Motion

I find myself in constant motion...This week and next year I want to teach myself to wait quietly and patiently and listen to what God is telling me and leading me too.  Motion is not a bad thing, rather a tool that can be used to keep us occupied and furthering the Kindom of God

Past....

This year, I’m spending extra time reflecting and celebrating what God has done this past year. Here’s why:

The past is past
When you look back – you might only think about the good things – but honestly, everything in the past can be valuable. Take some time and reflect on the things you’re happy to leave in the past. It will be a healthy time to forgive and move on from the mistakes you’ve made, and a great time to overlook the faults and problems of others during the past 12 months.

The past helps us see progress from where we’ve been
When you look back you can see what worked along with what didn’t work. What new ideas or innovations did you experiment with in your youth ministry this past year that really made a big difference?

The past show us weaknesses we need to address in the future
When you spend time analyzing and mulling over the past – you’ll begin to see gaps in your  philosophy, programs or strategy as you move forward. The past will shine light on your opportunities in the future. Take the time to fully vet the past – it just might be the key to your future, too.

Passion and Pain

Passion pulls us forward.  It leads us, drives us, and inspires us.  Passion makes us feel alive as people and as leaders.  Find your personal passion, and you'll likely find your life's purpose.  Find your organization's passion, and you'll likely find its mission. Passion is powerful!
Pain, which can be just as powerful, pushes us forward.  It wakes us up by telling us somethings wrong.  We realize we need to intentionally address the pain's root causes and find long-term solutions.
One last thought:  Although passion pulls and pain pushes, both forces are designed to get us moving forward.  Through them, God moves us in the direction he desires: forward to him.

Questions, Questions, Questions

So tell me is there anything you have, anything that you might hope to have, anything that you are or hope to become, that can compare with JESUS?  When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts we tear up our list of accomplishments, burn our journal of good deeds, and lay it all down for Jesus.  Remember, Keep your eyes on Jesus, stay at the cross everyday, remember the grace and mercy that freely flows to cover you and me, cling to the blood-stained timbers, and lose yourself in the glory of his amazing grace.  If we can do this it wont be long until we put self in its proper place and Jesus in his. 
  When our attitudes have shifted to move self out of the way, and to value Jesus more highly than anything we are or have, we are ready to experience Jesus in three "meeting Places."  He meets us in the seductions of life, in the midst of our suffering, and in the process of full surrender.  These may not be the places where you thought he would be.  But he is there just the same, and he is waiting for you.--Taken from simply Jesus be Joe Stowell

The higher they fly the much

Had to wonder about the everlasting question at Thanksgiving, What am I thankful for?  Where should I start or wait maybe I need to walk in victory and proclaim the name of Jesus.  Would that show everyone how thankful I actually am instead of just saying some nice things?  Lets show people this season how thankful we are instead of telling them.

Recently we had a baptism service at grace, eight students were baptized along with ten others.  Looking back on my own season of baptism, I had to wonder what is next.  Our life is filled with seasons,what season are you currently in, are you enduring or thriving?  Understanding the season you are a part of, helps you to approach and thrive in it.
Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God elevated him to the place of the highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and under the earth, and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Looking Back

Last week i sent out a mass text to the Inside Out students, wrapping up the text, I inserted "Look behind You".  The students were curious and wondered why I had added this in the conclusion?  Many students were in cars or in places that were not accommodating to look behind them.  The reason behind the text was to help kids understand that we are leaving a legacy, one of joy and happiness, or one of pain and sorrow.  Today I encourage you, "Look behind you".

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For
     many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's
     showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told
him that was all he wanted.

     As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited
     signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the
morning  of his graduation his father called him into his private
  study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine
son, and  told him how much he loved him. He handed his son
a beautiful   wrapped gift box.

     Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man
     opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily,
he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you
give  me  a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy
book.

