I heard yet again today of someone else who needed some answered prayers, and who was struggling to find some relief from what I am sure has seemed like unending stress and grief. As I was receiving an update from my friend, I began to once more hear that little phrase, "believe a miracle...expect a miracle (see my previous post)." It has been several days now, and I have heard that phrase many times. I have also been a lot more diligent in reading and comprehending the daily devotionals that I receive from Brock. I have begun to experience a new sense of peace throughout my day, and more than ever these feelings have reminded me of when I first discovered Christ and who He really was on that mountainside under that North Carolina moon so many years ago. Why have I so easily abandoned something that brings such joy and peace? Why do I constantly listen and believe the lies that living in the pits of my sin will bring me happiness? No more...and it is with this decision that I am writing this blog.
For the first time in a long time, I am slowly beginning to realize my purpose here in life. I have had glimpses of different purposes before, but now things are becoming a little more clear. Most often they are slivers of images or feelings, barely recognizable as anything profound or life-changing. But they are peace-giving images, and if saying that for the first time in my life, I am on the right track, and I am walking the right path. The only thing that is lacking now, is my daily obedience to the personal relationship for which Christ longs from me. I am horrible at beginning new habits, but it is a matter of realizing that it is not so much forming a new habit, as it is entering a new love. I should desire my time spent with God, and I should be excited about learning and reading from His Word. Too often, however, I let my flesh control my desires, and I put off those things that I truly wish to do. "Old habits are hard to break," is the famous saying. I look forward to my wife and my future children seeing some "old habits" in me and my relationship with Christ. It all begins with a simple step...
6.26.2008
6.24.2008
The Way, The Truth, & The Life
In John 14:6 Jesus says this phrase, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
A very powerful statement, and one that is often overlooked by so many people seeking to get into Heaven. This verse is also the theme for Student Life's 2008 camp season. As we reach out to those that are lost, as well as those "misguided Christians," we must remember above all else to teach them that there is no other way into Heaven aside from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This country was founded on Christian principles, and if I remember this correctly, a study conducted just a year or two ago found that over 90% of Americans considered themselves to be Christians. But ask yourself, if this were true, why are things going downhill so rapidly? Why is the news filled with so much evil, so much hate, so much destruction? What have we missed?
A new article that came out today on Fox News, in my opinion, helps to answer these questions. Read it and think to yourself, how much are we as Christians needed in the world today? Are we really doing all we can do? If it is our mission as believers to be evangelical, to spread God's Word to those who are lost, then why aren't we making more of a difference? Why isn't the news filled with selfless deeds, acts of kindness, and God's miracles? They surround us everyday. May we no longer be blinded to them...
Fox News Story
A very powerful statement, and one that is often overlooked by so many people seeking to get into Heaven. This verse is also the theme for Student Life's 2008 camp season. As we reach out to those that are lost, as well as those "misguided Christians," we must remember above all else to teach them that there is no other way into Heaven aside from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This country was founded on Christian principles, and if I remember this correctly, a study conducted just a year or two ago found that over 90% of Americans considered themselves to be Christians. But ask yourself, if this were true, why are things going downhill so rapidly? Why is the news filled with so much evil, so much hate, so much destruction? What have we missed?
A new article that came out today on Fox News, in my opinion, helps to answer these questions. Read it and think to yourself, how much are we as Christians needed in the world today? Are we really doing all we can do? If it is our mission as believers to be evangelical, to spread God's Word to those who are lost, then why aren't we making more of a difference? Why isn't the news filled with selfless deeds, acts of kindness, and God's miracles? They surround us everyday. May we no longer be blinded to them...
Fox News Story
6.23.2008
Believe A Miracle...Expect A Miracle
Well, I had this long drawn out blog post that I was ready to sit down and write today, but something has come up to put that on hold. There is something more prevalent and a lot more meaningful than my sometimes chaotic ramblings.
