Money, money, money...

I have to admit that I like money. Somebody once said, "money doesn't buy happiness... but it sure helps!" For people like me without a bunch of money we think having money would be the end of all of all our problems. I suppose the truth (that I try to convince myself of often) is that people with money have a whole other set of problems I can't begin to understand.

I like money because it helps me do two things.
First, money helps me keep God first in my life. If it's true that where your treasure is your heart is then money helps my family keep our hearts deposited with God. Now, I don't always look forward to writing out my tithe check with eager anticipation... I am only human after all, but I do like seeing how much we've given at the end of the year. I do sometimes think of what I could have done with that money - but that just gives me the opportunity to remind myself that it's not mine to begin with.
Second, the money I give to God goes to meet the needs, pay the bills and do other cool stuff at the church I attend. Because I give (back to God what was His to begin with) the church can help people in need. Send money to help plant another church in Koper, Slovenia. Keep the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Provide lesson material, technology, replace damaged ceiling tiles, get new chairs, etc.

So, even though I wrestle with the desire to have more money, I'm glad what I do have meets my needs and helps God grow His church. Hopefully I'll be able to do even more in 2010!

Practice makes better.

My daughter is playing basketball for the first time in her life this season. She is in 8th grade and never played (outside of gym class) before. I grew up playing basketball but until she decided to play this year, none of my children followed me in that desire to play.
She has come a long way this season from the first day of practice. She didn't know positions, how to shoot, where to stand or what to do... seriously, it was bad at first. But she is now about the best defensive player on the team and has even scored in about three different games!

Today, during Christmas break, I took her to the Y to work with her one on one. She was not as excited as I was. I had her shoot around the paint, five made shots at each mark with left hand on the lowest hash on the left side. We worked on a little one-on-one offense/defense so she could see how to play it. Then we did lay up... that's when things began to fall apart.

She got very frustrated because she couldn't get the rhythm of a lay-up on either side. She held it together pretty well but was not happy.

Our little trip to the gym reminded me of the Christian life. There are some things that I do well. I'm pretty good in some areas of the faith offense, attacking Satan and recruiting for the team. I play my part and hopefully can be counted on to be in the right spot at the right time so my teammates can count on me. In defense there are some areas where I'm okay - defending against the attacks of Satan in some areas is easy.

But, in other areas I miss the basket. I play horrible defense. While I succeed in one area I struggle in another. But just like working with my daughter on the court I need to transfer some of that to the Christian life. The areas I don't do well need more attention and work while keeping up the other areas too.

This new year I'll continue to work on the total game, offense/defense and even sitting on the bench encouraging others. If I practice, work hard and listen to coach I'll continue to improve.

Christmas for a Crank...

This year has been a hard one for me to get into the Christmas spirit. Do I even know what the Christmas spirit is? Well, I'm not sure. And here's why:
If the Christmas spirit is giving then why do we have to ring bells to get people's attention and, I often feel guilty if I don't put something in ever single red kettle I come across. Why is giving so hard if it's the spirit of Christmas? Maybe it's because we want to give, but only to those we know or love... or, quite honestly, we give to those we know will give back. Ouch.
If the spirit of Christmas is about family, that can't be, families always seem to be stressed to the max this time of year. Mom and Dad arguing about Christmas money. Kid's so excited they end up fighting with each other constantly. There is so much "Christmas spirit" stress that Dads and Moms often end up worse off and even splitting up this time of year!
In reality the Christmas spirit seems to be more about getting than giving or family. And if I was honest, I fall into that trap all too often. But last night got me in the mood.

Last night we celebrated the birth of Jesus with our Real Life family at Christmas '09 and it was great! 90+ of our closest friends got together to "share" (that's a word for giving) their Christmas food creations with everyone and for the most part each family sat together at wonderfully decorated tables and we got to talk about the real Spirit of Christmas, the birth of a baby named Jesus who changed the world and would later change people, one at a time.

I may still get stressed about gift giving and not having enough... I may still witness (or be involved in) a family squabble. For for a couple hours last night it was Christmas. And I was in the spirit.

cleaning time...

well, Andi and Tristen are in Norman for the Revolve tour and me and the boys are home...cleaning. Well, I am anyway. I guess Trevor and TJ cleaned their rooms. And they've hauled away a few things I've asked them too, but that's about it.
I on the other hand have cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom. Cleaned the bookcase. Cleaned the laundry room. cleaned off the dinner table (you should have seen it!) and (breath here) I baked the Russian tea cakes for tomorrow's open house.

I still need to finish picking up the living room/dining room and clean the wood floors and carpet. And I was asked to coat the pretzel sticks with chocolate... I guess I'll do that last.

Cleaning is hard work! It's hard to keep my life clean too. Getting rid of the junk I don't need anymore is sometimes painful, but always better for me. Cleaning my language, attitude, thoughts is a good idea every once in awhile!

Here's to cleaning the house and the life!

uh... you still there?

well, it's been a loooooong time since I posted anything on here. I kind of feel like we were talking on the phone and then I set it down to do something and forgot to come back. And here you are, holding the phone to your ear, thinking with every noise that it's me again. Sorry.

Okay, so that was like TOTALLY vain!

Just finished reading some of the rss feeds I get from another pastor's blog and was encouraged to write something to you and even to begin the process of blogging every day (or close to it) again.

Christmas is coming and we've got our annual open house planned, only this year, Andi and Tristen are gone to the Revolve thing in Norman, OK. That means me and boys are left to clean and bake! We'll see how that goes. Anyway, Christmas always makes me a bit nervous... too many things I want to give the kids and wife and not enough money. You probably know what that's like too. But my issue is that I don't have enough to pay the bills and get much for Christmas. And I'm reminded today that there are those (many this year) who don't even have enough to pay the bills, you know, keep the heat on for Christmas. Boil some water for Christmas. They may have a tree but nothing but dust and air beneath it. I wish God would bless me enough so that I could make sure everyone had presents for their kids and their bills paid this Christmas.

That's my grown-up Christmas wish.

Wanna see me get mad?

If you want to see the preacher get mad mess with my kids. Not the kind of junk that happens at school (though I don't like that either) but as an adult, mess with my kids. Hurt them. Call them names. Make faces at them. Pretend that they aren't good enough for you. Abuse them. Go ahead, make my day.

I'm a pretty relaxed, easy going, non-violent kind of guy. But don't mess with my kids. If you beat up my son you better have a big dad. If you hurt my daughter ...you better have an army. Cause' I'll be the judge, jury and executioner, (this is why I'm not a cop! - don't have the temperament for it!).

Don't you feel like this? Mess with me, no big deal. Mess with my kids... game on. It brings something kinda ugly and sinister deep from within me. Even sitting here writing I'm agitated thinking of something happening to one of my kids. As a follower of Christ I'm sure I'd apologize and ask for forgiveness... after. As a father - watch out.

This is the picture of God I see in the book (at least the first 16 chapters or so) of Isaiah. All these nations have beat up on the Israelites for awhile and God can't take it anymore. Yea, they started it. They sinned and followed other gods and did things they weren't supposed to but they've paid for that... and now God is angry. You Ammonites and Philistines and Moabites and Egyptians, get ready. Prepare yourselves, if you can. Because you've messed with the wrong child. You've stirred the wrong nest. You took the wrong toy, from the wrong kid and now you're gonna pay.

This is the picture of God that is seen quite often in the Old Testament. But only after punishment has been dealt. After the consequences for foolish desires and actions have been taken care of, Dad gets involved.

Here's the deal with your Heavenly Father. He wants what is best for you, whether you do or not. If you mess up, you have to pay the price for your choice, for your sin, for your silly decision. But after that, God is gonna get involved. So, hold your head up. Smile at the bully. Walk with some pride. Because you know something they don't... Your Dad is ALWAYS the biggest.

Thank you Father for the discipline... and the defense.

a Word from our Sponsor... Conspiracy.

Isaiah 8

Just a short reminder this cool morning from the lips of God through Isaiah the Prophet.

