It's that time again...

My last test at training is tomorrow morning.  I am up studying as I write this.  I am nervous, but as last time, I trust God will see me through.  I am praying for retention of the knowledge I have learned, understanding, and that I do my very best and PASS!!! 

I am glad to be going home, but I do hope that I get to see my friends I made here again.  This was the best training group I have ever been a part of overall.  So if any of you read this, good luck out there!

Nite!

The smallest of details...

I have just been blown away the last two weeks by creation.  Especially this week!  As I am in training learning all about the heart, its make-up, how it works, cells, blood, etc, I keep stopping and thinking about how amazing it is that God put every last detail together in our bodies to make them work how they do to perfection.  I am learning about factors, platelets, complexes, specific particles in our blood, and so on! 

Then I stop and try to fathom that all of this came together from a piece of DIRT!!!  WOW!  God took a piece of dirt and made Adam.  When I say he made Adam, I mean that he took that speck of dirt and then made our bodies---and all of the bazillions of parts, molecules, cells, etc, that makes it up!

Again....WOW!

It baffles me to even try to imagine God doing that, and yet still working everything else that he has down to the finest of details. 

This week for me has been filled with how powerful, amazing, and glorious God is.  He keeps showing me over and over all sorts of things he is in complete control of.  This is just another example of that.

I hope you are thanking him for all things today---big and small!

You just can't deny it...

You often hear people talk about what it would have been like to live in the day of Jesus and to see the miracles he performed.  The same can be said about old testament times.  I think I have even thought to myself that miracles that we can easily identify as God working in something visible to us just isn't seen anymore.  I have come to believe that that line of thinking couldn't be further from the truth!

First, I think it all goes to attitude.  Are you looking to see God working miraculously?  How do you define that?  What makes your definition right?  I know that I have seen times in my life that the smallest details worked out to my good, and it just seems like it is something small, yet when measured against what the alternative outcome would have been you could argue it turned out miraculously in my favor.

Second, did any of you see the school board shooting back a few months ago in Panama City?  I saw it again today.  I have long believed that God definitely had a hand in it---there are NO doubts about that---but it was today while watching it that God reminded me that he is still in the miracle business.  That shooter had absolutely NO reason to point blank fire his gun and MISS the guy sitting not seven to ten feet from him!  NO REASON!!!  Stop and think about all of that.  Do you see how God worked a miracle there?

I think sometimes we have to stop and look at how we define God working miraculously.  No matter how big or small the miracle or detail is, God has told us in his word that he is always working in our favor and for our good.  But that is by HIS standards and definitions, not ours.

God is so cool.

Daily Discipline...

I am reminded again tonight of a few things:

- I am thankful for Jesus first and foremost
- I am to not ever tell people how to live, rather be an example and point them to the Word of God, which I read and learn to shape my convictions
- There are so many different ways and things that people choose to believe when it comes to Christianity, and the only way to know what YOU believe to be true is to actually dig into the Bible and seek those answers for yourself.  Personal accountability.
- There is only one judger, and it is not me
- Grace is beautiful
- Opportunities to share my faith fill my heart with joy...everything in life is in God's control, and I see that as at the minimum an opportunity to praise Him for His faithfulness and consistent love towards me
- There are many things God knows that I don't, and I am more than ok with that
- We can learn from anything, anyone, and at anytime, and should take all of our experiences back and give them to God and seek what we are to learn from them and then apply that to our lives...daily growth opportunities
- Attitude matters SO much

Alright, bring on Tuesday!  Hope you have an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life tomorrow!

Breathtaking...

Have you ever laid on the ground and just stopped and looked up into a clear blue sky on an 80 degree day?  Watching the birds fly by, seeing the wind move the different types of trees?  Hearing all of the different sounds of nature?  I did that today, and was just in awe at God and His creation.

Today my thoughts are simple...stop and praise God for the beauty of creation.  Whether it is for the previously mentioned things, or the dirt that Adam was made from.  It's all because of Him.

Thanks God....you ROCK!

Whew...

I sweated bullets taking my test today!  But I passed!  Thank God and thank all of YOU who prayed for me.  I could feel it during the test, no doubts.  One week down, now one to go.

Here is what I have been reminded of all day long today---it all comes back to taking everything to God.  Your heart, attitude, actions, motives, anger, frustration, fear, judgement, purpose, friendships, relationships, etc.  Period, end of story.  Without taking them and passing them on to God, it is all about self.  Self fails---everytime.  Why rely on ourselves, our sinfulness, and our selfish human standards when we have a loving, merciful, and forgiving God in heaven that wants our best, and says so over and over in His Word?!?!?!? 

