Vacation # last...

Still have several thoughts from vacation based on the fact that there was a lot of relaxation/down time and was able to spend some dedicated time simply reading some key books. So, I'm sure those thoughts will come out in the future but wanted to finish my "vacation posts" with this: the main purpose of our vacation get away was dedicated family time! I was able to spend pretty much every waking (and sleeping) moment with my beautiful wife and adorable daughter. I think I bonded more with Alethia than she did with me :)

That being said, I want to say that the past 2 weeks I have seen more growth in her than any. Her body is lengthening, her verbals are certainly loudening and her awareness of her parents is increasingly more intimate. [As of today she is 17 lbs 3 oz. and 25 1/2" long]

To make some life application - this is what God wants from us. Every waking (and sleeping) moment is opportunity to grow and increase intimacy with our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. I am a man and I love Jesus. I'm not saying this for competition so others can shout the same louder than I. I'm simply saying this because it's a reality that grows every day in my life. Growth is a natural part of life, if it's not then your dead. Christianity is a living, dynamic relationship with a living, vibrant Person. What a wonderful reality. Thank you Jesus for saving my soul and awakening my heart to know you and see you through my family.

Vacation thought #1

Vacation. You can feel the warm, grainy sand on your feet; breath in the fresh mountain air or simply feel the gentle wind at your back as your strolling through shopping outlets on vacation. Everyone loves to go on vacation. In fact, we love it so much we seem to continuously anticipate going on our next vacation trip. Being on vacation gives you the feeling of freedom and excitement. Did you know that God intended you to view all of life in this way? God wired each one of us with a great desire to be free and experience lasting joy. The trouble comes when we seek freedom outside of God’s boundaries and joy outside of God’s provisions. For instance, the person who wants to be debt free often has difficulty in spending boundaries and perhaps seeking to fulfill their joy in things that will not last for eternity. The teen who desires a boyfriend/girlfriend is probably pushing God’s emotional and physical boundaries for relationships and finding their joy in another person rather than God. The biblical word for this is an “idol”. Idols are God-substitutes promising to please but failing to fulfill. I think you get the picture… my point is, know that God truly desires you to live life ‘on vacation’; in such a way that we find freedom, excitement and true happiness in God alone.
John 10:10 Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Vacation... thoughts to come

Well, just got back from a week of vacation and it was great. Did some reading and reflecting (a pastor's R&R) and should have some interesting upcoming posts. In the meantime, here is a pic of my ladies at the beach. Peace.

Do non-believers root for believers?

Ok, I'm watching these MLB playoffs and honestly I am really excited that the NY Yankees (don't worry, there's not a chance I'd root for the Cowboys) are losing their series. Yes I hate the Yankees and unfortunately Yes the team I root for, the O's are horrible. Anyways, my point is that for some reason I find myself secretly rooting for the Yankees to do better. I mean, I almost want them to win. After much prayer and reflection ;) I think the reason is because I know deep inside they should win. They have such a rich history, the best athletes and essentially limitless resources as their owner, George Steinbrenner, has the highest payroll in MLB and will do whatever it takes to win.
What's my point? Glad you asked. The point is, I'm not a "believer" in the Yankees although I find myself rooting for them. My question is, do non-believers root for believers in the spiritual realm too? Are they desiring Christians to be a part of the worlds greatest problems (spiritual emptiness, corrupt leadership, poverty, diseases, and illiteracy - see http://www.thepeaceplan.com/)
I think unbelievers are rooting for believers; even if it is secretly. The reason is I think they see the rich history of God working throughout the world. I think they have some sense that there have been some great leaders and world movements that happened through the lives of well-known Christians. I also think they see that God has given His people limitless resources (His Spirit, the Word, prayer, the monster Church, etc.). AND I think they are rooting for Christians to go for it, to win it and win it BIG.
So, why is the Church 'losing its series'? I'm not sure I have all the answers, in fact I know I don't. But perhaps its because we are playing/living like we're already defeated when in fact we should live knowing victory has already been achieved through the great power of the gospel.