12 "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear,and do not dread it.13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread,14 and he will be a sanctuary;

There are lots and lots of ideas swimming around right now about world governments, including our own. Viruses and death. Wars and drugs and poverty. And there is always someone to blame. Always someone who knows more then they are saying. Always just enough hidden that the rest of us wonder what "it" really is.

But for Isaiah it was pretty clear. Outright war. Pain and death and famine.

But God's simple trust is to not fear or dread what others do. The Lord Almighty is the only one to fear - but He does not choose to be feared, in contrast, He is a sanctuary. I find no comfort in our government. No peace in the system. No justice in the law. But Peace. Justice. And comfort abound in the hands of the Lord.

Like the commercial says, why worry about disaster? Your in Good Hands...

Monday, Monday...

What a good Monday. Took the day off (pretty much) and stayed in. After the hiccup attack that started late Friday night and lasted all day Saturday, all day Sunday (though God gave a respite during the 35 min message) and only a bit this morning, I am sore but feel pretty good.

We had a great Sunday morning at Real Life and the rest today was very welcome. I painted and finished putting hardware on the coat rack I built last winter. I have washed, folded and put away about 5 loads of laundry (the washer/dryer are still going!) and I got some dishes done. Now, don't go beating your husband over the head, he probably had to work today. And since my wife teaches full-time, is taking 12 hours of graduate studies, leads worship at Real Life and still makes dinner and loves on the kids (and me!). So, I'm just doing my part.

But it was so nice to relax and enjoy a quite day at the homestead. Thank you God for days like this. For my family. For Real Life. For wi-fi and for a day of rest.

Now, it's on to football!

Sometimes it's the little things

It started on Thursday evening, a friend, who hadn't talked to her son for some time was praying and asking God to lead him to call. Do you know what happened? He called, of course. And while on the phone he not only shared what was going on with him, he quoted Bible verses to his folks. You just have no idea how big this is. God can, if we allow Him, use what we believe are terrible situations to actually bring us and others closer to Himself. Thank you Lord for answering that prayer!

Thursday night while my friend was on the phone, I was getting sick! Terrible sinus infection and horrible sore-throat. After not sleeping much Thursday night I took Trent to school and decided to head to the Dr's office and see if I could politely force myself into an unscheduled appointment. I prayed on the way to his office, "God, please let them have an opening for me." I usually pray for that stuff, but I felt really bad and was not looking forward to a Sunday morning feeling like that! So I walked into the office and asked the receptionist if there was any way the Dr. could fit me in. She said "good luck" and began to look over his schedule. A moment later she says, "you're not going to believe this, but he just had a 9am cancel" (it was 10 min till 9). I just smiled and said, "I believe it."

I then got to spend the rest of the day at the office working on the message for this Sunday. One of the passages we will look at is the story of the Apostle Peter getting out of the boat and walking with Jesus on the water in the middle of the sea of Galilee during a big storm.
We often think the safest place is in the boat of our comfort, in the boat of our lives that we have built in order to weather the storms of life and see us safely to the other side of eternity. The problem is that we can't get there on our own, by our own power, smarts or abilities. We have to be willing to get out of the boat, to experience the storms of life with Jesus, relying on Him and not on our own "boat."

So, ditch the boat, test the water and see if Jesus doesn't reach out his hand and see you through the storm.

An interesting morning... decisions/consequences

So, Trent had an appointment with the developmental Specialist today in Wichita. What started out as a routine question/answer time quickly lots more interesting when I decided to make the statement, "so, health care is going to get fixed soon I hear." 30 minutes later we had discussed Fox News (of which her husband is a fan) and the fact that her son is writing a major paper for school (some college) on bias in the media and whether they are aware of it or not. She actually took notes on my comments to share with him! A Dr. taking notes on what I had to say about how we behave and act and what truth is. Probably the best Dr's Appointment I have ever been to!

Once we left the Dr. Trent and I headed out to find a Sonic so that he could get some popcorn chicken (thank you Lord for Sonic serving a full menu all day! Trent has to have chicken and doesn't understand why you can't get chicken at McDonald's before 10:30am!).

So I called Andi and asked for the closest Sonic and she reminded me of the one at 21st and K96 - we headed there. While in the drive-thru waiting (forever) for the chicken the guy behind us pulls forward and rams us! That's right! Several cars in the line waiting for their food and he just let's his foot off the brake! Well, I can't get out cause I'm pinned in by the building and he's making frantic "I can't believe I just did that! Just one more stupid thing..." faces and gestures to pull ahead when we can.

Well, we get out food and pull out of the way and I go look at the bumper and the guy is visibly shaken and frustrated by what he has done. Turns out his wife is at the Surgery Center down the road and he just had too many things on his mind. No damage to the Focus so I just said, "no worries" shook his hand told him it happens to everybody and left... much to his surprise and delight (I'm sure - cause I could have been a jerk about it!).

Every decision, every choice we make carries a consequence.
I decided to breech the politic issue with the Dr. and had a great conversation with her about people that may end up helping her son with a paper he's writing... every other time it's "thanks for coming see you in three months."
I decided to go to the 21st street Sonic for chicken - where I go hit by another car.
I decided to live like I claim to believe and let a guy that was obviously dealing with much more important things breath a bit easier, instead of adding an insurance issue for him to deal with.
I decided not to tell him that I was a follower of Christ (not a conscious decision but a decision none-the-less) and just let him off of the hook without explaining that when Jesus died for me I had done much more than scratch a plastic bumper, and He not only let me off He promised me eternal life!

While driving away and kicking myself I hoped that he saw the Real Life window sticker on my car (in the 5+ min he had to wait behind me in the drive-thru line) and maybe that will click with him, have an impact on him plant some sort of seed with him.

My prayer this week has been that I would SEE GOD more in the every day and that by seeing Him I would come to know Him MORE and Love Him BETTER. I think I'm on my way.

The Conclusion of the Matter.

Ecclesiastes 12,13

Ecclesiastes is a strange book but the ending is awesome!

Throughout the book King Solomon makes some good points.
1. Wisdom is great and everyone should desire to gain wisdom.
2. The wise and the fool both die - just maybe not at the same time.
3. Sometimes the wise die early and the evil live long.
4. Enjoy your youth and do whatever your heart and hands find to do.
5. Be careful about what you do since God will judge your deeds and motives.
6. Man's lot is to work and find pleasure in his toil and his rest.
7. Everyone dies.
8. Every deed will be judged by God.

But while the content may be a bit sketchy, the end of the book is spot on!
12:13 here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments,for this is the whole duty of man.14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,including every hidden thing,whether it is good or evil.

Do what you want - but be mindful of the consequences. Enjoy life! But be concerned about death and meeting your maker. Fear God - and you will be wise. Then, whether you live a long life or a short one you will stand before God unashamed.

God, help me live for the moment I stand before You, so that in the shame of my sin and failure I might be proved wise for having known Your Son and lived for Him.

Shut up.

Well, I'm convicted once more this morning about the same thing. As a preacher it is my job to talk. As a Father I have to talk and instruct. As a Husband I have to talk and share. So, I talk a lot. It's no big deal, talking is like breathing to me - I'm not scared of it. One person or a big crowd it's all the same to me. But when I come before God I have the same problem. I talk.

Maybe you don't think its a big deal, I know that we are supposed to talk to God. But I wonder if I approach him more like I might the guy in the back of the church in that telephone booth looking thing then as the God of the universe.

I tend to just go on and on about this and that and it seems that if I stop talking... I get completely sidetracked and start thinking about other things. So I talk to keep my self focused I guess.

Anyway, look what I read this morning in Ecclesiastes 5.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth,do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth,so let your words be few.

Whoa. So, I pretty much do the opposite of that. Quick mouth. Hasty heart. Blurt out lots of stuff.

Perhaps I need some more quiet times of awe before God. I'll try and work on that.

Have a great Thursday!

Man's Lot - It is A LOT!

Ecclesiastes 3,4

Something Solomon said really struck a cord with me today... actually several things I'll really have to meditate on... but a couple verses got me really thinking.

