I’d say when my daughter Jacqueline was 5 she figured out on the calendar when she was going to be 5 and a half.  The days were flying by that year and all she did was talk about her “half birthday”. 

So I decided since this is turning into such a big deal I ought to do something about it.  But what?  Have another birthday party with cake and a ton of other 5 year olds running around?  I don’t think so - because I had not recovered from the last party. 

So what was I to do for this very monumental day in this 5 year olds life? 

I figured it out.  It would be a date with dad.  Dress up and take her anywhere she would wanted to go.  I thought I would come out cheap and get to go to McDonald’s.  Not what she had in mind.  We went to Red Lobster and had Crab Legs!!!

Well, she is 13 now and we still celebrate “half birthday’s”.  Now all three of the kids get to pick.  Anywhere out to eat with dad.  Got lucky this year with Walker… He wanted McDonald’s.  Valerie wanted Applebee’s (I think she really wanted Dave and Buster’s but we didn’t have time for that). 

 Proverbs 22:6, “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” (NCV)

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.  Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:15, NCV)

Tonight I’m real saddened by this… A friend that I work with is a mentor to a child who is in a school system in a different county.  This boy lives with his grandparents.  Dad is no where around and his mom died today.  The grandparents that he lives with are not well themselves.  According to the school this boy is the rock of the family.

My heart is broken over the loss of this one young boy.  I’m broken in my spirit and I wonder how he feels tonight.  I can’t imagine the emptiness, the loneliness, the fear, and the questions that are yet to come.

I thank God that my friend is a mentor to this little one.  I thank God that the school reached out to my friend for help.  I thank God that he shared his story with me.  Will you pray with me for him… I don’t know his name but I know God does.

There is a lot of “stuff” kids today have to deal with and put up with.  Unfortunately, much of it is the result of bad choices adults have made.

We who are able need to stand up for those who need someone.

Do we ever get to a place where we don’t have a next step?  I know - death would be one answer.  But death is a little on the drastic side.  There has to be some place between here and there that we can get to that doesn’t require a next step.

Have you ever looked at life as one big set of transitions right after the other?

I was driving across town the other day and a good friend of mine entered into my thoughts.  He is a worship pastor in a different state.  As I was going over the Porter Street Bridge the thought about him moving came to mind.  I wondered if he would be leaving where he is… How long has he been there… What would cause him to leave?  I don’t know why I had the thought.  So I called him.

Guess what!  He is praying about a move. 

I called him again today to let him know I am praying for him and his wife. 

After that phone call, I sat there and thought about all of the times I moved, changed positions, churches, jobs, etc.  I wondered. “Why all the change?”  Even at my job today – taking that “next step” seems to be a topic of conversation that so many talk about.  Changing from one job to another within the company. 

What do we expect to find with each change?  Peace? Fulfillment? Less stress? The perfect job? Money? The perfect ministry? The perfect church?

Is it an issue of contentment? Calling? God’s leadership? Our impatience with a situation? Or all of the above?

I often wonder what it would be like to be in a position where I would not have to face (or want to face) the decision, “Should I stay?” or “Should I go?”  (sounds like a song… who sang that?) I also wonder why do some people get to have a job or ministry and never “feel” like God is moving them.

I know that there are times when a move or change is the right thing.  It’s the God thing.  But sometimes I wonder if maybe… just maybe the change that is in need of being made is something that should be internal rather than an external change – transformed from the inside out.

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering.  Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.  Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.  Instead, fix your attention on God.  You’ll be changed from the inside out.  Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it.  Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:1-2, The Message).

It’s amazing how a cup of coffee can change everything.  I’m sitting here running through my thoughts.  With some frustration trying to get them down.  All the while, Lori is making me a cup of coffee. 

Here I am starting to get a little hungry too.  I fight off the hunger to finish my thoughts for the morning.  But the desire for that cup of coffee is raging.  So here I am in my “Big Chair” ready to take in that first hot sip of coffee for the day and then it happens.  Lori is walking over here with what she thinks is my favorite cup.  As she walks over with my cup the waves begin to build within the rim of the cup.  The cup is able to keep every drop contained. 

