Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Hey Friends,
I know it has been a long time since my last blog...about 5 months...and I apologies for that. The past 5 months have been a blur. Things have been so busy that I have hardly had time to think. Over the next few weeks I hope to catch you up on what has been happening in my life and ministry. I am just now at a point where I feel I have begun to digest all that I seen and done. I hope that as you read, you gain a small understanding of the awesomeness of God and how He has been at work in my life.
So what I am going to do is start at the end and tell you where I am right now; then I will go back and share the story of how God has brought me to this point. Enjoy!
Today, Sept. 2, 2008 I am an evacuee from New Orleans who is very thankful that God kept the city safe during hurricane Gustav. I left home on Sunday morning at 1:00 am and spent 14 1/2 hours sitting in traffic until I finally made it here. Where is here? I am currently sitting in AIM's Skelton Road office in Gainesville, Ga. I will be spending time with my good friends and partners in ministry; the wonderful people at AIM, as well as catching up on some reading, and playing a little guitar.
Well that is pretty much it. Now that you know where I am, I'm gonna take the next couple weeks to tell you how I got here. I hope you will come back and hear my story. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share. Thanks for bearing with my during my absence, I will try to do better. Until next time God Bless!
I know it has been a long time since my last blog...about 5 months...and I apologies for that. The past 5 months have been a blur. Things have been so busy that I have hardly had time to think. Over the next few weeks I hope to catch you up on what has been happening in my life and ministry. I am just now at a point where I feel I have begun to digest all that I seen and done. I hope that as you read, you gain a small understanding of the awesomeness of God and how He has been at work in my life.
So what I am going to do is start at the end and tell you where I am right now; then I will go back and share the story of how God has brought me to this point. Enjoy!
Today, Sept. 2, 2008 I am an evacuee from New Orleans who is very thankful that God kept the city safe during hurricane Gustav. I left home on Sunday morning at 1:00 am and spent 14 1/2 hours sitting in traffic until I finally made it here. Where is here? I am currently sitting in AIM's Skelton Road office in Gainesville, Ga. I will be spending time with my good friends and partners in ministry; the wonderful people at AIM, as well as catching up on some reading, and playing a little guitar.
Well that is pretty much it. Now that you know where I am, I'm gonna take the next couple weeks to tell you how I got here. I hope you will come back and hear my story. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share. Thanks for bearing with my during my absence, I will try to do better. Until next time God Bless!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Let Go
Today my pastor's sermon I think was for me. It was from Mark 8...the passage where Jesus calls His disciples to die to self and live for God. The sermon was entitled "Playing God", and wow have I tried to do that in areas of my life. He talked about how our sin nature forces us to "hang on" to things to tightly and desire to control certain areas of our lives. We do this out of fear. We are worried about what might happen if we really turn this little part of our lives over to God. Maybe we wont get the "things" we have always wanted; maybe our life wont be all the WE think it should be.
As he was speaking, it was God uttering the words! Don't get me worng, I want to live for God...it is the only way to live. It is just small things that I often hang onto because I want some control. But the tighter we hold on, the more we squeeze the life out of ourselves. I have so many dreams, so many things that I want to achieve, but the more I seek these things, the more I waste of my own life. It takes giving up everything and letting God take control that brings real life.
Maybe I'm not the only one who struggles with this, in fact, I bet I'm not. If you find yourself in this position let me remind you of this; we were made for God's glory, and if we are seeking our own, how will we ever reach our potential as God's creation?
Real freedom is not being your own master; that is way too frustrating...Real freedom is letting God be your master and living for Him alone. Let Him take care of the details, and then you will really know what it means to live. It all comes down to one simple question...are we willing to let go?
As he was speaking, it was God uttering the words! Don't get me worng, I want to live for God...it is the only way to live. It is just small things that I often hang onto because I want some control. But the tighter we hold on, the more we squeeze the life out of ourselves. I have so many dreams, so many things that I want to achieve, but the more I seek these things, the more I waste of my own life. It takes giving up everything and letting God take control that brings real life.
Maybe I'm not the only one who struggles with this, in fact, I bet I'm not. If you find yourself in this position let me remind you of this; we were made for God's glory, and if we are seeking our own, how will we ever reach our potential as God's creation?
Real freedom is not being your own master; that is way too frustrating...Real freedom is letting God be your master and living for Him alone. Let Him take care of the details, and then you will really know what it means to live. It all comes down to one simple question...are we willing to let go?
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Angels Among Us
Sorry for the delay y'all. It is sometimes hard to find time on these AIM trips to sit down and type up a detailed blog; and internet is hard to get at "The Gateway" (AIM's Base in Mexico). But I wanted to share a total "God Story" with you. It is a little long, but it is good!
