I Just Have To

Here's my cute niece.





Yep, here's a few more pics from VBS. Do you think I'd stop at 7 or 8?

It's Over!

Yes it is done!
I survived but I think I got the cold of one of my boys. Ughhh. Come to find out Mrs. Holly got slimed! Here are some pics to show the experience of VBS.
Holly being slimed!!!

VBS Almost Over

Today is the last day and as always...I am glad it's finally over but wish it would never end! Yesterday was just as good as the day before. I was refreshed and ready when it started. The day went without a hitch. The boys were good (most of the time) and I got to hear about Jamaica again. I went there on a missions trip in 2002 and met our Bible story teller and her family when they were missionaries down there. She never confirmed remembering me when they started coming to our church but today she said I was down there to the kids. It was a special story time indeed! They are a great family and the time we had in Jamaica was special. She told of having to sell everything to go there and having to return a year later with nowhere to live. God took care of her. It was so cool to be connected to that story and the boys could hear how God takes care of you if you trust in Him.
Today will be a big day for the kids with games, hot dogs, a special guest, and of course we find out who gets slimed... the children's pastor or his wife? The kids have a contest to see who gives the most money to missions (BGMC) the boys or the girls. If the boys win the wife gets it. If the girls win Pastor gets it. Yeah, like the women would let her get slimed! 3 years in a row Pastor has been a hot dog, a sundae and pied in the face! It's rigged I tell ya.

The Middle of VBS

Oh man, I was tired and not wanting to do anything for VBS yesterday. I knew the kids would be there and they need me. I brought a pop with me today for a little extra pep, took 2 aspirin, and asked for prayer. Little did I know I would have my most energetic day yet! I interacted with the boys like I should have been and knew God was using me. I was injected with Holy Spirit juice and had no ill effects. It's funny how when it was over I felt the pain again and lost that spring in my step.
How much do we depend on God instead of trying to get through it? You know how it is going to be and you react to everything that confirms this way of thinking. I was prayed over and believed with action that I could do it and I wasn't going to give them anything less than 100%. If I'm going to be there just to get through it, I should just stay home because those kids need what we are giving them. They need to know God is real and He's not boring. Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers and giving those kids what they so desperately need!

VBS Day 2

Well, I am tired and in some pain. I will get through this day regardless. Yesterday was less than I expected in my opportunities but I saw God at work and was touched at the Bible story. There were two times I saw God at work where I knew it was God. The first was the Bible story when the story teller was sharing how much she loved Jesus and how much He loves us. I was remembering a time in her life when her world turned upside down. She needed to function but it was noticeable that something was wrong. Today I saw her joyful and connecting in a way that made Jesus real to the boys. I actually teared up because I could feel Jesus sharing how much He loved us. The other time was when my fellow guide took a boy up in his arms to show him the love of Jesus. I was blown away because he didn't seem like he would do that kind of thing. I thought I would be that special friend to love them but my prayers were answered through this man.
I am not living up to my expectations but the week is not done and I still show them Jesus when I set the example and encourage them. Jesus will have to keep me focused today because I am a little out of it.

VBS 2008

That week of the year is upon us once again. My church is putting on the funnest time you can have in church (in my humble opinion). We have 6 stations to rotate between: Missions (my fav), craft, games, snack, Bible story, and music. They have us start and finish in the main sanctuary. This year we are split up in so many separate groups that it's easy to handle. I am in charge of first grade boys. My title is 'guide' and I make sure we get to each station on time and uninjured (which is not that easy for first graders!)
Yesterday went by really fast. I have the yearly usual couple of boys that will require most of my attention. I was caught a little off guard this year because I haven't been teaching for 6 months. I think it was a God thing because I was able to see it from a distance and analyze what needs done. I am learning how to be a Godly man both from a men's book study and God Himself. I am learning how many different areas in my life have needed improvement and this one can also be added to the list.
Being a leader is difficult when you don't lead. I have been a great sympathizer but the example ends there. In Royal Rangers, our Christian scouting program on Wednesdays, the boys would 'act up' and I would try to rally them back and continue without punishment. There were times however where punishment was necessary. They needed to have fun but not be out of control. I was a weak leader, husband, co-worker, and Christian. I passed the buck instead of stopping the buck and taking care of what needed fixed. Now that I see where I failed and was weak, I can build upon my abilities and correctly minister the way God intends and the way He specifically wants to minister to each child individually. I need wisdom and discernment for this to happen. I also cannot let problems escalate. The buck must stop here and that is where discernment will be needed the most because this is where Jesus will be seen, righteous and loving.
I can't wait to see what Jesus has in store for these boys and me. I am now a living example for the boys and my co-working guides. I can be an influence to show how Jesus really is to them and boys that never go to church will know Jesus loves them because I did my part. The responsibility is mine and I am fully aware. Help me Jesus!

