Bro. Elms asked everyone to be fasting for the upcoming revival with Bro. Carl McLaughlin who pastors First United Pentecostal Church of Euless (a place that has become very dear to me as of late). Today was my fast day. I hate fast days.
This afternoon I made a trip to the post office to mail out some very important papers. I had to stand in line to get instructions on how to fill out the forms, because I had to pay to have them rushed to the address and rushed back. Then I had to stand in line to have them sent. The Post Office was packed and it was a forty-five minute process at the very least.
I was somewhat surprised the wait did not put me in a horrible mood, but today I wasn’t. Maybe it was because I had expected somewhat of a wait or maybe- just maybe- it was the whole fasting/prayer combo. Who knows?
The first person I came in contact with was a Nurse who had seen the choir sing at Sheppard AFB and recognized me from being in the choir. She was a member of Eastside Baptist Church and from the moment she asked me if was from Life Tabernacle all she wanted to talk about was church. She couldn’t stop asking questions. She wasn’t the only one.
A few minutes later I came in contact with a teacher from Iowa Park. She just ‘happened’ to over-hear me tell my new friend from Eastside Baptist that I was a teacher. Another conversation started with more discussion about church and such.
On my second trip through the line I met another individual who had been to our church before. He had all sorts of questions. He asked about the choir concert and if we were having one this year.
By the time I got to the line to send my mail I asked the teller why the Post Office was so busy. I was told that the other offices had been shut down due to a bomb threat and all the customers were being rerouted through this branch. I might never had chatted with any of those people had their not been a bomb threat today.
As I left the Post Office I couldn’t help but feel as if my fast day had been a success. I can’t even remember the last time I talked to so many people in just a short period of time about God. I pulled out of the parking lot thinking of the story in the Bible where the angle would come and ‘trouble the waters.’ I just felt as if spiritual waters were being troubled and wondering what miracles I should be expecting?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
My Party
You know you have a great friend when your relationship causes you to want to be a better man. I am blessed with such friends; men of God who love truth and love me.
Some time ago we noticed that our birthdays follow each other, month after month, from November through February. Because of this, we decided we needed to throw ourselves a party and celebrate all of our birthdays together in the month of February. And so, each year, for several years now, we have had a party in February to celebrate all of our birthdays/friendships.
At first we started out getting different people to cook for us. How we managed to convince people to let us just show up, eat, and leave is totally beyond me? We also decided that we would draw names and exchange gifts. Cool gifts- the type of gifts that you want but might not get from your Mom, Aunt, Dad, Wife, etc.
The last few years I have taken up the job of cooking a meal for our party. There is only one rule- something unique, something different. This year I decided to have a Caribbean style meal. We had Chicken St. Lucia, Grilled Asparagus & Mango, and Citrus Marmalade with Hawaiian Sweet Bread.
This year was a little different. Different because I did not know- in spite of some ‘slip-ups’, that my friends were planning on giving me all the gifts and making the party just for me. Why? Probably for many reasons- and maybe even some reasons they don’t even know about; however, whatever the reason, they once again did what great friends do- they made me realize just how necessary it is for me to be a better man.
That probably wasn’t their goal. But it is what happens with great friends. They push you to be better than you are. They challenge you to be strong and courageous. They make you see that life is more than just about you and your situation. They cause you to look through the mirror and help you focus on the most important things in life. They love. They give.
I wanted to share some pictures with you of our ‘friendship’ party- my surprise party. I hope you enjoy.
Some time ago we noticed that our birthdays follow each other, month after month, from November through February. Because of this, we decided we needed to throw ourselves a party and celebrate all of our birthdays together in the month of February. And so, each year, for several years now, we have had a party in February to celebrate all of our birthdays/friendships.
At first we started out getting different people to cook for us. How we managed to convince people to let us just show up, eat, and leave is totally beyond me? We also decided that we would draw names and exchange gifts. Cool gifts- the type of gifts that you want but might not get from your Mom, Aunt, Dad, Wife, etc.
The last few years I have taken up the job of cooking a meal for our party. There is only one rule- something unique, something different. This year I decided to have a Caribbean style meal. We had Chicken St. Lucia, Grilled Asparagus & Mango, and Citrus Marmalade with Hawaiian Sweet Bread.