Do you think we over analyze life? What is all means and what it is for? Here's what Solomon said, see what you think. 3:11 He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.

There are a couple of big things here. First, Solomon says that God has "set eternity in the hearts of men." That statement is incredible! God, an everlasting, never ending, always and forever creator put a tiny spark of that eternity in our hearts. Perhaps this is why as our bodies begin to fail we begin to long for what's next - a life without pain and bad joints and headaches and broken bones. Now, the reality is that we can not "fathom" or fully understand tiny spark that God placed within us, but we can't deny it either. We were created for-ever. Wow! That is incredible! And helps me understand a little why sometimes we get freaked out by the concept of eternity - we have a bit of it, but can't figure it out! The same way I get freaked out by a Rubik's Cube! I have it, it was all put together at one point... but I can't fathom how in the world to get it back the way it was! (yes, I have tried to follow the directions!)

The second thing Solomon says has to do with out work. Lots of well meaning Christians think that if you enjoy life you are somehow sinning in some way. If you find pleasure in life then that in itself is evil. Apparently we are supposed to make ourselves miserable so that we have a better time in heaven... what could be better than heaven?! No matter how great life is, Real Life will be even better! Solomon has a different idea (and he was the smartest guy ever to live!). So, he says, "there is nothing better...than to be happy (cool) and do good (love God/others) that everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction... this is a gift from God." So, I am to find satisfaction in the work I do that provides me with the means to eat and drink and be happy AND to do good! That is Great! This satisfaction in a days, no matter what it is (short of sinning) is FROM GOD!

So look, we have within us the spark of eternity - which we can't understand, but God has given us the ability here on earth to work, to provide for ourselves and others, to be happy and use what we have to do good and the satisfaction we gain from doing "good" in a world that is finite is from God.

If that is a gift from God then, thank You Lord. Help me to live everyday to the fullest. To work hard and rest well. To be happy no matter what and to do good wherever I go. And I can thank You for it all.

The forgotten...

Ecclesiastes 1,2

I started this book written by King Solomon this morning and man is it depressing. Here's a guy who was granted wisdom (give me more Lord!) and was given all the other stuff too, money, power, fame, everything a man could want. All this was given to him by God. And yet, Solomon was miserable most of his life, at least that's the way it appears when you read this book.

If you don't really remember, Solomon is the guy who says, "everything is meaningless, there is nothing new under the son." He had more money, more land, more women, just plain MORE than anyone before or after him. The richest man in the world today would only have pocket change in relation to the wealth of Solomon (seriously, you have to read about his wealth!).

But there was one verse that stuck out to me this cool morning. It comes early in chapter one and says, "11 There is no remembrance of men of old,and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow."

I think this verse is important because of something I read just yesterday from my Mother. It was about her childhood when her father lost his job in the shipyards of California working for the government to build battleships. After they closed the shipyard (just hung a sign on the gate that said they were closed) the family moved to Oakland, OR where they lived for 28 years. Grandpa built the house they moved into and I still remember climbing the cherry trees out front. But this is not why I thought of this while reading this morning.

Mom said that there was a neighbor family (she was about 4) who invited her folks to church... and kept inviting them to church until they went. In her words her parents, "liked it" and kept going back. Her father and mother and two older siblings accepted Christ in that church and began a legacy of faith that continues today. My Mom went to Bible College in Idaho. She met my Dad (who's family were only moderate believers) and they married and Dad began to preach. They had 4 kids, two girls and two boys who are all active and involved in their churches and have children who believe. Four generations representing 39 people. 39 people who have shared their faith with hundreds of people.

So let me take a second to remember and thank that family who invited my grandparents to church and didn't give up until they came. Their faithfulness has touched many lives and will continue as the legacy of faith is passed down from generation to generation.

You want your life to count for something? You want to be remembered? The man of wisdom or wealth or power or strength who dies in his sin will not be long remembered. Their children will forget them soon enough. But the man of faith will leave a treasure to be continually uncovered by generations to come as they each discover the great gift they have been left. Faith. Life. A relationship with the creator of the universe. The hope of eternal life.

Maybe we ought to remember to share our faith, as someone did with us - or our ancestors and the change the course of those to come.

I'll have the perspective...

Job 38

So, I've been reading in Job, you know the guy that is living his life right and then all his kids are killed and he looses all his herds and lands, etc. and is essentially destitute. That Job. You probably know him because some christian person (or your mom) used to tell you when you had it pretty bad in life that, "at least you're not like Job."

Yesterday I was a little upset because things were financially tight (like who doesn't know about that!) and I was expecting a check on the 12th that we were counting on. Well, the 12th came and went and things got tighter and tighter. Trent ran out of some of his meds. I take him to school every day (100 miles a day) and the car was out of gas. I put just enough gas in to get to and from his school yesterday because I was sure the check would come... but no check.

In those times, do you feel like the whole world has been reduced to your crummy situation? I do. And I get upset. I pound my fist on the table or wall or floor or car or couch or desk or... you be the picture. I wonder out loud to God, "I'm doing what I'm supposed to, I'm living right, why don't You show up?! (cause the preacher on tv said that if I live right God will give me what I want!).

And then I read my favorite part of the book of Job. We've heard Job speak about his troubles. We've heard from each of his friends too. But now it's God's turn to speak for Himself. And it's classic!

Why don't the rivers and oceans flood and wash over the insignificant pieces of earth? You've seen the globe, mostly water. What keeps the oceans where they are supposed to be? Did you know that if the tide is off a little we loose California and Florida (and Louisiana!)? What, or who, keeps the waters back? Who causes it to rain here and not somewhere else? Why does the lighting strike the way it does and why does it "never strike the same place twice"? Who provides food for the lioness and the bird alike with no discrimination? Who keeps the stars from falling out of the sky (or the earth for that matter!)? Who closes up the sky with clouds but at the right time clears them away to reveal that the sun was always there?

There is no randomness to the universe. It is a perfect example of perfect balance. And yet, I still worry about the simplest little things. If my God can conduct the elements like an orchestra and set the seasons on schedule like a perfect piece of simple software (God must use a mac!). If He can remember to feed the animals without being reminded 10x's. Then maybe, just maybe he really does know what's going on. Maybe I don't need to remind Him about me. Maybe I have more faith that my car is going to start in the morning (no, not that one!) then I do that God is watching out for my situation!

And if all this is true then I am about the worst example of faith in the world. Thank you God, for throwing out all the test scores except the highest, and giving that One to the whole class. I can't even tie my shoe without You - forgive me for trying to tell You what You should do. You just go ahead and do whatever You want... I'll get on board with that. Thanks.

Whoa, He's smart.

When I was a kid in school I remember learning about how some people, way back in the dark ages when people just crawled up out of the goop (sarcasm), thought the earth was flat or that it was connected or held up or whatever their crazy ideas were. Science has certainly evolved over the years, hasn't it. Now we can take objects way out in space and triangulate their position based on other objects. We can send a space ship up and a video camera can feed us live images from Mars. But of all the things science has "discovered" what has it taught us? Okay, gravity... I'll give you that but that was pretty basic, right? Science has given a lot of things that already existed a name. But what has it really explained?

Here's what I mean. We have a name for gravity and we know it works and there are some theories about how it works but where does it come from? How come the other planets don't have gravity like ours? How is it that there is exactly enough gravity to keep us here, but not enough to squash us? We know that stars (and our sun - a star) are flaming balls of gas, but how come our planet isn't? Why are some gas and some not? Science has shown us what is already there but not explained it very well or "taught" us anything new.

