ON COMMON GROUND

I wrote this poem as I reflected on my interaction with the dear Chilean Christians we were able to serve with.

ON COMMON GROUND

Greetings to you my brother whom I have never seen,

and whose tongue at times I do not understand.

You approach me as if we have met before on some foreign land from here.

It cannot be that we have shared in conversation before. I embrace you as Family

even though we are of no relation. Confounded in shackles of

thought for why you recieve me so. As the days go by, clarity

finds itself browsing upon us. A stranger you are to my skeptical

eyes, but a friend so quickly to my heart. Intrigued I am by the way

you think and communicate. Chained is my tongue at times to respond

adequately so you understand me. As our fellowship prolongs, I begin

to realize that the ground which we stand has been shared before.

Something that cannot be clearly defined gives us a bond that cannot be broken.

The bond we share is in the God we share and pray to. Though the language

we speak be different, our God hears up both the same. To have shared

in the encounter of service with you has been refreshing and a blessing.

Though the soil we have served on may be foreign to me, the altar upon

which we both bow is only foreign to those who do not know the God we serve. Thank You!

Probably my favorite pic taken at Camp Pique

 

This road leads to the front gate of the camp. Not really a gate since you can actually walk around either side and get in.

 

Some other members of the workteam to Chile. The guy in the red shirt is not part of our group.

 

View of the landscape of Camp Pirque

 

 

Sometime around 9:00 in the evening at Camp Pirque

 

CAMP PIRQUE

Surrounded by a mountainous canvas both scenic and divine,

Hidden with dirty roads, protected by a thorny vine.

Unlimited with potential though masked by so much needed care,

Who will pick up my torch and upon your shoulders my burdens bare.

Foreign are my visitors who come to service my many needs,

Loud is my cry, and unshaken are my pleads.

Firm is my name and the foundation on which I stand,

Your time, effort, and care, I innocently demand.

I desire to be used for a purpose pure in its goals,

A place to enjoy, a source of hope to lost souls.

May those that visit me, leave with more than when they came,

The true reason I exist is to bare Jesus' name.

More Mountains!

 

Snowcapped mountain surrounding Camp Pirque

 

 

Behind me is the city of Santiago

 

BACK FROM CHILE !!!- PREVIEW

Well, I am back in the states. I want to thank all those that were praying for me while away in Chile for two weeks. I had a tremendous time. The Lord really blessed and allowed us to get quite a bit of work done. There is still so much to do. I am writing this post as a preview to the other excerpts I will be posting about my trip to Chile. I will be posting several pics of my trip to Chile as well as three poems that I wrote while over there based on my trip. To those who are wondering what my trip was for and what we did, I will share that now.
There are about four Christian camps that are in Chile right now that are overseen by a Mission board. They are all in quite bad shape. What I mean by that is, there is land and beautiful scenery, but no concept of what real a camp program is. The buildings are a worst for wear and I mean you would not want to live in them for any length of time. The purpose of our trip was to focus on one camp specifically named "Camp Pirque". It has been around for at least 15 years or so. Looking at it you would wonder how a camp could be there. As I heard a lot on this trip, "It has a lot of POTENTIAL!" There are several other work teams scheduled right now to head over to Chile in the next few months. Our work team began the wonderful task of building the 300 concrete posts needed to help fence in the 15-20 acres of land the camp sits on. In the pics I will be posting, you will see the many beautiful mountains that surround the camp. Breathtaking!! We worked some pretty long days since it does not get dark in Chile right now till around 9:30 to 10:00 at night. It is there summer right now.
The Chilean Christians were very kind and hospitable. I got to work closely with two men named Pedro (70yrs old-retired pastor) and Hermon(30 yrs old-spoke a little english). My time spent with them was great. We spent everyday mixing, pouring, and wheel burrowing concrete. During those days they quizzed me and taught me many spanish words and phrases. After a while I think they actually thought I was Chilean....well, maybe not. It was truly hard to say goodbye to them at the end of our two weeks.
Two of the highlights of my trip I would like to share before closing are: 1. Being able to sit in a worship service that was completely in Spanish, and 2. To hear fellow Christians pray in a different language and know that the same God I pray to in English hears them. These two highlights are the basis of one of the poems I will be posting entitled "Common Ground".
I would like to thank you all who visit my blog page. I hope and pray that the things you see and read in some way encourage you or provoke you to think. We serve an amazing God! May the Lord bless and keep you as you continue to follow and seek Him daily. If you have never been on a Mission trip, I would encourage you to go. It is a great opportunity to see things in a different perspective and to see how other brothers and sisters in Christ serve and worship the Lord. Take care and have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year in the Lord!