It all started about 1:00 pm last Saturday (March 15). I arrived at the airport in Charlotte, NC, and I was ready to start my trip to Mexico with a short, hour and a half long flight to Houston, TX. I boreded the plan and everything seemed to be working out great. The flight was packed so getting my guitar on the plane was tough. There was no room in the overhead compartments on the small jet I was on for the flight, but there was 1 empty seat...right beside me. So I was able to keep my guitar beside me the entire trip.
Everything was running smoothly till I looked out the window just before we were to take off and I noticed the rain had started. There were major storms coming from the South and I was praying they wouldn't hinder our flight. We sat on the runway for several minutes and then the pilot informed us that flight control had changed our Flight Plan and added an extra 300 miles to our trip in order to avoid the storm. No big deal right? Wrong! Our plane did not have enough fuel for the extended trip, so we had to taxi back to the ramp and wait for a fuel truck. One problem posed itself...by the time we reached the ramp, the storms had reached us. Heavy rain, heavy wind and LOTS of lightning. This ment no fuel truck. So we waited for a total of 3 hours before the fuel truck finally was able to give us the fuel we needed. We finally were able to take off and we were headed for Houston.
But misery loves company I guess, the "small" delay in Charlotte posed a problem for me...I took off from Charlotte about the same time that I was originally scheduled to leave Houston. So I called the airline company and notified them of the situation. The put me on standby for the last flight out of Houston heading to Harlingen, TX (my final destination). So upon arriving in Houston, I race to my terminal and head straight for the ticket counter. I give the lady there my information, and fortunately she is able to get me a seat on the plane due to a cancelation. I this point, I begin to relax a little, because I know I am going to make it to Matamoros, Mexico the same night and not be stuck sleeping in George Bush International Airport in Houston, TX.
Well about an hour or so later, we begin boarding the plane. I had seat 2A which is a Window/Aisle seat in the front of the little "puddle jumper" that I would be flying on. Knowing this, I waited till basically last to board. The plane is tiny, so I know I am going to have to Gate Check my guitar, because it won't fit on the plane...this didn't thrill me at all. And adding insult to injury, as I started to board, a lady at the counter handed me a gate check pass and I took it from her. I turned and asked her if there was any way I could get it on board. I tried to explain to her that the pressure changes and temp. changes damage my guitar. She was quite the smart-alic and her reply was something to the effect of "well maybe next time you will just buy a second seat for your precious guitar". As you can imagine, I was not happy. I had already had a long day; I didn't need lip from a lady at the airport who thought she would be funny.
So I walked out or the gate and headed for the plane. I put my guitar on the gate check cart and started up the steps to board the plane. As I reached the top the Flight Attendant greeted me and ask how I was doing. I replied "I am doing ok, but I'd be doing a lot better if I could get my guitar on the plane with me". I was basically venting to this flight attendant because I was frustrated, but I tried to do it with a smile. She told me that she understood my frustration and would see what she could do about getting it onboard. Of course, this excited me. I sat down and a few minutes passed by. She continued working and helping other passengers...specifically the ones who seemed to be unable to put carry-on in the overhead compartments and the ones who couldn't open the bathroom door. I found this rather ammusing because I knew at least someone else on the plane was sharing in my frustration with that evening's flight.
A few minutes passed and she walked up and told me to go get my guitar and move to seat 6b. She had gotten a gentleman to switch seats with me because he had an empty seat beside me. So I ran out and got my guitar and buckled it in beside me. Then I noticed more passengers coming on board. They were sending "standby" passengers down to the plane. The flight attendant came back by and told me to "hang on" cause I may have to take the guitar back outside. Well a few minutes passed and the people stopped coming on board. She came by and told me it was "my lucky day". The people inside had miscounted and sent 49 passengers down to the plane...the problem was, there were 50 seats. She assured me that "she wasn't going to alert them of the mistake". So My guitar was on the plane for good. I was elated. I thanked her repeatedly and told her how much it ment to me that she did that for me; especially after the day I had been through. I mean, talk about personal service. It was a wonderful flight and I made it to the Gateway before Mid-night. As I went to bed that night, I thanked God for the blessing of a caring flight attendant and a safe guitar.
It was such a great way to kick off a great week of ministry. The trip was wonderful and I saw God do some pretty cool stuff. The week ended and I said goodbye to the particpants and prepared to catch a flight back to Houston, TX then onto New Orleans, LA. I remember thinking as I packed; I sure hope I get a great flight attendant for this flight as well.
