Yesterday I watched as two of our friends said goodbye to their 12 year old son after a two year battle with cancer. Over the last couple of years he had a brain tumor that just would not go away, and he went to be with Jesus Saturday.
I can't imagine what this family must be feeling. Even knowing that his pain is gone and he is with Jesus right now.......I can't imagine. As we made our way to the family and expressed our condolences, the mom looked at me and said go home and hug your kids.
I looked at Beaux last night when we got home as he was sleeping and teared up. I never want to feel the pain our friends are feeling right now. There were hundreds of people at the memorial service, all saddened at the loss of this courageous little boy. The one thing we all had in common......there is nothing we can do to ease their pain.
As I watched my daughters drive off to school this morning, and then dropped Beaux off at school. I thought....there are so many times that I have no power to protect them. So many times when I surrender my ability to control and allow them to make choices that could impact so many lives. So many things that could happen that are out of my hands. I don't like that feeling.
As my kids grow and begin to make more and more decisions, and I pray that the things we have taught them have taken root, and that they are listening to God for direction and guidance, they teach me more and more about God's love for us. He had the ability to stop His son's suffering and yet he didn't. He had the ability to put an end to his pain....yet he didn't. He had the ability to sustain his life and punish all that harmed him......and yet, he didn't. He died.....for me.....and for you. As jacked up as we are, and as much as we go against the very reasons we were created......still He loves.
There is no one that I would give up my kids lives for, and yet there are things I can't control that could take them from me in the blink of an eye. I did hug my kids yesterday, and this morning...and will do so again today, and in the weeks and years to come.
I'm out......
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
State Fair Top Ten
Today was staff day at the State Fair of Texas. And what a great day to go. Dr. Pepper $3 Tuesdays, incredible weather, and absolutely no crowd whatsoever.
After taking in a day at the fair.....here's a top ten for you to keep in mind if you get to visit the fair this year.
10. Top Flight K-9 Show......flying dogs catching frisbees.....and all for free.
9. Old school sleigh ride with old school funk music.......nothing says fair like
spinning around at 60 mph listening to Rick James
8. Car Show....the new Chevy Camaros are ridiculous and Subaru has a nice truck coming
out next year.
7. Motorcycle/Acrobat Show....the globe of thunder....need I say more.
6. BMX Show.....saw some great crashes....well worth the freeness.
5. GMC/NFL Quarterback Challenge....test your arm strength and accuracy against other
random fair-goers....could be embarrassing so know your limits.
4. Air Force exhibit on the midway.....look into a F-16 cockpit and check out their movie.
3. Corn Dogs....you knew it would be on the list.....but eat one at 10:30am
2. Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwich....The Dock grill serving 'em up hot.
1. CHICKEN FRIED BACON....6 strips for 10 tickets....2008 Best Taste Award is well-
deserved (dip it in the ranch)......Shut Yo Mouf!
I'm out....
After taking in a day at the fair.....here's a top ten for you to keep in mind if you get to visit the fair this year.
10. Top Flight K-9 Show......flying dogs catching frisbees.....and all for free.
9. Old school sleigh ride with old school funk music.......nothing says fair like
spinning around at 60 mph listening to Rick James
8. Car Show....the new Chevy Camaros are ridiculous and Subaru has a nice truck coming
out next year.
7. Motorcycle/Acrobat Show....the globe of thunder....need I say more.
6. BMX Show.....saw some great crashes....well worth the freeness.
5. GMC/NFL Quarterback Challenge....test your arm strength and accuracy against other
random fair-goers....could be embarrassing so know your limits.
4. Air Force exhibit on the midway.....look into a F-16 cockpit and check out their movie.
3. Corn Dogs....you knew it would be on the list.....but eat one at 10:30am
2. Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwich....The Dock grill serving 'em up hot.
1. CHICKEN FRIED BACON....6 strips for 10 tickets....2008 Best Taste Award is well-
deserved (dip it in the ranch)......Shut Yo Mouf!
I'm out....
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Knowing what's best.....
So many times I warn my kids about the potential outcomes of a decision they are about to make. Sometimes I speak from experience and sometimes I just try to use the discernment that God gives us. Of course, in spite of old cliches, dad does not always know best.
