Well, just as they came in, they are beginning to leave. The last seven days have been a whirlwind. It seems like we have been on the go constantly. My house has been totally full. I have been sleeping with John and Biddie. Sheryl's house has been full. She has been sleeping at Scott and Lacey's. But it has green great. It's rare when you can get all the kids in one place. When it happens you have to take advantage of it.
Sure, it's been busy, but I have loved every minute of it. Last night's party was the culmination of the week. I really think everyone had a great time. Our heart's desire was that everyone would enjoy themselves and in think that is what actually happened. But all good things come to an end, and the Exodus began today. Sheryl's son, Levi, and his family left this afternoon for California. Tonight, Hernan left for Juneau Alaska. Lisa and the girls will fly up on July 4th. Tomorrow morning, Jennifer and her family leave for Ft Lauderdale. So the house will be empty again. Oh, I forgot, Hernan also took both dogs with him. I love Jazzy and Lily, but they are both getting old. This will probably be their last trip. They won't be back at the house again.
I would feel lonely, but tomorrow we leave for Australia. So it's hard to be lonely when you are leaving too. We will be going with Scott and Lacey and others. We know that we are supposed to be in Australia, but we also know that there is so much more to this trip than us. We need to really tune into what Papa wants to do.
But it is still hard watching all that Papa is doing. Just hugging and kissing all the family tonight was so hard. I am so glad for all the high tech devices we have. Things like cell phone and face time. I really can't imagine being so far away from my kids without that stuff. So, tomorrow will be here soon. Our family will be scattered to the four winds. My sister Kay is in Kenya Africa on a mission trip. I'll be in Australia and Lisa will be in Alaska. JennifEr will be in Ft Lauderdale and Levi will be in California. It looks like we will have most of the world covered.
So, here we go again. I pray was get on the flight to Los Angles. If we get there, we should get on the plane to Sydney, even if we are in coach. The next post will be from down under. It might be scruple of days late.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
It's Party Time
It's been an awesome day, and I can't begin to give You all the details in this short post. Tonight Sheryl and I celebrated our upcoming marriage with the family. It's the reason that Sheryl's son and his family flew out from California. We had all the kids and all the grand kids out together in one room. I wonder if that will ever happen again?
Anyway, it was an awesome night at Steve and Lindy Hales house. The food was very good, and it was a lot of fun, but after we said our vows, we had those that wanted to speak blessings over us. We were blessed beyond belief and I wish that I had time to tell everything that happened, but it is very late and very hard to think. I'll do better tomorrow, but for now, good night.
Anyway, it was an awesome night at Steve and Lindy Hales house. The food was very good, and it was a lot of fun, but after we said our vows, we had those that wanted to speak blessings over us. We were blessed beyond belief and I wish that I had time to tell everything that happened, but it is very late and very hard to think. I'll do better tomorrow, but for now, good night.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Divine Justice
I got a really neat Father's Day gift from all the kids yesterday. It was a bracelet from James Avery jewelers. It has a leather band and it is pounded polished steel with two words engraved on it. The two words are "Divine Justice". I am wearing It as a reminder of what it is that I am going after in these days.
God is so good, and He has given me such a special gift in Sheryl. He can turn tragedy into triumph. He truly does work things out for good that the enemy meant for evil. But just because things turn out good, that doesn't take away our responsibility to go after divine justice for what the enemy has stolen. The enemy stole a wife, mother, friend, lover from me, and I will not ever stop going after a seven fold return on what has been taken. I have already seen some results as we have prayed for others near death from pneumonia and seen them miraculously healed.
Going after divine justice for what was taken in no way lessens or diminishes what God has done to give me healing and restoration. I am not living in the past. Those who know me realize that I am pressing into the future and reaching for a new destiny in Him. Sheryl and I have a destiny that is unbelievable. Only He can make it happen and He will. But at the same time in healing and in all other ministries, we can and we will keep pressing for more. I have a right. That right will not be denied. I am demanding and declaring a seven fold return on what was taken.
So, in scripture and in life ,we live in the tension of paradoxes. How can I continue to go after divine justice from the loss of one wife while I am about to go into a marriage relationship with another. Sure, in the natural, that might seem odd. But in the spiritual, it makes perfect sense. I can look ahead and love passionately while at the same time fight passionately for what I have lost. It's really easy, we do it all the time, face forward, but embrace the past. It can be done, and I will do it as long as I have breath.
God is so good, and He has given me such a special gift in Sheryl. He can turn tragedy into triumph. He truly does work things out for good that the enemy meant for evil. But just because things turn out good, that doesn't take away our responsibility to go after divine justice for what the enemy has stolen. The enemy stole a wife, mother, friend, lover from me, and I will not ever stop going after a seven fold return on what has been taken. I have already seen some results as we have prayed for others near death from pneumonia and seen them miraculously healed.
Going after divine justice for what was taken in no way lessens or diminishes what God has done to give me healing and restoration. I am not living in the past. Those who know me realize that I am pressing into the future and reaching for a new destiny in Him. Sheryl and I have a destiny that is unbelievable. Only He can make it happen and He will. But at the same time in healing and in all other ministries, we can and we will keep pressing for more. I have a right. That right will not be denied. I am demanding and declaring a seven fold return on what was taken.
So, in scripture and in life ,we live in the tension of paradoxes. How can I continue to go after divine justice from the loss of one wife while I am about to go into a marriage relationship with another. Sure, in the natural, that might seem odd. But in the spiritual, it makes perfect sense. I can look ahead and love passionately while at the same time fight passionately for what I have lost. It's really easy, we do it all the time, face forward, but embrace the past. It can be done, and I will do it as long as I have breath.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day
Here is a question. When you got up this morning, did you wish Father God Happy Feather's Day? If you are like me, you will have to answer no. I didn't even think about it until Scott asked us at church this morning. Then he gave us time to do it. You know, I think it opened me up to a deeper level of worship this morning. I found myself being so thankful. I was thankful for my daughters and son-in-laws. I was thankful for my grandchildren and all their love. I was thankful for my family; my Dad and Allene, my sisters, nieces and nephews. It was as if during worship Papa had given me a gift. The gift to see how blessed I am.
But he showed me another level of blessing that I am just now walking into. He showed me the gift of love that He has given me in Sheryl. Not only her love, brut the love of a whole other family. A family that I will bless, but also will bless me. As I worshiped, I was overwhelmed by such a deep and abiding love. Don't you know that when you are thankful, you open yourself to a much deeper level of the experience of His love and mercy. So that's how my day began, basking in His deep love.
Father's day is usually an OK day. Nothing great, but not bad. As day's go, it is usually not too high on my list. That is probably because my birthday is so close. But today was significant in many ways. First, all the family was together in my house and we had such a good time at dinner. Second, we were all, extended family, together today at Gil's and Lisa's. It was another passing of the torch. I can remember when all the family gatherings were at mom and dad's. Then one day, it wound up that we had it. I remember mom telling Julia that the torch had been passed. It was up to us to keep the family together. Well, it happened again today, and I am going to officially relay that to Gill. They did an awesome job hosting and it was great to have all my children and nieces and nephews together again.
Dad had a great Father's Day and I was so happy that all the kids and grandchildren were there. I know that he really loved seeing us all together. Don't you know that our heavenly Father loves the same thing. He gave us freedom of choice so that we would choose Him. How could He love us any more? So I leave you with this: Every day is really Father's Day, because we should honor and love Him so much that we just want to celebrate His goodness. Yes, He is a good Papa and He Is in a good mood.
But he showed me another level of blessing that I am just now walking into. He showed me the gift of love that He has given me in Sheryl. Not only her love, brut the love of a whole other family. A family that I will bless, but also will bless me. As I worshiped, I was overwhelmed by such a deep and abiding love. Don't you know that when you are thankful, you open yourself to a much deeper level of the experience of His love and mercy. So that's how my day began, basking in His deep love.
Father's day is usually an OK day. Nothing great, but not bad. As day's go, it is usually not too high on my list. That is probably because my birthday is so close. But today was significant in many ways. First, all the family was together in my house and we had such a good time at dinner. Second, we were all, extended family, together today at Gil's and Lisa's. It was another passing of the torch. I can remember when all the family gatherings were at mom and dad's. Then one day, it wound up that we had it. I remember mom telling Julia that the torch had been passed. It was up to us to keep the family together. Well, it happened again today, and I am going to officially relay that to Gill. They did an awesome job hosting and it was great to have all my children and nieces and nephews together again.
