclaiming this main event.... Perhaps just play a game of Jeopardy between the two of them. Winner moves on to VP and well the loser gets some great parting gifts...

In Your Presence

2008-09-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Part of my job is to listen for new music and make additions for my program (Worship 180). While reviewing the new CD from Sonic Flood, I came across a song that I think puts clearly into words what this Beautiful Ache is all about. The song is "In Your Presence." Here are the words:

There is pain among the beauty and broken things behind this mask of gold
And my life, merely ashes...Dust that the Maker gently holds
His hands form a diamond and forgot that it was once a piece of coal

Yeah, You change me and You give me a new name

In Your presence there is strength for the weak
In Your power I fall to my knees
In Your touch you heal my disease
In Your presence hold me, hold me

If I have value in Your eyes, well sometimes it's so hard to comprehend

That I'm made in Your image when it seems I'm just another grain of sand
and why You treat me with such love I don't think I'll ever understand

Yeah, You love me and You give me a new name

I stand amazed at this great love
I can't explain...how You know my name
In You my soul is complete
Freedom from the darkness

Today, see yourself as loved by Him. Even through this Beautiful Ache, He has not forgotten you. There is value in your life because He says so.

1 John 3:1

What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to.--The Message

Prayer for the States

2008-09-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hey folks

With less than 50 left until election time, a friend of mine is doing something that I thought would be good for everyone to know and participate.

This has nothing to do with who you think is the best candidate. It's more about our nation than a person or a party. I encourage you to visit this site every day and learn something about it each state along with praying specifically for each state. You can visit her site at www.prayerbeacon.blogspot.com

This is yesterday's posting and you can go back to the ones that she has posted earlier.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Day 5: Election Prayer Focus Rhode Island

Rhode Island - The Ocean State

State Motto - Hope

Capital/Largest City - Providence

Leaders

Governor Don Carcieri, (R)

Senator Jack Reed, (D)

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, (D)

Representative Patrick J. Kennedy (D)
Representative James R. Langevin (D)

Politics

Rhode Island is a strong Democratic state where Obama leads McCain 59% to 36%.

Prayer Points

* Declare that revival comes to Rhode Island.

* Declare that the people of Rhode Island will vote according to the Word of God.

* Declare that Catholic majority will vote for candidates that are pro-life regardless of party affiliation.

* Declare the airwaves over Rhode Island are open to Christian media.

* Declare the people of Rhode Island are safe from terrorist attack.

* Declare the National Guard and military personnel from Rhode Island are protected.

* Declare the leaders of Rhode Island walk in wisdom and do what is right according to the Word of God, not just what is popular.

Rhode Island, smallest of the 50 states, is densely populated and highly industrialized. It is a major center for jewelry manufacturing. Electronics, metal, plastic products, and boat and ship construction are other important industries. Non-manufacturing employment includes research in health, medicine, and the ocean environment. Providence is a wholesale distribution center for New England.
Fishing ports are at Galilee and Newport. Rural areas of the state support small-scale farming, including grapes for local wineries, turf grass, and nursery stock. Tourism generates over a billion dollars a year in revenue.
Newport became famous as the summer capital of high society in the mid-19th century. Touro Synagogue (1763) is the oldest in the U.S.

(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108266.html)

Officially named the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area.
Despite being called Rhode Island in common usage, most of the state lies on the North American mainland. Providence Plantations refers to the mainland, while Rhode Island is actually the official name for Aquidneck Island (now composed of the city of Newport, and the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth).
Having a history of staunch independence, Rhode Island was the first of the thirteen original American colonies to declare independence from British rule and the last to ratify the United States Constitution.
Rhode Island has long held the nickname of "Little Rhody", though the state has officially adopted the nickname of "the Ocean State", as nearly one tenth of Rhode Island's inland area is covered by salt water, and no part of the state is more than a 45-minute drive from the water's edge. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhode_Island)

Religion

Rhode Island has the highest percentage of Roman Catholics in the nation. Rhode Island and Utah are the only two states in which a majority of the population are members of a single religious body.

Rhode Island Food
Rhode Island is a large per capita consumer of coffee. According to a Providence Journal article, the state features the highest number of coffee/donut shops per capita in the country, with over 225 Dunkin' Donuts locations in the state alone. The Official State Drink of Rhode Island is coffee milk, a beverage created by mixing milk with coffee syrup. This unique syrup was invented in the state and is bottled and sold in most Rhode Island supermarkets. Although coffee milk contains some caffeine, it is sold in school cafeterias throughout the state. Strawberry milk is also popular. Iced coffee is popular in both summer and winter. Frozen lemonade, a mixture of ice-slush, lemons and sugar is popular in the summer, especially Del's Frozen Lemonade, a company based in Cranston.

Wein-O-Rama is a popular Cranston restaurant which serves hot weiners.
Several foods and dishes are unique to Rhode Island, and are hard to find outside of the state. "Hot Wieners", which are sometimes called "gaggers" or "weenies" are smaller than a standard hot dog but are covered in a meat sauce, chopped onions, mustard, and celery salt. Submarine sandwiches are referred to as "grinders" in Rhode Island, with a popular version being the Italian grinder, which is made with Italian cold cuts. Chouriço (a spicy Portuguese sausage) and peppers, eaten with hearty bread, is also popular among the state's large Portuguese community. Another popular item is pizza strips. Sold in most supermarkets, they are rectangular strips of pizza without the cheese, and are often served cold. Spinach pies, similar to a calzone but filled with seasoned spinach instead of meat, sauce and cheese, are sold in many Italian bakeries and local supermarkets. Variations can include black olives or pepperoni with the spinach, or broccoli instead of spinach.
The state is also known for its jonnycakes. As in colonial times, johnny cakes are made with corn meal and water, and pan fried much like pancakes. During fairs and carnivals, Rhode Islanders enjoy dough boys, plate-sized disks of deep fried dough sprinkled with sugar (sometimes powdered). While these are known as zeppolas in other states, such as New York, in Rhode Island zeppolas or zeppolis are completely different. Traditionally eaten on Saint Joseph's Day (widely celebrated across the state), St. Joseph's Day zeppolis are doughnut-like pastries with exposed centers of vanilla pudding or riccota cream, topped with a cherry.
The Ocean State's tradition has a strong tradition of seafood. Shellfish is extremely popular, with clams being used in multiple ways. Taken from the Narragansett "Poquauhock" (see A Key into the Language of America by Roger Williams 1643) "Quahaug" is a more correct spelling for this popular shellfish. The quahog (whose shell is Rhode Island's state shell) is a large clam which is mixed with stuffing and spicy minced sausage and then baked in the shell to form a "Stuffie". Steamed clams are also a very popular dish. Fried squid, or "calamari", is most popular in Italian restaurants, typically served Sicilian-style: tossed with spicy banana peppers and with marinara sauce on the side.
Rhode Island, like the rest of New England, has a long tradition of clam chowder. While the white "New England" variety is popular and the red "Manhattan" variety is not uncommon, Rhode Island makes a clear chowder, known as "Rhode Island Clam Chowder".
Perhaps the most unusual culinary tradition in Rhode Island is the "clam cake". The clam cake (also known as a fritter) is a deep fried ball of buttery dough with chopped bits of clam inside. They are sold by the half-dozen or dozen in most seafood restaurants around the state. The quintessential summer meal in Rhode Island is "clam cakes and chowder."

http://prayerbeacon.blogspot.com

What If Hokey Pokey is what its All About

2008-09-09T01:12:00.000-07:00

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, It is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost went unnoticed recently. Larry LaPrise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey," died peacefully at age 93. The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. They put his left leg in, and then the trouble started.