Lori has made it to the table by the “Big Chair” and carefully places the cup of coffee on my Oswald Chambers devotional.  That’s all good with the exception that the foundation for which she chose to sit the cup of coffee was not very stable.  The only problem with this scenario is that the book was hanging half way off the table.  I could see everything happening right before my eyes but once again I am stuck in a moment I can’t get out of.  All I could do was watch in silence the disaster unfold.  The cup went crashing down to the floor along with the devotional.  Coffee everywhere!  And the cup?  Well, it’s now in the trash in numerous pieces.

So what happened next is priceless.  We both sprung into action to clean up the mess as it was a big cup of coffee.  The coffee was all in the carpet…

I could go on with this little story but the point has already been made. 

God has a plan for our lives.  He has a beautiful and glorious plan.  A plan that brings glory and honor to Himself. 

I’ve lived my life with one thing in mind “pleasing God.”  Now there have been times in my life when plans have changed.  Or things have happened because I allowed them into my life.  Things that were not pleasing to God. 

Things happen.  Cups of coffee spill.  So what does one do?  Clean it up.  God does.  With grace, love, and correction He steps in with a towel and cleans up the mess.  Now sometimes the spill will leave a stain as a reminder of what has happened in the past.  But that stain is a benchmark for us to build from. 

Hebrews 11:6 states, “It’s impossible to please God apart from faith.  And why?  Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.” (The Message).

I love chapter 11 of Hebrews.  It’s a powerful chapter of men and women who have chosen above all else to please God.  This desire to live a pleasing life to God has seen some never taste death and it has seen some die horrible deaths. 

Where do we fit in?  We all have a mission in life.  A place to contribute.  For each of us it is different.  I know what I desire to do in service to God.  But there has been some spilled coffee.  There has been something that has happened that needs to be cleaned up.  So I’m patiently waiting as God cleans up the mess.  I’m waiting for the cup to be mended.  He can do it.

Hebrews 11 ends with you and I in mind.  Ends with our mission in life written out in those last couple of verses. “God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours.” (The Message).

The next time the coffee is brewing and Lori is pouring I’ll be wearing my rain coat.

I had an experience last night that has not let go. The experience is as fresh now as it was then. It’s a very personal experience but something that impacted me deeply. It’s my desire that this will impact you the way it has me.

Each Tuesday night I have the opportunity to spend time with my children. I went to their house to pick them up for dinner. Jacqueline is sick and stayed at home. Valerie with much enthusiasm was ready to go. She had her ball glove and softball ready to head to Dad’s house to play pitch as she gears up for a new season. Walker was also very playful as he was trying to hide from me in the yard as I awaited his arrival into the Jeep. I finally got him out of the bushes and into the back seat.

I had no idea that the events of the night would lead me to this. Lead me to be so very contemplative and introspective from the inside out.

We had a great time playing outside before dinner. Alexa my stepdaughter joined us as we played pitch outside as Lori prepared our dinner. (Lucas is sick too and was indoors).

After dinner I loaded Valerie and Walker back up and headed for their house to drop them off. We were in the driveway giving out hugs and kisses to each other. Walker held onto me so tight and didn’t want to let go. It made me tear up. I knelt down to return the embrace and I said, “You know buddy – you really make me smile!” He pushed back and looked at me and just gave me a big smile back. And all the way into the house he kept looking back with that same smile as Valerie hugged me with her cold hands and talked about getting stronger for softball.

I recognized as I was driving home that God wanted to use this tender moment. This moment so wrapped up in love. It was through this that I also began to experience God in a real and personal way.

As I drove home, I was listening to Rod Stewart’s, “Forever Young.” As I listened to it I thought about my children. I thought about all the times I have knelt down hugged, encouraged, cheered, had devotions at night, and loved on my children. I began to think about the time now spent apart due to the divorce. I thought about that separation from my children and how miserable it is. I thought about the love I have for them and how I desire to show it and give it to them physically everyday!

