Wednesday, January 31, 2007
How to tell if it's Going to be a Really BAD Day!
posted at 
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
My Top 4 Favorite Quotes
I love a good quote. I have a lot of favorite quotes ... here are four of my most favorite:- "Preach always, if necessary use words." ~ Saint Francis
- The biggest difference between you and God is that God doesn’t think He’s you.” ~ Anne Lamott
- “Lord, I crawled across the barrenness to you with my empty cup uncertain in asking any small drop of refreshment. If only I had known you better I’d have come running with a bucket.” ~ Nancy Spiegelberg
- “Church was a weekly reminder that there was something worse than school." ~ The comedian Gallagher, reflecting on his childhood church experience.
Do you have a favorite quote? Share one!
Monday, January 29, 2007
On The Soap Box Today: Bashing the Church
I heard it again this week. Someone was speaking negatively about the church. Seems lately it's the "in" thing to beat up on "church." For example, recently a lady told me, "I love God. I love Jesus, but I don't see any need for the church. Besides, the church is nothing but a bunch of hypocrites." This lady isn't the first to say negative things about the church. I it happens all the time.It seems to me that we're okay beating up on the church, but we'd never talk bad about the kingdom of God. No one ever says, "The kingdom of God is such a joke," or "The kingdom of God is a waste of time. I tried it and see no use for it." And the last I checked, the Kingdom of God and the church go hand in hand. We wouldn't dare talk negatively about the kingdom of God, which is the church, but we are willing to talk that way about the church.
I'll admit I get frustrated with things that go on in the church too. But I think many have gone a little overboard with the way they talk negatively about the church. So, I'd like to share a few things I think about the church...
- The church is the bride of Christ. Have you ever thought about that when you talk trash about the Lord's church with your words, you're actually taking trash about the Lord's bride. Any normal man is going to punch you in the mouth for talking trash about their bride, so if you're willing to talk about the Lord's bride in negative ways, you're a braver man than I (Ephesians 5:25-27).
- The church IS full of hypocrites: A hypocrite is someone who doesn't consistently live out what he believes. I will be the first to admit that I am a hypocrite, because I don't always consistently live out what I believe. The church is the perfect place for the hypocrites, sinners and spiritually sick. If you go to a hospital, you find sick people who are wanting to get well. If you go to a church, you find spiritually sick people who are wanting to get spiritually well. So, yes, the church is full of imperfect people. There was only one perfect man, I'm not him and you're not either (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- The church has the best people in the world in it. Yes, I know there are a few old grouches, but all in all, the church is full of the most loving, caring and gracious people. As the old saying goes, "the church is the light of the world, and every good light attracts a few bugs." There will always be a few old bug, but I've met thousands and thousands of Christ-like people. People who make me proud to say, "I'm a Christian" (Galatians 5:22-26).
- "But someone in the church hurt my feelings." Deal with it! I'm sure it's not the first time your feelings were hurt, nor will it be the last time either. Just because someone "wrongs" us doesn't mean we have to storm out, refusing never to go back. I thought we gave that up in Kindergarten. I recently asked a man why he didn't go to church and he told me, "I grew up in the church but left it, because one Sunday a man told me he didn't think I could participate in the Lord's Supper because he wasn't sure about my baptism." Ouch! I apologized for whoever the foolish man was and his actions, but reminded him that leaving the church and talking bad about the church for the rest of his life wasn't the answer. Just because someone does you wrong doesn't mean everyone is bad! I once had a car stereo stolen out of my pickup by a homeless teen. I didn't start hating all homeless people, nor did it make all teenagers thieves.
Before you go around talking bad about the church, let's remember that the church is the bride of Christ whom Jesus died for (Ephesians 5:25). Sorry about the soapbox, but wow, I feel better getting all that off my chest today.
Labels: Church, Hypocrites
Sunday, January 28, 2007
New Sermon - "Real Church Family"
Kassidy, my friend...
Here's Sunday's sermon you asked for. You'll be proud, I've finally learned to post them myself. Thanks for all you've done to help. You're the best!
PS - Make sure you have a pillow close by while listening to it ... it'll make you sleepy :)
Here's Sunday's sermon you asked for. You'll be proud, I've finally learned to post them myself. Thanks for all you've done to help. You're the best!
PS - Make sure you have a pillow close by while listening to it ... it'll make you sleepy :)
Labels: Sermon Link
Friday, January 26, 2007
TAGGED
Well, it happened. I've been tagged by a couple of new "blogger" friends. Actually, I wasn't sure what that meant at first, but from what I've now been told, that means I've got to reveal 5 things about myself that others in the "blogger world" might not know about me. So I guess I'll play along, but I must warn you, prepare to be bored out of your mind.