Jessica and I made it to church yesterday morning for the first time since we moved into our new home. Not the best record, I know, but we have come up with some great excuses not to go, the most common being that it is now a 30 minute drive one way. However, we were excited to go back, and made ourselves get there on time. The message of the week was not delivered in what I would consider the best fashion, but the message was phenomenal. Speaking on obedience, the message talked about how sometimes we will follow the "rules" set forth by Christ rather reluctantly, but ultimately we do it "because he said so." This really hit home for me, and it was a message that I really needed to hear, as you would agree if you have been reading my previous posts.
Today, after feeling as if I have drawn closer to God within the past 24 hours, I have had a new experience that I have only felt a few times in my life. That moment of truth when you undoubtedly know that God is real and very near to you. We got word today that a member of Jessica's family went into intensive care last night due to a diabetic coma. The staff at the hospital gave the news that they did not expect her to make it through the night. She has made it through so far, but the family is still worried. She has 3 children, and unfortunately isn't really "close" to any of them. They are being raised by their grandmother (Jessica's grandmother), and see their mom every once in a while. Though not the best of situations and circumstances, ultimately she is still their mother. I was asked, after receiving word of the situation from Jessica's grandmother, to pray for the mother of her grandchildren that she may be ok. I hung up the phone, and took a minute to think about everything before lifting up my prayers to God. It was in that moment of silence that I heard the words, "believe a miracle...expect a miracle." It is not enough to 'hope' for a miracle, you have to believe it. But it is never certain that it will result in that for which we have prayed. So I started thinking about one of the first messages we ever heard after we began to attend Church of the Highlands. It is not simply enough to "hope" for a miracle. You have to believe that God will grant us His miracles, and that is enough. However, it is sometimes unwise for us to pray for certain, very specific things such as someone recovering from an illness, or in this case, waking up from a coma. That may be His miracle. It may not be. Either way, it is not for us to decide. By praying for His will to be done and nothing more, we can thank Him and praise Him no matter the outcome of the situation with which we are faced.
So I prayed for those children. No child should ever have to live without the love of their mother. No child should ever feel unwanted by their own mother. There are times where my heart has broken over the thought that these kids might just be feeling those pains. So I prayed for them; for their comfort; for their future and well-being. I prayed that they would have the Christian mother they so desperately need and deserve. And again I heard the words, "believe a miracle...expect a miracle." Maybe this miracle will come today, maybe tomorrow, a week from now, or a year.That is not for us to know. Maybe she will come out of this coma with a renewed spirit, and will be filled with a new compassion for her family, and an appreciation for her new life. Maybe she won't wake up at all. That is not for us to decide. Either way, no matter how God chooses to use this situation, we WILL praise Him for His promises, and we WILL be faithful that He knows far more than we can ever imagine.
"Our Father, Who Art in Heav'n, Hallowed Be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom Come, THY WILL BE DONE, On Earth as it is in Heav'n."
Jessica and I made it to church yesterday morning for the first time since we moved into our new home. Not the best record, I know, but we have come up with some great excuses not to go, the most common being that it is now a 30 minute drive one way. However, we were excited to go back, and made ourselves get there on time. The message of the week was not delivered in what I would consider the best fashion, but the message was phenomenal. Speaking on obedience, the message talked about how sometimes we will follow the "rules" set forth by Christ rather reluctantly, but ultimately we do it "because he said so." This really hit home for me, and it was a message that I really needed to hear, as you would agree if you have been reading my previous posts.