He can fix ANYTHING, heal ANYTHING, rid our lives of ANYTHING we ask Him to that gets in our way, etc.  It is up to us though to have a heart that seeks Him first.

Sometimes we don't like giving it away.  Sometimes we are just feeling inadequate and wonder why God would want my little issues, etc.  That is the wrong attitude to have!  Why in the world do you think Jesus died on that cross?  Not for us to be selfish, that's for sure!

Look at your day, and try to stop and honestly see who comes first.  Or even what order these go in: God, self, others.  Just something to think about, especially as we seek and discover the heart that the Bible talks to us about having.  I encourage you to seek that out in scripture over the weekend or next week. 

Enjoy a beautiful weekend out there! 

Big Day...

Tomorrow morning is my first big test and verbal certifications for training.  I have been thanking God tonight for all I have learned as well as the group we have that have all helped each other.  Best training group I have ever been a part of.  What a huge blessing!

God has also put on my heart tonight, even in the midst of all this training and studying, that there are still much more important things out there.  All of the people that usually are daily a part of my life have been laid on my heart big time this evening.  I find that to not be a coincidence, and the truth is that it has helped bring me peace about my test in the morning.  I am counting on the things God has allowed me to learn, and will count on Him in the morning still.

God is so good.  So, so good!

People...

I love to both meet and watch people.  To learn about them, study them, understand them, compare them to myself, etc.  That is a cool thing about my job is meeting people from all over the country, different backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and so on. 

I am often amazed at how so very different we all are, yet also at how the similarities run deep, too.  It's just fascinating!

I think of God, and how He created EVERY one of us.  What He created us for, what He created us from, etc.  How He knows what all of our needs are, and faithfully and consistently provides for them.  Every last detail He is in control of!

Speaking of people---I sure miss my people.  My kids are all such a big part of my everyday.  Although I can certainly handle being away and understand it, I sure do miss those closest to me when I am gone.
I hope you're thanking God for the blessings in your life, both big and small...I know I am!

Nite Nite

Relationships...

Life is full of them, right?  Important ones, not-so-important ones, casual ones, etc.  Have you ever thought about how vital and important these are in your life? 

I was thinking about today about all of the different relationships we might have in our lives and the stock we should take in them.  Here are just a few that come to my mind to provoke a little brain activity out there:

Dating
Marriage
Parent/Child
Sibling
Friend
Best Friend
Teacher/Student
Parent/Babysitter or Child-Care Provider
Neighbor
Woman/Hairdresser
Ex-Spouses
In-Laws
Remarriage ( all "Step" relationships)
Co-Worker
Boss/Employee
Coach/Player
Accountability Partners

And there are SO many more!

What do you think of these?  Are they important to you?  What should you be giving to them?  Getting out of them?  Which of these are most important in your day or life?  What does God tell you about them? 

Just some food for thought on a Wednesday...

This is DEFINITELY TMI...

But have you ever stopped and thought about how cool corn is?  Really, how many foods can you chew up and eat and it comes out whole?  And don't lie, most of you know that at some point in your life you've looked down and said or thought, "Hmmm...I forgot I ate corn?"

Sorry...but corn amazes me...and it tastes SOOOOO good!  I HAD to share!

I'm just a dude being a dude!

Keep it real out there...

It all comes down to this...

At the end of the day, after all of the stress, work, kids, life, bills, people, positive things, negative things, church, family, activities, etc, there is only one thing that is always true and matters most:

GOD IS IN CONTROL OF ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING!!!!!

I have found that when I start to feel stressed, or feel nervous about something, God is always faithful in removing it if I truly will give Him control of it.  I can't begin to express how much peace comes with doing that.  It's life-changing.

I don't know what you are dealing with today.  It might be financial, kids, a bad marriage or divorce, or just a bad attitude and no peace evident in your life.  Either way, I encourage you to literally stop and hand it over to God.  With your whole heart, give Him your troubles, stress, and worries.  He WANTS you to give it to Him.  I guarantee you that when you give it away and focus on what He wants of you and your life, you will feel peace, and that stress won't control everything.  Your mind and heart will be free to focus on the little blessings that God has surrounded you with. 