- ONE - I grew up in a family of nine. I was one of the youngest of 7 children. We grew up in a three bedroom / two bath home. I recently asked my dad how much money he brought home from his job in the early 1970's to support the family. He said, "$114 a week." Wow, now I understand why I wore hand-me-downs and didn't have all the latest and greatest toys.
- TWO - My first real job was at Wendy's Hamburgers. That lasted a grand total of 3 weeks because they found out that I was only 15 and not 16. Other early jobs included: working at a pharmacy, sacking groceries, serving soft-serve yogurt and mowing lawns.
- THREE - Twice I've had cancer. The first was back in 1989. We had just moved to Childress to work as the youth minister. I decided to go in for a routine physical. The doctor found a spot on my back that was cancer. After a couple of surgeries and a bunch of follow up, I was declared "cancer free." A differnet type was found in 2003. We'd just moved back to Childress for a second time. This time to serve as the minister for the church. I again went in for a routine physical, and the very same doctor as before found cancer again. Go figure. This time it required a very large surgery followed by a weeks stay in the hospital. Today I continue to do follow-ups and continue to be cancer free. (I have decided no more routine physicals from Dr. Green - kidding).
- FOUR - I come from a long line of church goers. In fact, a very large amount of my family has either served as elders or ministers at one time or another. If I counted correctly, I have had 10 family members that have served as ministers at one time or another in the past few years. My dad was an elder for years. My brother preaches in Juneau, Alaska. My brother-in-law preaches in New Mexico. I got in to preaching because one of my stinking uncles told me when I was a kid, that if I'd be a preacher I'd only have to work "one day a week." I recently reminded him, "We all know where liars go." :)
- FIVE - I met the love of my life, Lea, on accident. I was 4 years older than her, and she asked me if I could help her out by pretending to be her boyfriend. There was another boy chasing her that she didn't like, and she thought if she pretended to go out with a much older guy, he'd leave her alone. I told her I'd be a nice guy and pretend as long as she needed me to. Now, after 4 years of dating, eighteen years of marriage and four children later, it just hit me that I may need to go ask Lea, "We're not still pretending are we?"
There you go! I have fulfilled my "tagged" duty with these 5 things. I'm sure by now your head is laid over on your computer keyboard, and you're drooling all over the place from being asleep. I guess to make this tagged game fair, I'll tag my friend "Monica," who is a wonder wife, mom and Christian lady. And despite me being her youth minister many years ago, she somehow still turned out alright.
Labels: General
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Just Call Me Jax
I'd like you to meet Jax (or "Jaxion" if you ask his mom). Jax , is the 11 month old, only son, of our youth minister Nate and his wife, Kristin.Jax likes to talk. In fact Jax likes to talk a lot. He doesn't really use any words, but he can babble with the best. Sometimes Jax does his best to out preach me on Sundays. The louder I get ... the louder he gets. I think he's trying to tell me it's time to finish the lesson :)
The cool thing about Jax is how he reminds me of God's love. Here are some examples...
- Jax's mom and dad think he "hung the moon." They love him with all their hearts. They take millions (no exaggeration) of pictures and send them to everyone. They are proud, proud parents. In the same way, God thinks you "hung the moon." He loves you with all of His heart. He's proud of you. And if He carried a wallet, your picture would be in it (Romans 8:37-39).
- Also, there is absolutely nothing that Jax's parents wouldn't do for him. If he is sick, they do everything they can to help him get well. If he's hurt, they comfort him. If he's happy, they are happy with him. They are great parents. Just like any parents, they'd go anywhere for him and do anything for him. But did you know the Bible tells us that no matter how good the parents are, we just can't compare to how good God is as a parent. Jesus said that as parents we don't even compare to God as a parent. Basically, He's out of our league (Luke 11:11-13). I like that, because I know that even the greatest parents in the world, can't compare with how good God is as a Father. And when I see how deeply Jax's parents love him, it helps me to remember that God loves me even more than that. Way more.
- I also know that Jax's parents would never let anyone or anything hurt him. They'd lay down their own lives before they'd let something hurt Jax. How much love did your Heavenly Father have for you to offer His one and only Son for you? For God so loved "the world" (that's you) that He gave His one and only Son... (John 3:16). Jax's parents might offer themselves, but like any parent, they'd never offer their own child (Romans 5:8). But God did. That's love. That's supreme love.
- Finally, there's not anything Jax will ever do that will make his parents stop loving him. Nothing. Just like in Luke 15 when the prodigal son left home, the father never stopped loving him. Never. Everyday the father looked for the boy. Everyday the father longed for the boy to come home. And everyday the father loved the boy. Never, ever doubt God's love.
If we look we can see God's love through so many things. We can even learn some lessons from a "little one." Thanks Jax for helping me out on my blog today.