Today, after feeling as if I have drawn closer to God within the past 24 hours, I have had a new experience that I have only felt a few times in my life. That moment of truth when you undoubtedly know that God is real and very near to you. We got word today that a member of Jessica's family went into intensive care last night due to a diabetic coma. The staff at the hospital gave the news that they did not expect her to make it through the night. She has made it through so far, but the family is still worried. She has 3 children, and unfortunately isn't really "close" to any of them. They are being raised by their grandmother (Jessica's grandmother), and see their mom every once in a while. Though not the best of situations and circumstances, ultimately she is still their mother. I was asked, after receiving word of the situation from Jessica's grandmother, to pray for the mother of her grandchildren that she may be ok. I hung up the phone, and took a minute to think about everything before lifting up my prayers to God. It was in that moment of silence that I heard the words, "believe a miracle...expect a miracle." It is not enough to 'hope' for a miracle, you have to believe it. But it is never certain that it will result in that for which we have prayed. So I started thinking about one of the first messages we ever heard after we began to attend Church of the Highlands. It is not simply enough to "hope" for a miracle. You have to believe that God will grant us His miracles, and that is enough. However, it is sometimes unwise for us to pray for certain, very specific things such as someone recovering from an illness, or in this case, waking up from a coma. That may be His miracle. It may not be. Either way, it is not for us to decide. By praying for His will to be done and nothing more, we can thank Him and praise Him no matter the outcome of the situation with which we are faced.
So I prayed for those children. No child should ever have to live without the love of their mother. No child should ever feel unwanted by their own mother. There are times where my heart has broken over the thought that these kids might just be feeling those pains. So I prayed for them; for their comfort; for their future and well-being. I prayed that they would have the Christian mother they so desperately need and deserve. And again I heard the words, "believe a miracle...expect a miracle." Maybe this miracle will come today, maybe tomorrow, a week from now, or a year.That is not for us to know. Maybe she will come out of this coma with a renewed spirit, and will be filled with a new compassion for her family, and an appreciation for her new life. Maybe she won't wake up at all. That is not for us to decide. Either way, no matter how God chooses to use this situation, we WILL praise Him for His promises, and we WILL be faithful that He knows far more than we can ever imagine.
"Our Father, Who Art in Heav'n, Hallowed Be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom Come, THY WILL BE DONE, On Earth as it is in Heav'n."
6.20.2008
Friday...Already?
I know that is a very weird title, since most of us seem to have the attitude that it is "finally Friday," but for some reason this week has gone by really fast. It seems like 2 weeks ago that we went to the lake, and nearly a month ago since Jessica's family had their reunion. It must be true that as you get older, time goes by faster and faster.
So our house continues to feel more and more like home every day. This week has consisted of a lot of yard work so that our outside can begin to look as inviting as the inside. It is amazing what a little bit of effort can do to change a home. I know I have said that over and over so far in this blog, but since this is the first time in a looong time that I have lived in my own home, it all seems so new to me, and is very exciting. We have some living room furniture being delivered tomorrow, and we are excited to have a more comfortable and inviting look as you walk into our home. We still need a few pieces, but those will come later.
I never thought I would purchase anything from Rooms-to-Go, but this time around, it seemed worth the cause. I don't know how many of you out there watched the TV show "Friends," but it is one of our favorites. There was one episode in like the 6th or 7th season where Phoebe has this whole thing against Pottery Barn, because she said that nothing is original, and everyone winds up having the same thing. Eventually, however, she grows to like it, and her entire apartment is decked out like the catalogue (thanks mostly to Rachel who was her roommate at the time). Well, my feelings towards Rooms-to-Go fall along similar lines. My worst fear is that one day someone would walk into my home and say either "Oh, I love your furniture, we have friends that have the same thing," or, "Oh, we have the same thing at home." That would be the death of me...
Our kittens have grown so much lately. It doesn't seem like it since we see them every day, but looking at pictures of them from just a couple of weeks ago shows the amazing growth stages they are currently going through. So this is what parents must feel like with their own children...
On another random note, thank you for those who stepped up and said something regarding the struggles with my spiritual life. Every day I am in this job reminds me of how lucky I am, and that nothing is worth more than the relationship I have with my Savior and Redeemer. Even walking the walk begins with a single step...
"Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
So our house continues to feel more and more like home every day. This week has consisted of a lot of yard work so that our outside can begin to look as inviting as the inside. It is amazing what a little bit of effort can do to change a home. I know I have said that over and over so far in this blog, but since this is the first time in a looong time that I have lived in my own home, it all seems so new to me, and is very exciting. We have some living room furniture being delivered tomorrow, and we are excited to have a more comfortable and inviting look as you walk into our home. We still need a few pieces, but those will come later.