Let the details of life just be details---just things that make the day pass.  But let your primary focus be your purpose and your continued pursuit of it!  Watch how much more fulfilling your life will become!

Have a GREAT day out there!!!

I must be a new dog...

...because I am trying to learn and experience new things, and I hear that you can't teach new tricks to old dogs!

I really enjoyed visiting the family in Dallas.  It is always great to see my kids with their Nana, ChooChoo, and Aunt Jenn.  They had a blast at the zoo, eating breakfast that ChooChoo cooks, going to eat with the family, playing outside, etc.  But for me personally, it was getting to get up early and walk with my dad each morning.  My parents are great to me---more than I could even ask for them to be---but we have never really consistently communicated or talked life much.  I don't know if it's me, them, both?  Either way, I had the chance to just walk and talk with my dad for an hour or so each morning.  We talked life, health, relationships, money---just got to share and get to know each other even more.  It was pretty cool, no doubts.  Thanks for the time and memory, dad.  I look forward to the next time. 

The other thing I have had on my heart the last few days is the christian walk in iteslf.  How does it practically happen successfully?  Who do we see that does it best?  How do we know if we are doing OUR best at it?

I think of myself and some of those close to me that are constantly trying to be better at this.  The main thing that I have found is constant fellowship with God, multiple daily appointments with the Word, frequent communication with christian friends, and a commitment to the right heart and attitude are about the only way to best pursue our individual best.  If you read this, pray for me that I will be able to grow so much more in my fellowship and closeness with God, and that I will take that and use it for His glory.  At the end of the day, that is all that matters.  Nothing else.

I hope you take the opportunity frequently to stop and think of all of the blessings God has put in your life.  The people, things, opportunities, etc.  A positive outlook and attitude can sometimes make all the difference in the world when it comes to having a good day vs a bad day.  I encourage you to stop often and think of those things and thank Him.  Let the people in your life that make a difference know it.  Be a blessing to them.  Also, refuse negativity. It profits NOTHING.

Have an awesome Sunday!

The eye of the beholder...

Usually people put "beauty is in" in front of those words.  But as I was walking with my dad this morning, for the first time ever, I got to thinking about why each of us got out of bed at 6:30am to be there on that trail.  For me, it is generally about keeping weight off to look and feel better.  For him, it is more about keeping weight off to prolong life and feel better.  Funny huh---two guys, same walking trail, same place and time, same activity---but completely different motivations.

That got me thinking about the rest of our lives.  What is our motivation in our everyday activities and as we deal with others?  I know even this week I have noticed myself growing impatient with others and focusing on me instead of God and what He wants of me in that moment or situation.  I think we are human and that is the easy and natural thing to do.  No doubts.  But we still have the opportunity to seek God in it and keep His purpose first.  I guess it just takes an extra step or two to get back to that sometimes!  I am always trying to be better at that.

On a different and more humerous note, I got a pretty good laugh today.  As we were headed to the zoo together (me, the kids, my parents, and sister), my mom decided yet again to try to be a passenger-seat driver!  She wanted to go one way, but my dad went another.  This reminded me of when I was younger and they both went completely different ways home ALL OF THE TIME!  We talked about how my sister and her fiance do the same thing sometimes!  We chalked it up to men being men and women being women.  Either way and whatever it is, I got a pretty good laugh out of it.

Finally, I had NO idea the Fort Worth Zoo was as popular as it is.  I have never seen so many people there seeing those stinky animals.  They were still coming in masses at 2pm in the heat of the day.  Just amazed me.  Between the 3-mile walk this morning and the atleast 3-4 miles I got in at the zoo, it was a pretty good exercise day!

I look forward to getting home tomorrow and being at church Sunday morning!

God is good, and I'm thankful I'm His!!!

A beautiful day...

It's been a fun day hanging with the fam in Big D.  Saw my grandma, took the kids to the park, and we have been spending time with my folks and sister tonight.  Her big wedding is coming up soon, so all the details are starting to take shape!  Tomorrow we will be hitting the Fort Worth Zoo!  Should be a blast...the kids are excited!  Dad and I are getting up early to go to the park and walk and jog.  We have never done that together, so I am looking forward to it.

I was thinking today as I was driving about life, and wanted to throw these questions out there to provoke a little thought:

What would you do with it if you had more money than you know what to do with?

If you had alot of free time, how would you spend it? 

Who is in control of your time and resources?  You, or God?