I AM IN CHILE......WILL GIVE UPDATE SOON

Greetings friends,
This is just a little note to let you know that I am out of the country. I am currently in Chile on a mission trip. I will be back in the states on the 15th of December. If you have been wondering why I have not posted anything lately, then this is why. Thank you for your patience and for your prayers. I will post pictures and give a full update of my trip when I return. May the Lord bless and keep you all until our paths cross again. Take care and God bless!

Tyararr

A PURITAN PRAYER:

Something to think about as we reflect on Thanksgiving and the many things God has done for us and is doing right now.

A PURITAN PRAYER

When thou wouldst guide me I control myself,

When thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself,

When thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself.

When I should depend on thy providings I supply myself,

When I should submit to thy providence I follow my will,

When I should study, love, honour, trust thee, I serve myself;

I fault and correct thy laws to suit myself;

Instead of thee I look to man's approbation, and am by nature an idolater.

Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to thee.

Convince me that I cannot be my own god, or make myself happy,

Nor my own Christ to restore my joy, nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, rule me.

Help me see that grace does this by providential affliction, for when my credit is god thou doest cast me lower, when riches are my idol thou dost wing them away, when pleasure is my all thou doest turn it into bitterness.

Take away my roving eye, curious ear, greedy appetite, lustful heart;

Show me that none of these things can heal a wounded conscience, or support a tottering frame, or uphold a departing spirit.

Then take me to the cross and leave me there.

BLAMLESS!!!

BLAMELESS

Unspotted, pure, and blessed from beginning to end,

He belongs to a realm which I cannot comprehend.

His eyes have partook in wonders I do not know,

Feared by those on high and those referred to as low.

Earth is His footstool and the place which we live and rest,

Men bow down to him and commit to Him their best.

Creation was the response of His spoken word,

Man was the result of His living breath.

Broken for me that I might be mended from sin's grasp,

Lifted up in my place that I might be brought low.

HOLDING PLACE

HOLDING PLACE

Lord, has my patience not reached the end of its stretching?

A spirit ready to move but restrained for loss of direction,

Focused not on myself, but on vessels seeking truth.

Make this time of holding peaceful, for my heart yells for more.

May my heart find the satisfaction of resting in You.

This holding place is my refinery, molding me for the next step.

Fervent for a new cause, faithful to the risen Christ.

RECKONED

RECKONED

The roof has been lifted and the doors open wide

Life's waters have flowed through, deep and side to side.

Winds of storm leaving no dark crevace to hide

The weak searching for relief and someone with to abide.

Can peace be found in the camotion of blind direction

Souls running from the truth which brings them correction....

I stand reckoned as a man torn from the inside out

My hope is in God, my foundation in whom I have no doubt.

My constructor is God, He is also my King

He lifted me after the storm when I could not sing.

My foundation is God and O so much more

He mended my broken heart and gently replaced its door.

The giver of my storm is God, I also call Him my Friend

My Comforter, my Sustainer from beginning till end.

My legs are getting tired standing here. 

I hope that cake does not fall! 

The bride and groom 

Me and the bridesmaid I walked with. 

Some more Groomsmen from the wedding. 

Here is me in my 13th wedding. Yes, officially I have now been a Groomsman thirteen times. The guy next to me is the Groom.  

THINKING BIBLICALLY

THINKING BIBLICALLY

This phrase, "thinking biblically" has been on my mind for some time now. I use to share this with the guys in my dorm when I was a Dorm Supervisor. It was interesting to hear some of the responses I received. To think biblically requires us to give up some things that we has selfish people have always been unwilling to give up.(the way we like to do things)(doing what we want to do). It requires us to sacrifice doing things according to our norm and raising it to a standard that does not come natural to us.

A term that must be brought up while pondering this is "obedience". Two questions that must be answered are: To what standard then are we to live? Whom are we to be obedient to? The answer to both these questions is "God". If we are to think and live biblically, then the Word of God must become the silhouette(standard) to which we live our lives.