I never thought I would purchase anything from Rooms-to-Go, but this time around, it seemed worth the cause. I don't know how many of you out there watched the TV show "Friends," but it is one of our favorites. There was one episode in like the 6th or 7th season where Phoebe has this whole thing against Pottery Barn, because she said that nothing is original, and everyone winds up having the same thing. Eventually, however, she grows to like it, and her entire apartment is decked out like the catalogue (thanks mostly to Rachel who was her roommate at the time). Well, my feelings towards Rooms-to-Go fall along similar lines. My worst fear is that one day someone would walk into my home and say either "Oh, I love your furniture, we have friends that have the same thing," or, "Oh, we have the same thing at home." That would be the death of me...
Our kittens have grown so much lately. It doesn't seem like it since we see them every day, but looking at pictures of them from just a couple of weeks ago shows the amazing growth stages they are currently going through. So this is what parents must feel like with their own children...
On another random note, thank you for those who stepped up and said something regarding the struggles with my spiritual life. Every day I am in this job reminds me of how lucky I am, and that nothing is worth more than the relationship I have with my Savior and Redeemer. Even walking the walk begins with a single step...
"Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
6.17.2008
Two weeks...
Wow, I can't believe it has already been over two weeks since my last post. I sincerely apologize to all of you, and I will get better. Things have been going well, and I am loving my job here at Student Life. I had really missed everyone here even though I was only away for a couple of weeks, and everyone is glad to see me back. Things are crazy right now since our camp season is in full swing, and I stay busy every day trying to keep up with all of the demands this job has. My days fly by, and since I don't really get started until 9:00, they seem to go even faster.
Most of you don't know this, but I have really been struggling in my spiritual walk these last few months. Jessica and I were re-baptized earlier this year, which was an incredible experience for both us, since we did it together. You may be thinking that it is kind of pointless to be "re-baptized," but let me explain. We were both originally baptized as kids, mainly because that was how we were raised, and it was--for both of us--nothing more than a ritualistic right-of-passage in the southern Christian community. However, both of us have experienced some pretty amazing things since joining Church of the Highlands last spring, and after both reaching a new level of intimacy in our relationships with Christ, decided that being baptized again, this time with the understanding that came with such a symbolic event, was the right thing for us. Strangely enough, we both made the decision individually at the same time, and told each other much to our surprise. But I digress. Since making that decision, I have seen Jessica grow in her prayer time and her commitment to being faithful to God's will. I, on the other hand, have been brutally attacked by the forces of evil to try and pull me away from where my heart desires to be. Much of this is because I am too analytical and stubborn, but mostly it is because I am still secretly carrying demons of my past and have struggled with wanting to let go, even though they plague my new spiritual life. I can only ask for your thoughts and prayers in hopes that I will be committed to the decision I made just a few short months ago to follow the examples of Christ throughout each and every day of my life. Walk the walk, not just talk the talk as some might say. I want to thank my friends Matt and Brock, however, because it is by them that I have realized I am farther from my Father now that I would care to be, and I am longing to get close to Him again.