Labels: Children, Fathers, God's Love
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
FREE PORN OR PORN FREE
"I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me." ~Psalm 103:3 Today 68 million people will use Yahoo, Google and other search engines to search for "free porn." Unfortunately a very small number of people will search for something that will help them to become "Porn Free."
Pornography has become a powerful addiction that Satan uses to lead men, women and young people astray. And unfortunately, too many churches, families and parents have turned a blind eye to the dangers of pornography in their very own homes. Whatever you do, don't ignore the following statistics.
Pornography Industry Statistics
- Size of the Industry
$57.0 billion world-wide - $12.0 billion US
Adult Videos - $20.0 billion
Escort Services - $11.0 billion
Magazines - $ 7.5 billion
Sex Clubs - $ 5.0 billion
Phone Sex - $ 4.5 billion
Cable & Pay Per View - $ 2.5 billion
Internet - $ 2.5 billion - Porn revenue is larger than all combined revenues of all professional football, baseball and basketball franchises.
- US porn revenue exceeds the combined revenues of ABC, CBS, and NBC (6.2 billion)
- Internet Porn Statistics
Pornographic websites - 4.2 million (12% of total websites)
Pornographic pages - 372 million
Daily pornographic search engine requests - 68 million (25% of total search engine requests)
Daily pornographic emails - 2.5 billion (8% of total emails)
Average daily pornographic emails/user - 4.5 per Internet user
Monthly Pornographic downloads (Peer-to-peer) - 1.5 billion (35% of all downloads)
Worldwide visitors to pornographic web sites - 72 million annually - Children's Exposure to Pornography
Average age of first Internet exposure to pornography - 11 years old
Largest consumer of Internet pornography - 12-17 age group
15-17 year-olds having multiple hard-core exposures - 80%
8-16 year-olds having viewed porn online - 90% (most while doing homework)
7-17 year-olds who would freely give out home address - 29%
7-17 year-olds who would freely give out email address - 14% - Adult Internet Porn Statistics
Men admitting to accessing pornography at work - 20%
US adults who regularly visit Internet pornography websites - 40 million
Christians who said pornography is a major problem in the home - 47%
Adults admitting to Internet sexual addiction - 10%
Breakdown of male/female visitors to pornography sites - 72% male - 28% female
Suggestions for Safe Internet Viewing:
- Teach your children to never give personal information over the Internet, such as real name, birthday, address, telephone number, password, parents' names, the name of any club or team he/she is involved in, name of his/her school, or after school job.
- Supervise Computer Use: Keep your house computer in an open area of your home. Placing the computer in an area, such as the kitchen or family room, gives spouse, parents and guardians the ability to supervise one another. My boys and I hold one another accountable by allowing each of us to look at the others "browsing history." It's a good idea to check the history of your home computer often to see where people have been looking.
- Consider a filter for your Internet to block pornography. There are many available.
Here are some links that might provide help in overcoming pornography:
“With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him. Suddenly he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter...” ~Proverbs 7:21-22
It's your choice today ... look for "free porn" or look to be "porn free."
Labels: Porn
Saturday, January 20, 2007
The Church Is Not A Fad
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
(sermon link) Sunday I talked about how the early church was a "devoted" church. One of my points is that "church" to them was not a fad, it was a committment. Fads have come and gone for the past 100 years, but the church has always lasted.
As I began looking up pictures for my powerpoint of fads that had come and gone, I found myself laughing at some of the fads we've taken part in over the past 30 years. Fashion fads such as bellbottoms, bermuda shorts, mullet haircuts (I'm sure I've just offended a few rednecks with that one), go go boots, big hair, leisure suits, members only jackets, tie dye shirts and other fashion faux pas. Or how about 8 track tapes, hula hoops, pet rocks, goldfish swallowing or telephone booth stuffing. I remember some of them well, too well. Here are a few pictures. Remember any of these fads?
Fads come and go, but the church doesn't. It will last forever. It was established upon the rock, Jesus Christ and if it's anything like the church in Acts, then it'll be full of devoted and committed children of God. Here are a few more verses about the devoted church (Acts 5:42, Matthew 6:24, 2 Corinthians 7:12).
What fads do you remember?
Labels: Church, Sermon Link
Friday, January 19, 2007
Bad Weather... Again & SUPER BOWL XLI
"Well It Finally Happened"
That's the way it's been feeling around here. After a week of freezing temperatures and a huge ice storm that shut everything down, the weather men are now calling for a massive snow storm to hit this area Friday night and Saturday. Six to ten inches of snow is predicted. Don't get me wrong, I like a little winter weather, but this is far and above what's usual for the town of Childress. Last week church services were cancelled. I hope that doesn't happen again this Sunday. I need my Sunday fix of my Father, friends and fellowship.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, with Superbowl XLI right around the corner, here are a few thoughts for you about past Super Bowls.
