God has given every one of us a passion for something. He has gifted us for a particular purpose. He has called us to do something for Him that would be impossible without His calling and provision. Recently, I have been focusing on a particular verse in the book of Colossians; and I have realized that the passion God has given me is all about what this verse describes:
"Him we proclaim, warning everyone, and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." - Colossians 1:28
This fits with my life mission: "My dream is to help people take the next step in their spiritual journey."
This is why I have a great passion to be a pastor again, so that this is what I can devote myself to full-time. I don't of any greater privilege, then to pastor a group of people, and help them grow in Christ. Not only that, but I get to help a group of people see others come to Christ and we all get to help them grow as well.
More than just sharing the gospel and seeing people saved, discipleship is about the entire process of helping people become more fully devoted followers of Christ. My desire is to keep maturing in Christ until He takes me home; and until then, I want to help as many people as possible take their next steps toward Christ as well. As far as I am concerned, there is no greater way to spend one's life. No matter where we are, or what we do for a "living", we can take the next step in our spiritual journey, and help someone else do the same. We can all live out the truth and challenge of Colossians 1:28.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
LIGHTHOUSE
It was one of our dreams as parents: to take a family mission trip before our oldest graduated. For years we have been thinking and praying about it; and then the time came closer, and we were wondering how God was going to work it out. Our living circumstances changed, and our financial situation was not pretty. And yet, God came through! Although we originally hoped to take an overseas trip, and have our kids see real poverty, God had something else in mind. He kept us here in the States, and tuned our hearts into some very needy people, in a very different way.
Last week, we had the privilege and opportunity to go on a family mission trip to Lighthouse Family Retreat in the panhandle of Florida. They are a special organization that serves families living through childhood cancer. And they do an amazing job. This is was our first experience with them; and it was so positive and made such an impact on us, that we would love to go back. Our family had to raise almost $3,000, but God provided through the generosity of family and friends and through some money we had saved for a trip such as this. Raising funds allows Lighthouse to invite families dealing with cancer in their children to come experience a week of retreat at no charge.
The houses that are shared are on the beach and are beautiful. Although that is different than housing arrangements on most mission trips, it is fitting that these precious families get to enjoy these incredible vacation homes in this incredible location for a week of their lives. They really do a great job treating these families with special care during this week. They give the parents an opportunity every day to meet with the other parents while we took care of their children. They had a parents night out, where a local, very nice restaurant, gave those parents a free meal. And there were many other cool things they did to make the week very meaningful for the families (including a talent show, featuring their children, and a slide show featuring these special families).
We had plenty to do, in order to serve during the week. We helped with one of the meals each day, and during every meal, we served a particular family we were matched with. Our family was matched with a family that had 6 kids of their own and had been missionaries in India. Their 9 year old son was now going through his second round of cancer and chemotherapy. Our hearts were touched, and in a very short time, we felt very close to this family. It was our privilege to help set up their home every morning and night and to serve them in any way we could throughout the day. We also were able to serve many of the other families in small and big ways each day.
The most encouraging thing that we, as parents, experienced, was to see and hear good things about how each of our children served during the week. They each, in their own way, gave of themselves and invested their time and energy in serving others. That meant alot to us. I think they realized that when you give of yourself in serving others, you gain quite a bit yourself; and God uses those experiences to change you. We are very grateful for the experience God have us, and know it will have a lasting impact on our family. I would highly recommend Lighthouse to anyone looking to make a difference and to experience important, personal change as well.
Last week, we had the privilege and opportunity to go on a family mission trip to Lighthouse Family Retreat in the panhandle of Florida. They are a special organization that serves families living through childhood cancer. And they do an amazing job. This is was our first experience with them; and it was so positive and made such an impact on us, that we would love to go back. Our family had to raise almost $3,000, but God provided through the generosity of family and friends and through some money we had saved for a trip such as this. Raising funds allows Lighthouse to invite families dealing with cancer in their children to come experience a week of retreat at no charge.
The houses that are shared are on the beach and are beautiful. Although that is different than housing arrangements on most mission trips, it is fitting that these precious families get to enjoy these incredible vacation homes in this incredible location for a week of their lives. They really do a great job treating these families with special care during this week. They give the parents an opportunity every day to meet with the other parents while we took care of their children. They had a parents night out, where a local, very nice restaurant, gave those parents a free meal. And there were many other cool things they did to make the week very meaningful for the families (including a talent show, featuring their children, and a slide show featuring these special families).