A little update on our house. We have still been cleaning and working little-by-little to make it more of a home for us. Yesterday we purchased a weed-eater and a blower so that I can finally start maintaining our yard so that we are not the eyesore of the street and neighborhood. We actually received a letter in the mail saying our yard had gotten too out-of-control and that we needed to take care of it ASAP. LOL...too funny. We are hopefully getting some new furniture here very soon (thanks to Rooms-to-Go) which will be wonderful. We went to Home Depot last week and bought some beautiful crown molding, spray painted it black, and glued it to our mirror in the master bedroom (you know those huge 6 ft. mirrors that span the length of the double vanity). It looks so much better, and it is amazing how something so cheap and easy can drastically change a room. Jessica is not quite happy with our bathroom color, so I may be painting again in the near future...we'll see :)
Quote of the Day:
"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it. "
Most of you don't know this, but I have really been struggling in my spiritual walk these last few months. Jessica and I were re-baptized earlier this year, which was an incredible experience for both us, since we did it together. You may be thinking that it is kind of pointless to be "re-baptized," but let me explain. We were both originally baptized as kids, mainly because that was how we were raised, and it was--for both of us--nothing more than a ritualistic right-of-passage in the southern Christian community. However, both of us have experienced some pretty amazing things since joining Church of the Highlands last spring, and after both reaching a new level of intimacy in our relationships with Christ, decided that being baptized again, this time with the understanding that came with such a symbolic event, was the right thing for us. Strangely enough, we both made the decision individually at the same time, and told each other much to our surprise. But I digress. Since making that decision, I have seen Jessica grow in her prayer time and her commitment to being faithful to God's will. I, on the other hand, have been brutally attacked by the forces of evil to try and pull me away from where my heart desires to be. Much of this is because I am too analytical and stubborn, but mostly it is because I am still secretly carrying demons of my past and have struggled with wanting to let go, even though they plague my new spiritual life. I can only ask for your thoughts and prayers in hopes that I will be committed to the decision I made just a few short months ago to follow the examples of Christ throughout each and every day of my life. Walk the walk, not just talk the talk as some might say. I want to thank my friends Matt and Brock, however, because it is by them that I have realized I am farther from my Father now that I would care to be, and I am longing to get close to Him again.
A little update on our house. We have still been cleaning and working little-by-little to make it more of a home for us. Yesterday we purchased a weed-eater and a blower so that I can finally start maintaining our yard so that we are not the eyesore of the street and neighborhood. We actually received a letter in the mail saying our yard had gotten too out-of-control and that we needed to take care of it ASAP. LOL...too funny. We are hopefully getting some new furniture here very soon (thanks to Rooms-to-Go) which will be wonderful. We went to Home Depot last week and bought some beautiful crown molding, spray painted it black, and glued it to our mirror in the master bedroom (you know those huge 6 ft. mirrors that span the length of the double vanity). It looks so much better, and it is amazing how something so cheap and easy can drastically change a room. Jessica is not quite happy with our bathroom color, so I may be painting again in the near future...we'll see :)
Quote of the Day:
"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it. "
6.01.2008
Down Time
So I have spent my first weekend with Jessica in nearly a month, and I must say that is has been wonderful. Even though we spent Friday night apart, we have had such a great time just relaxing around the house and really doing a bunch of nothing.
My first week in my new job was wonderful, and I look forward to being busy over the next several days as we prepare to reload our camp teams coming in from the road. There are so many things to learn, but it will definitely be a trial-by-fire type of job, where I learn what to do as things present themselves.
Jessica and I sat down last night, and for the first time since we have been married, came up with a monthly budget for ourselves. We tried several times before to accomplish the task, but while being in a commission only business like Real Estate can be lucrative, it definitely is not consistent. This posed many problems when it came to "budgeting" a monthly income. Now, however, we will have two steady paychecks, and after coming up with our budget, we noticed that we will for the first time have money leftover at the end of the month, even after paying all of our bills, and making attempts to pay off our debts. It is a very liberating feeling, and we are excited to see where this will take us. Financial freedom is finally within sight...
My first week in my new job was wonderful, and I look forward to being busy over the next several days as we prepare to reload our camp teams coming in from the road. There are so many things to learn, but it will definitely be a trial-by-fire type of job, where I learn what to do as things present themselves.
Jessica and I sat down last night, and for the first time since we have been married, came up with a monthly budget for ourselves. We tried several times before to accomplish the task, but while being in a commission only business like Real Estate can be lucrative, it definitely is not consistent. This posed many problems when it came to "budgeting" a monthly income. Now, however, we will have two steady paychecks, and after coming up with our budget, we noticed that we will for the first time have money leftover at the end of the month, even after paying all of our bills, and making attempts to pay off our debts. It is a very liberating feeling, and we are excited to see where this will take us. Financial freedom is finally within sight...
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