To be more specific in the application of this: how we parent, how we teach, how we perform at our vocation, how we respond during crisis, how we respond to others, how we view ourselves, how we do business, how we manage our finances, and how we view others must go through the screening of God's Word. That is thinking and living biblically. Putting aside what we think is best and doing things God's way.

For centuries man has struggled with Obedience. Over 15 times in the book of Judges, the phrase "And they did that which was right in their own eyes" is mentioned. It is referring to God's dealing with the people of Israel. God provided for them. God protected them. God punished them. It was a continual cycle and one that has carried over into our lives. We get caught up with WHAT we have, and WHO we want to be like, and end up forgetting HOW we are to live.

As we face today and the next, may we remember as Christians that we have a responsibility that precedes all others. We are to live OBEDIENTLY to the Word of God. In doing so, we then can live and "think biblically."

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

FOR THE LOVE

OF GOD

Awakened by your presence

Corrected by your rod,

Serving not for man's praise

But for your heavenly applaud.

Driven not by duty

To my precious God I fear,

But by His love that is deep

That is always pure and near.

Smitten by a love that is strong

It gives me peace of mind,

An anchor of strength through the day

My glimmer of hope I can always find.

For the love of God I therefore

Find the words to speak,

Whether I am ridiculed by the rich

And made humble by the sight of the weak.

Pressing on with diligence

Through the daily grind,

Led by my Father's hand

Full of blessings so rich and kind.

FROM A DISTANCE

FROM A DISTANCE

I am an on looker in amazement wandering who you are,

Wishing that my gaze did not have to be so far.

Refreshed by the thought of you, both lovely and divine,

Secretly becoming a pirate; your heart, O to make it mine.

The trek for your fellowship so long and undeserved,

Trusting in my God to keep my heart for you preserved.

The words I wish to share with you are temporarily lost,

Pining away for your love, not stopping at any cost.

Left in this trance I am upon a treasure that is divine,

A pirate for your gaze which causes my heart to shine.

I will continue to grasp upon that which is content and dear,

Longing for that day that you are forever near.

ON THE EDGE

ON THE EDGE

Two steps backward and one step forward perched on the fence of restraint and release,

A moment's choice could reveal the outcome of consequence and denial.

Pulsating from my heart comes the cry of peace,

A place in which many seek, but find themselves lacking.

Suspended is my heart, not by doubt, but by the comforting Hands of God,

Filled by His indwelling; leaving me satisfied in His presence.

A stranger not to the frustrations of life, but a frequent visitor to the Throne of Grace,

Who am I that I should neglect the position of humility.

On the edge, but stedfast facing eternity,

For one cannot proceed while sitting and wrestling with that which is temporal.

REMEMBER

Time fades in the shadows of the memories of yesterday
Wounds of pain have now become the scars of distant chances
Suffering is a frequent visitor that peace is now a stranger
Words of wisdom are now the brief reflections of stammering thoughts
Smiles are shuffled in the corner of tears and frowns...remember...
Joy is the product of a heart rooted in eternity.
Song is a resounding of amplified satisfaction in Christ Alone.
Peace is the quieting of a fretful soul once headed toward destruction.
Time is not an entity in itself,but a train we will never catch and a ride which will always have an end.
Remembrance is the reward of the thwarted soul, battled spirit, and broken heart.

Because Of You

Little note: To those of you who view this, I wrote this song and I need a tune to go along with it. I am open for some ideas.

Because Of You

As I woke this morning I was feeling weary,
When I took a step I fell down
As I tried to pray my words were so empty
When I looked around all I had was gone
Others looked at me and said it was useless
Why don't you just curse God and die....
But then I looked up with exasperation and yelled with joyful sound

Chorus: because of You there is always a tomorrow --Because of You I can live today--Because of You I can praise you Jesus --Because of You....Because of You...

As I carry on daily with this journey
I will look to You with excitement
I will not take heed to the world's wisdom
I will trust and follow your precious Word
When I face another bump on this journey
I will remember You Jesus
When I see others that are hurting
I will let them know with joyful sound....

Chorus: Because of You there is always a tomorrow--because of You I can live today--Because of You I can praise You Jesus--because of You...Because of You

Bridge: Because of You I have joy--Because of You there is hope--because of You there is tomorrow--because of You I can do all things...I can do all things...(back to first chorus)

Thoughts: I Have been reading through the book of Job and a book about the life of Job. This song is kind of a gathering of thoughts about what I have been reading.

THAT'S MY GOD !!!