I was again on a tiny puddle jumper and just knew my guitar was going to have to be gate checked. But I was a little happier than I was preparing for the flight a week before. I mean God had blessed me once so I couldn't complain. I arrived at the airport with a father and daughter who had been on the trip that week. They had decided to skip out on the 20 hour bus ride back to Birmingham, AL. Their flight left about 45 minutes after mine, so we killed some time at a restuarant in the airport. We got to talking and I lost track of time. I heard an announcement about boarding for my flight, so I knew I needed to hurry and get through security. I told them by and hurried to security. I was in a rush so I wasn't really paying much attention to what was going on; I just rushed to get my stuff through. As I was gather my stuff up on the other side of the security check-point, I looked behind me and saw a flight attendant. I took a double take because I thought I was seeing things...then I just started to laugh...it was the same flight attendant from my flight a week before. She hadn't noticed me yet...she was focused on "just getting through security". I tried to get her attention by saying "what are the odds" and it worked...she looked up and took a double take as well. We both laughed as we continued gathering up our things. I opened up my guitar case and quickly detuned my guitar...saying to her "I doubt I'll get lucky 2 flights in a row" she laughed and responed "well, we'll see what we can do. We walked to the gate and talked the whole way there. I told her why I had been in Mexico and how the week had been great. When we reached the gate, she proceeded onto the plane and I waited for boarding to start. A few minutes later I see her wal out of the gate and motion for me...she told me that the flight only had 46 passengers and she was having the ticket lady switch my seat so that I could have an open seat beside me for my guitar.
I was in shock! I mean, I couldn't believe it. Agian, the wonderful flight attendant had taken time to take care of me personally. As we approached Houston on the flight, she walked back and we chatted for a few minutes. I thanked her again and told her how much of a blessing she had been. She asked me about my music and we talked about other things. She then informed me that she was a Chrisitan and that she had been excited to hear that I was too. Yet another wow moment.
I mean, the whole thing was like a movie...it was just too good to be true...haha. Just goes to show you how the little things make a huge impact on people's lives. Katie (the flight attendant) blessed me in a HUGE way just by simply caring about a passenger she had never met. I wonder how many people I can bless just back taking a few minutes out of my day to show them I care.
Looking back on the whole thing, I still say WOW! I'm not convinced that my Katie wasn't an angel sent just to remind me that God is in control of everything...even the little things. I may never know for sure...but then again, she did have a set if wings (pinned to her uniform that is).
It all started about 1:00 pm last Saturday (March 15). I arrived at the airport in Charlotte, NC, and I was ready to start my trip to Mexico with a short, hour and a half long flight to Houston, TX. I boreded the plan and everything seemed to be working out great. The flight was packed so getting my guitar on the plane was tough. There was no room in the overhead compartments on the small jet I was on for the flight, but there was 1 empty seat...right beside me. So I was able to keep my guitar beside me the entire trip.
Everything was running smoothly till I looked out the window just before we were to take off and I noticed the rain had started. There were major storms coming from the South and I was praying they wouldn't hinder our flight. We sat on the runway for several minutes and then the pilot informed us that flight control had changed our Flight Plan and added an extra 300 miles to our trip in order to avoid the storm. No big deal right? Wrong! Our plane did not have enough fuel for the extended trip, so we had to taxi back to the ramp and wait for a fuel truck. One problem posed itself...by the time we reached the ramp, the storms had reached us. Heavy rain, heavy wind and LOTS of lightning. This ment no fuel truck. So we waited for a total of 3 hours before the fuel truck finally was able to give us the fuel we needed. We finally were able to take off and we were headed for Houston.
But misery loves company I guess, the "small" delay in Charlotte posed a problem for me...I took off from Charlotte about the same time that I was originally scheduled to leave Houston. So I called the airline company and notified them of the situation. The put me on standby for the last flight out of Houston heading to Harlingen, TX (my final destination). So upon arriving in Houston, I race to my terminal and head straight for the ticket counter. I give the lady there my information, and fortunately she is able to get me a seat on the plane due to a cancelation. I this point, I begin to relax a little, because I know I am going to make it to Matamoros, Mexico the same night and not be stuck sleeping in George Bush International Airport in Houston, TX.
Well about an hour or so later, we begin boarding the plane. I had seat 2A which is a Window/Aisle seat in the front of the little "puddle jumper" that I would be flying on. Knowing this, I waited till basically last to board. The plane is tiny, so I know I am going to have to Gate Check my guitar, because it won't fit on the plane...this didn't thrill me at all. And adding insult to injury, as I started to board, a lady at the counter handed me a gate check pass and I took it from her. I turned and asked her if there was any way I could get it on board. I tried to explain to her that the pressure changes and temp. changes damage my guitar. She was quite the smart-alic and her reply was something to the effect of "well maybe next time you will just buy a second seat for your precious guitar". As you can imagine, I was not happy. I had already had a long day; I didn't need lip from a lady at the airport who thought she would be funny.