We had plenty to do, in order to serve during the week. We helped with one of the meals each day, and during every meal, we served a particular family we were matched with. Our family was matched with a family that had 6 kids of their own and had been missionaries in India. Their 9 year old son was now going through his second round of cancer and chemotherapy. Our hearts were touched, and in a very short time, we felt very close to this family. It was our privilege to help set up their home every morning and night and to serve them in any way we could throughout the day. We also were able to serve many of the other families in small and big ways each day.
The most encouraging thing that we, as parents, experienced, was to see and hear good things about how each of our children served during the week. They each, in their own way, gave of themselves and invested their time and energy in serving others. That meant alot to us. I think they realized that when you give of yourself in serving others, you gain quite a bit yourself; and God uses those experiences to change you. We are very grateful for the experience God have us, and know it will have a lasting impact on our family. I would highly recommend Lighthouse to anyone looking to make a difference and to experience important, personal change as well.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday, today, to Alex and Isabella: 18 years old!
Alex and Isabella,
It is so hard to believe that, today, you are 18 years old. I guess we have to accept it: you are growing up and almost gone from our home. I want you both to know how grateful we are to God for bringing you into our family so many years ago. We have watched you grow up, and have seen God's work on your lives. There have been many challenges, but those are all a part of growing up. In fact, I wish I could tell you the challenges lessen or get easier as you get older; but I would be lying. The key is that God will help you through your challenges in the future, as He always has. He has used you in these years, and He has great plans to use you for His glory in the future. You just need to walk with Him.
Alex, we are so proud of you, as you signed up for the Navy and get ready to head to boot camp soon. Although it will be hard not having you here everyday, we know this is what God has planned for you; and we are excited to see how He grows and uses you during this next stage of life.
Isabella, we are also proud of you. We know this senior year has not been the easiest, but you have persevered and it is almost over. We hope you can do what you would like, as far as college next year; but if God has something else for you, even staying around home for awhile, we would be in favor of it! We know He will lead and guide you, as He has planned.
I hope you both enjoy your special birthday, and that this next year will be one of incredible blessing from God on your lives!
Love,
Dad
Alex and Isabella,
It is so hard to believe that, today, you are 18 years old. I guess we have to accept it: you are growing up and almost gone from our home. I want you both to know how grateful we are to God for bringing you into our family so many years ago. We have watched you grow up, and have seen God's work on your lives. There have been many challenges, but those are all a part of growing up. In fact, I wish I could tell you the challenges lessen or get easier as you get older; but I would be lying. The key is that God will help you through your challenges in the future, as He always has. He has used you in these years, and He has great plans to use you for His glory in the future. You just need to walk with Him.
Alex, we are so proud of you, as you signed up for the Navy and get ready to head to boot camp soon. Although it will be hard not having you here everyday, we know this is what God has planned for you; and we are excited to see how He grows and uses you during this next stage of life.
Isabella, we are also proud of you. We know this senior year has not been the easiest, but you have persevered and it is almost over. We hope you can do what you would like, as far as college next year; but if God has something else for you, even staying around home for awhile, we would be in favor of it! We know He will lead and guide you, as He has planned.
I hope you both enjoy your special birthday, and that this next year will be one of incredible blessing from God on your lives!
Love,
Dad
Saturday, March 30, 2013
GOOD FRIDAY
Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Good Friday service at Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA. It is where we have been attending church this past year, and we love Good Friday services. But, not having attending this one before, we didn't know what to expect. Last year's, up in Avon, Ohio, was amazing; so my expectations were not very high. We arrived late, so we sat in the balcony. On the main floor, they had moved the chairs, semi-circle, around the cross, and there were many candles surrounding it. The speaker, Shane Freeman (discipleship pastor) spoke near the cross and helped us focus on what Jesus did for us there.