Like, I thought the closer to the beginning of humanity the dumber people were. Right, cave drawings and clubbing some girl and dragging her back to your cave for a wife. That kind of stuff. But I'm reading in the book of Job (one of the oldest books in the Bible as I recall) and Job says something pretty amazing. In verse 7 of chapter 26 he says, "[God] suspends the earth over nothing." Wow! And Job didn't know any super scientists! He didn't have Newton or one of Hawking to tell him that! So, science how does that work exactly? Teach me something I don't know... tell me how our planet and others can simply float in empty space?! Oh, yeah, I remember, you already did. You see a long, long time ago... everything in the universe (we don't know where that came from) collapsed into something the size of a pin head (huge gravitational pull) and then exploded! BANG! and all the little particles that were in that pin head shot out like a rocket and then all suddenly stopped in mid flight, started spinning on an axis and rotating around another gob of goo that instantaneously caught on fire and lite everything. Oh, and gravity happened sometime around there too. (so that was incredible, a cosmic gravitational pull overcome by a cosmic explosion that was big enough to break the gravity - man that's awesome - sarcasm).

Here's how Job ends chapter 28, maybe we should take a lesson... "The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,and to shun evil is understanding."

Thank you Lord that there are still unteachable things out there we can't explain... well, You know what I mean, wink.

The Way of the Wicked Seems Good.

Job 21,22

You can see, if you read these posts, that we've jumped from Esther 9 to Job 21. That's because like so many things I do, I'm behind in my Bible reading and posting. So, I've tried to catch up so you may see these posts jump around a bit. Sorry.

So far into Job and he seems to be in the same place many of us are in today. We look around and see people we deem as wicked - or not having a relationship with Jesus - and it appears that they are doing very well for themselves. They have money. They have possessions. They live a life of pleasure and enjoy the finer things in life.

And then there's us believers. Struggling financially. Involved in a bit of covetousness where those fancy toys are concerned. Paycheck to paycheck we live. And we sometimes wonder... "why are the wicked blessed and the righteous cursed?" Isn't that the backwards way? Shouldn't it be the other way around? Why aren't all Christians happy, healthy and wealthy? What's going on here?! STOP THE INSANITY!

But think about it for a moment. Is it reality? Let's look at a couple things.
1. RAS. Reticular Activating System. It's a pretty big part of your brain and it is like a big net. It catches all the things that are important to you and filters out all the stuff that's not. For instance. Whey you buy a new car that's exciting! And as you're driving home you see 50 of the same make/model that you just bought. Why? because the car is now important to you so your RAS "sees" more of them.
2. Satan's plan. If every "believer" was healthy and wealthy and every non-believer was not would there be any non-believers anymore? I mean if all you had to do what confess Christ and you got healthy (like God wants you to be) and wealthy (like all Christians should be) and happy (cause that's totally dependant on you being healthy and wealthy) wouldn't EVERYONE be a christian? Of course! So Satan's plan is to make it "look" like non-believers have it all so that we Christians, just like Job, will ask the question... "why should I follow Christ and be in need, when I can do what I want and be wealthy and healthy and happy?"

God wants you to trust Him no matter what... no matter how much money you have.
God wants you to see Him as your provider... not your primary care provider.
God want you to learn happiness no matter the situation... the situation doesn't determine happiness.

So Job, Corey, YOU, don't get caught up. This is not a race or a test or a wicked vs. righteous debate this life is a YOU and GOD marathon. We have to stop worrying about what the neighbors down the street have and whether or not they go to church. We have to stop thinking that all God wants to do is make us happy and healthy and wealthy. We must start running the race marked out for us with confidence so that whether in little or much we know what it means to trust God. To live a life of faith in spite of my temporary surroundings.

May my life, whether in plenty or in need point to God my Father who supplies ALL my needs through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Real change...

Esther 9

Well, I'm thinking this morning about I was told in school lots of years ago. Whenever an election came around we were told that "one person can make a difference." "One person can bring about change." I suppose I believed it but it sure is hard to see that on the political scene. Ted Kennedy just passed away and lots of nice things were said about him, but did that one man really bring about any significant change to the system? To our lives? President Bush made some changes... President Obama ran his campaign on "change" but are any of those changes really going to make any drastic or lasting change to our lives? Will my life be changed by what's going on in Washington?

Esther, was probably one of the first real political "change agents." Her guts, determination and willingness to (literally) risk her life for her people brought about significant and lasting change to the lives of the Jews in the kingdom of Media/Persia.

But here's the difference I suppose. First she did not set out to save her people. She did not seek public office or stand on a "platform" of reform. She simply followed a plan that was marked out for her before she was born. And when it came time she stepped into that role and did what had to be done. It's a thing called humility. She didn't seek the spotlight and was scared to take a stand but, as Mordecai said, "she was born for such a time as this." Secondly, when you recognize that you are just playing a part in a much bigger show it takes some of the pressure off. She was not the savior, she was not the star, she was just playing her part. Fulfilling her role. She recognized that God was the star and that she was just filling a role. All she had to do was enter the stage at the right time, say her lines and get off. That is liberating!

Far to many politicians today think they are the star of the show! But their not. So many think that they bring about change or that they are "change agents" but their not. Real change is life change. And that's the business of God through his son Jesus. To change your life you have to start with the inside, not the food you eat or the medical care you get or the school you go to but the condition of your heart. When the heart is changed, the mind is changed the body (what you do and how you do it, what you think and how it comes out of your mouth) follows.

That's lasting change. that's life change and there's only One who can bring that kind of change about. His Name is Jesus. He's the star of this show.

The end is always the same...

For my lovely wife - Esther 7 and 8

Reading quickly today since I got up late. Even in the quick read this am and the need for a quick post I find comfort in the fact that the end is always the same. Well, every instance may not be exact but the end, that remains.

It's like this, every battle in a war is not always won, but the individual battle does not constitute the war in the end, the last nation, group, government or person standing... that's the winner.

In Esther's story it appeared as though Haman was going to get his way and see the destruction of the Jews. But in the end, Mordecai is given Haman's position, his crown, his robes, his ring and his estate.

The same is true for you and I as believers in Jesus Christ. It may appear that things aren't going your way. You may feel like you are being crushed. Sought after for destruction. Everything in your life may be going down the tubes. But what you have to remember is that the end is always the same. In the end, good defeats evil. In the end, right triumphs over wrong. In the end death holds no power.

How can this be? I'll tell you. News just hasn't gotten out yet. You see, the war is over. There are still places where the enemy still thinks he can win and he's fighting with all his might but it's futile. The war has been won. The news hasn't gotten to everyone yet. The battles are still raging but the war has been won by One.

When Jesus rose from the grave that was the beginning of the end. The prophecy was true, "he will strike your heel but you will bruise his head (mortal wound)." The empty cross, the empty tombs they are just reminders for us that the end is always the same.

Jesus won the battle, he dealt the death blow, the war has been won. Satan is just the last guy on the field who can't believe he's lost and is yelling, "get back here!" "I'm not finished with you yet!" But his cries fall on deaf ears. The war is over. The battles won. The victor is secure. His children are safe and the fear of death is gone.

Glory and Honor, Power and Praise be to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The war is over and He won.

Coincidence? Twist of Fate? Accident? Or something even more strange?

Call it whatever you like but if the unexplainable can't be explained then what is the explanation? Is it more logical to "blame it on the rain" as the 80's song claimed? Or is there another option, one that, while seemingly unbelievable, becomes obvious when compared to the alternative?
When reading the book of Esther I am amazed every time at the incredible number of "coincidences" that exist in this one small history book. The strange circumstance that doesn't seem to have ever happened before that led to Queen Vashti being deposed. The Coincidence that ushered in Esther as Queen. It just so happened that her surrogate Father was known by the King and his officials. It was an accident that Mordecai overheard the plot to kill the king. It was happenstance that the night before Haman was to kill Mordecai the king couldn't sleep and was read the record from the day that Mordecai spilled the beans and foiled the assassination attempt. Sheer dumb luck that brought Haman to the lowly place of escorting Mordecai around town on the kings horse and in the kings robe, proclaiming about his enemy, this is one the king delights to honor.
And it goes on and on. A mystery? A quandary? The unknown? Or something more real. More concrete. More believable though it seems crazy at times.
There is a God who loves us and works in ways we cannot see to lead and guide and protect and move and comfort and bring about.
How many things in your life can you "not explain"? Did you ever think it might be the one thing you thought it couldn't be? A God who loves you? Nah, you keep believing in fairy tales, like luck, and chance.