Well hey Im back! to those that read this, at least all of you have a front seat. Its been awhile so lets ramble on. Finished watching Rob Bells Everything is Spiritual for the 3rd or was it 100th time. That would truly alter our life if we grasped it. Its not about being Holy well at least I believe as most of us see holy in attempting to be perfect, not making "mistakes", impressing God. We cant do these things but we can reach out to others and find our rest in Him, Just like with holiness, I think most of us define rest as well sleep,a nap or nothing to do...perhaps a vacation but again most of us never find rest before a vacation so theres little or no rest during that vacation/holiday. To take a line from his video "The Gods Are not Angry"..We dont have to live this way, we dont have to live this way. So I came here to ramble, I was going to write about the politics and the wonder of spin and such but just cant do it. So anyway lets show one another everything in its own way is spiritual. Represent Him in any given opportunity this week, this month. Give something away, buy someones grocercies, be Creative, use your imagination, Your Dad majors in that work. Pay it Forward, Pass it on...and if you do so, why not share it here which just may encourage someone to go and do likewise....

Update on Keyser, Kenya

2008-08-31T03:24:00.000-07:00

Well we recently sent out our "thank you" letters for supporting our mission trip to Kenya (and blogged it here as well as a Thank You) So in case 1 or 11 would check out this site since it was listed on the letter I thought we would update a little as well. We were talking to a friend yesterday about our trip and I realized we didnt share about our visit to a "boys home" Over 100 young men sent here due to being labeled a "trouble youth" and/or just nowhere else to be placed. We taught classes to these boys, shared in song and Bible teaching then played games. And as we were playing games Adriane pointed out to me how several of the young men were actually freezing( yes below 70 there is winter to them) so she talked to a team leader and asked could we purchase shoes for them. She was told anything can be purchased for the kids here but it must be for all of them or none. So after discussing it with others a few us decided and were determined to pay the estimated $150 to get sandals. By the following week we had purchased 110 pairs of sandals for less than $50. And more importantly this will help towards fighting off young men getting jiggers. Jiggers, or sand fleas, make a home in your skin. The impregnated female jigger burrows under your finger or toe nails creating pus infected sores and feeds, laying her eggs before dying in your skin and creating further infection. So for less than 50.00 we were able to take care of over 100 youth. The director at this school was speechless and told our group this was a great need for them and wasnt sure how they would be able to get shoes for all of the youth.

Anyway as I have mentioned in the past we talked to I C Y Director Peter about how we could be more of help in sending needed items to them. And with that my wife suggested last week that this Christmas we would send gifts,money to the ministry for Kibera. Truthfully it sounded really good to me but Im one of those that love to buy gifts, cant wait to surprise others with gifts (and sure open a few as well) But to say the least there is a need, much greater need all around us. Not just in Kibera, but places like Darfur and Rwanda to name a few. And according Jesus these people are our neighbors as well. Now I know there are people who are next door to us and in need, so help them as well. But Im not sure helping them excuses us from helping those in dire need of basics such as food, water, and shelter. I see quite a few spend so much in gifts for Christmas and all along saying "lets not forget the true meaning of Christmas" But I believe most of us (including me) have expressed in our ways we have forgotten. We are told to simply that we are bless to bless others and to bless those who cannot bless us back (ah no gift for me, but the gift is in the giving, right?) And may whoever and whatever we choose to give to become a lifestyle for us. Im still in the baby steps of learning that only the things we do with eternal value is worthwhile. By the way we thought of naming a program something like "Keyser to Kibera" but we want others who live away from here to feel part of this as well. If any of you would like to be involved let us know. Meanwhile we will be following up contact to see what Kibera school/children need the most. In closing thanks for reading, and as someone said ministry is seeing a need and meeting it, that is ministry. No matter who we are, where we go a need is right before us.

In The Same Boat

2008-08-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

An interesting point was brought up in one of the posts the other day. Fish said his wife was dealing with some health issues. Let's make this real for everyone.

As a community, we are instructed to bear one another's burdens. I know some of you may be struggling with family issues. Some may be dealing with health issues. Some may be struggling with their faith.

How about everyone who reads this, post something that you would like this community to pray for? Maybe even offer a word of encouragement or scripture.

Let me start it out...for those who know me well, they know that I have dealt with kidney stones for the last 20 years. I believe that God can heal me, but nothing so far. He has given me great grace through it. There have been times when I should've been in the hospital but God turned it around. I could use some prayer in that area...even now.
This is part of the beautiful ache. We are all living in a fallen state. Our bodies are crying out for redemption.

Just post how we can help each other. This is a great way for this community to touch each other's lives.

The Biggest Beautiful Ache

2008-08-21T09:04:00.001-07:00

OK, folks. First of all, for those who read yesterday's version of this post, let me apologize and explain.

Yesterday I posted a video that I had picked up last week and believed it was something inspiring and touching. Unfortunately, I didn't know the full story.

The video was of a man who wrote a song called Healer. While I still believe in the truth of the song, I found out that the man's testimony was a lie. He said he had terminal cancer for 2 years and that God gave him this song. He even went so far as to say that the doctor told him he couldn't perform the song on stage without having oxygen tubes on. To make a long story short, the man didn't have cancer. It was all a big lie.

So, what have I learned from this?

1. Man is fallible. The writer of this song lied about something. Why? Maybe to gain a greater spotlight. This aches me. I have been crushed by this story. Believe it or not, when I heard, I stepped away, fell to my knees and asked God to help this man. You see, something deep inside him was aching too and it came out. I don't believe in throw-away people. This man needs help and hopefully his church and family will stand with him to get the help that he needs. And unfortunately, he is not the only one. We all have our problems. We all have an ache deep inside us. For some, it comes out in ways that hurts others. I do not excuse his sin, for his sin penalty has already been paid for by Christ.

That's the power of the cross. Look at Peter. He lied about Christ 3 times. And Jesus even told him that he would. Christ still offered the forgiveness that he needed. He even went on to tell him that when he was restored, strengthen the others.

2. The Truth is still the Truth! Even though he lied about his circumstances, the point remains that by the stripes of Jesus we are healed. I guess this man didn't ask for the right healing. He needed a healing in his heart. I have personally seen people healed. I know God can do it. I don't understand all of the reason for why He doesn't, but I know He still does.

3. My faith must be in Christ alone! Others will fail me. I've failed others. To quote the old hymn, "My faith is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' Name. This will undoubtedly happen again in the church. It's been happening. There is nothing we can do to stop it. However, when it does happen, we must look to Jesus.