- BEST GAMES
2) SB XXV: Giants 20, Bills 19
3) SB XXXIV: Rams 23, Titans 16
4) SB XXXII: Broncos 31, Packers 24
5) SB XXXVIII: Patriots 32, Panthers 29
- BEST UPSETS:
2) SB XXXVI: Patriots 20, Rams 17
3) SB XXXII: Broncos 31, Packers 24
4) SB IV: Chiefs 23, Vikings 7
5) SB XVIII: Raiders 38, Redskins 9
- BEST CLUTCH PLAY:
2) (tie) SB XXXVI: Adam Vinatieri wins Super Bowl with 48-yard field goal on game's final play(tie) SB XXXVIII: Adam Vinatieri wins Super Bowl with 41-yard field goal with :04 left
3) SB XXIII: Joe Montana hits John Taylor for game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XXIII with 34 seconds left
4) SB V: Jim O'Brien kicks 32-yard field goal with five seconds left
5) SB XXXI: Desmond Howard's 99-yard kickoff return after Patriots closed to 27-21
- BIGGEST CHOKE PLAY:
2) SB XXV: Scott Norwood misses potential game-winning 47-yard field goal on game's final play
3) SB XXX: Neil O'Donnell throws second INT to Larry Brown in game's final minutes, sealing Steelers' loss
4) SB V: Craig Morton tosses interception to the Colts' Mike Curtis in the final moments, which sets up Jim O'Brien's game-winning kick
5) SB XXXVIII: After Carolina tied the game at 29-29 with just over a minute left, Panthers kicker John Kasay sent the ensuing kickoff out of bounds to give Tom Brady & the Patriots field position at the 40-yard line for game-winning drive
- BEST SUPER BOWL QUOTES:
2) SB I: Vince Lombardi after Packers beat Chiefs 35-10, "I don't think Kansas City compares with the best teams in the NFL. Dallas is a better team. There. That's what you wanted me to say, isn't it?"
3) SB XXIII: Cris Collinsworth to Bengals teammate before Joe Montana's game-winning drive for 49ers, after teammate began prematurely celebrating, "Don't you see who's at quarterback out there?"
4) SB XIII: Cowboys linebacker Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson, "Terry Bradshaw couldn't spell 'cat' if you spotted him the 'C' and the 'A.'"
5) SB XXII: Reporter to Redskins quarterback Doug Williams, "How long have you been a black quarterback?"
- So here's two questions for you:
- What's your pick for Super Bowl XLI? Give me both teams and score.
- What was your favorite Super Bowl and why?
Labels: General
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
"Worry... Do You Not Trust God?"
Wouldn't it would be a lot easier to enjoy your life if there weren't so many things trying to kill you every day? The problems start even before you're fully awake. There's the fall out of bed that kills 600 Americans each year. There's the early-morning heart attack, which is 40% more common than those that strike later in the day. There's the fatal plunge down the stairs, the bite of sausage that gets lodged in your throat, the tumble on the slippery sidewalk as you leave the house, the high-speed automotive pinball game that is your daily commute.
You still have people avoiding a bag of spinach for fear of E. coli bacteria while filling their carts with fat-sodden French fries and salt-crusted nachos. We put filters on faucets, install air ionizers in our homes and lather ourselves with antibacterial soap. At the same time, 20% of all adults still smoke; nearly 20% of drivers and more than 30% of backseat passengers don't use seat belts; two-thirds of us are overweight or obese. Oh, there's plenty for us to worry about.
TIME magazine stated in a recent article called "Worrying Yourself Sick," that we are worrying about things that are unlikely to take place anyway. You worry about mad cow disease, but you're ten times more likely to drown in a bathtub than get mad cow disease. In the U.S. last year, only 2 died of snakebite and no one came down with bird flu, but those things consume our worries and our media.
What did Jesus have to say about worry? He said when we worry we have no more faith than a pagan or unbeliever. He also said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Maybe you need to read the whole chapter on what Jesus said about worrying (Matthew 6:25-34).
So, why do we worry? Do we not trust God? Do we think God won't take care of us? Is he not strong enough? Is He blind to our needs? Is the reason we worry because we have no faith? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Lights are on at Wrigley Field
Growing up, I remember my brother and I laying in the floor watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball on TBS. It was the only baseball that was on television at the time. We watched every game we could. I also remember whenever the Atlanta Braves played the Chicago Cubs it was always a day game. They never played at night. I didn’t realize at the time that there were no lights at Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
And then, “The lights are on!” Those were historic words heard at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on Monday night August 9, 1988. Tickets were sold out months before the game. After 72 years of day-time baseball only, even with Philip K. Wrigley’s promise that lights would never come to Wrigley Field, it is now history. That famous stadium with ivy covered walls where Babe Ruth supposedly pointed to a spot in the right field bleachers where he would park Charlie Root’s pitch, then proceeded to put it there, now had lights.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). The most important lights this week are not at a sports stadium, but wherever you and I let our light shine for Jesus! The best kind of light is the kind that strives to be just like Jesus. I get beyond frustrated by people who claim to be Christians only to turn around a use the Lord's name in vain or act in an unchristlike way. We must practice what we preach.
And then, “The lights are on!” Those were historic words heard at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on Monday night August 9, 1988. Tickets were sold out months before the game. After 72 years of day-time baseball only, even with Philip K. Wrigley’s promise that lights would never come to Wrigley Field, it is now history. That famous stadium with ivy covered walls where Babe Ruth supposedly pointed to a spot in the right field bleachers where he would park Charlie Root’s pitch, then proceeded to put it there, now had lights.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). The most important lights this week are not at a sports stadium, but wherever you and I let our light shine for Jesus! The best kind of light is the kind that strives to be just like Jesus. I get beyond frustrated by people who claim to be Christians only to turn around a use the Lord's name in vain or act in an unchristlike way. We must practice what we preach.
The lights will be on again this spring when the Cubs take the field at Chicago’s Wrigley field. You can buy a ticket to get into the game, but the real light that God is concerned about is the light in your life (John 8:12). How damaging is it to the cause of Christ when Christians don't set an example in speach, actions and life? So, what kind of light will you shine this week at work, at home and at school?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Ice Storm Shuts Down My World!
Wow, did we ever get hit with a major ice storm this weekend. Our usually busy town of Childress has been shut down for the weekend. School has already been cancelled for Monday. Church services were cancelled about an hour before they were supposed to start. Man, I had a great sermon prepared for this morning. Looks like I'm already a step ahead for next week's sermon.
So, my plans are to hang around the house today, build a fire in the fireplace, have a devotional with my family and watch two NFL playoff football games. Hopefully, they will be as good as the two Saturday games.
For those who were able to attend worship services somewhere today ... I hope you heard a great sermon and were uplifted, encouraged and challenged. So the question for the day is, "What did the preacher preach about?"
Labels: General
Saturday, January 13, 2007
A Father's Love - PART 2
The following is another video about "Team Hoyt." An interview with both Dick and Rick. My favorite part is about 5 minutes into the video when they asked Rick, "what's the first thing you'd do if you weren't handicapped?" You know what he says? Sorry, you'll have to watch it yourself. It's much more powerful that way :)
If you want to read more about Dick and Rick Hoyt you can click here or you can watch another video about them by clicking here. Have a great weekend.
If you want to read more about Dick and Rick Hoyt you can click here or you can watch another video about them by clicking here. Have a great weekend.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
A Father's Love - PART 1
If you've never heard of Dick Hoyt and his son Rick, you'll be absolutely amazed at this father's love. I was moved to tears the first time I saw it, and again last night getting this ready. It's too good not to share with you.
Together, Dick and Rick Hoyt (Team Hoyt) have run in marathons, competed in triathlons, and once even trekked 3,700 miles across America. It’s truly astounding when you consider that Rick Hoyt is unable to walk or talk. But with Dick supplying the ability and dedication and Rick the inspiration and motivation, Team Hoyt exemplifies the power that is in “Together.”
The Scriptures tell us “two are better than one” for God designed us to live in community and accountability with one another. Other Christians help reprove, refine, and ultimately reinforce our walk with Christ. Separated, we are weak. Together, we are strong.
Together, Dick and Rick Hoyt (Team Hoyt) have run in marathons, competed in triathlons, and once even trekked 3,700 miles across America. It’s truly astounding when you consider that Rick Hoyt is unable to walk or talk. But with Dick supplying the ability and dedication and Rick the inspiration and motivation, Team Hoyt exemplifies the power that is in “Together.”
The Scriptures tell us “two are better than one” for God designed us to live in community and accountability with one another. Other Christians help reprove, refine, and ultimately reinforce our walk with Christ. Separated, we are weak. Together, we are strong.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
What do you think of love like this? Does it in any way remind you of our Father in heaven? More tomorrow on Team Hoyt and "A Father's Love..."
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
5 Ingredients to Making Good Kids
Just like it takes good ingredients to make good food, it also takes good ingredients to make good children.
There are so many negative things battling for our children's lives these days. Television, friends and negative things of this world are just a few things that are constantly influencing our children. I know not all television and not all friends are bad, but as parents we should be the number 1 influences in our children's lives.
I don't have all the answers to raising children, but here are 5 ingredients you can add to your children's lives to impact them in a positive way:
1. Model your values and integrity. Don't be the parent that says one thing and then does another. Be the parent that's brave enough to get up and turn off a television show that doesn't need to be on. Don't lie for your kids to get them out of trouble. Let your children see you consistently living what you preach. Be consistent.
I don't have all the answers to raising children, but here are 5 ingredients you can add to your children's lives to impact them in a positive way:
1. Model your values and integrity. Don't be the parent that says one thing and then does another. Be the parent that's brave enough to get up and turn off a television show that doesn't need to be on. Don't lie for your kids to get them out of trouble. Let your children see you consistently living what you preach. Be consistent.
2. Pray with and for your kids. Nothing is more intimate than prayer with your kids. When you pray with your children, they get to see your real heart and you get to see theirs. Once while praying with one of my children, they prayed about something that was really bothering them. I would have never known it was a struggle for them had we not been praying together. When you pray, make sure you ask them if there is anything you can be praying about in their life.
3. Love your children. There are different ways to spell love. T-I-M-E spells love. You can't have quality time with out quantity time. Love is spelled L-I-S-T-E-N. Your kids know when you're listening and when you're not. Love is spelled T-O-U-C-H. It's important to touch your children. Nothing is better than one of my children's arms around my neck, whether they are 17 or 5 years old. Love is spelled R-U-L-E-S. Believe it or not, it really is.
4. Serve with and to your children. Let your children see you serve others and have them serve others with you. It's so important for our children to learn to serve others without expecting something in return.
5. Commit to the Bible. Teach them the truth of God's word. Teach them about God's loves and about having a relationship with Him. Teach them that God will never leave them and will always forgive them. Today our children don't need a small dose of God but a large dose.
3. Love your children. There are different ways to spell love. T-I-M-E spells love. You can't have quality time with out quantity time. Love is spelled L-I-S-T-E-N. Your kids know when you're listening and when you're not. Love is spelled T-O-U-C-H. It's important to touch your children. Nothing is better than one of my children's arms around my neck, whether they are 17 or 5 years old. Love is spelled R-U-L-E-S. Believe it or not, it really is.
4. Serve with and to your children. Let your children see you serve others and have them serve others with you. It's so important for our children to learn to serve others without expecting something in return.
5. Commit to the Bible. Teach them the truth of God's word. Teach them about God's loves and about having a relationship with Him. Teach them that God will never leave them and will always forgive them. Today our children don't need a small dose of God but a large dose.
Do you remember Noah? There are many who think Noah was a lousy preacher. For over 100 years, while he built the ark, he preached to the lost. And when he was done preaching and the invitation was given, no one but his family got on the ark with him. When I see that story, I see Noah as a great success, and I pray I will be as successful a preacher as him. For when that great day comes and God calls us all home, if the only people I've brought with me to heaven is my family ... then I've been tremendously successful.
So those are 5 ingredients that I think are essential to making good kids. What other ingredients can you think of that should be added to this list? Post a comment and let me know.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Birthday's When I was a Kid
That's my birthday cake. Yum. I turned 41 today! My good friend Becky made me a Jeff Gordon cake. She knows I'm a big NASCAR fan. Becky gave it to me Sunday, but I haven't let anyone eat it yet. It's too cool to cut into. Thanks Becky, you're too good to me.
Last month I had a lot of fun posting about "Christmas when I was a kid." Since today is birthday time, I thought I'd mention something about birthdays when I was a kid.
As I mentioned previously, I grew up in a large, blended family of 9. Since Mom stayed home to take care of our "Brady Bunch," Dad's job was the only source of income. We didn't have a lot of our own things growing up. Instead, we mostly shared everything we had. The seven kids shared one bathroom. It didn't bother me too much. I didn't need a lot of time to get ready anyway.
Birthdays were pretty special. I loved that my birthday always fell a couple of weeks after Christmas. Then I could always ask for the things I didn't get at Christmas, or the new things the neighbor kids had.
Last month I had a lot of fun posting about "Christmas when I was a kid." Since today is birthday time, I thought I'd mention something about birthdays when I was a kid.
As I mentioned previously, I grew up in a large, blended family of 9. Since Mom stayed home to take care of our "Brady Bunch," Dad's job was the only source of income. We didn't have a lot of our own things growing up. Instead, we mostly shared everything we had. The seven kids shared one bathroom. It didn't bother me too much. I didn't need a lot of time to get ready anyway.
Birthdays were pretty special. I loved that my birthday always fell a couple of weeks after Christmas. Then I could always ask for the things I didn't get at Christmas, or the new things the neighbor kids had.
Growing up, there were no big parties with lots of school friends, but there was always lots of family. Our birthday party usually consisted of a couple of gifts from mom and dad (one being clothes... yuk), a homemade cake, and then the birthday boy or girl got to choose what was for supper. Picking what was for supper was a really big deal back then. Steak, eating out, and other expensive things were out of the question, but it didn't matter because I'd always pick the same thing, "macaroni and tomato sauce!" Yes! How could you ever go wrong choosing a large pot of macaroni and tomatoes for your birthday supper? While my sisters didn't share my taste of fine quisine, my little brother and I knew what the really "manly" foods were in life.