I like to Stand Up... but I don't always do it.

It's Friday morning. Andi and 3 of the kids have left for school and I'm reading alone on the couch (Trent's still in bed). And I'm thinking about times to stand up.

One of my favorite things has always been going to a major league baseball game for the national anthem. I am always in awe when the person comes out on the field, everybody stands up and by mid way through the song just about everyone is singing and facing our flag. Brings tears to my eyes every time.

I went to a Promise Keepers event at Texas Stadium one year and there were 50,000 guys standing and singing songs to Jesus and it was awesome. And I cried.

It's easy for me to stand up during those times and take in the moment, when everyone else is standing. Everyone else is involved. Everyone else is doing it. But would I stand if I were the only one?

Esther's surrogate father, Mordecai, knew what it was like to stand alone.

Haman, the kings second in command, would pass through the king's gate every day and every day everyone in the square would bow down, drop to one knee, show respect and honor. But Mordecai always stood. Regardless that it meant death. Even though that act, standing, brought about Haman's plan to "cleanse" Persia of the Jews. All of them.

See, Mordecai believed in God and as such, that he should not bow to anyone but God. Call it stubborn or foolish or even a death wish. Mordecai didn't bow.

When "everyone else is doing it" what do you do? Can you stand when everyone else is bowing? Can you raise your voice when everyone else is silent? Can you give when everyone else has decided to withhold?

I don't know about you, but I want to be a Stand Up guy.

Time Sensitive

Well, it's on to a new OT book this morning. Esther comes after being really interested in the history of the kings, and the exile, etc. Oh well.
-Did you hear that Ted Kennedy passed away yesterday morning? I, like others will not get into his politics, just want to say a prayer that he hopefully had a relationship with Jesus Christ.
-Did you know that, supported by the CARS program over 700K new cars have been sold? Good for the automotive industry... if they ever get paid, maybe not so good for me, since my tax dollars went to help someone else get a car. I myself am looking for a used car - cheap. So, my tax money helped someone else get a car that I can't myself afford.
-Talked to a friend who is a minister in Michigan, you know the place Jeff Daniels is always talking about, he says that Michigan has the worst economy in the Nation.
-Oh, one more, I heard the aircraft industry here in KS is now at 9.9% unemployment.

Why does all this matter? Who cares what is going on in the world around us! We're Christians and aren't supposed to care about "worldly" things.

Okay, calm down. I read this morning that when King Xerxes had a problem he called together his advisers (the smartest guys in his kingdom) and asked them what to do. The text in Esther chapter 1 says that they "were wise men, who understood the times."

You see, while the death of Kennedy and the Cash for Clunkers program doesn't really affect me, politically (republican) or where our new (old)- $1500 or less) car is concerned they do affect others. And as a Christian who wants to see every person possible find real life through a relationship with Jesus Christ it's important for me to "understand the times" so I can best reach out to those who right at this moment, driving to work or eating breakfast or headed to school, don't care at all about Jesus.

I must understand the times so I can, more effectively, find ways to reach out to those who need to know the hope I have in a God they can't see.

So here's to being informed and informing. May we use every opportunity that presents itself to share our faith - understanding these times.

Will I be remembered?

Have you ever thought about what the world will be like when you are gone? Come on, everybody dies, it's a part of life (and for believers the best part!), so have you ever wondered who will remember you? What will they say? Will life continue for them with barely a nod to your life? Or will they never be the same?
I think about this sometimes. It seems a bit morbid but it makes me desire even more to do something worthwhile with my life that benefits people and cities and humankind.
But this morning I'm wondering, "does it matter if people here remember me after I'm gone?" What difference will it make to me whether you recall my life with fondness or with disgust? I'll be dead. So how ever you feel about me won't affect me, right?
In Nehemiah 13 there is a recurring phrase. Nehemiah is essentially listing the things he did to restore God's favor toward His people. Restoring the tithes and offerings for the priests and Levites. Making sure the people had remained pure and not intermarried with the people around them. And over and over he says, "Remember me for this, O God." He lists what he did and then asks God to remember him.
Huh. Maybe I shouldn't be concerned with how people will recall me when my spirit leaves my body in the dust here, but instead be concerned with whether or not God remembers me when I see Him. Maybe I've got a little mixed up on whose memory is most important!

Remember me with favor, O my God.

God, put it in my heart...

The average Joe, Nehemiah, has returned from Persia (Babylon) to rebuild the walls of the city. Despite great odds and few people, he mustered their best strength and even got the fat-cat nobles to pitch in and they finished the job in record time. Chapter 7 of Nehemiah's life, says that they not only rebuilt the walls but also hung the gates! Which means that they were a protected city again. There was some confidence there, among the people. The wall meant security. It meant status. No longer was the city they loved exposed. No longer could any neighboring town or people simple walk through or over the wall and kill or take captives. This was BIG! Having the wall up was like getting the deluxe ADT security package for your home! They had done it! They had withstood the ridicule and those who were trying to discourage them and they had completed the job.
Now it was time to sit back and relax. To rest a bit and enjoy their security and comfort. Look, less than 50,000 people had finished this huge undertaking, it was time to party! To rest. To marvel at what they had done.
But not for Nehemiah. Verses 4 and 5 say that Nehemiah looked around and saw that the houses had not been rebuilt yet. And that God "put it into my heart to..." well, to do something about it. So Nehemiah set out to begin the process of counting and registering the people so they could be given space and protection within the city.
Here's my prayer today. God, it is easy to sit back and relax and take it easy, especially after a big job or a completed task... but I ask you to "put into my heart" the next thing that needs to be done. The next mountain that needs to be moved. The next task that's been left undone. Don't let me relax or pat myself on the back... there is more to do. There is always more to do... and I want to do it. Put it into my heart - what Your plan is. And then give me the strength and ability to finish it.

Steps 1 and 2.

When I was taking classes for my psych degree the thing we heard over and over was that the first key to success in treating someone with an emotional issue (that was serious enough) was therapy but the second key was also very important (kind of like that second key in the movies that does everything from arm the torpedoes to start the super large drill that is aimed at the center of the earth) and went right along with the first, which in this case was drugs. The mantra was always therapy and drugs (I think they called it "medication"). I was reading in Nehemiah this morning and I saw a one/two punch just like I learned in school. But what I also noticed is that most of us forget the second part.
Nehemiah has brought back to Jerusalem a group of people and has mustered the strength of those already there and they have begun to rebuild the walls and gates of the City, an incredibly huge undertaking. When they are busy building the people around them begin to plot how they might stop the Jews from rebuilding and once again becoming a power nation in the region. Well, Nehemiah learns of their plans and devises this two step process, here's how it happened, "They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat" (Neh 4:8,9).
Did you see it? How were they going to deal with the threat of their neighbors? First they prayed (good idea right?!). And then they Posted a guard. One. Two.
For many of us when we feel attacked by others, or sin (temptation) or the prospect of failure we do only one of the two steps. Being very spiritual you may pray to God, which is great, unless you just go, "well I prayed, get to work God!" For others you may do really good at posting the guard (trying to handle it on your own) but you neglect to pray. When dealing with the issues that you and I face every day we need to employ both of these steps! We need to pray to our God who WILL hear and WILL act but we also need to post a guard, to stand watch, to tighten up security so that we can do our part as well.
Therapy and Drugs. Pray and stand guard.
Today God, while I rely on You to fight for me and meet my needs, help me also to get off my butt and get involved!

Simple - Profound

So I'm reading today in Nehemiah chapter 2 and in the midst of this great story one little statement jumped out at me. Nehemiah is the cup bearer to the king of Persia (formerly Babylon) which was a pretty big deal. Anyway, the king sees how depressed Nehemiah is and asks essentially, "what will make you feel better?"
And then it comes, Nehemiah writes of himself, "Then I prayed to the God of Israel, and answered the king..."