So, I do apologize for posting it. Please pray for this man. And while you're at it, pray for and encourage each other. It bugs me that this happens. And while I'm at it, it's bugging me that certain places aren't even pulling it or at least giving an explanation.

Donny

This Just in..The Worlds A Mess

2008-08-19T01:41:00.000-07:00

...And we are the ones making the mess. At least for the most part it seems. Front page of USA TODAY has an article "Ticking Time Bomb" about the Hunger in Ethiopia. You can read about a 4 yr old weighing 20 lbs. Most seem not to be able to afford the national staple food Injera casue the price has doubled. Food price inflation is more than 75% (Zimbabwe's is worst!) and at least 14 Million are in need of food aid. So after this full page story of how 75,000 kids are severly malnourished you can glanced to the next page and see a photo of Joey Chestnut and friends chowing down over 6 pounds of ribs for yet another record. Thats America, Thats the world, thats us. Side by side we have a world that is starving and then a world that not only competes on chowing down but you can even catch it on ESPN (thank God for DVR's dont wanna miss the chowing down or better yet the coming up?) I recall reading C.S. Lewis comment about the obsession of sex. He asked could you imagine people who would slowly raise the lid off a food plate and the crowd would oooohh and ahhh as the food was revealed to them. He said this is how we have acted towards sex and if we did so towards food you would say we are "crazy." Prophecy at hand and he didnt know it. We are obsess in this western world with things that matter least and for the most part apathatic to things that matter most. Africa has 80 million Orphans. Thats just Africa. And yet it will usually cost 20-25,000 to adopt a child. Well unless they are handicapped then theres a discount (not sure how to take that except its sad!). Of course black market and such is a concern but seems to me that is more prevalanet when one has to pay 20 grand to take in a child and provide for them, seems that 20,000 could come in handy during the child's lifetime. And while the act of caring and loving a child is 25,000 one can abort a child for 500 or less. Kind of like the newspaper article with the extremes of food on each side of the paper. In a hospital you could have a child being brought into the world and in another room a child being taken out of the world, granted he/she would be coming into a mess to say the least and some worst than others. But when we visited Kibera we met quite a few families and children living day to day in bad conditions but I am sure of one thing from the smiles on their faces and conversations with them they would choose to live, choose life. In closing for those of us who are Pro Life we must also be providing for others in need. Way beyond prayers and protesting but help meet the needs that we see before us. Im just saying all of this to remind us that this world is a mess, a beautiful ache.

Mission Mishaps aka Insomnarrhea

2008-08-18T00:38:00.000-07:00

Okay back to the beauty of randomness. Since we just returned from missions lets explore the mishaps on mission trips. Usually these are quite unpleasant and painful at the time but they make for some great "no way" stories when we get home and well some of us can laugh about it as well.
For me it was on a trip in Morocco when the group was on their 100th glass of hot spearmint tea. And I asked kindly, "ah being it has cool down to 126 outside (no lie, it was 140) could I please have ANYTHING besides Hot tea..so they gave me a glass of Pepsi. Ah yes I gulped it down in a few seconds then I took notice to the jingling of ice in my glass. I was like Ohhhhhh No!
So I called my team leader over and said ah I think Im in trouble I just consumed this drink which has ice in it. She replied dont worry it was frozen(okay so she's not a doctor or nurse). So that night about 3am it felt like somebody took a machete to my stomach. So I ran to the bathroom(okay it was 3 feet away but I ran anyway) and well okay eventually went back to bed only to return again in a few minutes thats when I realize man shall not live by bread alone, but Imodium! I took 2 or 3 right away. Return to bed and Again back to the "throne room" and decided to see if it was possible to OD on Imodium. Because I am now thinking about in a few hours our team will be on a six hour train ride in 120 degree heat so I consumed a total of 7 Imodiums. The next morning the nurse on our team said it wasnt possible to do such. I reassured her it was and well I didnt need the restroom on the train. I did still come down with a fever for 24 hours and the first thing I ate coming off this sickness was a delicious lunch by my host which was a bowl of Chili Con Carne. (I couldnt even make this one up). Read On...
A team member of ours in Canada was telling about her outreach in India. And while traveling through town sightseeing a young man on her team came down with diahrea (rather it came down) and it hit instantly and out of nowhere so now this mess is running down his leg and coming out on top of his shoes. So this guy is running towards the base and just when he thinks it cant get any worse, dogs start chasing after him nipping at his shoes. The team members do their best to fight off the dogs and they eventually arrived safe and not so sound at the base.
The lady who shared this story informed me that she got sick as well on the same trip and eventually her body shut down and after severe problems with diahrea she collapsed and was out of it. Team members had to carry her back to base and clean her off and put her to bed. The next morning the team had to tell her what took place in her "adventure"....and last but not least..
Another team in India (hmmm what is it about India?) had to use a squat toliet (just imagine a hole in the floor and ah sharing that hole with the movements of the world) So in the middle of the night this man on the team goes out to use the squat and since the squat was on the hill, one actually had to work at keeping his balance. So as he steps in to use the squat he has his flashlight in his mouth and as he squats he loses his balance and well the flashlight falls in the mess and without thinking he grabs the flashlight and puts it back in his mouth (Arrgh!! and so much more). The team then heard a scream into the night. And Im thinking of the unnamed diseases taking place and how could he ever share this story. And as for his wife ah I dont think toothpaste or any amount of Scope would take it away.
Oh well if you have any not funny at the time stories but now they could bring laughter, even tears to your eyes, post them. Thanks. Oh and Imodiuim, dont leave home without it!

Kenya, Nairobi & Kibera "The Natives Are Friendly"