Check out Psalm 24:1, Deut 10:14, Psalm 50:12, 1 Chron 29:11, Haggai 2:8, 1 Cor 3:7, Deut 8:17-18

Just something to think about...for all of us.  I know I, like many, have had financial struggles over the last few years.  What God has shown me clearly is that it is a principal thing.  I have never fully followed what God wants from me in finances, and that is the reason for my struggle.  At the same time, God has never left me hanging.  My needs have always been provided for.  He has made sure of that.  I am thankful for the opportunity for growth and to learn the lessons I have learned.

But do we look at resources as just finances?  What all do you think God sees as our resources?  Do you think time, attitude, heart, spiritual gifts, etc, are just as important as money in God's eyes when it comes to resource utilization for furthering His kingdom?  Just curious as to how any of you see that. 

I look forward to your thoughts...

Stay strong out there, and enjoy the rest of this beautiful week!

Praise God...

I passed two important tests today for my training.  Thank God!  They weren't easy, but I got through them.  The few people I know also taking them today around the country passed as well.  I know it was because of the Lord, and give Him praise for it, and also thank those close to me for their prayers and encouragement.  The thing that makes life over the top for me is having those that share a love for God and growing in Him like I do walking with me.  There is nothing like seeing God show up in conversations, working in hearts, or even revelations of Him moving when we didn't even know! 

God is good, and I am blessed. 

And the winner is...

Ok...I suck at this...but here is my NCAA Tourney Bracket for this year.  I will list winners only by round.  I filled this out with my son, Noah, last night.  I did mine, and he did his first bracket!  What a great joy doing that with him!

Here it is:

Round 1 Winners
UTSA
UAB (oh well)
USC
UNC-Ash

Round 2 Winners
Ohio St
George Mason
West Virginia
Kentucky
Marquette
Syracuse
Georgia
North Carolina

Duke
Tennessee
Memphis
Texas
Missouri
Connecticut
Temple
San Diego State

Kansas
Illinios
Vanderbilt
Louisville
Georgetown
Purdue
Florida State
Notre Dame

Pitt
Butler
Utah St
Belmont
St. Johns
BYU
Michigan State
Florida

Sweet Sixteen
Ohio State
Kentucky
Syracuse
North Carolina

Duke
Texas
Connecticut
San Diego State

Kansas
Vanderbilt
Purdue
Notre Dame

Pitt
Belmont
St. Johns
Florida

Elite Eight
Ohio State
North Carolina

Duke
San Diego State

Kansas
Purdue

Pitt
St. Johns

Final Four
North Carolina
Duke
Kansas
Pitt

Title Game
Duke
Kansas

Champion
Kansas


Teams I'm pulling for:
Texas
San Diego State


Go ahead!  Pick it apart!

It's simple today...

All I know today is that I am blessed.  That's it.

Here's just a few ways God has blessed me:

-He continues to show me more about His Word
-He allows me to see how He is moving and working in my life
-He gives me opportunities to give Him the glory to others
-He has given me a job to pay my debts and support my family
-He has taught me from my mistakes so that I might live a better and fuller life in His principles
-He has given me smart, beautiful, and loving children
-He has given me gifts that I can use to help grow His kingdom
-He has healed me when I have been broken
-He has provided for my every need
-He is my ultimate peace no matter what is going on in any moment
-He has given me parents that are there for me and love me unconditionally
-He has surrounded me with friends, that are more like brothers, that bear my burdens
-He has helped me be disciplined to lose about 50 lbs
-He has shown me that He is in control of EVERYTHING, and I have NOTHING without Him
-He reminds me DAILY that I am a selfish, unworthy human and He is the all-powerful, loving, merciful God...and I am more than thankful for His grace in my life day after day

I could go on and on...

I hope you're as blessed as I am

Making it count...

Relationships.  Alot of work, yet so capable of being unlike anything we have ever experienced, right?  So what makes them work?  What is the biggest thing you can do to try to improve your relationship and be all you can be to your significant other?

Well, there are many things in my opinion it takes to make them work.  The description of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13.  But practically, in daily living, things like listening, going out of your way to put them first, being friends first, caring about them as an individual, supporting them, etc, all are vital to lasting and meaningful relationships.  There are so many other important things, too.  But to me, in my humble opinion, the biggest thing we can give our partners is our time and attention.  Many different people have many different amounts of wealth.  Doing what you can with the much or little you have is fantastic.  It is about the heart and intent and thought in that area.  But we all have the exact same amount of time.  We aren't getting any more, and we are all busy.  So to stop and just give someone your time and attention says alot.  That coupled with a servant and loving heart can surely help mend anything that needs mending, and help further probably any relationship out there.  Making time and giving our time is truly a form of sacrifice in such a busy and demanding society.

