Cherished Friends!

This is a picture from our visit to Parkersburg, WV. In the picture are 4 of the best friends I have ever had. From Left to Right:

Doug Sandy - Pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Mullens, WV
Jeff Cox - Youth Pastor at River Valley Community Church in Vienna, WV
Steve Lloyd - Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC
Eric Leeson - Youth Pastor at Porterfield Baptist Church in Belpre, OH

I have been blessed to have these men in my life. Jeff, Eric, and Steve were all in my wedding (they made me look much better looking than I really am!) and I was in their weddings (though I have always been so much better looking than them). With us all together with our children we had to ask for a table for 20!

It's amazing to have men in my life that have held me accountable when I needed it and held me up when I was about to collapse. God continually blows me away through each of these men! I stand in awe of HIM and HIS work in them! All have such tender hearts for the LORD and are used by HIM to challenge me all the time!

Thank You LORD for these men!

Read the Bible in 2010

I have a challenge for you to consider for 2010. Pick a Bible Reading Plan and stick to it! There is nothing more important than knowing God's will and there is no way to know it apart from HIS Word! I have 2 links on the left to help you out:

1) Bible Reading Plans - this link has a variety of plans to pick from.
2) Customizable Bible Reading Plans - this link has plans you can customize and reading through your phone.

Take up the challenge with me! Hold me accountable and I'll do the same for you! Let me know if you take up the gauntlet and decide to dig into the Word!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

This is a great picture. Click the link. Indeed every knee shall bow!

Trevin Wax's blog

Hey everybody! I have added a new blog (you'll see the link on the left). It's by Trevin Wax and I've found it to be a great joy to read. Look for some more posts on the semester that just ended and CHRISTmas in the near future.

A thought on The Gospel

Today as I reflect on and rest in the Gospel I'm humbled and thankful. I'm humbled by His mercy and grace displayed through the Gospel daily to my soul. I'm thankful for His kindness that brings me to repentance daily before Him.

The Gospel is that by which I saved.
The Gospel is that in which my sanctification lies.
The Gospel is that in which I have life.
It is the salve for my soul when my soul aches.
It is the that which renews my soul daily.

Thank You LORD! Thank You for Your Gospel and its all encompassing depth! Thank You LORD for the richness You grant in my life through it! When my soul aches and You apply the balm of the Gospel to my heart. When my heart rejoices you apply the same Gospel so that pride and indifference may be repented of. Thank You LORD for Your Gospel!

Bible Reading Plan

One of the most amazing and fruitful works that God has wrought in my life has been through systematically reading through His Word. I'm praying about what to do next year. I'm considering using the M'Cheyne reading plan during my quiet time next year. If you have not undertaken any form of systematically reading through the Word I challenge you to do so. I posted a link on the left of the blog entitled Bible Reading Plans and there you will find a number of plans you can follow including the M'Cheyne plan. Time in His Word is essential for growth! Take up the challenge!

A thought from the early Church Fathers

The fathers would insist that it is in the womb of worship and the experience of God's redemptive act in Christ that theology is born, nourished and developed. This spurs me to dwell on the fact that theology and doctrine are of necessity. Scripture must fuel our search for proper theology and doctrine which then should fuel our practice.

May our theology drive our practice! Lord, may we seek You faithfully with a heart of worship and serve You passionately driven by a love for the gospel and people. May this be fueled by proper doctrine. I love You Lord!

New Devotional Site

Are you struggling with your Quiet Time? Here's a new site that has some great options for you:

http://devotionalchristian.com/

Check it out and I pray that God will use this tool in your growth.

Family Pics

Today we took some pictures. Jill decided that it was nice outside and we haven't taken any for a while so we all dressed in green shirts and out to take some. These are some of my favorites.



This is outside of our townhouse before leaving to go to the Seminary to take some more. It's amazing how big they are getting!



We stopped outside the library and took this one. They are on a ledge a couple of feet off the ground.



I love this one! Jill was able to get Binkley Chapel in the background!



Here is one of all of us. I'm so blessed to have such a beautiful family! The greatest privilege I've been given is being able to love and serve them! What an honor to have a wife that loves us as well as Jill does, I'm humbled to have her in my life.

Being a husband and father are the two greatest challenges in my life. The challenge is that since I'm the most prideful person I know I don't serve as well as I should. This keeps me repentant for the sin in my heart and dependent on my gracious Savior so that I can serve them. Thank You Lord for my amazing family!

Nobel Peace Prize

It was announced this morning that President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. I pray daily for our President as I have our past Presidents but isn't this a little premature since he really hasn't done anything yet? There are no accomplishments or body of work to look at. He was only President for 12 days before the Noble nominations were due last February. Here is an interesting article from a source outside of the U.S. about this:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6867711.ece

Here is an interesting article from within the U.S.:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091009/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_nobel_analysis

I honestly would have no trouble seeing our President win such a prize but that should be after something is accomplished. In light of that I will continue to do the same in praying for him, I could not imagine the pressure of his position. The depravity of our world makes his position one in which we must pray for him, this same depravity demonstrates the need of all for for Christ. Christ must be proclaimed!

Great Discussion and Conference

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where I'm a student, recently held a conference in conjunction with 9Marks ministries called "God Exposed". This conference was the first of 9 that will correspond with each of the 9Marks. The first Mark is Expostional Preaching.

There was a great panel discussion held by Baptist21 that is worth listening to:

http://www.baptisttwentyone.com/?p=3019

I enjoyed it and was challenged to dwell deeply on what was discussed. In it is discussed the subject of mulit-site churches and what the gospel is among others. May you be challenged as well.

You can see the videos of the conference here:

http://www.sebts.edu/news-resources/multimedia.aspx?type=conferences

We must preach expositionally!

Why I am a Southern Baptist (Ed Stetzer article)

I will be the first to say that I'm a Christian first and foremost but by conviction I am a Southern Baptist. This is a great article that articulates points that I agree with on this.

http://betweenthetimes.com/2009/09/22/why-i-am-southern-baptist/

Ed Stetzer does a great job in presenting this.

Monogamy in Marriage

Here is a great article about the impact of monogamy in the context of marriage. There is a huge impact on society and most importantly in families. Check out the article:

http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2009/09/21/how-monogamous-men-can-rescue-civilization/

What a great challenge for men to step up and serve well in their marriages and families! What a distinct honor we've been granted in doing so! Lord. I thank you for the gift of my wife and family may I serve You well before them as I serve them!

Stan's Retirement

In life God grants the opportunity to meet great friends and then live both along side them and from a distance. I've been granted that with my friend Stan Frazier and his family (Kim and Zach). Stan called a couple of months ago and asked if I could be involved with his retirement ceremony from the United States Air Force. I readily agreed.

Stan flew me out to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I arrived yesterday and the ceremony was this afternoon. I've been to a number of USAF retirement ceremonies, as we once served at a church directly across the street from Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC, but this one was the best.

The ceremony started with a flag folding that was amazing. I had chills going down my spine as the flag was folded and then folded again to narration with a video playing in the background. I then expressed my thanks to Stan for the privilege and honor of being there today and delivered the invocation, I almost didn't make it as I looked at Stan and Kim and a flood of emotion come falshing back to mind of the ten years of friendship we've had. Then a former commander of Stan's, who drove in especially for the ceremony stood while Stan was in a chair and recalled Stan's achievements during his enlistment. Col. Banks then asked Stan to stand and had him recite his oath of enlistment in the past tense (this was touching and there were few dry eyes). Following this he was presented with numerous awards.

Kim and Zach then joined him on stage and each was presented with a certificate of achievement. I cried through the entire ceremony. Watching Stan recite his oath of enlistment and break down then watching as Kim and Zach were presented their certificates was amazing.

Today was a distinct honor and blessing. This is some thing that I will not forget. Thank you Stan for the privilege of being here with you as you celebrate this huge milestone in life! Thank you Jill for your sacrifice and graciousness in making this happen!

A Moral Dilemna

I read this early today and it broke my heart. At the same time it posed a moral dilemna that is upon us and one that will continue to arise and grow. Read the article:

http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/09/18/will-babies-with-down-syndrome-just-disappear/

It is an issue of abortion but it also poses for us where would this stop. We must decide morally where we stand and why. There is much more than politics at stake.

Who am I elevating with comments I make?

Here is a great post by Voddie Bauchman. I thought it was a stark contrast recently about outbursts by celebrities. Whether Kanye West at the VMA's or Michael Jordan in his rant of an speech at the induction ceremony to the Basketball Hall of fame. We let so much "slide" for those we consider great saying "that is what made them great". The thing about it in the end is that their selfish behavior always reveals their heart. Humility shows so much more depth to the nature of the person. In terms of Bauchman's post it shows the character of David Robinson, a man transformed by his Savior.

http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/Blog/Entries/2009/9/16_Be_Like_David..._Not_Like_Mike..html

Read the post and be challenged!

I turned 35 yesterday!

I turned 35 yesterday! It's hard to believe that I'm that old! I truly couldn't imagine my life being any better that it has been! God has blown me away with a wife that is amazing and that I will cherish for the rest of our lives, our three children are truly gifts from Him (and the most beautiful kids I've ever seen)! I have great parents (I can truly say they are two of my trusted and closest friends) and a wonderful sister (though strongwilled at times)! My in-laws are anything but out-laws and I love them dearly! We have been blessed no matter where He has placed us to connect with and be challenged by great friends and He has blessed us to see lives impacted by His Gospel in every location! Truly humbling to consider all the He has done!

I can't wait to see what He has in store for the rest of my years! I will love and serve You with every beat of my heart that You grant! Thank You LORD!

Mr. Joe's Funeral

Our hearts broke for our dear friends Merlin and Stephanie Smith along with their awesome kids Lonnie and Bethany over the past three weeks. Stpehanie's Dad, Mr. Joe, passed away this past week. Hospice had been called in and they, along with Stephanie and the family, had been ministering to him for the past three weeks. On Saturday September 5th, while we were in West Virginia with our family, Merlin called to say that it was just a matter of time until he would pass away (hospice said it would be about 48hrs). I shed many tears that day for their family and our hearts sank when we recieved the call on Monday evening.

On Tuesday Merlin called and asked if I would speak at the funeral, I was humbled. It was an honor to speak at the funeral both in remembrance of Mr. Joe and to proclaim the Gospel he had embraced only one year before his death. I treasured my time with Mr. Joe and I truly cherish his family. It was a privilege to get to know him and proclaim the Gospel to him during our time together. It's an honor to share life with the Smith's, eventhough now it is at a distance.

While there the kids were able to love on Lonnie and Bethany and I was quite proud to see them embrace them as they did. Our kids truly look up to them both and they are great role models in that they both dearly love Christ and show that love to our children.

Thank you Merlin and Stephanie for the honor of speaking at the funeral and your hospitality in the midst of grief. Thank you to our friends that we saw on Saturday for your love of our family as well.

This is a great story

I must admit I'm a huge Albert Pujols fan. He is born again and handles himself with a humility that most athletes of our day do not. I'm not neccessarily a St. Louis Cardinals fan, though it would be easier to be a Cardinals fan than an Orioles nut and Pirates fan (the start of every season brings hope then the let down happens at some time later in the season, some seasons it's earlier than others), but this story really tugged at my heart and I wanted to share it.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/A34B97533108A7C786257627000A2C90?OpenDocument

It's not the disability that matters it's the transformation that God brings about in the lives of those around those with disabilities that is truly amazing. I say this as one transformed in such a way. In college I worked for 2 1/2 years in a group home for individuals who were mentally retarded and developmentally disabled and God did a work in my heart through contact with these awesome individuals.

Chloe's 6th Birthday

Today is Chloe's 6th birthday! I remember this day 6 yrs ago well. From the time Jill was induced to when the Doctor said the Jill would need a c-section to finally getting see and hold Chloe for the first time it was such an amazing day! I'll never forget certain memories about the experience.

I remember prior to the day that we went through years of frustration trying to concieve and the thoughts in the back of your mind that you may not have children. We went through tests and started the really early stages of fertility stuff. Then God graciously allowed us to conceive and it was awesome! Our church where we were serving at was ecstatic because they had been praying for us for some time!

I remember on the day itself getting wisked away from Jill and told to put on some disposable scrubs over my clothes and wait until somebody would come and get me. I put on the scrubs and waited, waited, and waited some more for somebody to come, nobody came. Finally one of the janitorial staff came through the area I was in and I asked him if he was there to take me to my wife and he looked at me as if I were crazy (I later found out that he did not understand English that well when he went and got another gentleman who then went and found somebody to take me to her). By the time I arrived in the O.R. they were about to start. It was quick and Jill and Chloe were both healthy. I got to carry Chloe to the nursery and when I arrived there were over 20 people from our church outside the big window! They erupted with cheers and we all were crying!

Fatherhood has blown me away ever since! We've obviously added more blessings to our family but each day, even the frustating ones, are such a gift! Chloe you will always be Daddy's Girl - I love you! Happy Birthday!

My prayer for Chloe is this: May she embrace Christ as Savior and be a passionate servant of The King! Thank you Lord for all of my children!

I.A. Camp (pt.3)

The Gospel transforms. When someone embraces Christ as Savior it is truly amazing to see. This year at camp evidence of transformation was seen in so many ways. There are two stories I want to share of how God moved and transformation happened.

This year we had an attorney who brought some students she was working with. She is an amazing woman that loves the students she represents. She brought one boy (she brought a couple students) with her that had a hardness about him. He was there to get community service and nothing else. On Monday he wanted t0 leave but after talking with his Mom, Billy, and others (myself included). We moved him from his room to Billy's room with Billy and his son Ridge. From that night on you could see the Spirit move on him each day. On Thursday evening we had our closing service and it was there that he emabraced Christ as Savior! It was so amazing to see the transformation that God brought about from a hard kid to a young man who had embraced the Gospel! Wow! What an amazing God I serve!

Tranformation as happened in the lives of couselors. On Monday (Monday was a rough day in the sense that God was plowing the field, things really started to happen after this day) during the Jr. Counselor meeting I did something that I rarely do and that is raise my voice. I raised my voice because there was no response happening from the Jr. Counselors as the Spirit moved campers. Most of the campers are unchurched and when the Spirit moves they do not understand what it is to respond to His prompting so as counselors who know Christ as Savior we need to be open to the Spirit's prompting to go to that camper and minister to them. Also they were needing my prompting to go and separate campers that were too close (middle school hormones) and talking during worship times and this should not be needed. After the meeting and one-sided conversation God prompted something pretty awesome in one of the rooms as their Jr. Cousnselor returned. The Jr. Counselor got the attention of her room and apologized for her actions! The rest of the week all of the Jr. Cousnselors were awesome in the openness they had to the Spirit's prompting and in many cases did more than adult counselors! All of our counselors were awesome from Tuesday morning on! God used their willingness to serve to see 25 campers embrace Christ as Savior! My King is amazing!

The transformation that He works is humbling to see! It's a privilege to serve Him as He does this! I praise Him for this opportunity! WOW!

A Phone Call, A Conversation, and a Few Thoughts

Sunday we were driving home from Jill's parents home and I received a phone call. The call was from one of my former youth in Sumter, SC. I had not heard from him since he graduated 5 years ago. I thought he had gone in to the service but it turns out that he had not. He had fallen out of fellowship with the Lord and had recently repented and been restored. It was amazing to hear of God's graciousness and the moving of the Spirit in his life. It was also amazing to hear that he is now 6'11'' tall! Our conversation lasted for about 15 minutes and it brought me to tears as he shared thoughts of God's use of Jill and I in his life - truly humbling! I'm so thankful that God grants calls like this one! This is the second such call this summer and through each God has stirred the affections of my heart toward Him in ways indescribable - He blows me away!

That brings me to today. I have been trying to meet up with Steve Wright all summer. He is a youth minister in Raleigh and has been there for over 11 years. He's been in youth ministry for over 20 years! He has started InQuest Ministries as well as having a great blog (see the link for The Lasting Divergence on the left). His books are well worth the read for anyone remotely considering or presently in youth work. We were able to meet up and go to lunch and talk, it was well worth the wait. He was a great encouragement and provided a wonderful challenge. Many of my thoughts on youth ministry are similar to his and to sit with someone who has given 20 years to this work full-time was awesome. I will continue to correspond with him and keep in touch, what a great meeting.

Both of these have stirred thoughts about where God will have us when I finish school next May. We have been talking about it and praying for discernment. Many see youth ministry as a stepping stone to the pulpit, others see seminary as a stepping stone to a "big" church and a payday. My heart is to be where He wants us and make sure that we are obedient to His call and leading. I have no idea of where that may be but I'm excited to see where and what that ministry is!

God has placed a deep love for His Word and Bride (the church) in my heart and getting to serve Him through each is a passion! He is using this time here at school (though it is difficult academically along with being away from full-time staff work) in great ways in my life and I'm looking forward to His continued shaping and molding this year.

Caitlyn's 4th Birthday

Today is Caitlyn's 4th Birthday! Daddy's baby girl is growing up so fast! I can remember how we moved to Conway from Sumter 1/2 way through the pregnancy and how at the end of the pregnancy we were making the 90 minute drive every week for appointments. Most of all I remember being in the O.R. when Jill had the c-section and getting to hold her for the first time! Being her Daddy is a distinct honor and privilege! My prayer is that she will passionately embrace Christ as Savior and live for Him with every beautiful ounce of her being! I am humbled by the gift God has given me in Caitlyn! I love you Caitlyn.

I.A. Camp (pt.2)

An amazing thing to see is how God has His hand on this camp and provides the needs that arise as the camp draws near. As of two weeks before the start of camp 70 sponsors were needed. To sponsor a camper is $175. In two weeks God in His graciousness provided for this need!

I left on Friday the 25th to go to Billy's house so that I could be there for the putt putt tournament fundraiser that was the next day which was the day before Camp started. In hand I had my fee and two full sponsorships. These sponsorships came through the giving nature of the 2 small groups we have been involved with at our present church, North Wake Church in Wake Forest, NC. While there God provided another through my sister-in-law Denise and her husband Eric. I'm so thankful for the giving nature of these people and the fact that God has placed them all in our lives.

Another humbling example of God's provision is seen in this story. On Saturday while at the tournament their where various people who came and played and participated in the silent auction. Billy, his son Ridge, his summer intern Adam, and myself formed a team and were playing on the course when Billy was approached by a woman. This woman was quite tall and slender and it could be seen that she was excited to talk to him. I talked with Billy after she left and was blown away to hear that she was a recovering addict who had come to know Christ as Savior who had come to support the camp. She did not have enough money for the $15 fee per person to play so along with her friend they put together the money the had on hand and paid the $15 to help support the efforts of the day on behalf of the camp! Wow! I was humbled to hear this!

Through donations such as these God covered the needs of the camp! It's so amazing to see Him at work!

Tim Tebow at the recent SEC Media Day

At the recent SEC Media Day Tim Tebow admitted without hesitation when asked that he is a virgin. The Media was stunned by the admission yet Tebow was unfazed. In light of the developments in the death of Steve McNair and the lifestyle of many other athletes who publicly profess faith in Christ yet their personal lives show nothing of it I think its totally amazing to see someone who practices what he preaches. To see Tebow spend his summer sharing Christ in prisons and on mission trips during his spring break is something that should be commended especially in our culture. I am in no way a Gator fan but I am fully in love with Christ and when He is glorified in any way that's awesome! I will be in prayer for Tebow and his witness to remain pure in the glare of stardom.

I.A. Camp (pt.1)

I'm going to write some posts about the I.A. Camp. I.A. Camp is a camp that I've been involved with for the last 4 years. It's unlike other camps. The campers are sponsored by my friend's ministry. My friend, Billy Wayne, has been in evangelism for over 20 years. He shares the gospel through Music and the Arts (which is awesome because as Christians we have abandoned the Arts in many ways and have lost a wonderful avenue for the Gospel to be expressed). His ministry is Vision Productions. I have to admit that he is unlike anyone in evanglism that I've ever met. He is nothing like the stereotypical evangelist that comes to mind (you know that suit and KJV type that screams at you until you relent). His heart for seeing lives impacted by the Gospel and especially for youth is what truly blows me away.

Vision is based out of Fall Branch, TN which is just outside of Kingsport. It is here where the offices and the Theatre are located. The theatre is Lamplight Theatre where there are performances throughout the year and where the Gospel is presented at each performance. The theatre has been in existence for 5 years and in that time there have been 5000 people who have come to know Christ as Savior through performances and events held there (this number represents those impacted by the Gospel solely at the theatre not through other endeavors wher Billy shares the Gospel). Along with the theatre Billy tours regularly performing in various venues and churches along with leading camps and other events where he can share the Gospel. He also serves as the tour Pastor for Decemberadio.

Billy has this amazing way of connecting with what he calls the "shag nasties" or those others don't reach. He takes people into his home and into his ministry and they are transformed by the love of God. This camp is like that. Most of the kids that go would not be able to go if it were not for that fact that Vision through donations pays their way to go. Along with paying their way to go there is also a clothes closet set up so that they can have clothes and shoes along with providing a backpack of school supplies. Many of the campers come from abusive backgrounds, are in trouble in some fashion, and are "unchurched". They are the type that more than likely "slip through the carcks" or, let's be honest, they don't fit the mold of what most churches will attempt to reach. It's amazing to see what happens each year as lives are transformed by the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This year there were 70 campers and 40 couselors. This was a change from years past in two ways: the first being that this was the most campers in years and the second being that our ratio of counselor to campers was the lowest in years (the ratio is usually as close to 1:1 as possible since the kids really need loved well with the love of God so this made things much more hectic than usual). My job changed drastically than in years past. For the previous 3 years I had been a counselor and this year I was the Camp Dean. The Dean handles issues that arise with both counselors and campers, you are part shepherd and part disciplinarian along with keeping things on schedule (which is a scary thing for me especially since I'm not always that best at sticking to a schedule and like to adjust on the fly as the Spirit moves - that is why Mary McClure was co-Dean, she is an awesome woman of God! She is also wonderfully creative with a great servant heart!).

This post is focused mainly on Vision and Billy so that a groundwork can be laid for further posts about the camp. It may sound like an advertisement and in a way it is because if it leads you to donate to the camp or sponsor a camper then that is great. I must say that I'm totally passionate about this camp and it has impacted me.

Our Night Away

Jill and I recently had a chance to go out of town together. It was the first time in at least 7 years that we were able to do so. Living so far from family and having 3 children puts a damper on that. It's difficult to find someone willing to watch the kids overnight so we've always spent our time together after they've gone to bed. Our wonderful friends the Pauley's know kids, since they have 3 as well, and Wendy is supermom so they agreed to watch our 3 so we could go outta town for the night - we had watched their crew for their 10th anniversary in May.

We booked a dinner cruise on Lake Norman outside of Charlotte along with staying a night in a hotel not far from the lake. I have to admit I was like a nervously excited schoolboy on a first date! We talked and talked leading up to leaving and the weekend was beyond anything I expected! We had such a blessed time together! The time together and the cruise were amazing and I'm so thankful that God gave us this time!

We've been married for 10 years and each day gets better! That feeling of an excited schoolboy is one which I get to experience on a continual basis with Jill in my life. I have been so blessed that my mate is my best friend! Lord I thank you for Jill and the blessing she is in my life.

It's been a while

It's been a while since my last big blog. Here is an update of what God has been doing over the past month:

I finished Greek 1 & 2 which was a great challenge. I learned quite a bit but I was not ready for the workload. I was in class Monday through Friday 9am to Noon May 26th through July 3rd. Each day in class would be followed by 4 to 6+ hours of study each day. It was interesting to see how even the most accurate english translation has its faults in translation. I'm going to try and keep up with what I've learned so that I can apply it as God grants opportunity to teach His Word. By completing these classes I'm now on track to graduate next May! I praise God for this opportunity and how He is shaping and molding me through it and also praise Him for Jill as I wouldn't be able to make through this without her amazing support.

This past weekend was crazy! I had not had the time I usually have with the kids and Jill so this weekend was a whirlwind of activity. On Friday, as I basked in the glow of finishing Greek 2, we went to fireworks at the local high school. We met up with some friends (the Pauley's who have 3 boys - yes, when we get together it's always a party!) and watched the fireworks. It was priceless as Chloe cried, Caitlyn cried at first and then loved, and Caleb sat on my lap wide-eyed and his heart beating a mile a minute with a big grin!

On Saturday we went to fireworks in Rolesville (a town about 5 mintues from our house). While there we met up with the Joyce's from our small group. We watched the fireworks and everything went well until Caitlyn got bit by an ant right before we left. When we arrived home Jill asked Caitlyn where put her shoes and Cailtyn answered in tears that they were still in the field where we had parked in Rolesville. Sooo after we carried in Caleb and Chloe I picked up flashlight and headed back to Rolesville with Caitlyn. After searching in the dark for 15 to 20 minutes and man with tattoos all over each arm walks up to me and asks if I was looking for a pair of sandals. He stated that he and his wife decided not to wait in traffic and walked across the field and he walked over them. He them started to help search. After searching for a while he said he couldn't remember where they were and started to walk away. At that point I thanked him for his help and continued to search. Within in 2 miniutes I stumbled into a depression where I found the sandals! Super Dad to the rescue! Seriously though, Caitlyn was starting to freak out and I had just prayed that we'd find them and we did.

On Sunday we again got to see fireworks! Before the fireworks I got to take the girls to a birthday party where we got to tour a movie theater and see how the films are set up and then watch the movie "UP". The movie was awesome and very family friendly. As soon as the movie was over we had to bolt and go meet up with Jill and Caleb (who both took naps while we were at the party) to go to a minor league baseball game - the Carolina Mudcats the AA team of the Cincinnati Reds. We had a great time with the Pauley's and the girls got to meet "Muddy" the Mudcat! Then the fireworks! 3 nights in a row! Only a few tears this time.

God has really opened my eyes to something of late. He is teaching me of humility which is a difficult thing considering that I must be the most prideful man in the world. Humility has everything to do with Him and nothing of me. Humility is most difficult for the one wronged or presumes that he has been wronged. Asking for forgiveness is the easy thing, the granting of it and following through on granting it is the truly difficult thing. Through this I have seen how amazing the gift of God through His Son Jesus truly is.

I'm excited about this upcoming weekend! Jill and I are going away together for the first time since before we had Chloe! Our friends' are watching the kids and we are going on a dinner cruise on Lake Norman just outside of Charlotte and then spending the night there. We are both pumped! Jill is the most beautiful woman I've ever met and to get this time together is a true blessing. Thank You Lord for this time we will have together!

Thought for the Day

Good friends are like WEDGIES you share deep things with them and then you pick on them.

Caleb's 2nd Birthday

Today, June 7th, is Caleb's 2nd Birthday! It's so hard to believe that he's 2 already! With a year in Conway (miss the youth there so much) and now almost a year in Wake Forest (love our small group) it's has gone by so fast! He had a busy day so hear are a few pics of what happened followed by a word about Caleb:



We started by going to Texas Roadhouse with our wonderful friend Susan Lepper. We let him open a present while there, of course it was a matchbox :)



Here he is flying his helicopter matchbox.



Here he is later after his nap with his "Thomas the Train" Cupcake Cake.

Here he is cheesing it up with his "Thomas the Train" toy set that Susan bought him.

Then here we all are prayer walking at Jones Dairy Elementary (Chloe's school) with members of our small group - what a little stud, serving the King on his b-day!

Caleb was our blessing in that we did not necessarily plan for #3 at the time God graciously granted him to us. It was at a time in our ministry that was rough and in the midst of that God showed how truly in control He is. God in His sovereignty has truly blessed us through him! I look at him and I'm amazed at how good God has been to us!

My prayer for Caleb is that he embraces Christ as Savior and lives passionately for him, that he is a man that loves His Word, and is not ashamed to share the Gospel. Thank you Lord for Caleb - may he be as stated in Your Word, of the Caleb he is named for, "A man of a different spirit that follows you fully" (Num.14:24)!

Semester ends, Greek begins

We made it through another semester of school. 3 more classes down! I finished my finals last week and start back right away this week with 5 weeks of Greek (I'm calling it death by Greek) - one day off today for Memorial Day then Monday through Friday until July 3rd! After sitting down and looking at the classes I have left I'm pretty sure that I will be finished this time next year (will have to take some heavy class loads) - May 2010 here we come! I'm enjoying being stretched and how the Lord is growing me through this but it kicks my tail! I truly miss serving my King on staff at a local church! I do not doubt that is where He has called us to serve. It's odd here at school. There are so many that have no idea what God wants them to do and finish there degree and do not go to the mission field or to a church or to some other place of service. I dream daily of being back serving in Student Ministry or in the Pulpit. There is nothing greater than serving in that context! A wonderful friend asked me where we will go after we are done and I told him and we truly don't know. Eventhough we have no idea where He will place us after this as long as we are where He wants us we will be ecstatic - in His will no matter circumstance is where we want to be! Keep praying for us and for me as I seek to serve well in the midst of these classes and that I can learn well in Greek!

Weakness and Humility

I recently read this paragraph in Greg Heisler's book "Spirit-Led Preaching" concerning weakness and humility being a help to the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the life of a preacher and it really resonated in my heart. It resonated in my heart because it speaks what is on my heart. Here is the paragraph:

"The preacher not only knows he is weak apart from the Holy Spirit; he also knows he has no message apart from God's Word. He never takes the credit or glory becasue he knows it belongs totally to God. The preacher knows he is a servant, not a superstar. You don't preach long before you realize how unworthy you are to be a preacher of God's Word. This is the burdensome angst of preaching, the fact that as preachers we feel so unworthy to preach, yet we are compelled by the Spirit to do so. The thought of preaching repels and compels us at the same time. When we compare our own sinfulness with the sinless one of whom we preach, we are repulsed by a sense of unworthiness. Yet when the Spirit of God takes hold of us and fires us through his Word to a red-hot passion, we are compelled to preach because we see the glory of God, and we cannot keep silent; we cannot hold it in."

Wow! This is the burdensome angst of my heart at this time...so unworthy...yet compelled. Wherever He leads us may I be a weak and humble servant that is moldable in His hands. I love you Lord.

So Beautiful

Over the past seven weekends I have spent four in West Virginia. Normally this would be a great thing but three of the four trips have been of the kind you don't want to make. One was to say goodbye to my Pop Pop, another was for my Pop Pop's funeral, and then I made an emergency trip after my Dad had a heart attack. Throughout this time I have realized even more how beautiful my wife is. She is truly the most amazing woman I've ever met. She consistently models what a mother should be for our children and in her own quirky ways shows her love for me. I could not imagine what my life would be without her because through her in my life God conitnually blows me away daily! I love you Jill! Thank you Lord for placing her in my life!

Harry Kalas

We moved around quite while I was growing up. I was in 4 different elementary schools in 3 states by the time I was half way through the 5th grade. Half way through the 5th grade we moved to east central Pennsylvania and that is where we stayed until after I graduated when my family moved back to West Virginia. This was a special place. I embraced Christ as Savior during this time so I will always cherish my time there.

It was during this time that I was introduced to the voice of Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. It was great living there because our cable system carried channels that followed the Phillies, Mets, Yankees, and of course thanks to Ted Turner the Braves. I have been an Orioles fan since I was little but I love sports and loved baseball growing up. So I could watch any of these four teams but as I can't stand any New York teams I gravitated toward the Phillies and Braves more (mainly due to Mike Schmidt and Harry Kalas with the Phillies and Dale Murphy with the Braves).

I loved to listen to Kalas. His voice resonated through the television. It would do this as you listened to a Phillies game or if listening to a NFL films program. It would grab you and keep you there. I will never forget his legendary calls of home runs especially Mike Schmidt's 500th home run. I will also remember his call of Terry Mulholland's no hitter he trew as a member of the Phillies in 1990. I was never the biggest Phillies fan but loved Mike Schmidt and cried when he hit that ball for his 500th home run as I listened to Kalas make the call and then his comments followed Schmidt around the bases.

I will miss Hearing his voice as he died today before getting to call the Phillies game at the Nationals. Sounds funny to post something like this but his voice was one I grew up with.

Easter

Friday:
Jesus suffered, bled, and died.

Saturday:
Dead in the grave.

Sunday:
HE AROSE!

Consider Our Final Victory:
"Now I say this, bethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; not does the perishable inherit the impersihable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead in Christ will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is you sting?' The sting of death of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved bethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abouding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)

Prayer:
Thank You Lord for what we celebrate this day! Thank You for your sacrifice on our behalf as a result of our sin! May we be humbled by the work of your death, burial, and resurrection as we think of and embrace it today! We eagerly await your return and may we live steadfast, immovable, and abound in our service to You! We celebrate You this day the DAY YOU AROSE! We live in awe of You not only this day but each and every day!

10th Anniversary

Friday was our 10th Anniversary! I have to admit these 10 years have been more than I ever imagined they could or would be. I do not remember what life was like before Jill and don't want to remember. I only look ahead to the rest of our lives together. Serving the Lord before her and with her before the kids and others is an honor and privilege! A friend saw my post about her and our anniversary on facebook and said it's great to see that I'm still crazy for her after all these years and I replied in this way - I'm truly, madly, deeply, crazy in love with her!

Our friends who went with us to the concert watched the kids for us so we could go on a date - so rockin! We went to a brazilian steakhouse and the food was great but just being with Jill was the best! It was great to just sit and talk. (That usually doesn't get to happen as much as we'd like with 3 kids 5 and under, it gets chaotic! It's a good chaos though!)

Lord I'm in awe of how You have given me Jill! Thank you for placing her in my life! You continue to blow me away through the glimpses of You I see and experience in her! WOW!

Chris Tomlin Concert

In the midst of a difficult week with the death of my Pop Pop God gave a wonderful night at the Chris Tomlin Concert in Winston-Salem on Thursday night. We had made plans weeks ago with some wonderful friends from our small group the Joyce's. We also made plans to have a sitter for Caleb (we weren't sure if he'd make it through). The girls were sooo excited and from the moment they heard of the concert they had the countdown on!

It was an awesome time of worship! I have to admit to see the girls dancing, singing, and at times watching those around them worship was amazing. Chloe stood by me and she would look out at those in the audience with their hands raised in worship and would look at me and Jill doing the same and them catch herself at times doing the same and that was precious. When "God of this City" started it blew me away. It starts quietly and slow and then build but the girls where singning out right from the beginning and it sent chills down my spine! I looked at Chloe and she meant every word and was singing out to Jesus! I found myslef not able to sing as I welled up in praise and tears to the One who she was singing about! My prayer is that this will be the cry of her heart as she and Caitlyn and Caleb will all one day embrace the same Jesus we sang to as Savior!

Here are some pics of our night:

This is before Tomlin started playing, me with the girls and the Joyce's in the background (Chris, Stephnie, and beautiful Madeline)

Best pic we got of the stage (just believe me it's Chris Tomlin)

Worshipping with daddy's girl!

I praise you Lord for our wonderful night!

Big Week

Four big things are happening this week. Here they are in order of importance:

1) Our 10th Anniversary is Friday! (HOW AWESOME IS THAT! 10 YEARS WITH THE MOST AMAZING WOMAN I'VE EVER MET!)
2) We are going with the girls (we have a sitter for the little man, we don't think he'd make it through the drive and concert) and some great friends (and their beautiful little daughter) to a Chris Tomlin concert on Thursday (The girls are sooo pumped! We can't wait to see them at the concert! They love Tomlin - God of this City is their favorite song!)
3) I'm prayerfully filling out the Pastoral Internship Application to be a part of the progam at our church starting next fall (praying that I'm accepted and that God will use it as a time of challenge and refining)
4) It's Easter Break for me and Caitlyn from school - my breaks never seem to be times of refreshing though, case in point Pop Pop's death.

#1 is definitely the biggest of the 4! I'll be posting more about this later! Be in prayer for these! Please know that I'm truly indebted to all of you who are and do pray for me and the family!

A Long Couple of Weeks

I greatly appreciate your prayers over these past weeks. My Pop Pop (granddad on my Mom's side) passed away last Thursday. We spent the past two weekends in Pocahontas County West Virginia where he was from and where my Mom is related to half the county.

Our first weekend in West Virginia was spent running back and forth to the small hospital (the only hospital within 40 to 50 miles) where Pop Pop was a patient. He had not seen the kids before and was wanting to see them badly. We have lived close to 10 hours away from our family in seeking to be obedient to God's call on our lives to ministry since the kids were born and we would spend our vacations with our parents. Our decision was not based on anything malicious toward my Pop Pop but on our wanting our parents to have a direct influence in the kids lives. Pocahontas County lies in the Mountains and is a hard three to four hour drive away from either of our parents. I invited him to come to see us but he was unable due to age difficulties. Over the past year especially God had restored our relationship and I'm so thankful for that. It has been amazing to hear him say I love you numerous times in our numerous conversations on the phone over this past year.

When we arrived that Saturday at the hospital we were not sure of what his condition would be. When we entered the room he was alert. He looked and saw the kids and lit up! I will never forget seeing the life in his eyes as he looked at them! He then extended his hands to the girls and they each grabbed one and they exchanged caresses. It was as if he had been waiting to see them. The girls are usually shy at first contact but it was as if they knew this was a special moment as well. The same I love you that I had heard over the past year is what they heard as well. I will cherish that visit of the many that weekend for the rest of my life!

After that special visit his health deteriorated quickly. Later that day his morphine was increased and that continued throughout that weekend and through the week. We received a call from my Mom on Thursday evening saying that he was gone. We then made plans for this past weekend to go back.

We arrived back on Saturday. On Sunday morning we went to his home church. It was a wonderful church. We then spent the day with family. My Mom has two brothers and we got to see each. The kids loved seeing everybody especially their Aunt Mary Beth and cousin Elizabeth.

The funeral was Monday morning. Jill was amazing. She watched our three and one of my sister's two chilldren in a back room during the viewing, which immediately proceeded the funeral and the funeral service itself. This allowed both me and my sister to be with our family. The service itself was a one in which the gospel was presented and Christ honored. My Mom got up and spoke and did an amazing job. Tears were shed but for me there was comfort found in the gospel that was presented during the service and had been embraced by my Pop. The funeral home was packed and chairs had to be added which was amazing in that it was a Monday morning viewing and service - a great testimony to a life lived.

During the viewing I watched my parents interact with family and others. The weird little "quirks" that drove me crazy as a teenager about Mom and Dad I noticed as they interacted. Those same "quirks" did not dirve me crazy at all in watching them that morning. They are things that I have grown to respect and love now. I leaned over to my sister during the service and said "even with their 'quirks' they are awesome" and she readily agreed. Reflection is never a bad thing especially as I consider how blessed I am. Blessed to have that last special moment with Pop Pop, to the time with my family this past weekend, and most importantly in being able to reflect on the gospel that Pop Pop had embraced.

Thanks for lifting us up before the throne during these past weeks...

A Blessed Week

This past week was such a blessing. Earlier this week I got to go with Chloe on her field trip and had a great time with her and those on the trip. We went to downtown Wake Forest and visited a number of places. We started at an educational store, then we went to the police station, then to a hardware store (Chloe wasn't a big fan), then to a pizza place where the class got to help make a pizza for lunch, and finally to the fire station. Throughout the day Chloe and I got to walk hand-in-hand along the streets of town and talk about whatever she wanted to chit-chat about. The places visited were nice but just spending time with Chloe was the greatest. She is growing into an amazing young lady!

Speaking of the growth of Chloe I found myself in tears praising the Lord this weekend about how she handled when Caitlyn got sick. We were visiting some wonderful friends, Fred & Wendy Pauley, and things were going great until right before we left. Caitlyn puked on the carpet! We got it cleaned up and were hoping that would be all that would happen. We had to stop on the way home at Wal Mart to pick up some things for church this morning. While there Jill stayed in the van with the kids and I ran in. While gone it happened again! We got home and you guessed it it happened one more time!

What brought me to tears was that throughout this time Chloe was so concerned for Caitlyn. As we were leaving the Pauley's she kept asking to pray. We got in the van and prayed for her and Chloe as we prayed was nodding in agreement just believing with all her heart that the Lord was going to make Caitlyn feel better. While loading into the van Jill gave a bag to Caitlyn in case she would feel sick again. When she did get sick Chloe was leaning over trying to help her with the bag as she was puking all the while trying to console her. After we arrived home Chloe was running all over the house asking for a piece of paper so I gave her a piece and she ran upstairs. She then made Caitlyn a card! It was so cool to see how she was so compassionate to Caitlyn. She always says she wants to be a nurse like her Mommy to help people like Mommy does at work. She will be a great nurse as this continues to develop in her. I pray that Jill and I can continue to foster this growth in her and that she will embrace Jesus as her Savior and use this to serve Him!

I thank you Lord for days such as these this week! I thank you for my family and the growth that I see in them! May I be a man of God that can model Chirst for them and may they embrace you as Savior! I Love You!

Newsboys

For those of us who love Christian Music the Newsboys would be on the Mt. Rushmore of the genre. I have just read that Peter Furler who no longer be fronting the band and Michael Tait will be the new frontman! Yes, that's the the same Michael Tait formerly of another Mt. Rushmore member namely DC Talk! Wow! With over 20 #1 singles and countless amazing albums the Newsboys just keep rollin'!

Check out the article on www.jesusfreakhideout.com about the transition. I can't wait to here what they will produce together! As you can tell I'm a big fan!

Our Big Night

Last night was a big night for us. Caleb slept in a "big boy" bed for the first time last night! It's a really cool feeling to see the little man all cuddled up in the bed yet kind of sad at the same time. We now have no kids in a crib! No, there is not another on the way - this is the first time that during the winter of an odd number year that Jill hasn't been pregnant since 2001!

It really is mind blowing with the ways God has been so gracious to us throughout the years! Three awesome kids and almost 10 yrs of marriage - our 10th anniversary is one month away!

God I praise you for my wife, my children, and the life you've given me in You! I can't help but to be in awe of You! I love You and I will serve You all of my days!

Chloe's Surgery

This was a big week for us. Chloe had surgery on Thursday. This was our first surgery as parents. She had tubes placed in her ears, her adenoids out, and an allergy test. Throughout the week she did so well and on the day of the surgery I thought this might change but it was amazing how she handled everything - I was so proud of her!

On Thursday we arrived at WakeMed, which is the hospital where Jill works, and I received a call from my best friend, Steve, saying he was on the way. Steve is a Pastor in Fayetteville, NC about 90 minutes or so from us. This was a great surprise that we appreciated and Chloe loved. She loves her "Uncle Steve"!

Once we got back into the pre-op area Chloe got her gown and a bed. The gown was to small and she left her pants on because she said that she "didn't want her bootie or panties showing" - I was so proud of my modest little girl :). After getting a new gown and a warm blanket she for the first and only time showed some nervousness and started to cry. As she cried I took my hand and caressed her cheek, she then grabbed my hand and pulled me in and burrowed her head into my arm and shoulder. At this point I dropped to my knees and cried with her whispering in her ears that the Lord is in control and that I loved her. She then stopped crying and I did too and was fine throughout the rest of the day.

After receiving her "goofy shot", which did affect her, she started to act a little funny but not too bad. Dr. Holmes came in and we had a word of prayer with him and Chloe and then we waited unitl they took her back. After the surgery he came out and informed us that all went well, he was surprised by the amount of thick fluid he had to suck out but that other than that he was pleased.

In recovery she did really well. It didn't take long and we were ready to go home. On the way out I took a pic of her in her Mommy's arms at the front door before getting into the van. I will say that Jill didn't want me to do it but is now glad I did. Looking at this pic now brings a flood of emotions because it was just like the pic we took when we left the hospital with her - it's amazing how many thoughts can rush through your mind in a holy instant of blessing like that, she's only 5 but soo many instant pics flooded in! See our family blog and the pics - the link is on the left.

I was so thankful for the calls, texts, and for those who hit us up on facebook checking on Chloe! I was definitely thankful for the fact that Steve was there with us! But most of all I'm thankful for God's graciousness throughout this week and day! I praise Him for all of this!

A thought on bigotry, the Oscars, and True Hope

I happened to catch a small protion of the Oscars and saw Sean Penn accept his Oscar. During his acceptance speech he "wagged his finger" and chastised all in California who voted against homosexual marriage along with any and all in our country that oppose it. I found it funny that for someone so "accepting" and "open" that his comments were the height of bigotry. For those on the left to through massive bombs of hatred and then call anyone with a differing opinion a bigot is quite hypocritical.

Two things on equal rights popped into my mind as I listened:
1) I fully support equal rights. For example, I would have marched in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement, if I were alive, side by side with African-Americans fighting for their rights. Yet, this is entirely different than espousing homosexual rights, one is an issue of God-given pigmentation while the other is of a self-made choice.
2) God's view of us all is the same. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. From the racist, to the homosexual, to the married father of three I am sin is sin and its an ugly, foul thing. Our need then is not for equality but for salvation. The answer to our need is found only in Christ.

In this time of division politically, racially, and over issues of choice unity is not found in us but in Him. True hope is hope in Him. The hope we find in Him is one that does not disappoint (Rom.5:5).

Our 1st Surgery

We've been blessed with our three children. So far God has been gracious and they've all had good health. On February 26th we will experience a first for us, Chloe will be having surgery to remove her adnoids and place tubes in her ears. It took 30 seconds in the ENT's office today, during which he looked in each ear, for him to say that is what is needed. With my big mouth I immediately blurted out "you only need 30 seconds to know that for sure?!". The Doctor's response was to point at his gray, balding hair and say, "trust me I know." My response was, "the Bible says that is a crown and that I wasn't meaning to sound sarcastic." His follow up was interesting, "just like you can look at Psalm 23 and know what it's about I know this because I see it everyday and it will be fine." That was an interesting exchange and it calmed me some. Soooo...we will be going with her on the 26th for her surgery!

We got to this point because she has been having trouble with her hearing for a little while now. She failed her school hearing test and it was the same at the pediatrician when they followed up. If she has her back turned she doesn't hear us well and when she watches tv she asks for the sound to be turned up. All of this is due to fluid build up in her ears. The heartbreaking thing today for me was watching her take her hearing test and seeing that she was unable to hear some of what was said while she was really trying to concentrate on listening.

A friend said, in response to an email prayer request I sent, that this procedure will be harder on us than on her and I believe she's right. Our prayer is that God uses this to grant her better hearing and that the procedure and recovery go smoothly. Please be in prayer for her and us!

To what do you give a Second Thought?

As I've stated beofre Jill and I are reading through the Bible in a Year and each day has a devotion related to something from the Scripture read that day. Here is a something that really jumped all over me during my quiet time yesterday (2/9):
"The Second Thought"
My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. Don't lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. - Prov.4:20-21
"To get the best out of life," said Pascal, "great matters have to be given a second thought." Meditation is just that - giving biblical truths a second thought. If you have been thinking that the best way to get the best out of the Bible is by reading it, studying it, or memorizing it, then I urge you to think again. I have found that the way to get the best our of the Bible is by meditating on it.
Reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible are, in the main, intellectual exercises which bring spiritual results. Meditation is not primarily an intellectual exercise but a devotional exercise, a way by which the Word of God is carried in to the spiritual digestive system so that it can be translated into spiritual nourishment and energy.

What is it you give a second thought to? Is it your family, your bills, or your health? All these are noble and are things that we should seek to glorify Him in yet His Truth must be what dominates your thoughts! I've been challenged of late in terms of my reading, studying, and especially memorizing God Word yet if they aren't used in meditation then they are a intellectual exercise. He deserves my second thought, along with my first, third, fourth...! May He challenge your heart as He has mine in this!

Freedom from the effects of Smiles and Frowns

I recently read "What's wrong with Preaching Today?" by A.N. Martin. The following is a quote from this book:
"One of the elements of powerful preaching is preaching as a man liberated. Liberated from what? From the ensnaring effects of the fear of men. You are never free to be an instrument of blessing to your people unless you are free from the effects of their smiles and their frowns. People know when you can be bought by their smiles and beaten by their frowns. It will not take them long to discern whether or not you are a man who is not affected either by their smiles or their frowns. Such a man is a free man in Christ."

Wow! If only there were who would preach with such freedom! God has blessed recently and provided two opportunities to preach inthe past three weeks and this has become evident to me. Each time their was a freedom and in this freedom the proclamation of His Word flowed in a powerful Spirit empowered way.

I have seen those who preach to felt needs and bring glory to their ministry. They survive where they are yet do not leave lives impacted. May I always from this day forward seek to glorify Him in all things especially in proclaiming His Word to others!

So the question we must consider is: are we free from the effects of the smiles and frowns around us or are we glorifying Him in all we do? May He so saturate us that He is all that matters!

Thoughts on a Super Bowl Weekend

This weekend was a great weekend cap off by a game for the ages. Saturday started off on quite a sad note. I received a call from my Mom about my Pop Pop, my 86 year old grandfather. He recently had bloodwork and the results were not good - cancer. This call was followed by a call I placed to my Uncle as we discussed Pop Pop's health and had prayer. We are unsure of what the upcoming days will hold but will be consistent in lifting up this situation in prayer. To top off the morning while on the phone Caleb grabbed my brand new glasses (they were two days old) and broke them. Thankfully, I was able to take my glasses to where I had purchased them and get them fixed. From there we attended Chloe's Upward game and then left for Fayetteville, NC.

We arrived in Fayetteville and got to visit with our dear friends Steve and Jennifer Lloyd. We were there because God had opened the door to preach at the church where Steve is the Pastor, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, for their annual Men's Day. It's always great to spend time with Steve. God has blessed me to have an amazing man of God in my life such as Steve, I'm honored to call my best friend.

Sunday Morning was great. Steve's church was wonderful. I know that my small group from North Wake and many friends were praying because while preaching there was a freedom while in the pulpit. Preaching is addictive! I love it! There is no doubt that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life! I have no idea if that will be in the pulpit or with youth but either way God has placed a burning passion to share His Word!

We returned on Sunday afternoon. We stopped at Sam's Club to "cook" some things (some wings and a huge pillsbury brownie) for our small group Super Bowl Party then we went to the Party and had a wonderful time. We left during the third quarter because Jill was almost out on her feet and the kids were tired from the busy weekend. We arrived home in time to see the fourth quarter of an amazing game with a jaw dropping ending. I was on the fence, as a lifelong Redskins fan, about who I wanted to win and when Larry Fitzgerald ran away from everbody and scored and then the Steelers started off their final drive with a holding penalty I thought it was over. The Ben took over! Santonio Holmes made some great plays but Ben should have been the MVP. The Steelers play ugly but when the game is on the line Big Ben steps up! It was a game for the ages!

What a roller coaster of emotions this weekend. From Saturday's news to Sunday morning's joy and freedom in the pulpit to Sunday evening's game it was quite a few days. Through it all God showed Himself to be faithful and I praise Him for it!

Practical Pointers from Alistair Begg

I recently read the short book/booklet by Alistair Begg "Preaching for God's Glory". Chapter 5 was entitled "Practical Pointers" and was quite challenging for me. These are pointers that anyone who has the privilege of preaching should remember. They involve what we should do in terms of preparation for preaching and spending time with Him and the text. Here are his five points:

1) Think yourself empty - if we do not become thinking pastors, we are unlikely to have thinking congregations.

2) Read yourself full - the pastor should read widely and regualrly.

3) Write yourself clear - freedom of delivery in the pulpit depends upon careful organization in the study, we must put our thoughts down clearly.

4) Pray yourself hot - there is no chance of fire in the pews if there is an iceberg in the pulpit; and without personal prayer and communion with God during the preparation stages, the pulpit will be cold.

5) Be yourself, but don't preach yourself - there is nothing quite so ridiculous as the affected tone and adopted of the preacher who wishes he was someone else. He further states, self-forgetfulness is of vital importance. We cannot make much of ourselves and much of the Lord Jesus Christ simiultaneously. A good teacher clears the way, declares the way, and then gets out of the way.

May we take these practical pointers to heart in our preparation, time spent with Him, and as we deliver that which He has given! What an honor it is! What a responsibility! My prayer is that He is glorified throughout our preapration and delivery!

Ted Haggard

In 2006 Ted Haggard was the Pastor of New Life Church in Colorado. His church was one of over 10,000. He was a staunch supporter of traditional marriage. What was unknown was that he had been having homosexual encounters with a male prostitute while using meth to enhance the experience. All the while leading his megachurch.

When the scandal broke the overseers/elders of his church asked him to step down and gave him a $100,000 severance package. He moved to Arizona where he sought counseling/therapy. What he received was heartbreaking. He went to a secular counselor and credits a secular self-help book for his deliverance during the past two years. He states that the counsel he received from those who were christians was not helpful and often judgmental.

He has a documentary that will be aired on HBO and will be on many shows including Oprah over upcoming weeks. I will be praying for Mr. Haggard. My prayer is that he finds True Counsel in the very Word he proclaimed for so long. The freedom he is seeking will only be found through True Repentance. You can find more about this at www.challies.com (link on the left as well) where a link is posted to the Washington Post article entitled "Trial by Fury" under Tim Challies' Ala Carte (1/27) post.

Bible Reading, former President Bush, and us

I just read a great post by Steve Wright on his blog The Lasting Divergence (see link on the left). The post deals with now former President Bush and his reading habits. President Bush would read the Bible through in a year along with a devotional every year. On top of that he would read at least 40 books a year. In 2006 he read 95 books. Wow! That astounded me!

Most Christians will not make time to read one verse let alone one chapter in the Bible a day and the leader of the free world would read through the Bible plus the additional 40+ books a year! We wonder why most churhces are stagnant and most Christians lives are the same - we do not treasure the Treasure we've been given in His Word! Whether its the Preacher who thinks to himself I've studied for my sermon for hours today, the Mom who says I'm too busy with the kids and the juggling of schedules, to the Dad who says I have too much to do, or the teenager whose apathy toward the Word shows in a life lacking any vibrancy, the problem lies solely with us. In our zeal to accomplish for ourselves and others we show no zeal for the very One who deserves it!

Let me ask you the same questions I've asked myself since being challenged by the post and accompanying Wall Street Journal article (link located in the post): Where is your zeal for His Word? Do I let my schedule dominate my Quiet Time? Do I truly treasure His Word as I should? Regretfully I found myself lacking when confronted by these questions - what about you?

My challenge is simple treasure His Word! Read it, cherish it, let it saturate your soul! Seek the counsel that only it gives! I fervently believe that a Bible Reading Plan should be apart of our lives on a consistent basis take on the challenge! Oh Lord Jesus forgive me for not wholly doing this with consistency in my life...may You be my treasure and may I discover the riches of that treasure in Your Word daily!

Holy Hip Hop

When I was in middle school I was introduced to rap music. I can remember running into the house and turning on the television to watch "Yo! MTV Raps" trying to do the Ed Lover Dance and watching all the videos. There was something about the music and the way that the lyrics were delivered always stirred me. I've always had this love for rap music (my wife can't stand this) though it's changed the years in terms of what I've listened to I still listen to it.

What started with Big Daddy Kane, Eric B. & Rakim, and others has changed now to christian artists such as G.R.I.T.S., Lecrae, & The Cross Movement. I must say that over the past 5 to 10 years christian hip hop has improved drastically. The lyrical content that is now coming from artists is theologically solid and relevant. It's exciting to see how God is using this form of music.

I state this to point out a blogpsot on the Desiring God Blog (see the link on the left) entitled "Holy Hip Hop" where Thabiti Anyabwile speaks of about hip hop in the new resurgence in black theology. It was quite interesting and I pray that you find it the same.

A thought on history

Watching the inaugeration today caused me to pause and take in what was taking place. To see an African-American President sworn in was quite amazing and to watch the faces of those in attendance, especially those of African-American Senior Citizens, captivated my heart. Thinking of what has happened in the midst of their lifetime socially was emotional. I will be praying for President Obama as he leads our country.

I was impressed by the place of this day socially and one other thing impressed me and that was the grace with which now former President Bush handled this transition of power. I remember when he came into office that former President Clinton's farewell seemed to be set to rival the inaugeration and in poor taste. This transition was one in which cooperation and grace was exhibited, even to his private farewell, and that impressed me.

I heard the word coronation used by a commentator over the past few days and this also caused me to pause but in a much different way. This word is one the should be used sparingly toward any man if used at all. There is a King and He will return. His death, burial, resurection, and ascension served as His Coronation. This King is Jesus!

In this time where ideology separates and harsh rhetoric destroys from the left and the right. May those who know the King serve Him passionately and may He have full reign in our hearts! May we take advantage of every opportunity to share Him with neighbors, friends, co-workers, and relatives! True unity is found only in Him! There is no issue of race or party in Him! I praise You King Jesus for this!

The closing prayer found in the devotion that follows my Scripture reading for the day yesterday is fitting to grant us the focus we need on such a momentous day: "O Father, how can I ever thank You that the work of salvation is complete? Nothing more needs to be done than has been done. Your Coronation spells it out in the clearest of terms. I am so deeply, deeply grateful. Amen." For true change to happen we must be changed by the King through the salvation He alone offers.

THE GREAT SNOWSTORM!

All day yesterday we heard warnings of the great snowstorm coming our way - 2 to 4 inches in the south are like a foot or more in the north. I checked the county schools website last night and saw that school was cancelled by 9:30pm - now I was considering breaking into one of those "when I was a kid" stories of growing up in the north here but I'll spare you the details of snow, freezing weather, abusive parents making us wait for the bus while we battled frostbite and snowmonsters and went bravely to school (I'll just say we didn't get out of school that often and most of the time we prayed for a delay). Soooo, when Jill got home from work she woke us up to show us the snow and we bundled up the kids to go outside. Caleb and Caitlyn went outside and Chloe stayed inside because she is still not feeling well. Here are some pics of there 15 minute adventure - that's how long the kids lasted before the wind and snow got to them!



Caleb looked hilarious in his snowsuit! When Jill put it on him with snowboots he wobbled all over the house falling down so we changed him into sneakers and he was able to manuever - when he was wobbling around he looked just like Ralphy's little brother Randy in "A Christmas Story", we were laughing so hard it hurt!



Here's Caleb after trying to imitate Jill doing a snow angel! He had a blast his first time in the snow! Jill was laughing her head off the whole time she was doing the snow angel - it was hilarious!



It took some coaxing to get Caitlyn off the porch but here she is venturing out!

Caitlyn finally went and "played" a little! None of the kids have seen much snow, especially being born in South Carolina! Living just outside of the great ski resort of Myrtle Beach will hamper getting to see snow :)!

Here's one of me and my little man! STUDS!

After this pic Caleb licked some of the snow off of his mitten and looked at me and smiled I then whispered in his ear that "my Father made that"...He is so good to us and moments like this with family remind me of that! I praise You for the snow today and the enjoyment is brings! I praise You for my family to enjoy it with!

Mount Olivet Baptist Church

This morning God gave the opportunity to preach at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Raleigh this morning. The morning started off rough with Chloe waking up a fever of around 102. With her fever, Caleb recovering from the Croup, and Caitlyn feeling a little horse Jill stayed home with them while I went to preach. It's always a naked feeling without the family, especially Jill, with me. The great part about the morning was that Chloe really wanted to go to church. She was upset that she couldn't go so Jill and I each talked with her and let her know that she needed to stay home so that God could help her feel better. While I did feel bad for her it was amazing to see her fight to go to church and then get genuinely upset about not being able to go - I praise God for that being fostered in her. After our conversation Jill and I were going to pray but before beginning she asked Caitlyn if she would pray for her big sister with us. Caitlyn was so precious in praying for her sister and while we were praying I was holding Chloe's hand and she was squeezing and squeezing it just believing that God would heal her - they taught me a lesson about faith before I got to share mine!

The church was easy enough to find (thanks to Jill's CHRISTmas present - her new GPS). When I arrived I was impressed with their facilities. The physical structure of the church is quite big. In the service itself there were only about 30 people but I must admit I really enjoyed the service. There was a freedom to worship and I sensed that same freedom when preaching. The people where very warm and there where some who responded during the invitation for various needs. I had a great time with them and pray that God will open the door to return.

As for the sermon I preached from Matthew 26:1-16. Finding prep time while watching the kids is not always that easy but God blessed this week with two extended times of study that were quite fruitful. I talked about the cost of sacrifice and betrayal from the following outline:
I. The deception of betrayal. (v.1-5)
II. The nature of sacrifice. (v.6-13)
III. The price of betrayal. (v.14-16)
I enjoyed the prep and pray that God blessed the delivery. I'm really starting to love getting to preach whether to adults or youth. Getting to share is like "a fire in my bones".

In terms of prep there were two tools other than my Bible that were extremely helpful. The first was my Harmony of the Gospels. It was great to see where these verses fit chronologically during the Passion Week. The second was The Gospel According to Matthew from the Pillar New Testament Commentary Series by Leon Morris. I learned of this commentary through the list Danny Akin has on his site (see link on the left) entitled "How to build a Theological Library". These both provided great insight into the text.

I praise Him for this day and opportunity!

Quiet Time

This year Jill and I are reading through the Bible in a year. I'm excited to be doing this again and for the first time with Jill. I had done this during my Quiet Time for 6 yrs then this past year I went through a couple devotionals and the New Testament but it was not as fruitful as reading through the Bible in a year had been. We are using the Every Day With Jesus Bible: A One-Year Reading Bible (HCSB). The format is a reading from the Old and New Teastaments along with sections of a Psalm and a Proverb then a devotion follows up the reading. I have greatly enjoyed this so far and look forward to the rest of the year.

A great challenge today came in the closing prayer of the devotion.
"O Father, help me come to the quiet time expectantly - expectancy that here my weakness shall become strength, my doubt become faith, my fears become courage, and my sin become redemption. I ask this for Your Name's sake. Amen."

May I always approach my time with You with expectancy! Father may I be repentant when when I do not do so. Create in me a heart of expectancy that longs for You! This is the cry of my heart today - may it be the same for us all!

Why Servant Heart?

I choose Servant Heart as the title of my blog for a couple of reasons. After rededicating my life to the Lord in 1993 during the spring semester of my first year of college at Marshall University I heard someone say "he has such a servant heart" in terms of an amazing compliment given to a friend. From the time on those words have resonated in my heart and God has embedded them there as a challenge to me to strive to develop in my life and the lives of those around me. Upon coming to grips with a call to ministry in 1994 I have sought to Develop Servant Hearts in every context He has placed me. As for what I expect from this endeavor I pray that God will use this as an outlet for me and resource for others.