What If?

There's been an interesting story running in the media lately... There is a group of "believers" (led by a Christian radio director on the West Coast) that is sure that the Church will be raptured and that the beginning of the 'End' starts tomorrow, May 21, 2011... They believe that Jesus Christ is going to take His people home at that the earth will erupt with a ferocious earthquake beginning at 6 PM Eastern Time...

First off - I have no idea how they came up with a mathematical equation to figure out the exact date AND TIME of when God The Father is going to send His Son, Jesus to swoop up His Bride, or even if it's accurate... But regardless of how the media spins these 'doomsdayers' - they are bringing an important theme to forefront of many conversations... Is the 'End' near? Is it tomorrow? It makes you think, doesn't it...

I don't know whether I'll go home to be with my Savior tomorrow, or not... I could go tonight... It could be a week from now... It could be 100 years from now... Who knows? But I do know this - I'm excited for whenever it happens...

"Heaven must receive Him (Jesus) until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets." Acts 3:21

God is going to restore everything when He's good and ready... There are definitely 'signs of the time' showing all over: earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, floods, volcanic eruptions, famine, AIDS, genocide, anarchy, riots, united governments, and more... Not to mention all of the trouble surrounding Israel (God's People) is making all kinds of headlines... These could be birthing pains and we could be close... But I'll say this, though - that's how we should be living life everyday... We should always be anticipating and prepared for His arrival... Much like the apostle Paul - we should be torn between our purpose and mission in this world and our eternal reward with Jesus...

So who knows - this could be my last 'blog entry'... On the other hand - I may be blogging tomorrow night... But either way - Jesus is coming back soon... Are you ready?

As American As Apple Pie

One of my favorite things to do on Monday's is cook or bake... Especially since our low sodium diet has taken effect - I have found that I enjoy the culinary creativity that takes place in our kitchen... Now - I still dust, vacuum, and take our weekly trip to Lowe's with my son - but I enjoy making something out of nothing in the kitchen, as well...

Today's venture - thanks to a children's program singing songs about a Samurai pie maker - I opted to bake a pie... FROM SCRATCH!!! And what better pie to start out on then the all-American classic - Apple Pie... And yes - it had the crumb topping on it... My son and I went to the store and bought our Granny Smith Apples and began the process... We started out making our pie crust out of flour, shortening, 'no-salt' salt, and ice water... We wrapped it up and put it in the fridge for a few hours and started on the apples... First I combined the sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the filling and then the brown sugar, flour and butter for the crumb topping... Just one task left - chopping the apples...

Now - being the avid Food Network watcher that I am - I knew I had to do something a little unique with this pie... It couldn't be like EVERYONE ELSE'S pie! What to do? Then it hit me - leave the peel on! "It won't taste bad," I thought to myself... "It might even make the texture more interesting..." So I went for it... And you know what - it wasn't too bad! It tasted good to me, at least (my wife and small group also said they enjoyed it - but that's their job!) and I succeeded in that it was a little bit different... Even though it was pretty good - I still plan on adapting my recipe and technique as I make more in the future... Oh yes - there will be more!

Sometimes we're like apple pie to our Heavenly Father... We may be doing pretty well and living inside of His Will - but it doesn't mean He will use the same techniques every time... He may try some different flavors in the recipe of our lives from time to time... Sometimes we may need to bake a little longer or maybe have a little less sweetness in our circumstances... At times He may cover us in the tinfoil of His love so we don't get burnt around the edges - and other times we may just get dropped in the deep fryer so we are ready faster! He's the Chef (or in other analogies, "The Potter") and He has the divine, unfathomable ability and forth sight to prepare our hearts and lives in gourmet fashions... His recipe book is endless and full of delicious possibilities - and He never tires of whipping us up into a 5-Star course...

So maybe tomorrow won't taste the same as it did today - but that doesn't mean it won't be delicious!!!

One Nation, Under God...

I'm sure like many others - I almost forgot about today being the "National Day of Prayer"... Now - granted - I didn't have any official "involvement" in any of the meetings - but it was something that I was planning on attending and being a part of... Those in charge of the event for our community planned three different sites at three different times... There was a morning session at 7:15 AM hosted by a local church that included breakfast... That would have been a wonderful time to go - except that it was 7:15 in the morning... Not my favorite time! There was a meeting at the courthouse at high noon - and I was actually able to attend that event... Finishing the day off was a prayer service at another local church in the early evening...

As I said earlier - I attended the noon session... It was pretty cool to be on the lawn of a government building praising God and lifting up the Name of Jesus Christ - especially on a day as beautifully created as this one... The event was planned well with a choir of small children starting things off singing a medley of "Everlasting God/A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"... Following the cute choir were several different individuals that made statements and led the impromptu congregation in prayer and a talented young lady led the group in a couple of songs... The designated prayers were facilitated by pastors, politicians, teachers, and businessmen from different denominations and backgrounds... White, black, men, and women... There was no segregation on this day... It didn't matter if you were baptist, methodist, lutheran, pentecostal, catholic, or something in between... Today - we we're the body of Christ... Gathered together in the assembly of the saints - proclaiming the Name of Jesus Christ and seeking God's favor and wisdom for our community, our leaders, our churches, our families, our children, and our nation...

At least for today - we were "One nation, under God... Indivisible - with liberty and justice for all..."

Projectile Dysfunction

My work day was shortened today... Productive - but shortened by a couple of hours so I could go home and watch my little boy so his grandma could get her hair done... I didn't mind, though... There's not much better then spending time with the coolest kid ever! To my surprise - he had just woken up from an hour and a half nap when I arrived home and was ready to hang with his dad...

We watched a video together... We laughed... We played... And then we decided we'd run a few errands and go for a ride "in Dad's truck"... As we went out to the garage, though, I was greeted with an attack from the mouth of my little boy... BLAH!!! BLAAAHHH!!! All over him and me! I was officially grossed out!

But as I was holding my sick little guy - I began to feel a sense of worry mixed with a healthy portion of sadness... My precious boy was legitimately sick and I couldn't do anything about it... What a terrible feeling! It's one thing to feel bad yourself - but so much worse when somebody you love that much is sick or hurting! I wanted so desperately to fix it - to make him better...

I have a feeling I'm not the only Dad that feels that way... I know my Heavenly Father feels that same way about me - but to even a greater extent... He sees me hurting, or broken... He sees me when I'm sick (physically or spiritually)... And He loves me - even when I vomit all over His chest and His powerful arms... And He wants to hold me in His arms and make me feel all better... But sometimes - the best thing for us is to just 'make it through' it... Sometimes - things just need to 'run their course'... Even knowing that, though - it's comforting knowing that our Daddy (Abba) has us in His arms - covered in our vomit and spit-up - stroking our heads and kissing our teared saturated faces - and telling us it's going to be okay... It's going to be okay...

Artistic Expression

Being a pastor - Easter is always a busy time of year... Well worth it, of course, as non-believers are often 'extra curious' those 2 or 3 days a year about Jesus, God, the church, or salvation... We can't miss the opportunity to share with them the love that God has for them - the love that He showed by the death of His Son, Jesus of Nazareth... And in this culture - sometimes you have to get creative to bring the message home...

My closest friend (also our Creative Arts pastor) had some really good ideas for that this year... With the potential of over 3,000 people coming through the doors of our church building for Easter services - we had to make sure our message was precise, full of truth, and creative enough to hold a 'first-timers' attention... So to accomplish that task - our team added a large metal cross illuminated with LED lights suspended over the congregation... My friend also sang a Garth Brooks song with video clips from the "Passion of the Christ" showing in the background to connect the message of Jesus' love with those that weren't familiar with 'church music'...

One of his oddest suggestions, though, was that we start the service of with me singing a song - not so strange - but to be painted while doing it... Okay - now it's a little strange! But you know what - it was powerful! I don't know about for the congregation and those that witnessed the song... But for me it was very moving... Singing about the change that God has made in me - knowing who I used to be (and still have a tendency TO BE) about brought me to tears every time... As I was being covered in all the colors of the rainbow - I was becoming a new creation - just like Paul said I would...

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, and the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

I know many do not agree with 'creative thinking' when it comes to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ... They feel it is wrong and inappropriate to use such creative means of expression - And maybe they're right... But when Judgement Day comes (and it will) I don't want to reach the Bema Seat and find out that I didn't do all I could to reach lost people and inspire those struggling in their faith - just so I could please 'church goers'... Does that even make sense?!

Take A Hike

I try to make it a point everyday to thank God for His many blessings... I thank Him for my family, my home, my job, and a wonderful church family to serve with... I start each day out before my feet hit the floor with reciting a passage of Scripture - "This is the day the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) Every day is a gift... The bed I sleep in and my beautiful wife I share it with are a blessing... The little toddler that I chase around the house is a blessing... Even the very air I breathe is an undeserved reward from my Heavenly Father!

Today - however - I discovered something else I am thankful for - my feet! I often take for granted my ability to move my body around the way I do with my feet and legs... I know not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have a strong set of legs and two feet to take me to and fro... Due to my truck going 'in the shop' this past week - I have been "forced" to take a hike to and from work on occasion... Thankfully - it's only about a 15 minute walk from the shop to my office... And it also doesn't hurt that it's been 70 and beautiful both days (Thank You, Lord!)... But in those few minutes it dawned on me how blessed I am... I'm not just blessed to have a truck that gets me around and works well (most of the time) - but also that I'm able to walk... What a blessing! During those walks I noticed so much more of the blue sky - and how bright the sun was shining - how the clouds looked like delicious cotton candy or odd shaped puppies...

I'm not saying that I'm selling my truck and (like Forest Gump) just start run-nin... But it was nice to have to slow down for a few days... Sometimes we need that, don't we? We need to get back to the transportation system that God started this world off with - our feet! So I encourage all of us to every now and then - just take a hike!

Who do you root for?

I have spent the entire NCAA basketball tournament on the edge of my seat... I have seen some amazing upsets that nobody expected and 'no-namers' become stars... I've seen the underdog overcome overwhelming odds and coaches pull rabbit after rabbit out of their hats... The Final Four didn't fail to excite and now the anticipation of the grande finale - The Championship Game!

But here's where my problem lies... I don't know who to root for!

Every other game I have been cheering for a team to win so my bracket would give me a bit of self worth and impress others 'less knowledgable' than me... Unfortunately - that didn't happen for me this year (or any year, that matter!)... Actually - I was beaten by my wife this year in total points on our brackets... Talk about humiliating!!! But if I were going to lose to someone - I'd rather it be her... But the two teams I wanted to win in the Final Four did and now they both have the privilege of playing in the 'big game' against each other... Both are exciting stories and starring a cast of unlikely heros... One team has a legendary coach with years of experience and one is one of the most prominent up-and-coming coaches in the game... What's a basketball fan to do?

I guess I will just have to enjoy the game... If I do that - I can be excited for both sides... I can be impressed by both coaches... I can be impressed by the elevated play of each individual on the court... I might not even have to yell at any referees this way! I can just be what I should be - a fan of the game...

Often times I like to see things go my way - even in my faith... Even though we are all part of the Body of Christ - I like to see my particular part look better or come out on top... I like to be the guy people are looking at and cheering for... And (if I were honest) I like to win! I want my ideas and my ways to work out the way I think they should... I want people to choose me over somebody or something else... I like to hear people say how great I am... I even find myself, at times, wishing for the blessings that others receive... Not very attractive, I know - let alone Christ like!

Jesus made it pretty clear, in Luke 9:48 when He said, "whoever is the LEAST among you is the GREATEST." I'm not on a separate team... I'm not involved in individual sport... I am not even the star player on the team! I'm just what I'm supposed to be - a role player on Team Jesus... He is the person I need to root for... His Will is what I need to be cheering for - no matter who He uses to accomplish it... I just need to be a 'fan of the game'... Not worrying about who wins, but rather lifting up those who are in the game! Go Team!

A Fool's Holiday

As March comes to a close each year - I find that I always begin April with a slight bit of hesitation... I tend to feel a slight hesitation as I trudge through this day... "Why?" you may ask... Well - April 1st is often referred to as "April Fool's Day"... Now, I must admit, I have pulled a few 'pranks' in my day on this particular occasion - so now I think it best to keep up my guard!

I do, however, feel something is strange and even a bit 'off' about this day... Why do we celebrate (even if it be tongue-and-cheek) being a fool? How is it that in our culture it has become popular to be the fool? Look at some of the biggest movies on the big screen in recent years - there are 130 minute long reels of foolish people - and we watch it time and time again! Check out the news or your favorite magazines - we think foolish people are hilarious, don't we? We can't get enough! But is it okay to be "a Fool?!"

Now - I will admit that we all at times can do foolish things... Maybe some of which you could even muster up a chuckle or guffaw about a few of the foolish things you're guilty of... I would venture a guess, though, that there are several foolish things that you are not proud of, too... There are times you have portrayed the part of a fool and you hope that nobody ever finds out! Well relax! You're in good company! We all mess up and act foolish some times... We are imperfect... Remember the whole "all like sheep have fallen astray" bit? But to be "A Fool" - that's a different story... What's the difference between someone that can "act foolish" and someone who is "A Fool"?

"A fool says in his heart, "There is no God." (Psalm 53:1)

That doesn't sound so funny, does it? April "Fool's Day" shouldn't be such a laughing matter... There are people all over the world who declare there "is no God."That strikes me as a very sad reality...

So today - instead of trying to trick people into believing something false and untrue - why not share the greatest truth ever - Jesus Christ! Tell them that there is a God and He loves them very much... Say that He wants to have a relationship with them and change their hearts, their lives, and their eternity... Let's not leave this a "Fool's Holiday" - but rather make it a celebration of truth!

A Fresh Perspective

I come to several realizations the older I get... I have come to realize the Frosted Mini Wheats are actually pretty tasty - that making homemade meals at home (though time consuming and messy) can be quite enjoyable - and that sleep REALLY is important!

I've also come to realize that you can't judge things by the first impression... My wife and I watched the Disney Pixar movie, "Up" last summer following the recommendation of one of our friends... The first time through we both had similar reviews: "That was sad!" - "I think I'm going to cry" - "I don't like this movie"... Unfortunately for us - we BOUGHT the movie! Whoops!

But as our son is discovering his infatuation with films like "Cars" and the "Toy Story" movies - we've tried "Nemo" and others and he seems to enjoy them... So the other day I though, "why not?" We gave it a shot! And you know what? He like it! And come to think of it - so did I! I saw all kinds of parts that made me laugh out loud... OUT LOUD!!! And I found myself telling my wife - I think you'll like it if you watch it again... She found herself also 'sucked back in' and enjoying herself... Don't get me wrong - there are still parts that are sad - but there are plenty of scenes to enjoy... The best part is making memories with my family, though!

The same is true when I read my Holy Bible... It's strange how much different each passage is every time I read it... It's so unique in the fact that I take different "nuggets" that I didn't see before... I will often 'box' or 'underline' passages that speak to me and six months later I'll study the same scripture again - and underline a completely different section... It's almost as if it's changing - or ALIVE!

"For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Today I decided to study the last few days of Christ's earthly ministry... I've been reading these verses for most of my life and still find it fresh and humbling every time... The Word of God still paints the picture of how much Jesus loves us... We see it in his triumphal entry - his anointing with the perfume - You even feel like you're in the upper room curled up with Him eating a meal watching Him wash feet and lead you in a hymn...

I pray that I never lose that sense of "freshness" when I read my Bible - and I think it's a pretty safe bet... God can't help but make His Word new - IT'S ALIVE!!!

Sequence of the Seasons

Obviously there is reason to talk about the weather today... Why, you may ask? Well - it's March 26 (6 days into spring) and it has been snowing all day long... How can this be? This isn't what's supposed to happen!

But wait a minute! Do we know what's best? Do we control when the sun rises or when it sets? Do we decide how far the tides of the ocean can come to shore? Only the Lord controls such things... And we should be careful not to complain about what He is doing...

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7)

Job began to question God and God decided to question him back... So even in our surprise - we need to remain faithful and trusting... He is still God - even when things don't make sense? He's God when babies are born and when they get sick... He's God when our check book is in the black or when it's in the red... He's still God when we are the pillar of health or stuck in bed... He's still God when it's 65 and sunny in early February and 35 and snowy in late March... Good, bad, or ugly (Whah, whah, whah!) - He's the same yesterday, today, and forever!

If you're looking for a good read today - check out the 38th chapter of Job for a little insight into how little you (and me, too) actually know! We might question things that God does a whole lot less!

"Can you direct the sequence of the seasons?" (Job 38:32)

Today's Agenda

Many people start the day off differently... For some - their day begins with their eyes popping open 5 minutes before their alarm and the are up and in the shower... 10 minutes later the coffee is brewed and it's time to start the day... They check their calendar (or their phone these days) and it's off to the races... Their day is planned and they are ready to take it on...

For others - their day begins with the 'Snooze Cycle'... Their alarm goes off 30 minutes earlier then it needs to so they can hit the snooze button 5 or 6 times before scraping themselves out of bed and sleek into the shower where the 'bed zombie' begins to melt away... Then they him-ho through their closet looking for the right ensemble for the day and have to skip breakfast as they are now (shocker) running late... As they drive to work or school they are wondering, "What do I have to do today?"

I won't say which one I am - but let's just say I'm not a morning person... But I do believe it's important to have a daily 'Agenda'... I'm a terrible planner and I need guidelines for the day... My mother used to threaten to send me to school with a notepad attached to my neck so teachers could write everything down for me... That's why today I have a calendar on my desk, on my computer, and (most importantly) on my phone so I know what I'm supposed to be doing each and every day... It helps to keep me on track... To know my agenda...

As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ - I also have an agenda... I am to be sharing the Good News of the saving grace that comes through and from Jesus and making disciples... (Matt 28:19) I am to be praying and caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27)... I am to be loving my wife and family... (Eph 5:25) And I am to take Paul's advice on living my life each day...

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (1 Thess 4:11-12)

So go ahead... Look at your calendar... Make sure and meet all your appointments - take your exams - return your phone calls and emails... But don't forget your main 'agenda'!

All About Famiglia

One of my wife and I's favorite shows is "Cake Boss" on TLC... We enjoy the show for multiple reasons: Buddy's 'mafia-esque' personality, the crazy sisters, the mouthy brother-in-laws, the quirky cake sculptors, or even being able to see all of the delicious cakes and pastries that go out of the bakery each week... But I think the thing that we like the most is the emphasis on famiglia!

Buddy often says, "It's all about famiglia!" (That's "family" for those of you that do not watch the show, or speak Italian) They may argue... They may get mad at each other... They may even mess up! But at the end of the day - it doesn't change how they feel about each other... It's tough enough working with anybody - but to work with your family - CRAZY! But they seem to make it work (at least on camera!)

We should all strive for that first of all - in our own families... My wife and I may not always agree on what we should do or what the "best course of action" is - but at the end of the day - it's all about famiglia!

Secondly - In the body of Christ... The body of Christ is a family where each of us has our job to do in the kitchen or bakery... We live together, work together, play together, vacation together, struggle together, cry together, pray together, and worship together... At some point in time - we are going to upset each other... But at the end of the day - it's all about famiglia!

So as I finish this episode of "Cake Boss" watching these artists create these incredible, edible masterpieces - I look at my wife and son and thank Jesus Christ for how blessed I am... At the end of MY DAY - It's all about famiglia!

March Madness, Baby!

I know the Christmas season has the market on being "the most wonderful time of the year" - but I can't imagine that there is a more exciting month than March... Now - if you are not a fan of college basketball - then you probably disagree with me... However - if you are a fan of hoops - then you know what I'm talking about...

Ever since Dr. Naismith gave us the game - it continues to be one of the most exciting sporting events in the world... It is played all over the globe by people of different races and ethnicities... It's played by men and women... Tall and short... On two legs, or in wheel chairs... You may enjoy watching youngsters run around the court learning the fundamentals... You might be a die hard fan for your local high school teams... You may be a "Crazy" for your college or alma mater! Or maybe you actually still enjoy the NBA (I have moved on from that level - not as fun as when Michael was inspiring us all...)

Basketball is game that's both fun to watch and play... It's also a good lesson for life... You need more than just one person to be a success... You need more than five people to be a success... You may have your "franchise" player - but that's not what breeds a champion...

For starters - you need a team to play for - an organization to wear proudly on your jersey... You then need coaches - people to teach you the game and guide you along each quarter or half to allow you to have the best tools possible to win the game (and more importantly) have a good season... You then need team mates - peers to both challenge you and work with you to achieve your goals and objectives... Some may start, others come off the bench, or even others that are on the practice squad... Every one is responsible for the score at the end of the game... You also need referees - people that keep the game safe and even... These folks take the pressure of being the most unpopular people in basketball so that the game can go on... Lastly - you need (probably the most important people) The Fans! We all need fans wearing our colors - holding up signs - lifting their hands when we're at the charity stripe - Yelling, "DEFENSE"! People that rush the floor when you overcome overwhelming odds - but will weep with you in the stands after a crushing defeat...

If you haven't seen the analogy yet - Playing basketball is a lot like being part of Jesus Christ's church... We need each other to be successful in this game of life... We are on the best team ever - The body of Christ! We have pastors and teachers that coach us along the game... We have team mates that we are in small group with , or go to Sunday school class with... We have the Holy Spirit serving as our referee to keep us in bounds and playing the game the way Jesus has meant for us to... And finally - we're the fans... We are to build each other up... We are to be yelling for each other and lifting our hands in support when each other is at the line...

Maybe you're not a fan of b-ball - but I hope you're a fan of Jesus - and know that being on His team is truly "the most wonderful time!"

Luck Of The Irish

St. Patrick's Day always brings out the 'green' in us all... Whether we are part Irish, or not - We all celebrate this fine day by wearing the color green, eating shepherd's pie or soda bread, drinking green ale, or relentlessly pinching those that were unfortunate enough to not have on green today... Like any holiday that the masses know nothing about - we blindly jump on the band wagon... Some cities have big parades while others (like Chicago) go so big that they dye the river green on this day...

But did you know that St. Patrick was not a green leprechaun-looking man, sitting around in a pub having a pint singing, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling?" The celebration of St. 'Paddy's' Day actually started as a 'holy day' remembered by the Irish Catholic Church...

During the early 5th Century - Patricius (Patrick) returned to Ireland (after having been made a slave there as a boy - you should research the story - it's interesting) to share the Good News of Jesus Christ... Through the power of God he was responsible for several converts from paganism to Christianity over a period of 20 years... He traveled all around Ireland preaching and baptizing the Irish... He devoted his life to blessing those that would have made him a slave and striving to set them free...

This world has a strange way of twisting the memory of these different saints to fit a more popular view: Patrick, Nicholas, Valentine, etc. Don't you just wonder how these followers of Christ would feel about their memory being shifted in such a way that brings NO GLORY to the ONE DUE IT!

Fun Fact for Today:

Tradition says that Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock to illustrate the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit... So today as you are seeing these everywhere - instead of thinking about the advertisement - why don't you see what Patrick saw - The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit!