Jesus - Man among men

Recently I have been reading 1 John. The epistle starts out very similar to the Gospel of John.

1 John 1:1 (NIV)
¹ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.

John 1:1 (NIV)
¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Both speak of Jesus as God. The Trinity is a difficult subject for many. I look at this way. If God is God, and He is, then He can be three different things if He wants to be. That may be too simple for your complex mind, but I don't have to explain everything. Some things are just faith that it exists. So, enough on that.

Scripture tells us that Jesus came to earth as a baby. He lived as a child and a young boy and a young man as a human being. He was tempted with the things that tempt you and me, and yet, He lived a sinless life. He died as man does, yet He defeated death. Then, He arose from the grave, confirmed His ressurection and ascended to Heaven.

All this reminds us that Jesus is a relational being. He went through life onthis earth to be able to relate to what you go through. When you pray for Him to help you in a particular circumstance, He can relate to your situation. He cried for His mommy as a baby. He skinned his knee as a boy and winced as His dad cleansed the wounds. He felt awkward as a teenager when people made fun of Him. You get the picture? Jesus was a human being. Which means He is now a relational being.

Jesus wants to have a relationship with us! He is not interested in our wish list prayers. He wants to accompany you on this journey called life. He knows what you are going through. He wants to be there for you. Better yet, He is there for you. Turn to Him and ask for His guidance along your path.

1 John 5:18-21 (NIV)
¹⁸ We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. ¹⁹ We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. ²⁰ We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
²¹ Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

God bless you and your family this Chritmas Season!

Liar, Liar, Pants on fire!

1 John 2:3-6 (NIV) ³ We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
⁴ The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
⁵ But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:
⁶ Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Scripture clearly instructs us, as Christians, to obey His commands. Most of you who read this would agree. You would say that, "Yes, Christians should obey God."

I want to be VERY clear that I know I am a messed up sinner. I lay no claim on perfection. However, I am convicted of my short comings and I strive to be in God's will.

I say all that to say this. It breaks my heart to see "professing Christians" blatantly disobeying God. How can you stand before friends and family and say that you are a Christian if you are openly and willingly participating in sinful acts? If you are engaged in an extramarital affair, stealing from others, cheating on your taxes, getting drunk on Saturday and teaching Sunday School the next day, invoved in premarital sex...and are not burdened to a breaking point...look hard at your proposed Salvation experience.

God knows what goes on in your heart. You cannot fool Him. How can we live double lives in the presence of the All Mighty God? We can't.

It is one thing to be lost and not know the truth, but to know the truth and ignore Him is unthinkable. He provides forgiveness and Salvation, but there is a price. You must obey His commands to the very best of your ability.

This is no doubt a ramble at best, but I have been struck with the reality that we are surrounded by people that are lost and they are convenced that they are saved. It is heart breaking.

If you are living a lie, please look at what is clearly stated in God's Word. Obey His commands.

Treat His promises with respect. He is a gentleman and will not force you to accept the gift of His only Son. However, if you do not accept the Son you will not know the Father.

We are not human beings going through a spiritual experience.

We are spiritual beings going through a temporary human experience.

Eternity is a long time to wish you had got it right.

John 14:6 (NIV) ⁶ Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Parenting...What a ride!

There is a commercial on TV recently that simply says, "A baby changes everything." That is probably the understatement of the year; maybe the century. I know when we found out that we were expecting our first child, I had visions of how great it would be to hold my very own baby. My child. My offspring. My baby girl! Then, she was born and I held her. Words can not explain the feeling that brings to a Dad's heart. Having that new life in your hands is exhilarating! However, all the emotions in the world can't prepare you for the responsibility that awaits over the next few years. (To define a few...I'm still counting.)

Most of you are familiar with Dr. James Dobson. He is internationally know for his thoughts on raising children. I am hooked on one phrase that he promotes in many if not all of his instruction whether in person, a book or DVD. That is this, "You be the parent."

That is simply to say, you be the one in charge; you be the adult. Many parents are so intent on making their child happy that the lose all track of what makes sense. Common morality and common sense go out the window.

• One parent recently told me that her two year old got upset everyday about what clothes she wore. What?! She is two! If, IF, you give your two year old a choice, be OK with either choice. But you make the choice. Period. The first few days may be a challenge, but it is worth it.
• Another parent told me that their teenager refused to let them check their facebook, text messages or other techno info. Then don't provide them with technology! I was married with a child and working a real job before I had a cell phone and I made it fine. They will not stop breathing, I promise.

The point to be made louder and clearer than any is to discipline with love. Love your kid no matter what! Help them with the bumps in the road of life. Be consistent. Be loyal. Be loving. And yes, be the parent!

Now that we all agree on being the adult in charge of your child I have some bad news. Your child WILL make mistakes. My children have heard me say all their lives, "I will take the word of an adult first and until proven otherwise over yours. You may be mine, but you're not perfect."

The most appalling thing I have heard lately was when an adult observed a child in a compromising situation and thought the parents should know about it. In a loving attitude, they went to the parents of the child to inform them of their observation. They were met with blatant disbelief. "You are mistaken. Our child would never do that." How presumptuous and arrogant can you be.  At least get the details and check it out. You may prevent your child from escalating to a serious offense.

I may not know you or your child personally, but I can say with confidence that if you have children, they are not perfect.

At the end of the day, a baby changes everything. For the better in my case. Twice! I love my girls!!

I still say, love them, discipline them...all at the same time.

Are you called?

 

HELLO?!?!



In the church world there are many terms that get thrown around with ambigious meanings. Words like saved, priesthood of the believer, invitation, washed in the blood...all can be confusing to the person who did not grow up in an evangelical church. Me, I was in church 9 months before I was born. 

All of the above mentioned words could take their own dissertaion each, but I want to explore another word. Called. 

"Called" is one of those words that mean different things in different church circles. However, it seems that as a general rule that the term "called" is most often used refering to a person that a church "calls" to a ministerial position. This person usually relates himself or herself as "called by God" to vocational ministry.  

So, think with me a moment. Are we not all (Christians) called by God to follow Him? Are we not called to be obedient to Him? If that be true, then as a Christian YOU are called to be obedient and available.

• You should minister as He calls you. 1 Tim 4:6
• You should attended the church that He calls you to. (Not neccessarily the one your Mom& Dad go to.)
•  You should do the tasks that He calls you to do with all your heart. Col. 3:23
• Teach Sunday School
• Lead a small group Bible Study
• Chaperone a trip with kids or youth.
• Rock babies in the nursery
• Go on a Mission trip
• Be a reputable business person
• Dig a ditch

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV) ²⁶ Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. 

 

 As one who is called, you also do not have the privilege to use age or physical characteristics, or your past as an excuse to not follow His guidance.

• Moses stuttered.
• Sarah was 90 when her child was born.
• David was a kid when he slew Goliath.
• Mary was a teenager when Jesus was born.
• Paul (Saul) persecuted Christians prior to his conversion.

If God calls you, He will equip you!

Be available.
Be obedient.

All In



Bro. Dean



This picture was taken at Centri-Kid Camp in Mississippi during the summer. I had painted my face to match my outfit...ORANGE! You see, the adult leaders were encouraged to be a part of the color coordinating of groups for the  big game day know as ORGANIZED MASS CHAOS! That's "OMC" for you novices. I figured if I was going to dress in orange clothes, why not have orange skin. Go all out! Do it up right! Completely commit! You know, be ALL IN!

How often do we take that approach with our ministry? Go all out. Be all in. It would be nice to say, "Always!" But you and I both know that is not true. You (and me) have days when you are not all in; you do not go all out. There are those days when you really don't want to talk to other people about anything.

So, have you ever stopped to think that it really isn't up to you. Scripture does not say "go and make disciples on the days you feel like it." We are to go out and teach and preach and live the Gospel. Everday!

So, get in line behind me and listen to that for a bit. (I am talking to myself right now.)

Get up and tell someone about how good God is. Tell them about His Amazing Grace. Show the dying world around you that you serve a Living God!

Wow! I am glad we had that little talk. I feel better already.

Change?!?!

Our comfort is found in what we know.

Sometime we find comfort in situations that are not necessarily the best, because that is what we know or have become comfortable with. This is absolutely true in Church Life! Where we sit in the Sanctuary, what music we like, what we wear, where we park and even when we go all become a tradition that is somewhat ritualistic. I sat in a meeting once and heard someone complain that the "quarterly" that they were using had changed the look of the cover. "The old way seemed to be just fine." Really?

What we find our comfort in is a funny thing.

I realize that change is hard; harder for some than others. What I challenge all of us on is the motive behind our discomfort with change. It could be the old way is better. Change for change sake is usualy not a good enough reason. However, change is the only thing that is inevetable. People change. Our culture changes. So, in church, change must come if we plan to impact the lives of those in our area of ministry. Hear me loud and clear, I do not imply that you change the Gospel! The Gospel of Jesus Christ must never change, but we may have to change the way we present it.

If you walked into any church in the United States today (2011), and saw children sitting in front of a flannel board listening to one lady in front of the room you would probably laugh. (You can Google flannel board if you are that young.) I remember Sunday School with flannel boards and that was high tech then. Yes, I am that old. Now, the technology is available and affordable so that a CD or DVD is expected as a minimum. Multiple people in each room, technology in place and kids moving around singing and dancing is considered the norm now. So, to get from flannel boards to multi-media in less than 50 years, change had to take place.

As change comes about, ask yourself, "Am I uncomfortable with this change because it is wrong or because I am just use to the old way?"

When we accept change as an opportunity to learn something new or to minister to a new generation for the Kingdom of God, it really makes a difference in how you see the change.

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and accept change in order to impact the life of someone for Christ?

CHANGE!

It does a body good.

Why? Why does this happen?

As parents we are consumed with taking care of our kids. That takes on different faces as we go through life and the children get older. Kids have ups and downs. Sometimes their downs include injuries. Skinned knees, bumped heads, cuts, scrapes and even broken bones can occur with kids being kids. No one did anything wrong per se; it just turned out that the child was injured. It happens. However, there is cause and effect that goes with those aforementioned "boo boo's".

As well as "boo boo's", there are illness' that pop-up occasionally. We nurse them through the cold and fevers and rashes and life goes on.

CANCER?!?!

But, why? Why this child? Why did this happen to us? WHY?

Recently some friends of mine was told that most likely the "knot" on their child's head was cancerous. Ten months old with no other health issues. Boom! What a blow.

I want to be careful to not make this about this one family, but it is what made me start thinking about writing this.

As Christians, we talk about God's love and mercy and grace being unlimited. It is. But no where in Scripture does it say that our lives, even as Christians, will be problem free. Leaning on the strength of God during tough times is what makes the difference in Christians and non-Christians. Besides, Christians have each other to lean on as well. Just think, a whole church congregation coming together and praying for one family as well as supporting their physical needs. Phenomenal! I also think about the lives that have been touched by Christians going through tough times and how they responded. When a doctor or nurse see a family receiving strength from the presence God and being supported by their Christian friends it has a huge impact on their lives as well. There is also the times that a person is diagnosed with a disease and all at once the disease is gone. When there is no medical / scientific reason for a disease to suddenly disappear, it gives one a since of amazement and wonder. God has the power and ability to immediately and completely heal any disease He chooses.

I am not implying that any of this makes ALL the hurt go away. It is difficult to see your child suffer. However, I do find comfort in the fact that God Himself saw His Son suffer and made a way for all of us to spend eternity in a place that has no suffering...Heaven!

At some point, I find myself questioning God. You know what? He can handle the question. You are not going to offend God to simply ask why. You may find that as that dialog begins, you have more answers than you thought would. You may find that you become closer to God than you were. You may find that you have more faith than you did yesterday. You may find that God actually reveals to you the WHY.

I say all that to say this. God is God and I am not. His ways are higher than my ways. I trust Him even in the hard times. I pray that you also will trust Him in your hard times.

Boys will be boys!

This past Saturday (Sept. 17, 2011), FBC Summit held the third annual Girl / Boy Day. There is a whole other conversation about what we could or should call it but like I said, that is another conversation. The point is, we did it / do it.

The premise is very simple. Get 1st - 6th grade girls and boys together and have a fun with them.

We take the boys to a place on the creek and turn them loose. Yep. Just tell them where the boundaries are and watch them play. We  saw boys bury each other in the sand. They skipped rocks. A couple even tried their hand at fishing! (no luck) Then, we built a fire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. It almost sounds too simple. No books to buy. No expensive supplies to round up. Just buy some snacks and gather some wood and off you go.  Men hanging out with younger men. This could start something!

The girls were a little more expensive but then again they always are. Sorry girls. It's the truth!

We had some ladies in the church put together a spa day. They painted nails, fixed hair and pampered the girls with their company. They also had a chance to talk about manners, setting the table and modesty in fashion. WOW! what a concept! Ladies spending time with the girls in our church? Almost sounds biblical, doesn't it? Kind of reminds me of that Lois and Eunice thing in 2 Timothy.

Here is my point. You don't have to have a huge facility or expensive gadgets to minister to kids. The old adage found in parenting classes that discusses quantity versus quality is true in kids ministry (kidmin). It takes both. You need to spend valueable time (quality) and plenty of it (quantity) with your kids.

I also think there is value in the children building relationships with adults in church away from the confines of the sanctuary. Let them see you being a real person, living life. Let them know that you are not a stuffed shirt that just tells them not to run inside and stop yelling.

KidMin is fun if you let it be. Demanding? No Doubt!! But a boat load of fun.

Have fun with the kids. Do off the wall stuff with them. Let them see youaway from church, but still praising God in the process.

You know what they say about hindsight...

This past weekend (Sept. 4, 2011), our church (FBC Summit, MS) made the decision to not have church due to inclement weather predicted. Tropical Storm Lee was peppering our area with heavy rain, flash floods, and tornadoes. All of this had produced power outages and trees down in roadways. As a church staff, we communicated with each other throughout the day Saturday and decided to cancel Sunday activities at the church. When we awoke Sunday morning...you guessed it. The weather was not so bad.

Did we make a mistake? Should we have had church?

The old saying, "Hindsight is 20/20", certianly held true here, but I don't believe we made a mistake.

Given the information we had Saturday afternoon, we made a decision. So, I am glad the weather was not as bad as predicted. I am sad that we missed an opportunity to worship together. All to say, given the same information in the future, I will vote to cancel services.

In our lifetime, we will all make decisions that we look back on and think, "Why did I do that?" But given the circumstances and information at hand, we must make decisions and move forward. When you look back and recount the "shoulda, coulda, woulda" you are doing so with a whole set of information that was not available before the incident. Most would agree that that is not a fair comparison. Whether it is a decision to cancel church services or whether to take a new job or whatever, make a decision based  on the current information and move forward.

Side bar: Utilize any and all information available to influence your decision. We consulted the Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service as well as personal observation before making the call to cancel services.  

News Flash! When you are involved in ministry, you will probably never please everyone.

So making a "big" decision is as simple as PEAS:

1. Pray about it. (Can be a simple "Lord help me make wise decsions")
2. Evaluate it. (From as many angles as possible)
3. Announce your decision.  (Let others know what you've decided)
4. Stick to your decision. (Defend your decision but don't dwell on it)

Beating yourself up over what could have been probably accounts for more heartburn than bad pizza. Learn from your past. Remember what you've learned. Move on!

Are you kidding me?

I saw a news post yesterday that said the Mayor of NYC was not planning to allow clergy to participate in the September 11 memorial service.

Are you kidding me?

When the attacks occurred in 2001 and the country did not know where to turn, many...as in millions turned to clergy for support and prayer. So, how does it make sense that we not allow clergy to take part in this memorial service?

Now, I do not pretend that I would agree with the theological ideas of many of the clergy that would have been a part of the service, but I think they should have a place in the service. (Wow! That was a long sentence.)

What do you think?
Should clergy be a part of the memorial service on 9/11?

"In God we trust"...when it is convenient.

I still pray for those affected by the events in 2001. Actually, that would include all Americans. So, God bless America.

What Are You Doing?

I am a self proclaimed PEOPLE WATCHER!
I love to watch people wherever I am. Mall, WalMart, Restaurants. I just like watching people. For the most part, people are predictable. I would have probably been a Sociology Major but who makes a living with a SOC degree? Anyway, people are fun to watch.

Some days when I am in church and see how people interact with others, I can't help but smile. There are those who are always smiling! There are those who smile only when they interact personally with others. And then there are those who never smile.

"For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands." Psalm 92:4

How can you not smile if you are saved by the wonderful grace of Jesus? I understand physical pain and emotional stress. I have experienced them both. But when I think of the love lavished (I love that word) on us by the Creator, I can't help but smile.

SMILE today as you bask in the love of God!

I can do this!

A friend of mine has a young child who usually cries for a short time when being dropped off in Sunday School. Recently she had told the child who is barely 3 years old that "he is a big boy now and there is no reason for you to cry when we go to Sunday School."

When they entered the room the child placed his hands on each side of his head and said very dramatically, "I can do this. I can do this. I can do this."

So, what happened? He can do this!! He did great and hasn't cried since. (Well, at least not when being dropped off at Sunday School.)

When he was given a positive message from someone he trusts, he believed it. Also, he repeated this "message" to himself and outloud to remind himself and others.

God gives us promises throughout His Word, the Bible. He is saying to us that we can do this...together. I have heard countless stories of people in troubling times being comforted by Scripture that they read or had memorized and repeated in their time of need.

God promises to be with us in the good times and bad.
God promises to be with us through this life on earth and eternity in heaven.
God promises to be the same yesterday, today and forever.

Yes, God makes promises to us, but how often do we make promises to others that we do not keep?

I challenge you:

• If you tell someone that you will pray for them...pray for them.


• If you see someone in need, make every attempt to meet that need.


• If you know of a concern, call the person & express you compassion for them.


• Here is a tricky one. If you know of a sin in someone's life. Pray for God to burden them to the point of repentence, but love them through it all.

Be a positive influence to others.
Remind them of what they can do.
Commend people on good things they have done.
Remember the wise words of Thumper, "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nuttin' at all."
Which was stated by Paul in Ephesians 4:29 as "Let no unwholesome words come from your mouth."

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome words come from your mouth, but only what is helpful in building up others."
OR
In the famous words of Thumper in Bambi, "If you can't say somethin' nice don't say nothin' at all."

What a difference our world would be if we all lived by this advice, no, command from Scripture.
It amazes me how many times each day I have negative thought or say negative words. How about you?
Join me as we plan to speak words of encouragement to others.
You know, it's hard to speak negative words when you are praying for someone.

KIDMIN at heart

Doing kid ministry has commonality wherever you do it. North, South, East or West; there are some things that never change. If you are a Children's Minister: you never have enough volunteers to serve in the nursery, you have too many volunteers to chaperone summer camp, you have at least one family that thinks rules are for others and the debate over wheter to have Children's Church or not comes up at least once a week.
With that being said, I could not imagine doing anything else. Last week I baptized a child and thisweek another comes to make her profession of faith public. Seeing young people realize their need for a Savior pumps me up like nothing else. I get very excited when these children trust me enough to be a part of this HUGE decision.
To have a family entrust their child's spiritual direction to you is and should be a big deal.
So, I ask this question to simply spark a thought. Have you ever created an environment that encouraged a child (or any person) to raise their hand or walk an aisle to "ask Jesus in their heart" that you did not have personal knowledge of their spiritual maturity, or have had a one on one conversation with them?
I have seen too many times where people want to pad their numbers or feel good about themselves and create a situation that Johnny goes down because Jimmy did. Or, Sally wants to beat Susue to the baptistry.
Be very careful how you do invitaions with kids. They are impressionable and will follow the crowd in a heartbeat.
I for one do not want a child growing up with a false sense of security because I did the wrong thing.

Summer Heat

As of May 16, I am 49 years old. Not ancient, but "experienced". While I watched the news this morning and read the weather report (on my phone) it says that today is going to hit the century mark. 100 degrees! It's only June 2! I can't wait for July and August.
I remember growing up in Northeast Alabama and sleeping with the windows cracked so that the window fan could pull some night air into the bedroom. We didn't think anything about the fact that we didn't have air conditioning. NOBODY HAD AIR CONDITIONING!
I vividly remember the day the window unit was installed. It was the size of a small country and was placed in the den window. Now that I think about it; it was suspiciously close to my dads chair. Hmm!

So often now, we think we have to have the latest techno gadget the day it comes out. Why? Is it to keep up with the proverbial Jones'? Maybe it's that you think the old way needs improvement. Whatever the cause, there are those who actually get sweaty and anxious if they are behind the rest of the world withtheir technology. There is a word for people like that. "Weird" I must admit; I am weird sometimes.
Convinced that we did not get that honkin' A/C to be hip or cool...well, actually we did get it to be cool, but that is not what I meant. OK, now I'm getting confused. Where was I? Oh yeah, Mom and Dad was simply trying to provide a comfortable life for us during the summer months. Otherwise, it was covered for about 8 months out of the year. Besides it sounded like a jet airplane when it was on.
Today (2011), most people n the good ol' USofA, wouldn't think of living without air conditioning. We have A/C at home, work, school and church. That's good huh?! Probably. The fact does present itself that now we have young atheletes collapsing at alarming rates during practice and games. Now, I am no physiologist genius, but I have a theory. Our young people are not conditioned to take the heat. If you sit in the A/C until time for practice and then work your body harder than it has ever been worked before on the 100 degree practice field...you may have a problem.

I don't write this to say I have an earth shattering solution, but simply to say be careful. DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!!! And water at that. Did you know that watering down your sports drink can render it ineffective? Go figure. Good ol' water is a huge factor in keeping people in the heat safe. Working in the yard, manning the construction site, atheletics...whatever has you in the heat, stay hydrated. Stay safe! Stay cool!

VBS

I have fond memories of Vacation Bible School (VBS) as a child. Two cookies and a (as in one) cup of Kool-Aid. Flannel boards and construction paper. Crayons and round end safety scissors. And of course, Betty Stroud! She was our pastors wife. Charles and Betty Stroud were the pastor and wife combo that has set the standard for me since I was a child. They were such a blessing to many people (of all ages).

Miss Betty was always prepared to do whatever needed to be done. VBS was always fun and entertaining and educational. We didn't have high tech media but we had enthusuastic leaders. They were prepared ahead of time and told us Bible stories with an extra umph! I think one year I could actually see Zacheus in that tree and I could smell the palm branches as Jesus rode into Jerusalem.

I am now involved in vocational Ministry and am preparing for two VBS weeks in June. I have been amazed at the people who are willing to drop what they are doing to teach kids about Jesus. Not just tell a story, but model the love of Jesus, tell the stories of the Bible with reality and enthusiasm.

How wonderful it is to see the face of a kids as they recite the memory verse!
How wonderful it is to see the face of a child who realizes his need for a Savior!
How wonderful it is to see the face of a child come out of the water during baptism!
How wonderful it is to see that child grow in their faith as others come along side them and mentor them and teach them!

Mark 10:16 say that Jesus took the children, laid His hands on them anad blessed them.
Children's Ministry is a hands on ministry!

Field Day!

I spent yesterday (May 16, 2011) with the North Pike Elementary School at their Field Day. There were games for individuals, teams and even entire classes! The kids had a blast! I could see the determination and effort on the faces of the children in every race and relay. The teachers were enjoying the day as well. Besides not being in the classroom, they got to see a different side of their students. While these were mainstream classes, there was the occaisional participant that had challenges that most of us can't imagine. (I always pull for the underdog.)
I had the honor of being the announcer. The students were well behaved, well mannered. I couldn't help but think of how so often children get labled as disruptive and trouble. I think that is usually more of a problem on the adults perspective than it is the problem of the child.
Dont' get me wrong; I believe children should be respectful. But they're kids! They are wired to move and investigate and ask questions.
They are also wired to have adults love on them and guide them. Children are in need of adults in so many ways. One fact stared me in the face during Field Day; THERE ARE WAY MORE KIDS THAN ADULTS! That means alot of kids in the event did not have anyone that came to watch, encourage and cheer for them. That is sad.
I know that work schedules and other commitments prevent parents from attending every event that their children participate in, but I am saddened to see children who never have that encouragement.
What's my point? Make your children a priority. Encouarge them with your presence. Show up and let them know that they are important to you. Encourage other parents to join you.
One young boy summed it up yesterday when he flagged me down and with the biggest smile you've ever seen, exclaimed "Look over there! That's my dad! He came to see me play!!"

Things that make you stop and think -

Have you ever had one of those moments where you knew as soon as you did something or said something that it was not good? Of course you have!
When I was working as a nurse in an academic medical facility (Formerly known as a teaching hospital) we had a resident that was going to relieve a subungual hematoma. That is the black spot that shows up when you hit your (finger)nail with a hammer. Blood under the nail. It hurts like all get out. Well, the easiest, and recommended, way to relieve this is to place a hole in the nail directly over the spot. Now, I know what you're thinking, but the nail has no feeling. Where was I, Oh yeah, one way to achieve this hole in the nail is with a portable cautery; a loop of metal that is heated to about 450 degrees. Touch the nail and a hole is burned through the nail almost instantly. So, the resident sits down by the patient and explains what he was about to do. Not surprisingly, the patient showed great concern about the possibility of intense pain involved. The young doctor never batted an eye as he grabbed a bottle off the nearby cabinet. "Here, I'll numb your finger with this Ethel Chloride solution." Well this made the patient feel better, and the doctor sprayed the solution over the entire finger very liberally. Then the doctor took the cautery and heated it up and moved closer to the affected nail. WHOOSH!! a flash of flame erupted from the patients hand for about 1/100th of a second. That means it did not stay hot long enough to actually burn the skin. Well, everyone in the room jumped and screamed! I mean, it was scary for a second. The patient grabbed the bottle of Ethel Chloride and shook it at the doctor and screamed to the top of his lungs, "Dang DOC! It says flammable!"

New Life

I am always enthused with the symbolism of baptism (by immersion). Think about this:

A person decides to follow Christ; not because they must but because they chose to.
They decided to be baptized out of obedience to God's Word.
The Bible instructs believers to be baptized after their conversion.

• Jesus went to the cross voluntarily; the Christian goes into the water voluntarily.


• By being baptized in a public service, one bears witness to their decision to become a Christian.


• Also, by being baptized publically, one may cause others to question their relationship with Christ.


• Jesus was buried, the Christian is submerged in water / Jesus arose from the grave, the Christian is raised from the water.


• As the water drains from the body, one is reminded that their sins are washed away by the blood of Christ.

While the act of baptism does not impart salvation, it is an awesome way to follow in the teachings and footsteps of Jesus Christ.

As I write this, I am preparing to participate in a baptismal service. What a wonderful way to begin a worship service!

Beginning of a Journey

I am blessed to have a wonderful family, fantastic career and more good friends than I deserve. Why has God chose to bless me and my family? Well, it certainly is not because I deserve it. He does that, ya know. I have had great people around me and they have encouraged me in many ways. So, I hope that I can encourage others. Check back to this blog periodically and see if we can both be encouraged.