2008-08-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Jambo. (Hello in Swahili) First of all we want to thank you for your support in your giving and in your thoughts and prayers for us while we were away in Kenya. We left on July 11th and returned on August 5th. We were picked up at the airport by the leader of ICY (International Christian Youthworks) Peter Abungu. We were taken to the house of Judah and Salma, our host for our stay in Kenya. This couple made our stay enjoyable more than we could have imagined and hoped for while in Nairobi. Their cousin Wendy had just arrived before us so they were actually hosting 3 guests at the same time, which was a great time to say the least in getting to know one another.
Upon our arrival they had prayer for us and our family back home and gave thanks for our safe travel then they fed us and we were ready for sleep. Our first day started out downtown with Peter to get money exchange and then to the office of ICY and get more information on how ICY works and some details on what we would be doing while in Nairobi. Our team consisted of Patrick (Germany), Ricky (California), Liz (North Carolina), Aimee (Indiana), Virginia (Vancouver) and Victor (Kenya) That afternoon we were taken to Kibera. This is a huge slum area with at least 1 million people living in some horrendous conditions. Kibera is heavily polluted by soot, dust, and other wastes. Open sewage routes also contribute to contamination of the slum with human and animal feces. The combination of poor nutrition and lack of sanitation accounts for many illnesses. Not only are death by disease and conflict common inside this slum, but it is estimated that 1/5 of the 2.2 million Kenyans living with HIV live in Kibera. But in this mess the people we met were beautiful in their friendliness and the children’s constant greeting of “how are you?” still echo in our mind as we are on the other side of the world. Our teams’ ministry was focused on the “blue house”. This house is used for daily school teachings and Sunday services as well. The pastor and team actually have to pay a high rental cost just to use this building. When we arrived the classes were over so we ended up hanging with the kids, talking and playing games. We met with the head teacher who informed us that they care for at least 500 youth in this area. We were excited to meet the children but at the same time it’s hard to imagine why any human would have to live in such conditions.
Sunday we traveled 40 minutes by Matatu (van) to get to a church service. Service lasted several hours and included a message by a preacher from North Carolina. He had been coming to Kenya for over 10 years and he said were the first missionary team he had seen in a church service. After morning service we split up into teams and walked the streets asking the locals could we pray for them, talk to them about Jesus and what they believed. Several of those that we met knew the Gospel and some asked us to pray with them to rededicate their life to Jesus Christ. Afterwards we returned for an evening service.
The following week we would return to Kibera three times. We would help teach classes grade 6 through 8. I helped Liz teach 6th graders and Adriane and Patrick taught 8th graders. Classes were always threefold in teaching the Bible, Math and English. Also in Kibera is a kindergarten class called Sarah Jr. A few years ago a university student from the UK helped start this school in Kibera the funding comes from those living in England. This class serves at least 50 kids. They learn to read, write, and are taught the Bible as well as children songs. Also they are each given a daily lunch of beans and rice which for many of them may be their only meal of the day.
One Tuesday we helped a young mother of 3 take her Cerebral Palsy daughter to the hospital for therapy. We took a coloring book and crayons for her and actually after therapy she was so content in coloring that she told her mother she could stay longer but she was excited when she was told the book and crayons were hers to keep.
Our last Sunday in Kibera, our team helped do the church service. Roger was asked to give a teaching. He shared on Mephibosheth who was asked to eat at King David table. Although a cripple he was the same at the table of the King. And all of us in life are crippled by something but Jesus wants us at His table and desires for us to be his sons and daughters. We then met with Pastor Timothy and distributed pencils, pens, and other items and promised to send more upon our return home. They were so thankful for just what little we bought them.
After service we spent a few hours with Peter and we talked how people and churches tend to do nothing because the problem seems so big but if we would just focus on part of the problem and work towards that then much would be done especially for those we are helping at that very moment. Victor is an assistant of ICY. He is from Kibera. His mom died then his dad, then his grandparents. So he had nowhere to go and Peter and his wife took him in as part of their family. Victor was our leader and tour guide in almost everything we did in Nairobi. Dominique was another assistant for this ministry and he lives in Kibera with his family. It’s awesome to see these young men coming out of some of the worst conditions and making the best of it and serving God in this ministry.
We also got to help at an orphanage a few times while were there. This was actually just 2 blocks from our home. This was a pleasant surprise to us as the building was very nice, and the kids were getting great care at this facility. The ages consist of infants to 2 year olds. Some of these babies have been abandoned from hospitals to dumps. A couple from England came to Nairobi several years ago and saw a need for orphans and they started a make shift orphanage at the bottom of their flat apartment taking in 7 kids. They now have 7 full time ministries running in Kenya to take in the orphans. We got to feed the infants and play with many kids. For those of you that have read our blog you know that Jimmy became our favorite kid there. On our last visit he came to me as soon as I entered through the gate and didn’t want me to put him down so we spent hours talking about birds and big birds.
We were fortunate in getting to go on a 2 night safari in Maasai Mara. It was very beautiful and believe it or not the nights got very cold. Adriane was unfortunately able to pick up a cold as well. We got to see a variety of animals including Zebras, Buffaloes, Hyenas, Hippos, Crocodiles and Lions to name a few. We were also privileged to see the migration of the wildebeest which is actually a rare thing for visitors to see. On our last Sunday we were guest at Judah’s church and then did some last minute shopping. Monday, the night before our departure we treated our host family to a dinner at the Carnivore. This restaurant is the most famous one in Nairobi and they offer a buffet of meats which are brought to your table one at a time and the menu includes Crocodile and Ostrich. There is so much more that could be written but we hope this letter gives a glimpse of our adventure in Kenya. We could have never imagined the people and places we experienced and we told Peter and our host family we do plan to come back as soon as possible. Again for those reading this thank you so much for being part of this trip with us, it would have never been possible without your support. For those who have been praying for us please continue to do so that we may know what our next step with Kenya (Africa) is suppose to be.

"First go at the risk of being thought fanatical you must obey what God tells you”-Oswald Chambers.

Home Sweet Home

2008-08-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well we made it back home. So hopefully by Monday I can post a somewhat detail blog about our trip. We enjoyed it which I know was greatly helped by our host Judah & Salma. I told my wife you do realize we are receiving comfort on a trip that we thought would be much harder. Everyone we worked with was smiling and very friendly. The Ministry ICY has been at work for 5 years in Nairobi and we were actually the first married couple they have had on their missions team. Anyway for those reading thanks for doing such and continue to do so. It seems though we have gained a few we have lost a few "bloggers" as well. By the way I am adding a picture of Jimmy in reference to an earlier blog, please check it out. I believe you will all agree he is quite a handsome young man. And the title is easy, no matter where you go its nice to be home, the bed and showers , everything just seems nicer. As my wife said even on vacation theres no place like home to which I added unless you're in Canaan (right, Donnie? :) ) Okay, well in 2 days of traveling (and the first flight Kenya to London was quite shaky to say the least) on the plane I had less than 3 hours of sleep so I think a nap sounds good right now. Thanks keep posting. Blessings.

Still in Kenya....

2008-08-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

This is most likely our last blog from Kenya,..and this one will be short due to time and the process of high speed sundial computers. Anyway we have enjoyed it overall and surprised by the people, weather and even bugs (lack of)....thanks for those that have been reading esp. replying back. We are planning to eat at a restaurant on monday that is famous here for you Bebo Norman fans he played here now that is messed up and cool at the same time. We were in Kibera today and will return Monday then hopefully back to see Jimmy and his friends on Tuesday. Blogging has been interesting in that its a bit like an open journal. So if you have any questions about Kenya and/or our trip send me an email. Donny thanks for blogging as well. Randy, WOW thanks for overcoming and replying as well :) and rufus, oh well,,,as you would say yadda yadda,,,,and just so you know its far from hot here which has been a blessing well except for my better half she managed to catch a cold in Kenya, perhaps she is Kenyan. :) ..okay I will blog more later when I have more time about our trip and Safari experience as well. Blessings...

Present Vs. Future

2008-07-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Technology is so wonderful. As I'm sitting here typing on my 'smart' phone, I'm thinking about how quickly things change in our lives. When I got my first cell phone, I loved what it could do for me. However, I would've never expected it to access the internet. Yet that's what I'm doing. These things will even play videos! It makes me wonder what the future will hold.

