Adam's Journal

A Wonderful Week of Music

2008-10-16T10:13:00.013-06:00

Well, this has been a great week in my music life...and none of it really centered around me...(wow, I can't believe the musician in me actually said that!). Anyway, Sunday we are having our Baby Dedication ceremony at church and so I wrote a song for the occasion. I was at home working on it and Danielle came in with Emma and started helping me with it. I then got to play the piano with my daughter for the first time. (Man, I hope she grows up to love music.) Danielle took some photos of us, but the best one I had to pull from one of the videos she shot (which is why the picture quality's so bad.) I thought the lighting was great and the look of wonderment on her face was breath-taking...at least for Daddy it was. Hopefully, this will be the first of many Daddy/Daughter Duets.

And then this morning, I experienced what could possibly be the apex of my song-writing career. Honestly, I'm not sure what else could top having a children's choir (small at it might be) praise our Lord, Jesus Christ through a song that He inspired in me. I didn't want to make the kids nervous so I shot in secret from the back of the room. Plus you have to picture me behind the camera...I don't think I stopped grinning from ear to ear the ENTIRE time.

Thank you so much to Mrs. Jackson's choir at Wichita Christian School for letting me come and listen to you practice and worship God with you.

It's Official...

2008-05-16T14:23:00.004-06:00

Well, it's official...I'm IN my 30's. No longer on the outskirts, but IN my 30's. Today I turned 31 and, well, I'm older. Danielle and I celebrated by going to the movies and then out to dinner with some friends. The evening culminated by me getting my tail kicked at the new Mario Cart on the Nintendo Wii....yeah, and I mean KICKED!!! But hey, it was just as fun as the original Nintendo64 (ahhh..... back when I was 26, when times were simpler).

Anyway, it was so much fun hanging out with our friends. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Speaking of wonderful family....here's a preemptive "Happy Birthday" sung by my nephew Luke while Danielle and I were home for a baby shower last weekend. Pretty good, huh? If I can just get a guitar in front of him, we could hit the road. : )

Thanks everyone, especially my wonderful wife, for making this past year spectacular. On to my thirties.

This Evening's Adventure

2008-03-24T18:18:00.008-06:00

It all started when I took the trash out when I got home from work today. After putting the bag in the dumpster, I looked around and decided to pull some of the thousands of weeds from my yard (this is another story altogether....for another time). I pulled them for a few minutes and worked my way down the fence...when I noticed a clicking noise. Not thinking anything of it...I continued on. Pretty soon, I heard the clicking noise again. As I looked up and gave my eyes time to focus on what was before me, I realized that the mound of fuzz sitting behind a leafless bush was not a pile of leaves and trash, but was a ......

are you ready for this....

an owl. That's right...an OWL!!!! About two feet from my face. And I'm not talking about a four or five inch little tree owl. I'm talking it was an over a foot tall BIRD OF PREY!!! That looked like it wanted to reach out and touch someone....ME in particular!!! So naturally, I kept my cool and assessed the situation, before doing the right thing.....wait....nevermind....the truth is I ran. That's right, I ran like a little girl away from a bullying 6th grader. And I'm not ashamed. Don't you judge me.

Anyway, come to find out, we have had a baby great horned owl sitting in our yard/alleyway since this morning. Looking back to this morning, it started with a bunch of loud bluejay's yakking on our fence at the crack of dawn...I guess they weren't too happy to have the bird that was 15 times their size in their neighborhood. Not knowing what the bluejays were upset about, our day continued.

We have since, contacted wildlife rescue services, and they have picked the owl up to take care of it until it can later be released back into the wild. The funny thing no longer than two minutes after the owl had been removed, the bluejays were back in force. There were at least seven male bluejays, three blackbirds, one male cardinal, and a little 'ole wren chirping it up on our fence and the powerlines behind our house.

Well, anyway that was our excitement for the evening. Danielle and I actually miss it. It was like a little pet...for twenty minutes. We named her Alley....cause we found her in the alley. Creative...huh?

Everyone....meet Alley. :)

It's A Girl!!!

2008-01-30T15:46:00.000-06:00

Well, here we are four months into this thing, and we just found out that we are having a GIRL!!! We were wanting to have a girl so bad...and today we finally got the news.

Of course, we trusted that God would bless us with what was best for our family, but we REALLY hoped for a girl. It was so amazing to watch our little girl move around inside the womb during the sonagram. She's only five or six inches long, but it seemed like a world of growth from the little pea we saw the last time we were there. Wow...they grow up so fast.

God's goodness and sovereignty never ceases to amaze me. How He shapes and forms little fingers and little toes and sets into motion a little heart no bigger than the tip of a Sharpie marker. I stand in awe of His wonderous ways.

More to come.....much...much...more.

Four Weeks Ago...

2007-11-01T19:56:00.000-06:00

My thoughts four weeks ago...

Well, today was what you would call a life changing day. After a busy week at the church, I took this afternoon off to veg out on the sofa watching a little TV. Danielle just so happened to take the rest of the day off too, so there we were.

As we sat on our respective sofas, she said, "Oh, I made you something at work today. I forgot to give it to you." I opened the small white envelope she gave me. Inside was a small, red construction paper heart similar to the one I keep in my wallet that she gave me over nine years ago. But with one small difference. On this one was written, "For Daddy."

I'M GOING TO BE DAD!!! I AM A DAD!!!! Even now God has pulled out His sovereign and creative loom and has commenced His masterpiece. He is creating our child in the womb of my wife...my child's mother. He is creating His child in the womb of my wife. This speck, no larger than the tip of a pen, will continue to be shaped, molded, fitted, and perfected. Perfected in His eyes. Every vessel in place. Full of blood, life, and purpose.

The first stroke has been laid on the canvas. A masterpiece awaits.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

The House...Finally

2007-10-23T19:15:00.000-06:00

Well, 1 year...4 months...and 20 days, and we finally bought a house. That's right...you heard correctly...we bought a house. God has proved Himself faithful once again. It's a wonderful 4 bedroom home on a quiet cul-de-sac in a quaint little neighborhood a couple of miles from the church.

