Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Faith walks in ...........
Answered prayers - don't think they work? Trust in the Lord - God wants us to have faith. Asking big things from God - maybe He is not answering because you have little faith. Everything revolves around faith. Struggling through some difficulties and some hardships? Raise the bar on your faith - God wants to bless you but He wont if you have little or no faith. God is working in every circumstance of your life to grow your faith. Why doesn't God come down and fix this problem or struggle you are having today - because you have little faith. If you do not recognize that you are a sinner and you DO have sin in your life, then you have no need for a savior. I can talk to you all day long until I am blue in the face - you will never understand what I am saying - it will never move you out of your chair - God wont have a chance to change your life and your heart because you are rejecting the Good News. If you would let God build more faith into you - you would see God do a lot more. If you have not accepted Jesus than how can you expect God to do anything in your life? Your on your own.... God wants to build your faith. Even if you have the smallest of faith - God can work with that if you let Him.
John 11 -
1Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 5Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
Why do you think Jesus stayed 2 more days? Lazarus had died but yet Jesus was in no rush - stayed 2 more days and then 2 days of travel to walk to this town. A town where people tried to kill him and stone him to death - but He and His disciples went back anyways. Jesus wept in grief with Mary and the family.
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
Jesus then raised Lazarus from the dead after giving thanks to the Father. Faith raised Lazarus. - not their feelings, their pain, grief, love nor anything else other than their FAITH. Its the foundation of your walk with Christ. If you do not believe and reject the truth - than you have no faith. Your a Dead man walking......
Faith answered a prayer today for my wife - for all of us. I am thankful for the prayers lifted on her behalf and I am thankful we have a God who loves us, keeps us safe, and hears our prayers no matter how big or how small. Changed lives happen - when Faith walks in.
Thank be to God.
Randy~
John 11 -
1Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 5Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
Why do you think Jesus stayed 2 more days? Lazarus had died but yet Jesus was in no rush - stayed 2 more days and then 2 days of travel to walk to this town. A town where people tried to kill him and stone him to death - but He and His disciples went back anyways. Jesus wept in grief with Mary and the family.
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
Jesus then raised Lazarus from the dead after giving thanks to the Father. Faith raised Lazarus. - not their feelings, their pain, grief, love nor anything else other than their FAITH. Its the foundation of your walk with Christ. If you do not believe and reject the truth - than you have no faith. Your a Dead man walking......
Faith answered a prayer today for my wife - for all of us. I am thankful for the prayers lifted on her behalf and I am thankful we have a God who loves us, keeps us safe, and hears our prayers no matter how big or how small. Changed lives happen - when Faith walks in.
Thank be to God.
Randy~
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Rat race or Gods race?
Why do I feel burdened with those around me? Why don't I just take the easy road and let those around me do what they want to do? Why don't I just say - scrap it and go back to doing what I was doing before I accepted Jesus? Why do I care so much about others, their salvation, decisions in life and struggles they are face? Its because of Jesus. Jesus has changed my heart. I have taken an oath when I accepted Jesus into my heart. I am not about me any longer - I am His and its His will for my life that I am living. I will serve Him and those around me - I am committed to my church and my church family. I will spread the love of Jesus to those who need to hear the Good News - to be His hands and arms to those who need it. Serving the community - together to serve the world and the love of Jesus. Imagine an army doing Gods work together! How many people we could touch and help -how many they would touch and help once they learned the Good News. I press on and carry your weight and struggles because I love you. Jesus loves you! Your problems and struggles sometimes become bigger than my own. I wonder where I got that from, mom? But I am going to persevere - I am going to finish the race. We are not going to struggle in this life and then get to heaven and say - "Is this it?" - "This is all I get for all the struggles and sacrifices?" - Its not a cracker jacks box with a cheap toy at the bottom! We are talking a heaven that is far better than anything we can even imagine loved ones. I am pressing onward - struggles and all - God is walking with me - I will continue to share His love with you - you can either reject it and walk away from me or listen to what I am telling you. This is the only race in this life worth running - Gods race - where do you plan on finishing? Some of you are not even in the race - Rat race maybe - but I am talking Gods race - walking, running, crawling on our hands and knees - we are in this together. Not in the race - you are walking alone........ - sure would be easier to walk away but that would mean I have given up - given up on you, our family, friends, the promise I have given to mom, my promise to Jesus and all those who have been teaching me Gods word - their prayers for me - it would mean giving up on all of that! I am not giving up on you. "I promise" has more implications than you can ever imagine. I would love for you to feel how I feel.... then I know you will be making progress and walking in Gods race........ How are you going to finish? Nothing in life that is worth anything is easy .... otherwise everyone would have it. Get in the race loved ones and finish this life with Jesus cheering you on. Nothing could be better than a victory lap with Jesus and mom right behind Him.