I'm not sure what the plan is for my 41st birthday today, but I hope it includes my boys. I've also asked my sweet wife, Lea, to include a little macaroni and tomatoes on the menu. Just for old times! So what special things did your family do for birthdays when you grew up?
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Monday, January 08, 2007
"The Holy & Inspired E-Mail of God?"
I love email, and I hate email all at the same time. Let me tell you why ...
Here are the reasons I like email:
Here are the reasons I like email:
- It's quick. No paper, no pen and no stamps. Hit the "send" button and it's there! It's amazing what I can accomplish with email, and it's amazing how fast I can do it.
- I love being able to contact large groups of people at one time. I often send email out to church members about our sick, prayer requests, announcements and upcoming events.
- Spell Checker, what's not to love about spell-checker. I can't spell a lick, and now you don't even know it! Yea. Makes me look smart :)
- It's impersonal. It's much more fun getting real letters or Christmas cards in the mail; it just seems more personal.
- Junk mail. Yuk. Spammers always find me, but that's okay. I'll just keep hitting the delete button.
- Forwards. I don't like forwards. I'm sorry but if I get something in my "inbox" that says, "Fwd" or "Forward," I'm usually deleting it. No questions asked. Don't get your feelings hurt, but I just don't have time to read them. Then there are the "Fwd's" that have the subject line of "If you delete this .... you have no heart." You know what I do with those? Yep, deleted. And not one guilty feeling. But, I will tell you that you can trick me if you'd like. Take the "Fwd" out of the "subject" line and replace it with my name. I'll open it thinking it's a personal email. ha
My point is: aren't you glad God sent us the Bible and not the Email to the Galatian churches or the forward to the Corinthians? Aren't you glad God took the time, effort and love to personally pen you and I a love letter written by hand. I know I am. The Bible is not an effortless "forward" that was just passed on and on so many times you can't even find the message within the email? I'm really glad God didn't forward it to me to share with everyone because ... I might have "accidentally" deleted it. I am so thankful for God's written Word to us. It shows me just how much He loves me. How about you? What are your thoughts? Leave me a "comment" if you'd like.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Bad Marriage Counseling
Here is a little laughter for your weekend. I can’t remember where this came from, but I ran across it again the other day and laughed and laughed. This is not the guy you would want to seek marriage counseling from. Have a great weekend. ~ Trey
Bob's Last Letter:
Bob's Last Letter:
It is important for men to remember that as women grow older it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as they did when they were younger. When men notice this, they should try not to yell. Let me relate how I handle the situation:
When I got laid off from my consulting job and took "early retirement" in April, it became necessary for Nancy to get a full-time job, both for extra income and for health benefits that we need. It was shortly after she started working that I noticed that she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing or hunting about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says that she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts supper. I try not to yell, instead I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she finally does get supper on the table. She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is now not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after supper. I do what I can by reminding her several times each evening that they aren't cleaning themselves. I know she appreciates this, as it does seem to help her get them done before she goes to bed.
Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Our washer and dryer are in the basement. Sometimes she says she just can't make another trip down those steps, I don't make a big issue of this. As long as she finishes up the laundry the next evening I am willing to overlook it.
Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling or something like that, I will tell her to wait until the next evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and ends like shampooing the dog, vacuuming or dusting.
Nancy is starting to complain a little occasionally. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to try to offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any, if you know what I mean.
When doing simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not to embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I tell her that as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me and take her break by the hammock so she can talk with me until I fall asleep.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Nancy on a daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible. No one knows better than I do how frustrating women can become as they get older. However, guys, even if you just yell at your wife a little less often because of this article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Nancy on a daily basis. I'm not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible. No one knows better than I do how frustrating women can become as they get older. However, guys, even if you just yell at your wife a little less often because of this article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile.
Signed, Bob
Bob's funeral was on Saturday, December 22nd.
Nancy was acquitted Monday, January 27th.
Labels: Marriage
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Single Mothers, Role Models, Heroes and Villians
An AP poll was released last week that included these categories:
Worst role models:
1. Britney Spears (29%)
2. Paris Hilton (18%)
3. Mel Gibson (12%)
4. Tom Cruise (9%)
5. Michael Richards (6%)
Best role models:
1. Oprah (29%)
2. Michael J. Fox (23%)
3. George Clooney (12%)
4. Angelina Jolie (8%)
Biggest villains:
1. George Bush (25%)
2. Osama bin Laden (8%)
3. Saddam Hussein (6%)
4. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (5%)
5. Kim Jong II (2%)
6. Donald Rumsfeld (2%)
Biggest heroes:
1. George Bush (13%)
2. Soldiers in Iraq (6%)
3. Oprah Winfrey (3%)
4. Barack Obama (3%)
5. Jesus Christ (3%)
6. Bono (2%)
I personally think we need a category of spiritual heroes and spiritual role models. Let me give you one that would top my list.