If you are like me this morning, you were probably dreading Monday morning. Why is it that Mondays seem to hit us hard after the weekend. Maybe, because as we wake up in the morning, our brains begin to flutter like a computer reminding us of all the things we have to do during the week. Are maybe all the encouraging things you heard from Sunday begin to grow quiet again in your ears and heart. Well, I would like to share some things with you about my God and why there is always reason to rejoice for a new day and week.

GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS PRAYER
GOD IS SOVEREIGN (IN CONTROL)
GOD IS FAITHFUL
GOD IS COMPASSIONATE
GOD IS FORGIVING
GOD IS MY STRENGTH
GOD IS EVERLASTING
GOD IS ALWAYS NEAR
GOD IS MY SALVATION
GOD IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER
GOD IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF MY FAITH
GOD IS COMING BACK TO TAKE THOSE TO HEAVEN THAT TRUST IN HIM
GOD'S WAYS ARE HIGHER THAN MY WAYS
GOD'S THOUGHTS ARE HIGHER THAN MY THOUGHTS
GOD'S WAY IS PERFECT
GOD'S STRENGTH IS PERFECT
GOD SAVED ME FROM WHAT I REALLY DESERVE
GOD IS PATIENT
GOD IS JUST
GOD'S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
GOD WALKS WITH ME, TALKS WITH ME, SEES ME, HEARS ME, COMFORTS ME, GUIDES ME.

GOD HAS SOME OTHER NAMES AS WELL: ALMIGHTY,ADONAI, ALPHA, BELOVED, BLESSED,BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR, COMFORTER, THE DOOR, DELIVERER, EMMANUEL, ELOHIM, FATHER, FRIEND, HOLY,JEHOVAH JIREH, KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS, LILY OF THE VALLEY, OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT, OMNISCIENT, PRINCE OF PEACE, ROSE OF SHARON, SAVIOR, SUPREME.....

As you begin your day, remember that GOD is in control. God is always near. He is why we exist. God is real. God is alive. May your hope and expectation be in God. When you begin to ask why? what? when? who? and how? .....remember God!!! Have a delightful and refreshing day in the Lord.

THE WORD FOR TODAY

(CONTENTMENT)

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see the word contentment? If you are single, you probably think of being content with being single until you find the right person. If you are married with family, you probably think of being content with having a house, a vehicle big enough for your family, and the finances to stay stable. There are many things in which we struggle to find contentment in.

Where is the Apostle Paul when he makes mention of this word "contentment"? Phillippians 4:11, "Not that I speak in respect of want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Paul was sitting in a cold, dark, wet dungeon surrounded by some of his centurion buddies. Well, I will not call them buddies, but they were usually keeping close watch over Him. Here is a man who had been beaten with rods, stoned, whipped, shipwrecked, mocked, and shackled more times than I can imagine. The word contentment rolls off his tongue like a man who has truly endured and has found the true meaning of it. This is the same man who says, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice."(Phil. 4:4)

What definition comes to mind when you reflect on the word Contentment? Can I actually say that I rejoice in every situation that comes my way? Not hardly. I am sure that there have been many situations that have crossed your path, that have brought you face to face with the struggle of contentment. I would like to leave you with this definition to ponder as you carry on with your day. You may have other definitions. Please feel free to share them with me.

Contentment - being completely satisfied with who you are in Christ, where you are in Christ, with what you have in Christ; even if not a single one of your heart's desires(wants) is ever fulfilled

End Of The Day Thoughts

It is Thursday night and I have decided to just share my thoughts as they come to mind. Usually, I have everything written out before posting anything. I would just like to randomly share some questions, thoughts, and hopefully words of encouragement to those who may read this.
Why is it that when a person's title of postion changes to a higher level; they sometimes change the way they treat certain people? A title will change the quality level of our position, but it should not change the quality of how we treat people. If I am wearing a suit, or wearing jeans and a t-shirt; I should be the same person. I should treat people equally.
Right now I am still waiting for the Lord to open a door of full time ministry for me to enter. To carry out this waiting process I am working part time doing a job that I had not planned on doing at this point in the year. At times I have referred to this waiting as being in "limbo" or just lost. Rebuked I have been in my quiet time in the Lord as He has reminded me that His Timing is not my timing. His Ways are higher than my mundane ways. Where I am right now, the position I am in right now, is where God wants me. I would rather be in the Hands of God doing what I don't want than doing what I want and not being in His will. For in His Hands, there is always peace.
Why is it that the same people always volunteer in church to do the things that need to be accomplished? Why is it that those in leadership always seem to take advantage of those that never say no to a new task? Why is it that there are so many lazy, apathetic, unloving Christians sitting on the sideline watching other people do everything? Why is it that Christians are afraid to open up and share with other Christians in small group studies? Why is it that social status seems to be more important in church than the single mindedness we should have in Christ as believers? Why is it that independent, fundamental, Baptist, Bible believing churches are not as diverse ethinically in their pews as other denomination? Just a few questions to ponder.
As we pause at the end of each day, what really matters to us? What truly keeps us motivated for another day? Seriously, what do we really value the most in our life? As a Christian, what it should boil down to at the end of each day.....................