There is an Amish community near where I live and work. I see them riding their horse and buggies every day. This got me thinking about a few things. The Amish do this by choice but what about those in places like where Buck and Adie are now. We take for granted that we have decent drinking water or health care. Some people don't have that.

I have noticed a switching of roles recently. It used to be that the church was futuristic. We sang songs of getting to heaven and rejoicing. Now we're more concerned with what we can get now. The world was concerned about the present but now they're looking to the future.

I believe that there needs to be a balance in our lives. We need to look forward to what is going to happen. We need to go in with eyes wide open. I don't believe it is a coincidence that in the last few verses of the Bible, Jesus says that He is coming quickly and John responds by saying "Come Lord Jesus!" I'm ready for that. I'll say "Amen!!!!"

We also need to be fully aware of the present. We need to be concerned with things that affect daily living. That is what missions work does. It brings the daily living of others to our attention while offering the hope and future that God has planned for each of us. What kind of God would He be if we had to wait until we got to Heaven to experience His benefits? Can I hear the church say 'Amen'?

Jimmy

2008-07-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Met a real interesting person the other day. We walked a few blocks from the place we are staying and the guards let me in through the gates. And as soon as I entered this guy came walking towards to me and immediately stuck his hand out and then begin talking about birds. After talking about birds and more birds. I advised Jimmy I had to go into the office for a minute and he started to cry. I thought man what a strange reaction since we just met for the first time. And when I came back outside there he was waiting for me. And the lady pointed out to him I just came outside, Jimmy ran towards me laughing in excitement and once again we picked up where we left off with talk about birds and well bigger birds. He also talked about trucks and cars but the conversation always came back to birds. I could see from a scar on his neck he has had surgery but that never became a topic of discussion. We then went under a gazebo like thing to continue our conversation. We got our pictures together then he wanted to go inside and eat. And as we were going in the building he started to sing "oh when the saints go marching in" that really surprised me. And after spending a few hour with Jimmy I know I will never forget him. Jimmy is 2 years old and one of many kids at this Orphanage (by the way this place is great, more on that later) Maybe a surprise to some but we are really interested in adopting a kid and wanted to do so from Kenya. At the moment we are told Kenya demands that the adoptive parents must come live here for 6 months. which is makes no sense but its just the not so beautiful parts of politics here. Anyway hope you enjoy the blogs, Please keep replying so we know who is reading. thanks Blessings...

New Life and Hope

2008-07-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Today we visited New Life Hope Orphange. No doubt a highlight for us in this trip. The lady gave us a tour telling us a couple came here to visit and saw there was a need for babies/children and they have open several in Kenya. The buildings are top notch. We first met the 2 year olds then the infants when they finally woke up. A very interesting thing is that here they have an injection that when give to a baby under one it will eventually rid them of HIV (this drug is known of in the usa but not legal yet, so yea Im thinking just no price tag yet?) These babies/children are adorable, we wish we could at least adopt like half of them. There are 2 nearby orphanges that people all across the wolrd come to work at including this one and theres a Mennonite one as well. At this one over 650 have been adopted. I believe the majority (like 90%) of the babies here are HIV. I got to play with David, Amnity,Moses among others. It is too bad (to put it nicely) that its so costly to adopt I like to think that is the ONLY reason there are Millions awaiting a loving home. By the way if you are a Believer you have definitely been adopted by Abba, the ulitmate Father (and I know that image can be blurred and painful when you come from any form of a broken home) and if not well just know despite your doubt, anger, hates, He is desiring to adopt you and call you son/daughter. Thanks for reading this, Blessings.

WONDERING IN MY DOUBTING

2008-07-22T06:25:00.001-07:00

Hey, well due to mix up in scheduling we actually got some free time this afternoon so i wanted to blog again just in case i dont get too in awhile. thanks for your comments guys. today my wife and i assisted a mother of 3 in taking her 7 yr old daughter with cerebral palsy to the hospital for therapy. her mom walked into the base office with child on her back. I agree to carry her to the bus stop. I was thinking this is just messed up (in a good and bad way) by the way Randy you showed me that video the morning we left i do believe it was God previewing this moment for me (i will post that video as soon as possible) at this hospital i saw and heard things i have never seen. One of my friend would say see you're niave and "where is your God in all of this"...well to the first i know there are extremely bad conditions out there but when you live in the usa with the so called " house with white picket fence" you can avoid those condition for the most part or at least change the channels. As my wife and i looked at Melody getting her therapy i told her i was blogging away in mind and here are some thoughts....doubt vs. wonder...i dont doubt theres a God, I don't. Honestly just dont see how when i take a glimpse at creation. But I do wonder where HE is now for the most part its us the body of Christ not doing our apart across the world, there should be little needs the size of slums we have in the world. It seems Bono (U2) has brought more movement towards aids and need in africa then most of the church. But anyway i was thinking about how so many need a real healing and there are these tv healers that do it at will. my question is why dont they visit the hospices, the slums, the hospitals. After all even signs and such are for the non believer...YES I know God heals. but I honestly do wonder about the little i've seen and heard. I would give anything possible to see a healing evangelist touch that girl i was with today and well her mom would give her life and then some to see such. Im rambling but let me say to the reader dont tell me its based on faith because many people healed in the bible were clueless to who Jesus really was and I mean it took the disciples 3 years of miracles to still asked "ah who are you really?" Again can these healers heal? No, its all God, he heals as he wills its not based on names be it Hinn or Miller. Just was wondering today and thought I would pass this on to get some thoughts. by they way its okay to wonder even doubt...C S Lewis says perhaps we are at our closest to God when we are doubting. Okay Im tired and this computer doesnt like me so I am closing...hey pass this site on to family, friends and church. Would love to get more viewing this and greatly appreciate all prayers... tomorrow to the orphanages, a school then the following day back to Kibera....Blessings....

and how are you?

2008-07-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

Hey there folks writing live from Kenya (lets get the word out i would like to see A LOT MORE POSTING HERE, AMEN) anyway here in a cyber cafe and i think i found where the states original computers went to, its very slow here. The internet is runned by the government. As I write this a christian radio station is playing. the people here are very friendly. While there is much to write cant do it now, one this is too slow to do such and more importantly not sure how to put such in words. A doctor (morgantown WV) told us to check out a movie called "Constant Gardner" it was filmed in kibera slums area so if you want that will give you a taste of what we are seeing. The conditions are terrible and truthfully i have very mixed feelings, emotions hearing 5 year olds singing Jesus loves me and knowing more about the bible then some teens back in the states. We are land of plenty and blessed we just tend to forget and neglect we are blessed to bless others. Anyway theres 1 million in just the kibera area (oh and theres a bigger one in South Africa) somewhere we are truly missing out. yesterday after a 6 hour or so church service (okay im being truthful here MAN it was long) we did out reach on the streets and there was at least 7 people that asked Christ into their life. Also I want to add that the pastor that is hosting us told us that its said Kenyan is the most evangelize country in the world. it seems so as we witness yesterday it was like all knew the story of Christ. Meanwhile I have amazed a few Kenyans when I tell them that T D Jakes is from WV. And one even said so hes a black American, as if he was in shock. Im assuming when they see white they think missionary, and yes the kids in the slum want me to take them back home because they all know how well off we all are and rich, and of course have our act together and they want to know if we have slums and are shock to hear that we could have poor as well (okay so I will close with that sarcastic truth). by the way my title comes from the kids in kibera as soon as they see us they run to us and they say the one sentence they have down...."and how are you"..blessings, if you read this please please post, keep us in your prayers...

