God knows the future....

A Father's Wound

2013-06-07T11:01:00.002-07:00

I knew of a man who had a childhood one rarely speaks of. The kind of childhood where the pain of reality is too great to discuss. The wounds inflicted by his family and circumstances caused great pain and anger, but despite all odds he would choose to repeat and recall those moments in life that brought joy.

This choice takes a steel of character that is supernatural. It is too easy to recall the pain, so many today wallow in the wounds of the past, repeating over and over again the injustice. Reflecting again and again who could have changed those circumstances to eliminate the pain or bring justice after the pain. This method of living is what so many choose, so easy to do. Those who choose not to live this way, do not always do so with a head in the sand, rainbow in the sky reality. The pain may affect their actions, but they choose to recall the joy because that is the higher ground, that takes a depth of character so many do not even strive for.

This man found Grace gave him the ability to move forward. When memories of the past came to him, Grace gave him the strength to remember the good. When he discovered the wonders of Grace, he pursued it. As he walked in Grace, he was able to let go of anger. And, like many men, as they age, he built a family. This man’s pain and upbringing twisted his understanding of parenting. He, despite his desire to follow Grace, made mistakes. His pain-induced anger reared its ugly head at times. But even then, he avoided the extremes of what was modeled to him. He worked at parenting differently. He went to parenting seminars, parenting classes, read about parenting, and he practiced different methods. Most surprisingly, unlike many, when he was wrong, he did not say his past made him do it, he owned his error; he sincerely apologized, asked for forgiveness and sought Grace to change his behavior.

As time progressed, glimpses of his childhood would be revealed. Stories would sometimes rise to the surface. Not usually from his mouth, but those recalled by his siblings that denied Grace. They would repeat the pains and injustices. The horrors of those childhood memories would one day be called reality, would be directly addressed, and Grace would allow deeper forgiveness, deeper healing. Grace also allowed this man’s children to follow Grace. They embraced the path of Grace and decided to walk in its footsteps. Grace loves. Grace forgives. Grace moves in the direction of hope. Grace honors others. Grace is grateful. The children grew believing Grace was the higher ground. They taught others that Grace is the best path.

And then they started recalling the past. They recalled the injustices of their own father, the errors and mistakes he made, despite his efforts, despite his desire to be like Grace. They recalled with repetition the little and grand mistakes. They repeated them, they wallowed in them. How could this father, the one who supposedly followed Grace be that way? They ignored the hurdles this man overcame. They ignored the good he had done. They ignored the example of honoring. They ignored his history of repenting and seeking reconciliation.

When they would grow and age and have their own families, they would make mistakes and instead of claiming these mistakes as theirs they pointed back to the father, blaming him for their errors. They repeated and wallowed and ignored and chose not to speak to the father about these things. Instead of seeking Grace and reconciliation, they blamed their father. Most disappointing of all, as they taught Grace they forgot Grace.

Grass Greener?

2011-07-14T11:40:00.001-07:00

Recently, we re-established ourselves in a place that we thought we would not find ourselves. We have moved to a place oh so familiar. The state is Oregon. The place where I grew up and a place where my wife was born, but only lived for a short time as a child. A place where everybody gets tired of rain, well almost everybody.

But when visited by out of towners they almost inevitably say, "wow" this is the most beautiful place! Of course they vacation during a dry spell and because it rains a lot in OR, it stays green. You know that phrase: "The grass is greener on the other side?" It really could mean: "Where I am is not where I want to be and I believe there is something better."

I understand this feeling because i have been there! I have run into many dear people who I am convinced are struggling with that very same phrase or idea. Thinking there is something better on the other side of the fence. Well, what if God has green grass in store for you! But it is not on the other side of the fence, and it is not in another city, state, or even country. Perhaps it is right there in front of you. Maybe you are sitting on that green grass and don't even know it.

I want to tell you Oregon is beautiful! But God's will for you is more beautiful than anything else. Amen

Why I Celebrate Christmas

2010-12-07T14:12:00.003-08:00

Why I Celebrate Christmas

I need Jesus. Could you imagine if Christ never came? I'm a Gentile living thousands of miles away from Israel. The likelihood of me hearing about a coming Messiah would be slim. I would still be lost, trying to do this life in my own strength and making a big mess of it. I need Jesus.