- Single Moms: Mothers who bring their children to church all by themselves are my spiritual heroes. They are either mothers without husbands or mothers with husbands that don't (or can't) come to church. Yet, that mom feels the place that she and the kids need to be is in Worship. She rises early on a Sunday morning, prepares breakfast, dresses herself and kids, and attends services knowing full well that if the kids act like kids, she may not get much out of the service. But she is still there because she knows that is where they all need to be. I'd have to say those moms are somewhere at the top of my list.
No telling how many great leaders in the church have been raised by Godly single mothers. Need a Biblical example? How about Timothy? "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." (2 Timothy 1:5)
So, that's who makes my list of spiritual heroes. How about your list? Who are your spiritual heroes? Leave me a comment and let me know....
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, I finally got the sermon page up and working. I'll do my best to keep it up to date. The links to individual sermons are on the left hand side of this page. So, if you find yourself needing a good 20 minute nap just ... click here! :)
Labels: Example
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
8 Signs You're "Growing Up" Spiritually
Things that live, must grow. If a baby doesn't grow we take it to the doctor to see what's wrong with it. If a farmer plants seeds that don't grow they are fertilized to stimulate growth because you must grow to live. How about spiritually? The Bible says you are supposed to be growing up spiritually too.
- 1 Peter 2:1-3 ... tells us that we are supposed to "grow up'' in our salvation.
- Hebrews 5:11-14 ... tells us that as we grow we'll begin to eat meat not just spiritual milk.
1. A Growing Christian has a hunger for God in their heart and life. It's the same desire I had when I met my wife. I wanted to know all about her. Her likes and her dislikes. I had a hunger to get to know her. Same is true in a growing relationship with God. You want to know more about Him. His likes and dislikes. You literally hunger to know Him.
2. A Growing Christian has an increasing desire to know God's Word. You want to read God's word, study God's word and memorize God's word. You look forward to meeting God in the mornings or evenings for your ''quiet time'' because it's through His word you find out more about Him.
3. A Growing Christian has a greater sensitivity to sin in their life. Sin bothers you because you hate anything that hurts your God. Like the Corinth church, you're willing to do whatever necessary to correct the problem (2 Corinthians 7:10-14).
4. A Growing Christian has a decreasing desire for the world's system. You want to be different from the world, not conformed to the world (Romans 12:1-2).
5. A Growing Christian's sphere of love is continually increasing. You find it easier and easier to love those different than yourself. It doesn't matter what their skin color, belief system or likes and dislikes. You find it easier to love more and more people.
6. A Growing Christian finds it easier and easier to forgive others. You realize you've been forgiven, and you didn't deserve it so you're willing to forgive others too. No more petty score cards of who hurt you. Instead it's ''who else can I forgive.''
7. A Growing Christian has a concern for the spiritual condition of others. You're not content with merely saving yourself. Instead you want to take everyone with you to heaven too. Others' spiritual growth becomes your concern too.
8. A Growing Christian wants to be constantly growing. Every time one of our boys has a birthday they get to mark on their "birthday boards" how tall they are. All year long leading up to their birthday, they are comparing last year's height with how tall they are now. Many times I've been roused out of a nice nap in the recliner for the purpose of "look how much I've grown, Dad." They are so excited about growth. Wouldn't it be nice if we had that kind of excitement about the growth of our spiritual lives?
Are you growing up spiritually? How did you "measure up" on these 8 things? Can you name a characteristic or sign I forgot? Let me know on the "comment" link below.
Labels: Spiritual Growth
Monday, January 01, 2007
Christian Maintenance
Here is a quick question for you to think about today. Is there such a thing as "Christian Maintenance?" Do we maintain our Christianity? Notice I didn't say "maintain our salvation" because I know I don't maintain my salvation ... God does. But what about maintaining my spiritual growth?I preached this past Sunday about what a Christian should do to maintain his or her spiritual health. We maintain lots of things in our lives ... our cars, our homes, our bodies, and our minds, just to name a few. If we don't maintain those things they quit working or quit growing.
So, what about our Christian lives? Here's a list of a few things to help with maintenance...
- Bible Study - daily reading from God's word. It teaches us love.
- Prayer - daily communication with God. It teaches us dependancy.
- Accountability - through a support group or Christian friend.
- Church - one of the main ways God strengthens and builds us up.
I don't know about you, but my tank gets empty really quick. I need refilled or "maintained" on a regular basis. Out of the four things mentioned above, we tend to overlook accountability more than the others. Why is that?
So, do you think we need to spiritually maintain? How do we do it? And, what did I leave off my list that should be there that would help us? Any thoughts? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Labels: Accountability, Bible Study, Church, Prayer, Spiritual Growth