Picnic Anyone?

2008-07-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

First of all, just a note to keep praying for Buck and Adie. Got and email from them and they are safe and sound...well, as sound as Buck's ever been...in the nation of Kenya. Adie says that we can stop worrying. Yeah, right! Anyhow, Adie says that they were heading for the slums, the people are amazing, and the weather was perfect.

I wanted to share something that happened to me. Today, I had the opportunity to visit with some friends...some of whom I haven't seen in several years. We used to be pretty close and tried to take every opportunity to encourage and build each other up. Because of certain circumstances, that tie was broken. Some have kept in touch a little better than others and I have been in contact with a few, but I know that we are not as close (literally and spiritually) as we used to be.

What was so cool to me was that we picked up like we just saw each other yesterday. Of course there were questions about how everyone and their family was doing, but we just jumped in and started acting like the family that we once were. This got me thinking about many things, but I'll only share a couple of them with you here.

1. Think about all of the people that Buck and Adie (along with all of the other missionaries and Gospel carriers around the world) are ministering to in Kenya. Buck and Adie may only meet a few of them and build a relationship with even less. However, when the day comes when we're all reunited in Heaven, they will be able to pick up and carry on with the joys that they are sharing now.

I began to think of some wonderful people that have gone on to Heaven...my dad is first in my mind right now. When I get there, I'll be able to just pick up like I talked to him yesterday. After all, what is time when you're in heaven? If you figure that a thousand years is like a day to God, then we'll only be separated for minutes. I'm ready to sit down to a big meal with dad. He and I used to sit down and split a half gallon of ice cream...I'm ready for that now.

2. I'm also reminded of God's call to community. Michael Card says in a song "The call is to community. The impoverished power that sets the soul free. In humility we take the bow, when day after day we take up the basin and the towel."

I think it was a Barna research poll that said that when a person visits a church, they must make at least 3 connections or they won't come back. I believe that God draws people to certain churches or fellowships for a reason. I also know that there are some people in churches that belong in another church. Do people stay in our church because we make them feel welcome? Do people leave because we don't?

I know people from a whole hosts of churches and denominations. I have been blessed by having people put into my path. I may not talk to them every day or even every month, but the connection is still there. Why?

I believe it is because God has made us people that need to feel connected. Every person needs to feel that they are need, loved, and accepted...by someone. It's bred into our very being by our Creator. That's why, after He created Adam, He said, "It is not good for man to be alone." While some interpret this as a man needing a wife, I look at it from a much broader perspective. Adam needed a helpmate, but more importantly, he needed a friend. The word for helpmate is similar (not exact) to the word that Christ says when He was ready to leave this world. Jesus says that He wouldn't leave us helpless, but He would send another...a helper. The Greek word is paracletos which means "one called alongside who is similar to the first."

If you look back to a previous blog a mine about "Servants and Friends", Jesus said that He now called them friends. When He left, He didn't want to leave them without a friend, so He sent Holy Spirit.

My challenge to you is two-fold. First, are you a friend to the friendless? It's nothing to be friendly to those you like, but how about those you don't like? Second, do you need a friend? Even if you feel friendless, allow Holy Spirit to come to your side. Let Him be your friend and allow Him to lead you to others that you can connect with on a personal basis. Believe me, it's essential to your sanity to have friends.

In closing, make a point to go for a picnic this week. Take time to have lunch with a friend. Treat your best friend to an ice cream cone. Just make the connection. And leave a post when you do. I want to hear everyone who reads this to post something this week about how they connected with someone.

At Heathrow, Anyone Home?...

2008-07-18T00:28:00.000-07:00

Hey to all who may be checking this out now and then. We are here in London awaiting our flight to Kenya. Its 3:30 back home, 8:30 here and Kenya, well yea you get the picture. Jet lag is part of this wonderful experience. Anyway I asked for a window seat and they ended up giving us 2 windows and the emergency exit door which put me and my better half in charge of opening the exit door in case of emergency. And she added if you do open this door make sure to wrap your arm in this strap because people will be charging this door to get out so we dont want them to push you out. In total agreement. Our pay for doing this was lots of leg room which is a huge bonus and 2 feet from the restroom which is good and bad. So Im honestly still wondering what we are doing on this trip. We are sure God has said GO. But you know theres always something in us to want to know more. Now we board for Kenya in less than an hour. As we were landing here the flight attendent asked us where we were heading and when we told her she said hmm better you then me, ouch so comforting. OKAY GUYS/GIRLS IF YOU ARE READING ANY OF THESE BLOGS PLEASE SAY HEY OR COMMENT/BLOG AWAY... BY THE CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS BLOGS AS WELL. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO IS ACTUALLY READING THIS. MEANWHILE WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS AND IF YOU HAVE REQUESTS LET US KNOW....BLESSINGS

There is GOOD News...

2008-07-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

I was realizing in the few blogs I have done readers may think Im just negative and come off as condemning or such..so I wanted to attempt to say there is in this Chaos, mess there is something Beautiful and there is a lot of Good going on (fortunately more than I know and see). But I wanted to acknowledge some of those "good things" theres this young lady in her 60's in Richmond serving the families in the inner city. She’s from South Africa and we were blessed to spend a few months with her. And from teaching the kids soccer to feeding them and teaching them the Bible she is simply a saint in the truest form. Her worship is seen in her life of servant hood. There are individuals and couples giving up their life to live in the inner city of Philly to share the love of Christ by becoming all things that they can truly minister His love. I met two ladies in Morocco that were in their 60's and they had given their life to serve as midwives to be there for Muslim families and pray over each child as he/she enter the world that Christ may be the God of their family. Of course there are countless others from small town pastors that are consume with one family problem to the next problem. Single parents bringing their children up to trust in God. Missionaries by the thousands that go unnoticed on this side of heaven. The Billy Graham, Luis Palau, Greg Laurie, Campolo, among the many that have been faithful in serving God. Take a moment and think on those things that are Good, the Good in us is you and me allowing God to be seen and heard in our words and ways. In His Grace and Mercy we move, we live..now that is some Good news. In closing words here is some good news from Erwin McManus "The good news is that we dont have to become gods to become something worth loving, worth respecting, worth valuing. Dont let your shortcomings and flaws convince you that you need to become something other than human. Our brokenness is not proof that God could not or would not love us but proof that what we need is the God who created us and loves us. What our souls long to become is not something other than human, but to become beautifully human."

To Breathe Again or See again..