We are so excited about about being able get our stuff out of storage, and finally settling down into a home. There are a few updates we are wanting to do, but the "bones" of the house are great. It has a cozy little covered patio that will be a great place to enjoy the afternoon shade....what little shade there is here in Texas. : )

If you want to check it out in more detail...click here.

Sacrificial Worship

2007-09-21T19:10:00.001-06:00

What a year. It has been just a little over a year since Danielle and I arrived here in Wichita Falls…and what a wonderful one it has been. Very few days go by when I don’t feel extremely privileged to serve as the Worship Pastor for Fairway Baptist Church. This church is filled with people with a servant’s heart. A heart that is beating in rhythm with the song of our Savior.

Earlier in the year, I was reading through 1 and 2 Samuel, and I read a verse at the end of the 2^nd book that has stuck with me ever since. King David was told through the prophet Gad, to go build an altar on someone else’s threshing floor, in order to stop the plague that was reeking havoc on Israel at the time. Upon arrival, King David inquired about the cost of the threshing floor. The gentleman, in turn, offered to give whatever he had to the king for free. But the king persisted, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24

What an amazing truth about sacrifice. It’s easy for us to give away something that we attained for free. But to give something away that we earned…we fought for…we went to great lengths for…now that’s a different story. Why? Because it means more to us. It has greater value to us because we put our own blood, sweat, and tears into it. Therefore, if you choose to give it away, the sacrifice takes on an even greater value to the one who is making it. And this is what King David was after. He wanted his sacrifice to his God to be of value…he wanted it to cost him. His desired was to show God that He was worth the sacrifice.

Romans 12:1 says that we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices…a life that is surrendered to Him in every way…a life lived in sacrificial obedience to our Father. It goes on to say that this is our spiritual act of worship. It’s not just music, or the Sunday morning service, but it’s a 24-7 sacrificial gift to Jesus Christ.

Other translations say it is our reasonable act of worship. When we think of the depth of His mercy, the extent of His blessing, the vastness of His love, a sacrificial life of worship is the only reasonable response. Our offering should gush forth as an overwhelming reaction to knowing His greatness. We should desire to not only offer our life as a sacrifice to God, but offer it as a joyful sacrifice to Him…just as David did. Like Paul of the New Testament, David’s heart “considered everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing his Lord.” Philippians 3:8.

It shows itself in the smile of a greeter on Sunday morning. The grunts of someone helping another load a moving truck. The soft whispers of the Fairway Family praying for each other. The patience our nursery workers. The laughter of ministry teams setting up after hours for an event. The aroma of a savory Wednesday night meal. And many, many more. They are around every corner. And for that, I am thankful…and honored to be part of the Fairway family.

God has called us to be living sacrifice…this is our reasonable act of worship.

My DNA

2007-08-16T14:44:00.000-06:00

Free-Wheeling Architect

I came across this site. What do you think? Is it me?

Goodbye Relationships - A Devotion for Lent

2007-03-30T12:49:00.000-06:00

I have this philosophy which I like to call "goodbye relationships." You'll find it anywhere you find people. More specifically, people leaving other people. I've noticed it every time I have moved towns. I've noticed it in hospitals. I've noticed it on planes. You may not have realized it, but goodbye relationships are all around you. You've probably even been a part of them.

When we, as relational beings, find ourselves in a relationship that is coming to a close, something changes. Something shifts us into relationship survival mode. We begin to shake free from whatever fears or uncertainties may have hindered that relationship in some way. Every time, my wife and I have moved towns, an urgency has come upon us and we found ourselves wanting to spend more and more time with the friends we would be leaving behind. Regrets of not taking more time with friends…sooner. Goodbye relationships are found around every corner in hospitals and nursing homes. Loved ones clinging on to loved ones and desiring just one more moment from someone they've taken for granted in the past.

Here we are…a few days away from Holy Week. This is the time during which we remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as he begins his last week of earthly ministry. It was his final week and he knew it. This was his last opportunity to physically be with the people he loved, and he took advantage of it. As we read scripture, we find the urgency in Jesus' actions and his words as he teaches in the temple. His intimacy with his closest friends as they share one last meal together. His intensity as he prayed at Gethsemane. "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." Luke 22:44

Jesus knew the time was drawing near when he would no longer be with his disciples. He knew there would be a time when he would not be able to go to the temple to teach and answer questions. This was it--His last week. He shifted into goodbye relationship survival mode. Only this wasn't for his survival, it was for ours. He knew what was to come at the end of the week, and he knew we wouldn't understand it. His concern and intensity was birthed from his love for us. He knew we would need some help in order to survive the coming storm. "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:7, 33

Jesus understood that, though he would die and no longer walk the earth as a man, the relationship wouldn't end there. He knew he would send a Counselor (John 16:7) that would come to dwell with man forever. His urgency and intensity was for our benefit. He would and did do all that he could to assure his eternal relationship with his creation. His urgency took him to a cross and then to a grave. But death could not conquer him. Through his sacrifice, we can rest in knowing that there is no goodbye relationship with Jesus, our Savior. If we trust in the Word that he left us and in the love and forgiveness he offers, he will dwell with us forever and we will dwell with him.

The Example - A Devotion for Lent

2007-03-08T13:42:00.000-06:00

First there was the monocle. That small piece of glass held in with a squint of the eye.

Could there be more than this? Could we be missing something? Let's add ear pieces to hold them on for us.

Then there were spectacles. Those frames of metal and springs resting on the bridge of our noses.

But these aren't working. They hurt the back of my ears and keep sliding off my nose. Could we find something more convenient? Maybe there's something else we could try.

Contact Lenses. They fit tightly on your eyes. No need to worry about them hurting your ears.

But now I have to spend extra time every morning rinsing with saline solution and keeping them disinfected. Oh, the turmoil. Why can't we just not wear anything?

Ahhh, the wonders of LASIK!!

Let's shine lasers in our eyes. This should take care our problem...for now.