But the truth is, He did come. In the humble state of a baby, relying on us humans to care for him! He came. Emmanuel, God with us. Because he came, news of His birth, death and resurrection have continued to spread over 2000 years over thousands of miles of land and seas, and I was privileged to hear this news! Whoa. Little ole' me. He came. And has changed me. I am still a work in progress, but he has changed me. He has filled me with peace. I have been forgiven things I thought were unforgiveable. I have hope that no matter what life throws at me, He will be with me.

I need Jesus. That is why I celebrate Christmas. There are some who choose not to celebrate Christmas for a number of different reasons, boycotting commercialism, greed, or the fact that we know Jesus was not born on December 25th. But I will celebrate. I will find ways to bring glory to His name in the ways I celebrate. Hey, I figured, if God can redeemed my sorry self, He can redeem a day on the calendar.

I celebrate Christmas because Jesus was and is the best gift I have ever received. That is why I will give gifts to those around me and to those in need, not just physical need, but also spiritual need. I do not need any gifts in return, because His presence is my present. I need Jesus.

I need Jesus.

Web album of Madi

2010-09-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

Easter Picture Tradition

2010-04-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed! Three wonderful kids and one on the way.

God is good! Always!

Blessed

2010-03-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Today was beautiful. The sky was blue, the flowers blooming and my boy (6) came and helped me mow the lawn. He sat on my lap and steered the riding mower. We had a good time. He is really ticklish and I would mess him up while he drove by tickling him. :) It was wonderful.

What is beauty?

2009-11-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Today I witnessed a beautiful sight. As Jesus followers, we are to be like Him in our actions demonstrated through love and humility. I have recently joined a community of people who have seen many tough times. Many have physical limitations, physical pains, many have been through such difficulties in life, that I can not pretend to begin to understand. Years ago, one man in particular, was helping a stranded motorist change their tire when another driver hit the man and kept going. This man of God almost lost his life and has limitations to this day. He is not bitter at God nor at the driver who injured him. On the contrary, he is a strong, kind, considerate man. Today I could not hold back the tears as I watched this man, struggle to his feet, cross the aisle at church and help an elderly woman to her feet and walk with her to the communion table. He then helped her to her seat again, went back and joined his wife at the table. Humility, love, compassion exhibited in the midst of a broken body, but not a broken soul. Beauty defined through deeds.

Anna's Bday

2009-10-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Anna's Bday was last weekend. We surprised her with a basketball hoop, dinner with Grandma & Grandpa, the high school football game & cake & ice cream back at our house. It was fun.

Jesus introduced by Steve Harvey

2009-09-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Life

2009-08-26T08:57:00.001-07:00

Life is different down here. It is quieter, colder, more beautiful, & different. We are getting use to it. We love the space of 3 acres for the kids to run around. We love the view. There are good people here. We pray for God's hand on our lives and this church.

Sweet Home . . . no really it is called Sweet Home!!

2009-08-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

We know God knows the future. We just never imagined we would end up back in our home state serving in the small community of Sweet Home, Oregon. We were preparing to move to France . . . we are now living in the heart of small town America. Life is an adventure.

Well, our kids and Edmund, our dog, are sure enjoying it here! Lots of room to run, lots of grass and such sweet, kind people at the church.

Between remodeling the parsonage, entertaining company & VBS, we have kept pretty busy during these last 5 weeks. For 2 of those weeks we had Susan's family staying with us - 22 people under one roof - it was a ton of fun!!! We were all gathered for Susan's Grandpa's 85th birthday.

We also had some cuties join our family, the girls talked us into accepting 2 8-week old kittens from Susan's cousin. They are brother & sister and Edmund seems to be adjusting to them quite well.

So if any of you would like to come visit - let us know we would love to have you!
Take a look at our view from our living room.

The kids & the pets
Swimming in the pool someone gave us!
Hiking near our home
Hiking again!
God's beautiful creation everywhere!