There it is. I prayed to the God of heaven. Simple. Something we take for granted everyday. I pray to the God of heaven. Profound. The God of heaven. The One who created and sustains life. The One who keeps the planets from falling out of space. The One who has the hairs on my bald head (shaved) numbered. AND the subsequent end is this... the God of Heaven listens.

Happy praying, happy Friday!!!!

First Day of School - God IS in control

Good morning, haven't woken Trent up yet. Reading in Ezra Chapters 7-8 this morning.

Ezra said something interesting to me. God had moved the heart of the king, Artaxerxes and all his officials to not only send Ezra and whoever wanted to go with him back to Jerusalem, but they freely gave gifts of gold, silver and bronze both from the treasury of Babylon and as individuals. The hand of God was certainly on them to do this, no doubt.
But as Ezra and the people were camping three days before setting out on this long journey they fasted and prayed that they would have safe journey for themselves and their children. Cool. Understand that, praying before a trip or something for protection, good idea. But the reason they were doing that was because Ezra said he did not feel right asking the king for soldiers or horsemen to accompany them since he had told the king that, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him."
Ezra didn't want to ask for soldiers because he had already told the king that God was on his side. He didn't want to be two-faced. He didn't want to have faith in God and yet rely on someone else.

Today, Father, may my strength and faith be in You and You alone. Because it is only You and always You who can offer any real protection. Everything else is false hope. But You alone provide.

...only more frustrated.

So the family all came into the living room last night to watch that 20/20 show about the autistic girl who can communicate by typing, has a blog and is writing a book about autism.  It was an incredible story and we were all very moved by what she typed.  When she typed about being trapped in her body, not being able to control her body, etc. it was almost more than I could take.

We are very happy for this family and the new-found relationship (with communication!) between them all... wait for it...

But.  

Shows like that only make us hurt more.  Andi and I so desperately want to talk to Trent, to know what is hurting him (while he bangs on the walls, bites himself till he nearly bleeds, screams, jumps off the furniture and pounds his fists on the floor), we would love to know what he is thinking, if he is hungry or has a stomach ache.  But we get nothing except more banging, more biting.

Does he feel trapped in his body like she does?  Does he want to be "normal" like she does?  Does he really have any feelings for us and what we do for him like she does?

The sad truth is that for every autistic child who finds a way to break free and communicate there are thousands, maybe tens of thousands who are still trapped.

So I sat here on the couch (still am) with Trent this morning.  Looking into his eyes and trying to see something, anything that would give me a clue to how he feels.  I even busted out the laptop and tried desperately to get him to type something to me (he is a very good typist) even offering him goodies if he did... nothing.  Well, I take that back, he typed "lion" several times and then deleted it.  (yes, we know there is something significant about a lion to him but we don't know what it is... because he can't tell us.)  

While we are happy for that family on tv last night it only highlights the fact that we still live with a child that we really don't know, can't figure out, and live in fear that he feels the same way that girl on 20/20 felt.  If it would do any good I would just cry as he sits here next to me rocking back and forth saying "McDonald's Madagascar Escape to Africa Marty" (and every other character from their happy meal toy line as well as ...Kung-Fu Panda TyLong and all the others).  

There is something going on in that mind of his, that incredible, photographic mind... I would so love to know what it is.   But my prayers fall to the ground, no answer comes... and then he scoots closer to me and puts his hand on mine.  

Good enough for now...

Thank You Lord for Trent, someday, I'd like to meet him.

Sounds like a country song...

So I was reading in 2 Chronicles 21 today about a king named Jehoram. He was a son of Jehoshaphat (good name for your next son!) and was a pretty rotten dude. The first thing he did when he claimed power over his father's kingdom was put his brothers and some other "princes" to death. Not a very nice guy.
Anyway, in verse 20 the dude dies and that is the interesting part that got me thinking. Here's how it reads, "Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings." There, how's that for an epitaph? He was this old. He reigned this long. He died, and no one cared.
Wow! A king! and there was no regret.
I don't know about you but when I die I would like a little regret showed on my behalf. Someone to go, "huh, that guy did some things that were pretty cool." But I guess if that is my desire, if I want a bit of a legacy, then I ought to pay attention to what I do while I'm alive.
Jehoram apparently forgot this. The beginning of the chapter says that he walked in the ways of Ahab (a bad guy who did stuff just to hack God off) and didn't pay attention to the God of his father David.
Well, here's the moral for me. If I want someone to pay attention to you when you die you might want to do some things while you're ALIVE that would give someone reason to regret your death. And you might want to start with faith. Follow God in your life and you will leave a legacy of faith, hope, peace, joy, security, love and grace. And you will certainly be remembered for those!
Here's to a life worth remembering!

Where does it all come from?

1 chronicles 29:14-19 14"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 19And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided."

Samuel had just finished recording all that the leaders of Israel had given toward the temple of the Lord when David made this statement. What I think is so cool about this section of Scripture is that David recognizes his position and the position of his people before God. The first sentence, "who am I and who are my people, that we should be ABLE to give as generously as this?" David was thanking God for even the ability to give at that level...he follows it up with, "everything comes from You and we have given You only what comes from Your hand."

Sometimes I feel like we have given generously to God... but no matter how much I am ever able to give to God He has given to me more abundantly,more generously, then I could ever hope to repay! Even if I gave 90% to God and lived off the 10% that remained I would not receive any glory because it ALL came from Him in the first place!

So what can we say to God? David says it perfectly, "God of our fathers, keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You." May our desire be to give to God with honesty and integrity from what He has abundantly provided (whether little or much) that we may be always willing to give to You who first gave to us.

Michael Jackson dies at age 50.

So my friends and fans of Michael Jackson, you may not want to read this... not that it is bad or slams Michael, but in this extended state of mourning you may not be thinking clearly and so completely miss what I'm trying to say.

I grew up with Michael Jackson. I remember when Thriller came out and I knew all the words to Smooth Criminal (the video was soooo cool). But I also watched part of the pedophile trial, etc. so I wasn't in a fairy tale world when it came to Michael.

But today, L.A. put on a tribute or memorial or whatever they called it to Michael and paraded one star after another on stage to talk about how wonderful he was and what a great entertainer and how his music and creativity changed the music industry forever. And I suppose it has.

But I was once told, as a pastor, never to preach anyone INTO heaven or OUT OF hell. Their life, like mine and yours, will speak for itself. Bottom line, end of the argument, last word is always whether or not that INDIVIDUAL had a relationship with Jesus Christ. I don't know if Michael did or did not - but I know one guy who knows and He's the one making the decision, judge and jury, so I'll leave it in His big, scarred hands.

While watching a portion of the service today I heard Stevie Wonder say that he "knew" as much as we needed (Michael) him, God must have needed him more... and I think that I take issue with that statement. Today I was reading about the life of King David and the men that were appointed as singers and instrumentalists before God at the Tabernacle and the Bible says that they were all skilled in their area. What does this mean? God doesn't need Michael in heaven or anywhere else, like it or not Michael is just a man, like every other man who is skilled at doing something and can do it well. And as uneducated as it may sound He (God) doesn't NEED any of us. But He does WANT all of us.

If Michael is in heaven he is with millions of others who all have perfect voices. Who never get tired. Who have infinite creativity and time to do anything that would bring Honor and Glory to God. I hope he is there. Just like I hope you're there - though I don't know you and you probably aren't famous (no one famous reads this blog haha) and you may not be able to sing... I hope to see you there.

Stevie, every song you've ever done I think must be a hit but you struck out on this one... Michael didn't die because God needed him in heaven, Michael died because he abused the things that were meant to help him, or his organs began to fail or there was some congenital thing going on we won't find out about for some time. His fate is our fate. But the promise of life with God is always there to everyone who believes in the one God sent, Jesus Christ, His only son. Heaven is NOT based on how well you sing, or whether or not you were famous, or if you have any creative bone in your body. It isn't even based on how many "good" things you do or how much joy you bring to others, God isn't prejudiced like that. The playing field is level. The option is there for me as it was for Michael and as it is for you... that whoever believes in HIM (Jesus) will be saved.