We live in a world of amazing technology, convenience, and comfort. A society that caters to our every whim. If we can dream it up, it's probably available somewhere…or at least it will be tomorrow. Everything from microwaves, TIVO’s, and iPods contribute to our me mind set. We even have 24-hour shopping centers to fit into my time schedule. And when I don’t have any extra time in my schedule, I can just pay my bills over the internet without leaving the comfort of my own home. It’s all about convenience. It’s all about me!!!

We are hard pressed to find examples in our culture that go against the grain and emphasize sacrifice and humility. Very little directs our focus onto what really matters. We do, however, have the example of Jesus Christ. His life and ministry focused, not on His own agenda, but the will of His Father. Even as His earthly ministry was coming to an end, praying at Gethsemane, He knew what was ahead of Him, and still He relinquished His own wants and desires, for the desire of His Father.

“Then He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, ‘Abba, Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” Mark 14:35-36. HCSB

We are bombarded by so many things throughout our day that try to make us comfortable...easy...tranquil, we miss what’s really going on. Satan tries to distract us with these empty substitutes that the world calls good; however, he can’t offer us the best. That is left up to God. God knew there was only one way to redeem the world. He had to make a sacrifice—His Son (Ephesians 5:2). He made a choice to send His Son, and His Son made a choice to carry it through. It wasn’t the most convenient. It wasn’t the most comfortable. But it was the best. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have Life, and we have it abundantly. Today, we, too, have a choice to make. It’s not easy. But it is worth it.

This week, allow yourselves to evaluate your day. What is holding your attention? Now, don’t get me wrong, comfort and convenience are not bad things...UNLESS...it is keeping you from something greater...the Best.

And before I go any further, let me clarify my opening statement, I am not opposed to LASIK (I may even have it done one day). After all, it helps us see more clearly. I pray your vision would, indeed, be clear this week and during this season of Lent. May you fix your eyes upon Jesus Christ and see Him as He truly is...the Savior...the Sacrifice...the Example.

Additional Scripture to meditate on:
Romans 12:1; Luke 9:23; Matthew 20:26-28; Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 10:11-14; Daniel 3:28

2006-07-19T12:27:00.000-06:00

Wow, how time flies! I always have good intentions to post regularly and then . . . BOOM!!! . . . life happens and weeks fly by.

Well the road was long and the road was flat, but we finally made it to Texas. We rolled into town at 1:00am after driving straight through without any major glitches in our plans. We made great time--aside from the hour stuck in Memphis traffic after a truck pulling a backhoe decided he wanted to ignore the clearance height of an overpass slamming into it, sending the backhoe flying off the trailer and spreading concrete from the overpass across almost every lane. This did make me me feel much better about my truck driving skills.

Anyway, let’s rewind a little bit. We finally got everything packed up and loaded on to the trucks . . . and yes, I said “trucks” . . . we had two of them. Luckily, the children’s minister for Fairway and her husband flew to Nashville to help us drive the trucks back. What a blessing! We set out early that morning expecting to stop and finish up the next day; however, after 10 or 11 hours, we all still felt really well, so we pushed on arriving in Wichita Falls at not-so wide-eyed 1:00am.

The next day we unloaded the bare essentials into our apartment and then met with a crew (and when I say “crew,” I mean “crew!” About 20 or so) to unload the trucks into our storage unit. Let me tell you, that was impressive! They unloaded BOTH 24 foot trucks into the storage unit in under an hour. WOW!! Under an hours!!! We thought it would probably take, at least three.

My first day on staff was the June 4th, and along with it came excitement, anticipation, nervousness, joy, and peace about how God had led us here. That night, the church held a homemade ice cream social (which, by the way, was scrumptious) and were planning on “pounding” us while we were there. We weren’t quite sure what a “pounding” was, but from the sound of it, we thought we would probably be sore the next day. But, luckily for us, there was no beating involved. It’s actually a tradition of inviting someone into the neighborhood by giving gifts of food and essential “life” items (e.g. flour, sugar, vegetables, paper towels, toilet paper). What an overwhelming gesture!! Danielle and I were both blown away by the outpouring of generosity by the church members.

We are trying to get settled into the groove of things. Danielle is focusing on looking for us a house and taking care of the details of life—getting insurance set up, bank accounts, groceries, etc. And I’m working (it has yet to feel like “work”) on worship sets, websites, etc. I still can’t get over the difference between working and doing something you were created to do.

Anyway, we are getting used to Texas. We love the area, the weather (although hot, very little humidity), and mostly, the people of Fairway. In just over a month being here, we already feel at home. It feels like we’ve been here for years. It’s just another affirmation of God calling us here.

Let The Chaos Begin!!

2006-05-24T07:15:00.000-06:00

Well today is my last day at work. For those of you who don’t know, Danielle and I will be moving to Wichita Falls, Texas, where I have accepted a position with Fairway Baptist Church as their Worship Pastor. After almost four months of emails, phone calls, flights, interviews, and stress, the church officially voted on May 7th to ask us to come join their family. And without hesitation, we said, “YES!!!!”

After today, the chaos begins. I’m not a big fan of “the move.” No matter how many lists I write, rewrite, merge together, and write again. I always have this small voice chatting in my head, “Adam, there’s something missing.” “You forgot something.” “What could it be?” “What could it be?” “What could it be?”

Everything from storage units and apartments, to utilities and moving trucks, there are WAY too many details when it comes to moving, especially when trying to do so in less than three weeks. Luckily, I’m married to a woman who obsesses over details just as much as I do...maybe even a little bit more. (Love you, honey) Together we can make bulleted menus of “to-dos,” enter excel spreadsheets, and drain hi-liters with each task completed. It seems to work.....for now.

We plan on loading up the storage unit this weekend and the apartment early next week. We hit the open road on Wednesday and hopefully arrive in our new home on Thursday. And just as we are finishing up the frenzied furry of “the move”, the real chaos begins—ministry.

My first official date on staff is June 4th. This is a date that has been in my mind and on my heart for almost ten years. When I was a freshman in college and began traveling around leading worship at revivals, retreats, and conferences, I knew one day God would call me to a specific church to start full-time ministry. That day is finally here!!!