So I walked out or the gate and headed for the plane. I put my guitar on the gate check cart and started up the steps to board the plane. As I reached the top the Flight Attendant greeted me and ask how I was doing. I replied "I am doing ok, but I'd be doing a lot better if I could get my guitar on the plane with me". I was basically venting to this flight attendant because I was frustrated, but I tried to do it with a smile. She told me that she understood my frustration and would see what she could do about getting it onboard. Of course, this excited me. I sat down and a few minutes passed by. She continued working and helping other passengers...specifically the ones who seemed to be unable to put carry-on in the overhead compartments and the ones who couldn't open the bathroom door. I found this rather ammusing because I knew at least someone else on the plane was sharing in my frustration with that evening's flight.
A few minutes passed and she walked up and told me to go get my guitar and move to seat 6b. She had gotten a gentleman to switch seats with me because he had an empty seat beside me. So I ran out and got my guitar and buckled it in beside me. Then I noticed more passengers coming on board. They were sending "standby" passengers down to the plane. The flight attendant came back by and told me to "hang on" cause I may have to take the guitar back outside. Well a few minutes passed and the people stopped coming on board. She came by and told me it was "my lucky day". The people inside had miscounted and sent 49 passengers down to the plane...the problem was, there were 50 seats. She assured me that "she wasn't going to alert them of the mistake". So My guitar was on the plane for good. I was elated. I thanked her repeatedly and told her how much it ment to me that she did that for me; especially after the day I had been through. I mean, talk about personal service. It was a wonderful flight and I made it to the Gateway before Mid-night. As I went to bed that night, I thanked God for the blessing of a caring flight attendant and a safe guitar.
It was such a great way to kick off a great week of ministry. The trip was wonderful and I saw God do some pretty cool stuff. The week ended and I said goodbye to the particpants and prepared to catch a flight back to Houston, TX then onto New Orleans, LA. I remember thinking as I packed; I sure hope I get a great flight attendant for this flight as well.
I was again on a tiny puddle jumper and just knew my guitar was going to have to be gate checked. But I was a little happier than I was preparing for the flight a week before. I mean God had blessed me once so I couldn't complain. I arrived at the airport with a father and daughter who had been on the trip that week. They had decided to skip out on the 20 hour bus ride back to Birmingham, AL. Their flight left about 45 minutes after mine, so we killed some time at a restuarant in the airport. We got to talking and I lost track of time. I heard an announcement about boarding for my flight, so I knew I needed to hurry and get through security. I told them by and hurried to security. I was in a rush so I wasn't really paying much attention to what was going on; I just rushed to get my stuff through. As I was gather my stuff up on the other side of the security check-point, I looked behind me and saw a flight attendant. I took a double take because I thought I was seeing things...then I just started to laugh...it was the same flight attendant from my flight a week before. She hadn't noticed me yet...she was focused on "just getting through security". I tried to get her attention by saying "what are the odds" and it worked...she looked up and took a double take as well. We both laughed as we continued gathering up our things. I opened up my guitar case and quickly detuned my guitar...saying to her "I doubt I'll get lucky 2 flights in a row" she laughed and responed "well, we'll see what we can do. We walked to the gate and talked the whole way there. I told her why I had been in Mexico and how the week had been great. When we reached the gate, she proceeded onto the plane and I waited for boarding to start. A few minutes later I see her wal out of the gate and motion for me...she told me that the flight only had 46 passengers and she was having the ticket lady switch my seat so that I could have an open seat beside me for my guitar.
I was in shock! I mean, I couldn't believe it. Agian, the wonderful flight attendant had taken time to take care of me personally. As we approached Houston on the flight, she walked back and we chatted for a few minutes. I thanked her again and told her how much of a blessing she had been. She asked me about my music and we talked about other things. She then informed me that she was a Chrisitan and that she had been excited to hear that I was too. Yet another wow moment.
I mean, the whole thing was like a movie...it was just too good to be true...haha. Just goes to show you how the little things make a huge impact on people's lives. Katie (the flight attendant) blessed me in a HUGE way just by simply caring about a passenger she had never met. I wonder how many people I can bless just back taking a few minutes out of my day to show them I care.
Looking back on the whole thing, I still say WOW! I'm not convinced that my Katie wasn't an angel sent just to remind me that God is in control of everything...even the little things. I may never know for sure...but then again, she did have a set if wings (pinned to her uniform that is).
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Kentucky Mission Trip Video
Thought I would share some memories from my trip back in January...enjoy!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Memory Lane
To my regular readers, Sorry for the lack of posts of the last couple days. I have been busy and just not taken the time to sit down and blog. So I am going to try to make up for it with a entertaining blog today. Sometimes you just have to have a little fun, and that is what we are going to do.
My good friend Travis sent me a video link today in which Optimus Prime was dancing. I instantly took a trip down memory lane thinking about Cartoons and TV Shows from my childhood. So today I have decided to share a collection of my favorite childhood shows with you. Below are the titles to some of the shows I grew up on. If you click on the show's title, you have the chance to take your own trip down memory lane as you watch the Opening Theme to each of the shows.
After you watch them, make sure to leave a comment about your favorite show or shows. I hope you enjoy your trip down memory lane!
G.I. Joe
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Smurfs
Muppet Babies
Fraggle Rock
My good friend Travis sent me a video link today in which Optimus Prime was dancing. I instantly took a trip down memory lane thinking about Cartoons and TV Shows from my childhood. So today I have decided to share a collection of my favorite childhood shows with you. Below are the titles to some of the shows I grew up on. If you click on the show's title, you have the chance to take your own trip down memory lane as you watch the Opening Theme to each of the shows.
After you watch them, make sure to leave a comment about your favorite show or shows. I hope you enjoy your trip down memory lane!
G.I. Joe
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Smurfs
Muppet Babies
Fraggle Rock
ThunderCats
The Care Bears
The Wuzzles
Ghost Busters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Mickey's Mousercise
Kids Incorporated
TaleSpin
Scooby Doo
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Inspector Gadget
Transformers
Reading Rainbow
Welcome to Pooh Corner
The New Adventure of Winnie the Pooh
A Pup Named Scooby Doo
The Jetsons
The Flintstones
SuperBook
Today's Special
Saved By The Bell
Family Matters
See wasn't that fun!!!
The Care Bears
The Wuzzles
Ghost Busters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Mickey's Mousercise
Kids Incorporated
TaleSpin
Scooby Doo
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Inspector Gadget
Transformers
Reading Rainbow
Welcome to Pooh Corner
The New Adventure of Winnie the Pooh
A Pup Named Scooby Doo
The Jetsons
The Flintstones
SuperBook
Today's Special
Saved By The Bell
Family Matters
See wasn't that fun!!!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A little love goes a long way!!!
Ok, so let me tell you a little bit about this puppy. It has an amazing story!
It started one afternoon on the soccer field. I was out playing soccer with some of the local children before Bible School. The hope was that we could get them to come with us to Bible School when it started. The plan hadn't worked the day before, but we thought we would try again. As we were playing, a little boy walked by carrying a dog. I didn't think much of it, just thought the little boy was excited about his new puppy. Some of the children ran over to see it and then came back and rejoined the game; never saying a word about the puppy.
About 10 minutes later I saw the boy walk by again. This time I begin to wander what was going on. One of the youth yelled for me to come look at the dog. I ran over and to look, thinking I was just going to see a new puppy and an excited child. When I got there, I realized that the boy wasn't excited. His little puppy had been bitten across the neck by another dog. (If you look closely at the second photo, you can see the scar)
My heart went out to the little boy. He was so worried about his dog that he was just holding him and walking around, not knowing what to do. It broke my heart. (To really grasp this next part, you have to understand a little bit about me...Sometimes I speak before I think...This would be one of those times) I told one of the youth (who spoke Spanish) to tell the little boy to take the puppy over to the medical clinic that the church had set up (The church that was on the trip does a medical clinic in Matamoros every year. They had brought a doctor and several nurses with them...I will tell you more about it later)
My only thought was...lets help this puppy and make this boy feel better.
So off the boy went with his puppy to the medical clinic. But not just the boy, all the children who had been playing soccer with us went too! So I panic...I jump in the van I had driven and try to beat them to the clinic to warn the doctor of the approaching mob. I walk in and say to him "Doc, you are probably going to kill me, but there is a little boy on his way over here with a puppy." Needless to say, he thinks I am joking. But just a minute or two later, in walks the boy and all his friends. The Doctor was overwhelmed. He was with a family in the procedure room, the waiting room was full, and here stands a boy with a puppy.
Are you getting this picture in your head? Kind of a funny scene don't you think? All of this craziness was my fault too...I just knew this guy was going hate me for life!
Well a few minutes passed and the Doctor decides to go ahead and bring the puppy in ahead of the patients in the waiting room. As the boy is walking in, the Doctor looks at me and tells me he is nervous because he has never worked on a dog or any other animal before. He cleaned the wound and decided that it needed stitches. He tried to give the puppy a shot of Novocaine but he couldn't get the puppy to sit still log enough to administer the injection. As you can imagine, the puppy was not happy. He was yelping and trying to get away the entire time. It was more than the little boy could handle, he ran outside crying.