We let our own desires, and human will get in the way so many times. It is so easy to justify our actions and convince ourselves that we are right. We even do this many times when asking God for direction and guidance. I have actually convinced myself that God is agreeing with my assessment of situations when I know good and well he is not.
I was reading in 1 Samuel 8 when the Israelites were asking Samuel to choose a king for them. They were tired of following God, a heavenly king that called them to a life of holiness, and not having a king like all of the nations around them that could make them politically powerful. They wanted military might, political status, wealth...whatever....God was just not enough anymore. Even after Samuel warned them of the dangers of what they were asking, they persisted. And God allowed it to happen. He allowed his young child to reach up and touch the hot stove.
How many times as churches and/or individuals do we do this very thing. It's not enough to follow God's plan. We come up with something better. Or, we someone else and want to be like them. Bigger buildings, more "relevancy," newer, more hip styles and presentations....you name it. These things are all good when God directed, but dangerous territory when part of some sort of earthly competition.
It's just been on my heart that sometimes we lose sight of what it is God has for us due to the tunnel vision we develop for own desires.
On the lighter side of life.....school is off to a good start in our house. We had one more "Meet the Teacher" night last night. 2 weeks in....everyone is doing great. Of course they are.....there haven't been any "major" grades as of yet. This is a big test week, so we'll see.
I'm so glad football is here. I'm tired of all of the filler sports. Nothing quite like high school football on friday night, college gameday on saturday, nfl on sunday, and monday night football. i'm a happy man.....kelly's getting a lot of reading done.
I'm out.....
We let our own desires, and human will get in the way so many times. It is so easy to justify our actions and convince ourselves that we are right. We even do this many times when asking God for direction and guidance. I have actually convinced myself that God is agreeing with my assessment of situations when I know good and well he is not.
I was reading in 1 Samuel 8 when the Israelites were asking Samuel to choose a king for them. They were tired of following God, a heavenly king that called them to a life of holiness, and not having a king like all of the nations around them that could make them politically powerful. They wanted military might, political status, wealth...whatever....God was just not enough anymore. Even after Samuel warned them of the dangers of what they were asking, they persisted. And God allowed it to happen. He allowed his young child to reach up and touch the hot stove.
How many times as churches and/or individuals do we do this very thing. It's not enough to follow God's plan. We come up with something better. Or, we someone else and want to be like them. Bigger buildings, more "relevancy," newer, more hip styles and presentations....you name it. These things are all good when God directed, but dangerous territory when part of some sort of earthly competition.
It's just been on my heart that sometimes we lose sight of what it is God has for us due to the tunnel vision we develop for own desires.
On the lighter side of life.....school is off to a good start in our house. We had one more "Meet the Teacher" night last night. 2 weeks in....everyone is doing great. Of course they are.....there haven't been any "major" grades as of yet. This is a big test week, so we'll see.
I'm so glad football is here. I'm tired of all of the filler sports. Nothing quite like high school football on friday night, college gameday on saturday, nfl on sunday, and monday night football. i'm a happy man.....kelly's getting a lot of reading done.
I'm out.....
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Trust and kleenex
Is there anyone else out there that is just about beat down by the whole school supply shopping madness?! Man.....I get so frustrated at the number of teachers who are asking us to supply their classrooms with kleenex, hand sanitizer, paper, etc......What happened to the day of making sure your kids had their supplies, and other parents were responsible for theirs. And teachers were responsible for kleenex, sanitizers, etc....
I was a teacher for 15 years, and my wife is still a teacher. I never asked my students to bring things for public distribution. I'm sure it helps with having enough kleenex, and sandwich baggies for your whole class, but good night. I honestly think we spent just as much money on school supplies as we did school clothes.
As the school year is getting started around our house there is not much down time. I find that the only "quiet" time to be had is early in the morning before everyone gets going, or in my truck on the way to work after dropping the man child off at school. It's just so busy sometimes.
This morning I was up early reading in Psalms 62. What a great reminder of placing our trust in God. The psalmist repeats the phrase "He is my rock and my salvation...." In verse 5 the psalmist says "find rest, o my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him."