What is my RELATIONSHIP like with God today? Is it real? Am I being real or just living another day with a facade?

I would like to end with this thought that I once heard from a Professor. "What I think about God and what I believe about God, is how I live."

LET GO AND LET GOD

Stretching forth with passion holding on to the reins of life,
Fighting for a strong grasp, while clouded with toil and strife.
We carry on with burdens enduring the pain,
Neglecting that God is the only one who can make it refrain.
Holding on to our ground claiming what is thine,
Forgetting who is in control most Holy and Divine.
Our grip is growing weak and our heart quite faint,
Precious in His sight are His needy discouraged saints.
Pulled in two directions for what is right or what is wrong,
Our eyes have lost their focus, our mouth has no song.
When will we let go of the reins of our pride,
Humble ourselves before God who is our Strength and Guide.
We must let go and let God have His way,
For in God we have hope for now and everyday.

Food for Thought:
What is it in our life that we see as so important that we are unwilling to let go of it and let God have control of it? What is it in our life that we are grasping onto so tightly that it is keeping us from having a closer walk with the Lord? What person, trial, past circumstance, sin, or wound from a friend are you holding onto that you need to let go of? Let God have it so you can begin to live free?

Psalm 26:1-2

Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

WHO IS IN CONTROL?

Food for thought:
Have the things you done in private today been consistent with what you have done that someone else has seen today? Before answering that, remember that God sees everything.

WHO IS IN CONTROL?

If you are a living breathing person you probably like to have control. You like to have control over how much money you make, when the street lights turn green or red, or when you can go on vacation. As you know, there is no way that we can control everything that happens in our life. There is one particular area that I would briefly like to talk about. That area is our ATTITUDE/Spirit/Heart. Who is in control of you? Why do you do the things you do?

Proverbs 25:28

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

Things to consider:

1.Who or what that controls us has an affect on the choices we make

2.What we value most is what has the most control over us.

3.Our attitude, thoughts, actions, and how we treat others; is a reflection on whom or what that controls us.

In the passage of scripture above it compares a person who does not have control as a city in ruins. As Christians we are to be Spirit controlled individuals. That means that we are not to be controlled by our emotions, by how others treat us, or by the circumstances that arise in our lives. We have a choice each morning with how we are going to begin our day. We have a choice of what atitude or spirit in which we are going to go about our day. It is easy to get distracted by things that are daily fighting for control over us. Such as: pleasure, selfishness, pride, lack of contentment, and bitterness. A person that is not controlled is like a city in ruins.

Main Points:

1.A city without walls is desolate

2.A city without walls cannot control what comes in or out

3.A city without walls has no purpose

Things to ask yourself today:

1.Who is in control over me?

2.Why do I do the things that I do?(for me, for God, or for others)

3.Am I willing to trust and allow God to have complete control of every area of my life?

....Search me O God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me; that I may know how I should walk and what I should change.

Summer Update.......

Greetings Friends,
I hope and pray that this post finds you doing well and enjoying your walk with the Lord. Because of Christ, there is always reason to rejoice. I cannot believe how fast this summer has flown by. I guess it is true, when you are having fun time flies by more quickly. If you didn't know, I have been working at High Point Camp all summer in Pennsylvania. This is my 10th consecutive summer working there. It has been totally awesome. Our God is truly Amazing and Faithful.
You all are probably wandering what I am going to be doing in the Fall since I am not returning to C.C.C. Well, I still do not have an answer to that question. I am still seeking the Lord's direction for that matter. This summer has denfinitely been a stretching experience in the area of faith and patience. God knows best and I know He has something in store for me that I have never imagined. God truly is Good!
Well my friends, I cannot type too much right now. I am still at camp and Fridays are super fun and busy. I hope and pray that when our paths cross again that I will find you walking faithfully with our Lord. May the Lord bless and keep you till we meet again. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Take care and have a delightful and refreshing day in the Lord.