This year was a little different. Different because I did not know- in spite of some ‘slip-ups’, that my friends were planning on giving me all the gifts and making the party just for me. Why? Probably for many reasons- and maybe even some reasons they don’t even know about; however, whatever the reason, they once again did what great friends do- they made me realize just how necessary it is for me to be a better man.
That probably wasn’t their goal. But it is what happens with great friends. They push you to be better than you are. They challenge you to be strong and courageous. They make you see that life is more than just about you and your situation. They cause you to look through the mirror and help you focus on the most important things in life. They love. They give.
I wanted to share some pictures with you of our ‘friendship’ party- my surprise party. I hope you enjoy.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
I Could Wait No Longer...
This flyer went out today... and I just couldn't wait any longer to un-officially announce our newest theme. I am so excited about it. When Bro. Elms gave us the theme for the church this year it felt very aggressive in my spirit. Inward; Outward; Upward: it is a very forward moving idea.
I wanted to mirror what he felt; however, for the longest time I just couldn't 'get' it. It wasn't until Bro. Andrew's message a few weeks into the New Year that our new focus came to me. I am lifting it directly from his text; Hebrews 12:1-2.
This year the Life Tabernacle Kids are R.A.C.E.ing. We will be joining the forward moving effort of Reaching After Christ in Everything we do. We will reach after Him inwardly by makings sure our lives are grounded in truth and righteousness. We will reach after Him outwardly by doing more than ever to invite and share what we have with all of our friends. We will reach after Him upwardly by learning deeper ways of prayer and listening to the Holy Ghost. We are on the advance!
It is a RACE... and we will win!
I wanted to mirror what he felt; however, for the longest time I just couldn't 'get' it. It wasn't until Bro. Andrew's message a few weeks into the New Year that our new focus came to me. I am lifting it directly from his text; Hebrews 12:1-2.
This year the Life Tabernacle Kids are R.A.C.E.ing. We will be joining the forward moving effort of Reaching After Christ in Everything we do. We will reach after Him inwardly by makings sure our lives are grounded in truth and righteousness. We will reach after Him outwardly by doing more than ever to invite and share what we have with all of our friends. We will reach after Him upwardly by learning deeper ways of prayer and listening to the Holy Ghost. We are on the advance!
It is a RACE... and we will win!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Saturday, February 09, 2008
My Birthday
It happened. My birthday came (much to my dismay) and went. The best part, like always, was all the gifts.
First, one of my adopted mothers, Sis. Ojeda, cooked a homemade Mexican meal for me, David, and Brandon. It was wonderful. She made homemade enchiladas, beans, tortillas, rice, beans, tortillas, pueblo chili, beans, tortillas, and salsa. It was yummy. I ate so much food I felt as if I was border line in committing a sin.
Eloiza, another part of the adopted family, made me her homemade Candy Bar Cake. No one makes Candy Bar Cake like her. It was good- and still just as good the next day! They spoiled me.
Next, my Aunt Ann, who is probably one of the greatest Aunts in the world, bought my cousin and I tickets to see ‘Casting Crowns’ in concert at the Kay Yeager coliseum. It was INCREDIBLE!We had fantastic seats. My Aunt paid for everything, and because she is a manager at the coliseum, we had all kinds of free drinks and snacks all night long. In truth, in was just as cool being at the concert as it was being brought free snacks and drinks to our seats every 30 minutes or so. We had so much fun. Thank you Aunt Ann- I love you!
The group was incredible. The whole group was here; with all the instruments and singers, I think they sounded better live than on the album. I was able to try out the record feature on my new camera. The place was packed... you really cannot see all of the people until the lights come up.
I missed my seeing my brother and having my parents very much. I can’t stand that my Father and Mother will never be here for another birthday or special occasion. They left me with so much though. They left me with family who loves and cares for me. Who support me and give me a reason to stay strong.
They left me with my church. Something to pour myself into and in return become filled. Of all of the gifts I ever received, it is perhaps those two that will give continually throughout my life. These days I so often think of all the 'things' I used to want. Life certainly has a way of teaching and changing you.
It was a good birthday. Hope you enjoy the pics!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Holding Our Own
That's right. For all of the undecided Americans who have yet to jump in, Mike Huckabee is holding his own- and a very powerful hold at that.
No Republican, in modern history, has ever made it into office without the South. In order to win, the Republicans MUST unite in the south. Huckabee proved he can do this yesterday. Both McCain and Romney have been awarded delegates, but only in states that traditionally go Democrat in the National election. This is of no use to Republicans.
For those of us who remain to cast our votes, it is time to rally behind the only true Republican choice...
THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
votes
Monday, February 04, 2008
Super Tuesday
Tuesday is the day that most of the country will vote in some sort of primary race.
Unlike us Texans, who still have a whole month to go, you need to know who you are voting for. Some of you have no idea, and are still looking for a credible place to find solid information about each person running. If this sounds like you then you need to get online and read about the people running on your Secretary of State's website. It is the constitutional mandate of these people to provide you with the most unbiased information concerning elections.
Some of you have no idea if you can vote. In Texas ANYONE can vote in ANY primary just as long as they do not vote in BOTH primaries. This is not always the case... and many states require that you be registered to vote. Texas does require registration for primary voting.
For all of my readers from other states... here is the low down:
California: If you are an Independent you can vote in the Democrat primary but you cannot vote in the Republican primary, it is open to only registered Republicans.
Georgia: This is a total open primary.
Illinois: This is a total open primary.
Massachusetts: Independents may vote in ANY primary. Registered Republicans and Democrats may only vote in party primaries.
New Jersey: Same as Massachusetts.
New York: Closed Primary. Only Registered Republicans and Democrats may vote in their specific party primary.
Alabama: This is a total open primary.
Arizona: Closed Primary. (See New York)
Arkansas: Total Open Primary.
Colorado: Closed Caucus. Independents cannot attend- voting is done much like Iowa, in that caucus goers may vote several times until a winner is declared.
Connecticut: Closed Primary.
Minnesota: Open Caucus. Anyone may attend an individual caucus.
Missouri: Open Primary.
Oklahoma: Closed Primary.
Tennessee: Open Primary.
Alaska: Semi-Open Caucus. Independent voters may attend and register to participate on the day of the caucus. (If you are in Alaska you can just 'show up and vote')
Delaware: Closed Primary.
Idaho: No Republican Primary or Caucus. (This is a Republican strong-hold, the state has never gone blue.)
Kansas: No Republican Primary or Caucus. (Republicans will hold a caucus on a different date.)
Montana: Closed Caucus only open to Republican invitation.
New Mexico: No Republican Primary or Caucus. (See Idaho)
North Dakota: Semi-Open Caucus for Democrats and Total Open Caucus for Republicans. (See Alaska)
Utah: Semi-Open Primary. Independents may vote in any primary, Republicans and Democrats may only vote in party primaries.
West Virginia: Closed Republican Caucus.
Unlike us Texans, who still have a whole month to go, you need to know who you are voting for. Some of you have no idea, and are still looking for a credible place to find solid information about each person running. If this sounds like you then you need to get online and read about the people running on your Secretary of State's website. It is the constitutional mandate of these people to provide you with the most unbiased information concerning elections.
Some of you have no idea if you can vote. In Texas ANYONE can vote in ANY primary just as long as they do not vote in BOTH primaries. This is not always the case... and many states require that you be registered to vote. Texas does require registration for primary voting.
For all of my readers from other states... here is the low down:
California: If you are an Independent you can vote in the Democrat primary but you cannot vote in the Republican primary, it is open to only registered Republicans.
Georgia: This is a total open primary.
Illinois: This is a total open primary.
Massachusetts: Independents may vote in ANY primary. Registered Republicans and Democrats may only vote in party primaries.
New Jersey: Same as Massachusetts.
New York: Closed Primary. Only Registered Republicans and Democrats may vote in their specific party primary.
Alabama: This is a total open primary.
Arizona: Closed Primary. (See New York)
Arkansas: Total Open Primary.
Colorado: Closed Caucus. Independents cannot attend- voting is done much like Iowa, in that caucus goers may vote several times until a winner is declared.
Connecticut: Closed Primary.
Minnesota: Open Caucus. Anyone may attend an individual caucus.
Missouri: Open Primary.
Oklahoma: Closed Primary.
Tennessee: Open Primary.
Alaska: Semi-Open Caucus. Independent voters may attend and register to participate on the day of the caucus. (If you are in Alaska you can just 'show up and vote')
Delaware: Closed Primary.
Idaho: No Republican Primary or Caucus. (This is a Republican strong-hold, the state has never gone blue.)
Kansas: No Republican Primary or Caucus. (Republicans will hold a caucus on a different date.)
Montana: Closed Caucus only open to Republican invitation.
New Mexico: No Republican Primary or Caucus. (See Idaho)
North Dakota: Semi-Open Caucus for Democrats and Total Open Caucus for Republicans. (See Alaska)
Utah: Semi-Open Primary. Independents may vote in any primary, Republicans and Democrats may only vote in party primaries.
West Virginia: Closed Republican Caucus.
Remember... if you have no idea who to vote for... just ask!
Saturday, February 02, 2008
The Great Honor of My Life
I am just going to ramble from my heart today…
Several weeks ago our children’s group, LifeSavers, were going on a Christmas outing. We had arrived early at the church and made cookies before heading out to sing Christmas Carols to the elderly in our church. I had invited Sis. Carmen Cain to be a part of the evening because she directs the Children’s Choir at our church.
At one point in the evening we were talking about working in the kingdom of God and how so many people simply do not understand the joy and strength that spending your self for the work of the Lord can bring.
It was Sis. Carmen who said she considered herself privileged. She talked for just a moment about so many people who do not view working for the Lord a privilege, but rather more like a job or just something to do. Although I have heard those words so many times before, for some reason they have stayed with me since that day and I have thought about them over and over again.
I am privileged for being taught at a young age to ‘work’ at the church. I can not tell you how many times I would walk into the sanctuary and fall asleep on a pew because my parents were working at the church until late. From cleaning the church, to ushering, to teaching Sunday school, to being involved in church fun days and Sunday school outreach- with Bro. Gene Holley Jr. dressed up like a clown, I have flashes of memories of all of those events. I was privileged to learn by example to find something to do at the church, anything, and DO IT.
I am privileged. When I was a senior in high school I started working in Sunday school at our church. Many people thought that I was not old enough to do so, I couldn’t disagree more. When I started college I was not an education major. It was my time in Sunday school that seemed to develop my desire to go into teaching. My life’s work was developed by being used in the church.
I am privileged to work with the children of Life Tabernacle. It is my honor. There are so many people who are more talented than I; so many people who have made fewer mistakes than I; and so many people who don’t have nearly as many faults. For some reason, in spite of all of these things, God, in His infinite mercy, has allowed me the opportunity to be used in His kingdom. What a supreme privilege this is.
Last night, at our children’s revival, the children took the offering and sang in the Praise Group. It was wonderful. As I watched them I wondered what ‘life’s work’ was being developed by helping in the service that night. What will they develop into? Will it be a praise singer, music minister, worship leader, head usher, prayer warrior, a powerful witness, the possibilities are endless!
Those who were used were told how important it was to be in the prayer room before service and their parents did an outstanding job of making sure it happened. Really, I kind of have an easy gig. All of the great parents of Life Tabernacle do the hard work. And no one has better families than Life Tabernacle. Our kids are the best!
Every outing we have ever been on we have been asked where we are from. Our children ALWAYS get compliments from being so well behaved and happy. In fact, on our last outing, Bro. Lynn Dutton was with us. It was his first time to help out on a LifeSavers trip. He was the one who was asked where we were from, and he said himself he was so impressed with our kids (I think he had prepared himself for chaos!).
My church has always been, and even more so now, my lifeline. So many people have given to me, supported me, and strengthened me is so many ways as I was growing up, and even now. In some small way, I GET to give back. I GET to do something for God! I have the privilege of helping to create memories for children of my church that give them an opportunity to be ‘working’ in the Kingdom.
I have no idea why it stuck with me so much this time when Sis. Carmen mentioned what we do being a privilege? Maybe it is because the last few months have personally been somewhat of a war of the mind.
I have felt like so many ‘other’ things are keeping me not as focused on the most important job in my life. I never want that to happen. I never want to give less than my best. God could decide to use someone else- and with good reason- but I want Him to use me!
The last few years of my mother’s life I started to hear her use a saying that she had not used before. She began to say, whatever the activity, that it was her ‘reasonable service.’ Maybe you heard her say it yourself?
For everything that God had done, for all the blessings, for all the mercy, for every need that had been met- whatever she could do was, at the very best, the very least she could do. What a powerful statement that is. It is one of the ‘gifts’ she left me with and I will treasure it always.
Blessed- yes, I am. But perhaps that word doesn’t really say it all. You see, even if I give my very best, in all actuality it is simply the least that I could possibly ever do for the Kingdom of God. With that said, I really feel that ‘privileged’ is a whole lot better.
It is my privilege to work in the Kingdom of God. It is the Great Honor of my life.
Several weeks ago our children’s group, LifeSavers, were going on a Christmas outing. We had arrived early at the church and made cookies before heading out to sing Christmas Carols to the elderly in our church. I had invited Sis. Carmen Cain to be a part of the evening because she directs the Children’s Choir at our church.
At one point in the evening we were talking about working in the kingdom of God and how so many people simply do not understand the joy and strength that spending your self for the work of the Lord can bring.
It was Sis. Carmen who said she considered herself privileged. She talked for just a moment about so many people who do not view working for the Lord a privilege, but rather more like a job or just something to do. Although I have heard those words so many times before, for some reason they have stayed with me since that day and I have thought about them over and over again.
I am privileged for being taught at a young age to ‘work’ at the church. I can not tell you how many times I would walk into the sanctuary and fall asleep on a pew because my parents were working at the church until late. From cleaning the church, to ushering, to teaching Sunday school, to being involved in church fun days and Sunday school outreach- with Bro. Gene Holley Jr. dressed up like a clown, I have flashes of memories of all of those events. I was privileged to learn by example to find something to do at the church, anything, and DO IT.
I am privileged. When I was a senior in high school I started working in Sunday school at our church. Many people thought that I was not old enough to do so, I couldn’t disagree more. When I started college I was not an education major. It was my time in Sunday school that seemed to develop my desire to go into teaching. My life’s work was developed by being used in the church.
I am privileged to work with the children of Life Tabernacle. It is my honor. There are so many people who are more talented than I; so many people who have made fewer mistakes than I; and so many people who don’t have nearly as many faults. For some reason, in spite of all of these things, God, in His infinite mercy, has allowed me the opportunity to be used in His kingdom. What a supreme privilege this is.
Last night, at our children’s revival, the children took the offering and sang in the Praise Group. It was wonderful. As I watched them I wondered what ‘life’s work’ was being developed by helping in the service that night. What will they develop into? Will it be a praise singer, music minister, worship leader, head usher, prayer warrior, a powerful witness, the possibilities are endless!
Those who were used were told how important it was to be in the prayer room before service and their parents did an outstanding job of making sure it happened. Really, I kind of have an easy gig. All of the great parents of Life Tabernacle do the hard work. And no one has better families than Life Tabernacle. Our kids are the best!
Every outing we have ever been on we have been asked where we are from. Our children ALWAYS get compliments from being so well behaved and happy. In fact, on our last outing, Bro. Lynn Dutton was with us. It was his first time to help out on a LifeSavers trip. He was the one who was asked where we were from, and he said himself he was so impressed with our kids (I think he had prepared himself for chaos!).
My church has always been, and even more so now, my lifeline. So many people have given to me, supported me, and strengthened me is so many ways as I was growing up, and even now. In some small way, I GET to give back. I GET to do something for God! I have the privilege of helping to create memories for children of my church that give them an opportunity to be ‘working’ in the Kingdom.
I have no idea why it stuck with me so much this time when Sis. Carmen mentioned what we do being a privilege? Maybe it is because the last few months have personally been somewhat of a war of the mind.
I have felt like so many ‘other’ things are keeping me not as focused on the most important job in my life. I never want that to happen. I never want to give less than my best. God could decide to use someone else- and with good reason- but I want Him to use me!
The last few years of my mother’s life I started to hear her use a saying that she had not used before. She began to say, whatever the activity, that it was her ‘reasonable service.’ Maybe you heard her say it yourself?
For everything that God had done, for all the blessings, for all the mercy, for every need that had been met- whatever she could do was, at the very best, the very least she could do. What a powerful statement that is. It is one of the ‘gifts’ she left me with and I will treasure it always.
Blessed- yes, I am. But perhaps that word doesn’t really say it all. You see, even if I give my very best, in all actuality it is simply the least that I could possibly ever do for the Kingdom of God. With that said, I really feel that ‘privileged’ is a whole lot better.
It is my privilege to work in the Kingdom of God. It is the Great Honor of my life.
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