Gathering Moss

My Journey To A Healthier Me

2010-04-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have been a Yo-Yo dieter for as long as I can remember. That has been because I have always just tried the latest fad. This past fall I was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic. Initially I was very careful about watching what I was eating but as time went by, I began slipping back into old habits, eating junk. I came to the realization that I needed to change. This past Monday I have begun a life journey towards a healthier me and I am going to be sharing that journey here. So ready or not here it go!

Angels in Disguise

2010-01-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

Daniel and I were out visiting this evening and I got a flat tire. My lug-wrench would not work and we were out in the middle of nowhere. Up drove Harvey Smith. I never met this man before but he offered his help. When his lug-wrench wouldn't do the trick, he had us follow him to his shop behind his house. His friend Randy got the tire off and the spare on. They would not accept any money. Tonight, Harvey and Randy were my angels in disguise. When is the last time God sent one your way?

PrayForKate

2010-01-08T03:17:00.000-08:00

I have been horrible about keeping this up but this is something I had to share. For me, last night started with a football game. About an hour later it evolved into something I'll never forget. I joined Carlos Whittaker, and hundreds of others in an online time of prayer for Kate McRae, a little girl diagnosed with a brain tumor. You can read more about her story HERE. We sang to God and prayed for each other. It was a sweet time of worship. Up top is a collage that Carlos put together of people's outstretched hands asking God to lay a hand of healing on Kate. So powerful! Years from now I won't remember who won the football game but I will never forget Kate McRae.

Los is going to pump, me up!

2009-11-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a big tub of goo and I'm not going to take it anymore! Yes I am pumped! Times they are a changin' and papa's getting a brand new bag! No I am not going through withdrawals from all of the food on Thursday. It's just that I am joining the "30 Day Holiday Health Challenge" being led by Carlos Whittaker over at RagamuffinSoul.com Here is a little video explaining what it is all about:

Ragamuffin Soul 30 Day Holiday Health Challenge from Carlos Whittaker on Vimeo.

So what am I doing?

Physical: Drop 10 lbs.

(This will be a big challenge as my wife Janice and I are going on our 8 day cruise for our 15th wedding anniversary during this time)

Spiritual: Memorize the 2 weekly verses that Carlos provides for the group.

Relational: Make weekly one on one time with Janice, Benjamin and Sam!

So there it is. You want in? Go check it out!

How Are You Doing Today?

2009-08-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

We have been doing "Back To School" shopping this weekend. (Taking advantage of the Tax Free Weekend here in SC). We were paying for some stuff and the guy behind the register asked:

"How are are doing today?"

"I am fantastic!", I replied.

The guy chuckled and said "That's the first time I have heard that today." He went on to share that most people say fine or ok. Let me ask you a question...

When you meet people and they ask how you are doing, what do you say? I had a stint where I said "I'm Tired". Was not aware I was doing it until someone called me out. I didn't realize that my response was having the effect it did. Since then, I have tried to be intentional about saying something positive when I am asked how I am doing. You never know what effect it can have on someone or what door may open for conversation to continue.

So... How are you doing today?

My Life In Song

2009-08-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Earlier this evening Anne Jackson of FlowerDust.net Twittered this question:

"If one song could sum up your life this far, what song would it be?"

At first I thought "How can I narrow it down to one song?" (no that is not a song title)

Then it hit me, "Still Haven't Found what I'm Looking for" by U2

I've loved U2 since their debut studio album "Boy" in 1980. I wore an "Under A Blood Red Sky" t-shirt till it was paper thin. I even had the opportunity to visit Windmill Lane Studio after high school graduation less than a month before they began recording “Joshua Tree”, the album on which you will find the song. Here are the Lyrics:

I have climbed highest mountains

I have run through the fields

Only to be with you

I have run

I have crawled

I have scaled these city walls

These city walls

Only to be with you

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I have kissed honey lips

Felt the healing fingertips

It burned like a fire

This burning desire

I have spoke with the tongue of angels

I have held the hand of a devil

It was warm in the night

I was cold as a stone

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I believe in the Kingdom Come

When all the colors will bleed into one

Bleed into one

Well, yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds

And you loosened the chains

Carried the cross

Of all my shame

all my shame

You know I believe it

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

There has always been debate over the meaning behind the lyrics of the song but this is what the song means to me:

There are times in my life when I have climbed and scaled after things I’d made my god. But I never found what I was looking for.

There are times I’ve run and crawled after things that were of God but not God Himself. I didn’t find what I was looking for.

There are times when I have felt the presence of God all over me, but at times I have also allowed sin to make me feel so far away.

I am free because Christ carried a cross and took away my sins. I know that a better future waits for me in heaven because I am a child of God. But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

I want to be a Godly husband and father. I want to love my fellow man better than I do. I want to be bolder at sharing my faith. I want to spend more time in His Word. I want to know God deeper. I want to better understand His will for my life. I never want to think I’ve arrived. I never want to stop looking.

Here is the video from “Rattle and Hum”. This is probably my favorite recording. Enjoy!

Your Kids Are Never Too Old

2009-08-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

This is my 11 year old Benjamin. Last night he asked me to come lay down with him for a little bit because his stomach was hurting. My initial reaction was "He is getting too old for this and I have too much to do." But then I realized that he is never too old to need his dad and I should never be too busy to meet His needs. Aren't you glad we are never too old to call on God and that He is never too busy to meet our needs?

God of Second Chances

2009-05-27T05:25:00.001-07:00

If you have ever questioned that God is a God of second chances, this video from Pete Wilson and the guys at Cross Point Church will take away any doubt! Thanks Pete for sharing Sheila's Story!

Sheila's Story from Cross Point Church on Vimeo.

All About The Team

2009-05-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

I was reading in 2 Samuel Chapter 10 the other day. David has just received word that the Ammonites hired Syrian soldiers to wage war against Israel. He sent Joab and “all of the host of mighty men” to meet them. Here is where the story picks up in verse 9:

“When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother and arrayed them against the Ammonites. And he said, ‘If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to Him.” - 2 Samuel 10:9-11

Here are some things God showed me:

Joab saw the need and acted: Joab assessed the need to meet the enemy on two fronts and then assigned the people and resources accordingly.

Joab never forgot about the team: Both Joab and Abishai had armies to lead and duties to carry out but not at the expense of the team. If one needed help, the other was to going be there.

Joab stayed focused on the vision: This was not about personal glory, but for the protection of God’s people and His cities. He was doing what was pleasing to God.

Joab showed great character in how to work together as a team. Does your church or ministry show the same character?

It's The People, not the Steeple

2009-03-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard the rhyme “Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the door and there’s the people?” It is usually accompanied by acting out the words with your hands. It takes me back to when I was younger.

When you ask most people to define the word church, they will tell you that it is a building, usually with a steeple, where Christians meet. When you look at the word Church in the New Testament, however, it is referring to the body believers, not a structure. This week, I have seen God’s church in action.

Sunday, Daniel Dulaney baptized his neighbor Jordan who he led to Christ and Jordan’s wife. Jordan didn’t become a believer because he walked into a building. It began with neighbor’s talking over a fence about a mutual love for BBQ.

In the same service, two handmade shawls were prayed over. They are being given to a woman given less than 6 months to live and to a woman who just lost her husband. Prayer for these two was happening as each stitch was made.

Last week a good friend named Brad found out that he has prostrate cancer. He is 34 years old. Monday night a group of friends gathered around Brad and his wife to pray for healing.

It is not the buildings that make a church. It is people caring enough about other people to invest their time, treasures and talent so that others can see the love of Christ.

Who Do You Miss?

2009-02-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

I’ve missed my bride this weekend. Janice left on Thursday to be with her mom for her surgery. I don’t like it when she’s gone. Even though the weekend has been full of activity, it has not been the same without Janice. Anyone who has a significant other knows what I’m feeling. I miss spending time with her.
If this is the way I feel about being away my wife, my feelings should be stronger about being away from my God. It is very easy to allow life to be filled with activities that take away from my time with God. But do I always miss Him the way I miss her? I miss my wife because we are intimate. God wants an even greater intimacy. The good news is that my wife will be home tomorrow!! The greater news is that my God is here now!!!

Yeah B.O.I.!!!!

2009-01-18T18:45:00.001-08:00

Here is the first installment of YEAH B.O.I.!!! for 2009

Raising Your Kids In A Fishbowl: Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.TV. gives insight into how Ministers can help their Kids survive minstry life

Forever and Ever: Watch an interview with David Crowder on how the song was made.

Teenage Boys in Tight Girls Pants...NOT COOL!: Tim Stevens shares Granger Community Church's shares opener from their first mid-week service of the year. This is VERY COOL!

Live Free: Good thoughts from Scripture and Lacrae on the subject shared by Daniel Dulaney at Better Than I Deserve!