It is an exciting time for me. Looking back I can see His sovereignty in bringing both Danielle and me to this point. It is so refreshing to feel His presence and realize that during those times of doubt and struggle, He was still moving and molding us for this place in time.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

What a peace-giver. When I’m screaming at the top of my lungs, “What are You doing? You’ve got it all wrong!!” He sits and waits for me to calm down and then whispers, “Trust me. I know what I’m doing. I’ve got a plan.”

For ten years, He has been sculpting me into “Adam” and fashioning Danielle into “Danielle.” He gave us certain gifts at birth He knew we would later use for His glory. For me, a knack for computers and a bent for music. As for Danielle, the gift of art, a passion for animals, and a listening ear…an ear that truly hears God’s people. And during life, He shaped and tweaked those gifts with life experience, people around us, and with dry times of waiting.

What an encouragement it is to know that the Creator of all things waits for me—waiting for us. Honestly, He patiently waits for you and for me. When we are running around trying to figure things out on our own (and usually messing things up in the process), He waits for us. Why? Because when He thinks of us, He doesn’t see the mess we’ve got ourselves into, He sees the end result—we will be like Jesus. No matter how trivial a situation may seem or how long a dry spell may last, He has planned for it and prepared you for it. And then, that situation will prepare you for another situation in the future, and so on and so on, until our heart and our spirit are like His Son’s. Did you hear that? We are to be like His Son—Jesus Christ.

So through all of the anxiety, stress, worry, waiting, and wondering, there emerges JOY. Joy in knowing that you have become closer to who you were created to be—YOU!!!

So after ten years of waiting, God has said, “Now, Adam. Now is the time. Six years ago you weren’t ready. Not even last year. Last week you were close, but no cigar. But now, now is the time. GO!!!” How exciting!!!......Oh man, now is the time....what am I thinking? I’m not ready!! What if He’s wrong?? What if He read the schedule wrong??

Well, there I go again. I guess I’ll just have to trust and see what happens. How exciting!! Let the chaos begin.

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

Department of the Redundancy Department

2006-04-21T10:04:00.000-06:00

“Department of the Redundancy Department, can I help you?”

There I lay on my side, in bed, half asleep. A million thoughts going on inside my mind. Nothing really important…just thoughts. Then something grabs my attention. You know, one of those things that once you start thinking about it, you can’t really stop until it all makes sense. Well, there I was, head smashed halfway into my pillow, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. My breath.

Last weekend, Danielle was sick with sinus, flu, bug, congestion stuff and on Friday night she laid there in bed not being able to breathe out of either nostril, and it hurt breathing out of her mouth. It wrecked her whole body. I didn’t get whatever Danielle had (knock on wood). And tonight, I’m feeling just fine, but for some reason, I’m only breathing out of one nostril. I know what you’re thinking…“You can’t be serious? Is he really talking about nostrils?” Anyway, humor me for a moment. I’m pretty sure the other one wasn’t blocked, but for some reason, my breath preferred my left nostril last night.

Anyway, so I started thinking…which always seems to lead into dangerous territory. If we only need one nostril to breathe well, then why do we have two? Well, the longer I lay there, I figured it out. Redundancy. Why do we have two nostrils? Because they occasionally get clogged. They get gooped up with junk from who knows where. And when one nostril ceases to function for a time, well, the other is there to step up. (Unless you’re my wife who has an uncanny ability to get them both stopped up at once.)

This is when God began to cultivate my thoughts. How amazing it is that God’s truth permeates every aspect of life—everything from human physiology to practical application for His people.

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

“Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.” Mark 6:7

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” Luke 10:1

Jesus sent his disciples and his followers out two by two. Why? Because he knew what would happen eventually. He knew, somewhere along the way, one of them would get gooped up from life’s junk. One would cease to function for a time. “If one falls down his friend can help him up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.” Ecclesiastes 4:10,12 Jesus knew we would need backup. We would need someone in our life to help us along our journey.

I’ve always heard the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians, “[The God] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” Isn't that awesome!! God provides backup when we need it, and then when we have the opportunity, we get to be someone’s backup in return. What an amazing privilege!!

Why do we have two ears, two eyes, two kidneys, two lungs, or four chambers in our heart? Two ears? We can hear just fine with one, but with two we can sense the direction from which the sound comes. God knew that when we have true friends around, we, too, can sense the direction of the softest sounds. How about His whisper? Ever have trouble hearing it? Ask your closest of friends and listen. It’s there. We can see fine with one eye. But with two, we gain perspective. With true friends around, we no longer see in just two dimensions. We’ve gained perspective. Life in 3D!! Depth of field. Isn’t it a lot easier to see when something’s going to smack you in the face, when you have both eyes open? I know there have been numerous times a friend has kept me from getting knocked off my feet, just because they were there with me. Can you think of a time? Probably. Maybe even two or three.

What a wonderful feeling to be able to rest in the comfort of a backup. Doesn’t it put your mind at ease, knowing if you mess up, there’s someone there? Furthermore, what a privilege it is to be a backup. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 God knew we would mess up, forget, tear down, doubt, fall, fall again, and get gooped up. God knew we should have a backup. He knew we would need it.

The world is full of backups. Do you know the world’s largest manufacturer of backups? The Church. It’s how God designed it. He placed it on this earth to seek the lost and to love each other. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Have you been a backup lately? Someone to be leaned on in time of trouble? Have you needed a backup? Has someone comforted you with the same comfort they received from God? Have you thanked them? Maybe you should. Maybe I should. Maybe we should rest in the peace and comfort of knowing we’re not doing this alone.

Maybe, tonight, I’ll let my right nostril take the reins, and give my left one a break.

It's Official...I'm a Junkie. : (

2006-01-04T10:57:00.000-06:00

My wonderful wife gave me the most amazing gift for Christmas--IT'S TIVO!!! I'm not sure how familiar you are with this wonderful wonder of freedom that releases us all from the timetable of the tube, but let me share...it's MAGNANOMOUS!!! It has a feature that allows the user to program in, not just one episode, but an entire season, including all episodes at any time on any channel. Now, I'll never miss an episode. HOW EXCITING!!!!

