United We Stand

Today, September 11, 2009, we all remember the morning when evil struck out at our nation.
We remember the news reports, the confusion, and the tears. And our nation wll always remember the thousands who died in the attacks, the thousands of families that were devistated in an instant.
But, may we also remember, the faith that grew in our nation, may we remember the patriotism that was rekindled, and may we remember, that God was there, providing, strength, providing hope, and providing peace.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me..." Psalm 23:4

May we always, always remember...

"I'm Certain This Computer Is Out To Get Me!

I'm sure of it!
This computer is single-handedly effecting my blood pressure rate more than all of the jelly doughnuts, pizza, and buttered popcorn I've consumed in the last two years!
As I patiently work on all of those 'important' things that make computers necessary; email, Facebook, my website, Craigslist, and of course...blogging, it never fails. Just when I get into deep thought (which isn't saying much for my shallow brain), this illustrious computer of mine decides to 'freeze up'.
Now, I can hear everyone out there in unison saying," big deal... they all do that", and I agree. What bugs me though is this: I wait... and I wait... and I wait... nothing. Then, at any point, when I just can't take it any more, I can hit the 'x' key to close everything down and, BAAM!!!, in a New York nano-second...GONE! This computer is as slow as Christmas when required to do something important but quits when given any opportunity, in the blink of an eye!!!

Wait a minute... I'm just like this. I can procrastanate with the best of them. And, when given an out, I'm out. I'm not lazy, I just ashamedly look for the easy way out at times. Especially when it comes to God's work, especially when I'm doing 'tough things' that takes me out of my comfort zone...
Thankfully, God has more patience with me than anyone else I know. Thankfully, He never gives up on me. Thankfully, He gives me more opportunities...
1 Corinthians 15:58 says this, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Hebrews 6:10 says, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
So even though some thngs are just hard work, it's much more worthwhile to work hard than to give up, than to look for the easy way out. We may not see the results of our work immediately but, as we read "our labor is not in vain", and "God will not forget our work". Don't give up...work hard... it'll be worth it.
Now, if I could just get my computer to buy into this idea...

'Keep pressing on'

Easy As Sunday Morning...

Today was a beautiful day.
Northern Tennessee awakened to a cool, clear 60 degrees instead of the normal hot and muggy 80+.
This morning, our family actually got to go to church together...all at the same time! Normally, our oldest daughters or myself leave two hours early to attend Worship Team practice. Sometimes my wife and our youngest leaves an hour early to teach or work with Children's Church. Sometimes, we're filling in at the coffee bar. It alway's seems to be something. But today, we went, we worshipped as a family.
Today was a beautiful day.
After church, most of the modern, contemporary music listenin', coffee bar drinkin', casual clothing wearin', 'come as you are' members jumped in their vehicles and headed down the street a few miles for a good ol' fashioned baptism at the creek!
As the participants tried to muster up enough courage to tread the near frigid currents, the young ones took an opportunity to bombard the little creek with an arsenal of rocks. The splashes could have appeared to be annoying during such a holy time but, hey, at least they were scaring off the snakes!
Today was a beautiful day.
After church we all joined around the kitchen table for fried chicken, baked apples, and peach cobbler. OH, SORRY, wrong family... No, we rushed over to Hardee's for a quick burger, then to Wal-Mart for our daily 'pick up the few things we need to make it to tomorrow' run. Then home to catch up on the never-ending 'To Do List'. Yeah, that's more like it.
Back to the creek baptism. I wonder how God enjoys them. On top of the rejoicing over saved souls, it is a beautiful reminder of when Jesus himself was baptized.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matthew 3:13-17

Yes, today was a beautiful day.

"Busier Than Three Cats on a Linoleum Roof!"

