Lesson #1: Above all else

If you need to be brought up to speed with what is going on, see last week's introduction entitled, One is closing while another is opening - you'll be informed.

One of my classes this past semester was a preaching class. One can't be enrolled in a preaching class without delivering a message or two during the course of the semester. To maintain structure and a sense of order my professor assigned us to deliver a message from the book of Ephesians. He set aside the last three weeks of school so that we would all have an opportunity to be graded and critiqued by a seasoned veteran and our classmates. He divided us into three groups and sent us on our way. The best part about all of this, for three weeks I sat and listened to God speak through my classmates as they delivered their messages from the book of Ephesians.

If you know anything about the book of Ephesians then you know that it can be broken into two sections. The first section (chapters 1-3) deal with doctrinal issues while the second section (chapters 4-6) deal with practical issues. It is in the middle of the second section that we find some familiar passages centered on the relationships between a husband and wife and parent and a child. I sat in class on my last day listening to a message on the marital union (Ephesians 5:22-33) and parenting (Ephesians 6:1-4).

I thought it fitting that these messages were delivered the last day. They served as a reminder to me, communicating the necessity of my role as a husband and father. They reinforced the idea that whatever my job and responsibilities may be they do not compare to my duties as a husband and a father. I love my wife and daughters with every inch of my body. Just look at them to the right, aren't they adorable? I am so blessed to be married to Heather and to be a father to Maya and Finley.

Above all else, I am called to be Godly husband and father. Above all else, I want to be known and remembered for the husband I was to Heather and the father I was to Maya and Finley. Above all else, I want everyone to know that my wife and daughters mean more to me then any job I may have, any title I may bear, or any other privilege or honor I may be given.

Introduction
Lesson #1: Above all else
Lesson #2: The church as the body and family
Lesson #3: People or programs
Lesson #4: To consume or to be consumed
Lesson #5: For mine or yours
Lesson #6: Peter Pan & leadership
Lesson #7: Rainbow vs. pot of gold

One is closing while another is opening....

Well, a chapter has closed. Heather, Maya, Finley and I have completed the latest chapter of our lives now that I have completed Seminary. Wednesday December 12, 2007 I gave my last presentation in class and walked out of the Seminary building as a student into the fresh air as an alumni of Multnomah Biblical Seminary.

Two and half years ago, Heather and I moved here to Portland not knowing what was to come. What we encountered was two and half years of ups and down, during which we grew more then we could have ever imagined. With that in mind, I will try to articulate and share with you some of the many lessons that have I (and we) have learned. Consider this an introduction to a series entitled, “What I Learned in Seminary”. What will follow over the next few weeks are brief summaries of the many lessons that were learned. It must be noted, the lessons learned were not necessarily new. Some of what was learned was built upon an already existent foundation while the others have established new foundations for me to build upon in the future. Here is what to expect:

Lesson #1: Above all else
Lesson #2: The church as the body and family
Lesson #3: People or programs
Lesson #4: To consume or to be consumed
Lesson #5: For mine or yours
Lesson #6: Peter Pan & leadership
Lesson #7: Rainbow vs. pot of gold

Daddy Sang Bass....

December 10, 2007. Today is my father's birthday. He would have been 58 had he not passed away in September of 2006. One thing that I loved about my dad was his voice. He was not the greatest singer in the world, but he sure was passionate about it. He had a deep voice and sang bass in the choir at church. You could not miss him because he often sat in the back row in the direct center. He was a head above the men he sat around. He loved music and was moved by it often. My love for music comes from him (and my mom, after all she is the music teacher).
Our house was full of music. There were numerous times that I would walk into the house to loud music blaring from the speakers as my dad was going about his business. Most of the time my dad was listening to the Boston Pops. During Christmas time he would listen to the latest holiday CD, mostly with a symphonic sound. One of my dad's favorite past times was to sit on the living room sofa as my mom played piano and practiced with her best friend, Maryellen as they prepared to sing and play for church. All of this to say, my dad loved music.
I recently listened to a Johnny Cash song on a CD I got for my birthday. On it one of the songs is entitled "Daddy Sang Bass." It explains the picture very well that I have in my head, as I know that one day I will sing with him again in heaven. The song is about a family who loved to sing. Their family circle becomes broken and yet there remains a hope that one day they will sing together again. " One of these days and it won't be long. I'll rejoin them in a song. I'm gonna join the family circle at the Throne." I know the day will eventually come when I see my daddy singing and enjoying life, full of praise and honor for our heavenly father. When that day comes it will be a joy to step beside him and join him in song.