Dad had a great Father's Day and I was so happy that all the kids and grandchildren were there. I know that he really loved seeing us all together. Don't you know that our heavenly Father loves the same thing. He gave us freedom of choice so that we would choose Him. How could He love us any more? So I leave you with this: Every day is really Father's Day, because we should honor and love Him so much that we just want to celebrate His goodness. Yes, He is a good Papa and He Is in a good mood.
Full House
Today has been a great day. Adair, Sean and myself went out around 6AM to run at Kennesaw Mt. We actually ran the Kolb Farm Loop. It is a loop in the middle of the park. The last time that I ran that particular loop was in October of 2009 with Lisa. That is when I fell and separated my shoulder at the AC joint. It took months to heal, and it was just about healed when Julia passed away. As I look back, my running has suffered ever since. I don't really think I had any problem with fear, it's just that I haven't really had the opportunity to run there.
Anyway, today's run was good in more than one way and I am so glad that I got to do that. So the rest of the day was spent shopping and preparing for the party Tuesday night. I did get by Dick's Sporting goods and was able to buy some new running shoes. I have been needing some for awhile.
Lisa, Hernan, Anna Roan and Julia arrived about 8:30 and we have had a full house. It is unbelievable having everyone sitting around the table. On so many levels it is so good to have them home. This is the first time that they have all been here since Julia was born. Having all the kids running throughout the house really is fun. Being able to see Jennifer and Lisa along with Sean and Hernan is a special treat. But it was really special because I got to introduce them to Sheryl. It was just such a good time at well.
Tomorrow is Fathers Day. I can't think of a better present than the one that I have just have been given. All my family. Wow, that's exciting. It is going to be fun seeing everyone run around the house and the park. I can just imagine that that is just what Papa is thinking. He must love to watch when we play nice together. I know He must love us so much more than we could ever love our kids, and I think that I am a great dad and really do love my kids. So tomorrow is Fathers Day. I can't wait.
Anyway, today's run was good in more than one way and I am so glad that I got to do that. So the rest of the day was spent shopping and preparing for the party Tuesday night. I did get by Dick's Sporting goods and was able to buy some new running shoes. I have been needing some for awhile.
Lisa, Hernan, Anna Roan and Julia arrived about 8:30 and we have had a full house. It is unbelievable having everyone sitting around the table. On so many levels it is so good to have them home. This is the first time that they have all been here since Julia was born. Having all the kids running throughout the house really is fun. Being able to see Jennifer and Lisa along with Sean and Hernan is a special treat. But it was really special because I got to introduce them to Sheryl. It was just such a good time at well.
Tomorrow is Fathers Day. I can't think of a better present than the one that I have just have been given. All my family. Wow, that's exciting. It is going to be fun seeing everyone run around the house and the park. I can just imagine that that is just what Papa is thinking. He must love to watch when we play nice together. I know He must love us so much more than we could ever love our kids, and I think that I am a great dad and really do love my kids. So tomorrow is Fathers Day. I can't wait.
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Green Hornet
It’s always good to laugh. Especially when you can laugh with your family. I really don’t get to do that very often, so tonight was a special treat. I rented “The Green Hornet” not knowing anything about the movie. I figured that it would be an action packed science fiction movie about a cartoon character that I grew up reading about. It was that, but so much more. This movie was either so bad or it was so bad that it was good. It all depends on who you are watching it with, and what your expectations were. Well, I was watching it with my granddaughters and my expectations were to have fun. So I had fun. We laughed at all the corny stuff that other times I would have cringed over. We had popcorn and laughed some more. Even when we knew what was going to happen, we laughed anyway. Our expectation was to have fun, and that was what we had. Fun and more fun.
Isn’t that how life is? Don’t we usually get what we expect? It is my experience over all these years that we normally do get what we expect. But why is that? I believe it is a spiritual law, just like the law of gravity. When we expect something to happen, it normally does. So it is very important that we see through eyes of the Kingdom, and not our own eyes. If I expect to be happy, I usually am. If I expect to be healthy, I usually am. I know people who have expected to die of cancer, and guess what? They did. Expectancy is big in the spiritual realm. I really believe that it is a major spiritual law.
I know that when we expect Holy Spirit to move in healing and miracles that seem to unlock a door that allows Him to move in those areas. When we expect Him to show up in a service, He normally does. If we expect Him to be silent, then it is as if we had locked Him in a cage. That is something that I have learned over the past two years at BASSM. We have to expect Him to show up. We have to step out on the limb, knowing that if He doesn’t show up, we will fall off. But He loves that in us. He loves it when we make Him show up to save us. I think that He loves us because He sees how much we really trust Him to do all that He has called us to do.
So sure, The Green Hornet was really not very good, but we expected to have fun with each other, so we did. We expected to laugh, but not this much. It was great and I am so happy that we were able to spend the time together laughing and talking about this corny movie. It has been a good day, and it will be a better tomorrow.
Isn’t that how life is? Don’t we usually get what we expect? It is my experience over all these years that we normally do get what we expect. But why is that? I believe it is a spiritual law, just like the law of gravity. When we expect something to happen, it normally does. So it is very important that we see through eyes of the Kingdom, and not our own eyes. If I expect to be happy, I usually am. If I expect to be healthy, I usually am. I know people who have expected to die of cancer, and guess what? They did. Expectancy is big in the spiritual realm. I really believe that it is a major spiritual law.
I know that when we expect Holy Spirit to move in healing and miracles that seem to unlock a door that allows Him to move in those areas. When we expect Him to show up in a service, He normally does. If we expect Him to be silent, then it is as if we had locked Him in a cage. That is something that I have learned over the past two years at BASSM. We have to expect Him to show up. We have to step out on the limb, knowing that if He doesn’t show up, we will fall off. But He loves that in us. He loves it when we make Him show up to save us. I think that He loves us because He sees how much we really trust Him to do all that He has called us to do.
So sure, The Green Hornet was really not very good, but we expected to have fun with each other, so we did. We expected to laugh, but not this much. It was great and I am so happy that we were able to spend the time together laughing and talking about this corny movie. It has been a good day, and it will be a better tomorrow.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Loving Family
It’s good to see family; even if it is family that you don’t know. This is the beginning of what I will call “Family Time”. All of Sheryl’s Kida and grand kids are in town and Jennifer, Sean and the kids came in tonight. Lisa, Hernan and the kids will come in on Saturday night. So for me, today was a very busy day. First I was at work in an A period and then I spent the rest of the day with Sheryl and her son Levi and his family. It’s great to begin to really know someone that you have only talked about. I already know Scott, Lacey and their kids so I want to know Levi and his family as well. We had a good time at the Georgia Aquarium and then we ate an early dinner at Nuevo Laredo’s . Ti was very good, and they even liked it. That says a lot because they have some great Mexican food where they are from in California. I probably won’t see them again until Tuesday night, but it was a good time talking, especially over dinner.
I got home about 6:30 and them went to the store. Jennifer and her family arrived shortly thereafter and it was really good to see them. I have missed them since I was there for Adair’s track meet. It seems like such a long time ago. Jennifer and the kids haven’t been up here since last summer when Adair went to camp. We went to the Mexican Restaurant right down the street. Yes, if you are counting, I ate Mexican twice today. I must have done something right! The truth is, I didn’t eat too much but I did enjoy what I was eating. It was good spending time just talking and listening with them tonight. I know that tomorrow I will get the opportunity to spend more time with them after I finish work. I have one more early period and then I am through for the month.
It’s hard to believe that we will be on a plane to Australia a week from tonight. In the mean time, we will be busy with our own family and meeting each other’s family. It’s all good except the time it takes us away from each other. Today, part of Sat and Sunday are all the time we will be together between now and next Thursday. I am so glad that we had last weekend at the lake. I’m still living off those memories and that peace that I had as we came home. Well, it’s late, and I have another early wake up in the morning. So I think that this will be all I get to write tonight.