I hope you all are ready to have a great day of church tomorrow!  I pray God teaches us all something new and awesome about who He is!

Unreal...

The pictures and images I have seen from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan just blow my mind.  I am praying for all involved, as well as the others impacted around the world.

I can't help but stop and wonder about what we are suppossed to learn from God in this...

Pure Randomness...

Strap on your seat belts, because it's a random Thursday, and we are about to be all over the place!!!  The following is just a glimpse of what all goes on in my poor head during the day!  Please keep all hands and feet inside the ride at all times, and enjoy...

Charlie Sheen.  What all is there to say about this guy?  I have to admit, his show has been one of my favorites, and I think the comedy is hilarious.  But the more I learn about Charlie, the more I've become convicted about watching it.  In fact, I have decided no more "Two and a Half Men" for me.  I have never seen anyone so proud of sin, of wrong, of selfish behavior, etc.  It breaks my heart that kids see that and think it's cool to have all that money and act like you're the biggest thing in the world.  Sickening.

Wisconsin state government.  I personally think unions are a joke.  I don't know everything there is to know about unions, and have no problem admitting that.  However, when I see how things are shaking down in Wisconsin, it pisses me off.  It's like a multi-level marketing scheme.  These people at the top of the union ladders have no problem holding out for more money or to get more, because when it comes time to give them what they want, they cut the people at the bottom to make it happen!  And have you seen how these liberals are all acting at the courthouse?  If the tea-party or republicans acted that way, the media wouldn't sleep until they made sure to spin any negative they could out of it!  And I have ZERO respect for anything Jesse Jackson shows up for! 

Al Sharpton.  What is up with his hair?  And have you ever understood anything he was trying to argue for?  I get dumber watching him, but laugh at the same time.  It's twisted, I know.

Tourney Time.  I think college basketball is stupid until championship week and the tournament.  I always pull for the underdogs in the early rounds.  But for a few weeks in late March, the tournament is always exciting, and I know my Rangers are just around the corner!

NFL Lockout.  NFL football is the best business going.  Owners have enough money, and the league needs to take better care of former players.  Jerry and the crew need to stop being greedy and hammer this thing out.  Call Larry the Cable Guy and GIT ER DUN!

Million Dollar Listing.  Great show on Bravo.  Sadly, I have watched WAAAAAAYYYYY too much Bravo while I have been home studying for work.  It's bad.  I admit it.  This show, Bethenny, Top Chef, and Real Housewives of Orange County have all graced my tv the last two weeks.  I know, I know.  It's ok to be let down!  I'm just a dude being a dude!  HA!

True love.  I believe in it.  It's all about effort on both parts.  It is also worth fighting for.  So worth it.

Being a dad.  What an awesome responsibility.  I love my kids with my whole heart, and am so thankful for the joy that they bring me.  I love watching them sleep.  I love their kisses.  I love their hugs.  I love telling them how proud of them I am.  I love telling them I love them.  I love looking in their eyes.  I love watching them learn and grow.  I love looking at old pictures of them.  I love seeing them excited about something.  My kids are such a blessing to me, and I just wanna be the best and Godliest dad I can for them.  I hope they see my faith evident in my life.

Earrings.  I had one in college.  Go ahead, laugh.

2012 Presidential election.  Obama needs to be gone.  I'm still checking into candidates.  I like Newt.  I like Huckabee.  I like Palin.  I wish I could get a candidate that had the faith of Huckabee, experience of Newt, and balls of Palin.  Yeah, I said it.  It's what I think.  She's a rock star and has tons of confidence.  Tells it like it is.  I respect that.  But Newt is my favorite right now.  The only thing is I don't know about his faith.  That is probably the most important thing to me in our president.  If our leader doesn't have Jesus, we are in trouble.

I've wondered this---what would happen if you got pulled over and were drinking a non-alcoholic beer? 

Best fried foods.  Fried pickles and fried green beans.  YUMMY!

People.  Why don't they mind their own business?  If you aren't directly involved, or someone involved hasn't come to you for some reason or another involving you, then it IS NOT your business.  I have to try to remember this myself all the time.  It's too easy to get sucked into stupid drama that doesn't involve me.

and finally.....