LORD OF THE HOUSE

O God enter this house and cleanse it from within,

Enter deep in the foundation and uproot the weeds of sin.

Please break the blurred mirrors that reflect a wicked facade,

That I may see myself for who I am and live for your applaud.

Open all the doors that are locked within this vessel,

Relieve it from its weakenesses with which it daily wrestles.

Mend the fences of this house so others can truly see,

This house is not my own but truly belongs to thee.

Lord light up this house so people can clearly see,

You are my constant focus from now till eternity.

Please rebuild the bridges that connect this house to others,

Bind them with your love to my sisters and my brothers.

Protect this house from destruction, which source is always sin,

Sprinkle it with rains of humility, grind it deep within.

Built upon your promises, a creation of your hand,

May this house stand faithfully, obedient to your command.

A recipient of your love, an object of your grace,

May this house stand faithfully and never forget its place.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Today, You may find yourself lost and trying to find direction. Maybe your patience is being stretched as you ponder the next step God has for you. There may be doors in your heart that are locked that are keeping you from having true joy. May I remind you today, that if you truly are saved; the One that truly can help you lives within you. Psalm 37:25 says, "I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread." If you are going about this day and you are not experiencing true peace, then look at Psalm 37:1-11. We are encouraged to do a few simple things that will help us find that peace. 1.Do not worry 2.Trust 3.Delight 4.Commit 5.Rest 6.Wait. God is in control and He knows what is best for us in this life. Today, as we ponder, may we find our thoughts, our heart, our faith, resting completely in Him. It is then that we can have true peace.

What's Next?

Greetings to my friends,
I know that many of you have been praying for me about my decision for next year. For those who are not aware of my situation, this is my last year working at Clearwater Christian College. This is my fifth and final year serving mainly as a Resident Advisor. It definitely has been an adventure and a learning experience. So what are my future plans? That is the question that so many of you have been asking. Well, my planned exodus from Clearwater will be sometime around June 3rd. I will be serving at High Point Camp in Geigertown, Pennsylvania for my tenth consecutive summer in a row. As for the Fall, I am still not sure what I will be doing or where I will be serving. No, I am not stressed about not knowing the future; for I know who holds the future today and everyday. God truly is Faithful and I know that He will instruct me specifically in His time.
So for now, my heart and focus are on the Lord and my responsibilities for this summer. There are too many things to do between now and then besides sitting around and worrying about the future. Thank you so much for your continued prayers as I continue to seek patiently the Lord's direction. May the Lord bless and keep you all as you continue to follow and serve the Lord with all your heart. Take care and God bless. Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

TREASURE OF A MOTHER

Not all treasures come in the form of silver and gold,

Some come as people, their names are untold.

There is a special person that to me is a treasure,

Being her son has been and is a priceless pleasure.

An example of love she has been throughout my days,

I offer her my thanks, I offer her my praise.

She seeks to help others and meet their need,

A special woman she is a precious jewel indeed.

Patience and love are with her in her ways,

God's wisdom and blessing are with her all her days.

She has been a faithful wife as well as a mother,

To whom does she compare, there is no other.

Smothered by her love and always her prayers,

Whenever I talk to her I know she cares.

My motivation to achieve and do the things I should,

She encourages me to love others and do all that is good.

I see her not as unordinary or similar to the rest,

But an ordinary woman led by God that seeks to do her best.

There is so much more to cherish and always more to say,

As I reflect on my Mother today on Mother's Day.

The treasure of a Mother is a gift very dear,

It brings my thoughts to a pause and to my heart a joyful cheer.

Dear God I thank you for my Mother for she is a special one,

I count it a priceless treasure to always be called her son.