The Cost of Worship

I was listening to a podcast sermon and had to post an important point here. The verses on this portion of the sermon are:
II Samuel: 21-24
Araunah said, "Why has my lord the king come to his servant?" "To buy your threshing floor," David answered, "so I can build an altar to the LORD, that the plague on the people may be stopped." Araunah said to David, "Let my lord the king take whatever pleases him and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. O king, Araunah gives all this to the king." Araunah also said to him, "May the LORD your God accept you." But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.

The sermon tells us of a women that was to have a baby. In the process of a checkup the doctor found cancer and proceed to tell her that it was so far advanced that she needed Chemotherapy within a week to be able to survive. Of course he told her she needed to abort the baby because the therapy would destroy the baby. She she, "I will have this baby whether I live or die." The doctor told her that by waiting until after birth there was no chance of survival. She told him that she'd take her chances.
She went on to have the baby and soon after she died. The pastor proceeded to say he was sad. He said, "What's really grieving isn't so much that she died so that her child could live but that people live with nothing to die for." Until you have something to die for, you don't really live.
We have chosen the low road and live selfishly. We make choices with the intent of preserving ourselves. What would make it easier to deal with, instead of, what is the right thing to do? She could have had that abortion and lived. People would have thought that was the noble thing to do because the baby would have suffered. How many of us could make that choice right now? I don't know if I could and I'm a guy.
The true point to this post is to make the hard decisions. Let your sacrifices to God cost you something or they mean nothing. I have been in that rut quite often and need reminded that love without some cost, some sacrifice and/or action does not mean anything. I get that wakeup call every so often from my wife. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I pay for it later. Listening is much better!

Our Missionaries

Here's a picture of the gift that was given to us by our Missionaries from Turkey. Their names are Jake and Katie Baker. It's an actual 3"x5" rug from Turkey in a frame. We met them yesterday at Chili's and talked for about an hour. The first and last time we had seen them was 3 and a half years ago. Some friends referred them to us for support and since that time we have been getting a newsletter updating us on their progress. They are through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. It was so awesome to see them again. They brought their nine month old baby with them. What a little cutie! He was so good and only cried a little when he hit his head. We talked about how they're doing and some of the things that have happened. They have been very successful and could become leaders to new teams over there. They have led some to the Lord and knew two converted muslims that died for preaching the Gospel. They have trusted God with money, housing, and healing. They continue to move forward despite the desire to stay home in the USA with family they haven't seen in three years.
Missions is a major love of mine. God put it on my heart and I have given into it. I love talking about, giving to, and praying for missions. I loved our conversation, we shared our victories, struggles, and gifts from God. It was a two way conversation where we both had prayer requests at the end. They were real people with a real life. It's so cool to have our own missionaries we know and support. Giving through our church is impersonal and we can't decide to change the amount we give to them by ourselves. I am on the missions awareness team that helps direct where our funds go but it is a group effort. Needs that I feel may need attention may not be seen the same way with the others. We vote on almost every decision and usually agree. To have the missionary call and invite you to dinner just to talk is very different and special. I look forward to seeing them again. Praise God for His workers!

Encourage Me

Encouragement is something I know something about. God gave me this gift and I try to use it as much as possible. On the flip side I see where it is lacking and how much people need it.
Recently, I have been dealing with changes in my life that involve communication and dealing with things by asking for help and/or prayer. I'm learning that by talking with people you find out you're not alone, they care, and things aren't as bad as your head makes them out to be. I am learning we need each other. We need to lift each other up and take time to listen.
Also in my travels I have been noticing how people visit blogs but leave no comments. What an opportunity to encourage somebody. Even if you just say "hi" you're letting them know you care. If something makes you laugh, cry, nod your head, say amen, or make you mad let them know. If they are asking for a reply or sound like they need cheering up, give them what they need.
If God ever reminds you of somebody you haven't thought about in a while, call them or write a letter. A letter or a card really can mean a lot in an email/text message world. During Christmas your card will stand out from the rest just by saying something simple and heartfelt. You always get cards that say love, the Smiths or just Jim and Karen. It will mean so much more if you added, thanks for all the great times we had this year hope we can do the same next year too.
Being an encourager is not as easy as it seems. I get discouraged all the time and need encouraged too. To be encouraged revitalizes you and awakens who you really are. You feel good and want to give that feeling to others.
I believe people are saying "encourage me" on the inside, I know I feel this way. I want reassured and accepted. Sometimes we lose focus and the little encouragement we get from a friend clears everything up. However if we stay in that self-centered do-it-myself world nobody gets anywhere. So encourage somebody today, see how many days in a row you can say something that makes somebody smile. It's one of my favorite feelings to have, to encourage another.

The Secret Things of God- Book Review

Today's review is on 'The Secret Things of God-Unlocking the Treasures Reserved For You' by Henry Cloud. He is a psychologist and writes from this perspective with his faith. This book is a Christian answer to Rhonda Byrne's 'The Secret'. -"In that book, Byrne explores our relationship to the universe and how understanding what lies beyond the veil drastically affects our lives, relationships, and goals. The fact that millions have responded to The Secret shows the deep hunger we all have for two things: one, we all want to understand the nature of the universe and those things beyond what we can see; and, two, we all have a hunger for principles and practices that make life work."
He bases this book on I Corinthians 4:1 'Regard us... as those entrusted with the secret things of God.' He starts out with his testimony, others he influenced and how it changes his approach to presenting God, and how he learns what is in us. He goes through many hangups we have and how to get past them. Many of them have to do with our upbringing.
I listened to the unabridged audio book. The first cd is boring and goes through how this book came about. A lot of it is stuff you already know. Then he moves on to the actual 'secrets' and you hear the psychobabble... or so I thought. I am not into the psychological answers but spiritual. However the more I listened to him the more God worked in my heart and showed me stuff in my life that needs fixed and how the stuff got there. The timing for this book in my life was perfect because I'm willing to hear from God to make my life more like Jesus. I listened to the third cd three times and still need to listen to it again to grasp all the stuff in it to change the patterns in my life.
I almost stopped listening after the first cd. That would have been a colossal mistake. Read/listen to this book, it will show you how far you've come, need to go, and deceived you have let yourself become.
The secrets involve your relationship to God and others such as trust, happiness, thoughts, freedom, pain, forgiveness, applying the Word, choices/lessons, listening, anger, purpose, accomplishment, intimacy, and guilt.
This book in bringing us to 'unlocking the treasures reserved for us' is really bringing us to God and in doing so makes us change, grow, look at ourselves, and face the truth, accept it, or reject it. To fulfill our true purpose here on earth we need real relationships with each other and most importantly with God. Living a secluded life guessing at what it's all about leaves us deceived and unhappy. However like the reason this blog exists, we can be open and honest to fix the problems and become who God made us to be.
I rate this book 10 out of 10. You cannot read through this book without being changed or at least in a position to do so. You may be faced with uncomfortable things you need to look at in your life, but in doing that you grow closer to God and have peace and contentment afterwards.

Microbursts!-Book Review

Microbursts!-Devotions with a Unique Look into the Power of God in Everyday Life, is a book published by Lion and Lamb Publications and written by DaNella J. Auten. I would give this book my highest recommendation. It is a true devotional that connects you with God but it is also a look into a young woman's life so far. She shares her upbringing, her marriage, school, children, friends, mentors, and much more. No matter what you'll be able to connect with her 'microbursts'. Each one is a devotional from her everyday life. Some are funny, others are serious, some are stories, and even others are reflective.
I like the way she uses stuff in her own life to see God. It encourages us to do the same. It the end she even invites us to write her with our own 'Microbursts'. Some of my favorites are: Candy Coated Onions, Milkshake Theology, God's Biscuits, and Three Glass Shelves. There is even one called Iron Sharpens Iron! So that alone is worth the price of admission:-)
There is either one or two pages for each devotion. You can easily read one or two a day and be refreshed in the Lord. I love the style this is written in because you get the point every time. I always read more than one because one of them usually made me laugh either because it was just plain funny or because I could relate to the example.
The price is around $15 plus shipping. The good part about the money she makes: "50% of all proceeds from Microbursts by the Masses will be split evenly among the following two charities:

• Life Outreach International...www.lifetoday.org &
• Big Oak Ranch...www.bigoak.org"

Conclusion...on a scale of one to ten (ten being the best) I rate it a ten!!! It makes a great gift too!
I do have to confess that I know the author via the internet, but that in no way influences my review. I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered it, but after reading the book I was pleasantly surprised and heard from God through these devotions!

It is Well

I originally wanted to start this post by calling it 'Frustration'. Needless to say God turned it around pretty quickly! I was frustrated with several areas in life. Things were just being difficult and irritating. Since originally wanting to post this God has revealed some of these frustrations being rooted in my selfish ways (surprise, surprise!!).
Well as the title reads, It is well! I went to a men's Bible study and then to a follow up meeting that allows us men to talk about our problems, victories and application of the Word and the study into our lives. As recently posted in 'revival' I wrote out the whole ordeal. Leaving that get together, I felt connected to men that are just like me. They love the Lord and fight to strive to live like they do. Talking about God with others that love Him is such a rush! We get going on how He works and how good He really is. We tell of what He's telling us and what He does as we trust in Him. Afterwards the joy is overflowing and pondering begins. You start thinking of how else God can move and what He will do. How close to the Bible are we living? And on and on it goes. We just sit there with a big smile on our face because it is well!
I was going to work that night and it got me thinking about what I like. I had the windows down a clear road and K-Love on the radio. After that meeting I was in heaven with this combination of things. I just love driving fast with the wind flying through my hair or just the breeze on my face. The warm summer night and the fresh air, ahhhhhhh!!! Listening to David Crowder, Newsboys, and other bands that sing of God's mercy and goodness. All the while I'm thinking how good God is and how He's going to use me. I love you Jesus!!! You are soooo good.
It is well indeed!!

Time Lapse

I've been experiencing challenging times as of late. God's been correcting some areas in my life
and I've been doing things to improve my marriage and walk with God. None of these are easy. You have to face things you have been doing wrong for years. Something you didn't know was wrong. Something maybe you knew was wrong but accepted. Something ignored because it was easier to do nothing than deal with it.
It's time to become excellent, to rise above mediocrity and be all God has created you for. So you set out to do this and through prayer and faith things are working out fairly easy. However, the course of time brings ups and downs. There is a time and a season for everything. The season I seem to have the hardest time with is when there is a time lapse. What I mean by this is things are going great and everything is working out like you feel it should, but then you don't hear from God that morning. You send someone an email that could potentially be taken offensively because it is corrective or calling them to live a little higher in their calling. You feel strongly that it was from God but you are imperfect and mistakes have happened before. You check your email with no response 5x more than normal anticipating their response hoping that God was behind your words. Could I have lost a friend by trusting in God? There is a time lapse where you have to chose between the thoughts rising in your head and the trust you have from hearing His voice.
It tends to work this way in many choices you make. You believe the direction you go in is from God but then you don't get a confirmation. You may even get the opposite reaction. People may think you're crazy or a radical or just plain wrong. They may question your very relationship with God. Time lapse...what's next? back away and hide from the faith you were courageous enough to walk in or have patience until God comes through bigger than you ever imagined?
You can follow those thoughts of unbelief down the road to depression, confusion, and hopelessness. You can let it spiral downward getting worse and worse letting it capture you until you believe there is no escape. You don't trust anybody and everything is somebody else's fault. The other choice is to fight those thoughts and feed your mind and heart on the Word of God, prayer, other Christians, and walking out that faith until what is promised in the Bible comes to fruition.
Time lapses are a faith builder and what God uses to make you stronger. It's easier to give up and not move forward, not take chances, not get hurt, and not be wrong, but you will never be the person God created you to be. That is a pain harder to live with than any other. To ignore who you are is the greatest tragedy of all. Jesus would have made the ultimate sacrifice for nothing.
Trust Him at all times especially when it feels like He left you.

Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Dueteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Hebrews 13:5,6 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"

Revival

When I think of revival I think about Azuza Street, Brownsville, and The Toronto Airport. I also think about Smith Wigglesworth, Oral Roberts, and Charles Finney. I think of miracles, people shaking, falling down, healings, and services that last all night and all week long. I think of how revival happens through prayer, fasting, and repentance. Then I wonder what it will take for "revival" to happen in my church or a nearby church. How much prayer is needed? Do we need more repentance? Is unity not deep enough to invite the Holy Spirit to move in a mighty way? What's wrong with my church, community, or me that is stopping a move of God to sweep into the pews of a church within driving distance? Is our country to far gone to revive? Why not???

Well maybe many of you think about revival the same way, but I want to present to you a new way to look at it. I recently wrote an email to a friend telling of a group of men in our church gathering together to become 'Maximized Men'-a book by Ed Cole. A new group has begun following this group that is an intimate setting for us to share our faults, victories, and concerns. It is a help to keep us accountable and growing. These are men willing to go the extra mile to fix their marriage, relationship with God, and issues that are keeping us from all God has for us. Here is that email:

"The men's group was awesome as usual. Tonight we had a new group starting for just 4 of us. One guy wasn't there. Three of us met up and discussed our growing in God and our marriages. It was so intimate and refreshing. I think God is giving revival to His own. We confessed our state and what is going on in us and what we are doing to fix or build upon it. All 4 of us last week met to start this and ALL of us connected in ways unique compared to anything I've ever seen or heard about. This week was no different. Come to find out MY email had something to do with it. By confessing my weakness the guys could relate with it and it's brought up things in our lives that God is dealing with and revealing to us. The amazing thing is God is working all this out in our lives at the same time. He is drawing us out of our lazy self-centered lives to become the priests of our homes and then outwardly to the community. I really find it amazing how much I have in common with other guys. In this group guys are admitting they are sensitive and emotional. We also are striving to build each other up and live differently to become what God created us for. This is revival. We want to change more than avoid the pain like we have all along. It ain't all about us!! I am so excited. I can really see something building in us and in the way God wants to do His plan for His church."

I am seeing from this email how God is giving revival to us individually and bringing us together to confirm what is happening. I am so encouraged by this. I see hope and victory ahead of us. I can see this group being a catalyst to attract change in all of us at my church.

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
On our own we are no match for our enemy. He will defeat us 7 different ways. However, through sharing our needs and prayer, victory is ours for the taking. Speaking for myself, I have increased stamina to continue doing what's right instead of just giving up. I have less pain doing things that normally would drive me nuts. I am also noticing a recognition for my efforts and an increased pleasurable attitude instead of a 'whatever' attitude.
God is showing me revival begins with us. We need to be revived to live right at home, on the job, in the community, and in the church. The 'what's the least I can do and still be happy' attitude is over. To live a Godly life blessed from being obedient and unselfish takes courage and a team effort. Pride comes before a fall. How great that fall will be if we don't stop and see the brick wall we are driving into. Until we humble ourselves and let go of our plans and ideas, we will not have freedom, peace and contentment. We will always want more and never have enough. Revival acknowledges God for who He is and as we trust Him we have victory through the trials. Trusting Him, when everything is falling apart and we have no answers, is revival. Putting God first is revival. Putting others before us is revival. I can't wait to see what God has in store next for us. Wait and see...

Political Awareness

Just thought I'd put it out there that I started a political blog. Like I got time to do that! I feel passionately about some things in the political arena and I would like to help make others aware of what is happening or what you can do to change the way things are or could happen. We as a free country cannot sit back at let be whatever will be. If something is against God and His word, we should stop it. To know what is right and not do it is sin.
I choose to start this blog instead of posting here because I thought my ranting was taking away from the 'Sharpening' I'm trying to do here. If I feel something is important enough or there is an easy way for you to participate in a process to fight for or against something of significance, I will bring it up and point you to a solution or my other blog. I don't get into political discussions and don't even care about most governmental things, but if it is something that God forbids or calls us to do I will at least try to communicate or participate to make the right choice and fight if necessary. It will be opinionated and informational. God politics per say.

Awareness

Here's a buzz word for this age we live in today. People are trying to make things more aware to people. Cancer awareness, spiritual awareness, self awareness, brand awareness, and we have awareness ribbons, awareness quotes and we even have awareness months. How has awareness effected me, you may not be asking right now? I'll tell you anyway, awareness is a state of knowing something that has been there all along but never noticed. This year has and continues to be a year of change. In order for change to occur I needed to become aware that I needed changed. The things that hindered me were the very things I held on to because I thought they made me feel better. I needed to become aware of the true situation and change and/or remove some things that made life more difficult. To ignore something does not make it go away.
What awareness has God revealed to you? My top three are:

1. Pride (still finding new stuff all the time)
2. Selfishness (kind of parallel with number one)
3. My true state in relationships (which probably covers 3-10)

I think if we become aware through people, we become offended and don't learn anything. When God does it we might not listen because we're too busy, don't think it was God, or we just don't accept it. When God speaks into our heart, we should listen because it is truth and could change us for the better. The message Sunday in church was removal. What thing do we need to remove? This goes hand-in-hand with awareness. If no action is taken, then nothing is gained. Here are some verses that show consequences for not changing:

• Galatians 6:4-5 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
• Titus 1:16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
• James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
• I John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

So I challenge you today. Ask the Holy Spirit to make aware the things that are holding you back from all God has for you. Then take action to fix those things. Don't turn from the truth and become 'unfit for doing anything good.'