2008-07-15T17:40:00.001-07:00

Revival is coming! Well it may be or maybe not..but it does get the churches attention, it fills up the signs in front of the church nicely. And its hard to find a televangelist that isnt promoting it. But as Donny mentioned in an earlier blog most churches wouldnt recognize Jesus if He personally came to our churches today. Even worst He would be rejected because He wouldnt be "cool looking". Most likely he wouldnt be dressed in the latest fashion and He simply probably would get on our nerves ("man who does he think he is anyway?). If we would be rejecting Jesus then how close is revival (giving life to dead men/women walking, bring back to life). My friend Randy and I were talking about revival and I wonder aloud when Jesus healed the blind man do you think right before that moment of seeing for the first time did he want to see or did he want revival? My point is I think we want revival but Im not sure we know what it is and if it would come the changes would amaze us, true but they also go against our grain, the way we think it should be. I think as Christians most of us decide who and when to pour out grace and mercy towards others but Jesus never did such unless it was towards the "church". We turn our backs towards the "down and outters", the deform, the unwanted, heck even those that come from broken homes(hint: we are ALL broken). I see us as a broken body not seeing how broken we really are and if we saw such then it would come (super)naturally to serve the broken. Its comical and sad at the same time that I see us as distributing tracts to the blind, but hey the tract is in braille and the story is about Jesus healing the blind man. We're just not getting it and that it is revival. Lord God open my eyes that I may see with your eyes, Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, hands to serve and a heart that will follow, follow You. Then I wont have to talk about revival I can just simply live it.

Going...Going...Gone!

2008-07-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

I was reading the blog of a friend of mine the other day. She was sharing on the Great Awakenings. One person that she mentioned was Keith Green. For those of you who are familiar with Keith, you know his passion for Christ and the lost.

During prayer this evening, I was shocked out of my normal religious praying when one of the ladies in the group began to say, "What about them? What about those?"

Keith Green wrote a song entitled "Jesus Commands Us To Go!" This song came back to my memory. I have a CD that has Keith sharing with an audience about doing mission work. I remember him saying that unless you have a direct order from God not to go, then the original mandate stands. Jesus said, "Go into all the world..."

As we are only days away from Buck and Adie leaving for Kenya, this is one of the things that is at the forefront of my prayers. I'm sure it's top priority for them also. This is not an easy task. It's hot there...that's a biggie for me. Also, there are flights, food, people, a resistance to the Gospel, and an international discontent with America. Still, Buck and Adie have chosen to do this. Why??????????????

I was pondering this question tonight. I'm sure Buck and Adie would feel more comfortable if we were together at a restaurant eating some good food. Buck would probably be happier playing B-Ball with some friends. Adie would probably rather spend time with her family. So my question again is Why???

I could answer that with a very religious answer about how people in other countries need to hear the Gospel. Well, people in this country do too, so that's not the reason. Maybe they want to feel good because they're doing something for God. Well, you can do something for God right where you are, so throw that reason out. I've come to the conclusion that the only reason they are going is because God said "GO!" I remember having a conversation with them a couple years ago and they knew God was sending them to Kenya. There is no reason for me to doubt that God has not given them a direct order with a heavenly commission.

My question to you is, why aren't you going? Before I get a bunch of emails with every excuse under the sun ranging from "I hate to fly" to "I don't eat bugs" and so forth, let me ask you this question...IF that is your excuse, why don't you do it here? We are quick to talk about the weather, food, jobs, church, new cars, ...whatever. When was the last time you shared Jesus with the person at the grocery store? at work? at school?...you get my drift? Why don't you find a good ministry in your own town and do something there? Hey, I know a good place...if you live in the Keyser, WV area, check out the Fire Escape. They've been doing this for years and they're right in the back yard of many Christians and churches. You don't have to raise money to send a mission team to some far away country...you can do it here.

I invite, encourage, and desire for you to pray for Buck and Adie and the entire team that will be with them. I also encourage you to pray that your hunger and passion for the lost is restored. Also, check out my friend's blog. It's www.cafenotes.blogspot.com Melissa has been sharing about the Great Awakenings along with many other great happenings today.

Grace In The Midst of Justice

2008-07-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

I keep hearing a term running throughout "Christian" circles. Sadly to say, the world has been doing it for us and they try to claim it as their own. That "word" is social justice. For some, it is to take the commandments of Christ and put them into practice in a real way, every single day. For others, it runs up to and knocks on the doors of socialism and communism. Some are so good at it, we assume they are Christians. That's an argument for another blog, but let me just say this...to do the works of Jesus without claiming His Lordship over your life is simply a fallen person doing good works. Since we are saved by grace, none of the best works of man will ever gain us access to the Kingdom of God. Let's not get the cart before the horse.

We could do a study on this and take hours to figure out what is clearly evident, and that is that Jesus was neither a socialist, communist, or capitalist. He simply loved people with the same love that He saw in His Father.

One of the most powerful stories that I have ever read on social justice, or any justice for that matter, is a story that Brennan Manning wrote in his book "A Ragamuffin Gospel." Indulge me for a few lines as I share this story.

Mayor La Guardia, mayor of NYC during the time of the depression was a very flamboyant man who was known to wear a big sombrero and a carnation. He would often take kids in an orphanage out to ball games.
One night, he walked into the courthouse of one of the poorest districts in NYC and relieved the judge of his duties and took his place. One of his first cases was a woman who was caught stealing bread from a local shop. When the Mayor asked the woman why she stole the bread, she simply explained that her daughter's husband had left and their children were hungry. Mayor La Guardia then asked the shopkeeper if he would drop the charges, to which the shopkeeper replied that he would not because the woman broke the law and if he let her go, others would feel that they had the right to do it. The Mayor turned to the woman and told her that he could not change the law and that her fine would be $10 or ten days in prison. As he said this, he took $10 out of his pocket to pay the fine. He then proceeded to hand his sombrero to the bailiff and told all those who were in the courtroom that he was fining each of them 50 cents for allowing a woman in New York to go hungry. The Mayor received a standing ovation and then he then handed the money to the woman.

The Law demands that we are all punished. Justice demands retribution. The shopkeeper was afraid that grace would run rampant. Now there's something for the church to ponder...grace running wild. God's justice ran wild when Jesus died on the cross. The full penalty was paid and He received the full justice for all of our sins. We can't demand justice any longer because justice is not ours to demand. We can only demand the full grace that God offers to us. Jesus said that He did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it. The Law is fulfilled through Grace.

So, instead of social justice, let's proclaim grace to those around us. Do I get ticked off at people and things...more than you know. However, when I allow God's grace to become clear, I realize that I need to do what the King of Love has instructed me to do...love those who hate you, love those who use you, love those who step on my justice and offer them the grace that was so freely given to me.

When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. And what a difference between our sin and God's generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's bountiful gift.---Romans 5:12,15 NLT

Kenya in 7 days....