The Treasure Of Our Thanksgiving

We gather today as family, friends, acquaintances, strangers and countrymen. We have gathered today each in our own distinct way to celebrate that which has come by the way of priceless sacrifice. The reward for those who have given their lives before us is the trophy of freedom which we hold close to our hearts. May we not forget, nor neglect the memory of those whose blood once flowed in the valleys and fields of which now represent places of solitude and rest.
Today, let us put aside our differences that we may help those that are in need. May we help those that cannot help themselves. May we help those who cannot see, to see the gift today we embrace. Today there will be those that will unlock the chains to the doors of their heart that they may share the love which they have bound so long. There will be those who will harness their pride and hate because they have not experienced which we gladly proclaim today. May we lift the blinds of our eyes that we may see people for who they are and not for what we perceive them to be. We must lift the shades of our hearts that the love we show have not respector of persons. We must open our minds so we may clearly reflect on the countless steps that have led us to the peak of the ladder of our independence.
Committment, faith, honesty, courage, wisdom, fervency, sacrifice, and iniative are but a few of the characteristics that have flowed from the veins of our past leaders. They were not unordinary, but ordinary people that strove for that which burned in their hearts. It was a burning that was passed from heart to heart until it was quenched by the river of independence that we experience today. Sadly, though we celebrate and give thanks for our country and our freedom; our homes, cities, states, country, and our hearts are still bound by our wicked sinful desires.
There are many today that are standing thankful as free Americans and as Christians, no longer bound by sin. To whom do they owe their thanks? His name is Jesus. His death broke sins's shackles and His resurrection quenched death's sting. Christ loved us so much that He died for us so we may have freedom from sin. No, like others who have died, He was not an ordinary man. He was and is the Son of Man. He is the Son of God!

Not Home Yet !!

Tired and strained but not wilted beyond measure,

Sight of home is still in view of my eyes as well as my heart.

Conflicted by powers that I cannot vastly see,

Trying to withhold me from the journey of which I long to finish.

Lost in the pain of constant temptations and trials,

They tease me and show me how uninvincible I am.

The fierce challenges I face see me not as a nemesis but a prey,

By God's strength may I stand undaunted through the raging storms of time.

A patriot for a cause I truly do not comprehend,

Longing for an end to this journey of which I cannot control.

My resting place is a destination I do not deserve,

Its treasures are beyond my comprehension.

HEAVEN!!!

Food For Thought:

To the faint at heart, find your strength today in our Sovereign God. Whether you are serving our Saviour on foreign ground or here at home; do not lose heart. If you are tired of fighting the constant battle between the flesh and the spirit, stand your ground. We have already won the war. For now, we must face these daily battles against a foe whose end is nothing compared to the beginning we have to look forward to in eternity. When you find yourself beaten, confused, famished, weakened, discouraged, and at your wits end; remember that our time here is nothing compared to what we have to look forward to in eternity. We are not just strangers in this foreign land of sin. We are heaven bound sinners saved by grace, serving an EXTRAORDINARY GOD!

Words Of Wisdom From The Sandbox #2

Topic: Keeping Christ On The Mind

Questions to ponder:
1.When I entered a situation today, did I do anything to make it better than it was before I left?
2.What have I done today to help influence my friends or roommates spiritually?
3.Have the things that I have done in private today been consistent with the things I have done in public?

Another day passes and we realize we have not thought about God today. We realize that we have not once brought Him up in our conversations with our friends. Maybe we muttered a mumble or so of a prayer before beginning our day. How much aware are we of the presence of God? Do we really live as if He is standing right there by our side? Are we so focused with what is going on in our sandbox that we have no time for anyone outside our box?
I would encourage you to take a step back and consider that your life; no matter how silent it may be, influences someone. It is not about you, IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM!!! As Christians, we should encourage each other positively toward spiritual things. If not, then it is time for a new self evaluation. Ask yourself today, Lord, what can I do today to allow you to have more influence in all the areas of my life?

Keep It Simple: God's Daily Will - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
1.Focus on what matters (12:13)
2.View God with a reverant respect (12:13)
3.Remember that God sees even the secret things of life (12:14)

By the Grace of God, may we live our lives in a way that reflects a pure and proper message of who Christ is and what He has done in our lives.

I am a scary snow man!! 

I am chillin out on the mountain top. 

This is me at Rocky Mt. National Park. I am standing on a lake! 

"Dare To Be Good" - "Dedicate To Be Godly"

Who will dare to be good? O man, where will you stand?

The evil in this world seeks to remove you like a speck of sand.

There are many in this world who are considered good,

Because they give money to needy neighborhoods.

Man is considered good by what he does in the eyes of man,

Even though it may displease God and go against His command.

When you strive to be good according to the world's level,

You stand on shaky ground easily torn down by the devil.

Who will dedicate to be Godly is the question that I ask;

To follow faithfully is a long and rugged task.

Many have gone before me carrying the torch of the cross,

May my life not be a cloud which quenches the light to the lost.

Who will dare to be Godly? This desire is very rare;

People living for self, fulfilling their flesh everywhere.

The steps of the Godly are patterned after the Lord;

Their lives covered with fingerprints of God's Holy Word.

Your choice to be Godly is a firm stand to take;

Friends, desires, and sins you may have to boldly forsake.

What is your passion? Is it for God or for sin?

God sees and knows all the wicked things within.

When we stand before God and bow before His throne,

He will reveal those who loved Him and stood for Him alone.

Food For Thought:

I Timothy 4:8 says, "For bodily exercise profiteth little; but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." There are all sorts of standards that can be maintained to make someone appear as good. The only path for godliness is Obedience. Obedience to God and His Holy Word. This requires a daily denying of self of the things which we want, desire, and live for that are not consistent with what God commands. May it be our daily pursuit to know God more and to follow Him with all of our heart. Seeking not man's approval of being a good person, but striving to be the obedient child of God that we are commanded to be.

What Is A Sandbox?

Response to earlier post: Words of Wisdom from the Sandbox
Question: What is a Sandbox?

As I reflect back to my earlier childhood, I can still remember the fun days of playing in my sandbox. At that age I was not really concerned with what was going on outside my box. All that I dwelled on was the abundance of sand and the many toys that were in my box. Maybe your box was made out of wood or plastic. I have seen all sorts of sandboxes, some portable and some stationery. As I got older, my attention began to become more focused on things outside of the box. I can still remember my mother telling me to stay inside the box and not wander about. Unknown to me were the many dangers that awaited me outside the box. Several times I could have easily walked or ran outside of my box, but there was always something inside me that kept me within my boundaries.
As I child my sandbox consisted of a wooden contraption filled with sand. Now that I am older, sandbox has taken on a new meaning to me. My sandbox now pertains to the area of life in which I dwell as well as the inner workings of my heart. Now, in reading that statement you probably are thinking that I just described the same sandbox I sat in as a child. Well, I suppose figuratively speaking it does sound somewhat the same. All our life, our sandbox has encountered many changes. Maybe the location of your box changed, or the things which were in your box changed. Most importantly, you changed. As a child you really had no control on what could come inside your box or when you suddenly would be removed from it.
Whether we are a child or an adult, we still do not have control over what could happen in our sandbox. Sometimes we may have to battle with staying within our boundaries, or stepping out by faith to do something new. Sometimes we may have to be selfless enough to allow someone else to join us in our box. As a people that like to be in control, we struggle with change. Change is not always bad, but it does require flexibility and trust. Sometimes life may require us to step outside our familiar sandbox and never return.
What is the point that I am trying to make? The truth is very simple. All throughout our life we are going to experience all sorts of changes and experiences. We do not have complete control over when, what, how, or who. One thing I know that has been a true comfort to me as I dwell in my sandbox and venture out of it: People may change, your environment may change, your trials and circumstances may change, You may change, the things within and without your sandbox may change; but GOD NEVER CHANGES.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Words of Wisdom from the Sandbox

Topic: Standing In The Face Of Trying Circumstances

Questions to Consider:
What is my response when I am faced with trials I am not ready to face?
What is my response when I realize that the trials I am facing are bigger than I am?
What is my response to life in general when different things appear on my path of life that i have never imagined?
Am I being faithful in responding Biblically to trials and circumstances that I experience?

What are some negative responses to trying circumstances?
I do not deserve this, I am a good person
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Life just seems to always deal me a bad hand
I am going to be angry and bitter at life and the world in general
There is no reason to live anymore
I cannot handle this
If I had this or that, things would be so much better

What does the Bible say? (I Peter 1:1-7,4:12-14,19)
Keep our hope in the Lord - 1:3
We are kept by the power of God - 1:5
Rejoice - 1:6,8 4:13
Remember trials are temporary in light of eternity -1:6
The trying of your faith is more profitable than riches - 1:7
Christ suffered and endured trying circumstances -4:1,13
Keep your faith -4:19

Food for Thought:
We never know when it will be our time to experience a trial or circumstance that pushes us to the edge. Life is not all about having a good time and fulling your desires to their utter end. Life is not all about pleasure. There is another side of the coin.