I got home about 6:30 and them went to the store. Jennifer and her family arrived shortly thereafter and it was really good to see them. I have missed them since I was there for Adair’s track meet. It seems like such a long time ago. Jennifer and the kids haven’t been up here since last summer when Adair went to camp. We went to the Mexican Restaurant right down the street. Yes, if you are counting, I ate Mexican twice today. I must have done something right! The truth is, I didn’t eat too much but I did enjoy what I was eating. It was good spending time just talking and listening with them tonight. I know that tomorrow I will get the opportunity to spend more time with them after I finish work. I have one more early period and then I am through for the month.
It’s hard to believe that we will be on a plane to Australia a week from tonight. In the mean time, we will be busy with our own family and meeting each other’s family. It’s all good except the time it takes us away from each other. Today, part of Sat and Sunday are all the time we will be together between now and next Thursday. I am so glad that we had last weekend at the lake. I’m still living off those memories and that peace that I had as we came home. Well, it’s late, and I have another early wake up in the morning. So I think that this will be all I get to write tonight.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Missed One!
Wow, I really must have been tired last night. I worked an early morning period and the was busy all day. I had a scheduled telephone interview at 9PM and that lasted until 9:45. Then I called Sheryl for a few minutes. After I talked to her I just went to bed. I didn't even think about the blog, and I didn't take out my contact lenses either. I still can't believe that I didn't even think about it. That is the first time that has happened since I started it. The more that I think about it, the better I think it is that I forgot. At least I know that it is not an obsession with me. But I want to apologize to anyone of you who tried over and over to read it.
I'm sitting in the terminal at Charleston SC, waiting to ride the jump seat back to Atlanta. I worked an early period this morning and I rode the jump seat over here a few minutes ago. It's another long day, but I have to work this in. I hopefully will land and then be home by 8PM. I do have another early period tomorrow. That is why I am writing this now.
This week is about to get crazier. All Sheryl's and my families will be coming into town starting tonight. Tomorrow I meet her son Levi and his family. Jennifer and Sean drive in tomorrow night and Lisa and Hernan come in on Saturday night. I will spend a few nights over with John and Biddie because the house will be full. Sunday is Fathers Day and then we have a big family party on Tuesday night. All the kids will meet Sheryl and both families will meet each other. Then on Thursday we are scheduled to go on a trip to Australia. So there is a lot going on. No wonder I forgot.
Oh well, I do intend to try to keep writing, and if I can’t write much, I will just write a little. As I look at my life, I am just so blessed. I‘m blessed to have a family who loves me, no, two families that love me because I know that will happen. I’m blessed to have had such a wonderful wife for 38 years, and I am blessed that Papa has given me a gift in Sheryl. She is a gift that He has used to open my heart to love once again. I am blessed with good health and a passion and zest for life that many people much younger than me do not have. I am so blessed to have a ministry that is helping equip and release the next generation into their destiny as Revivalist and releasers of the Kingdom. So, even though this is a very busy week, I am excited to know that Aslan is on the move, and that I am a part of His army. I am excited about what the next season of life will bring. The cork is about to be pulled out of the bottle and I am sure that it is a very good vintage.
I'm sitting in the terminal at Charleston SC, waiting to ride the jump seat back to Atlanta. I worked an early period this morning and I rode the jump seat over here a few minutes ago. It's another long day, but I have to work this in. I hopefully will land and then be home by 8PM. I do have another early period tomorrow. That is why I am writing this now.
This week is about to get crazier. All Sheryl's and my families will be coming into town starting tonight. Tomorrow I meet her son Levi and his family. Jennifer and Sean drive in tomorrow night and Lisa and Hernan come in on Saturday night. I will spend a few nights over with John and Biddie because the house will be full. Sunday is Fathers Day and then we have a big family party on Tuesday night. All the kids will meet Sheryl and both families will meet each other. Then on Thursday we are scheduled to go on a trip to Australia. So there is a lot going on. No wonder I forgot.
Oh well, I do intend to try to keep writing, and if I can’t write much, I will just write a little. As I look at my life, I am just so blessed. I‘m blessed to have a family who loves me, no, two families that love me because I know that will happen. I’m blessed to have had such a wonderful wife for 38 years, and I am blessed that Papa has given me a gift in Sheryl. She is a gift that He has used to open my heart to love once again. I am blessed with good health and a passion and zest for life that many people much younger than me do not have. I am so blessed to have a ministry that is helping equip and release the next generation into their destiny as Revivalist and releasers of the Kingdom. So, even though this is a very busy week, I am excited to know that Aslan is on the move, and that I am a part of His army. I am excited about what the next season of life will bring. The cork is about to be pulled out of the bottle and I am sure that it is a very good vintage.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Interviewing
Tonight I had three interviews for prospective students for next year’s first year class at BASSM. It was a lot of work. Each interview lasted a minimum of 30 minutes, one went for almost an hour. But as much work as it was, it was such a joy. One of the major benefits of my position with the school is that I get to interview most of the students. It is still early in the process, but I have been able to conduct ten interviews with another scheduled for tomorrow night.
I get to talk about people’s dreams and goals I get to hear their heart for God and their passion for the Kingdom. It is exciting to know that other people are going after the same thing that I believe and are willing to uproot their families and move cross country just to be a part of what we are doing. I talked with a young man for California tonight. He has 6 kids and is thinking about leaving everything to relocate near the school to be a part of the school. That just blows me away. How could they even know about us, let alone be ready to move clear across the United States.
This is just one example of the type and quality of people that I am talking with. I really feel that some of these people could do a better job at my job than me. But that is how I should feel. I haven’t had a bad interview yet. I know that it is still very early in the year, but we will probably have eleven students who have been accepted the BASSM by tomorrow night.
On another note, I did get to have coffee on the dock this morning with Sheryl. It was just as good, if not better, than the day before. We then had breakfast and drove home. I had a follow up for my physical. Everything is good. Sheryl has gone back south so I won’t see her until Thursday. Her son and his family come in on Wednesday night, so we are all going to the GA aquarium on Thursday. That will be good for me, I have never been there. Then Thursday night Jennifer and her family comes in. It is going to be a hectic from then on.
But first, I have work. Four early mornings in a row. That is not going to be fun. So with that I think that I will sign of for tonight. It’s going to be an early morning.
I get to talk about people’s dreams and goals I get to hear their heart for God and their passion for the Kingdom. It is exciting to know that other people are going after the same thing that I believe and are willing to uproot their families and move cross country just to be a part of what we are doing. I talked with a young man for California tonight. He has 6 kids and is thinking about leaving everything to relocate near the school to be a part of the school. That just blows me away. How could they even know about us, let alone be ready to move clear across the United States.
This is just one example of the type and quality of people that I am talking with. I really feel that some of these people could do a better job at my job than me. But that is how I should feel. I haven’t had a bad interview yet. I know that it is still very early in the year, but we will probably have eleven students who have been accepted the BASSM by tomorrow night.
On another note, I did get to have coffee on the dock this morning with Sheryl. It was just as good, if not better, than the day before. We then had breakfast and drove home. I had a follow up for my physical. Everything is good. Sheryl has gone back south so I won’t see her until Thursday. Her son and his family come in on Wednesday night, so we are all going to the GA aquarium on Thursday. That will be good for me, I have never been there. Then Thursday night Jennifer and her family comes in. It is going to be a hectic from then on.
But first, I have work. Four early mornings in a row. That is not going to be fun. So with that I think that I will sign of for tonight. It’s going to be an early morning.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Coffee on the Dock
I don't know of anything nicer than to have a good cup of coffee and watch the sun come up. We did this this morning on the dock. We had coffee and sat listening to he ducks, geese and frogs as the sun slowly came up over the trees. The lake was very still and peaceful and it was just a glorious morning. It was a great time to worship God and marvel at all tat He has created.
In fact it was a perfect Sunday in many ways. No, we didn't go to church, but we had church as we sat around the breakfast table talking about the goodness of God and prophesying over each other. We also worshiped as we listened to Jesus Culture. Even tonight as we took a boat ride at sunset, we were worsHiping God and marveling about the beautiful sunset that He had created. Bud had his camera out and was able to get great pictures of this sunset.