Life.  You never know when it will be over.  You don't know what others are going through.  Don't take a single breath for granted.  LOVE others.  FORGIVE others.  SERVE others.  CHERISH moments and memories.  MAKE A DIFFERENCE in someone else's life.   MAKE A DIFFERENCE for God.  All the things of this earth don't hold a candle to eternity.  RELATIONSHIPS matter.  All relationships.  HONOR them.  Be a BLESSING.  Not a burden.  THANK GOD for the people he has in your life when you first wake up.  THANK GOD for those same people right before you close your eyes at night.  Then thank Him OFTEN throughout your day.  For EVERYTHING.

Time to unbuckle....the ride for tonight is over!

Not sure about the punchline...

But I KNOW what the joke is---the NCAA! 

I think anyone that follows sports at all is interested in collegiate sports in some form or fashion.  Whether it be basketball, baseball, or the all-powerful college football.  The latter being the sport that brings in bazillions of dollars.  Yes, I said bazillions!  No, I'm not sure exactly how many 0's go in that number!

Anyway, I have never seen such a poorly run, unethical, wishy-washy organization.  Let's look at a few specific cases.  The most recent being Jim Tressel LYING about when he found out that his players were selling items and profiting in some form or fashion.  This guy that makes over $2 million per year, and is well-respected by his peers and the national media.  Well, until now.  His five players all got to play in the big-money bowl game, but have to sit the first five games of next season.  Two of which are against Akron and Toledo.  Wow, I sure hope OSU finds a way to survive those (yes, that is sarcasm).  The good coach Tressel is suspended now too.  For those exact two games.  Gee, big punishment for him.  If the NCAA wants to make a point, why don't they suspend him for the biggest conference games of next season? 

Oh, wait---my bad.  The NCAA DOES love making big points.  That's what they did with Dez Bryant, right?  He had an innocent lunch with Deion Sanders, who advised him on a personal level.  He was asked about it, but lied to investigators out of fear of what might happen.  The lying was wrong, no doubts, and should not go unpunished.  But to suspend him the rest of the year and take away his eligibility??????  How do those punishments possibly show consistency??? 

I wish they would wise up.  These coaches make millions and get away with murder.  Yet these players, who are the ones doing the work, get nothing like the coaches.  Granted, the scholarship is very valuable.  That education is priceless.  But when you look at the dollars brought in by these athletes, and the corruption that goes on behind the scenes, wouldn't it just be easier to pay them something and get it all out on the table?

Anyway, just one man's opinion.  I don't know the answers, but I sure get tired of hearing about all the suspect activity that gets uncovered because so many people are involved in secret schemes, etc.  It gets under my skin even moreso when I watch how these punishments are handed out with no true harshness when it requires it, yet too much when it doesn't.  Just a sad case in general!  Good thing my faith is in God and not in men! 

So, what are your thoughts on this?  Do you think the NCAA operates fairly all my fellow sportsfans?  Chime in and let us know!

Have an awesome day!

Leadership Matters...

I'd say that statement is true no matter what you do or where you are.  The great thing about leadership is the fact that you can be a very respected leader without a title.  I've found over the years that many of the people I consider the best "leaders" definitely do it because of who they are inside---and not because of an office or title.

Being in pharmaceutical sales, I know a manager can make or break you.  There are a few different types out there.  I have had the micromanager that is more about tasks and reports, etc.  I don't do well under this type, because my job is to SELL!  The manager that truly cares about growth and development of an individual and creates an environment to learn and grow, and also experience success, is my kind of manager that I thrive under.

There are so many places we can point to that can show a picture of good leadership vs poor leadership, and also the good and bad that come with each.  Sports teams, churches, restaraunts, companies, and governments are just a few.

Ah, government.  I think this is where some of my biggest fears for our nation and world sit right now.  I am only 33.  I haven't lived through some of the civil issues and tragedies our nation has faced like those of older generations.  But I still find it absolutely terrible that as a country we have lost our values that we were founded upon.  The tolerance of things that were previously unheard of in our country breaks my heart.  Let me interject that I am of the mindest that you love the sinner, not the sin.  I also will say that I am a sinner, but strive to live as close as I can to God's Word.  I admittedly struggle with some things, but my conviction has me daily working towards a closer walk with Him.  But when you start letting same-sex couples raise children, I think that isn't right.  God created this earth.  He created the air that we breathe, the light that we live under, and also man and woman.  He saw that and said it was good.  God said man and woman were good.  Period.  Did you see in the news in the last two weeks where our president is going to stop defending the Definition of Marriage Act?  The act that defines marriage as a union between man and woman?  How can he CLAIM to be a Christian and live with that?  Also, abortion is MURDER.  How can he live with that?  It all just breaks my heart.