New Adventures

2009-03-31T11:16:00.001-07:00

Thomas Boyd from the Oregonian took this picture

We know transition. We know limbo. We know uncertainty. We also Know the Creator of all things, the Alpha and the Omega. He has set us on a new course, one we would not have thought of on our own. He is directing our lives to a new place. We know it is Him who is directing us and we trust Him completely.

2008-12-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all!
More Christ to all!

School Pics!

2008-09-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

We like to take our kids' school pics at home and make it a family affair. Here are this year's. And we added one of Edmund too - he hasn't started school yet, but maybe soon!

Family Reunion

2008-08-22T23:43:00.001-07:00

We had such a great time with everyone in town. Here are a few of the cousins riding the carousel here in Salem.

Corley Reunion

2008-08-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

We have been having a great time with everyone being in Oregon! We all spent a couple of days at the Oregon coast!

2008-07-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well, our dining room, kitchen & living room are done now. Here are the pics. We are ready for company now!

Canby Grove Camp & Rudy & Terri Sheptock

2008-07-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

What a great time we had! What a blessing! We were able to travel up to Canby Grove Camp and visit Rudy & Terri Sheptock (they were out here all the way from New Jersey) because he was the guest speaker at the Family Camp this week. They were my youth pastor in Ohio. My best memories in Ohio all come from the times with them. We were able to chat with them for a few hours and meet their youngest son.

Grandpa's 84th Birthday

2008-07-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

My Grandpa turned 84 yesterday. He was a Marine in WWII, he was a gunner on an Amphibian Tractor, so I made a simple replica of the boat. We all had a good time.

Girls' Bedroom in the Basement

2008-07-09T21:29:00.000-07:00

We finished our girls' bedroom yesterday. We built some bookshelves for them and had a great time doing it!

We thought our son would play with the puppy the most, but our oldest has bonded the most! Here they are on a short roadtrip.

Living In Salem

2008-07-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

So here we are renting in Salem. We are renting a beautiful 1920's 3/2 home. God has blessed us with a new puppy which was named Edmond by the kids (from the Chronicles of Narnia). We are excited about getting settled in this home. It is a long story how we ended up here, and we are so thankful. God is faithful and has once again provided in our time of need. Here are some photos of our home & puppy. I'll post more pics later as the other rooms get cleaned =)

More hair or is it less.....?

2008-05-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

OOPS.....I tried to cut my hair without Mommy and Daddy knowing.

Mommy and Daddy then fixed it!!!

I like it.

Kids are hysterical.

2008-05-20T00:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday our oldest announced that Monday will be pajama day at her school. Our middle child is homeschooled and our youngest is just 4. Because our middle girl misses out on these fun school events, she announced that Monday would also be pajama day at her school and asked me to show up to the office in the morning in my pj's. Both our girls woke up Monday morning and decided pajamas to school were just not cool.

Our son woke up after his sisters and by this time we had all forgotten about pajama day. I happened to be on the phone when he came running out of the bedroom still slipping into a clean set of pj's with his hair standing on end in many different directions, I told him it was morning and to get clothes on, he replied cheerfully, "It's pajama day!" He followed that with, "Mom, I don't have to comb my hair today!" I asked him why, he said, "Tomorrow is crazy hair day!"

Later on, while still sporting his clean pj's but 2-day old socks, he followed me outside to do some weeding in the beautiful back yard. He began to tell me about a bug he had just seen. He said, "I saw a chatterby." (This is the same boy who ran to me terrified one afternoon and told me there was a crab under his bed - it turned out to be a ladybug.) After some confusion and clarifying questions, I figured out he was referring to a mosquito. He laughed at his own inability to say "mosquito". He said laughingly, "I can't say it, but I CAN say 'heeelllloooo' and 'daddy' and . . ."

what a goofball. they bring such joy. some parents like when breaks are over & they can send their kids back to school. this is too much fun ~ i like having them around as often as possible!!

Family Fun

2008-05-08T15:02:00.001-07:00

We are so excited about all of the Corley Clan getting together this summer at this awesome beach!!

Go see it!!!!!

2008-05-04T08:57:00.001-07:00