After getting comfortable with the other basic features of this machine from God, I began the task of setting up the various shows my wife and I watch. One after another, I entered show after show. My joy escalated as I felt the shackles of network television fall from remote. And just as quickly as my bonds were gone, another thought filled my mind, "Holy Cow!!! Could it be true?"

As I gazed at the list of my "have-to-watch" TV shows, I could only admit one thing: I'm a TV junkie. I'm not proud of it. But hey, admitting it is the first step, right?

For your viewing pleasure, here is the list that now consumes my TIVO.

24
Amazing Race
American Idol
The Apprentice (The Donald, not Martha)
The Bachelor(ette)
Big Brother
Biggest Loser
Boston Legal
Celebrity Fit Club
CSI (not Miami or NY)
Desperate Housewives
E.R.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Grey's Anatomy
How I Met Your Mother
Kenny vs. Spenny
LOST
My Name Is Earl
MythBusters
The OC (I know.....shut up!)
RockStar
Survivor

A Very Merry Christmas!!

2005-12-22T08:04:00.000-06:00

Over the past month we have looked at a few traditions that many of us embrace during the holidays. Everything from Santa, himself, to why those random branches are setting on the mantle. But why? What does it matter why we have these customs? Well, it’s the same reason we should want to know about any tradition. With understanding comes appreciation.

In the spirit of that same appreciation, I would like to sincerely thank all the readers of this journal for your time and especially your feedback. A special thanks to Crystal, who has been the greatest editor anyone could ask for. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want someone to point out every single flaw in your writing! Seriously, this journal wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable without her making sense out of all of my ramblings.

I pray that this holiday season, you will look past not only the traditions of your own holiday, but past all of the traditions in your life. Seek to know why you do the things you do. Seek to understand the importance of traditions in your life today.

The apostles of Jesus Christ had a hard time with this. But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. Mark 9:23 They were afraid. May this not be our heart. For Jesus has promised, “Seek and you will find.” More importantly, seek Him and you will find Him.

I wish everyone a very, merry Christmas. May we truly understand, appreciate, and experience Christ this season and the upcoming year. Thanks again for reading.

Traditions of Christmas. Part 4

2005-12-19T07:45:00.002-06:00

“Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!!!” bellows the man in red donning the bag of goodies. Making his list and checking it twice, this bearer of the endless sack of treasures is the central figure in what many consider the most important part of Christmas…GIFTS. For some gift giving is what makes the holiday season feel like Christmas. For others (probably too many), gift receiving is their focus. But when and where did this tradition begin? Who started this annual ritual of braving the treacherous shopping mall to find the last Xbox 360?

Many equate this custom with the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth. In the book of Matthew, the Magi came bearing gifts from the King Herod of Judea—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, most associate it with Santa Claus himself.

Nicholas was born in Lycia, Turkey, in the mid-3rd century and would later become bishop of Myra. Centuries after his death and burial at his church at Myra, Nicholas’ reputation for generosity and compassion led to the rise of legends in which he gave to the poor, protected the weak, and even restored life to deceased children. These legends persisted until after the Protestant Reformation of the 1500's. All stories eventually subsided in Europe except for the tale of Sinterklaas (a Dutch version of the name Saint Nicholas) in Holland. Dutch colonists brought this tradition to America where it fused with the Nordic tale of a magician who punished the naughty children and rewarded the nice.

The legend continued to escalate in 1822 with Clement Moore’s The Night Before Christmas, in which Santa Claus was given his sleigh and bag of toys. From the 1860’s through the 1880’s , Thomas Nast illustrated Santa Claus in Harper’s Magazine which gave birth to his famous checklist and his wonderful workshop at the North Pole.

And here we are…2005. Presents under the tree are now, not just anticipated, but expected. It seems that every year that goes by, there are more and more presents to buy. This holiday season as we notice the presents under the tree, let them remind us of the greatest Present ever—Jesus. A Gift given—to not one person—but to humanity. A Gift wrapped—not in beautifully adorned paper and ribbon—but in a lowly, disgusting, common trough. A Gift—not of joy—but of Joy!! It seems the only characteristic this Gift has in common with the millions of other gifts given world wide is that this One didn’t stay wrapped for long. Jesus was placed in a modest manger at His birth, but He didn’t stay there, for He was purposed for a cross. Upon taking our sins to the cross with Him, Jesus was placed in yet another common holder—a tomb.

“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid.” Luke 23:50-53

I don’t know about you, but when I think of Christmas morning, I don’t recall gifts placed neatly under the tree. Mine are more like visions of shredded wrapping paper scattered across the floor. The sorry remains of what used to be boxes. And a multitude of large garbage bags strategically placed throughout the room. It didn't take us long to tear into the presents that were set aside just for us. These gifts were wrapped for just a moment. Likewise, Jesus was only in the tomb for just a moment. The grave, for everyone else, is an eternal dwelling place physically. But Jesus conquered it—after only three days. Praise God, the Almighty Sovereign and the Omnipotent Savior.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:3-4

This Christmas morning, as you receive that scarce moment of peace just following the hectic aftermath of chaos, look around. See those empty boxes? See the joy on the their faces? Isn’t the empty box a lot nicer than before? The mystery of what was inside has now been revealed. Gifts are nice…but only when they are opened. Jesus’ crucifixion was amazing, but His resurrection was essential. If He had stayed in the tomb…His death would have been pointless. This was His ministry. He gave His life for it. And it all started with a manger.

I wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and may Jesus Christ bless your heart this holiday season.

Traditions of Christmas. Part 3

2005-12-12T08:10:00.000-06:00

The holiday season is time for memories. Hot chocolate by a fire watching it snow outside. Gathering with family and listening to the chatter of long-overdue “catching up.” Singing Christmas carols with the pleasant…sometimes unpleasant...voices of friends and neighbors. Many of our fondest memories are focused around the pinnacle of our Christmas decorations—the Christmas tree. Pulling out the ornaments and reminiscing as each memory is hung. Sitting in front of the illuminated tree and reading the Christmas story of the New Testament. Watching children tear into presents with eyes as wide as the saucer of milk and cookies set out the night before. Following your dad after cutting down your first Christmas tree with “Dad’s Hatchet” and accidentally attempting to chop down your own knee with that same hatchet on the walk back to Dad’s truck.......WHAT?!?!?.....well, that’s another story for another time. Nevertheless, the Christmas tree is a staple in many homes world wide, and yet many know very little about its beginning.