2008-07-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

At this time next week we will be flying towards London then after a beautiful four hour layover off to Kenya. Apx 23 hours in all. A few of you reading this know we have struggled with this trip. I have been on a few mission( Germany, London/Morocco, N. Ireland, Amsterdam, Alberta, Canada & Richmond VA) trips but it seems it came to a sudden stop when the Lord laid Kenya on our hearts (no not even sure how that works) but we were next to clueless 4 years ago when we thought the Lord was putting this on our hearts. And everywhere we looked we saw Kenya (Everywhere). So its like we went into remissions and did no missions overseas and then 6-8 weeks ago everything started falling into place and we needed to raise a good bit of money, gets lots of shots and those closest to us were in agreement that if this was pulled off it was definitely God reassuring us with a "Go!"... So here we go. Now the other day I saw that a airplane had landed safely but the nose of the plane was crushed. They first explained it was a bird but then they confess theres not a lot of birds 18,000 feet high. And the same day two planes were 500 feet a part on their landing but they didnt realize until after the landing. The planes were so close that on the radar it came up as one plane (Yikes). Seems one notices this on the news right before flying. On a much more serious notes the first missionaries would be traveling by boat and take along their coffin with them because they were certain of their ending but even more so in "go into all the world" and "what good will it be for one to gain the whole world and yes lose your soul"...Matt 16:26. In closing, what little I know about Kenya is that its a beautiful country and at the same time theres much neglect (like with Sudan). One slum area called Kibera has over 800,000 living there. We are a blessed country there should be so little pride in such but more thankfulness and in our thanks may we realize that we are simply blessed to bless others. Selah.

Servants and Friends

2008-07-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Donny and I am a fellow rambler with Buck. Buck and I ramble on the phone, by email, and in person about just about everything. The only real threads that run through all of our ramblings is that we both love Jesus and we want to see change. Neither of us are perfect. However, I might be a little closer than he is...just kidding.

I emailed Buck yesterday and he asked me if I could contribute to the "beautiful ache." So, lets hear what you think, not necessarily about my thoughts...even though that is good and both Buck and I encourage that, but more importantly about your journey. Where do you see the "beauty in the ache?"

I was talking to someone yesterday and they asked me a question that I've been

asking myself for quite a while now...when did serving become such a burden?

It seems like when you want to serve, people heap everything on you. The key

question to ask about this is "who are you serving? God or people?"

I know there is honor in serving the man or woman of God. Look at Elijah and

Elijah. If Elisha wouldn't have served Elijah, then he wouldn't have received

the double portion (the first born blessing).

I'm coming back to the words of my Lord. He said, "I no longer call you

servants, but friends." Servants serve because they have to, thus the burden

that it entails. Friends serve because they want to. In this is the joy! No

matter how much I "want" to serve, I know people will use that desire. Maybe

not maliciously, but still using someone else's desire to serve. Maybe if the

whole body would do it's part, then one hand or one foot wouldn't be so tired

and disgusted.

Now there's a totally different issue...disgusted! Let's make sure that through it

all, we do not get bitter. God's Word is clear in this..."Do not let a root of

bitterness have control." His Word is also clear when He declares to His

friends "He who endures to the end will be saved."

Anyhow, just some personal ramblings.

Oh, and before I forget, Buck and Adie are heading off to Kenya in just a few short days (we're into single digits now). Let's keep them and the nation of Kenya in our prayers. God will use what they sow while they are there to reap an eternal harvest.

Independence from Freedom

2008-07-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I went on a mission’s trip to London, England and Morocco. And we arrived on the 3rd of July and it just so happen that the 4th was on a Sunday. At the service we attended the pastor gave a special welcome to those from the USA and said he hoped we understood that they were not too fond on celebrating this day as much as Americans would which brought a lot of laughter. But then he added what irony for a nation that fought for Independence has now seemed to turn to almost total dependence on self. And American seems to seek the same independence but now its away from God. And in tears he prayed for forgiveness for any wrong feelings towards this nation and he thank God for its spiritual leaders in Billy Graham, Charles Stanley, Josh McDowell. Bill Bright (just to name a few). That memory always comes back to every 4th. And its easy for me to recall at the same time I know I have a need for God in my life and yet at the same time I fight for this independence (from God) and this fight is with my apathy,anger,complaining,unthankfulness, and pride, etc.. Just a short “ramble” for the 4th. In closing here are thoughts on freedom and living from Relevant magazine.The truth is that most people seek eternal qualities or attributes through temporal avenues, something or someone outside ourselves. We think, “If only I … had more money … had a better job … had more success … had someone who loves me like I desire to be loved … could lose 25 pounds … could get away from all the stress … had better friends … could eat large quantities of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream without putting on weight … had a bigger house … could get a new car … was in a different church … could follow my heart’s desire … had a different family …” This is pinning our hopes for love, peace, well-being, and contentment on people and circumstances outside ourselves. Conversely, people assume its life’s circumstances preventing them from being happy.At the center of the spiritual reality Jesus called “the Kingdom of God” is freedom. Not freedom from external restraints, but freedom from internal restraints. The truth is that the only thing preventing you from experiencing the “abundant life” Jesus offered—God’s Kingdom of love, peace, well-being and contentment—is, well, YOU! You have imposed restraints upon yourself, imagining that these are keeping you from the good life. Jesus’ message is, “There is nothing preventing you. You are free to be at peace, and live a life of love in every moment."
Southwest Airlines’ tag line is, “You are now free to move about the country.” Did you catch that it’s not a freedom from something, but a freedom to do something? Jesus also offers a freedom to—a freedom to live each moment in the present reality of God’s Kingdom. In other words:
You are now free to be peace even when your life circumstances unravel.
You are now free to be love even when others reject or hurt you.
You are now free to be contentment even when you’re barely making it financially.
You are now free to be the beloved of God even when people put you down.
You are now free to be compassion even when others rationalize their apathy.
You are now free to be joy even when people or circumstances disappoint you. You are now free to be grace even when others judge you.
You are now free to move about God’s Kingdom.

Everyday is a Journal Page

2008-07-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

This doesn't need any words but I just wanted to share this with whoever may take time to check out my blogs. In looking at what people with CF(http://cfhusband.blogspot.com) go through and families facing loss of a child. Again there are no words but its a reminder that life is so fragile and brief. Nothing short of sin to take life for granted. Even as I write this I know I don't take it all in. The creation, a conversation, another birthday, another wish, the ability to breathe, think, move, hear and see. To enjoy a handshake, a hug, a kiss, a good book, family, friends, a good laugh, a good cry...Beautiful chaos. In closing here are some words from Chris Rice

Every day is a journal page
Every man holds a quill and ink
And there's plenty of room for writing in
All we do is believe and think
So will you compose a curse
Or will today bring the blessing
Fill the page with rhyming verse
Or some random sketching

Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
Life means so much
Life means so much

Every day is a bank account
And time is our currency
So nobody's rich, nobody's poor
We get 24 hours each
So how are you gonna spend
Will you invest, or squander
Try to get ahead
Or help someone who's under

Has anybody ever lived who knew the value of a life
And don't you think giving is all
What proves the worth of yours and mine

Every day is a gift you've been given
Make the most of the time every minute you're living

Life Means So Much....selah