The most meaningful part of the service was when everyone was invited to come down and celebrate communion, individually, or as a family, around the cross. Some partook elsewhere on the main floor; but I wanted us, as a family, to be near the cross. While music played, we waited in line...and then got our turn. We all knelt together, near the cross, and held our bread and cup in our hands. I leaned over and prayed and we took the bread. I prayed again, and we took the cup. It didn't last long, but long enough to pray silently as well, alone. We also sang, all together, about the blood and the cross. It was all about Jesus, and I am grateful for the Good Friday experience we had as a family.
The most meaningful part of the service was when everyone was invited to come down and celebrate communion, individually, or as a family, around the cross. Some partook elsewhere on the main floor; but I wanted us, as a family, to be near the cross. While music played, we waited in line...and then got our turn. We all knelt together, near the cross, and held our bread and cup in our hands. I leaned over and prayed and we took the bread. I prayed again, and we took the cup. It didn't last long, but long enough to pray silently as well, alone. We also sang, all together, about the blood and the cross. It was all about Jesus, and I am grateful for the Good Friday experience we had as a family.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
911
As I have been waiting for God's placement for ministry, during this time of transition, I have been open to other types of work; especially to provide for my family. One such opportunity came as a 911 operator in Atlanta. The whole process was fascinating. My application was 48 pages long. My drive to and from each meeting during this process was about an hour each way. The first scheduled meeting was an exam, which was 1.5 hours long and put us in simulated emergency call situations. That was fun. Then I was called back, after passing the exam, and invited to enter the background investigation process, which could last up to 6 months. One part of that process was to go in and have an initial interview with a detective, who would be doing my background investigation. They had a 911 operator come in and tell us what it is like, to be under that kind of stress during a 10 hour shift. Every phone call they answer has the potential of being life or death, and the operator has a huge, critical role to fill.
This is the kind of job that fits my type of personality. If you are already a high stress person, don't apply for this job! I admire those who work in these types of environment, and serve our communities. It was interesting. That day, we also filled out a lot of paperwork, and were answering questions about prior drug/alcohol use, criminal activity, etc. They kept emphasizing, detective after detective, who spoke, that the most important thing we need to do is tell the truth - the whole truth. If we had some problems in the past with these things, we wound not necessarily be disqualified from the job. But, if we lied about any of these things, and they found out, we would be disqualified. And they also emphasized - they will find out! These detectives work in the background department and this is what they do - and they're good at it. They also emphasized being on time, and even being early to every shift. I really like the organization, discipline and order that a job like this demands and expects.
As they continued to do the background, they would let us know if they wanted to continue with us. The last time I went was for a type of lie detector test and fingerprinting. I don't remember ever being fingerprinted, and it was a little more difficult than I thought - computer related. The lie detector test was a voice stress analysis test. They ask simple questions like: "are you sitting down", along with the ones they really want to know, like: "have you ever used illegal drugs"? And to test the system and how I respond when I lie, they have me purposely lie, to a question like: "Am I wearing a watch", to which I am to respond by lying. That was the last appointment I went to. The next thing that took place this last week, was that they offered me the job, as long as I came to the other 2 appointments set up for me; and then be able to begin April 29th. I had to say no. It was very appealing; but they made it clear that there would be no time off for months; and that just wouldn't work.
Not only do I have another job I want to keep, I need to be free to follow God's calling, that is so clear: to pastor again. I would not be able, at least for the next several months, to go meet with churches and pursue that calling. I was hoping the process would take a lot longer, but it is all in God' timing and sovereignty. I knew I had to say no.I am grateful for going through the process; but all the more excited about the real passion God has placed on my heart. I may not be able to save many physical lives, but I can be a part of something (as a career) that lasts for eternity: pointing people to the One who can save them forever. God bless those who work for 911 - for the important job they do!
This is the kind of job that fits my type of personality. If you are already a high stress person, don't apply for this job! I admire those who work in these types of environment, and serve our communities. It was interesting. That day, we also filled out a lot of paperwork, and were answering questions about prior drug/alcohol use, criminal activity, etc. They kept emphasizing, detective after detective, who spoke, that the most important thing we need to do is tell the truth - the whole truth. If we had some problems in the past with these things, we wound not necessarily be disqualified from the job. But, if we lied about any of these things, and they found out, we would be disqualified. And they also emphasized - they will find out! These detectives work in the background department and this is what they do - and they're good at it. They also emphasized being on time, and even being early to every shift. I really like the organization, discipline and order that a job like this demands and expects.