So the nurse put the puppy on her lap and held him down as the doctor put two stitches in its neck. When he finished he looked at his nurse and asked "can we give this dog antibiotics?" After a little discussion, they decided to give the dog amoxacilin (sp). I prepared the medicine and we brought the little boy back in so he could see that his puppy was ok. The doctor showed the little boy how to give the dog the medicine he then told the boy, "give him 2 1/2 cc of the medicine 3 times a day" The little boy watched and listened and assured the doctor that he would do it.
The doctor then asked the boy if he could bring the puppy back the next day for a "check up" and the boy said he was going somewhere and wouldn't be able to make it. The boy was smiling from ear to ear at this point and thanked the doctor over and over for "saving" his dog. We finally got him to leave and we all celebrated a little and applauded the Doctor for his outstanding work. He was thrilled about the situation (which thrilled me!!!). He remarked that it was the highlight of his week. So the story ends here right?
Wrong!!!! The best part is still to come. The next day I walk into the clinic (which was at the same building as Bible School) and I notice one of the youth holding a dog. Not just any dog, our little medical miracle! So I inquire as to why the puppy is there when the boy was supposed to be out of town...I thought the dog had ran away. The youth that were standing there told me to turn around, and you won't believe what I saw. There gathered among all the Bible School children was the little boy, and guess who was with him...all his friends. They had come to Bible School!!! These were all the children from the soccer field that we had been trying to get to come all week long. I was blown away! The Doctors act of kindness had a dramatic impact on that boys life and the lives of his friends. A little love goes a long way!
Monday, March 3, 2008
It takes a child
Ok, so this might be the most amazing image I have from my time in Mexico. Take a long look at the picture then I will explain what is going on.
So let me set the scene; it is a Thursday afternoon in Matamoros, Mexico in the Oasis Colonia
(A colonia is similar to a neighborhood within the city)
The picture you just looked at is of a dad and his little girl. I know what you are thinking..."John, what is so amazing/life altering about that?" To fully appreciate the photo, you have to understand a few things. One, the picture was taken during Bible School at the Temple Bethel Church. Two, the Bible School was designed for young children, not adults. (There were a few adults there, all moms except for this one dad.) And three, in the colonia we were in, you rarely found a home where the dad was still present...much less a dad who would leave home to take his daughter to Bible school, help her participate in the activities, and stick around himself and sing the "kiddy" songs and do crafts.
Not only did he sit there and help his daughter, he was engaged in Bible School himself! He was actually enjoying it!! It was such a blessing to watch. I sit here tonight and look at the photo myself. I think about how often I go through the motions of Christianity. I know the stories, I have heard them a thousand times. I sing the songs, I do the crafts and I play the games. But I am missing the joy and the excitement. Why is that? I mean, aren't these the same "stories" that held captive my interest as a child? Are these not the same songs that I danced to as a child in VBS? Am I not learning about the God of the Universe? Can anything be more exciting that that?
The answer to that question is easy: NO! Nothing should excite me more than to hear stories of God's grace. Nothing should bring more joy to my life than to sing His praise; no matter how "childish" the song may be.
I look at this picture of this dad. I don't know if it was his first time hearing about God or his 100th. I don't know if he thought the songs were "hip" or if he thought the crafts were "cool". Maybe he was just excited that his daughter was getting to take part in Bible School and hear about Jesus. But I do know that he had joy. I know he was happy to be there. I watched him play, I watched him sing, and I watched him listen with attentive eyes and the group shared Jesus. And I thought, here is a guy who brought a child to hear about Jesus and he was blessed as well.
It made me think, maybe we receive our greatest blessing when we least expect it. Maybe we see God the most when we bring others to hear about Him. Maybe we need to all be "dads" who bring Children to Jesus! Maybe thats when we will get excited about "childish" things...maybe thats when we will find Joy...Maybe thats when we will understand what Jesus meant when He said it takes the faith of a child.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A Language I Understand
I may not be able to speak much Spanish, but Futbol is a language I understand!!!!
Soccer...Mexico style!!!!!!!!!
Soccer...Mexico style!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Actions Speak Louder...
I am so excited to be back home from Mexico, but I have to be honest, I miss it already. All I can say is WOW, what a week! God continues to blow me away. I never thought I would find myself in a colonia in Matamoros, Mexico playing soccer with the locals. I thank God that I will be going back.