So tomorrow we go back home. I have a lot to do before the kids come in at them end of the week. I have 4 A periods to work. That's 4 3AM getups in a row, so I know I will be tired as he week progresses. But Jennifer, Sean and the girls come into town on Thursday night and then Lisa, Hernan and the girls drive in on Sat night. It's going to be a great week. I am so glad that we will all be together for a little while.
It has been a great weekend and it has gone by way to fast. Bot life moves quickly, especially right now. I have a lot going on and a lot to do in the next two weeks, so this weekend was a welcome and timely break. God is good, and His creation is amazing. Yes, it has been a great day, and it started with coffee on the dock. We should have time to do that again tomorrow morning. I hope so.
In fact it was a perfect Sunday in many ways. No, we didn't go to church, but we had church as we sat around the breakfast table talking about the goodness of God and prophesying over each other. We also worshiped as we listened to Jesus Culture. Even tonight as we took a boat ride at sunset, we were worsHiping God and marveling about the beautiful sunset that He had created. Bud had his camera out and was able to get great pictures of this sunset.
So tomorrow we go back home. I have a lot to do before the kids come in at them end of the week. I have 4 A periods to work. That's 4 3AM getups in a row, so I know I will be tired as he week progresses. But Jennifer, Sean and the girls come into town on Thursday night and then Lisa, Hernan and the girls drive in on Sat night. It's going to be a great week. I am so glad that we will all be together for a little while.
It has been a great weekend and it has gone by way to fast. Bot life moves quickly, especially right now. I have a lot going on and a lot to do in the next two weeks, so this weekend was a welcome and timely break. God is good, and His creation is amazing. Yes, it has been a great day, and it started with coffee on the dock. We should have time to do that again tomorrow morning. I hope so.
Back at the Lake
Once again we are back at Bud and Cathy's lake house. We came up this afternoon and Bud and Cathy drove up tonight. We spent a leisurely afternoon sitting down at the deck and swimming or floating on the lake. It seems that when I come up here, all cares and stress just seems to melt away. It is just so peaceful here in this little cove. It's almost like a little bit of heaven.
Sheryl and I are both getting ready for our families to come into town next week and to get a couple of days away right now really is great. Tonight for supper we had halibut covered and baked in fresh pesto sauce. It was awesome, and I am marinating chicken for tomorrow nights dinner. All I know is that the more time I spend up here, the more I want to just stop and smell the roses. I am really looking forward to spending time with the kids next week. Hopefully we will be able to go to the pool some.
I don't think that God intended for us to live with stress. Scripture says that perfect love cast out fear. Stress is caused by worry. It's hard to live without Fear or stress, but that is what we are supposed to do. Being here makes it a little bit easier. I'm looking forward to coffee on the dock in the morning, so I guess that I will call it a night and go to bed. Hopefully I'll be more who inspired to write by then
Sheryl and I are both getting ready for our families to come into town next week and to get a couple of days away right now really is great. Tonight for supper we had halibut covered and baked in fresh pesto sauce. It was awesome, and I am marinating chicken for tomorrow nights dinner. All I know is that the more time I spend up here, the more I want to just stop and smell the roses. I am really looking forward to spending time with the kids next week. Hopefully we will be able to go to the pool some.
I don't think that God intended for us to live with stress. Scripture says that perfect love cast out fear. Stress is caused by worry. It's hard to live without Fear or stress, but that is what we are supposed to do. Being here makes it a little bit easier. I'm looking forward to coffee on the dock in the morning, so I guess that I will call it a night and go to bed. Hopefully I'll be more who inspired to write by then
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Dead Battery
Well, things didn’t go as planned today, but when do things ever go as planned. We were planning too go for a bike ride this morning. But after I put the bike rack on the Envoy, I went to move it out of the garage to get the bikes on and it was dead, totally dead. No lights, no buzzer no nothing. So when Sheryl got here, we wound up going over to John’s to get His jumper battery starter. But that didn’t work either. Of course mi mind went to the worst. I had had computer problems already this year in the Envoy, and I was afraid this was a computer and not a battery. I didn’t have any jumper cables so I called Roadside assistance and had them send someone out to jump start the car. Well, they arrived in an hour and it started fine.
But by this time it was after 11 and it was now getting hot. So, the bike ride was off. We let the car run for a long time before we decided to drive it over to Auto Zone. WE had them test the battery. Sure enough it was dead and wouldn’t hold a charge. So I needed to buy another one. I didn’t remember, but I thought that I had bought the last one there. Sure enough I did, back in 2007. But it was a six year battery, so I got credit for the unused warranty and was able to buy the new battery for over 55 dollars less than I would have paid. The good news is they changed it out for me so I didn’t have to do anything if I don’t want to. St that was how we spent most of the morning and afternoon.
We went to Costco and ordered flowers for the party on the 21st. We also found some wild Halibut and wild Salmon. It was crowded as usual, but we were able to do everything that we wanted to do. We went to a Cuban restaurant in Kennesaw and it was very good. After that we came back to the house to watch Danny Silk and them a movie. “It’s Complicated” was the movie and it was very, very funny.
So that was pretty much my day and I guess that all in all it was a good day. I was just thinking about last nights post. I want to expand on it a little bit. Don’t get discouraged when things don’t seem to go your way. God is still GOOD and He will use everything, even bad circumstances to have His will accomplish. So, when you feel down and discouraged, remember how much He loves you. He will redeem even the most brutal circumstance. Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed. The enemy will try to do everything to keep you down, but God is GOOD and He will use any circumstance to bring glory to himself as we wait upon Him.
But by this time it was after 11 and it was now getting hot. So, the bike ride was off. We let the car run for a long time before we decided to drive it over to Auto Zone. WE had them test the battery. Sure enough it was dead and wouldn’t hold a charge. So I needed to buy another one. I didn’t remember, but I thought that I had bought the last one there. Sure enough I did, back in 2007. But it was a six year battery, so I got credit for the unused warranty and was able to buy the new battery for over 55 dollars less than I would have paid. The good news is they changed it out for me so I didn’t have to do anything if I don’t want to. St that was how we spent most of the morning and afternoon.
We went to Costco and ordered flowers for the party on the 21st. We also found some wild Halibut and wild Salmon. It was crowded as usual, but we were able to do everything that we wanted to do. We went to a Cuban restaurant in Kennesaw and it was very good. After that we came back to the house to watch Danny Silk and them a movie. “It’s Complicated” was the movie and it was very, very funny.
So that was pretty much my day and I guess that all in all it was a good day. I was just thinking about last nights post. I want to expand on it a little bit. Don’t get discouraged when things don’t seem to go your way. God is still GOOD and He will use everything, even bad circumstances to have His will accomplish. So, when you feel down and discouraged, remember how much He loves you. He will redeem even the most brutal circumstance. Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed. The enemy will try to do everything to keep you down, but God is GOOD and He will use any circumstance to bring glory to himself as we wait upon Him.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Plowing the Ground
So, you have a dream, and you spend your whole life trying to see it fulfilled. You do this until you die, but the dream goes unfulfilled. Are you a failure? Did you fail, or did you succeed? That is an interesting question and how you answer it depends on whose perspective you are taking.
Most men would say that you were a failure. You didn’t accomplish what you set out to accomplish. What is worse, you might have given up great successes in other areas to press into this one dream. But what would God say?
In Hebrews 1, the “faith” chapter, most of the men and women that are talked about didn’t see their dreams realized, yet this is what scripture says about them: “these all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”
So your level of faith has nothing to do with whether your dreams are fulfilled or not. Bill Johnson says it this way: “Many are discouraged because their dreams have failed. In their pain and frustration they oppose the message that a believer has a right to dream.” We all know that Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but we forget that desire fulfilled is the tree of life. He goes on to say that when people pursue dreams but fail to see them realized that they are preparing the way for others who are going after the same dream. In the Kingdom of God, some plow the ground, some water and others reap the harvest.
For most of us, all we think about is our problem. We don’t take the Kingdom perspective that will use one to build on another. Often a tragic loss here on earth is viewed quite differently in heaven. We fail to realize that one person’s loss becomes the soil of another’s victory. We forget that there is more to the Kingdom of God than our dream. We must realize that we are part of a larger whole. Just as new recruits learn in basic training that their ultimate goal is the victory of their squad, not their own victory, we as believers must realize that the Kingdom will advance on our defeats as well as our victories.
Once we realize this, then we can begin to realize that there really is no “defeat” for those in the Kingdom of God. Every time we push out we win, whether it seems like it or not. We all have an important role to play in the Kingdom. There really are no failures. Some plow, some water and other’s harvest. The pay is the same in the Kingdom. We all succeed in the end.
Most men would say that you were a failure. You didn’t accomplish what you set out to accomplish. What is worse, you might have given up great successes in other areas to press into this one dream. But what would God say?
In Hebrews 1, the “faith” chapter, most of the men and women that are talked about didn’t see their dreams realized, yet this is what scripture says about them: “these all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”
So your level of faith has nothing to do with whether your dreams are fulfilled or not. Bill Johnson says it this way: “Many are discouraged because their dreams have failed. In their pain and frustration they oppose the message that a believer has a right to dream.” We all know that Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but we forget that desire fulfilled is the tree of life. He goes on to say that when people pursue dreams but fail to see them realized that they are preparing the way for others who are going after the same dream. In the Kingdom of God, some plow the ground, some water and others reap the harvest.
For most of us, all we think about is our problem. We don’t take the Kingdom perspective that will use one to build on another. Often a tragic loss here on earth is viewed quite differently in heaven. We fail to realize that one person’s loss becomes the soil of another’s victory. We forget that there is more to the Kingdom of God than our dream. We must realize that we are part of a larger whole. Just as new recruits learn in basic training that their ultimate goal is the victory of their squad, not their own victory, we as believers must realize that the Kingdom will advance on our defeats as well as our victories.
Once we realize this, then we can begin to realize that there really is no “defeat” for those in the Kingdom of God. Every time we push out we win, whether it seems like it or not. We all have an important role to play in the Kingdom. There really are no failures. Some plow, some water and other’s harvest. The pay is the same in the Kingdom. We all succeed in the end.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Pearl
Wimber-"The pearl is Jesus. The pearl isn't a new career, the opportunity to make a name for yourself as a worship leader, pastor or leader. The pearl isn't even the ability to sustain yourself in a profession. The pearl is Jesus.”
Sometimes it is amazing how someone from the past can give a quote that is so relevant to what is going on in your life. As I was looking through Facebook this evening I saw this quote and it registered with me. It was as if Papa said, ”Tom, just slow down and remember what it is all about. It’s not about the school or the church. No, it’s not even about your relationship with Sheryl of your family. Those are all good, and a part of your destiny, but the pearl is Jesus. Don’t forget it.”
In the parable, a man found the pearl and then paid everything to buy the field it was in. As long as I can keep my eyes on Him, and rest in Him, then I don’t have to worry or strive or do anything to be accepted or succeed. Sure, there are responsibilities that I have, and those must be accomplished but they are not to advance myself or to prove to anyone that I belong. I belong because of Him. He is the one that has made me who I am, and as long as I se Him as the Pearl of Great Price then I will always be in the right place at the right time.
Today was a good day at work, and things are rapidly approaching. The girls will be in town starting the 17th and it will be so good to see everyone, but it is going to be very busy as well. There are a lot of moving parts to get in place, with Sheryl’s son and family coming into town. It is about to start being very busy that is why I hope that we can go to the lake with Bud and Cathy one more time this weekend. It will really be the calm before the storm.
So that is why that quote hit me today. I have to remember who the pearl is. I have to keep myself from being so wrapped up in all this stuff that I lose sight of the main thing. Another quote, this one by Peter Lord: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” That is so true, and mo matter how hectic life gets, the main thing is to keep my focus on Jesus, His love and His goodness> I can do that, it’s just that I have to be reminded every now and then.
Sometimes it is amazing how someone from the past can give a quote that is so relevant to what is going on in your life. As I was looking through Facebook this evening I saw this quote and it registered with me. It was as if Papa said, ”Tom, just slow down and remember what it is all about. It’s not about the school or the church. No, it’s not even about your relationship with Sheryl of your family. Those are all good, and a part of your destiny, but the pearl is Jesus. Don’t forget it.”
In the parable, a man found the pearl and then paid everything to buy the field it was in. As long as I can keep my eyes on Him, and rest in Him, then I don’t have to worry or strive or do anything to be accepted or succeed. Sure, there are responsibilities that I have, and those must be accomplished but they are not to advance myself or to prove to anyone that I belong. I belong because of Him. He is the one that has made me who I am, and as long as I se Him as the Pearl of Great Price then I will always be in the right place at the right time.
Today was a good day at work, and things are rapidly approaching. The girls will be in town starting the 17th and it will be so good to see everyone, but it is going to be very busy as well. There are a lot of moving parts to get in place, with Sheryl’s son and family coming into town. It is about to start being very busy that is why I hope that we can go to the lake with Bud and Cathy one more time this weekend. It will really be the calm before the storm.
So that is why that quote hit me today. I have to remember who the pearl is. I have to keep myself from being so wrapped up in all this stuff that I lose sight of the main thing. Another quote, this one by Peter Lord: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” That is so true, and mo matter how hectic life gets, the main thing is to keep my focus on Jesus, His love and His goodness> I can do that, it’s just that I have to be reminded every now and then.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Letting Go
I am amazed at how I find myself holding on to certain things that represent the past. Even as I try to live forward, I still hold on to little things that bring back memories. There is nothing wrong with this as long as you know that you are doing it and don’t allow it to keep you from pressing into all the things that God has for you in the future. For example, I probably have over 20 Peachtree Road Race shirts. Now if I had all 30 that I have run, then that would be a collection. But having just 20 or so, what good is that? I never wear them and they are in boxes in the basement.
Oh the basement, now that is another area where I hold memories form the past that I will never use. They are just taking up space. I believe that basements in the natural represent things that go on with us in the Spiritual. We allow ourselves to be cluttered up with stuff. That stuff keeps us from pressing into our destiny because it weighs us down. Right now in the natural, my basement contains remnants from another life. A few things I want to keep and are important, but much of what is down there has no real meaning anymore. It needs to be cleaned out and taken to where it can do some good. But that takes time and energy. I haven’t made the time because I hate cleaning basements. I think it goes back to when I was a little boy. I remember when mom would send me down to clean the basement and not give me any direction on what to do with all the stuff.
That’s how I feel now with my basement. I know it needs to be cleaned out, but I don’t have anyone to give me direction, and I have a hard time getting rid of anything. I need someone who is ruthless to help me get rid of the “valuables” that have long lost their value. Isn’t this a lot like life? Don’t we have a hard time letting go of things, even after they have lost their value? I go downstairs and look around and immediately get overwhelmed. I see so much junk and yet I see things that others might want, and I wind up doing nothing. Well I have to do something; I am running out of time.
But there are things that I enjoy in my life that I need to let go of also. My life is changing and I have to clear out some of the old to make room for the new. Old things are comfortable and hard to get rid of. Sometimes the new can be a little intimidating. For instance in the long term, where are we going to live? Changes are coming, and I have to be ready to embrace them. This is one box that I am comfortable in, but I have to take my own words to heart. I have to be ready to break down the walls and do what we hear Holy Spirit saying.
So it’s time to let go of even more things. Some are very hard to let go of because they are so a part of me. But really all of this, this material world is temporary and I just really want to be in His will, no mater what. This is between Holy Spirit, and me and I just want to make sure I am obeying His voice and not what I think is right and necessary.
Oh the basement, now that is another area where I hold memories form the past that I will never use. They are just taking up space. I believe that basements in the natural represent things that go on with us in the Spiritual. We allow ourselves to be cluttered up with stuff. That stuff keeps us from pressing into our destiny because it weighs us down. Right now in the natural, my basement contains remnants from another life. A few things I want to keep and are important, but much of what is down there has no real meaning anymore. It needs to be cleaned out and taken to where it can do some good. But that takes time and energy. I haven’t made the time because I hate cleaning basements. I think it goes back to when I was a little boy. I remember when mom would send me down to clean the basement and not give me any direction on what to do with all the stuff.
That’s how I feel now with my basement. I know it needs to be cleaned out, but I don’t have anyone to give me direction, and I have a hard time getting rid of anything. I need someone who is ruthless to help me get rid of the “valuables” that have long lost their value. Isn’t this a lot like life? Don’t we have a hard time letting go of things, even after they have lost their value? I go downstairs and look around and immediately get overwhelmed. I see so much junk and yet I see things that others might want, and I wind up doing nothing. Well I have to do something; I am running out of time.
But there are things that I enjoy in my life that I need to let go of also. My life is changing and I have to clear out some of the old to make room for the new. Old things are comfortable and hard to get rid of. Sometimes the new can be a little intimidating. For instance in the long term, where are we going to live? Changes are coming, and I have to be ready to embrace them. This is one box that I am comfortable in, but I have to take my own words to heart. I have to be ready to break down the walls and do what we hear Holy Spirit saying.
So it’s time to let go of even more things. Some are very hard to let go of because they are so a part of me. But really all of this, this material world is temporary and I just really want to be in His will, no mater what. This is between Holy Spirit, and me and I just want to make sure I am obeying His voice and not what I think is right and necessary.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Daring to Dream; Again
I know that I have written about this before, but it is so important in our walk with Father God that I have to keep bringing it up time and time again. Some things need to be repeated and said a different way, and this is what I am doing tonight. I wonder how many people even dream. Last Sunday Chris talked about going to Wal-Mart and just asking people what their dreams were. He was shocked to find that most of them didn’t have any dreams. I guess that really shouldn’t surprise me. After all, the whole country is in “survival mode”. With the economy the way it is, and high gas prices along with people just trying to hold onto their jobs, dreams fall way down the list.
That’s too bad, because it’s times like these that dreams are even more important. It is a person’s dream that makes them press for more. If they are just trying to survive them nothing gets done except the things that are required to survive. But if that’s all we are living for, then that’s all we will get: survival. Well, that’s not enough, at least not for me. No I want much more. I have dreams that go out for the next thirty to forty years. I might not see them fulfilled, but if I don’t start on them, then no one will be there to continue on. So my question tonight is this: What are your dreams? Have you given up? If so, how can you get motivated to check everything out?
Here are just a few of my dreams. I want to see Bethel Atlanta in its own building and the transformation center functioning at a high level. I want to see BASSM with 300 first year students and 150-second year students. I also want to see the school with a paid staff that is able to push the envelope in the spirit. I want to travel all over the world with Sheryl teaching sozo and setting people free of lies and wounds that keep them from reaching the destiny they have been called to do. I want to see my grandchildren, all nine of them now, reach the destiny that God has for their life. I want to see my kids grow and fulfill the destiny that they have. Each one of them is different; there is no comparing. But they all have a different destiny and calling on their life. I want to see them reach their full potential. I want them to be risk takers for the Kingdom. I don’t want them to be afraid to go after what is on their heart.
I still love that phrase in Braveheart; “ Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it.” It takes courage to go against the “American Dream”. As I was writing I began to realize that no where in my dream list was there a new house, or a big yard. Maybe it’s because I’ve been there and done that. But at this point in my life, I begin to see all that He has done for us and I just want to do something for Him. There is nothing wrong with a big house, but where does it lead. If the dream of a big house is part of your dream to expand the Kingdom, then I am all for it.
I suggest that you take an inventory of what your dreams are and how you see them being accomplished. Then write them out and put them in some type of order. I know that hope deferred makes the heart sick, but we can’t not stop pursuing our dreams even though we might be trying to survive. So I ask you to join me to continue to dream a little while. The worst thing that we can do is not to dream, not to have a hope and a future. Our destiny is tied up in our dreams; we must have time for all the hope.
That’s too bad, because it’s times like these that dreams are even more important. It is a person’s dream that makes them press for more. If they are just trying to survive them nothing gets done except the things that are required to survive. But if that’s all we are living for, then that’s all we will get: survival. Well, that’s not enough, at least not for me. No I want much more. I have dreams that go out for the next thirty to forty years. I might not see them fulfilled, but if I don’t start on them, then no one will be there to continue on. So my question tonight is this: What are your dreams? Have you given up? If so, how can you get motivated to check everything out?
Here are just a few of my dreams. I want to see Bethel Atlanta in its own building and the transformation center functioning at a high level. I want to see BASSM with 300 first year students and 150-second year students. I also want to see the school with a paid staff that is able to push the envelope in the spirit. I want to travel all over the world with Sheryl teaching sozo and setting people free of lies and wounds that keep them from reaching the destiny they have been called to do. I want to see my grandchildren, all nine of them now, reach the destiny that God has for their life. I want to see my kids grow and fulfill the destiny that they have. Each one of them is different; there is no comparing. But they all have a different destiny and calling on their life. I want to see them reach their full potential. I want them to be risk takers for the Kingdom. I don’t want them to be afraid to go after what is on their heart.
I still love that phrase in Braveheart; “ Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it.” It takes courage to go against the “American Dream”. As I was writing I began to realize that no where in my dream list was there a new house, or a big yard. Maybe it’s because I’ve been there and done that. But at this point in my life, I begin to see all that He has done for us and I just want to do something for Him. There is nothing wrong with a big house, but where does it lead. If the dream of a big house is part of your dream to expand the Kingdom, then I am all for it.
I suggest that you take an inventory of what your dreams are and how you see them being accomplished. Then write them out and put them in some type of order. I know that hope deferred makes the heart sick, but we can’t not stop pursuing our dreams even though we might be trying to survive. So I ask you to join me to continue to dream a little while. The worst thing that we can do is not to dream, not to have a hope and a future. Our destiny is tied up in our dreams; we must have time for all the hope.
My Mom
Today is my Mom’s birthday. She was born on June 5th and I think she would have been 82 or 83 today. I’m not sure what year she was born, I really think she would have been 82. But no matter, she passed away in 1996 on the day of the opening ceremony of the Atlanta Olympics. I can remember that day well. I remember that after we left the hospital, we stopped to eat, and watched part of the opening ceremonies on TV.
But I just want to honor her with this post. I don’t think that I have written about her since I have been writing. She was a good mom, and I remember her as being full of passion and also having a fiery temper sometimes. But this I do know, she loved us very much and would do anything to help us. Even in college, when I had papers to write. I could ask her and she would type them for me. That included proofing them and spell checking them. Yes, I did go to college before we had personal computers. So mom’s typing skills were very important.
I can remember her taking us roller skating. Back then there was only one roller skating rink in Atlanta. It was over off Ponce De Leon. That was about an hour and a half’s drive for us, but she would load all four of us in the car and we would go skating. I don’t know whether she really wanted to teach us, or she just wanted to skate; because she was a great skater and could skate backward and very gracefully. I enjoyed skating and eventually got my own pair of roller skates.
I’m not really sure how good of a housekeeper she was, because with four kids, the house was always in some state of disrepair. I remember that back then we had someone come in to do the ironing and help clean the house. That is surprising because we were pretty poor. I guess poverty is relative. While I was in grammar school, we lived on Murray Lake circle in Conley Ga. We lived on a dirt road, and I had a Dalmatian named Rocky. There was one time when Rocky disappeared, and Mom would go to the door three and four times a day. She would call and call. I really believe it was her calls that brought Rocky back to us after about 5 weeks.
One thing mom really got into was Christmas. I guess that is where I got my passion for Christmas. She would always take all four of us to get the tree for Christmas. I remember one year we were so poor we really didn’t have enough money for a tree. But she was determined that we were going to have a tree. For her Christmas without a tree would be totally terrible. So we all bundled up and went tree shopping. We were very frustrated. All we had was 5 dollars, and most of the trees were at least 10. But not to be shut out, mom came up with a plan. She found this tree that was split in half s she took the best half and the began to try and match it together with another part of another tree. Well, she did it, and she had the guy tie the two half’s here together and it actually looked pretty good. It was an extra special Christmas that year; we had a Christmas tree and all our gifts were more than enough.
So those are just a few of my memories of my Mother. I loved her dearly, and we had a code each night when I went to bed as a young boy. I would tell her good night, but until I heard from her these exact words: “Good night, I love you. Sweet dreams.” Until she told me those exact words, I was sure that something was wrong. So in closing tonight I say this in love to her; Good night Mom, I love you, Sweet Dreams.
But I just want to honor her with this post. I don’t think that I have written about her since I have been writing. She was a good mom, and I remember her as being full of passion and also having a fiery temper sometimes. But this I do know, she loved us very much and would do anything to help us. Even in college, when I had papers to write. I could ask her and she would type them for me. That included proofing them and spell checking them. Yes, I did go to college before we had personal computers. So mom’s typing skills were very important.
I can remember her taking us roller skating. Back then there was only one roller skating rink in Atlanta. It was over off Ponce De Leon. That was about an hour and a half’s drive for us, but she would load all four of us in the car and we would go skating. I don’t know whether she really wanted to teach us, or she just wanted to skate; because she was a great skater and could skate backward and very gracefully. I enjoyed skating and eventually got my own pair of roller skates.
I’m not really sure how good of a housekeeper she was, because with four kids, the house was always in some state of disrepair. I remember that back then we had someone come in to do the ironing and help clean the house. That is surprising because we were pretty poor. I guess poverty is relative. While I was in grammar school, we lived on Murray Lake circle in Conley Ga. We lived on a dirt road, and I had a Dalmatian named Rocky. There was one time when Rocky disappeared, and Mom would go to the door three and four times a day. She would call and call. I really believe it was her calls that brought Rocky back to us after about 5 weeks.
One thing mom really got into was Christmas. I guess that is where I got my passion for Christmas. She would always take all four of us to get the tree for Christmas. I remember one year we were so poor we really didn’t have enough money for a tree. But she was determined that we were going to have a tree. For her Christmas without a tree would be totally terrible. So we all bundled up and went tree shopping. We were very frustrated. All we had was 5 dollars, and most of the trees were at least 10. But not to be shut out, mom came up with a plan. She found this tree that was split in half s she took the best half and the began to try and match it together with another part of another tree. Well, she did it, and she had the guy tie the two half’s here together and it actually looked pretty good. It was an extra special Christmas that year; we had a Christmas tree and all our gifts were more than enough.
So those are just a few of my memories of my Mother. I loved her dearly, and we had a code each night when I went to bed as a young boy. I would tell her good night, but until I heard from her these exact words: “Good night, I love you. Sweet dreams.” Until she told me those exact words, I was sure that something was wrong. So in closing tonight I say this in love to her; Good night Mom, I love you, Sweet Dreams.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Vineyard Days
Today I helped Sheryl teach a basic Sozo training at the Marietta Vineyard. It was the first time that I had spoken in a Vineyard Church in about 16 years. It was an honor to be there and to speak to them. The Vineyard is a big part of my heritage, especially in the area of small groups and in gifts of the Spirit. John Wimber is still one of my Spiritual Fathers of the Faith. Even though I only saw him live a few times, his teachings and all that he was doing in the church has impacted my life like few men have. So to be there today speaking at the Vineyard was like things opening up from the past.
It’s funny, because the first home group ever for the Marietta Vineyard was in our house in probably late 89. Probably no one who was there in that group is left, but it was the founding pastor and a few others. So it was good to see a thriving church really going after the things of the Spirit again. Anyway, I got to speak blessings over the house and the people so it was good. Then I taught on the curse that the Buddhist monks made against all of our troop’s in Vietnam. The curse was threefold: 1)That the American Soldiers would become wandering men for the rest of their lives. 2)That they would never find peace. 3)That they would be angry men and women for the rest of their lives
I don’t know how many people realize how true these curses are to what has happened to many Vietnam Vets. Just from dealing and ministering to homeless men in Atlanta, it’s unbelievable the high percentage of them who are Vietnam Vets. Most of them are wanderers, without peace and very angry. When you see what I have seen, you begin to recognize the spiritual significance of all that is going on, and the curse these men are living under. The church didn’t recognize it as a spiritual problem and the government didn’t have the capability to fix it. But Jesus died on the cross not only for our sins, but also any curses that we have had to walk through.
So, it’s just a matter of appropriating what He has already done in our lives. We do the same thing when we receive healing or salvation. It’s no difference. He has beaten the odds and wants us to join Him. So , tonight we play for love and connection. So anyway, I prayed to break any curse off people, especially Vets. A s you know, I think that there were three. It should give itself a plenty of thought, and then a new love. God likes it hot.
After my teaching, we went around for questions. We had some good questions and answers. The Holy Spirit once again led the discussion and answers. I’m looking forward to more times of teaching with Sheryl. This was a great time, but I am ready for a couple of days off.
It’s funny, because the first home group ever for the Marietta Vineyard was in our house in probably late 89. Probably no one who was there in that group is left, but it was the founding pastor and a few others. So it was good to see a thriving church really going after the things of the Spirit again. Anyway, I got to speak blessings over the house and the people so it was good. Then I taught on the curse that the Buddhist monks made against all of our troop’s in Vietnam. The curse was threefold: 1)That the American Soldiers would become wandering men for the rest of their lives. 2)That they would never find peace. 3)That they would be angry men and women for the rest of their lives
I don’t know how many people realize how true these curses are to what has happened to many Vietnam Vets. Just from dealing and ministering to homeless men in Atlanta, it’s unbelievable the high percentage of them who are Vietnam Vets. Most of them are wanderers, without peace and very angry. When you see what I have seen, you begin to recognize the spiritual significance of all that is going on, and the curse these men are living under. The church didn’t recognize it as a spiritual problem and the government didn’t have the capability to fix it. But Jesus died on the cross not only for our sins, but also any curses that we have had to walk through.
So, it’s just a matter of appropriating what He has already done in our lives. We do the same thing when we receive healing or salvation. It’s no difference. He has beaten the odds and wants us to join Him. So , tonight we play for love and connection. So anyway, I prayed to break any curse off people, especially Vets. A s you know, I think that there were three. It should give itself a plenty of thought, and then a new love. God likes it hot.
After my teaching, we went around for questions. We had some good questions and answers. The Holy Spirit once again led the discussion and answers. I’m looking forward to more times of teaching with Sheryl. This was a great time, but I am ready for a couple of days off.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Crossroads
Have you ever come to a crossroad in your life and just sat there for a season asking God to show you which way to go. I can look back in my life and see specific times, specific crossroads where if I had went one way my life would have taken a completely different course. Now what I don’t know is if that course would have eventually wound up in the same place, but I don’t think so. There are some crossroads that take you in completely different directions. Then there are other crossroads that will lead you in the same general direction no matter which one that you pick.
Anyway, tonight at the Marietta Vineyard when we finished prophesying over everybody there, the pastor had a prophetic word for us as a couple. It is the first prophetic word that we have had as a couple together, so I consider it to be important. He said that He could see that our marriage was God ordained, which I know it is. He said that our ministry would be very powerful together, but he saw a crossroad signpost over us. He couldn’t read the street signs, but knew that we had a choice of which path, or road, to take. He said that God was going to give us wisdom to choose the right path, although neither was totally wrong. He also said that no matter which path that we chose, God was going to bless it.
That’s a good word, and I am excited, because we have been told, and we have both heard Papa say that together our ministry was going to be many times greater than the sum of each of our ministry. The crossroad sign rings true also because as we join lives there are so many pieces to sort out and so many decisions to make. It’s all exciting, but we do pray for His wisdom in every area, not just our ministry.
So I know that we are at a crossroad, in almost every area. I just know this: family and friends are important and no matter what path we take, there will always be room in our hearts and lives for them. We have been so blessed to have such good friends. I’m really blessed in the fact that Sheryl has made friends with my friends even before we were engaged. I never realized how much it meant to me, but the fact that she is already friends with them is just an extra blessing in my life.
Well, tomorrow I will get up and run. Then I take my Harley down to Marietta Vineyard and the conference. I need to get it out for a ride, and this will work fine. It should be a fun day. It’s good to be off for the next few days. We will have to continue to pray for wisdom. It will be interesting to see what path we take as time progresses.
Anyway, tonight at the Marietta Vineyard when we finished prophesying over everybody there, the pastor had a prophetic word for us as a couple. It is the first prophetic word that we have had as a couple together, so I consider it to be important. He said that He could see that our marriage was God ordained, which I know it is. He said that our ministry would be very powerful together, but he saw a crossroad signpost over us. He couldn’t read the street signs, but knew that we had a choice of which path, or road, to take. He said that God was going to give us wisdom to choose the right path, although neither was totally wrong. He also said that no matter which path that we chose, God was going to bless it.