Now that's busy.
Have you ever seen a cat try to run on a linoleum floor? It's hilarious! I think they could get better traction on a treadmill or a pond of ice.
I've spent the last four weeks on this simple schedule - 'wake up... go to work'. It's been crazy. The part-time business we have has been booming, thankfully. And the day job is still steady. As a result, there's been absolutely no time for anything else.
Please don't get me wrong... I'm not complaining. Actually, I'm very grateful, considering the economy as it is. But, the 'side effects' are not as good as they should be. No family time, no lesuire time, and no time with God. All bad. Thankfully, my family is patient, my friends are patient, and God is patient. I just don't want to take advantage of their goodness. And, I don't want to send the 'wrong message' to any of them.
They say the best way to invest in your family is to spend time with them. They say the best way to build and grow friendships is to spend time with friends. They say the best way to gain a deeper relationship with God is to spend time with Him. I fail in all of these areas, especially lately. Humbly I confess, my family and my God, they just keep waiting for me.
Sometimes we just have too much to do, this is a busy world for sure. But, as I heard a pastor say one time, 'we all have the same 24 hours'. Ouch! That hurts, though true. The art of saying ' no' is a hard skill to master, though worth working for if family, friends and God are missing us. And that's the key point here. Are they missing us? Maybe more than we know.
Luke 10:38-42 says this: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Notice, Jesus didn't blame Martha for being concerned with her responsibilities. He just wanted her to set her priorities.
I need to do the same thing. I really do, and I really want to. I just don't do it.
What about you and your life? Are you able to spend time with your loved ones? Are you able to spend time with your friends? And, with God? I sure hope so. I really do...
Have a great day! I'm 'pulling for you'. Keep up the good work!

Keep pressing on...

"And I'm Proud To Be An American..."

Happy 4th of July!
O.K., I heard that song by Lee Greenwood about 25 times today. Definitely one of the most popular Independance Day songs there is, right up there with 'Stars and Stripes Forever' and 'The National Anthem'! Amidst the patriotic theme though, I had an odd day. I am 'proud to be an American' but I wasn't so excited in a way about being a 'dad' today.
My oldest daughter and I drove 300 miles today thru three states to take her to a long awaited two week Harp Camp. This is quite an honor for her to be able to attend. Thirty young people from all over the United States and Canada was chosen by audition for the two week course. I'm very proud of her accomplishments but it didn't make it any easier leaving her there. We just got our middle daughter Sara, back from a missionary trip church camp two days ago. I missed her tremendously when she was gone as well. Now we'll have to wait a while to get everybody back together again. Lord willing, we'll be down there soon watching Katie's 'closing ceremony' concert.
In the mean time, I wonder if this is evidence of how busy our world has become, or a sobering reminder of how short life is, of how fast time passes. Irregardless of which, I have a strong feeling I need to make more time for the girls while we still have it.
Ephesians 5:15 says this: " Be careful then how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity...". John 10:10 says: "...I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
I've heard it said that everything has one of three perspectives, internal (what about me, right now), external (what about everybody else, right now), or eternal (what about God, and eternity). I think of this and wonder if I use my time wisely, if I 'make the most of every opportunity', and if I make a difference for God's eternal Kingdom. I can only deduct that, in every aspect, I have a long way to go...
So, as you go thru your day, look for an opportunity to make a difference in someone's world, take the chance to spend a little more time with someone you love, look for a way to make a difference for God's Kingdom, and thank Him for the freedom we enjoy in this great country we live in!
As for me, I'm thinking back to driving home in the dark night, rain tapping on the windshield, watching fireworks pop up randomly in the landscape, missing our daughter, and listening to 'Proud to be an American' one more time.

Keep pressing on...

"They'll Learn Much More Than I'll Ever Know"