The thing that amazed me the most was the love that the people of Matamoros showed me while I was there. Let me set the scene for you. I'm in the Oasis Colonia in Matamoros just hanging out and trying to help out wherever I can. I don't speak Spanish and most of the locals had limited English capabilities, so as you can imagine communication was tough. I don't know any of the people we are helping, most I have only met minutes before. I'm not the doctor providing the free medical clinic, or the guy fixing the house. I'm just there. I'm watching whats going on and attempting to acclimate myself to the culture when I notice something that blows my mind; the people of Matamoros, adults and children alike, are showing me love! They gave me hugs, they smiled, they waited patiently as I struggled to understand what they were asking, then they waited longer while I ran to find a translator; still smiling from ear to ear. The had joy and it mad me have joy, they smiled, which brought a smile to my face, and they had patience which showed me how appreciative they were that I was just there with them. Most of the time, they probably looked more like Jesus then I or many of the missionaries did.
It dawned on me that we Americans have forgotten what it means to show love. We spend so much time wrapped up in our busy lives, so worried about our schedules that we forget to stop and smile at a passer by. We forget to take time to hug a co-worker or friend. We get upset because the person in front of us can't speak our language - we would rather turn a cold shoulder than show love by trying our hardest to communicate with them any way we can. You see love knows no language. A smile says more than a thousand words. A high-five or handshake can tell a person more than any self help book could ever hope to. The old saying is so true..."actions speak louder than words!"
So I challenge you to take time this week to speak love by what you do rather than what you say. It is the little things that matter. Be creative! You may be surprised at how simple acts can make all the difference. Show Love This Week!!!
Example: I told you I do not speak Spanish. There were 20-30 children around and I couldn't communicate verbally with any of them. It was sooooooo frustrating! I love to have fun as most of you know, and I love to play with kids. It was killing me 'cause I wanted so bad to talk to them and to play. There was this one little boy. I never found out his name. We were standing outside the church where the group was doing a free medical clinic (pictures from the clinic coming later). It was just the 2 of us...he spoke Spanish and I spoke English. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. It was awkward at first, we tried to talk to each other, but it wasn't happening. The the most amazing thing happened. I grabbed a futbol (soccer ball for you English speakers!) and kicked it to him and we were instant friends. We passed the ball back and forth for about 30 minutes, never saying a word. Occasionally, one of us would make hand gestures to the other signaling what to do, but no verbal communication took place. We passed the ball back and forth until it was time for him to go home. His mother came out of the medical clinic, he ran over and gave me a high-five, I uttered one of the few Spanish words I know - Adios - and he waved goodbye. Neither of us could "talk" to each other, but the message was clear! I had a friend. We both showed love without saying a word.
Later in the week I came across the boy again during a futbol game. I was taking pictures and he was playing. He ran up to me and waved and I said "hola!" He gave me a high five and ran back out onto the field to play. He didn't have to say a word...I knew he loved me and he know I loved him. It was an amazing thing. I never knew a soccer ball could say so much!
The thing that amazed me the most was the love that the people of Matamoros showed me while I was there. Let me set the scene for you. I'm in the Oasis Colonia in Matamoros just hanging out and trying to help out wherever I can. I don't speak Spanish and most of the locals had limited English capabilities, so as you can imagine communication was tough. I don't know any of the people we are helping, most I have only met minutes before. I'm not the doctor providing the free medical clinic, or the guy fixing the house. I'm just there. I'm watching whats going on and attempting to acclimate myself to the culture when I notice something that blows my mind; the people of Matamoros, adults and children alike, are showing me love! They gave me hugs, they smiled, they waited patiently as I struggled to understand what they were asking, then they waited longer while I ran to find a translator; still smiling from ear to ear. The had joy and it mad me have joy, they smiled, which brought a smile to my face, and they had patience which showed me how appreciative they were that I was just there with them. Most of the time, they probably looked more like Jesus then I or many of the missionaries did.
It dawned on me that we Americans have forgotten what it means to show love. We spend so much time wrapped up in our busy lives, so worried about our schedules that we forget to stop and smile at a passer by. We forget to take time to hug a co-worker or friend. We get upset because the person in front of us can't speak our language - we would rather turn a cold shoulder than show love by trying our hardest to communicate with them any way we can. You see love knows no language. A smile says more than a thousand words. A high-five or handshake can tell a person more than any self help book could ever hope to. The old saying is so true..."actions speak louder than words!"
So I challenge you to take time this week to speak love by what you do rather than what you say. It is the little things that matter. Be creative! You may be surprised at how simple acts can make all the difference. Show Love This Week!!!