Last week we touched on the holly branch and its role in ancient cultures celebrating the hope of the upcoming spring. Many of these societies believed that winter came as a result of their sun god becoming ill. Egypt worshipped Ra. The Vikings revered Balder. And the Romans deified Saturn, their god of agriculture. December 21 or December 22—the beginning of the winter solstice—would normally mark the beginning of these festivities, and the evergreen plants—trees in particular—became a fundamental part of these celebrations. Evergreens would soon become associated with paganism because of these customs.

16th century Germany is recognized with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it. When German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania in the 1600’s, they brought these traditions along with them; however, the strict conduct of the New England Puritans denounced these “pagan” ways. William Bradford governed against it. Oliver Cromwell preached against it. The General Court of Massachusetts ruled against it stating any observance of December 25 was a penal offense. This legacy continued until the royal English family of Queen Victoria, including her husband Prince Albert of Germany, were illustrated in the London News standing around their Christmas tree; thus, popularizing the tradition in England and East Coast America.

I don’t know about you, but Christmas just wouldn’t seem like Christmas without a tree. It could be the sparkle of the lights, the beauty of having nature (or the imitation of nature, in my case) indoors, or the challenge of keeping our cats from climbing the tree or pulling the ribbon off the branches. Nevertheless, it is an vital element in the feeling of Christmas. This symbol of Christmas joy reminds us of another tree that also brought about celebration—the cross of the Savior of the world.

The story of Christmas in completed with the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus. His name was to be IMMANUEL—God With Us. On that December night, God was with us. Jesus came.

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus...” Matthew 1:21a HCSB

“For the Son of Man came..." Luke 19:10a NIV

“…the Son of Man came...” Matthew 20:28a KJV

Yes, Jesus came. God, the Father, sent His Son to dwell in His creation on this December night. And this is the focus of Christian’s home during this holiday season. ......BUT....even though it was the ended of the Christmas story, the STORY was just beginning.

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 HCSB
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10 NIV
“…the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

Yes, Jesus came. But He came to save His people. You cannot have one without the other. Jesus came with passion, with purpose, and with one priority—to save His dying creation. Jesus’ birth was a means to His ministry. To save mankind, He had to become man. When you think about His birth, you have to think about His purpose. When you think about His purpose, you have to think about His cross.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NIV

As you gaze upon the multitude of Christmas trees this season, enjoy the beauty of their ornaments, the warmth of their lights, and the cozy memories of Christmases past. And let them serve as a reminder to revel in the joy of the REAL Christmas tree—the cross.

P.S. In light of the ancient pagan history associated with the celebrations of the winter solstice, how odd that God chose to deliver our Redeemer during this specific time of year. I guess it should come as no surprise once we see the focus of Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 9:12).

Traditions of Christmas. Part 2

2005-12-05T09:02:00.000-06:00

We’ve all heard the Christmas carol, “Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Fa La La La La La La La La." But what exactly is it…and more importantly, why is it on my mantel? Hmmm? As we continue our look at various Christmas traditions, the holly branch is one that many know little about.

The root of holly’s history (no pun intended) dates back to several different eras. The ancient druids deemed holly as sacred, probably due to the fact it was an evergreen and lived year round. Having this sacred status meant being inhabited by spirits; therefore, the ancient druids would bring the holly branches indoors the protect the spirits for the harsh winters. And when tied to bedposts, they were believed to ward off hostile ghosts and demons, whose voices could be heard screeching in the winter winds and storms.

Another tale reaches back to the Christian Church during the Middle Ages. Holly was offered as a substitution for mistletoe. Mistletoe had been used for decoration for thousands of years, as well as being used in many pagan rituals. Being mindful of this past, the Church forbade the use of mistletoe in any form. Instead, holly branches were given the thumbs up. Their pointed leaves characterized the thorns in the Christ’s crown and the red berries symbolized the blood shed by our Savior.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [his Son], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)

Every drop needed to wash clean the filth of our sin. Every drop necessary to adopt us as His children. Every drop purposed—with your name on it. And mine. Even the person down the street that chooses to reject Him. It’s their choice. But every drop was shed with love. And every drop was permanent.

This Christmas season, when you see the boughs of holly decking the halls….or at least sitting on a mantle or winding up a staircase banister, think of His unselfishness to give His life for ours. Think of His sacrifice. Think of His promise. His promise that by His blood we are saved.

Traditions of Christmas. Part 1

2005-12-01T08:06:00.000-06:00

As we enter this time of December, we are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, planning, driving, giving and receiving. We are consumed with making this time of year feel like Christmas. We bake cookies. We light a fire. We buy airline tickets. We purchase gift cards. We hang stockings by the chimney with care. Well, you know how it goes. We are engulfed by traditions of long ago. Why? They provide stability. They provide nostalgia. And they place a sense of Christmas in the air. But can they also remind us of the real reason for Christmas?

The wreath is found in homes year round; however, during the holidays, they become more prominent. Decorative wreaths find their way onto front doors, and advent wreaths become the centerpiece on many tables around the world. The wreath dates back to the ancient Persian Empire. They were originally called “diadems” and were used to crown the victors of the Olympic Games. The diadems were initially made from laurel leaves, but once the Olympics began to move to different towns, they would be made from the branches of local trees. These crowns were then hung on walls in remembrance of their victory won.

The origin of the Advent wreath dates back to the pre-Christian Germanic people who would gather evergreen branches and light fires during the cold winters of Eastern Europe as a symbol of their hope for the coming spring. Christians maintained this tradition, and by the 16th century, both Catholics and Protestants alike, used this custom to celebrate their true Hope in Christ Jesus—the eternal Light.

This ringed symbol reminds us of another emblem of hope. However, this one wasn’t given after the victory; it was worn during the battle. It wasn’t meant for glory, but for shame. It wasn’t donned by an Olympic champion, but by a King—the Eternal King—during His darkest hour. It was a symbol of agony, embarrassment, torture, and ridicule.

They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” Matthew 27:28-29 NIV
While they mocked Him, He persisted. While Satan delighted in his potential conquest over “the Christ,” Jesus endured. While He was being crowned as a powerless king, Jesus showed them exactly what a King should do. A king rules. A king triumphs. But most importantly, a king protects his kingdom. This King did just that. He knew the only way to win was if He fought the battle. Satan handed Him death, and the Creator of the universe, created life once again—eternal Life.

This holiday season, as you scamper from mall to mall and visit home after home, notice the wreaths hanging on the doors. Acknowledge their beauty. Remember the victory and hope this decoration originally symbolizes. And be empowered by the victory and the hope we have today given to us by our King. Not a king to be mocked, but a King to be worshipped and loved.

Purpose

2005-09-23T13:12:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been awhile since my last post (sorry, to all my dedicated fans out there. :) ). I guess you could say I haven’t been that inspired lately. However, today is different.

Today is the birthday of a dear friend of mine who lives in Colorado (Happy Birthday, Ethan!!) In keeping with the age of text messages, g-mail, and e-vites, I decided to him an e-card. As I was eagerly looking through the vast array of e-cards, I stumbled upon one that, from the picture, looked as if it would be perfect for Ethan. When I previewed my selection, I found it to be more fitting than I had originally hoped.

Purpose to seek Him
He will be your reward
Purpose to know Him
He will reveal Himself to you
Purpose to follow Him
He will lead the way
Purpose to enjoy Him
He will be your closest friend
Purpose to praise Him
He will be your song
Purpose to trust Him
He will be your provider

On your birthday, may your heart rejoice in all He has done for you.
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me… Psalm 138:8

This e-card proved to serve in me as a reminder. A reminder of who I am, what I am, and whose I am. Who am I? I’m Adam Haynes. Husband of Danielle. Son of James & Kaye. Brother of Amanda. I am me. No one else is me. I am the only me there has ever been or ever will be (hey...no comments out there). Whose am I? I am my Creator’s. My life is His who created it. I am my Savior’s. My life is His who saved it. What am I? Fallen. Fallen from the place God intended me to be. Created by God in perfection. Born by man in sin. Fallen.

God designed our hearts, our minds, our emotions, our thoughts, everything that we are to be aligned with His. And yet, in our pride and arrogance—in our sin, we destroyed the divine order of our very being. We as citizens of the human race can no longer naturally seek Him, enjoy Him, or trust Him. Instead, our inner most desires yield selfishness, contempt, anxiety, deception, doubt, etc.

BUT…

Then came grace. Through God’s grace and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our souls have been restored. We can begin anew. Our hearts can again sing praises to Him. Our lives can again be a sweet aroma to Him. We have been lifted from the fallen state in which we’d wallowed, and in His strength, we have been raised into a relationship that is right.

It’s not easy though—as the old adage says, “Old habits die hard.” We must now work for that relationship that was intended to come so easily. We must be diligent in seeking God. We must be attentive to hear from God. We must purpose to follow Him.

purpose
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): pur•posed; pur•pos•ing
: to propose as an aim to oneself

Merriam Webster used the verb "aim" to define purpose. On the flip side, sin is defined as “missing the mark.” We must set our hearts to know Him. We must aim—purpose—to enjoy Him. And in this, God will fulfill His purpose for us.

Now back to my birthday wishes. For those of you that may not know Ethan Moore, he is one of the truest people I know. And by that I mean, he knows who he is and whose he is. He seeks the Lord genuinely and, in that, finds his purpose. Ethan has purposed in his heart to know God. And faithfully, God has revealed Himself to him and is working through Ethan and his ministry. Happy birthday, brother!

A Week of Confusion

2005-09-02T07:10:00.000-06:00

Well, almost a week has passed since the devastating tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Unless you have been keeping residence in your own personal cave, you have witnessed the shocking videos and images of the destruction that has, and is still taking place. “How did this happen?” and “Could it have been prevented?” have all run through our minds as of late.

I must admit, this catastrophe has been somewhat of a paradox for me. Every night as I get a glimpse of the ruin that used to be New Orleans, I am overcome with grief and sorrow for the faces that embrace my television—the one being relocated from one shelter to the next, the one laying on the side of the road beside their departed spouse, the face of an 8 year old child clinging to her mother’s side scared and bewildered with no comprehension of how severe the situation actually is. My heart breaks.

However, I, too, sit in bewilderment. Here is an entire city that has grown and has been developed, not only around water, but actually on the soggy marshes of the bayou, located on the Gulf of Mexico—a gulf known for attracting tropical storms and nurturing them to hurricane status. With their location, coupled with their “lack” of elevation, were the people prepared for what might happen? Or was their mentality much like ours in everyday life, “It won’t happen to us. Those things only happen to other people.”

I can’t help but think, “You had to have known this could happen. At any given moment, your house and all your belongings, could be sitting under 10 feet of water.” It’s only logical. When you hear about the “bowl effect” of New Orleans, you realize it is an obvious threat to the way of life of those who live there.

My wife and I used to live in the high Rocky Mountains of Colorado. We have seen a multitude of homes built literally feet away from the edges of cliffs which, in an instant, could crumble into nothing. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas possess the New Madrid Fault which could shift and destroy thousands of homes. California has the San Andreas Fault. Texas, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma have “Tornado Alley.” Washington even sits on active Mt. St. Helens. All who live in areas such as these, have to understand, accept, and especially prepare for what could and probably will happen eventually. Don’t they?

And so I sit, mourning the loss that has overtaken us—the loss of spirit, belongings, and life; and yet I am so appreciative for what I have been blessed with. Then there are the muddled up emotions of confusions of how this could have happened and how it caught them so off guard. I sit in awe.