Here are the words for your convenience:

I remember when I was a lad,
times were hard and things were bad.
But there's a silver lining behind every cloud.
Just poor people, that's all we were.
Trying to make a living out of black land dirt.
We'd get together in a family circle singing loud.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
Singing seems to help a troubled soul.
One of these days and it won't be long.
I'll rejoin them in a song.
I'm gonna join the family circle at the Throne.
No, the circle won't be broken.
By and by, Lord, by and by.
You could hear us singing for a country mile.

Now little brother has done gone on.
But, I'll rejoin him in a song.
We'll be together again up yonder in a little while.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
Cause singing seems to help a troubled soul.
One of these days and it won't be long,
I'll rejoin them in a song.
I'm gonna join the family circle at the Throne.
Oh, no the circle won't be broken.
By and by, Lord, by and by.

Our Christmas Story ...

Back in the day, Heather and I started dating during the Christmas season. During that year she decided to bless me with some anonymous gifts. During the "12 days of Christmas" she left me presents and gifts in all sorts of ways. During those days I had no idea who was leaving me the gifts. Part of me thought it might be a family member being nice to me and the other part of me was hoping that it was a girl, especially a girl by the name of Heather. To make a long story short it was her. That very same year I dragged Heather along with me to do some last minute Christmas shopping. We spent the whole day together playing "20 questions," which turned into more like "100 questions". At the beginning of the day we gave each other the liberty to ask any question under the pretense that it would be answered truthfully. We got to know each other rather well that day. One year for a present Heather gave me a box full of "12 days of Christmas" ornaments. We place them out every year on a separate tree as a reminder of those days - the days of our courtship & dating.

I married into a very tight "knit" family to say the least. Heather's family has a way with knitting. Her grandmother was the queen at knitting. She created over 150 (at least that is what I think, it could be more) of the stockings to your left for her family and friends. I consider it an honor to have my name on one of them. When she passed away the family had everyone show up to the reception with their stocking in hand. Everyone laid them out on the bed so that pictures could be taken in order to capture all of them at once. If you notice the stockings to the right you will see that one is longer then the other's - it's mine!

I have vivid memories of bundling up with sweatshirts, hats, and coats in order to get a Christmas tree. My dad, mom, sister, and I would hop in the car and drive up to Apple Hill. We would spend the day there at the many shops, villages, and tree farms hunting for the PERFECT Christmas tree (and I mean perfect). It was enjoyable because we were together as a family. We always ate wonderful food while we there. We could always count on having some sort of apple dessert with apple cider while we were in Apple Hill. Some of my family (well most of it) has turned unnatural (or shall I say fake). They no longer make the trek up the mountain to get a fresh tree, they simply pull it out of the closet and unpack it. I am sure one of these days it will be that way in my home, but until then I will make family memories with my wife and daughters by dragging them out into the bitter cold and mud in order to find the PERFECT Christmas tree.

This year marks the first year of the Advent calendar with Maya. Every morning for the past couple of days Maya and I have been doing the Advent calendar. I love it! Every morning as we begin she points at the first day and says, "He is the Alpha and Omega!" The time we have together every morning is priceless. As she sits there on my knee, I can't help but realize that the other knee, which is empty will eventually be filled by her little sister.

I hope and pray that you have a joyous Christmas season as you celebrate our Savior's birth. May His story be your story. Merry Christmas!

The Beauty of Pain....

I had one of those moments this past week, a moment in which, your life flashes before your eyes as you stand up and ready yourselves preparing for the worst. The circumstances will remain anonymous but the lessons learned will not. As I was waiting to hear the news, preparing for the worst my thoughts and emotions through prayer, embraced the beauty of pain. Quite a paradox is it not. How can something so horrid and painful be beautiful? How can life's tragedies become circumstances that are meaningful, bringing about growth and maturation in one's life?

When we face pain and/or a crisis in our life, we have choice. Either we can avoid the danger that will inevitably come our way or we can embrace it as an opportunity. The beauty of pain occurs when we see it as an opportunity for growth and maturation in Christ. The beauty of pain occurs when our character becomes more and more Christ like.