Example: I told you I do not speak Spanish. There were 20-30 children around and I couldn't communicate verbally with any of them. It was sooooooo frustrating! I love to have fun as most of you know, and I love to play with kids. It was killing me 'cause I wanted so bad to talk to them and to play. There was this one little boy. I never found out his name. We were standing outside the church where the group was doing a free medical clinic (pictures from the clinic coming later). It was just the 2 of us...he spoke Spanish and I spoke English. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. It was awkward at first, we tried to talk to each other, but it wasn't happening. The the most amazing thing happened. I grabbed a futbol (soccer ball for you English speakers!) and kicked it to him and we were instant friends. We passed the ball back and forth for about 30 minutes, never saying a word. Occasionally, one of us would make hand gestures to the other signaling what to do, but no verbal communication took place. We passed the ball back and forth until it was time for him to go home. His mother came out of the medical clinic, he ran over and gave me a high-five, I uttered one of the few Spanish words I know - Adios - and he waved goodbye. Neither of us could "talk" to each other, but the message was clear! I had a friend. We both showed love without saying a word.
Later in the week I came across the boy again during a futbol game. I was taking pictures and he was playing. He ran up to me and waved and I said "hola!" He gave me a high five and ran back out onto the field to play. He didn't have to say a word...I knew he loved me and he know I loved him. It was an amazing thing. I never knew a soccer ball could say so much!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Catching the Right Flight
Most of you know that I am leaving for Mexico in the morning. I will be in Matamoros, Mexico for a week at AIM's base leading worship for an adult group who is coming down to work in a colonia in Matamoros. I am really excited about the trip, because this is my first mission trip outside of the US. Please keep me in your prayers. I know God is going to do some amazing things on this trip; I just pray I stay in His will and get to be part of the excitement.
I searched all day for a video that summed up my trip. As I was searching, I remembered this old Mark Lowry video. I have chosen it in honor of my travels tomorrow and in hopes that I don't make the same mistake he did.
But I believe there is a deeper meaning to this humorous song. I am getting an amazing opportunity to go to Mexico free of charge, receive a pay check for my efforts, and be "the guy on stage singing". Seems like a pretty "first class" deal if you ask me. Yes I am very blessed. But if I let these luxuries distract me, I will miss out on the Amazing things God has planned for me this week.
Often times, we seek the luxuries of life and forget the One who blessed us with these luxuries. We are flying first class, but heading to the wrong destination.
I pray that this week I make it on the right flight and end up where God wants me both physically and spiritual! And I pray that the same is true for all of us, every day of our lives. I hope you enjoy the video and God Bless!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Wake Beat Duke!!!!
So Wake beat Duke tonight. As you can imagine, it made my night. I attached some good photos for you to check out. I hope you enjoy them. I sure did...why you ask?
Because I just love seeing Duke Cry!
Go Heels!!!
Because I just love seeing Duke Cry!
Go Heels!!!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Golf Anyone?
Sorry for the late post today...It has been an eventful day. This evening, I helped Josh move into his new house (which will also be my sister's new house in July!) We had some fun and tried not to work too hard.
But the real highlight of the day was playing golf this morning with Josh, Aaron, and a few of the guys from Hertz Commercial Rental at Warrior Golf and Country Club. We had a blast! The weather was perfect. We all could have played better, but I'm not gonna complain about a round in the 70's since I have only played twice this year.All in all, it was a wonderful day.
Thank You Lord for blessing me with great friends and a great day!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Why I hate religion - Mark Driscoll
My buddy Travis sent me this video today. I enjoyed it so much that I had to share it with you. Mark has a gift for telling it like it is! Check this video out and I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Church Sign Theology
During my travels, I enjoy checking out church marques. Most of them make me laugh, but some are funny enough to actually make me stop the car, get out and take a picture. I have added some to this blog so you can decide for yourself. Don't get me wrong, I think it is great for churches to share the Gospel, and if your church feels their sign is the best way to do that, then go ahead. But sometimes I think we take it a bit too far. Sometimes the lessons we teach are not the lessons we intended to teach. Just use these 3 for an example:
1. Marler Baptist (Courtesy of Travis Cheek)
Lesson Learned: We must use weird words when we are at church.
2. Gates Ave. Fellowship (Where I stayed for the summer in Mississippi...the sign had the same message it did from the summer before.)
Lesson Learned: Your church sign can be dusty, but your Bible cannot.
3. Charity Independent Baptist Church (This is my favorite)
Lesson Learned: The Scripture may be puzzling, but at least their theological beliefs are clear!
Hope you enjoyed the signs...if you have any you would like to share, please pass them on.
1. Marler Baptist (Courtesy of Travis Cheek)
Lesson Learned: We must use weird words when we are at church.2. Gates Ave. Fellowship (Where I stayed for the summer in Mississippi...the sign had the same message it did from the summer before.)
Lesson Learned: Your church sign can be dusty, but your Bible cannot.3. Charity Independent Baptist Church (This is my favorite)
Lesson Learned: The Scripture may be puzzling, but at least their theological beliefs are clear!Hope you enjoyed the signs...if you have any you would like to share, please pass them on.
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