As they continued to do the background, they would let us know if they wanted to continue with us. The last time I went was for a type of lie detector test and fingerprinting. I don't remember ever being fingerprinted, and it was a little more difficult than I thought - computer related. The lie detector test was a voice stress analysis test. They ask simple questions like: "are you sitting down", along with the ones they really want to know, like: "have you ever used illegal drugs"? And to test the system and how I respond when I lie, they have me purposely lie, to a question like: "Am I wearing a watch", to which I am to respond by lying. That was the last appointment I went to. The next thing that took place this last week, was that they offered me the job, as long as I came to the other 2 appointments set up for me; and then be able to begin April 29th. I had to say no. It was very appealing; but they made it clear that there would be no time off for months; and that just wouldn't work.
Not only do I have another job I want to keep, I need to be free to follow God's calling, that is so clear: to pastor again. I would not be able, at least for the next several months, to go meet with churches and pursue that calling. I was hoping the process would take a lot longer, but it is all in God' timing and sovereignty. I knew I had to say no.I am grateful for going through the process; but all the more excited about the real passion God has placed on my heart. I may not be able to save many physical lives, but I can be a part of something (as a career) that lasts for eternity: pointing people to the One who can save them forever. God bless those who work for 911 - for the important job they do!
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Madness begins...March Madness, that is!
It's tradition... every year the brackets come out, our family has a little friendly competition (although the more years I lose, the less friendly it is becoming). We each fill out our own brackets, earning points each time we pick the right winner. What is unbelievable to me, after many years of playing, coaching and watching basketball, is that I normally end up near the bottom or at the bottom of the standings of our competition. I get beat by my lovely (that's not what I'm thinking) family members, who choose winners based on color of jersey, whether or not they like the state they are from, and even the mascot!
NOT THIS YEAR...I hope!
NOT THIS YEAR...I hope!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
But it really looks like a....
This last week, a man gave me some coins and expected some change back. As I closely inspected each bill and coin, I noticed something a little unusual about one of the quarters he gave me. It wasn't actually a quarter. It was a dollar coin. It didn't have the shine that many dollar coins have; but it was a dollar coin and not a quarter. It's pretty easy to miss, especially if there is not much shine and there are several coins. The dollar coin is not much larger, at casual glance, than a regular quarter. He was certainly pleased that I pointed it out to him and gave him the right amount of money in return.
That situation gave me the thought of what happens spiritually. There are many people (especially, it seems, down here in the South) who have the casual appearance of a Christ-follower; but at closer inspection, are just religious with outward appearances. If you don't listen carefully or get close enough to them, they look a lot like a Christian; and yet they are relying on what they can do or who they are connected with to have the look of religiosity with no reality. They might go to church, talk about spiritual things, and even be fairly moral. But, they have never truly given their lives, their heart, to Jesus Christ, to follow Him for the rest of their lives. They have trusted in religion, not Christ, for their salvation.
This is not about us trying to judge who is a true Christ follower and who is not. It is a reminder to evaluate our own hearts and lives; and make sure that we are the true, genuine coin that we say we are. Those who truly follow Christ, at close inspection, will have some flaws; but will nonetheless be striving to follow Jesus and God's Word in everything they say and do. It is not about a religion and morality, but about a relationship with Jesus and pleasing Him.
That situation gave me the thought of what happens spiritually. There are many people (especially, it seems, down here in the South) who have the casual appearance of a Christ-follower; but at closer inspection, are just religious with outward appearances. If you don't listen carefully or get close enough to them, they look a lot like a Christian; and yet they are relying on what they can do or who they are connected with to have the look of religiosity with no reality. They might go to church, talk about spiritual things, and even be fairly moral. But, they have never truly given their lives, their heart, to Jesus Christ, to follow Him for the rest of their lives. They have trusted in religion, not Christ, for their salvation.
This is not about us trying to judge who is a true Christ follower and who is not. It is a reminder to evaluate our own hearts and lives; and make sure that we are the true, genuine coin that we say we are. Those who truly follow Christ, at close inspection, will have some flaws; but will nonetheless be striving to follow Jesus and God's Word in everything they say and do. It is not about a religion and morality, but about a relationship with Jesus and pleasing Him.
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