I could go on and on.  I know the only thing I can do is follow what God puts on my heart and control what I can control, so this is where I shut up and put the burden back on me to be my best.  In doing that, I hope that God can use me and my life and His presence in it for some sort of good.  I trust that He does and will continue to do so.  But it doesn't change the fact that our nation is under poor leadership and it scares me to think what kind of country my kids will be left with one day when I am gone!  My faith and trust are with the Lord.  I know of no other way to have any sort of peace daily living where we do in the times we do.

Please join me in praying for our leaders in this counrty, and for those across the world as we live in such crazy and volatile times.  Pray for yourself that daily you will become closer to the Lord and more like Him, and that He will use that to impact someone else and we will see the kingdom grow!  Praise and thank Him for the freedoms we have to worship freely and openly love and serve God!

May God bless the USA! 

When you wish upon a star...

No, this isn't a plug for Disney!  But I do have a question---what do you dream about?  When I ask, I am referring to the desires of your heart.  Specifically this--if you could do any sort of ministry, what would you choose? 

I think if it were up to me, I would love to do one of two things.  The first would be to travel around and be a motivational speaker to large groups.  Well, not just large groups--any groups of people would be great!  I'd love to sit and share with them my successes and failures, and how God has used them both to mold me and teach me. 

The second would be leading in worship.  It wouldn't matter where, just the opportunity to sing and lead others to the throne there together.  What an awesome responsibility and opportunity!  Either of those would be just amazing.

So what about you?  What would you choose?  And beyond that, do you think it is really a possibility for you?  What is keeping you from it now?  I have to sit and look in the mirror and ask myself those same questions!

Let me know, and keep looking up! 

Sorry Han Solo...

There's just no way you can do it all on your own.  First, you aren't strong enough.  Second, it just isn't designed that way. 

It brings many different emotions to me when I think about my life before I was saved.  Things like sadness, regret, frustration, etc.  But the emotions that easily toss those to the side are joy, peace, thankfullness, and hope from the fact that I know who's I am and where I'm going.

I thank God for being the difference-maker in my life, and for surrounding me with a team that makes it easier to walk the streets of this world day in and day out.  Not only am I not alone because He lives in my heart and life, but also because of the specific other people he has surrounded me with. 

My main team are my FAT Guys!  These guys and I meet Friday mornings for breakfast and coffee (lots of coffee!).  We also text and talk throughout the week.  It blesses me to have these brothers and know that I am never walking alone.  To share thoughts, struggles, scriptures, encouragement, life, etc---God blesses me through each of these guys DAILY.  Oh yeah, you've probably asked yourself what FAT Guys is all about.  What that stands for or means.  F is for faithful.  Faithful to each other, to growing in God, to meeting together.  A is for available.  Available for each of the things we are being faithful to.  And T is teachable.  Teachable and moldable in every area and aspect of our lives.  I look very forward to my Friday mornings with these brothers!  So Dennis, Richard, Will, Stacy, Landry, and Chris---THANKS MY FAT BROTHERS!  I love you guys.
So I ask you---who is in your circle?  Who all is on your team?  Do you recognize the need for them?  Do you proacvtively care for your team to be sure it can grow and prosper?  Are you the weakest link? 

I hope you are as blessed as I am, and hope you give Him all the glory!

God is good!

Daily bread...

For me, the hardest thing to remember sometimes is this:

Control what you can control

Is that true for you in your life, too?

Tick tick...tick tick...

No, it is not a bomb.  It's one of the most important things we have on many levels---our hearts!

This verse keeps sticking out to me lately:

1 Samuel 16:7b
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart

What does that mean to you?  When I read it, I am forced to stop and think of every person I come in contact with, no matter if their importance seems big or small.  I have to try to see the intent of their hearts and actions, not my selfish interpretations of them. 

I had breakfast with one of my favorite people to ever sit under the teaching of.  A man I have great respect for.  A man who I know was probably content to ride work out into the sunset of retirement---but God has a funny way of executing His will in our lives instead of our own!  I was blessed to get to see and hear about how the Lord is moving and working in his life and those around him.  Be looking to hear about a new church with a heartbeat of making a difference!  I have no doubts that it will positively impact our area for God!