I find myself trusting in many things throughout the course of the work day, work week, etc.....There are just so many times when I place my trust in everything but God. He is the source of my hope. He is the One that will always do what is right, what is just, and what is best. Regardless of the things going on in life. Regardless of people and things.....He is a "rock" that we can lean on.........that is so comforting.
Well.....life is stirring around here. The girls are gone to school and things are coming to life. As the day starts......I know where my trust has to be to survive. I think I have to go buy some paper towels for my daughters Spanish class.
I'm out....
I was a teacher for 15 years, and my wife is still a teacher. I never asked my students to bring things for public distribution. I'm sure it helps with having enough kleenex, and sandwich baggies for your whole class, but good night. I honestly think we spent just as much money on school supplies as we did school clothes.
As the school year is getting started around our house there is not much down time. I find that the only "quiet" time to be had is early in the morning before everyone gets going, or in my truck on the way to work after dropping the man child off at school. It's just so busy sometimes.
This morning I was up early reading in Psalms 62. What a great reminder of placing our trust in God. The psalmist repeats the phrase "He is my rock and my salvation...." In verse 5 the psalmist says "find rest, o my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him."
I find myself trusting in many things throughout the course of the work day, work week, etc.....There are just so many times when I place my trust in everything but God. He is the source of my hope. He is the One that will always do what is right, what is just, and what is best. Regardless of the things going on in life. Regardless of people and things.....He is a "rock" that we can lean on.........that is so comforting.
Well.....life is stirring around here. The girls are gone to school and things are coming to life. As the day starts......I know where my trust has to be to survive. I think I have to go buy some paper towels for my daughters Spanish class.
I'm out....
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Weekends and such...
So we're finishing up our "OMG" series in the student ministry this weekend. The first installment was "Who is God?" The second week we looked at "What is Truth?" We're wrapping up with "What Now?" We know who God is, we know what truth is, and we can recognize things that aren't true (Satan's schemes and tricks).....so what do we do to live our lives accordingly? Should be a good weekend.
I've spoken to a few of our students this week that are really wrestling with where God is in their lives. None of them have ever made the decision to be a Christ follower. I'm excited that I get to talk to them this weekend, and I hope more just like them are there. Pray for that with me.
Life with the Schmidts has been good lately. With school getting ready to start up routine is just on the horizon. I'm ready for some routine. Both girls will be in the same school this year and one drives, so mornings will be somewhat easier. I'm ready to get out into the schools and visit kids in their mission field. I'll be going to a couple of new schools this year and some old familiar ones as well.
We start our new student ministry schedule on Aug. 24th. The kids are pumped! It's going to be a great transition for the whole church. Of course the new building will be incredibly instrumental when it's done. Can't wait for that!
Cowboys v. Chargers tonight at 9. I'm not much into pre-season football, but it does mean that football season is here. I love this time of year. The boy starts his practices tomorrow. No more Cryin' Eagles.....he's a Cougar now. Going to get some new pants and practice gear today. Maybe I'll get me some too........never mind...
How 'bout them Cowboys?!
I'm out.....
I've spoken to a few of our students this week that are really wrestling with where God is in their lives. None of them have ever made the decision to be a Christ follower. I'm excited that I get to talk to them this weekend, and I hope more just like them are there. Pray for that with me.
Life with the Schmidts has been good lately. With school getting ready to start up routine is just on the horizon. I'm ready for some routine. Both girls will be in the same school this year and one drives, so mornings will be somewhat easier. I'm ready to get out into the schools and visit kids in their mission field. I'll be going to a couple of new schools this year and some old familiar ones as well.
We start our new student ministry schedule on Aug. 24th. The kids are pumped! It's going to be a great transition for the whole church. Of course the new building will be incredibly instrumental when it's done. Can't wait for that!
Cowboys v. Chargers tonight at 9. I'm not much into pre-season football, but it does mean that football season is here. I love this time of year. The boy starts his practices tomorrow. No more Cryin' Eagles.....he's a Cougar now. Going to get some new pants and practice gear today. Maybe I'll get me some too........never mind...
How 'bout them Cowboys?!
I'm out.....
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A Letter....
So I'm sitting here at my desk enjoying being busy. After being in the desert of unemployment for 4 1/2 months, it is nice to have been going non-stop the last 3 weeks.
I've been reading in 2 Corinthians this week....I love that letter. In chapter 3 Paul finds himself being asked to prove that he is who he says he is by some of the people in the church of Corinth.....the very people with whom he had served side by side. These people knew Paul...his strengths; his weaknesses; his victories and his losses, yet they wanted proof that he was who he said he was.
His reply is greatness......."your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it-not with ink, but with God's living spirit; not chiseled in stone, but carved into human lives."
I sat and talked with a friend yesterday. One of those good, solid God talks. We've both had to deal with anger and bitterness this year and got a chance yesterday to reflect on God's guidance through those deserts. It was AWESOME!
God has been redeeming me and showing me what it looks like to "get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger......"(Eph.4:31). He has been working incredibly in the lives of my family. He has given us a new season of ministry in a new church home and it is exciting! Bitterness and anger would do nothing but hinder that ministry and give Satan a stronghold from which to base his covert rebellions in my soul.
Kelly and I have had so many opportunities to talk about these things in the last few months. She has been an incredible support and God ministers to me through her daily. The lessons we have learned on letting God be God, and not take things into our own hands have been unbelievably valuable. It's hard sometimes and we have carried each other through one of the driest, most brutal deserts we have experienced in our 20 years of marriage. God is good and we are so grateful for his patience and faithfullness.
I know my friend will read this and so I say thank you. Thank you for being a letter to the world. In that same passage in 2 Corinthians Paul mentions being a publisher of those letters. I am so thankful that I have had the chance to be publisher and to have people publish my letter.
Think about what we write in that letter on a daily basis. Think about the message we are publishing in others and in ourselves. Edit.......proofread......and correct when necessary.
To my friend....thank you. Your friendship is priceless and means so much to my family. I can't wait to see all of the things God is going to do through you.
Kel....you're unbelievable! I am so thankful that God put us together to do life. I love you.
I'm out.....
I've been reading in 2 Corinthians this week....I love that letter. In chapter 3 Paul finds himself being asked to prove that he is who he says he is by some of the people in the church of Corinth.....the very people with whom he had served side by side. These people knew Paul...his strengths; his weaknesses; his victories and his losses, yet they wanted proof that he was who he said he was.
His reply is greatness......."your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it-not with ink, but with God's living spirit; not chiseled in stone, but carved into human lives."
I sat and talked with a friend yesterday. One of those good, solid God talks. We've both had to deal with anger and bitterness this year and got a chance yesterday to reflect on God's guidance through those deserts. It was AWESOME!
God has been redeeming me and showing me what it looks like to "get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger......"(Eph.4:31). He has been working incredibly in the lives of my family. He has given us a new season of ministry in a new church home and it is exciting! Bitterness and anger would do nothing but hinder that ministry and give Satan a stronghold from which to base his covert rebellions in my soul.
Kelly and I have had so many opportunities to talk about these things in the last few months. She has been an incredible support and God ministers to me through her daily. The lessons we have learned on letting God be God, and not take things into our own hands have been unbelievably valuable. It's hard sometimes and we have carried each other through one of the driest, most brutal deserts we have experienced in our 20 years of marriage. God is good and we are so grateful for his patience and faithfullness.
I know my friend will read this and so I say thank you. Thank you for being a letter to the world. In that same passage in 2 Corinthians Paul mentions being a publisher of those letters. I am so thankful that I have had the chance to be publisher and to have people publish my letter.
Think about what we write in that letter on a daily basis. Think about the message we are publishing in others and in ourselves. Edit.......proofread......and correct when necessary.
To my friend....thank you. Your friendship is priceless and means so much to my family. I can't wait to see all of the things God is going to do through you.
Kel....you're unbelievable! I am so thankful that God put us together to do life. I love you.
I'm out.....
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Middle School Camp
What a great week we had at middle school camp. We took about 30 to Pineywoods Baptist Encampment for camp. I'm thankful that everything was already planned when I got to Firewheel because Kelly and I just got a chance to hang with the kiddos and start forming some relationships.
Beaux got to be a camper for the first time and had a blast! He made a bunch of new friends and is super excited about church.
These kids are great! I was really impressed with their spiritual maturity, and how respectful and loving they are to other people. They are just 6th-8th grade so that excites me about the future of this student ministry.
One of my new friends, Dominick, got saved this week. I had the opportunity to lead him to Christ and then celebrate with him and all of his friends. He is so excited! And to see his friends be so exicited with him was pretty moving. Several of the kids came to me and told me how much they had been praying for him and for how long they had been praying for him. Awesome!!
We were introduced to the congregation today and had several friends in attendance to support and encourage us as we start this new season of ministry. We are right where God wants us to be and it is such an incredible feeling. To serve a God that is so incredibly redeeming, and gracious is truly humbling.
The relationships we've begun to form with the staff and their families along with the people serving in the student ministry and other areas of the church are exciting. God is working at Firewheel and He's letting us be a part of it.
Thank you Jesus.....
I'm out...
Monday, July 07, 2008
No words.....
It's not often that I am without words, but when I think about the way God has been working in the life of my family over the last 5 months it floors me.
This weekend was our first as Student Pastor at Firewheel Church. It was awesome!! It's incredible how God brought this all together. We are so blessed to be a part of such a great place that is doing so much to further the kingdom here in Garland and around the globe.
It's been a long journey getting here, but we are so excited. For the first time in a long time my family is excited about going to church on the weekends. After being in a desert God is leading us into a new season of ministry in a great place.
God's redeeming power is so incredible. Allowing us to stay right here in Garland is such a blessing. We have experienced a love, support, and encouragement from friends that is completely humbling. People that have walked side by side with us and loved us through the difficulty of transition and hurt have shown us what grace and forgiveness looks like.
Sure there are those that, even to this day, condemn, judge, and do whatever they can to hurt my family. We've seen our kids snubbed, been told our house was not a good environment, gossiped about, and have seen firsthand the antithesis of grace and forgiveness.......but God has shown His love and control over the situation and delivered us.
We are in a great place and ready to do His kingdom's work. I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Luke 9:62 everyday:
"Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for
service in the kingdom of God."
Thank you Jesus for keeping us focused. Make us ready for the work ahead, learning from the past as we go.
I'm out....
This weekend was our first as Student Pastor at Firewheel Church. It was awesome!! It's incredible how God brought this all together. We are so blessed to be a part of such a great place that is doing so much to further the kingdom here in Garland and around the globe.
It's been a long journey getting here, but we are so excited. For the first time in a long time my family is excited about going to church on the weekends. After being in a desert God is leading us into a new season of ministry in a great place.
God's redeeming power is so incredible. Allowing us to stay right here in Garland is such a blessing. We have experienced a love, support, and encouragement from friends that is completely humbling. People that have walked side by side with us and loved us through the difficulty of transition and hurt have shown us what grace and forgiveness looks like.
Sure there are those that, even to this day, condemn, judge, and do whatever they can to hurt my family. We've seen our kids snubbed, been told our house was not a good environment, gossiped about, and have seen firsthand the antithesis of grace and forgiveness.......but God has shown His love and control over the situation and delivered us.
We are in a great place and ready to do His kingdom's work. I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Luke 9:62 everyday:
"Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for
service in the kingdom of God."
Thank you Jesus for keeping us focused. Make us ready for the work ahead, learning from the past as we go.
I'm out....
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Beaux Spielberg
The manchild has been making short films this summer......here's his latest.....haha
i'm out....
i'm out....
Thursday, June 26, 2008
My Team
I was talking to a friend yesterday about some of the different things that God is doing in our lives. We were just celebrating with each other all of the recent wins we've experienced in our spiritual lives. The stress and anxiety of life seem to be giving way to clarity and answers in ways that we couldn't have imagined just a short time ago.
Over the course of that conversation we began to talk about all of the people around us that are looking for something.....not knowing what it is they're missing. My friend was sharing with me how they desired for churches to become more aware of working together as a team with the goal of reaching people for Christ.
Unfortunately we get caught up in the "competition" of reaching people.....but not for Christ. We want them to be on our "team." We want them to choose us above others. And if they do, it some how validates us as a "better" church, or ministry. This is a mindset and very sad approach, that sadly enough has invaded many of our churches today. We've probably all been guilty of this thinking at sometime or the other, and it is such an un-Godly way of thinking.
There are not enough churches to reach all of the people that need to be reached for Jesus. We face tremendous odds in this world that only a God like the one we serve can overcome. He wants us to go and make disciples of all nations. He wants us to serve the poor and widows. He wants us to share the story of His grace and mercy, shown through the sacrifice of His son Jesus. He wants us to love each other.
When we spend time trying to discredit other people. When we spend time trying to out-do other churches and ministries. When we focus on building our membership, and not focus on building new lives through teaching about Jesus, things will get pretty jacked up.
We wonder sometimes why the world looks at churches and thinks.....why would I want to go there? We wonder why people look at us and don't see the love and grace that we preach being practiced, and decide to look elsewhere.
We're on the same team. We should have the same goals and mission. I want people to know Jesus. I want God to use me in spite of my mistakes and flaws. He has proven to be faithful in that and I will worship him for who He is and what He has done in my life. There is no time to waste on bickering and fighting amongst ourselves when there is a world in dire need of the Savior. God is love..........let us be examples of that love in our daily lives in ALL that we do and say.
I'm out.......
Over the course of that conversation we began to talk about all of the people around us that are looking for something.....not knowing what it is they're missing. My friend was sharing with me how they desired for churches to become more aware of working together as a team with the goal of reaching people for Christ.
Unfortunately we get caught up in the "competition" of reaching people.....but not for Christ. We want them to be on our "team." We want them to choose us above others. And if they do, it some how validates us as a "better" church, or ministry. This is a mindset and very sad approach, that sadly enough has invaded many of our churches today. We've probably all been guilty of this thinking at sometime or the other, and it is such an un-Godly way of thinking.
There are not enough churches to reach all of the people that need to be reached for Jesus. We face tremendous odds in this world that only a God like the one we serve can overcome. He wants us to go and make disciples of all nations. He wants us to serve the poor and widows. He wants us to share the story of His grace and mercy, shown through the sacrifice of His son Jesus. He wants us to love each other.
When we spend time trying to discredit other people. When we spend time trying to out-do other churches and ministries. When we focus on building our membership, and not focus on building new lives through teaching about Jesus, things will get pretty jacked up.
We wonder sometimes why the world looks at churches and thinks.....why would I want to go there? We wonder why people look at us and don't see the love and grace that we preach being practiced, and decide to look elsewhere.
We're on the same team. We should have the same goals and mission. I want people to know Jesus. I want God to use me in spite of my mistakes and flaws. He has proven to be faithful in that and I will worship him for who He is and what He has done in my life. There is no time to waste on bickering and fighting amongst ourselves when there is a world in dire need of the Savior. God is love..........let us be examples of that love in our daily lives in ALL that we do and say.
I'm out.......
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Mornings
What is it about mornings? I've always considered myself to be somewhat of a morning person. There are few times that I can remember getting up and regretting having to wake up. The occasional junior high lock-in has brought morning resentment. Or, back in the coaching days, a Saturday morning after a loss was never good. But for the most part......I like the mornings.
I usually get up and walk the dog and then sit on the porch to read my paper. The last couple of weeks, the weather at 7:00am has been awesome. So peaceful.
Peace is something that has been difficult to come by over the last few months in our house. The unrest of the unknown, and the stress of unclear direction have dominated our emotions and thoughts. And then suddenly over the last 10 days God has begun to clear things up, much like the morning brings light and clarity to all that was dark.
It is so encouraging to know that His plan and His timing are perfect. It is so easy to teach that, but yet so hard to see it and understand it when you're in the middle of the night. Sometimes things aren't as they seem in the darkness.
I thank God for the light of a new day and the hope of new relationships. He is Lord and He is God........I am neither and I am thankful.
I'm out.....
I usually get up and walk the dog and then sit on the porch to read my paper. The last couple of weeks, the weather at 7:00am has been awesome. So peaceful.
Peace is something that has been difficult to come by over the last few months in our house. The unrest of the unknown, and the stress of unclear direction have dominated our emotions and thoughts. And then suddenly over the last 10 days God has begun to clear things up, much like the morning brings light and clarity to all that was dark.
It is so encouraging to know that His plan and His timing are perfect. It is so easy to teach that, but yet so hard to see it and understand it when you're in the middle of the night. Sometimes things aren't as they seem in the darkness.
I thank God for the light of a new day and the hope of new relationships. He is Lord and He is God........I am neither and I am thankful.
I'm out.....
Friday, June 20, 2008
Orchestration
Just when you think you have things figured out........bam! God's orchestration is unbelievable. The way he works in our lives......it is absolutely amazing.
Moving people in and then out. Connections, relationships, jobs, churches....everything. His plan is sovereign. No matter what we do or how hard we try.....there is no way we can imagine how things will work sometimes.
I love good music and hearing how all of the parts fit together. Melody, rhythm, vocals, instrumentation....all of it. In the same way...it's fun to watch God's plan develop, and the orchestration that takes place making sure all of the parts are in place and working. I love it.
I'm in a better place right now than I've been in sometime. It feels good and I can't wait to see what God has in store tomorrow.
I'm out.....
Moving people in and then out. Connections, relationships, jobs, churches....everything. His plan is sovereign. No matter what we do or how hard we try.....there is no way we can imagine how things will work sometimes.
I love good music and hearing how all of the parts fit together. Melody, rhythm, vocals, instrumentation....all of it. In the same way...it's fun to watch God's plan develop, and the orchestration that takes place making sure all of the parts are in place and working. I love it.
I'm in a better place right now than I've been in sometime. It feels good and I can't wait to see what God has in store tomorrow.
I'm out.....
Sunday, June 15, 2008
What a Day....
Man....today was really good. We visited a great church this morning. The people there were great and the lesson was relevant and scriptural. It just felt right....know what I mean? The music rocked, good message.....just an overall good worship experience.
Then tonight we had some of our favorite people in the world over for some God talk and prayer. I love those guys! You guys know who you are.......
I'm looking forward to this week. I feel like God is beginning to provide some clarity on the things that have been clouding up our lives over the last couple of months.
I'll be glad when it's crystal clear..........
I'm out....
Then tonight we had some of our favorite people in the world over for some God talk and prayer. I love those guys! You guys know who you are.......
I'm looking forward to this week. I feel like God is beginning to provide some clarity on the things that have been clouding up our lives over the last couple of months.
I'll be glad when it's crystal clear..........
I'm out....
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Patience
If I had to sum up the last few months in a word it would be patience. This is something I have struggled with for my entire life. I have a tough time with patience. Most of my issues are small and easily handled; like trying to understand why the kid at Taco Bell can't get my order right when I'm standing right in front of him telling him what I want........
Other patience trials are a little harder and take more time to process. Sometimes I find myself praying for God to grant me patience and asking him to please grant it now. It is just hard to wait sometimes.
Waiting for people, waiting in line, waiting for the kids to figure out how to act, waiting for God to give clarity and direction......just waiting..... patiently. Do you ever feel like the psalmist who wrote this...
Psalm 69:3 (The Message)
I'm hoarse from calling for help, Bleary-eyed from searching the sky for God
Man.....it is hard at times. But then there is this other piece of advice that shouts out from the Psalms to my heart..
Psalm 37:7
Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb
the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
Being quiet and listening to God is difficult sometimes. We ask for guidance and then work at guiding ourselves. We ask for direction and then work at creating our own map. We ask for help and then work hard to help ourselves.
All of us have been victims of those who are elbowing their way to the top and all of us have victimized others in the same way. As we go through this rough patch in our family...searching for jobs, trying to understand people, trying to understand church......we have to be quiet and listen to God.
Kingdom work is at stake. That is why we are here. That is our charge. We wrong and we are wronged. We are victims and we victimize. The ability to exercise patience and being quiet before God is a must when searching for God's direction.
After all, the grace and patience shown to us by our Father goes beyond anything we deserve. Showing that grace and patience to others goes a long way to learning God's ways and following Christ's example. Even when those we think are friends and allies turn their back as they preach grace and forgiveness.....we must continue to look for God's lessons in it all. Even when we think we know what is best........we must wait. Even when vindication and justification stand at the front of our minds.......patience.
Psalm 40:1-3
I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me
out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make
sure I wouldn't slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our
God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning
themselves to God.