Recognize that lyric? If so, you really know your music! It's from the hit by Loius Armstrong, "What a Wonderful World", a beautiful song that always reminds me of the simple pleasures of life.
Christmas Day,1976. My brothers and I had been closely watching 'the' present for weeks, hoping and suspecting it just might be the original 'Super Pong' video game. Not only was Super Pong the most sought after prize of the season, it was sold exclusively at Sears (my parents got everything at Sears), and, we had only begged for it no less than a hundred-gazillion times!
Yes! There it was! In a matter of moments, with that little Christmas miracle, we became the most popular family in the neighborhood. No kidding, we could have charged admission into our Living Room and made a quick fortune. Gazing at a gray screen with a tiny white spot moving slowly from side to side and the occasional "blip" sound ringing out to the masses, we sat and watched in awe, anxiously awaiting our turn to experience the best game around.
Now, I sit and watch our 6 year old daughter and her sisters, with lightning fast precision, master the Rock Band game with a skill I'll never have. Shucks, I don't think my brain could process information that fast if my life depended on it! They will, no doubt, experience things that I'll never know. My dad passed away in 1995 and never understood what the internet was capable of. My mom, bless her heart, is just getting a grasp on the DVD player, and I can't quite get the hang of text messaging yet. Nevertheless, time marches on and every day becomes a little 'smarter' that the one before.
Knowledge is something to grasp onto with every chance that arises. Wisdom, on the other hand, is something to be cherished, with every passing experience in our lives. My grandfather was one of the wisest men I'll ever know. He went to a one room schoolhouse and I'm not quite sure if he even graduated. Yet, he taught me some very valuable lessons: 'right is right and wrong is wrong', 'learn to use a hammer without smashing your hand', 'respect your elders', and 'read your Bible daily'.
James 3:13 says this: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." Wisdom shines through a person's character. Wisdom makes good use of knowledge, and wisdom seeks God's will in all things.
A friend of mine was a 'self-made millionaire' in the true sense of the word. He seemed to have made all of the right decisions. I discovered his 'secret' some years later. Simply this: he prays about every decison he makes, and he consults with his wife before he ever moves forward... a true man of wisdom! Proverbs 3:6 says; "In all your ways acknowledge Him (the Lord), and He will direct your path".
Now, take a 2 minute break to watch this video. Relax, remember things you've learned from wise people in your life, and ponder on how wise our Creator is. Enjoy.

"For Better or For Worse..."

Tonight, June 22. 2009, the world witnessed the death of a family.
Millions of viewers watched Jon and Kate Gosselin seemingly call it quits after 10 years of marriage. Many people cried, some folks cheered, and a few... just changed the channel. My family? We were stunned and saddened as we watched the event unfold.
I pray that God's comfort and strength be upon Jon, Kate, Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel in the days ahead.

"You See Things Your Way...I'll See Things My Way."

Ever thought of how differently we all perceive things? Perception 'seemingly' brings perfect clarity to an individual, yet causes, at best, confusion to a group. Having a different perception,or understanding of a situation can cause disagreements, arguments, even all-out-war between friends.

Case #1: True story. It's 5:45 p.m. on a Friday evening, Scrapbooking Club night at the Wiggins' house. Chrissi (my wife) + 12 other scrapbookers = Mike and the girls need to head for higher ground. The girl's take: 'Yeah! Hang out with Daddy at the mall and eat at our favorite restaurant- Burger King.' Chrissi:'Yeah! No kids or hubby, scrapbooking with the gals, and I don't have to eat at my most un-favorite restaurant- Burger King.' Mike " I'm exhausted. But, at least I get to hang out with the girls and eat at my favorite restaurant- Burger King.' 7:45 p.m..We'll call her 'Sue' to protect her innoncence, receives a call from her kids. "I told you not to call me here unless it's an emergency..." 7:49 p.m. Another call, " Don't call me here again, please." 8:02 p.m.. Yet, another call, "IF YOU CALL ME HERE AGAIN, I'M GONNA' KILL YOU!!!!!" Chrissi's take: ' That's hilarious!'. 'Sue's: 'Those kids are driving me crazy!'. The 11 other women as they sit there with jaws on the floor in total terror: 'Oh my, we've all just become accessories to murder!'. 10:00 p.m. The girls: ' Man, that was fun and we got to eat at our favorite restaurant- Burger King.' Chrissi: 'Oh no, are they back already?' Mike: 'I'm exhausted, but I had fun with the girls and got to eat at my favorite restaurant- Burger King.'

You see, just a simple turn of events yet, many different perceptions.

Case #2: True Story. Who is Jesus? God: 'This is my Son, whom I love'. The angel: 'the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God'. The centurion soldier: ' Surely he was the Son of God'. The evil spirits: 'You are the Son of God'. John the Baptist: 'this is the Son of God'. Nathanael: 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God'. Martha: 'Yes, I believe that you are the Son of God'. Paul: '...to be the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord'. John the Apostle: 'His Son, Jesus Christ'.

Thankfully, there are some things that are so sure, there's no room for mis-perception.

So, next time you are involved in a disagreement with someone, please try to gain an understanding of their perception, their side of the story. It may help you 'see things their way'. Who knows, you may find out that they are actually right!

I can hear my wife saying right now, "Honey, you need to practice what you preach!!!"
Why is her perception always right?

Keep pressing on...