Do you know that 60-65% of people in this area don't go to church?  Maybe they have and quit at some point, or maybe they never have.  I don't know the answer.  When I think of what our country was founded upon, and when I think of how we even got to this earth in the first place, that statistic breaks my heart.  It also breaks my heart because I know when I look back to before I was saved at age 20, I can clearly see that there was no true joy in my life.  Nothing strong enough to sustain---everything was surface and temporary.  Knowing in my life the difference a relationship with Jesus has made, I desire for others to know that same peace and joy.  To know that you aren't alone.  To know that it doesn't matter where you've been, what you've done, or what you are doing today---you can choose a path that offers more blessing than I can put into words. 

It all starts with heart and attitude.  Everything. 

I hope you'll join me in praying for our community.  For our leaders, our schools, the children, the parents, the churches, for friendships, for opportunities to impact, for healing, forgiveness, to see each other for what we are and the things we have in common that we can build on, etc...

That verse mentioned earlier is in reference to David.  My absolute favorite person in the Bible.  If I could sit and eat with three people, I'd pick David, Johnny Cash, and Daniel.  Daniel for the way his faith inspires me and the miracles he was a part of, David and Johnny because like me, they have great big hearts that desire to serve and please, but they are also plenty flawed.  When they messed up, they did it in a big way.  I guess sometimes I feel that way, but that's a whole nother blog entry!

Read about David sometime.  The simplicity, authenticity, God's protection, the way he is referred to in scriptures....but look mostly at his heart.  He was "the man after God's own heart."  There's something to be said for that. 

I hope you all enjoy the sunshine today...remember, it's a marathon out there, not a sprint!!  Stay strong!

"Can't We All Just Get Along???" - Rodney King...

Ole Rodney was on to something there.  Especially as it concerns christians, churches, and togetherness.  We might as well be the LAPD and Rodney!!!  Have you ever stopped and looked around and wondered why our churches don't work more together?  It's something that has long bothered me, and I assure you as I sit here writing about it, I'm holding myself to a new standard when it comes to reaching out across church lines more for the good of God's Kingdom.  After all, doesn't the prayer say "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done", not "my own church's will be done and who really gives a crap about the rest of them"? 

You'll have to forgive me, but I'm a bit of a Kingdom minded fella.  See, I like looking at what we have in common and using that for the greater good, as oppossed to seeing where we are different and wasting our time defending our own selfishness.  I just can't get into that.  What happens then is that people leave churches for other churches, so there is church growth all over the place depending on who has the "hot" church.  But where is there ANY kind of growth in heaven in that logic?  If we don't find a way to take our faith to the streets or simply introduce our faith into relationships it hasn't been in yet, we are missing the mark.  Again, just my opinion, and I'm speaking to myself first!

I'm gonna share what God has put in my heart recently.  A TRUE area mens gathering.  I don't think it should be called a "conference" or anything, but just a gathering.  Just guys that have these things in common:  they care about their families, their faiths, and understand that there is something bigger than self.  That the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ actually means something to them, and they understand that without it, we are nothing.  Seems pretty simple to me.  I think it will be a while before that can happen around here, but I am committing myself to planting seeds and praying for that very event.  I hope to speak with church and community leaders that agree with the concept that it is always a great thing to grow in fellowship and character in our communities.  I hope people read this and proactively pray for the same thing and reach out to have a hand in bettering our world for ourselves, for our kids, and ultimately for the growth of His Kingdom.

I try to figure out where the disconnect is between churches.  I know for a fact that it is noticed.  Are churches jealous and worried that growing churches might actually take their members?  Is it a business decision that causes them to be stand-offish towards each other?  I don't know what it is, but I prayerfully hope it changes.  I just envision a day where we can unite as a group of believers, celebrate Jesus, and live the Great Commission together-----can you even imagine the impact that would have?????  Imagine how much more attractive Jesus and Christianity would be to people if we worked together instead of judging each other and tearing each other down.  I have to believe our time would be better spent and more productive trying it another way.

Again, I am calling myself to action first---I always do and will.  But I hope you will take time and pray for unity amongst Christians in our community.  For growth as believers so that we can do the work God actually put us on this earth to do.  Don't you think it's worth it?

Anyway, I hope God uses this to atleast provoke thought in all of us to check where we are with this and seek what He wants in our lives going forward.

Let's make Rodney proud! 

Stay strong brothers