I began to think about God. As I thought about my relationship with God, God began to speak to me. I began to think about the times that I separated myself from Him. I thought about how He feels when I have done things and I have separated myself from Him. I began to think about how many people are now living separated from God. Those who have never decided to trust in Him. They are His creation living separated from God. Living apart from the love He so strongly desires to give.

I meet with a great group of guys each Wednesday morning. This morning Joel read a passage from Romans 8:31-39. I’ve listed part of those verses below. Once we give our lives to God in Jesus there is nothing that can separate us from His love. It is only us who push back from God. But even that can not separate us from God’s loving arms as they are always – always around us.

“I’m absolutely convinced that nothing – nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable – absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us” (The Message).

I always want to be with God the way my children were with me last night. I want to be returning the embrace back to my Heavenly Father. I always want to return back to God the love He gives me. I always want to look to God as Walker looked to me last night with a returned smile. I smile of love… I smile of thanksgiving… a smile of worship.

Here is the video to the song I mentioned earlier. Think of your relationship with your children. Think about other relationships you have. Think about God. Who is it that you are trusting to drive your family and those other relationships?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHNeRjC4nJw]

I’m sorry.  I just can’t resist the opportunity to talk about this.  I had planned to on Saturday but decided to wait.

On Sunday, I decided I wasn’t going to bring up this subject as this was what my pastor talked about.  So if you weren’t there or don’t live in town then you ought to go to www.oakleafchurch.com Michael did an awesome job!! He is in the midst of a series entitled “Dominate” and yesterday was the 2nd in the series.

I was in town on Saturday when I ran in to someone I don’t see very often.  A few minutes later someone else walked up that knew the person I was talking with.  I didn’t know this person and they had no idea that I go to Oakleaf.  But they mentioned that their family is looking for a new church and that they had been going to Oakleaf.  When asked, “Why are you looking for somewhere else to go?” They replied, “We just aren’t being fed.”

I once worked at a church and we made no apologies for telling people, “This church may not be for you.”  We did that in a way that was loving and encouraging. You know what?  That is totally fine.  There are some churches that probably wouldn’t want me there because I would probably want to change what they are doing.  That’s why I don’t go there.  (I don’t talk bad of them either) But please if you think this church or that church is not for you and you decide to tell someone that you are leaving… remember who you are talking about is the body of Christ. 

Hey if you need something else – well, then you need something else.  It just may not be the churches fault. Listen, there are no perfect churches.  You know why?  Because they are made up of imperfect people. 

God has raised up a church here in Cartersville that really wants to do a few things with such excellence and focus!!  A community focused church.  A church that looks for every opportunity to give to the community.  A church built on serving others. Oakleaf really wants to, “Help people move from where they are to where God wants them to be.” 

I’m proud to say that I go to “The Leaf”.  When in the community I am focused on reaching the community.  When I am at church I am focused on worshipping God and yes I love being challenged each time I walk in the door – and I am.  I don’t have to be super-wowed to know that I’ve “been to church.”  Simple Truth presented in a simple manner can make a huge impact on a church and the community.  So wherever you live and worship make the most of every opportunity given to you and serve God with great passion. 

Matthew 28:18-20, “Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge:  ‘God  authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.  I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day, right up to the end of the age.’” (The Message).

I apologize to those of you who experienced “night terrors” due to my eyes following you around your living rooms as you tried to read my blog.  There is only one who actually told me that they experienced “night terrors”.  I will not mention his name or anything.  But I will say that he plays the bass.  There was another friend from college (Lyle) who did say that looking into my eyes was rather creepy. 

So I have gone back to the more tranquil vision of the misty river with the bridge by popular demand (which includes my dad).

 Anyone like to guess who has been experiencing night terrors?

 Here’s looking at ya!!

Plans. Economy. Relationships. The car. God. Pets. Family. Weather. Job. Church. Investments. Circumstances. Finances. Government. Children.