"Do As I Do... Not As I Say..."

Huh?!? I've always been told to "set a good example" but, man... that's hard work!
Thinking further though, I do realize that we are easily influenced by what we see other people do. When my two older daughters were young, I would ask "who wants the red cup and who wants the blue cup?". Katie: "I want the red cup". Sara: "I want the blue cup". Then Katie would quickly say: "No! I want the blue cup!". Talk about being influenced. Here's another from my mom: "If Andy jumped off a bridge... would you jump too?".
Lets face it, we all do what we see to some degree. Another 'hard fact'- we all have people watching us too! No matter who you are, you have a 'circle of influence', people who respect you, people who believe you, and people who trust you. Your example carries weight with them.
Don't panic! There's lots of easy ways to have a positive impact on their lives. John Maxwell in his book: "Developing the Leader Within You" gives some great, practical tips on being a good leader to others by helping bring out the best in THEM. Here's five key points he discusses:

1. Everyone wants to feel worthwhile. "There's hardly a higher compliment you can pay to an individual than to help that person be useful and find satisfaction and significance."

2. Everyone needs and responds to encourgement. "People tend to become what the most important person in their life thinks they will become."

3. People 'buy into' the leader before they 'buy into' their leadership. "People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care."

4. Most people do not know how to become successful. "It (success) is achieving one thing and using that as a stepping stone to achieve something else."

5. Most people are naturally motivated. "Personal accomplishment is motivating, but it is much more when someone notices the accomplishment and give worth to it."

Well, that said, it's time to 'target' someone in your circle of influence and help lift them up. Tell them they're important to you. Tell them they can do it! Tell them you care. Tell them they're succeeding. And, tell them they are making a difference.
Hebrews 3:13 says this: "...encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today...". Need encourgement yourself? Read Psalm 62:5-8. You will find strength.

Now, '"go get 'em". You can do it!!!

Keep pressing on...

" If WalMart Ain't Got It... I Don't Need It."

Wow! Where is this guy coming from? I mean... I've seen more motivation out of my teenage daughters on 'laundry day'.

Actually, I heard that said once. When I think about it, which is quite often, I can't decide if this man is really 'missing the boat'. or, maybe... just maybe, he has his priorities in perfect order. I will be the first to admit, I am intrigued by what this world has to offer. But, I realize that these things can be very consuming at times.

I think back to when I was a young kid. Life seemed to move much slower then. People seemed to have more time for each other, and simple things were actually fun. My mom reminded us to 'stop and listen to the crickets' and my grandmother always had a homemade pie in the fridge. As far as us kids were concerned? Well, we drank from the garden hose, played army with sticks ( 'I can hear it now... 'Pow! Pow! You're dead!' - 'No! You missed me!'), magically turned our bicycles into motorcycles with a clothespin and baseball card, and sometimes just hung out on the corner and watched the world go by.

Well. now the garden hose has been replaced by bottled Vitamin Water, the pie by microwave snacks, and hanging around with friends has been fizzled out by Facebook!

Dont' get me wrong. Like I said. I'm very thankful for progress. Man, I don't know what I'd do without indoor plumbing, air-conditioning, and microwave biscuits! But honestly, most of the things we used to do would be quite boring according to today's standards. I guess time has a way of forcing things into 'obsolete status'. Very few things stand the test of time.

There's one thing though that has withstood all attacks time can dish out. It's the number one best-selling book of all time. It has been translated into over 2,400 languages and is estimated to be sold or given away at a rate of 168,000 copies per day! Yes. It's the Holy Bible. It's truths never change and never go out of style. Even if you're not a Bible reader, you have to admit that if society would practice some of it's fundamental teachings ( love your neighbor as yourself, forgive as you have been forgiven, help the poor, honor your father and mother), this world would be a better place. It's been called by many 'our Instruction Book for life'. I totally believe that. I depend on it for guidance, hope, assurance and strength. It's my Father's 'love letter' to me, as it is to each of us, and I'm grateful for it.

So, even though 'these times...they are a changin', there's still some things that never change. Some things that keep us in perspective, align our priorities in perfect order, and help us enjoy the blessings we have...right here...right now. These are the things we should all hold onto.

Until we meet again... stop and listen to the crickets, grab a slice of pie, and read The Instructions.

Keep pressing on...