Times like these truly bring out the truths of God’s Word. Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” No matter what we may “have,” it is only ours for a moment. The only thing God blesses us with that is eternal is the word of God—which is life in His Son, Jesus Christ.

To all those who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina, you are in our prayers.

It's All About the Upgrade.

2005-08-25T07:10:00.000-06:00

So lately I've been looking into upgrading my computer at home, and even considering purchasing a used laptop computer (just for mobility's sake). I'm sure everyone has thought at one point or another, it doesn't matter what you have, it's never enough. We live in a world of constant upgrades. Everywhere you look, there is someone there attempting to sell, promote, or endorse the latest upgrade. Even when you buy something new, there's someone waiting at the door to talk you into the next version. I thought to myself, it would be a lot cheaper if I just invented a magic "Upgrade" wand. Here are a few of the things I would upgrade in my life (in no particular order).

My Computer - Step 1.) Gripe. Obviously, it's doesn't have enough GB, RAM, or MHz. It's too loud, too big, too slow, and too cream. The monitor's not flat enough. Step 2.) Upgrade computer. 3.) Repeat Step 1. Then Step 2. Repeat.

My TV - Apparently the kind of TV that I have been perfectly happy with watching for 28 years, just won't cut it. What was I thinking? I can't believe this world fooled me into enjoying a picture that was slightly curved. Give me the flat screen!!! Give it to me now!!! And while you're at it, hang it on the wall, too!!!

My Work Cubicle - Two Words: Deluxe Model. No more teal or puce for me. I want black walls and a wooden desktop made of genuine cherry. My chair: a La-Z-Boy. But sitting at work in a La-Z-Boy can be hard on the back, so just to be on the ergonomic safe side, I'll need to add a large flat screen monitor and a cordless keyboard and mouse. My cubicle will have its own "ultra-quiet" sound system (so as not to disturb my neighbors) and its own thermostat. Maybe now I will be able to feel my fingers and my toes at work.

The Interstates - This one's my favorite. I would upgrade the interstate system to accommodate the new "Adam-Only Lane" Ahhhhh!!! Freedom!!!!

Now the next two are for my wife. You know I would have to upgrade some stuff for her if I had a magic "Upgrade" wand.

Buy A Cat - Now this, at first, may not seem like an upgrade. Well, it's not. The upgrade comes when I upgrade the cat to a Tiger. Then I would buy an ant farm and upgrade it to be the sanctuary and the staff to take care of the tiger. It's been a life long dream of my wife's to be able to pet a tiger. Now she can. YEAH!!!

The Litter Box - When we got our first cat, my wife made the commitment to clean the litter box. So for her, we would upgrade to the LitterBox DX 2006. All....ahem!!...."stuff" disappears without a trace. No odor. No cleaning. No refilling. It also bathes, dries, and grooms the cat automatically every other week. Your welcome, Danielle. : )

Well, I hope you've enjoyed getting inside the mind of Adam. I know, it's a little scary. I would love to hear what you would upgrade to, if you had a magic "Upgrade" wand.

A Walk With Words

2005-08-23T07:46:00.000-06:00

NEW. Complete. Breathing. Beautiful. Pleasing. Alive. Fruitful. FREE. Naive. Unaware. Fallible. Foolish. Oblivious. Gullible. Tempted. Charmed. Seduced. Coaxed. Tested. Conceded. DEFILED. Apprehensive. Watchful. Cowardly. Timid. Mortified. Worried. Ashamed. Regretful. Judged. Guilty. Bound. ENSLAVED. Expelled. Cast out. Removed. Banished. Displaced. EXILED.

Then Jesus came.

Miraculous. Simple. Youthful. Growing. YIELDING. Eager. Teaching. Maturing. Purposeful. LOVING. Leading. Brazen. Veracious. Ridiculed. Scoffed. Mocked. Denied. Excluded. BETRAYED. Rejected. Beaten. Determined. Faithful. Selfless. SACRIFICED. Brittle. Frail. Lifeless. Omnipotent. Persistent. Powerful. Prevailing. Victorious. Restored. RESURRECTED. Forgiving. Embraced. Accepted. Fulfilled. Healing. Whole. Pleasing. Beautiful. Complete. NEW.

NOCURTAIN

2005-08-22T14:09:00.000-06:00

(nAHk'-ER-tane)

"It's Undefinable"

MORE DETAILS TO COME.

The Garden

2005-08-18T07:15:00.000-06:00

The other day, I was reading in Genesis about the creation and fall of mankind. I can't even begin to wonder the number of times I've read these verses, heard them in church, or sang about them in a song, but this time was different. One verse . . . ONE VERSE . . . knocked me back in my seat and made me sit there and think.

"The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." Genesis 3:21

Now, this verse by itself, isn't that shocking, and normally it wouldn't catch someone's eye. But this verse, when read in its proper context, is the essence of God's nature and His unwavering persistence. If we back up just seven verses, we find the true magnitude of this verse. Verses 3:14-19 immediately follow Adam & Eve eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. God then finds them in the Garden of Eden, and thus it begins--the first official reaming in history.

To the serpent: "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

To the woman: "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."

And to Adam: "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

And then . . . after being ignored by His own children . . . after watching His creation break the only rule in eternity . . . after finding Adam & Eve among the trees of the garden naked and ashamed . . . and finally, after disciplining them as only a Father can do . . . God pauses . . . and did what any good Father would do. He met their need. "The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." He personally made the garment Himself and clothed His children.

Does this hit you like it does me? Only a loving, faithful, and persistent God--desperately wanting a relationship with His children--could do this after being so carelessly rejected by those same children. How many rules have I broken? How about you? Have you ever found yourself naked and ashamed, alone and afraid after doing what you KNOW was wrong? I don't think I even want to start counting? Too many, that's for sure.

And then, to stay in character and prove His love for us, He did it again two thousand years ago. Only this time it wasn't a couple--it was the world. It wasn't a rule that was broken--it was a life. And it wasn't a garment--but His pure, forgiving righteousness that was draped over His entire creation. And this time we get to remain in the Garden . . . for eternity.