     Many years passed and the young man was very successful in
business.
     He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his
     father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He
had   not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make
     arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had
     passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He
needed   to come home immediately and take care things.
When he arrived at  his father's house, sudden sadness and
regret filled his heart.

     He began to search his father's important papers and
     saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With
tears,  he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he
read those   words, a car key dropped from an envelope
taped behind the Bible.
It  had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the
sports  car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation,
     and the words...PAID IN FULL.

     How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not
     packaged as we expected?

Friends

Recently i was reminiscing with an old friend, we were discussing what the value of friendship is.  He ask me what defines value in friendship? The value of friendship is based upon your friend helping you to become a better individual-how valuable is that....PRICELESS
Proverbs 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Owning Our Faith...

When you here the phrase "owning your Faith" what comes to mind?  I believe we can have a great understanding of the Bible and I believe we need to have a great understanding of the Bible; I also suggest that we can show someone what our belief in the Bible and God can look like by sharing personal stories and testimonies of what God has done for us personally.  I f someone ask you today why you believe in God what would you tell them and why?

Transcendent Cause

Man will lay down his life for his country, his society, his family.  He will choose to throe himself on a grenade to save his comrades; he is capable of the highest generosity and self sacrifice.  But he has to feel and believe that what he is doing is truly heroic, timeless, and supremely meaningful.  In this I want to guide my family to a closer walk with Jesus.

Pencils...Get the lead out

The next time you feel like you are not making a difference, pick up a pencil...

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him in the box.  There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world.  Always remember them and never forget,and you will become the best pencil you can be.
One:  You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someones hand.
Two:  You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.
Three:  You will be able to correct the mistakes you make.
Four:  The most important part of you will be what's inside.
Five:  On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark.  No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.
The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in his heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.
One:  You will be able to many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand.  Allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you posses
Two:  You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.
Three:  You will be able to correct mistakes you might make or grow through them.
Four:  The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
Five:  On every surface you walk, you must leave your mark.  No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything.

By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart and a relationship with God daily.

Social Class

Why is there social class in our society?  Does everyone have the same opportunity to succeed in life?  Why do some tend to succeed while others tend to fail?  These are great questions to ask ones self and to ponder with a group of friends.  Trying to understand our culture and diversity is going to be3nefit our society in return.  Think about all the people you interact with on a daily basis, who are they, where are their roots, why do they believe what they do, and how do you fit into their lives.  God has created each one of us for a purpose and I am excited to find that purpose for myself and also help others discover their gifts and talents and utilize them for the cause of Christ.

A new Adventure

The game of racquetball can test ones endurance and patience.  Played for the first time this week and enjoyed the sport, but realized there is a lot to be learned.  The fun part is hitting a ball as hard as one wishes.  I look at life the same, new adventures and God at my side i can learn a lot.  I hope to advance in both in the near future.  Thought of the day:  Dear problems...God is Bigger

Softball

For many years I have played the game of softball, the game has taught me many things over the years.  The one aspect that rises above all others is the team concept.  The old saying goes "you win as a team and you lose as a team" I believe that is what Grace Blue lives and walks out each season.  As a team we have each others backs if someone makes an error we continue on and keep looking ahead.  This year we added a great asset in a coach, Wayne has brought great leadership to the team in a very quite way.  I believe our church operates in the same capacity-when someone hurts we all hurt and we are all looking out for each other and our small groups are a big part of the practical hand of God caring for each other.  I am blessed to be serving in an atmoshpere such as this on and off the Field.

vision

What blocks are vision is often unseen.  We need to live our lives with our eyes wide open and our hearts in check, this enables us to help in times of need and put others first.  When my vision becomes skued i tend to try to clear things up quickly.  Without vision I become focused on me, myself and I.  Those things unseen are right in front of me but I tend to look right past them.  I appreciate when a friend or loved one reminds of the blessings in my life and the people I am surrounded with. Yes I am blessed...Thank you God for my beautiful wife and family.