Can you know without knowing?

As most of you know my son Trent has severe Autism. I am working this summer in his classroom to help with his aggression. He has been pretty calm since I started working in there, just part of the honeymoon phase I'm sure, but he has been much better.
Anyway, there is some discussion about where he needs to go next school year and there is also some debate between his teacher/para's and the district administration. Today we tried to explain to an administrator about his aggression. She didn't get it. He was calm while she was in the room so I'm sure she thought we all are exaggerating the situation. The truth is you can't overstate his aggression.

I was thinking it's the same way with Real Life. It is so difficult to explain and so many people don't get it. They see us going through the same junk they do so they think there's nothing to it. But they don't see the whole story. They don't understand the camaraderie when we worship. They don't get the comfort of having others to rely on. They miss the connection we have with Jesus. They don't see the grace. The peace. The joy that fills and permeates who we are.

Maybe this is why the bible says that there will be some who will hear but never understand, see but never perceive because if they did understand and perceive they would come to know what we know and give their lives to Christ.

My apologies to all my loyal readers...

Well, it's been a few days since I posted. Not there wasn't anything to say but getting back from Branson last week presented us with a packed full schedule. Watching Trevor's ensemble instrument performances with KS Lions Band in Wichita. The drum corp was AWESOME and the trombone and flute performances were great too.
Then it was to the church to get a sermon down for Sunday and on and on. The last several days I have been working an article I submitted a query for to a publication called the Lookout. It is a Christian Church publication that, along with the Standard is read by a whole lot of people every week. I was writing a 1500 word article about being in the ministry with a special needs child. Don't know if they will publish it yet or not but I did my part and got it sent in.
It has been an interesting week as I started a new job. I now not only drive Trent to school every day, I stay with him and work as a para-educator in his room. Because of his aggression he is pretty much segregated in a room by himself and the adults that work with him. He was beating them up pretty good so I am now the primary enforcer in the class room, encouraging him to do his work and will be the first to intervene if he gets violent.
Not looking forward to an entire summer of being with him almost all the time, every day, but I'm the Dad - we do what we have to do.
I guess that's how God felt. Surely He didn't want to watch His Son die. Surely it cause Him incredible grief. But that's what He had to do. I'm glad I had an earthly Father who was willing to get the job done and a Heavenly Father who always did the right thing, not just the easy thing. Two great examples of what a Father is. Hopefully my kids can say the same some day.

When it's your own fault...

So this morning Trent was at church with us (if you were there you know this!) because we could not find a sitter for him today. He has had a fantastic week and done very well with all the changes to his schedule, staying with grandma and pa for three days, trip to Wichita for Trevor's band concert and lunch at AppleBees. But today at church he was off, upset and aggitated with something. Andi had to leave church early and take him home because he just was not getting along.

When I got home he was fairly upset, punched a hole in the wall, dumped a bathtub full of water on the bathroom floor, slammed some doors and was generally irritated and aggressive. So we had a little fight, nothing big just a little spat that ended up with him loosing (in the trash) one of his favorite dinosaur toys and an elephant (he LOVES elephants) toy.

He begged for his toys back but was still upset and angy and I was not too happy either so I stood my ground even when he asked with tears in his eyes and reminded me where he got it, "open present dinosaur toy" he said... he got the dino for Christmas and he loved it (which is why I used it as punishment - I ain't no wimmpy Father that only tosses the toys he doesn't like!)
Anyway, later I discovered that I had neglected to give Trent his medicine this morning... yep, you guessed it... my fault.

Trent was uphappy and angry becasue his little body was having withdrawls from the lack of meds and since he doesn't talk he couldn't just say, "Hey! I need my medicine!"

I'm reminded that when I get in to trouble and have a rough time in my life and am angry with God for what's going on it's most often my own fault! I neglected to follow His law. I didn't do what He asked or I just flat out dissobeyed!

So, given the circumstances, I think that old dinosaur may make a return appearance tonight...

Something I'm thankful for...

18 years and 6 months ago Andi said "I do" to me and a church full of people. Over those 18 years we've had a bunch of ups and downs in our marriage and in our lives. But let me take a minute to say here, as I sit in my hotel room in Branson (Andi's on the bed watching tv and eating pretzels... it's 11pm), that she has gotten more beautiful every year. And her beauty is not just physically - though she looks better than she ever has - but she is beautiful on the inside. Her spirit and ability to have fun and be quite even is amazing. She still suprises me, after all these years... So, I am happy and in love and tired this evening with the only person I would want to be here with...

Honey, I'd say more wonderful things about you but I am REALLY, REALLY tired!

What am I here for?

Maybe you've asked yourself that question before. Standing in line at the DMV (or the liqueur store). This thought went through my mind more than once this afternoon. What am I doing here? Why am I here? What good am I doing? I don't often ask myself these questions in relation to ministry, but today I asked myself all of them... while standing on the soccer field. If I believed in "luck" I would say that I'm pretty much bad luck for the soccer team. Having Real Life's logo on the front of the jerseys sure hasn't helped either!
Every time a ball got by me (and it happened a lot today!) I'd ask myself another one of those mentally rhetorical questions. And the answer was always "I don't know!"

We were doing pretty well - and you never ask yourself those kinds of questions when things are going good - tied the score. I had some good saves and then all the sudden I couldn't buy a save. I could blame it on others or use my standard line, "if the offense would score more there wouldn't be so much pressure on the defense" (the offense doesn't like that cop out). But the bottom line is that the ball stops here, with me... or rather, the ball rolls slightly past me - but I'm still responsible.

No matter how well or poorly the defense is playing I'm the last line of defense and its up to me to stop the ball. No matter what. I failed at that task today.

I failed at something else. Something bigger than a soccer ball or even the game. I failed to realize that I my task, my job is never just about what I'm doing at the moment. It's not just about stopping balls on the field or coaching 3rd graders or preaching or parenting or helping a neighbor... no my task is bigger and has much longer lasting results.

My job is to be the best witness I can for my Savior, Jesus Christ. Whether we win or loose I'm to be a witness. Whether I preach to 20 or 200 it's the same witness. Whether I'm letting Trevor drive the car home from Wichita or watching Tristen to back flips on the trampoline I have to watch my witness. And I need to change my perspective. I need to stop worrying and thinking so much about the temporal (today - flesh and blood stuff) and starting thinking more about the eternal.

So maybe I'll keep playing soccer and instead of just watching the ball, I'll make sure my witness scores for God.

Great Morning with the Svandas...

What a great time sharing with Lee and Tina Svanda this am. If you missed it they are preparing for a short-cycle mission to Koper, Slovenia where they will be planting a church, together with 7 other adults and 4 kids.
Lee and Tina shared their heart for this mission work as well as their plans for this incredible undertaking - planting a native church within 5 years!
Their journey to the mission field and how God is working in their lives is very similar to what is going on the lives of many here at Real Life as we open ourselves up to what God wants for us. This is especially true for Tina who shared that she has only been a Christian for 10 years (a little less than that I think) and how God moved her to a place where she caught Lee's vision for missions and finally joined him in completely surrendering to God and His Will.

Their testimony today tied in so well with the message as we talked about making God a priority in our lives. So often we get so sidetracked with life and bills and jobs and kids that we often give God the leftovers of our life and not the best... though we expect His best for us (a bit of a double standard I think - and am guilty of).

So we talked about ways to make God a bigger priority in our lives, reading our bible, trusting Him for our financial needs, praying a bit more focused.

As a set in the right direction there we as a church made a commitment to Lee and Tina to support them with 10% of the giving for the rest of the year. This is a way for us to press in and truly rely on God for the resources to run Real Life as well as support a mission that so closely resembles our heart for El Dorado.

So join me in prayer and priority as we focus on God and His Son Jesus Christ and look to Him for what we need even as we seek to give Him the best of who and what we are!

Thanks, Lord for the little things...