In 2nd Peter 1, Peter talks about "virtues" or characteristics of a Christian. Although these virtues are presented in a linear fashion we are not to assume that we to build one upon the other. Rather we are to embrace them all as we seek to develop a character that is modeled after Christ himself. Peter having already established the faith and the virtue and necessity of knowledge (v.3) so that we may discern right from wrong ads the virtue of self-control (v. 5). After self-control, he adds perseverance (v.6), which is what gives the Christian the will and power to remain and endure life despite its tough times. Peter adds to perseverance the virtue of godliness (v. 6), which is the direct result for a Christian when they patiently endure and preserve through trials. Upon godliness, Peter adds brotherly kindness (v. 7) or a fondness of those in the body of Christ and fellow partakers of the ‘divine nature’. Finally, Peter wraps all the virtues together with mention of the ultimate virtue, love (v.7). Notice that in the midst of our character development we are to choose to view pain as an opportunity to grow so that we may persevere through tough times as we mature in Godliness.

Viewing a crisis, as an opportunity is easier said then done. It takes a divine power and presence in ones life to embrace pain as we let go of all power and control becoming fully dependent upon God as He lives in and through us.

I Was Blind Buy Now I See...

Just this past night while Heather and I were putting Maya to bed Maya asked for a second pillow. So, Heather being the wonderful mother that she is ventured into the closet in the bathroom (that is where our linen closet is) and grabbed an Elmo pillow case - or so she thought. As she walked back into Maya's room she unfolded the pillow case only to discover that it was an Elmo blanket. Needless to say Maya and I broke out in laughter when I replied, "don't worry Maya we will tape the blanket and turn it into a pillow case." While we were laughing Heather found another pillow case and placed a second pillow on Maya's bed. I kissed Maya goodnight and walked out of the room so Heather could do the same. As Heather walked out Maya yelled at her to remind me not to tape her Elmo blanket.

Kids take things so literal don't they? Maya was actually concerned that her daddy was going to tape her blanket. She had no clue that I was merely joking. You see, she takes my words literally because she trusts me and knows that I have her best interest at heart. She feels safe in my arms under my care so she can't help but to believe me at my word. Somewhere along the line things won't be so literal to Maya. She will begin to see gray amongst the black and white. When will that moment occur I do not know. But there will be a POINT in time in which her perspective will change, and this is what I want to focus on:

We all have points in our lives in which our perspective changes. Of the utmost importance to me at this point in time in my life is the point of change to consumerism and the racial and class divisions that are found in the church today.

This past week in my theology class we discussed our blindness to consumerism attempting to figure out how one is no longer blind. One's experience goes along way in revealing ones sight to the racial and class divisions in our churches. John Newton in his famous song Amazing Grace says, "(I) was blind but now I see..." If you know the story or seen the movie then you know that Newton was once a slave ship captain. Through his own experiences as a captain viewing first hand the horrors of the slave trade Newton repented of his blindness and sought to serve his God.

I encourage you to read, Consuming Jesus. In the book Metzger humbly approaches this difficult topic. We have a tendency, whether we know it or not, to associate and gather in homogeneous units. We feel comfortable around people who look, smell, talk, and act just like we do. The message and the meaning of the Gospel stretches beyond any and all racial and class barriers. As Christ followers we should do the same, seeking to include and embrace people who are different then us. This requires initiated-purposeful-action on our part. In other words it requires us to LOVE.

My prayer for us all is that we experience God's love in new ways so that we can be used as catalysts to break down the walls of race and class divisions in our church and culture.

For further insight and reading on this topic check out Dan's recent post.

The Story Goes....

Before you read on make sure you are up to date by reading a previous post about my new favorite word.

Marjorie Osborne Wesson was her name. She came from a very distinguished east coast family, you know the kind who shipped their horses and carriages over to Europe when they went on a vacation. Her father was a chemist who created what has become a common cooking ingredient, Wesson cooking oil. So, needless to say Marjorie grew up never worrying about being able to put food on the table or clothes on her back. Marjorie eventually moved out of her father's house when she married a man by the name of David Francis years before the Great Depression.

If you know anything about the Great Depression then you know that it was so great that it affected people in all social classes and economic status. Even the "rich" struggled to place bread on the table and clothes on their backs. During the height of the Great Depression with only $5 to her family's name Marjorie decided that she would fight and stand for those who were not able to. She decided to be a champion of the underdog and start a "milk fund" for the the local school children who did not have anything. So, Marjorie took .25$ (a quarter) and started the "Marjorie Francis Milk Fund". Now, a quarter does not sound like much money in today's world. So let me place it in perspective for you. With only a few dollars left to her family's name to live off of Mary took 20% and gave it away to help those in need.

A seed and attitude was planted many years ago during the great depression. The lessons learned, the attitude, and lifestyles that were planted in the family long ago have continued to grow and have emerged in the generations that followed. It's in the blood, the family blood. The lineage of the Wesson/Francis family travels through Heather's grandmother, my mother-in-law, Heather, and now my daughters Maya and Finley. It is a lineage of infracaninophile's and I love them all for it because I am an infracaninophile myself.

Are you?

INFRACANINOPHILE

Props to my mother-in-law for introducing me to my new favorite word. In case you are wondering what it means, here is the definition:

A person who champions the underdog. The word has three parts. The Latin prefix infra- means "interior to,below, or beneath." Related words include under, inferior, and inferno. The middle part, -canino- is from the Latin canus (dog), and-phile is from the Greek philos (beloved, loving). So, the word can be directly translated as lover of the underdog (my personal preference).

Infracaninophile has been in Barbara's (my mother-in-law) family since she was a child. It carries special meaning and is deeply rooted throughout the generations of her family. I just heard some of the history behind the word for the first time so I am still getting my facts straight. Once I do I promise I will share them with you.

In the meantime - don't hesitate in being infrocaninophile's.

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Words Your Not Ready to Hear...

The conversation in the car on the way home from Preschool last week went as follows:

MAYA: Guess what daddy?
MARK: What sweetie?
MAYA: I have three boyfriends!
MARK: You have three what?
MAYA: Boyfriends daddy.
Before I could shut my mouth and continue driving she said:
MAYA: Yeah, daddy all of the kids in my class are my friends. But I like Charlie, Elliot, and Michael because they are my boyfriends.

Now, I know your smiling (as you should be) because I was and still do as I reflect on my conversation with Maya. I share this story with you to remind you that there are times in our lives when we need to listen to words that we are not ready to hear. Because it is in those moments that God is glorified and revealed in our lives.

How might you react when you listen to the following words your not ready to hear:

"He's not going to make it, we need to keep him comfortable."
"Mom, I'm pregnant."
"Yes, he will be confined to a wheel chair for the rest of his life."
"Were are getting a divorce."
"We tried all that we could do, but we could not save her."
"Yes, your right that grade is final. You did not pass."
"There has been an accident"
- OR -
" Not you too."
"Your not one of his disciples are you?"
"Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"

Do those last three questions sound familiar? If so then you know the story of Peter and how he denied any affiliation with his Lord and Savior. In all four of the Gospels we encounter the story of Peter as he denies Christ and is unable to truthfully answer the three questions asked of him. In the Gospel of John we read the story of Peter intertwined with Jesus as he is being questioned before Pilate. When you read John's account of the story you will move back and forth between Jesus and Peter as they moved inside and outside. The imagery is magnificent as John retells his version of the story. One commentary puts it this way. "John has constructed a dramatic contrast wherein Jesus stands up to his questioners and denies nothing, while Peter cowers before his questioners and denies everything ... The foil Peter provides helps highlight Jesus' regal strength and authority, the hallmark of John's portrait of Jesus in his passion."

Sometimes the words that we don't want to hear are the divine words spoken to us so that we may continue to shine and glorify our God in heaven.

Sound Teaching & Sound Living

In 2nd Timothy 1 the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to pursue sound teaching. In 1:13 the Apostle admonishes Timothy to pay attention and remember what he has spoken to him. "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." He then empowers him to "guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us" (v.14).

Often times we simply stop at these verses to illustrate how important the truth is and how we must hold onto tightly the sound teaching. If we are to read further into the chapter and into the totality of Paul's relationship with Timothy we see more then just sound teaching being communicated. As I read this passage I see two themes emerging. The first and obvious theme of sound teaching, which we previously discussed, as well as the subtle, yet just as important theme of sound living. You see I believe the apostle Paul talks of sound teaching and illustrates it with sound living. In verse 16 Paul speaks of Onisphorus & his life as an example of sound living. Another example, though not explicit in the text, is the relationship Paul has with Timothy.

Sound teaching and sound living go hand in hand, they must be communicated together. However, this is easier said then done. I believe it is easier to speak the truth and declare it because we have the Bible and can refer directly to it. On the other hand it is not easy to consistently live a sound life.

Why is this? Do you agree or disagree? What are some additional thoughts you might have when pondering over sound teaching and sound living.

The proof speaks for itself....

The proof speaks for itself - Heather has baby Finley Jean Harris in her womb. She is healthy and is growing as she should be at this stage. Here are a few of the photos that were taking this morning. Enjoy, and marvel at God's creation. Isn't it awesome that the 11 oz. baby girl will grow up to be a 8 lb newborn inbetween now and march 18th. It's rad being a daddy - and it's even greater to be a daddy of two wonderful little girls.