Be The Church: Hear Pete Wilson's thougths on why we need to stop playing church and be the church.

Kickin It Old School

2009-01-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

At Southside Baptist, we kick it old school on Sunday nights and sing from the hymnals. I typically pick Hymns that I am familiar with that will match Jim's sermons. Every once and awhile, I'll let the congregation pick some of their favorites. Most people will pick what I would call the "Old Stand-By's". These are songs that everyone is familiar with. Every once and awhile I'll get thrown a curve ball and someone will call out one that I am unfamiliar with. Well I found myself stretched more than usual this past Sunday. I am glad I was stretched, otherwise, I may never have sung these words:

"And Can It Be"

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior's blood?

Dies for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be that

Thou, my God should die for me?

"All That Thrills My Soul Is Jesus"

Who can cheer the heart like Jesus

By His presence all divine?

True and tender, pure and precious,

O how blest to call Him Mine!

All that thrills my soul is Jesus, He is more than life to me;

And the fairest of ten thousand in my blessed Lord I see.

Aren't you thankful for Amazing Love? How does Jesus thrill your soul?

Anne Jackson is giving away $6100!!!

2009-01-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

Anne Jackson is giving away bible software valued at $6100!!! Want to see how you can get in on the action? Check it out at flowerdust,net!

My Dogs Are Barkin!!!

2009-01-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

I started working out again last week (No, it was not a New Year's Resolution, I just took the holidays off). When I first start back after taking off an extended period of time, my feet are really sore. (Maybe it is a sign that I am getting old.) When I get up to walk, it takes me a few steps for the pain to stop. I'm sure I am a vision of grace as I hobble along. It's the price I pay for getting out of my routine. It got me thinking about the price we pay when we get out of a routine of prayer.

My Pastor, Jim Crooks, has been preaching about spiritual warfare on Sunday evenings. The material is good stuff. This past week he was speaking on the Armor of God. He shared that the place of our spiritual armor is prayer. He said the reason so many people have trouble praying is because they don't do it on a regular basis. Some people don't even do it at all. He gave some good tips to help with one's prayer life.

1. Pray Accurately: Pray in the spirit; let the spirit direct.

2. Pray Always: In all occasions.

3. Pray in All Ways: Petition, Intercession, Confession, Praise, Confession, Thanksgiving

4. Pray Alertly: Not lazy praying; be disciplined and alert.

5. Pray for All People: Pray for the Saints

Prayer is vital to a healthy Christian walk. Maybe you struggle with having a quality prayer time. It is something that this ADD Worship Minister struggles with every day. It may be painful for you to do. Here is the deal, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. It takes discipline. I went and worked out this morning and you know what? My feet don't hurt as bad.

Yeah B.O.I. !!!

2008-12-30T07:37:00.001-08:00

I am going to be starting a periodic blog post using a spin on the phrase made popular by Flavor Flav "Yeah Boy!" I will be sharing Blogposts Of Interest. These will be posts to people's blog that I have found interesting enough to share. Here is the first installment:

Chris Reeder posted Out of the Mouth of an Atheist. Great video!

Here is some great advice from Anne Jackson at flowerdust.net

Bob Kauflin is giving away 10 copies of the ESV Study Bible. Register to win here.

Shane Duffey's post "When the Going Gets Tough" at What Leadership Demands gives great insight into endurance.

What do you Pandora?

2008-12-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in my office listening to Classical Christmas Music via Pandora. If you have not discovered the bliss that is Pandora, you can check it out here. It allows you to set up online radio stations based on favorite artists and the genre of music they fall in. It is absolutely free which makes it all the better. Besides Christmas, here are some of my favorite stations:

1. Hillsong
2. Passion
3. Michael Buble
4. James Taylor
5. Def Lepoard

If you Pandora, what are some of yours?

Happy 14th Anniversary!!!

2008-12-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

Today, I celebrate 14 years being married to the most amazing woman on the planet!

Ain't She cute!?! Here is a little something that I wrote that I am presenting to her at our choir Christmas party tonight:

Anniversary thoughts about Janice:
I can’t believe that I have been married to you for 14 wonderful years. It seems like just yesterday that I met you sitting on the ground carving that little pumpkin. I can still remember you coming to my door for our first official date. You wore a blue outfit with white polka dots and a big bow in your hair. You took my breath away, and still do. I can remember you walking yourself down the isle at our wedding. You looked so beautiful, and still do. You have given me two beautiful boys here on earth and two more children waiting for us in heaven. I am so glad that our children have you as their Mother. I love your spunk, your tenacity, and your love of life. I thank God every day for you. You are my best friend and you have my heart! Happy Anniversary My Love!

Keeping Out Of The Dog House

2008-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

This is a hilarious video that I found at Dave Anderson's blog MoviePastor.com

Anyone but me been there? My anniversary is tomorrow. 14 years!

Straight, No Chaser

2008-12-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

I love acapella music. Especially when sung by a group of guys. One of my band members told me about this group “Straight, No Chaser” out of the University of Indiana. I love their take on the 12 Days of Christmas. Only version I know of to incorporate the band “Toto”. Enjoy!

They also do an amazing arrangement of "Silent Night".

Sharing Musical Opinions

2008-12-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Bob Kauflin is a worship Guru. His insights on worship are off the chain.

Do you ever find yourself making snap judgements the first time you hear a song? Are you quick to share your opinion about a song you don't like? Kauflin has a great post about this subject. You can read it here. What are some of your favorite styles of music?

Super Squirrel

2008-12-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

I was taking the dog out this morning on his leash. (Funny story for another blog.) As he was doing his business, I heard a rustling above me. It was a squirrel. He was nimbly moving along the branches with what looked to be a leaf on a branch in his mouth. (I am assuming that he was getting something for his nest.) He worked his way to the end of a branch that appeared to be the thickness of a small twig. The squirrel was moving up and down much like a diver on the end of a board getting ready to make the plunge into a pool.

The squirrel was going to make a plunge, but not into water. It was clear that if he was moving forward, the next place left to go for the squirrel was to the side of the pine tree about 4 feet away. (If you think about the distance in relation to his size - that is pretty darn far!) The squirrel paused for a moment, tucked the leaf securely in his mouth and plunged. He flew the distance through the air, stuck the landing and was headed up the pine tree. I wasn’t witnessing a miracle - as I have seen squirrels do this before. What I did witness was something amazing that God had created. God gave the squirrel the ability to move quickly along the braches of the tree. God gave the squirrel the gift and the tools to make the jump. He did what God has designed him to do. What about you? God has designed you to do amazing things.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” - Psalm 139: 13-16.

God knew what you were capable of even before you breathed your first breath. He has given you the gifts and the tools to accomplish His will for your life. When the squirrel got to the end of the branch, he did not hesitate. He knew that he could make the jump because that is how God designed him. The problem with man is that we are given into doubt and temptation that keeps us from accomplishing great things for Christ. But the good thing is that we have the ability to overcome them,

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2: 8-9

What is stopping you from being what God had designed you to be?

Quality Time

2008-12-02T05:02:00.001-08:00

My family and I have started a Thanksgiving tradition of going camping. This year, Janice, the boys and I went to Stone Mountain Park, Georgia. If you have never been, it is well worth the trip. There is so much to do that we never left the park the entire time we were there. I have many wonderful memories of the trip, but the highlight for me was Friday morning.
My eldest son Benjamin, who is 10, and I were going to make the hike to the top of Stone Mountain. He had been talking about dong it all week. He was pumped up. My youngest son Sam, who is 7, had no desire to make the journey. (If you knew Sam’s personality, this would come as no surprise to you) So the plan was for Janice and Sam to drop us off at the starting point, they would take the gondola up and meet us at the top.
We got there about 10:15. The sun was shining and the air was cool and crisp. Off we went. As we walked along, we talked. Not about anything specific, we just enjoyed good conversation. At times we stopped and admired the beautiful scenery around us. We looked at the carvings people had done in the granite. We took pictures. At times, the slope was quite steep. We would hold hands and help each other along, offering words of encouragement. When we finally reached the top, we felt a great sense of accomplishment. We celebrated with and ICEE as we waited for Janice and Sam to arrive. The entire trip took about an hour, but what an amazing hour. It is an hour that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
This reminds me of how our relationship with God should be. God wants us to be pumped up about spending time with Him. He wants to have good conversation. He wants us to see the beauty that surrounds us. In those times when we struggle, He wants to take our hand. And when we reach our goal, He wants to celebrate with us. God wants this journey to be amazing.
The original meaning of the proverb “A rolling stone gathers no moss” is that people pay a price for being always on the move in that they have no roots in a specific place. I have spent most of my Christian walk like a rolling stone. I have been so busy about doing God’s work that I have missed the amazement of the journey. In Psalm 1:3, it says that the blessed man “is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” That is where I want to be. I am tired of being a rolling stone. I want to be planted by streams of water.