Today we got back from a speedy trip to KC to take Trent for some N.A.E.T. treatments. Last night in the hotel room I was praying and thanked God for our safe trip to KC and asked for a safe trip home (He delivered btw). While praying about that I thought about all the time we spend on the road. I take Trent to school in Andover (30 min one way) every school day. Andi takes the other kids to Leon (sometimes Trevor drives) every school day. Twice a week during the last semester Andi left school early drove to Emporia, KS for her EdS. Now back on the road to KC and next week she and I to Branson...
Of all the people on the road and all the wrecks and fender-benders there are every day God has kept us safe.

Thank you God for safe travels when there have been so many opportunities and near misses You have kept us safe.

Crummy Day... what's the difference?

So today started okay... Trent didn't go to sleep 'till late again last night so wasn't sure how he'd do today at home or school. Once to school (Trent did fine in the am) I talked with his teacher about his aggression. We talked about two options for the summer for Trent. I could come as a para and work so that if he got angry the other paras would not have to take the brunt, or we could possibly send him to HeartSpring and see how that works for him and them.
Needless to say, these are HUGE changes for us and would be for Trent - though they might be good options.
Now, we are going to KC tomorrow afternoon for some N.A.E.T. treatments (spending the night in KC) and coming home on Saturday... sometime.

Anyway, it just seemed like it was one thing after another today that was not expected and did NOT make me happy. I was grumpy finishing up with Jack on the roof this evening and just overall poopy in spirit.

But, (here's the good part) this is not all there is to my life. I will continue to have days that kick my butt - spiritually, financially, physically, emotionally - but it's only one day at a time. I can't change the future by worrying about it. We will work and pray about the best situation for Trent and we'll make a decision and live with it. Whether I have to work with him at the school or take him to a new school we'll get through it.

You see, the things that happen to us everyday are just things that happen to us - they don't define us. They don't MAKE us happy or grumpy or angry they just happen. So thank you Lord that when the day DOESN'T go the way I want it to you are the same... yesterday, today and forever. You don't change. My life changes. My feelings change. My relationships change and financial situation changes. But not You.

Thanks for being... always.

I Am: The TRUE VINE

Jesus invites us to connect with Him so that we might bear fruit - or Christ-likeness in our lives. Are you ready to connect with Christ, or His church? Get plugged in and enjoy the benefits and blessings of being connected!

Easter '09 - The Conqueror

Easter at Real Life brought us to the 6th week of the I Am series with I Am the Conqueror! Join us on a journey with the women who went to the tomb that morning. They left their homes full of despair and pain and grief but returned full of joy and hope! You can be free from what is keeping you from seeing Jesus too! Maybe you just need a change of focus...

I Am: The WAY. The TRUTH. The LIFE!

Has your life gone the way you planned? Maybe you believed the lie that you weren't good enough or that you could find freedom in things that soon eslaved and addicted you. Maybe you're thinking that life just isn't worth much anymore... There is a man named Jesus who can show you the WAY, will always tell you the TRUTH and wants desperately to give you Real Life!

I Am: part 4 - The Good Shepherd

Jesus is The Good Shepherd and as our Good Shepherd fills two rolls that no one else can, we'll look at these and what Jesus wants so much he was willing to die to get it.

I Am: your Access to Peace

In John 10 Jesus says that He is "the GATE." But what does that mean? A metal gate? Chainlink, wood? In this message we'll take a look at what Jesus meant by the gate and how we can move through it.

I Am: The Light of the World

In this message we'll look at Jesus claim that He is the Light of the World. We'll also see how we fit into this as reflectors of His light.

I Am: The Bread of Life

Many things have been written and said about the man Jesus Christ. But if we truly want to know Him, we must seek to know what He said about Himself. What did the Great I Am say about Himself? Join us to find out...

FANATIC: week 2 - What is Worship... continued

We continue Fanatic with week 2 as we discusss what worship looks like and how and when we worship. Do you ever get burned out with all the stuff you have to do, even on Sunday? Do you ever "check out" of worship? Let this message rekindle your fire for worship.

FANATIC: week 1 - What is Worship?

In this message we discuss what worship is from a quick look at worship in the Old Testament, New Testament from a traditional view and contemporary view of worship. Worship may not mean what you think it means... join us as we ask the question, What is Worship?

Just a thought about the prodigals...

I was reading in Luke 15 for today's bible reading and was struck by something that I hadn't noticed before...
I suppose that I am not too different from most, or at least many Christians. We have the ability to, quite smugly, look down our noses at those we might call "prodigals." People who have run away from God, or never were with Him in the first place. You know what I mean. Makes us feel better about our own sin when we see someone who has REAL issues.
But I wonder if there are any redeeming qualities there? When we look at those who are not a part of our "group" and make judgements about them are they mostly on the negative side? I think so. But what if we were to look a little deeper...
As I was reading the prodigal son story again, for the like the bazilionth time I noticed something I hadn't before - well, I'd read it a ton of times but it struck me different this time. It's a small thing, maybe insignificant...but maybe not. Here's a kid that we want to be disgusted by (I'll recount the reasons to dislike him). He brazenly asked for a portion of the inheritance that he should have only received upon his father's death or near death. Jerk. He took the money and took off, leaving his father and brother to do the work while he partied. Jerk. He apparently took his father's money and spent it on prostitutes, according to his brother. Perv. He gets in a bind and expects his father to bail him out...even if it is as a slave.
We want to hear the father say something like, "well, you're a little presumptuous aren't you? You come work and slave and do all the dirty jobs and I'll think about letting you come back." But I'm getting off track.
I noticed today that when the prodigal was away from home, broke and working for pennies in a job he must have hated and been humiliated by (even the prostitutes were makin' more money - though they wouldn't even give him the time of day now!) he didn't steal from his boss...or the pigs for that matter. Did you ever notice that? Jesus tells us that he "longed to fill his stomach with the pods the pigs were eating...but no one gave him anything." He was so hungry he would eat pig slop... but he didn't, even though no one else would give him anything to eat. Now, I'm guessing a little that if the guy who bought him as a slave was able to afford someone to feed his pigs he must have been well off and probably had lots of pigs. If this assumption is true the pigs would be kept in a pen away from the home and probably outside the city on a pig farm of some kind. So the boy would have had ample opportunity to steal, but he doesn't. Even though he is extremely hungry, he doesn't.
There are many Christians who will inadvertently take a candy bar from Wall-mart, forget to pay for it and not go back into the store. Or, in other words, steal a candy bar. But this boy wouldn't do it. Maybe he remembered some story his dad told about being honest, about character or what it means to be a man. Maybe that is why he eventually decides to go home and face the music... lucky for him he had the greatest Father in the world!
So my thought this evening is this, maybe I ought to spend a little more time looking for the redeeming instead of the condemning. Maybe you'll join me?

HOSTAGE: part 5 - Anger

What is it that really makes you mad? Did you know that there is righteous anger and unrighteous anger? Which one do you think you spend most of your time with? That's what I thought...me too. But there are some steps we can take to minimize the unrighteous kind in our lives. Remember that anger is not bad in itself, it's what you do with it and how you display it that makes it bad... or good.

HOSTAGE: part 6 - New Creation

You don't have to be held hostage any longer! The Truth in Christ is that you are FREE! The old has gone the new has come and you are a NEW CREATION!!!! Now you just have to live like it!

Hostage 4: Anger

Do you struggle with anger? In this message you'll learn how to begin to turn that part of your life around. The emotion of anger does not have to control your life anymore. What makes you angry?

HOSTAGE 3 - Addiction

This week we take at look what it's like to be held hostage to addictions. I'll bet if you thought about it for a minute you'd find something you are addicted to. Fishing? Television? Texting or Internet? Or maybe it's more destructive then that, pornography. drugs or sexual addiction. You've tried to stop but you just haven't been able to. Maybe today is your day to break free. Maybe tomorrow you won't be a HOSTAGE any longer. It's YOUR time!

HOSTAGE 2 - Worry

We’re all held hostage by something...what is your captor? Maybe it’s fear, pride, lust, or even jealousy. The good news is that our ransom has been paid in full. Join us for Hostage and discover how to truly break free, once and for all.