"24" - The Best Show on the Planet

Where there is a shadow there is a light

Heather and I have no clue how and why it is happening. But Maya has finally begun to struggle with darkness. We think it is because of the time of year because of all of the dark advertisements, cartoons, movies, and stories that come out in October. We have placed numerous nightlight in her room and the up stairs loft in order to help out; it hasn't worked yet. She was afraid of the dark but now she struggles with the shadows that are caused by the night lights. All of this got me thinking about light, darkness, and shadows.

Here are my thoughts:
As we walk through life in our dark world we have a tendency to become lethargic and hopeless. We become overwhelmed with our circumstances and see nothing but darkness in front of us. If only we would tilt our head up and see the light. You see, our momentary trials and tribulations are just shadows. It's just a temporary time of darkness in our life. Here's the thing about shadows - where there is a shadow there must be a light.

In times of trials and tribulations we often turn to Psalm 23 to serve as our guide and comfort. "Even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." Why are we not to fear evil? I said it before, and I will say it again - where there is a shadow there must be a light. The shadow is only momentary. If we keep on living the life which Christ has made possible we will soon journey into the light. After all, light is greater then darkness and will always persevere and reveal itself. The light, which is Jesus Christ can and will deliver us all from darkness if we allow him to take up residence in our hearts. Don't fret my friends, just keep your head up and keep walking because it's just a shadow and the light is right there.

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Choose Life

One of my favorite songs by Big Tent Revival called “Choose Life” has a chorus with the following lines:

Choose life, that you might live the life that He gives, He gives you forever.
Choose life, the way that it's true from the one who chose you your father in
Heaven. Choose life.

Like any good song the lyrics are based from Scripture, a source that BTR had continually drawn from. The passage which speaks on this very subject of life is Deuteronomy 30:19,20 it reads:

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before
you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your
children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice,
and hold fast to him...

Choose life. Life as we know it is not easy. It is filled with ups and downs filled with circumstances, which cause feelings of doubt, hopelessness, and uncertainty. Who would want to choose that? I do. I choose life that I might live, love my God, listen to his voice, and lean (hold fast) to him. Last September I stood over my Father’s deathbed facing uncertainty, sadness, depression, and inevitable the death of my Father. It was there that I made the conscious decision to choose life. Not knowing what lay ahead, I choose to live life. There were numerous times where I longed for comfort and felt the embrace of my heavenly Father’s arms around me. Amongst the disruption and commotion that death brings into ones life, I felt peace, a peace, which passes all understanding.

If Christ lives in you as He lives in me you to have the same promise. Embrace the life that He has set before you and live it. Choose life.

The Joys of Fatherhood

Mondays and Fridays are fun days for me. Why? On Mondays and Fridays I get to keep Maya all to myself. We do all sorts of fun things together. For example today we:

Ate cereal together out of the same bowl.

Enjoyed a five star rated restaurant for lunch - Costco.

I baby sat for her baby while she went to the mall during which she made sure I was singing lullaby's to her baby.

We went on a picnic together where she cooked my meal. She then preceded to feed me and serve me my drink.

She told we that we were best friends and that she was going to live with me forever.

We watched her favorite (and mine too) cartoon named Kipper this afternoon (well, she did because I fell asleep).

Went shopping together.

Sang songs together.

As you can see we did all sorts of fun things today. It's fun be a daddy. I can't wait for the next one so I can do more of the same.

Is It Beautiful?

I know you heard the slogan, "America the Beautiful." We say it and sing it like we mean it, do we? Is it really? We celebrate it and talk about as if it is God ordained, is it? Questions like these and many more are tough. I don't claim to have all the answers; I just want to ask the questions. These questions and thoughts have emerged in my brain because of a class I am taking. In my class, Cross-Cultural Communication, we have been dialoging about our core values. We communicate our core values, whether we realize it or not; therefore a tendency in our interaction with the "foreign mission" is to communicate “American Christianity”. We communicate that "The American" way is the right way. Are we called to be Christ's Ambassadors or American Ambassadors?

Cross-cultural ministry doesn't just happen on another continent, it happens in our county, our state, our city, and our neighborhood. As Christ followers we must be able to effectively communicate the message of the Gospel without any pre-conceived notions, a task, which is easier, said then done. No matter where we are we must be communicate "God's way" not the "American way".

Questions:

1) If you have been overseas as a missionary how have you dealt with this?
2) Do you battle with the idea of communicating "God's agenda" instead of the "American agenda"?
3) Is it even possible to do so?

When things don't go accroding to plan

I am a planner. I make a list and set goals and then proceed to check each item off one by one. I envision an outcome and work backwards to make it happen. This way I can assure (to the best of my ability) that all standards and objections are met and dealt with along the way. My planning manifests itself in all aspects of my life. I plan my semester of school out, I plan weekends out, I plan visits of friends and family out, I plan vacations and trips out, I plan work projects out, and I even plan birthdays out (especially my wife's).

This past Monday my wife celebrated her 31st birthday. I wanted to make it an extra special day for her for many reasons. I had it all planned out. I woke up early Monday morning so that Maya and I could bake cupcakes and then deliver them to her work along with a large bouquet of balloons. After we made the delivery I picked up her birthday cake and made a stop at the local meat market for dinner. I HAD PLANNED to pick up her birthday earlier the previous week but I didn't make it to the jeweler. As a result, I had to take Maya to pick up the necklace at the jeweler.

I decided to stress the point with Maya that mommy didn't know what was in the box (I wrapped it in a very large box to throw her off) and that we couldn't tell her what it was until she told us. Everything was going according to plan until Maya looked at Heather and said, "after we have cake and sing you happy birthday you can unwrap your box and see your necklace". My heart dropped, the surprise was ruined, the day was perfect until then. Or so I thought.

The main reason for all my planning was to create a memorable day for Heather. I wanted her to remember her 31st birthday and be happy because sad feelings marked her 30th birthday (we spent her birthday weekend next to my father as he was dying).

No matter how hard we plan and think we got it right there are always outside forces which are effecting what is going on. It may be a three year old in her innocence or our God in heaven who longs for us to find joy (and everything else He offers) as we pursue His heart and His ways.

The day ended more memorable then I had planned because a three year old spoke out of innocence and love.

May our lives be marked in the same way as we submit our plans and goals to God so that His heart and His ways are manifested and visible in all that we do.

An Explination

When I created this blog I had no idea what to title it. After days of thought and talking Heather turned to the books on our shelves for added insight. On a shelf sits a hymnal from San Francisco Theological Seminary dating back to 1931. It was given to Heather when her grandfather passed away. I guessed they thought we would put it to good use because we were on our way to Seminary. One page thirty is a song entitled, "Altar of my Heart." Read the words:


1 - Now from the altar of my heart let incense flames arise. Assist me, Lord, to offer up mine evening sacrifice. Amen.

2 - Awake, my love! Awake, my joy! Awake, my heart and tongue. Sleep not; when mercies loudly call, break for into a song

3 - This day God was my sun and shield, my keeper and my guide; his care was on my frailty shown, his mercies multiplied.

4 - Minutes and mercies multiplied have made up all this day; minutes came quick, but mercies were more fleet and free then they.

5 - New time, new favor, and new joys do a song require; till I shall praise thee as I would, accept my heart's desire.

6 - Lord of my time, who hand hath set new time upon my score, then shall I praise for all my time, when time shall be no more.


This hymn resonates with me in so many different ways right now. My hands would get tired and your eyes would become strained if I rambled on. But don't worry I will expound on this at a later date and time. In the mean time, what do you think?

Not so Random Thoughts on Life and Death

Like every other Thursday Heather picked up Maya from school to bring her home and as usual they talked about her day on the home. Maya told Heather about a conversation she had with one of her friends, Lilly. Lilly asked, "Maya, who is picking you up today? Is it you daddy, your mommy, or how about your papa?" Maya replied, "My papa is in heaven." After telling Heather about her conversation with Lilly she went on and informed Heather about her recent conversation with God. "God said that papa was going to come back." To which Heather gently replied, "no honey, I'm sorry papa is in heaven for good." Maya boldly informed Heather that, "no he's not he is with nan right now."

Did I forget to tell you that yesterday was my parents anniversary. The story makes more sense now doesn't it?

I called my mom to tell her of the conversation and she simply replied, "how does she know, how can she sense those things?"

It's amazing the comfort and joy that memories bring. You would think they would be enough, but there not. What's more amazing is the comfort and joy that we receive knowing that our loved ones are in the presence of our Lord and Savior. It is because of Christ's death and Resurrection that we can find comfort and joy in times of trouble. Positive memories will only last so long, eventually they fade away. What's the one thing that will never fade? God's love.


I believe it was the Tuesday in between my father's death and his memorial service that I was sitting in chapel at Seminary dreading the fact that I had to be there when I didn't want to be. A message was given that chapel by one of my professor's (Dr. Terveen) who suffered a traumatic loss of his daughter years ago. I came across a pod cast of the same message given a few weeks ago at a local church. The message is entitled God's Voice of Comfort and all you have to do is click on the podcast player to listen to it.



Listen to it!

Coaching

One might say that life is a race, a game, or a voyage. Nowadays more then ever it seems that athletes, teams, and crews that are taking all the glory and acknowledgement for themselves. They maintain the attitude that they alone can accomplish the task. It seems to me that they have forgotten one critical component, the coach. Joe Gibbs an excellent coach and winner believes that:

Whether the sport is football, swimming, golf, or NASCAR auto racing, to truly
be successful, you must have a top-notch coach… Without a coach, the players all want to do their own thing and go their own way, so they end up bumping into each other, causing unnecessary wrecks and wasting a lot of time, money, energy, and resources. Somebody must be in charge! Of course, the best coach is somebody who knows you and knows the best way to maximize your effort within the system. (Emphasis mine)

Some of the most influential people in my life were my coaches. They were men who believed in me, inspired me, and empowered me. It might surprise you that not all were coaches on the field or court. Some of them were coaches on life. A coach does not have to be limited to the court or field; they can function in life and in the Church. The greatest coaches that I had knew who I was and understood how to draw from me all that I could give so that the goal could be accomplished, whether it was on the court, in the office, or at church.

As I take stock of my life and envision the future I see a life of coaching. A recent quote by Steve Young at the Memorial Service for Bill Walsh illustrates exactly what I have been pondering lately in regards to life and ministry. "Somehow we could take inventory of what you were today and see what you could become in the future...What more could anyone ask than to have a coach who could foretell how high you could fly, and then gave you the wings?"

As I look at Jesus there is no doubt that he saw the best in everyone. I think of Peter and his boldness and willingness to stand up for Christ at all times only to deny him and sink to the lowest point possible. What did Christ do? How did he respond to Peter? He responded by positively reminding Peter of the good that was to come. Jesus gave Peter his wings to fly and set him on a course which has transformed history and if Christ is in you He has done the same for you.

Reflect on your own life about the men and women you have been involved as they served you as a leader, mentor or coach. How did they handle themselves? Now think about the relationships that you are in where you are the one mentoring, leading, or coaching - how are you going to handle yourself?

Here is something to ponder: Who are you preparing for flight?

I have a confession to make...


I am going to make my first confession on my blog, are you ready? My car radio is tuned into the AM band and talk radio. That’s right I am tuning (I mean turning) into parents who never ventured away from the AM when I was growing up. I tell you this because this past week I was enjoying ESPN radio (since I don’t watch it on TV anymore I must listen to it) and was reminded once again about the present day pursuit to cure cancer. This past week was JIMMY V week in which ESPN seeks to raise money to fund the V Foundation so that they in turn may fund the fight to find a cure for cancer. The motto for the V Foundation is "don't give up - don't ever give up!" Jim Valvano was a college basketball coach until he passed away in 1993 after loosing the fight against cancer. Six weeks before he passed away he received the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award at the inaugural ESPY awards. He gave speech in which he listed three things that we must do each day to truly live our lives. Everyday we must laugh, think, and be moved to tears. Not a bad suggestion huh? He talked about pursuing dreams and moving from where you are now to where you want to be. I encourage you to watch the clip but more importantly I encourage you take his advice to heart and laugh, think, and be moved to tears on a daily basis.

This weekend at Church, Bob Maddox, one of the Pastor's at Good Shepherd dealt with John 19 and talked about how Jesus is and was always a King, never a victim. Since I left church Saturday evening I have been pondering his big idea: always a King, never a victim. I found myself describing a victim in my brain so that I could better understand what Bob was getting at. You see a victim doesn't have a choice. A victim doesn't have control over the situation.
A victim is powerless. A victim is often times forced into a circumstance. A victim often times ends up dead (physically, spiritually, or emotionally) never able to fully recover. Since Christ was never a victim the opposite is true. He had a choice, He had control and power (because He was closely tied to the one that did), and He defeated death recovering fully from the wounds on his hands and feet.

I hope this is as personal to you as it is to me. The concepts of choice and control reveal Christ's personal nature and driving force. Christ choose to die because he loved you! If he were a victim he wouldn't have had the opportunity to make a choice for you or me. Christ relinquished control because he loved you! If He were a victim He would have looked out for himself and sought to save himself. Instead He died for our sins. Read Philippians 2:8-11

"Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Bob ended his sermon with a video using a famous sermon by S.M. Lockridge entitled "My King". You can find many videos using his sermon on Google Video and YouTube if you would like. Instead of linking to a video I have chosen to link to the audio only. Take a moment and listed, close your eyes if you would like so you can listen to the vast descriptions of the King, Jesus Christ.

Here is the link: My King

The following pictures were just too cute to not post. So enjoy them.

Paul Potts sings Nessun Dorma

Not all music is moving, but this is. It's not just moving because the guy can flat out sing it is moving because of his story. Prior to appearing on, Britain Got's Talent, Mr. Potts worked at a cell phone store. Growing up (and even into adulthood) he lacked self esteem and searched for an avenue to express himself in. He discovered his gifting and pursued his dream of singing opera music. Mr. Potts leads by example. He had a dream, he pursued his dream, and now he is living his dream. Are you?

Close your eyes, listen, and then wipe the tears away.

Some Photos -

Since we finally purchased a new camera I am able to add some photos of Maya and as an added bonus I will add a photo of the three of us as well. Here you go:

FATHER'S DAY REFLECTION

I woke up yesterday morning (Father's Day morning) to Maya climbing in bed with Heather and I. She was silent for a moment lying between us. She eventually starting talking with Heather, about what I do not know (I was still waking up). However when she said, "Mommy, I talked to Jesus" I was awake. Heather simply replied, "what did you talk about?" To which Maya said, "Jesus told me not to be afraid.... He told me that he was going to protect me from the serpent... He told me that I am going to be a big sister some day and to wait for mommy to have another baby in her tummy." This past week one of the greatest sources of comfort for me has come from the words and touch of my daughter. She has been amazing, her child like faith has revealed itself in numerous ways to Heather and I as we move through this time of healing and restoration after Heather's miscarriage.

Now back to yesterday... It's was great to relax and watch golf all day! Heather made me a scrumptious breakfast and I barbecued fresh hamburgers from scratch for dinner. Heather and I played boccie ball after dinner while Maya played at the park. It was a great day!

Intertwined with it all were thoughts and emotions centered on the death of my father nine months ago and Heather's miscarriage earlier this week. Life is fragile! The one thing that I focus on is the hope that I have in seeing both of them some day. I have no question that my father is holding my child in heaven as I am writing this and as you are reading it. It's the type of hope which is guaranteed, a sure thing. My favorite verse on hope is found in Romans.

Romans 5:3-5 reads:

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Questions to ponder:

1. Is this hope that the Apostle Paul writes about alive and well in you?
2. How does hope, "not disappoint"?

The feeling you get "for the first time" is something which is radical and unique. There is nothing like it. I remember the first time I got a "real" bike that was my own. I was so excited because I didn't have to use my sister's pink banana bicycle any more; I had my own and it was a manly maroon color with 10 speeds. I remember the first time I stood in Yosemite Valley staring up at the gargantuan granite glaciers and water falls, they were majestic! The smell of nature and the beauty of the surroundings only added to a euphoric first time feeling. I remember the first time I held my daughter; the joyous smile that came with it couldn't be whipped off my face for days - and I have pictures to prove it.


I could go on and on regarding this concept of the "first time" but I won't because it has got me thinking and I would rather write about that. Because of the feeling and joy which comes with the "first time" people pursue it and crave it. People spend their whole life in pursuit of the euphoric feeling of the "first time". When they can't get it or don't know where to find it they simply reflect, retire, and "remember when..." This is a sad feeling to me because there is so much more to be had. There is more to life then remembering the "way it used to be" or "that one time". Life is about living; it's about searching for and embracing something new.



It's a good thing that our God in heaven offers something new and refreshing every moment of everyday - Himself! "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." If something is new you are experiencing it for the first time. God's love and compassion is not stale it is refreshing; it is new!



This is a truth that is applicable to each one of us. No matter where you are in your journey and relationship with God there is something for you, something new which He had in mind. Just for you!

Some questions to ponder:

1. What role does God's love in all of this play (after all it says "because of God's great love...")?



2. How do we let the refreshing feeling and manifestation of God in our lives remain new and genuine in our lives as if it were the "first time"?



3. Where do we set the boundaries for ourselves so that we do not get ourselves into an emotional roller coaster moving up and down through life constantly yearning for the next best "God" thing which is new?