That’s a good word, and I am excited, because we have been told, and we have both heard Papa say that together our ministry was going to be many times greater than the sum of each of our ministry. The crossroad sign rings true also because as we join lives there are so many pieces to sort out and so many decisions to make. It’s all exciting, but we do pray for His wisdom in every area, not just our ministry.
So I know that we are at a crossroad, in almost every area. I just know this: family and friends are important and no matter what path we take, there will always be room in our hearts and lives for them. We have been so blessed to have such good friends. I’m really blessed in the fact that Sheryl has made friends with my friends even before we were engaged. I never realized how much it meant to me, but the fact that she is already friends with them is just an extra blessing in my life.
Well, tomorrow I will get up and run. Then I take my Harley down to Marietta Vineyard and the conference. I need to get it out for a ride, and this will work fine. It should be a fun day. It’s good to be off for the next few days. We will have to continue to pray for wisdom. It will be interesting to see what path we take as time progresses.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Life Moves Quickly
Today was another fast day. It seems that I just had time to get up, get a few things done and then go to work again. I have one more day to work this week. It will be five periods in four days. June, it seems is just as busy as May. I know that is not true, but today it seems that way. So I work tomorrow afternoon and them I am off for three days. Sometime this month I need to get a jump seat ride in. It will be a quick flight somewhere. Anyway, life is moving faster and faster.
I am really looking at everything that is going on. I know that I need to spend some more time on school. I’m not falling behind, but to keep up I need to spend at least a couple of hours a week on emails and then even more time with interviews. The problem is I find myself wanting to do nothing except spend time with Sheryl. I don’t understand how god made us or why He made us the way He did. I can deal with loneliness. I have been dealing with it for almost a year and a half. The problem comes when you really like someone, and just want to be near them. It’s really a good problem, but it tends to mess up your schedule.
Tomorrow I work and then I will go to the Marietta Vineyard where Sheryl and Terry are leading a Sozo training session. There are a lot of things I could do, but I want to be there, so I will. Saturday is the same. I have a lot to do, but I will be there to support and pray for her. So, my schedule of accomplishing the tasks that need to be accomplished gets pushed farther and farther away. Welcome to my world.
That’s what I told Sheryl when she asked me if I was always this busy. I know that I am busy when I don’t have time to watch TV. I used to watch three to four hours a night. But since I have been in school and now that I am doing all that I am doing with school, I am lucky to watch one or two hours a night. I have a DVR, and I record most of my favorite shows. Hopefully I will be able to catch up during the summer. Last year I had to give up and erase many of my favorites so that I could record the new programs in the fall. That will probably be the case this fall.
But I don’t mind, I had much rather be involved with Kingdom stuff rather than watching TV. Life continues to change so I guess my habits have to change as well. I just know that I have to begin to train soon if I am going to run a marathon. How I don’t know, but I must make time. This I do know, God wants me to stay in shape and to exercise, so He will show me how to schedule it all in. Yes, Life is moving quickly, but I think that He is giving me strategies to keep up.
I am really looking at everything that is going on. I know that I need to spend some more time on school. I’m not falling behind, but to keep up I need to spend at least a couple of hours a week on emails and then even more time with interviews. The problem is I find myself wanting to do nothing except spend time with Sheryl. I don’t understand how god made us or why He made us the way He did. I can deal with loneliness. I have been dealing with it for almost a year and a half. The problem comes when you really like someone, and just want to be near them. It’s really a good problem, but it tends to mess up your schedule.
Tomorrow I work and then I will go to the Marietta Vineyard where Sheryl and Terry are leading a Sozo training session. There are a lot of things I could do, but I want to be there, so I will. Saturday is the same. I have a lot to do, but I will be there to support and pray for her. So, my schedule of accomplishing the tasks that need to be accomplished gets pushed farther and farther away. Welcome to my world.
That’s what I told Sheryl when she asked me if I was always this busy. I know that I am busy when I don’t have time to watch TV. I used to watch three to four hours a night. But since I have been in school and now that I am doing all that I am doing with school, I am lucky to watch one or two hours a night. I have a DVR, and I record most of my favorite shows. Hopefully I will be able to catch up during the summer. Last year I had to give up and erase many of my favorites so that I could record the new programs in the fall. That will probably be the case this fall.
But I don’t mind, I had much rather be involved with Kingdom stuff rather than watching TV. Life continues to change so I guess my habits have to change as well. I just know that I have to begin to train soon if I am going to run a marathon. How I don’t know, but I must make time. This I do know, God wants me to stay in shape and to exercise, so He will show me how to schedule it all in. Yes, Life is moving quickly, but I think that He is giving me strategies to keep up.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Prince or Pauper
Here is a question for you. How do you see yourself? Do you think of yourself as just a sinner saved by grace? Or do you think of yourself as a child of the King, an joint heir with Jesus Christ, seated in heavenly places with authority to call down the Kingdom of heaven here on earth? Now some of you might say that I am both, and I know that in reality it is true that you can be both.
However, if you just see yourself as a sinner saved by grace, or if that is where your identity lies, then I want to share some things with you tonight. First you are much more. Jesus paid the ultimate price not just to save you from your sins. That was just the first step, the beginning. When He washed away your sins, they stopped existing. To continue to refer back to them is to make what He did for you and all of mankind worthless. It’s like I paid the ultimate price, and then you kept trying to pay it again, even after it had already been paid. He didn’t die just to redeem us from our sins; He died for much more.
His death was to restore us to right relationship with the father as His children. His death was to restore us to our place on the earth and allow us once again to replenish and subdue the earth for the Kingdom of God. We are more than conquerors. We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and we are seated in Heavenly places even as we are here on this earth. We are princes and princesses here to bring in the Kingdom of God into our sphere of influence.
But if we just see ourselves as sinners saved by grace, then how can we be effective in releasing the Kingdom of God. Instead we will be content just to survive until we get to go to Heaven. We will constantly be looking for an escape plan (the rapture) and will only be concerned with bringing other sinners into the grace that we have received. Don’t get me wrong, we all have received His grace, and I am so glad that He brought me into His love. But there is just so much more. If we stop with just the grace of having our sins paid for, we miss the main thing that Jesus was going after.
His heart was not just to set us free, but to redeem the whole world. How is He going to do that? Through us as believers who are releasing the Kingdom of God and His presence everywhere we go. He has called us as a victorious army, called to bring freedom to the captives with every step that we take. That is our assignment and we cannot do it as just sinners saved by grace. No, we have to realize that we are Princes and Princesses of the Most High God, and that we operate out of His authority and grace to bring the Kingdom of God wherever we go. We are not paupers. We operate from victory, not defeat.
However, if you just see yourself as a sinner saved by grace, or if that is where your identity lies, then I want to share some things with you tonight. First you are much more. Jesus paid the ultimate price not just to save you from your sins. That was just the first step, the beginning. When He washed away your sins, they stopped existing. To continue to refer back to them is to make what He did for you and all of mankind worthless. It’s like I paid the ultimate price, and then you kept trying to pay it again, even after it had already been paid. He didn’t die just to redeem us from our sins; He died for much more.
His death was to restore us to right relationship with the father as His children. His death was to restore us to our place on the earth and allow us once again to replenish and subdue the earth for the Kingdom of God. We are more than conquerors. We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and we are seated in Heavenly places even as we are here on this earth. We are princes and princesses here to bring in the Kingdom of God into our sphere of influence.
But if we just see ourselves as sinners saved by grace, then how can we be effective in releasing the Kingdom of God. Instead we will be content just to survive until we get to go to Heaven. We will constantly be looking for an escape plan (the rapture) and will only be concerned with bringing other sinners into the grace that we have received. Don’t get me wrong, we all have received His grace, and I am so glad that He brought me into His love. But there is just so much more. If we stop with just the grace of having our sins paid for, we miss the main thing that Jesus was going after.
His heart was not just to set us free, but to redeem the whole world. How is He going to do that? Through us as believers who are releasing the Kingdom of God and His presence everywhere we go. He has called us as a victorious army, called to bring freedom to the captives with every step that we take. That is our assignment and we cannot do it as just sinners saved by grace. No, we have to realize that we are Princes and Princesses of the Most High God, and that we operate out of His authority and grace to bring the Kingdom of God wherever we go. We are not paupers. We operate from victory, not defeat.
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