I'm out.....
Other patience trials are a little harder and take more time to process. Sometimes I find myself praying for God to grant me patience and asking him to please grant it now. It is just hard to wait sometimes.
Waiting for people, waiting in line, waiting for the kids to figure out how to act, waiting for God to give clarity and direction......just waiting..... patiently. Do you ever feel like the psalmist who wrote this...
Psalm 69:3 (The Message)
I'm hoarse from calling for help, Bleary-eyed from searching the sky for God
Man.....it is hard at times. But then there is this other piece of advice that shouts out from the Psalms to my heart..
Psalm 37:7
Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb
the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
Being quiet and listening to God is difficult sometimes. We ask for guidance and then work at guiding ourselves. We ask for direction and then work at creating our own map. We ask for help and then work hard to help ourselves.
All of us have been victims of those who are elbowing their way to the top and all of us have victimized others in the same way. As we go through this rough patch in our family...searching for jobs, trying to understand people, trying to understand church......we have to be quiet and listen to God.
Kingdom work is at stake. That is why we are here. That is our charge. We wrong and we are wronged. We are victims and we victimize. The ability to exercise patience and being quiet before God is a must when searching for God's direction.
After all, the grace and patience shown to us by our Father goes beyond anything we deserve. Showing that grace and patience to others goes a long way to learning God's ways and following Christ's example. Even when those we think are friends and allies turn their back as they preach grace and forgiveness.....we must continue to look for God's lessons in it all. Even when we think we know what is best........we must wait. Even when vindication and justification stand at the front of our minds.......patience.
Psalm 40:1-3
I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me
out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make
sure I wouldn't slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our
God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning
themselves to God.
I'm out.....
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The Manchild's First Public Performance
This is Beaux's first public performance ever. He was a little upset about the audio not capturing all of the feedback he was getting...haha. He's starting to be a bit of a tone freak. He did decide that he likes playing in front of people. He did good.....
I'm out....
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Still Alive
Well....it has been a while! So much has happened since the last post that it would take me days to catch everyone up....so we'll just skip that and start with what's goin' on now.
We were down at First Baptist Church of Beaumont, TX last weekend. I led the music in each of their services Sunday morning. It was great. They are some really nice people with a great staff. They are considering me for the worship pastor position there, so we'll see how everything turns out.
On that note...I'm also one of the finalists for the worship pastor position at the church I grew up in...First Baptist Baytown. That has been a really long process, but it does seem to be winding down. We'll see what happens there too.
I'm just so thankful that God is continuing to use me and my family. Since I left Springcreek he has proven to be faithful in so many ways. I am so thankful for the many people that have reached out to me and my family to express their love and support. It has been incredible. There are days when I think of my friends that haven't been so loving and supportive and that's difficult. I hope God reminds me of that hurt, so that I will never act the same way towards someone else.
As a family we're doin' great. Just waiting for God's direction in the job search. There are a few options on the table right now, so I know He's got a great plan with one of them...we'll just see which one.
Only 74 days until Cowboys v. Chargers....Aug.9 Pre-season opener. How 'bout them Cowboys?!!!
I'm out....
We were down at First Baptist Church of Beaumont, TX last weekend. I led the music in each of their services Sunday morning. It was great. They are some really nice people with a great staff. They are considering me for the worship pastor position there, so we'll see how everything turns out.
On that note...I'm also one of the finalists for the worship pastor position at the church I grew up in...First Baptist Baytown. That has been a really long process, but it does seem to be winding down. We'll see what happens there too.
I'm just so thankful that God is continuing to use me and my family. Since I left Springcreek he has proven to be faithful in so many ways. I am so thankful for the many people that have reached out to me and my family to express their love and support. It has been incredible. There are days when I think of my friends that haven't been so loving and supportive and that's difficult. I hope God reminds me of that hurt, so that I will never act the same way towards someone else.
As a family we're doin' great. Just waiting for God's direction in the job search. There are a few options on the table right now, so I know He's got a great plan with one of them...we'll just see which one.
Only 74 days until Cowboys v. Chargers....Aug.9 Pre-season opener. How 'bout them Cowboys?!!!
I'm out....
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