What do  all of these have in common? You might say, “Things that make me feel like pulling out my hair!”  That may be true.  But that is not the thought I’m having.  I’m thinking more along the lines of cirumstances I can’t control.  OK you’re right, “Things that make me feel like pulling my hair out!”

“Losing control” is a scary thing.  Have you ever been in a car wreck?  I have – several times.  Fortunately, I was at fault in only one of those accidents and no one was injured.  Whether it was my fault or someone else’s the feelings of being out of control were the same.  They were all scary moments… moments that I could no longer control… moments that all had the same ending… a car crash.  Those events could have been avoided either by myself or by someone else. 

Look over that list again…  add to it if you need. 

Just about everything on the above list has a solution.  Each potential solution has steps that could be taken so that for the most part control can be obtained.  For those situations that can have a measure of control or comfort in our lives it takes discipline on our part and working with others.  It may require an expert from a particular field in order for us to gain the necessary skills needed to be able to function in a reasonable manner. 

For those that we have no control, ie., the government.  We must cast our vote and trust that those elected really are doing what’s best for our country. 

Then there’s God.  Too often once we’ve lost control in one or more of the things above that’s when we call out to God.  Once we’ve reached the end of our rope then we call for help.  

And then there are those times when God allows trouble for a season for His purpose(s).  If you don’t believe that read Job in the Old Testament. 

Do you have trouble believing?  In John 14, Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled.  You trust God, now trust in me.”  Losing your grip? Losing “control”? Maybe that is exactly what needs to happen…  To give up what you can do in your own strength – whatever the situation and surrendering to God in Jesus. 

 There are many thoughts, ideas, and truth’s from God’s Word that can be discussed here.  What are your thoughts?

Warm fuzzies??? 

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.  Study how he did it.  Because he never lost sight of where he was headed- that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever.  And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.  When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through.  That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Hebrews 12:2-3, The Message). 

 What did you get?

Have you ever wanted something so bad you couldn’t sleep… You couldn’t think about anything else but that one thing! 

I remember the night before I turned sixteen.  I wanted to get my drivers license so bad I couldn’t sleep all night long.  I was so excited. I didn’t care if all I had to drive was my Dad’s white 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis with tan velor seats!! It may have had an 8 Track player in it too!! (By the way I took my driver’s test in that tank – and passed).

Many a year has past since that day.  And the moments of waiting just keep on adding up.  Just about every mile marker in life has a moment or two that I’ve waited with anxious thoughts and nerves for something to come about.  

There are some that stick out in my mind as if they happened yesterday.  The ones I’m thinking of right now are those times I was restless because God wasn’t working on my time table.  I was desiring some sort of ministry, job change, answered prayer, vision, or something I was planning to hurry up and get here.  I can’t tell you how many times I acted when I should have continued to prepare myself for what was yet to come.  To do that one activity we all enjoy so much of – waiting!

In James chapter 1, The Message puts it this way, “You know under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows it’s true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so that you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way… Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who ‘worry their prayers’ are like wind-whipped waves.”

In a way, I am there once again.  Not looking for any real drastic changes but I do know God is at work in my life.  He’s working in a way right now that feels real good and leaves me with a great sense of expectation for the days ahead.  If I’m not careful I will lose the real focus God wants for my life. 

I like the way Oswald Chambers puts it, “Whenever we insist that God should give us an answer to prayer we are off track. The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer.”

In retrospect, those times of waiting on God are found memories.  It’s interesting to see the life lessons He has taught me along the way.  I can see now those times I rushed ahead and did what God wanted but maybe ahead of his time table.  I wasn’t fully prepared or equipped for the task as a result.  Which ultimately brought some unnecessary frustration.

Are you hoping for God to do something?  Are you ready for it?  Are you like an anxious parent ready to see your baby for the first time face to face? If you are in that place now keep your eyes on the Master.  Get prepared. Then live it. He has great plans for your life!

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT).