"He's Waiting"

Going to Battle!!!!

2009-09-08T22:56:00.001-04:00

Today someone had told my wife that they just love my passion for the game of football! You see I coach two different football teams. One is a High School team and the other is my son's team. They are on two completely different levels. But that makes no difference to me. The game of football is a battle between the two teams and the coaches. The thinking that goes into the games no matter if they are High School or pee wee or the pros is a battle.
The reason why I like to coach is because I can't play anymore... but the real reason is I love to instruct a group of players and see them take what I have taught and put it to work and we win a game. But its a battle not only with the team/coaches but its a battle with yourself!!!! It makes you think, it pushes you to your limits, and you still have to obey and do things right or your will lose...... the same is true ion our journeys in this world. You will be taught by the Word, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and you go to battle everyday with the world/devil and yourself. It will make us tired, we will want to give up and take the easy way... but the easy way leads to a loss. My old offensive line coach in HS use to say.... "You have to pay your dues to have victory"... that is so true!!!! We must look to Jesus, read His Word, obey His ways for us, keep self out, stay on the narrow way to the best of our ability and battle and never give up..... PAY YOUR DUES SO YOU MY HAVE VICTORY!!!!!!!!
He's waiting.... are you on your way to victory?

Family

2009-07-29T10:19:00.000-04:00

God knew what he was doing when he made the family system! I don't what I would have done the last few months if it had not been for my family. My wife 2 girls and my son have been the best thing for me. God has used them in such a way to help me deal with the death of my dad. My wife is so awesome, so real, and has been my example of of Christ. She has comforted me, let me vent, made me laugh, has gotten on me when I didn't realize I was being... well you know. My girls have been so good with each other... almost like best friends which has help me... I love them! TJ is only 9 but has help in asking questions that has not made me sad but gets the mind off of the hurt. His baseball and now football is helping me. Now this area may be hard here in a few weeks. You dad was a big football fan. We always talked football. I would call dad about my High School team that coach, TJ's football team and of course THE Ohio State University Buckeyes!!! But I know God will see me through it so it will not be so bad. After what HE has done in July I know he will not let it be too bad.
God knew we would need family. I thank God for my wonderful wife! My awesome Girls and my kick butt son... thank you Jesus for waiting on me through my family!!!!

Emotional Healing

2009-07-06T23:57:00.001-04:00

Its been little over a week since I preached my pop's (dad) funeral. Its been pretty hard on me... I just can't get over that he is gone. But just like God, He came yesterday and did some emotional healing when I was least expecting it. I have been questioning not the why but the timing of his death... I just got down to Fla for a much needed vacation. He died a week before my brother's wedding... which dad was going to be the best man and I was doing the service. So the timing is what I was having trouble with... but then yesterday HE (God) shows up and the TIMING was perfect! Or should I say... HE MADE IT A PERFECT TIME!!!!!
As church started yesterday mom walks through the doors... wasn't expecting her to show up for a while at church, but she showed up... we took a quick vote before service started about having Pm church service. Everyone voted to not have it....the sermon I was preaching was part 2 of a 2 parter... "Life Lessons for Life's Mountains... which I had finished before I left for vacation... boy did I need this sermon yesterday... everything fit for me and my family and God showed the people of my church He was there not only for us but for them too! Mom came to the altar to get help with me and many others... Since we were not having church in the evening I was free to go watch my boy (TJ 9) play in a coach pitch baseball tourney. The game to get into the championship game, his first at bat he hit a 2 run Home run... before the tourney started he said he wanted to hit a home run for his papaw!!!!!!!!!! This was his first over the fence home run... and let me tell you it was a SHOT! I started to cry because he did it for papaw!!! But that was not all... in the championship game they were up and only needed two runs to run rule the team to win the title and here comes TJ with 2 runners on and kills one over the tall fence, dead center field to end the game.... Firecracker Coach pitch Champions!!!!!! I cried again......
Thank you Lord for a wonderful day of healing!!!!!!!!
He's waiting............ and his timing is perfect!!!!!!!

Hometown Part 2

2009-06-29T20:20:00.001-04:00

I was just reading my last post.... hometown.... on June 23rd my dad passed away from a heart attack. Can you believe it? Me neither... the last good day was my last at my childhood home with my dad there. We never know when these bodies will choose to give up and be no more. WE BETTER BE READY! Thank the good Lord that dad found his way to rendezvous with Jesus and now he is there with Him playing cornhole and I bet Jesus is having a hard time beating dad.... he was so good at that game! The timing of this whole thing was so not good but I am doing my best NOT to question the timing.... (too much to explain right now... trust me BAD timing) but there is a good reason and that is what I keep telling myself. My wife and kids have been so good to me and have helped me in so many ways. My church family has been the BODY for their pastor... my friends on facebook and my beagle web page I am a part of have been so gracious. Thank you Thank you and...... thank you to all!!!!!! But most of all thank you Jesus for rendezvousing with me during this time... He still waits and I am thankful for that!

Hometown

2009-06-18T19:46:00.000-04:00

I spent the biggest part of my day today with my mom and dad in my hometown. I don't live that far from my hometown but its far enough that I don't get there but maybe 2 times a month if I am lucky. My parents still live in the house that I grew up in. They moved into it when I was 1 year old. So I sat there today thinking about the past... the memories and stuff like that... my parents are not in good health so my days of going to my childhood home and just "being there" is coming to and end soon... I talked about how much you run around when your kids are at home and sat there and looked at my dad and was thinking that not too long ago he was where I am raising kids at home and running them everywhere... with my oldest going into her senior year it won't be long before I'll be where dad is now... Where will I be when I am his age? What will my heath be like? What will I be able to do... not able to do? Will I still be preaching? Will I still own and run beagles? How many grand kids will I have? Will I be able to see them much? Live close to them? What stories of God's grace and love will I be able to tell those around me. I just hope I can remember them all to be able to share with my grand kids and those around me... I hope I'll be able to say then what I say now........
He's waiting.... I looking to rendezvous with Him!

Life & People

2009-06-13T16:49:00.001-04:00

Sorry I haven't written on here in a while.... God and I have been talking and dealing with life! Hey ain't we all huh? I know we all are dealing with life. And life involves people. Sometimes if you are like me you just don't want to deal with people.... you know when you think you're doing the right thing then all of a sudden it turns on you and now someone is mad at you and you just don't know how it happen. Sometimes I pray... asking why it is like this... why am I in the business of people when the fact is I am not very good with people.... VBS taught me a lesson this week... how can I do what God wants me to do?????????? Colossians 1:26-27..... "Christ in you, the hope of glory" I can do what he needs me to do because He is in me! BUT ITS SO HARD... I can't stop replaying things in my mind... maybe its the devil... telling me that I was wrong or I am a failure... but at the same time... Christ is in me not saying anything....WHY?????????
He's waiting....

God's Will??????????

2009-06-01T04:29:00.000-04:00

As I type this I am waiting on my wife to come down stairs so we can get in the car to go to Oklahoma. Its 4:20 AM. On this trip I/We will be praying for God's will in our lives. If you think about that its a scary thing... But its not.. because if its a God thing, whether its his will or what its OK because God wants only the best for us.... well she's ready to go... I 'll finish when we get back... please pray for God's will for us and our lives and that everything on this trip will turn out good... according to HIS will!!!!
He's Waiting..... and so am I.....

Advice...

2009-05-26T22:08:00.001-04:00

I borrowed this from my ex D.S. from the NEO District... too good not to pass on...
AN OLD FARMER'S ADVICE
* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
*Keep skunks and bankers at a distance. (sorry Steve and others!)
*Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.
* Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
* Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
* It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge
* You cannot unsay a cruel word.
* Every path has a few puddles.
* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
* The best sermons are lived, not preached.
* Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.
* Don't judge folks by their relatives.
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
* Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none.
* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a Rain dance.
* If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
* Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
* The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin'.
* Always drink upstream from the herd.
* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
* Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.
* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
*Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you
He's waiting on you...

Time

2009-05-22T10:46:00.000-04:00

Boy I can't believe that my oldest girl is moving into her SENIOR year in high school. My middle child, she is moving into her freshman year and my youngest, my boy is going to be 9 in a few short weeks! And above all that as I was watching them grow My wife turned 41 this year!....Oh yes... I turned 40! So time really does fly by... and time goes as slow as... whatever the slowest thing is. But the scriptures tell us this is how it will be... Ecclesiastes 3:1-11... here is a short portion..."For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die....." v. 11 "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart,...."
Everything that happens to us is a beautiful thing ... even the bad things... What? How can bad things be beautiful? What has he planted in our hearts.... eternity! All of us no matter who we are will spend eternity in eternity. So whatever we are going through... good or bad... "This too shall pass" BUT eternity will never pass... we have to endure this present time and space and the seasons that happens.... so we can make it to the "TIME" that will never pass nor change... eternity.
He's Waiting... to be with you in eternity... will you be WITH Him?

The Loss

2009-05-18T00:17:00.000-04:00

Tonight I lost one of my 5 month old pups. I own/run/hunt rabbits with beagles. Her name was "Lula" I gave her a Ham bone... well apparently you can't give a beagle bones. You see I didn't learn enough about my beagle and so I had to learn the hard way. Sometimes in life we have to learn the hard about things.... in our journey with Jesus we have to learn the hard way.... we may study all we can.... pray all we can... but its in the hard times where we learn the most. The hard times in life is where we get close to Jesus, listen more, study closer the things that we need to learn.... its in the hard times that the nearness of Christ can overcome any and everything for us! "cast all your cares/anxiety/problems/stress/ on him because HE cares for you" What a wonderful promise for us to know that the ONE & ONLY loves us that much that any/everything that we need to lay into his hands.... HE WANTS!
He's waiting for you... to be near you!

He is There!!!!

2009-05-10T14:46:00.001-04:00

Do you know when all else fails in this world... He is there! Do you know when you think you are doing OK and you find out that you are crap... He is there! Do you know that when you do something to the best of your ability and your still not right.... He is there! Do you know that when the things that you rely on the most turns on you... He is there! Do you know that when you're talked about behind your back.... He is there to talk to you face to face, heart to heart! Do you know that when you don't want to spend another day on this earth... He is there!
He's waiting... THANK YOU LORD FOR NOT LEAVING NOR FORSAKING!!!!!!

The Devil Is Waiting...

2009-05-08T19:40:00.001-04:00

The title of my blog is "He's Waiting" but what I have come to learn is that the devil is waiting too. He's waiting for an opportune time to.... do whatever he can to derail us. The devil is fighting hard to do what he does best and distract us from the lessons that God has taught us. I don;t know about you but sometimes I let my emotions or feelings take over my mind and heart and in turn the devil seizes this opportunity to move in and before I know it I am going down a path that is not very Christ-like. But I am reminded that "He's waiting".... the HE in this is the only and only Jesus.... Lord help me help my stupid self! May we always go running to the ONE who is ALWAYS waiting on us!

Eyes!!

2009-04-30T22:30:00.000-04:00

"Looked down from a broken sky Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black top Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere, Why have I never cared?

Chorus:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see....Yeah Yeah yeah yeah

Step out on a busy street See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me To hide what's underneath
There's a man just to her right Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife He's out of work He's buying time
All those people going somewhere Why have I never cared?

Chorus:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see....Yeah Yeah yeah yeah

I've Been there a million times A couple of million eyes
Just movE past me by i swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all along

Chorus (x2)
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see....Yeah Yeah yeah yeah"

This song has touched my heart and has opened my eyes to the fact that this is ALL ABOUT WHAT JESUS IS and what the CHURCH should be about!!!! The great commission... the greatest commandment... the Love Chapter (1 Cor. 13) the reason why we are here as HIS hands, feet, arms, mouth, ears!
He's waiting.... to Give you HIS eyes!

The Nasty Surprize

2009-04-29T13:59:00.000-04:00

I hate it when God reminds me or teaches me something by doing things to me that are not pleasant. This morning my wife had a container that had some chocolate covered coffee beans in it. Without thinking too much (which was my first mistake) I popped one into my mouth and started to chew.... Now let me tell you... I HATE COFFEY!!!! I thought I was going to puke... and of course my wife was right there to say... "duhhhhhh you hate coffee".... its just like SIN... no matter how much you cover up the sin with good things its STILL SIN! Things may look good on the outside but underneath it may be nasty. For me the thing to do is stay away from the coffee cover by chocolate. To learn that the sin inside the good stuff makes the WHOLE thing nasty! Even though I love chocolate when its covering coffee... I am staying away from it!! Thank Jesus for teaching/reminding me that I need to stay away from the nasty thing called sin in my life!

The Nest-Part 6

2009-04-24T21:36:00.000-04:00

The nest is over... all the baby birds are gone... I don't know what has happened? One thing I do know... the momma bird didn't use very good wisdom in selecting the sight of her nest. It was out in the open too much. Not enough cover to protect her little ones from all the dangers. I hope that she learns for next year. I hope that she was a young mother and that in the years to come that she will lay many eggs and they will hatch and the little robins will grow and survive... I hope that momma robin learns from her mistakes of the year she built a nest on a privacy fence, next to a gate that is out in the open and used allot. I hope that her wisdom and understanding will grow and help her fulfill her purpose of laying eggs and helping her young hatch and grow, so they too can build a nest of their own and birth and raise baby robins themselves.
We too need to use the wisdom and understanding that the book of Proverbs tells us about... "Take this to heart. Do what I tell you- live! sell everything and buy wisdom! forage for understanding! Don't forget one word. Don't deviate an inch. Never walk away from wisdom-she guards your life. love her-she keeps her eye on you. Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! Throw your arms around her- believe me, you won't regret it; never let her go-she'll make your life glorious. She'll garland your life with grace, she'll festoon your days with beauty."
He's waiting to give you wisdom, understanding and discernment...

The Nest- Part 5

2009-04-23T19:06:00.000-04:00

Sad news today from the nest. We had 3 little birds until this afternoon. I saw a big black bird fly off from the back yard with something in its mouth. I had a bad feeling in my stomach so I went out and looked in the nest.... the bird had taken one of the baby robins. I could not tell if it was a hawk or what, but it was big and black. The momma bird was away from the nest... out trying to get more food and in a blink of an eye..... gone, one baby robin... its the same way with us... if for some reason we don't stay close to Jesus the big black bird (devil) will take us away and devour us! The good news about Jesus and his Holy Spirit is HE NEVER LEAVES US like the momma bird did... he is always there... we are the ones that leave his side... so stay close to Jesus and keep seeking him and his food (word) and we will be able to grow strong and leave the nest but yet, we'll still need his wind (Holy Spirit) to be able to fly in our journey!
He's waiting.... to protect us from the big black bird... will you let him

The Nest- Part 4

2009-04-21T22:35:00.000-04:00

I noticed something that caught my attention the other day. Now that the baby birds are out of their shells... the momma bird is gone off the nest more to get food and all that stuff. But what caught my attention is that there are 3 birds but there was 4 eggs. When I look down into the nest I can't see the 4th egg. Here is my thought... could it be that the new baby birds are keeping their sibling warm for their mother while she is out taking care of them.... could this be a model for us as Christ followers????? To take care of each other as if Jesus was here walking with us? To keep each other warm spiritually? I think that when we become followers its in our DNA to look after/help/seek/feed/encourage/protect each other in the journeys we are all on!
He's waiting.... are you taking care of your siblings (as in your) neighbors, friends, co-workers, classmates, family?

The Nest- Part 3

2009-04-20T08:41:00.001-04:00

Well as of this morning we have 3 baby robins in the nest. Now let me tell you they are not the prettiest things in the world... only a momma bird could love something that looks like that! And its true... the momma bird is all about love for its young. I see it every moment that I look at the nest. She is there sheltering her little one in the rain/wind/ and the dogs... I have 3 beagles and 1 wiener dog and that momma bird just goes right on doing what she does even though the dogs are out. Of course she is chirping her little head off but that's her job. She is taking care of that nest and babies just like God is taking care of us... from on high and low! He is above us sheltering us in the times of rain/wind and the dogs of the world... He come down right where we are to feed us just want we need.... just like the momma bird she will get down on the ground to get food for her young even thought the dogs are out... In the first post of the "nest" I wondered why she would build a nest in a spot where my family and I travel all the time (the back gate)... I think that she knew that we would not do anything to her or the nest and her young... God knows exactly what you need... where to plant you... to help you grow... right where he has planted you...
He's waiting to be the momma bird in your life... We may not be the prettiest things in the world... but God loves us

Insights From The Dumps...

2009-04-11T14:32:00.000-04:00

I few post ago I was asking the questions of being down in the dumps... God has showed me that we get in the dumps but it should not keep us there! On the day that my friend Jesus was killed on a cross was a big down in the dumps day for him. As I started to remember more and celebrate this weekend (Easter) more it shows me that no matter how much in the dumps I may be in I have a resurrection that can bring me out of it. My friend Jesus has given me what he had... a way out of the down in outs, the down in the dumps... depression, the downs! I still may get down but I don't have to stay there... Jesus was kill on a cross and died and then on the third day rose from the grave and went to be with God in heaven... He is in me and I am in him.... and so I have a way out of the dumps!!!
Thank you Jesus... He's waiting to give you a way out of whatever it is that your are in...

The Nest... Part 2

2009-04-08T08:47:00.003-04:00

A strange thing has been happening with the Robin's nest out on our privacy fence. The momma bird started laying eggs... one... two... three and then the strange thing happened... one of the eggs were gone... we looked all over the place and could not see where it went. I don't know if she broke one and took it somewhere.... don't know if she knew it was bad and got rid of it... its a mystery... but two days later a new third egg arrived and then a fourth!
It reminds me of our Lord and Savior... when we are faithful with what he has given us to do or take care of he blesses us. Even know that something may happen that is not good (the loss of the third egg) if we continue to persevere, hold on, keep doing what we need to do for him and his glory... he will blesses us double, triple (a new third egg and a fourth) !!!!! That momma bird has been working hard at doing what God has created her to do. No matter what happened to that original third egg... she was back up on that nest doing what God needs her to do.... and he has blesses her with a new third egg and a fourth!
I have been learning that no matter what is going on in your life good or bad... keep following the Savior, keep listening to the Savior, keep learning about the Savior, stay close to the Savior, and before long you will be with the Savior!

The Dumps

2009-04-02T19:28:00.000-04:00

I have questions... no real spiritual insight or nothing yet... why do Christ followers get depressed? Is it a choice? Should we get this way? Why do pastors get down in the dumps? Is it something we can control or should control? If so how? Its not that I don't have to Joy of the Lord... I do its just some days I don't want to do nothing or even go out of my room. Should I fall into this or does it have anything to do with spirituality? Is it a medical condition?
he's waiting... so am I...

I Never Knew...

2009-03-27T21:55:00.002-04:00

After 20 years of marriage I learned something about Jill that I never knew until today......................................................................... she does not like lemons in her ice tea!!!!! Can you believe it? I know I know..... big deal huh. No matter how much you know someone there is something new you can learn about them. The same is true about Jesus know matter how close we are to him or how much we read his word, no matter how much we pray... no matter how long we been walking with him.... There is still much to learn about... his love, care, grace, mercy and directions and life....
He's waiting for you to learn about him...I just wonder if he likes lemons in His ice tea or not?

The Nest

2009-03-26T21:41:00.001-04:00

I have an interesting thing going on in my backyard on my wooden privacy fence. A momma robin is in the process of building a nest. It's been amazing seeing how fast she is building it and how strong it is. the amazing thing is where she has built it... its right next to our gate. We go through that gate all day long... how much privacy is she going to have? The great thing about this... my family and I have a part in this process... we have the job of not disturbing the nest. We can't touch it or the eggs when they come. We can't slam the gate or this too will disturb the nest... we have the choice to be apart of something great... or be the destruction of something great... the same is true in our spiritual walk with Jesus... God is building something great in and through us... we can either be apart of this great thing God is doing or we can chose not to and be the destruction of it. You see we have a choice... God has given us a free will to say YES to God or to say NO... I don't know about you but I want to be a part of what God is building in and through me... not the destroyer of it. I hope and pray that we can see this robin lay her eggs and see those eggs hatch and the little birds grow and maybe some day to able to feed those babies in our feeders....
He's waiting.... are you going to be apart of something great or not?

Amazing God

2009-03-24T20:00:00.000-04:00

Almost everyday God amazes me! God and I have been talking about things that pertain to the church he has given me to take care of. I was a little apprehensive about bringing up the issue that I have been dealing with and I stepped out (because of his grace) with a sense of power and strength from him.... everything turned out OK and after words the confirmation that God had been dealing with other hearts about the same issue... it reminded me that of what Psalms 136 says... His love endures forever.... everything that I may have to deal with ... his love endures forever... his love has everything that God is and does. So if what I have to dealing is in the center of God's will (good or bad) then his love ( in his love is his everything... strength, grace, direction, mercy, ,,,, everything) endures forever. Praise God...
He's waiting to love you forever with everything!

March Madness-- fall Madness Please

2009-03-20T13:36:00.001-04:00

Well the best thing about the end of winter is the college basketball tourney! The NCAA needs to take a REAL GOOD look and listen to what people want... a college football playoff!!!!!!! Why am I talking about this? I see the some thing happening in my life... I do things just because I have always have done it that way. I am working on being better and listening to God and my culture in dealing with the ministry. I am finding new ways that help and are working better and its more exciting seeing God work through these ways then not seeing him able to work through some of the old systems... now listen God can and does work through some old systems BUT sometimes he chooses not too and wants us to use new different systems to reach people for his kingdom. When we hang on the old systems (when Gid is not using it) just because we are comfortable with them or don't like to change, God will not use us, we will become complacent and die. Its the same way with the college football end of the year bowl system. The presidents of the colleges want to keep it this way because of the moneythey are making... not because they want the best for college football and want what the people want. What is going to happen is people will stop watching and then they will have to change... ITS OK TO CHANGE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.... GOD WANTS US TO DO THING DIFFERENTLY TO GET THE MESSAGE OF HOPE AND HELP INTO THE LIVES OF OUR CHURCH ATTENDERS AND THOSE WHO ARE NOT COMING TO CHURCH. WE DON'T CHANGE THE MESSAGE BUT WE DO NEED TO CHANGE OUR METHODS SOMETIMES!!

Another Date Night Year Done:(

2009-03-16T22:55:00.001-04:00

I finished another year of birthday date nights with my daughters.... OK I'll explain... once my daughters were old enough to talk and understand things... about 7 or 8 years old... I would take them on or around their birthdays out on a date... just me and them, just daddy and daughter. Well Molly's birthday is close to Christmas and New Years, I kinda of let it slide and then my 40 day fast came along... Kenzie's birthday fell in the middle of the fast... so last Monday I took Molly and tonight I took Mackenzie on their "dates". On These date nights, I have used this time to talk with them and show them how a young man, boy, teen... (Whatever dads call these.... slugs that want to take out our precious Jewell's) should treat them on dates. I open the doors for them, order for them and try to treat them like queens... we have talks about what the slugs should and should not do... when they got old enough we talked about not having sex and stuff like that... I would let them know what slugs are thinking and want... we talk about different issues, what to do if this happens, what to do if that happens. We talk about what they want to do after graduation, we talk about God and things. This year I bought them new bibles and ask that they wear the bibles out so I would have buy them new ones next year... (That means they have used them so much they are falling apart) These date nights have been so good for our relationship and it has kept my girls pure and right before God's eyes...so far (AND IT BETTER STAY THAT WAY TOO) I have told them both if they ever want to disappoint their daddy and break his heart... get pregnant before marriage... I really believe with all my heart these special nights have been a wonderful teaching tool for my family...Jill has even started to take TJ out on his birthdays to teach him the same things... I'll wait until they have families of their own and see if it has all worked out and then I will write a book about it all. Hopefully it will help other parents in raising Godly kids in an ungodly world.
You know what????? He's (Jesus) waiting to take you on a date...

The Eyes

2009-03-15T08:29:00.002-04:00

I went back to the eye doctor to have him check out my eye from the last surgery I had. I had some scar tissue on my left eye from a Laske surgery. I was hoping that everything was OK... I went sat in the room waiting... didn't have to wait long... I was thinking that my was OK, things were going well with it... so I thought... good visit... ( OH I forgot to tell you... I miss the original appointment earlier in the week... I had to reschedule)...then I was called back to one room and they had me cover up my right and a read the chart... did good... then they put some drops in my eye and checked the pressure with this cool looking blue light... that was good... then I sat in another waiting room for just a few minutes... then to the exam room. There I waited for the doc... he came in and looked at my eye real close... because you can't see the eye (what's really going on) from a distance... look into my eye he says... good no scar tissue! Good news.. its will be my graduation visit he calls it. I don't have to come back! But then he says... you have some dryness, keep using those drops, in this cold weather the eyes will dry out more and faster...My eye felt great, didn't feel dry to me... but he SAW what my eye didn't feel! Did you get that??????? I'll wait........ There are times in our lives when we feel like everything is great... no problems... but if we let the doctor (God) to look into our lives and heart he will be able to tell what is really going on in there and help us to avoid the dry times in life where it can cause problems later on... dry times? When we don't talk to him much, read his word much, don't fellowship much... when we start slacking in our walk... Let him SEE what we are not feeling... a regular check up help prevent the times of problems...
He's waiting for you to come to HIS office for a check up.... did you miss your appointment?

Good Day

2009-03-12T22:17:00.000-04:00

I had a good day today... I learned allot in our pastors conference with Dr. Thom Rainer... but the one thing that hit me in the heart was that our life is short... you see Dr. Rainer will be preaching next Sunday at the church where that Pastor was just shot while preaching last Sunday. Dr. Rainer knew this pastor and he kept telling us today that time is short... before you know it you'll be face to face with Jesus... it help me to understand I don't need to be worrying about stuff but only what is important... God, Family and what he needs me to do for his kingdom! It was a good 3 days talking with fellow brothers and sisters in the ministry. The best support group there is for people like me called pastor... He was waiting for me this week and I finally met up him... thank you Jesus... my question for you is... have YOU met up with Jesus this week?

Facebook Or Face

2009-03-11T22:51:00.000-04:00

I am amazed about all this facebook, twitter, texting,email stuff that is going on in today world. Now I am not the most techy kind of guy but I like my facebook, email, I really want a blackberry so I can check my emails and all that on the go but on the other hand I know it will not be good for me in the since I will always be working... that brings me to my thought tonight.... while this facebook (online social community) is great.. we share and connect with people we haven't seen in a while and we talk with people we see often... but have we lost the art of communicating face to face... have we lost the ability to HEAR the other persons voice and what they are saying and how they are saying it? I just wander how JESUS would act, react, and handle today world? I am sure he would have used it for his glory and would have convicted some of us for not using it for his glory.... if we can use all this tech for his glory and still be able to communicate in the loving way that HE would then praise God... if its causing trouble and causing Satan to move in.... then please help us God!
He's waiting on you.... are you there?

Hurt... Why?

2009-03-09T23:30:00.000-04:00

Why as people of God do we hurt each other? Think about it for a moment... we should be the ones that walk above the hurtful talk, the back stabbing, the gossiping... why do we hurt each other? Is it because we are thinking/wanting to much for ourselves? Are we being too selfish... always looking out for number 1? Didn't Jesus teach us to be looking out for the other person? Care for one another... The Message bible says this... "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself"... wow.... many say.. well I don't love myself... yea right... then why do we do what we do to others? Its because we are into ourselves too much! If we who are on this journey with Christ can just learn to love others a little more than ourselves or just learn to love other as we do ourselves this world would be a better place.

Mind Games

2009-03-07T13:10:00.003-05:00

I wish I had a switch in my head that I could turn on and off when I needed too.... I have been dealing with something and I have a hard time getting it out of my mind. I always think of the bad that will come out of a situation because in the past... that's what has happened. So I start to worry and get down and I know that it will all work out some how, so way....BUT I hate conflict... and still to this day I DON'T HAVE THE FOGGIEST IDEA WHY GOD CALLED ME TO BE A PASTOR... because dealing with people there is conflict.... and I hate it... so if I had this switchy thingy in my head I could turn off the inner conflict that I have with myself every time a problem or situation comes along... if effects my family and my good wife and I know she hates it because I can't just not deal with it... but....... OK I'll just stop here..... "Lord please be the switchy thingy in my mind and turn my focus to you and not the "maybe" problem or situation... take from my mind the worry, struggle, and anxiety and lay it into your hands... Thank you"......
He's waiting to help us... let him be your mind switchy thingy!!!!!!!

Jesus is waiting but so is the devil...

2009-03-04T21:54:00.001-05:00

A few Sunday nights ago I taught on how there are danger zones that we need to watch out for because Satan will be ready to attack. One of those zones is after a spiritual victory... well its happened and I wasn't even looking for this one... well maybe I should have... I should have been smarter than this... you would think the one who teaches about God would listen a little better than those who just hear it on Sundays... After all these days writing on here... He's waiting, I have forgot that the devil is waiting too... waiting for the right time to attack. I should have been looking but I wasn't... "Lord help me to find a way out of this... please help us help our stupid selves"... Boy the devil knows how to kill a pretty good week...........
He's waiting... and I need him

Grapes & Raisins

2009-03-03T23:50:00.000-05:00

Which are you... a grape or a raisin? Is your heart plump and juicy like a grape... full of life, spirit, grace, love, goodness, full of good juice, full of nourishment? Or is it like a raisin... dry, shriveled up, little juice, little flavor, just not much there.
Which is your heart like? If you think about it.... look at a bunch of grapes on the vine, either at the store or on a vine... what does it look like????? A HEART, its shape is like a heart...but you can't find raisins like that... they just look dead. The closer we get to Jesus, the more we go to him, the more we get taught, the more we become like him...the more our hearts will become like a grape and less like a raisin.
OK now which are you?
He's waiting... have you rendezvous with him yet today?

2009-03-02T21:34:00.000-05:00

Genesis 22:3-5 "The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about.... stay here with the donkey, Abraham told the servants. The boy and I will travel a little father. We will worship there, and then we will come right back."
I have a question for you... Abraham told his servants that HIM & ISAAC WILL BE RIGHT BACK... how/why could he say that.. the Lord told him to sacrifice his son Isaac? Think about it... if he KNEW that Isaac would come back with him, if he KNEW that he would not end up sacrificing Isaac... did he have faith then? I have read this the last couple of days... what do you think?
He's waiting for you... where have you been?

Thank you

2009-03-01T22:35:00.000-05:00

Thank you to my church family for such a wonderful day and card for my birthday!!! What I loved most was how God visited with us as we closed out a great service with communion... this was my first "food" since Jan. 20th I went 41 days fasting to meet up with Jesus. What an incredible experience! I learned so much about myself... how I needed to "Let Go" of somethings in my life. I hope that God will (I know he will) continue to rendezvous with me. I will continue to share on this blog... its been a great thing for me to "journal" my thoughts and experiences with anyone that wants to read. It has actually helps me to think on him more knowing people are wanting to hear. I just hope and pray this will be a tool of ministry that will help people get closer to the Lord. I hope you really understand the phase... he's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40

2009-02-28T19:26:00.000-05:00

As this will be the last post for the fast I have been thinking about what I could say for the last post... In the book I been reading/working through during this particular rendezvous... its been talking about different spiritual exercises/practices to help us grow and to be more Christ like. At the end of these forty days have come to be reminded that I need to make Christ part of everything I do. I must bring him along into my words, thoughts, actions, reactions, work, leisure... everything! Also I must depend on HIS SPIRIT to work HIS transforming grace/miracle on/in me... Then the habits of my heart, spiritual exercises/practices and expressions of love will flow out from my interaction with him! The end of the book says it so well... "Let's fix our eyes on Christ, rendezvous with Him daily, and let Him make us like himself."......... Amen, Praise the Lord!!!!!!
He's waiting..... will you meet up with him daily? I'll try my best... will you?

He's Waiting- Day 39

2009-02-27T21:59:00.001-05:00

I hope as I (we) finish out this fast that we will not stop our rendezvous' with Him! Everyday He is WAITING on us its our job/His will that we take what we learn from Him and pass it on... I hope that is what you have doing with this blog. I hope it has touch you in some way... spiritual, funny, questions, random thoughts... anything that has sparked anything in you, that God has taught you something.... I hope you have passed it on to someone else. Because that is what this blog was for me... and it will continue to be so. I will continue for time to time... maybe not everyday... But what I learn from my rendezvous with Jesus I will pass it on to you.... because everyday he is waiting on me... to meet up with him... he don't need me to but I do... He doesn't owe it to me but I do to him....
He's waiting... where have you been???????? I've been waiting for day 40.... AND THAT IS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's Waiting-Day 38

2009-02-26T22:10:00.000-05:00

I feel like the the Israelites... all I have had is tomato soup (watered down of course)/ramen noodle juice and other liquids (Manna)... and at times I am complaining about it and I hear my provider (God) remind me that is all I need (Manna) he is giving me all I need during these past 38 days and I have survived very well... I haven't last that much weight, sugar levels have been pretty good, mind hasn't been too far off... I think... WHY would I complain? Why would the Israelites??? Because we remember the food/stuff from the former places in life and we focus on the here and now "bad" situation/time/life that we are in.... we need to focus on what GOD is doing in/during our situation/time/life that we are in!!!!! Thank you God for the "Manna" ( your provision) in my journey!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!
He's Waiting... where have you been???? 3 more days!!!!

He's Waiting- Day 37

2009-02-25T21:13:00.000-05:00

4 more days... today was a better day... Thank you Lord! I have come really to miss my lunch dates with my wife... I took those for granted... not the food but the alone time with my lady/girlfriend/best mate/roomy/wife/best friend... you really miss those things when they are gone... thank you Jesus for always being here for me and never being gone! 4 more days and the lunch date will resume!!!!!!! White Castle here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He's waiting... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 36

2009-02-24T23:40:00.003-05:00

Well today was a frustrating day for me... the longer the day went on the longer and more frustrated I became... it sucks... why? I have no idea? It seems like to me that I should have ended this fast a week or two ago... maybe I am just doing this because I said 40 days... I don't know... maybe its this week I need to be praying more and more... do you think????? I really don't have much to say tonight but complain... so I'll do what I should... pray , put it behind me... and go to bed... "Lord help me to remember and focus on you and not my emotions, attitude, and feelings... let me listen to you and see you when a day in frustrating... thanks for still working on me... thanks for being here for me... sorry if I have let you down today... I feel like I let myself down as well as you. I do love you"
He's waiting... and Ted... where were you today?

He's Waiting- Day 35

2009-02-23T20:45:00.000-05:00

I heard a song today that I have heard before but not in the way I heard today... did you follow that???? Ha Ha... Its a country song titled "Letters From Home" by John Michael Montgomery. The video and song talk about soldiers over in Iraq getting letters from home that keep them going... and you what flashed in my mind...... the letters in my bible.. they too keep me going... keeps me alive... keeps my strength up... keeps me blessed... keeps me knowing more about Jesus... keeps me encouraged about life... keeps me humble... keeps me knowing that HE loves me... and keeps me understanding me in him/him in me... keeps reminding me that he doesn't own me anything... keeps me in a rendezvous with him... these letters from my friend are letters from my future home in heaven... and reminds me of the heavenly home I have right here and now called HIS PRESENCE!!!
He's waiting... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 34

2009-02-22T23:33:00.000-05:00

Another great day in my Jesus' house!!!! Well we are 7 days away, I am going to miss this type of rendezvous with Jesus... even though I will always be rendezvousing with him... this special has been life changing for me... it may not be a change everyone will see but believe me I will never forget this and what it has done for me. Guess what some of you heard this tonight at our evening service gathering... I went from Thursday to Sat at my football clinic, this morning and evening preaching WITHOUT USING MY GLASSES TO HELP ME READ!!!!!!!!!! I really don't know if it was a fluke or if God has touched me or what...I'll go with it as a touch from God and if it was a fluke... then Thank you Jesus for a few days of a blessing.... You didn't have to even do that... I praise you!!!!!!
He's waiting... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 33

2009-02-21T20:02:00.000-05:00

Well I am a week away... this time next week I'll be 40!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it... I was just talking to my dad today about an event that happened when I was young... let me back up a second and tell you why before I go on... I got a letter today for the butler county courts for jury duty and on the questionnaire it ask if I have ever been sued... when I was young 6th grade I think me and 2 others guys were picking on or I guess you could say harassing this kid and then another friend of mine jumped him and beat the crap out of him. Well we (if I remember right) got sued over it and had to go to court... so I was asked dad about it to see if I can put it down so I could get out of jury duty... anyways as I was thinking about the time in my life and turning 40 next week I realized once again that time flies by!!!!! But you know.... when we reach heaven, when heaven comes to us... time will be NO MORE!!!!! Time will stand still forever and glory will reign for all time or should I say no time????
He's waiting.... where have you been

He's Waiting- Day 32

2009-02-21T19:39:00.000-05:00

I had a great day at the the football clinic yesterday and when I got home I did something i should have not done... I had a chocolate milk and then two chocolate milkshakes ( I was treating myself_ well I got sick and about threw up! so I couldn't post last night... sorry...

He's Waiting- Day 31

2009-02-20T00:43:00.000-05:00

spent the first part of this day at the doctors office... I noticed last night that my big right toe had a sore by the nail that was infected. Didn't feel it at all (my feet are numb most of the time) Don't know how it happened?????????? I got a shot in the butt and have to take antibiotics. I ask my doctor about me not losing any weight on this fast. She said its probably the diabetes itself or the meds or both. She said we'll hope that when you start eating again that your eating habits will change and you can just maintain your weight where it is...... I pray that!!!!!
The second part of my day and all day and night tomorrow (I guess that would be today since its after 12 mid-night) and most of the day Sat... I'm in Cincinnati at a football coaches clinic learning to be a better coach...
I wish I could just get a shot in the butt to take care of this diabetes and the self-centeredness I have sometimes, the failures in my walk and all the other areas of my life that I fall short or is wrong with me.... but that is not going to happen so I need to go to my daily clinic with my life, spiritual, coach and friend Jesus to learn to be a better person, follower, dad, husband, pastor etc....
He's waiting... where have you been

He's Waiting- Day 30

2009-02-19T00:49:00.000-05:00

I have just two words for ya.... nine more! As I look forward to this weekend and recap last week this has/will be one of the busiest 2 weeks I have had in a LONG time... OK enough of that... I want to share with you a few things I am worried/thinking about... what is going to happen to my body when this whole thing is done????????? How is it going to handle food again??? what is going to happen with my sugars????? What is going to happen to my weight???? I am worried about my attitude and moods... my eye sight... my toes and feet... will I miss this closeness... will I feel different or the same????? Just some thoughts that is going through my mind in these last days of this special rendezvous with Jesus....
He's waiting... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 29

2009-02-17T21:45:00.000-05:00

I just posted my status on my facebook page that... "there is nothing like God really blessing a busy day for you"!!!!! You know when you look at the day ahead of you and see it as a BUSY day and then have God go WITH you in it and it turns out to be a great day.... WHAT A BLESSING!!!!!! Jill and I had our monthly... PT & J's Lunch with the Primetimers or Senior Saints or whatever ( and a few younger saints) you would like to call that age group... its was a great time of fellowship and getting to know our older friends... they are such sweet people... then... took care of some business and he was in that too... then the guys came over for our discipleship gathering... When God had me start this I really didn't know how or what it was going to be like... it is a really neat time. Each meeting I come away with a since of togetherness, presence of holiness because these guys come with God's leadership in what we share. It has been a blessing for me.
And so I sit here thinking back on this "BUSY" day that was filled with God's presence and... oh it felt so good!!!
He's waiting... where have you been..... 10 more

He's Waiting- Day 28

2009-02-16T23:10:00.000-05:00

I got a wonderful surprise today when my two girls got home from their Clergy Kids Retreat! My Molly & Mackenzie went to the Mount Vernon University sponsored "Clergy Kids" retreat this past Presidents day weekend. Everyone from the East Central Region of MVNU in grades 7-12 are invited... every worker and MVNU student that helped is also a Clergy Kid. This is their second year going and they just had a great time! But the surprise was... they got Henna Tattoos (they will be gone in 2 weeks... not permanent) Mackenzie got a cross on her foot and Molly got the same cross but above and below the cross she had the words... "He's waiting" put on it! She said it was for you daddy it will be gone in 2 weeks just like your fasting!!!!!!! OOOHHH I melted.. she really touched my heart.... Thank you Jesus for my kids and thank you for allowing them to be some of the few special kids in the world that are called.... PK's or CK's... Pastor's Kids/Clergy Kids!!
He's waiting.... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 27

2009-02-15T21:32:00.001-05:00

What day in the house of God... there is just something wonderful when we gather together to worship and learn. I have been hearing good reports from others in their rendezvous with Christ. It was good to see people respond to the moving of His Spirit............. but there are still people hurting, wondering, worried, and struggling with sin, self, and the world.......... Lord help us to focus on you and how we can be better at following rather than leading....
He's waiting... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 26

2009-02-14T22:04:00.000-05:00

15 more days from today... amazingly I still have not lost weight... this scares me in knowing that its probably the new meds the doc has me on. My sugars are good but I KNOW that as soon as I start back eating again all my weight will come back... please help me pray that will not happen. had an awesome day withe my special "valentine" (Jill) and TJ... had some great encounters with some great church family... and not one single hunger pain... does that mean I don't need to pray if I don't have hunger pains while fasting?????? No I prayed and had some good conversation with my friend... Jesus...
He's waiting.... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 25

2009-02-13T19:40:00.000-05:00

"Give me your eyes so I can see" one of my favorite songs right now (I have many) reminds me everyday to look at people with the eyes of Jesus. This really helps me to get MY eyes off MY problems and puts the focus where it really should be... on God and what he wants me to do for others for him! When we see others in need, those that need our help... ours heart fill with his love and his willingness to be used to help them... even when we don't really want to... but when we say OK I'll do it Lord, it blesses them and blesses your shocks off!!!!! Lord please continue to give me your eyes, heart, ears, hands, feet to be used of you to help others to see like you!
He's waiting... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 24

2009-02-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

Did you know that prayer actually works?! Praise the Lord my soul is filled with Glory, Praise the Lord, I love to tell the story... about is grace.... Loyd Henry has given his life to Jesus!!!!! What a story!!! from just a week ago with a shotgun in his mouth and pulling the trigger 2 times and it not firing.. to becoming a Christ follower in a life changing way! Man sometimes you just can't believe what you are experiencing while rendezvousing with Jesus.
He's waiting... where have you been?

He's Waiting- Day 23

2009-02-11T21:04:00.000-05:00

Well a good day! But last night.. I have to confess... I had two little bites of Jill's amazing butter spaghetti... I am sooooooooo ashamed.... I just couldn't stand it. You know what I didn't do.. I didn't stop walk away and pray. I failed. But God's grace is always with me.. today we got the car fixed (praise the Lord) Thanks Clark... tomorrow we get a free dryer... ours is broke... we are helping Jill's Aunt and Uncle. Her uncle's sister passed away so had to come up from TN and deal with all of the house stuff. We are going to help and get stuff for the clothing pantry and some stuff that we may need. God always provides!!!! He is good
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 22

2009-02-10T21:28:00.000-05:00

What a day... all I did was run, run and run and I am still not done. Just enough time to sit and share with you what my friend Jesus taught me today... as I was out helping others, the church, my wife (bad bad headache)... Jesus was taking care of me. I love it when God puts people in your life when you need them to help you... Clark is that person for me right now. You see Clark is the man who works on my car!!!!! He is a God send!!!! Our car has been a source of stress in our household... $900+ repair and it still needs work. Well Clark and I took a little trip to a Cincinnati junk yard called "You Pull It" what a neat place! You go and all the junked car are up on blocks and you just go in and find the part you need and take out yourself... hints the name... "You Pull It" man it was muddy, raining, but it was fun. I know Am weird... but as I think about it... God uses us in the same way... sometimes we think we are beat up pieces of junk, ready for the scrap yard. But God comes in and uses us. We can still be used if we allow God to come into our lives and take the parts that he needs to use to fix things, help others, or just to keep us going with him and for him... like a good car guy he know what to look for and can take something that we think is broke and turn it into something that runs and is useful... Thank you Jesus for Clark and for taking something that I think is of no use and doing God things with it!!
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 21

2009-02-09T22:16:00.002-05:00

Tonight after a day filled with a funeral, a trip to the county Jail I did something that I have not done in a couple of weeks... I went rabbit hunting. Me and Lil Bit hit the woods for a couple of hours tonight.... as we were hunting I had to sit down for a minute or two to rest. As I watched Lil Bit working hard to find a rabbit, I saw OUR nature in my beagle.... even though she was bred to search, smell, track, run and hunt rabbits, sometimes she will run a squirrel or a deer... even though she is not suppose to do that... its a big NO NO, but she is still young and will sometimes do this... its my job to help, train, correct her from doing this...
Sometimes God has to correct, help, train us because even though we were created to follow, obey him we have freedom to choose and because of this freedom sometimes we disobey him because the URGE is so strong... we go after the squirrel or deer... but just like Lil Bit after a little be of correct here and a little bit of disciple here she will not follow those URGES anymore! Thank you Jesus for your correction, help, training and discipline when I need it... when I go after those URGES....
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 20

2009-02-08T22:56:00.001-05:00

OOOHHHHH day 20!!!!! I am half way there. We had such a good day with Jesus today at Millville Ave Naz. Its sooo funny to see the devil trying to disrupt what God is doing. he has no chance but he keeps trying... well I can say one thing ... he is a persistent little cuss. I am reminded everyday on this rendezvous... "Jesus will be everything that I am not"!
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 19

2009-02-07T21:04:00.000-05:00

A good day today... in the mist of chaos... it was a good day. TJ had a great basketball game. We had a nice trip down to Georgetown to see Jill's sister for her birthday.... the only problem was I could not sit at the restaurant (Olive Garden) and just drink peach tea... I had to leave. But that was OK. The hunger pain are not bad at all... its the mind and body wanting to eat and thinking it should be eating. But God is good and he meets up with me when I call on him.
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 18

2009-02-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

"Service and ministry can often be conducted best with the assistance of a friend"..... "He sent them out two by two" (Mark 6:7) today's lesson and what is going on in my life... the struggles with ministry... trying to help people that are really bad off... and then dealing with the devil attacking me in my personal life... emotionally, physically and materially... car still broke (many things wrong no money to fix) now the dryer is breaking/ kids retreat, kenize's Washington trip funds, .... and on and on and on... this lesson today reminds me that I miss some important people that has come through my life that I no longer have close to me, that have helped me in ministry and or have been in the same boat with me. I feel lonely and remembering the times when I had those people to talk to that knew what I knew and felt. I am blessed and so thankful that the one who has been there from the very start is still here (in the flesh that is) ... Jill... but I know that Christ/ Holy Spirit and God himself is with me too, but sometimes you need flesh and blood....
He's waiting.... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 17

2009-02-05T20:28:00.000-05:00

You know sometimes you don't want to do something but you have too. Then while your doing it you realize your doing something good. Does that make sense? Anyways that is happening to me this week... thank you Jesus for helping me realize that you are using me.... Next item... boy is the devil working over time this week... thank God for prayer... Health wise I am really have a hard time with my memory here lately so if I sound like am rambling well I probably am...
I have learned that McDonald's took their double cheese burgers off the value menu... they are a dollar something now... then they put a burger on the value menu that has two burger patties and one piece of cheese to satisfy those who like the double at the value price.... where am I going with this????? The devil does the same to us... he tells us that this good thing (the double) will cost you more, so here is something just as good at a lesser price.... but the problem is ITS NOT AS GOOD!!!! It has one less piece of cheese!!!!!! He tries to get us to compromise or settle for less in our journey with Christ!!!!!!!! Lets tell him... NO I WANT MY DOUBLE CHEESE BURGER AT THE VALUE PRICE!!!!!!!! I hope you get this...
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 16

2009-02-04T21:46:00.000-05:00

Mark 14:36 "Not what I will, but what you will"... today's study from my rendezvous book talks about submitting to God and to others in our journey... it brings back to my memory what is posted in my office.... "God has the right and my permission to rearrange my life in order to fulfill his purpose" this is a statement made by Amy Porter. Amy was the daughter of our General Superintendent Jerry Porter. She die of cancer in her 20's. She made this statement during that time. What insight!!!! Just think about it.... God does have the right but I must give him permission to do so... yes he can do whatever he wants but his plan is that WE have the choice to obey or not... he may tell us to do this or that but its up to us to say yes or no.. that's our choice and that is how God works. If he is to work in my life to fulfill what he needs done then its up to ME to let him..... Think about that would you... I can control what God does in my life... OMG!!!! Lord I have to decrease and you must increase!!!!! Lord help to help my stupid self!!!! Lord teach me to obey you and get out of your way!!!!!
He's waiting.... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 15

2009-02-03T21:33:00.001-05:00

First off... thank you for those who have emailed me to say they like this blog... secondly... I don't know how its happening but I am GAINING WEIGHT!!!!!!!!!! I know I can't believe it either! Maybe I am taking in too many calories or its my new medicines... Which I hope its not that because when I start eating again that means my weight all 60+ pounds will come back.... THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! OK enough of that...
Here is what God taught me today... he doesn't owe us anything!!!!!! I have been at a hospital with a family that is watching a loved one die (she is already, just the vent is keeping her) the normal questions that everyone asks in a time like this is being asked... why... why doesn't God heal her... even I asked why he let stuff like this happen... you know what God taught me... He doesn't owe us anything! Its true he doesn't have to do anything. We have this mind set as humans that God should do this or that. He doesn't HAVE too. he doesn't even have to listen to us. God set this world/plan/way of life into motion long before the world was even created and things will happen as they happen. But he doesn't have to do anything for us... to us... because of us.
BUT what he does is give us GIFTS! Free and clear gifts of love, salvation, mercy, strength, help, hope... because he loves us and cares for us. And sometimes that love/care/gifts come by him saying no or doing nothing at all... I know it sounds strange... but that is the beauty of it all... he doesn't owe us anything but when he DOES do something for us... its so loving, so good, so wonderful, such a blessing and when we come to realize it that way we will appreciate it and cherish his goodness more and more......
We (I) need to start thinking more this way... thank you Jesus, God, my friend and Savior for LIFE!!!!!!! every breath I take its because of you... what a great gift... forgive me Lord for assuming that you owe me anything, that you ought to do this or that...
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 14

2009-02-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

Yes I missed yesterday and I think last Thursday's post... sorry last night I was just plain tired from a great day in God's house and watching a great Super Bowl with the guys from church. I realized something today as I read through my book am using during this rendezvous... going without eating is easier when you are around other followers of Christ. WE NEED each other... believe it or not... yes I am admitting it! I love being alone, with just my family, I am one of those people that just likes (loves) being alone. Why... I don't know.... but I have come to learn that I do need other people to fellowship with... to help me through my life... I need other people-outside my family... I need Christ followers! I need you... you need me... I know I have taught this over and over again... now I am learning it. I need to figure out how to do both. I still need to be alone, but I still need you (others) I think I better to go look at Jesus a little bit more huh....
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 12

2009-01-31T20:52:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the 1st of February... 28 more days... I have encountered Christ in a neat way. I thought everyday would be an inspiration from God!!!! But it has not been how I thought it would be... he has shown up but in ways that have been subtle, silent, in round about ways. But he has been here none the less. Thank you Jesus... forgive me for my short comings, my weaknesses, my failures. thank you for your grace and forgiveness. I am all alone tonight... TJ is at a friends house Jill and the girls are at Mount Vernon Nazarene University for a teen event. Just me the fire and Jesus. Feels pretty good but I miss my family. I want/need them around and I hate it when I am not with them... but the Lord is helping me to understand that its OK to not be around each other soooo much.
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 11

2009-01-30T22:50:00.001-05:00

Today was a busy day.... tried to shovel snow off the church sidewalks and stuff. It wore me out... my energy level is not that good. Took my snow blower up to the shop to be fixed- wore me out... took the kids and wife snow sledding... had fun but wore me out... went to pick up the car from the shop because we finally got the heater fix and then found out we could not bring it home- wore me out... went to the Ross Vs. Edgewood basketball game to watch Nathan Conley and Derek Ridge play each other- but wore me out. As you can tell I am wore out! Maybe its because I am almost 40? After tomorrow I will have 28 more days of this fast. I can tell you at times its so hard and I can feel God so close that is the best part. The worse part is when its real hard and I don't go to him.... duh, duh... I know, I know...... He's waiting..... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 9

2009-01-28T21:43:00.001-05:00

Today was one of those days where I really didn't have too many thoughts run through my mind. Have you ever had one of those days? My brain has been sort of numb. I hope tomorrow will be a better day mentally. My sugars are good. My body feels OK....
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 8

2009-01-27T19:26:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in front of the fireplace watching the snow fall... YES YES YES!!!!! I worked on my sermon today... This is the longest that I have ever gone without food. the hunger pains are not bad at all... its the cravings... More prayer time today... needed too... had a good cry because of a situation... my sugars dropped to 95 and I got real shaky... God's word really helped today.
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 7

2009-01-26T22:03:00.000-05:00

I really have learned something already from this rendezvous with Christ... I NEEDED this!!! I found out that I was in some kind of funk. My relationship with my family (Jill & kids) was off... my relationship with my job was off... my relationship with myself was off... and I really didn't realize it! Man does God know what he is doing or what! think if this fast was to end today I would be very very satisfied with what has happened. God knows what we need when we need it. He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 6

2009-01-25T23:02:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful day in the Lord! Today's services were so spirit filled. I look forward to a good week with Christ being first.... He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 5

2009-01-24T21:33:00.000-05:00

Jill and I just got back from seeing "Mall Cop" with other couples from church. I can still smell the popcorn :) But it was all right. Before we went to the movie we met up with everyone else at Richards (a pizza place) That was alright too. Its amazing when you do something for Jesus how HE takes care of you. i really enjoyed the fellowship of friend tonight and a good movie. All made possible because for the closeness of Christ.
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 4

2009-01-23T23:05:00.001-05:00

"Christ sends us special love notes each day. We must expect them and look for them. The more we do this, the better we will be able to see them."
I realized this truth today as soon as I woke up this morning. Yesterday was so bad but as soon as I got up today.... I felt wonderful... not hungry, not tired, no pain anywhere, my sugar level was 170... I went hunting today and had no problems, didn't really get hungry. Now my stomach did growl a little but it just reminded me that I still need him.
My love note from Christ was to remind me that... "I will be with you and help you through the hard times... it maybe hard for a period of time but... this too shall pass. With me all things are possible... I will carry you."
Thank you Jesus!!!!
He's waiting... where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 3

2009-01-22T21:22:00.000-05:00

They say the third day of a fast is the hardest.... you got that right! I almost gave up today. I felt weak, hungry and irritable. My readings today told me... "You can't do it alone; you need the help of the Spirit and of other Christians believers." This quote came with the scripture... "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry." (Luke 4:1-2)
Pretty ironic huh! It went on to say... "Christ never expects us to live our Christian lives under our own power" THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR GRACE, MERCY, POWER AND YOUR CHRIST FOLLOWERS!!!!
He's Waiting- where are you

He's Waiting- Day 2

2009-01-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

Day 2 brought a lot of encouragement from my friends and family. It helped me to get closer to Jesus. Its amazing... the feeling of going on this journey of fasting to have a rendezvous with God, is so different than fasting before a surgery. I remember having to.. not eat after midnight because of a surgery the next day. The hunger and weakness from that was so hard... but after almost 2 days of not eating... its been good, I feel strong. Its because the Spirit of God is so close. The only thing that is happening is my sense of smell is a little off. Jill was fixing something for herself to eat and it smelled so good... hot sauce! Man it smelled good to me, but the problem was... it was toast and butter!!!!!!
He's Waiting... Where are you?

He's Waiting- Day 1

2009-01-20T22:03:00.000-05:00

What a day! The devil started early this morning.. actually I couldn't go asleep until 3 Am. I was up at 6:30 to take Molly to school and wouldn't you know it I was the hungriest that I have ever been at that time of day. On the way home I prayed for the closeness of his spirit, went home and closed my eyes for a while longer. the pains were gone. My devotions taught me to remember that Christ loves me and I love him. My relationship today with my wife was better than it has been... no coincidence... his closeness brings others close... The men from church came over for the discipleship group... great time together... we went from 3 last time to 6 this time... no coincidence there either... his closeness brings others wanting to learn more. Day 1 of 40 has been a good rendezvous... He's waiting... where are you?

The Day Before Tomorrow...

2009-01-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

Here it is... the day before tomorrow. The day before I go on this rendezvous with Jesus. Where are we going? Second guessing? Why? Are you sure? What will the end bring us? Allot of questions... but one thing I do know... HE"S WAITING...

The Fire

2009-01-12T21:23:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am sitting in front of my fire place. Its warm and peaceful by the fire. It amazes me that something that powerful and devastating can be so soothing, relaxing and nice.

It reminds me of Jesus... he is so powerful that he can stop a mighty storm with his words, cast out demons, raised people from the dead, but at the same time when he comes close to me he is warm, soothing, grace filled, merciful and loving and just plain nice to me... even when I don't deserve it. Man he is so good!

He's waiting....

Getting Ready...

2009-01-11T23:06:00.000-05:00

This is my first blog and post. I am getting ready for a special event in my life next week. This will be the place where I put down my thoughts about my rendezvous with Christ. He's waiting!