Persevere!!!!!! and Never give up HOPE!
Randy......
2 Timothy 4
1-2I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.
3-5You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.
6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Persevere!!!!!! and Never give up HOPE!
Randy......
2 Timothy 4
1-2I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.
3-5You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.
6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Trusting........
Proverbs 3:5
5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction.It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.
There is a reason this morning I leaned over and prayed Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. No matter what we are facing - what we are currently going through - we must trust God in knowing that He knows more than we do and He will walk with us during our time. Many of us are alone from a divorce, a death of a loved one, a health concern that is hanging over us as we wait for test results - We have BIG things in our lives that we need to put down our own agenda and trust in the Lord. There is no time that is good for these struggles but they come anyways -regardless if we are ready or not. We can feel alone with a crowd all around us at Panthers stadium - we can feel no one understands how we feel - we can feel alone when we are waiting for the test results to be read by the doctor or the boss has an appointment with you concerning your job performance. Jesus knows exactly what we are all going through! We have to trust in the Lord because He has the control - He has the peace and comfort during our times of struggle. We are not alone - EVER - Jesus is walking with you - He wants to hear from you and want you to put your trust and focus in Him. Refocus your mind - refocus your heart and put your whole heart into Gods hands. Feel the comfort and peace that God wants to give you. Just maybe - the loneliness will go away - the test results will be good news - the boss will have something good to say - Someone will reach out and help you and pray with you and together you can thank God for all He is now showing you. You will feel a peace over your problems and struggles knowing God has it in control. Pray or worry - the choice is yours.
I am praying for those who need prayers today~ My trust is in Jesus - my entire heart is with Him.
Randy~
5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction.It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.
There is a reason this morning I leaned over and prayed Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. No matter what we are facing - what we are currently going through - we must trust God in knowing that He knows more than we do and He will walk with us during our time. Many of us are alone from a divorce, a death of a loved one, a health concern that is hanging over us as we wait for test results - We have BIG things in our lives that we need to put down our own agenda and trust in the Lord. There is no time that is good for these struggles but they come anyways -regardless if we are ready or not. We can feel alone with a crowd all around us at Panthers stadium - we can feel no one understands how we feel - we can feel alone when we are waiting for the test results to be read by the doctor or the boss has an appointment with you concerning your job performance. Jesus knows exactly what we are all going through! We have to trust in the Lord because He has the control - He has the peace and comfort during our times of struggle. We are not alone - EVER - Jesus is walking with you - He wants to hear from you and want you to put your trust and focus in Him. Refocus your mind - refocus your heart and put your whole heart into Gods hands. Feel the comfort and peace that God wants to give you. Just maybe - the loneliness will go away - the test results will be good news - the boss will have something good to say - Someone will reach out and help you and pray with you and together you can thank God for all He is now showing you. You will feel a peace over your problems and struggles knowing God has it in control. Pray or worry - the choice is yours.
I am praying for those who need prayers today~ My trust is in Jesus - my entire heart is with Him.
Randy~
Monday, February 26, 2007
Wanted......
WANTED: New ownership - Personal Business. Need to sell quickly - only serious inquiries only. It used to be just me left to the whim of my own desires. But all that has changed. I am not my own anymore; I have been bought by God at a high price – the blood of Jesus – and he has a plan and a purpose for me as my new owner. So I am selling out - I am under new ownership.
“You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
“You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
High Expectations......
They say cats have 9 lives. I think they say this because cats are creatures of chance. They have 9 close calls until they get caught = dead. Dogs on the other hand, I have never heard anyone say they had 9 lives or any amount of lives - I guess in a way they get the same amount of lives we do. ONE - one life to live on this earth - but in reality - we have 2 - one to live on this earth and one to live in heaven. The average person in america lives around 70 years. If we are the risk takers that some of us are and have not put their trust in Jesus - thats like 25,550 lives - one life per day for 70 years. We are taking a risk each day by NOT putting our hearts into Jesus. Our time might be up when we least expect it and if we have not taken that last step for Jesus - it will be too late. Game over....... How many lives do you have? - have left? .... who knows. I am sticking with the one I have - in Jesus. Its the only life worth living for. I have given my life to Him - to serve His purpose and to serve His message to those around me, my life is unimportant. They say don't kill the messenger - its the message that is most important!
This past weekend in many ways was dissappointing for me. I have high expectations and sometimes those expectations get in the way. Many times I think things have to be a certain way or work out with certain results - but you know what? I have high expectations of God. Things work out for a reason and sometimes my result is not what God had in mind. I accept that but I too have to be reminded that I am not in control and have very little affect on the end results. God has the play book - and He has the control. I live my life expecting God to deliver but He will deliver when its the proper time - in the proper way - in the proper place - in the proper people. Until that proper time comes, I will continue to have high expectations and do my best to serve Jesus - to shine for Him and be thankful for those opportunities. We can take a horse to water - but we can't make him drink. People are no different........
2 Timothy 4
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Randy~
This past weekend in many ways was dissappointing for me. I have high expectations and sometimes those expectations get in the way. Many times I think things have to be a certain way or work out with certain results - but you know what? I have high expectations of God. Things work out for a reason and sometimes my result is not what God had in mind. I accept that but I too have to be reminded that I am not in control and have very little affect on the end results. God has the play book - and He has the control. I live my life expecting God to deliver but He will deliver when its the proper time - in the proper way - in the proper place - in the proper people. Until that proper time comes, I will continue to have high expectations and do my best to serve Jesus - to shine for Him and be thankful for those opportunities. We can take a horse to water - but we can't make him drink. People are no different........
2 Timothy 4
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Randy~
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Humble day.......
I just want to take a moment and thank everyone for their emails, phone calls and your prayers. Friday was a good day for me - a day spent with extra time with God - my kids at my sons school - and some quiet time. How I love spending time with "My Kids" at school. I pray I am making a difference in their lives - even if I am only there for a few moments each week - it will be a time I will never forget!!! It will be hard to hold back the emotions of this grade - all the kids are so special and so individually important.
Today was a humble day - a day spent with my dad, my wife, son and father in law. I got a chance to see my brothers and their family. It was a good day even though something was missing. Something I am feeling like - months ago - I asked God to lead out family. I did not feel God at work today but I know in my heart He is at work. He is at full speed and full throttle. I wont focus on today just because I did not feel God presence today - but pray He reveals himself in a way - that we all take notice and feel His comfort. I have more to say about today but I am thankful - Church is tomorrow - it may be filled with tears but I know my heart will be lifted to a place - I alone can't go.
Others will have to go with me...... its all part of the walk..........
Randy~
Today was a humble day - a day spent with my dad, my wife, son and father in law. I got a chance to see my brothers and their family. It was a good day even though something was missing. Something I am feeling like - months ago - I asked God to lead out family. I did not feel God at work today but I know in my heart He is at work. He is at full speed and full throttle. I wont focus on today just because I did not feel God presence today - but pray He reveals himself in a way - that we all take notice and feel His comfort. I have more to say about today but I am thankful - Church is tomorrow - it may be filled with tears but I know my heart will be lifted to a place - I alone can't go.
Others will have to go with me...... its all part of the walk..........
Randy~
Friday, February 23, 2007
Forever your son......
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Even today friends and loved ones, Be GLAD and rejoice for on this day - 1 year ago - Mom claimed victory over this life and is home in heaven. AMEN!
Psalm 100 will always be dear to my heart. I remember back when we first learned about moms cancer, our Pastor Jimmy gave me a few comforting pieces of scripture to read and share with mom. Psalm 100 was one of them. Visiting mom in the hospital - I would stop everday before seeing her in the hospital chapel and sit and pray - read Psalm 100 - write a prayer in the journal that was there. I often wondered who read the pages in that book from so many who stopped there and took the time to write and leave a part of their heart written on those pages.
Psalm 100
A psalm of thanksgiving. 1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. 3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Thank you Dolly Pardon and Brad Paisley for this awesome song. Seemed it was made just for mom - it will forever be a song that take us back in time - to a place - with mom.
When I get where I'm going On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do Is spread my wings and fly
I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like To ride a drop of rain
Chorus:
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here
I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him Every minute since he left Then I'll hug his neck
Repeat chorus
So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer So much work to do
But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face I'll stand forever in the light Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going Yeah when I get where I'm going
Only happy tears down here mom. See you when I get there.
Forever yours - your son. Love and miss you...
Randy~
Even today friends and loved ones, Be GLAD and rejoice for on this day - 1 year ago - Mom claimed victory over this life and is home in heaven. AMEN!
Psalm 100 will always be dear to my heart. I remember back when we first learned about moms cancer, our Pastor Jimmy gave me a few comforting pieces of scripture to read and share with mom. Psalm 100 was one of them. Visiting mom in the hospital - I would stop everday before seeing her in the hospital chapel and sit and pray - read Psalm 100 - write a prayer in the journal that was there. I often wondered who read the pages in that book from so many who stopped there and took the time to write and leave a part of their heart written on those pages.
Psalm 100
A psalm of thanksgiving. 1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. 3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Thank you Dolly Pardon and Brad Paisley for this awesome song. Seemed it was made just for mom - it will forever be a song that take us back in time - to a place - with mom.
When I get where I'm going On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do Is spread my wings and fly
I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like To ride a drop of rain
Chorus:
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here
I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him Every minute since he left Then I'll hug his neck
Repeat chorus
So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer So much work to do
But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face I'll stand forever in the light Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going Yeah when I get where I'm going
Only happy tears down here mom. See you when I get there.
Forever yours - your son. Love and miss you...
Randy~
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Psalm 118:
Psalm 118:
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
What can I say after such a powerful sentence like that? His love will endure forever! Today was the last full day mom got to spend with us last year. It was a humbling day because as moms family came to see her, her friends came to see her - we all knew in some way that this was moms last day with us. Moms body was shutting down, we had taken her off all the medications she was on - many stayed a little longer and some stayed a little shorter this day. I look back and I can see now that people deal with things so differently. Since mom claimed victory over this life and went to heaven - many of us still struggle with mom being gone - refuse to talk about her or shy away when anything about mom comes up - some think constantly about her, what she meant to us and those last days. What we would have done differently and what if I had done this and wish we would have done that. I think loved ones, we made many hard decisions, many tough calls and all the while dealing with the emotions and stress that was just UNBEARABLE at times.
5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.
I remember back when mom was up and still able to sit in the chair in her room - it was after Christmas - many times we sang and praised God - prayed together and shared things on our hearts. I do have regrets of not praying enough in this life with mom. How my young Christian walk just began as mom was first sick. How God really got me by the hand and led me and gave me the strength to endure what I had to do for mom and my family. That alone is a miracle! One evening, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Buster, Patty and I were sitting around singing songs with her. FFH - It's a good day - how my mom loved that song - We were all singing and praising God - mom singing with us and smiling just enjoying the moment. How I wish I could have stamped that time - How God uses those times in our lives for the one who has to leave - I think we take those awesome memories with us to carry us into heaven - something to hold us while we wait on our friends and family - praying they accept Jesus so we can again see them. Mom was so happy - smiling and singing. Uncle Buster asked me to lead us all in prayer - we gather hands....
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
I thanked the Lord for this time - for His love and mercy - for accepting my mom and for Him to call her when He was ready. I asked the Lord to shine for those around mom to see Him - for my dad to come to Him so that the Promise I made to mom would be fulfilled. Lord we need You - we need to feel You and thank You for love - I began to break down - Buster and Sharon kept right on praying - Patty wiping the tears from my face - I couldn't finish the prayer - but the song started playing again - we gathered ourselves together and picked up right where we began. Praising and singing - giving God the glory - mom just looked at me - like saying job well done and that she was so proud of me for leading us in prayer. I regret not praying more with mom - she was such an awesome lady- loved the Lord all her life even though she had to rededicate her life to Jesus months ago - she had to make sure she was headed to heaven.
28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Praise God for the miracles that took place to let that happen. It was in Gods play book all along but when we are going through life- we dont know what God has in store for us - what His play book looks like. Many of us continue using our own play book. Calling the shots - calling the plays. Another life that could have been so much more - a lost season - a lost family - a lost soul. God has other plans - He wants to use you and work through you in this life. My mom shined so bright her last few months - I am so proud of her - her courage, her dedication, her determination - her love for others and her family. Today loved ones, EVEN TODAY - Let us give thanks to our Lord and sing loudly - just like on that day with mom - today is a good day!!!
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
FFH - Its a good day:
However long our feet have walked on this world
We've all lived long enough to know
That sometimes life will go our way And other times it won't
But still I've got this joy inside of me
With each new dawn I do believe to
(chorus)
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey, it's a good day
Circumstance and situations change
You know life can turn on a dime
But there's a constant hope and peace
That I have come to find
And it's all because of who God is
And that He is alive and I am His
All in Gods timing, Gods plans and in Gods love,
Smile today loved ones, Mom is looking down on us - lets work together - love together and help each other - lets make her proud...... She is right behind Jesus waiting on you - waiting on us all. Do your part - its time to step up and take responsibility.
I love you all,
Randy~
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
What can I say after such a powerful sentence like that? His love will endure forever! Today was the last full day mom got to spend with us last year. It was a humbling day because as moms family came to see her, her friends came to see her - we all knew in some way that this was moms last day with us. Moms body was shutting down, we had taken her off all the medications she was on - many stayed a little longer and some stayed a little shorter this day. I look back and I can see now that people deal with things so differently. Since mom claimed victory over this life and went to heaven - many of us still struggle with mom being gone - refuse to talk about her or shy away when anything about mom comes up - some think constantly about her, what she meant to us and those last days. What we would have done differently and what if I had done this and wish we would have done that. I think loved ones, we made many hard decisions, many tough calls and all the while dealing with the emotions and stress that was just UNBEARABLE at times.
5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.
I remember back when mom was up and still able to sit in the chair in her room - it was after Christmas - many times we sang and praised God - prayed together and shared things on our hearts. I do have regrets of not praying enough in this life with mom. How my young Christian walk just began as mom was first sick. How God really got me by the hand and led me and gave me the strength to endure what I had to do for mom and my family. That alone is a miracle! One evening, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Buster, Patty and I were sitting around singing songs with her. FFH - It's a good day - how my mom loved that song - We were all singing and praising God - mom singing with us and smiling just enjoying the moment. How I wish I could have stamped that time - How God uses those times in our lives for the one who has to leave - I think we take those awesome memories with us to carry us into heaven - something to hold us while we wait on our friends and family - praying they accept Jesus so we can again see them. Mom was so happy - smiling and singing. Uncle Buster asked me to lead us all in prayer - we gather hands....
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
I thanked the Lord for this time - for His love and mercy - for accepting my mom and for Him to call her when He was ready. I asked the Lord to shine for those around mom to see Him - for my dad to come to Him so that the Promise I made to mom would be fulfilled. Lord we need You - we need to feel You and thank You for love - I began to break down - Buster and Sharon kept right on praying - Patty wiping the tears from my face - I couldn't finish the prayer - but the song started playing again - we gathered ourselves together and picked up right where we began. Praising and singing - giving God the glory - mom just looked at me - like saying job well done and that she was so proud of me for leading us in prayer. I regret not praying more with mom - she was such an awesome lady- loved the Lord all her life even though she had to rededicate her life to Jesus months ago - she had to make sure she was headed to heaven.
28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Praise God for the miracles that took place to let that happen. It was in Gods play book all along but when we are going through life- we dont know what God has in store for us - what His play book looks like. Many of us continue using our own play book. Calling the shots - calling the plays. Another life that could have been so much more - a lost season - a lost family - a lost soul. God has other plans - He wants to use you and work through you in this life. My mom shined so bright her last few months - I am so proud of her - her courage, her dedication, her determination - her love for others and her family. Today loved ones, EVEN TODAY - Let us give thanks to our Lord and sing loudly - just like on that day with mom - today is a good day!!!
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
FFH - Its a good day:
However long our feet have walked on this world
We've all lived long enough to know
That sometimes life will go our way And other times it won't
But still I've got this joy inside of me
With each new dawn I do believe to
(chorus)
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey, it's a good day
Circumstance and situations change
You know life can turn on a dime
But there's a constant hope and peace
That I have come to find
And it's all because of who God is
And that He is alive and I am His
All in Gods timing, Gods plans and in Gods love,
Smile today loved ones, Mom is looking down on us - lets work together - love together and help each other - lets make her proud...... She is right behind Jesus waiting on you - waiting on us all. Do your part - its time to step up and take responsibility.
I love you all,
Randy~
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
I Go Back ..... Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney - I Go Back ~
I go back to the smell of an old gym floorThe taste of salt on the Carolina shoreAfter graduation and drinkin goodbye to friendsAnd I go back to watchin summer fade to fallGrowin up too fast and I do recallWishin time would stop right in its tracksEverytime I hear that song, I go back, I go backWe all have a song that somehow stamped our livesTakes us to another place and timeSo I go back to a pew,preacher, and a choirSingin bout God, brimstone, and fireAnd the smell of Sunday chicken after churchAnd I go back to the loss of a real good friendAnd the sixteen summers I shared with himNow "Only The Good Die Young" stops me in my tracksEverytime I hear that song, I go back....
How time is going flying! I think the older I get the faster it seems to go. Many times I wish I could just stamp the time right then and there and just savor the moment or the experience. But sometimes I wish the time would fly by like when we are in the middle of something bad or struggling with something in our lives. I know that God is with me and you during the good and the bad times. I just think we sometimes think about God more when we are hurting and in need of a miracle or changed direction in life. I try and focus myself each day in praising God and thanking Him for what He is blessing me with - much like a child who comes to a parent and just wants...wants...want and never Say's Thank You. I think many times as a parent I am not going to give something as freely without those polite words. We start our children young learning them - right from the time Barney was on tv. Whew I am glad that stage faded fast in my household but the show did teach a good and valuable lesson. Respect - I think its missing mostly from the world today. We have become such a self centered world with only caring about ourselves. Rarely it is observed a thank you or a polite child - when we do it sticks out. I remember growing up and mom and dad would always be on us about being polite and respectful. I am thankful for those lessons learned in life. The simple things - the honest things - the real things.
I think back when my mom was being sent home from the hospital. It was just before Christmas. Mom had some tough days with her stay during this time there - we thought we had lost her once due to being over medicated. Mom did not respond well to pain meds and they didn't seem to have any affect on her no matter how much you gave her. The day my dad and I sat with her nurse and we spoke about moms wishes to go home. Even if we were taking her home to die there. She did not want to be in the hospital - she did not want to die there. Plenty of times over the 6 week period she was there on the top floor - the cancer floor - the doors would shut - lights went dark and we were told to stay in the room - they were rolling out someone who past away. No way did any of us want to go through that - the emotions and tears of the family showing everything in the hallways. How those nurses care about their patients and how upset they were and attached they became with our families. I had many long talks with Trish concerning my mom. It was our decision to talk to my dad into bringing mom home. He had not given up on hope for the miracle he was looking for. But in many ways and more important ways - the miracle had already been performed. See moms miracle was Jesus. Her timing to accept Him when she did - the courage she showed and the leadership of our family was there until the last day. Jesus was with her - I remember dad saying ok - and the ball started rolling. Hospice was sent out like an army on attack - bed, oxygen, paperwork, portable toilet - bed had to be moved in the house out of the room. My brother and I all over the place kicking some big time butt getting this done. Not only did we get it all done - I went and got mom a small Christmas tree - founds her decorations and the family put it together and shared in decorating that tree. When mom arrived by ambulance - I remember mom how sick she was, how tired - how exhausted she was when we left. When they rolled mom off the ambulance - Dear Lord this was not the same woman that we just left at the hospital. Mom had a vision in her eyes - an excitement and was wide eyed and smiling. They brought her in and put her in the new hospice hospital bed. We got her comfortable - and she said ok that's enough of this. I am getting up and looking at my house and I want to look out over my deck at the mountain and see my birds. So we assembled everything got people moving and moved mom into her wheel chair - down the hall and into the dining room. When she past the living room she saw the tree. I will never forget that smile - the biggest smile and eyes I have ever seen. She got to see her mountain, the birds, her cat "Memphis" and for 3 days - we shared so much. We had Christmas dinner - opening gifts - shared so much time together with singing and laughing. It was a hard 6 weeks before but looking back now - it was just a blessing from God to share this time. Mom spent some much needed time with her sisters, her brother and her mom as well as all of us. All of us were riding on high on Gods answered prayers and a blessing loved ones - to remember mom at her happiest.
Friends, even when we feel we can't go another step or push through another moment - or make it one more day with my spouse because of the fights and disagreements - God can get you through it. Mom was only with us 2 more months after that - but looking back - it was such a blessing to experience Gods grace and His mercy - His answered prayers with remembering mom in her glory and at her most incredible stage in life. Even during this time, mom asked everyone how they were - made sure everyone was ok - Dad asked mom to marry him again and they shared wedding rings. It was a Christmas to remember!
2 Timothy 3:
14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
I have learned many things from my mom - my parents - I have my moms care and love in my blood. I have our Lord Jesus in my heart and carrying my baggage for me - my burdens and struggles for me. Lift your hearts loved ones, even when mom had her back against the wall - Jesus shined through mom for all of us to see the love that poured out to us. We shared many things those few short days - it was just a small glimpse of the love we all have in our hearts from Jesus. It is time today - for courage and giving up yourself so that God can work in your life. Rescue you from the sins and struggles you have - so that you can "See" the world around you with "New Eyes" - I can't think of anything more important. This world doesn't offer anything that is worth staying for. Live for Jesus - love for Jesus.
Thanks mom for everything,
Miss and love you,
Randy~
I go back to the smell of an old gym floorThe taste of salt on the Carolina shoreAfter graduation and drinkin goodbye to friendsAnd I go back to watchin summer fade to fallGrowin up too fast and I do recallWishin time would stop right in its tracksEverytime I hear that song, I go back, I go backWe all have a song that somehow stamped our livesTakes us to another place and timeSo I go back to a pew,preacher, and a choirSingin bout God, brimstone, and fireAnd the smell of Sunday chicken after churchAnd I go back to the loss of a real good friendAnd the sixteen summers I shared with himNow "Only The Good Die Young" stops me in my tracksEverytime I hear that song, I go back....
How time is going flying! I think the older I get the faster it seems to go. Many times I wish I could just stamp the time right then and there and just savor the moment or the experience. But sometimes I wish the time would fly by like when we are in the middle of something bad or struggling with something in our lives. I know that God is with me and you during the good and the bad times. I just think we sometimes think about God more when we are hurting and in need of a miracle or changed direction in life. I try and focus myself each day in praising God and thanking Him for what He is blessing me with - much like a child who comes to a parent and just wants...wants...want and never Say's Thank You. I think many times as a parent I am not going to give something as freely without those polite words. We start our children young learning them - right from the time Barney was on tv. Whew I am glad that stage faded fast in my household but the show did teach a good and valuable lesson. Respect - I think its missing mostly from the world today. We have become such a self centered world with only caring about ourselves. Rarely it is observed a thank you or a polite child - when we do it sticks out. I remember growing up and mom and dad would always be on us about being polite and respectful. I am thankful for those lessons learned in life. The simple things - the honest things - the real things.
I think back when my mom was being sent home from the hospital. It was just before Christmas. Mom had some tough days with her stay during this time there - we thought we had lost her once due to being over medicated. Mom did not respond well to pain meds and they didn't seem to have any affect on her no matter how much you gave her. The day my dad and I sat with her nurse and we spoke about moms wishes to go home. Even if we were taking her home to die there. She did not want to be in the hospital - she did not want to die there. Plenty of times over the 6 week period she was there on the top floor - the cancer floor - the doors would shut - lights went dark and we were told to stay in the room - they were rolling out someone who past away. No way did any of us want to go through that - the emotions and tears of the family showing everything in the hallways. How those nurses care about their patients and how upset they were and attached they became with our families. I had many long talks with Trish concerning my mom. It was our decision to talk to my dad into bringing mom home. He had not given up on hope for the miracle he was looking for. But in many ways and more important ways - the miracle had already been performed. See moms miracle was Jesus. Her timing to accept Him when she did - the courage she showed and the leadership of our family was there until the last day. Jesus was with her - I remember dad saying ok - and the ball started rolling. Hospice was sent out like an army on attack - bed, oxygen, paperwork, portable toilet - bed had to be moved in the house out of the room. My brother and I all over the place kicking some big time butt getting this done. Not only did we get it all done - I went and got mom a small Christmas tree - founds her decorations and the family put it together and shared in decorating that tree. When mom arrived by ambulance - I remember mom how sick she was, how tired - how exhausted she was when we left. When they rolled mom off the ambulance - Dear Lord this was not the same woman that we just left at the hospital. Mom had a vision in her eyes - an excitement and was wide eyed and smiling. They brought her in and put her in the new hospice hospital bed. We got her comfortable - and she said ok that's enough of this. I am getting up and looking at my house and I want to look out over my deck at the mountain and see my birds. So we assembled everything got people moving and moved mom into her wheel chair - down the hall and into the dining room. When she past the living room she saw the tree. I will never forget that smile - the biggest smile and eyes I have ever seen. She got to see her mountain, the birds, her cat "Memphis" and for 3 days - we shared so much. We had Christmas dinner - opening gifts - shared so much time together with singing and laughing. It was a hard 6 weeks before but looking back now - it was just a blessing from God to share this time. Mom spent some much needed time with her sisters, her brother and her mom as well as all of us. All of us were riding on high on Gods answered prayers and a blessing loved ones - to remember mom at her happiest.
Friends, even when we feel we can't go another step or push through another moment - or make it one more day with my spouse because of the fights and disagreements - God can get you through it. Mom was only with us 2 more months after that - but looking back - it was such a blessing to experience Gods grace and His mercy - His answered prayers with remembering mom in her glory and at her most incredible stage in life. Even during this time, mom asked everyone how they were - made sure everyone was ok - Dad asked mom to marry him again and they shared wedding rings. It was a Christmas to remember!
2 Timothy 3:
14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
I have learned many things from my mom - my parents - I have my moms care and love in my blood. I have our Lord Jesus in my heart and carrying my baggage for me - my burdens and struggles for me. Lift your hearts loved ones, even when mom had her back against the wall - Jesus shined through mom for all of us to see the love that poured out to us. We shared many things those few short days - it was just a small glimpse of the love we all have in our hearts from Jesus. It is time today - for courage and giving up yourself so that God can work in your life. Rescue you from the sins and struggles you have - so that you can "See" the world around you with "New Eyes" - I can't think of anything more important. This world doesn't offer anything that is worth staying for. Live for Jesus - love for Jesus.
Thanks mom for everything,
Miss and love you,
Randy~
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Character - what is it worth.......
There are many different things that define our character. I think most of our character is molded when we are children. The love our parents show us and the way we were brought up. Some of us have had some tough childhoods - we all are not equal in the opportunities in this world - even though this is America - the land of opportunity. Many times our parents had to sacrifice things they wanted and put the needs of their families before theirs. Sometimes it meant holding off on a purchase of something so our children would have shoes or new clothes for school. But I think the biggest character building method we have is when we accept Jesus into our hearts. I think no matter where you come from or what you have been through - Jesus alone will make the biggest difference in who you really are. People living in the projects, homeless, people with little education or families who have walked out on you - the world offers us little hope - stay down too long and the world will walk all over you. Jesus came to change all that. He came to give you hope - to encourage you - to raise you above the problems you struggle with and the circumstances you face today - With Jesus all things are possible.
I want to share a special moment with you this morning as I look back at this time last year. My mom who was near the end of her life here on earth was in the last stage of her life before she left for heaven was in her own way saying goodbye to everyone. A few months before our Pastor at church preached an awesome message that morning - He called me to the front of the church in front of everyone - told the congregation about my mom and my family - how mom came to know Jesus just a few months before - He had many who knew me, the church staff and my close friends come to the front and laid hands on me as he led us in prayer for my mom. Asking Jesus to give her comfort and peace - understanding for the family and thank Him for my mom - her acceptance into heaven if that is the will that He was accomplishing. I have never cried in front of so many people in my life. It was an emotional service to say the least. I had that service on my ipod - that Saturday night with my mom in her room - my uncles, my aunts, my grandma and I all sat and listened to this sermon - the music and the prayer afterwards. I had been waiting on the right time to share this message with mom and my family. God provided me the right timing - there was not a dry eye in the room. My aunts and uncles asking me afterwards who my pastor was and where I went to church. Do you have a website - Comments of I wish my church was that awesome, where do I find a church like that were just some of the comments. I remember mom looking over at me when the prayer ended - for Jimmy praying for her and lifting her name to Jesus - she said "Randy" - "I love Pastor Jimmy". I said mom, "I know, he loves you too". It was that evening that she shared with me the story of "The Tissue". What it meant to her - why it was so important! God was using her at that moment to shape her character. To shape other characters in you and in me. He was using her to provide a way for others to see that Jesus loves you - She left her "Salvation Tissue" as a reminder that it was very important for others to see and know Jesus. She had left us something more special and more important than anything else she could have left us. Jesus was at work that evening - I am thankful that God opened the doors for me to be able to "see" - Him at work - and not about what was earthly happening around us. I am so proud of my mom - for her character through life - for her courage, her smile and the love of Jesus right up until the time He called for her.
That morning as those of us gathered to be at the house as they carried her earthly body out - I think every bird in the county was there that morning - sitting in the trees, the branches the bushes on the ground - and they all began to sing their song - in honor of an awesome lady. Who put you before herself - your problems were her problems and the love she had for you was always amazing. Imagine with me the love that Jesus has for you..... we cant even compare the love that Jesus has for us. Mom may not be earthly with us today - but she is alive and well. Thank You Jesus for giving us the path to a heavenly home. Stop sitting on the fence, stop waiting to get it all right and in worked out - stop sitting in the place you find yourself today - pick up your mat and walk loved ones. Jesus is waiting with open arms - with a love you will only know by accepting it. Your character is worth - EVERYTHING
I love you all -
In Christ,
Randy~
2 Peter 3:
The Day of the Lord
1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.[a]
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b]That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
14So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
I want to share a special moment with you this morning as I look back at this time last year. My mom who was near the end of her life here on earth was in the last stage of her life before she left for heaven was in her own way saying goodbye to everyone. A few months before our Pastor at church preached an awesome message that morning - He called me to the front of the church in front of everyone - told the congregation about my mom and my family - how mom came to know Jesus just a few months before - He had many who knew me, the church staff and my close friends come to the front and laid hands on me as he led us in prayer for my mom. Asking Jesus to give her comfort and peace - understanding for the family and thank Him for my mom - her acceptance into heaven if that is the will that He was accomplishing. I have never cried in front of so many people in my life. It was an emotional service to say the least. I had that service on my ipod - that Saturday night with my mom in her room - my uncles, my aunts, my grandma and I all sat and listened to this sermon - the music and the prayer afterwards. I had been waiting on the right time to share this message with mom and my family. God provided me the right timing - there was not a dry eye in the room. My aunts and uncles asking me afterwards who my pastor was and where I went to church. Do you have a website - Comments of I wish my church was that awesome, where do I find a church like that were just some of the comments. I remember mom looking over at me when the prayer ended - for Jimmy praying for her and lifting her name to Jesus - she said "Randy" - "I love Pastor Jimmy". I said mom, "I know, he loves you too". It was that evening that she shared with me the story of "The Tissue". What it meant to her - why it was so important! God was using her at that moment to shape her character. To shape other characters in you and in me. He was using her to provide a way for others to see that Jesus loves you - She left her "Salvation Tissue" as a reminder that it was very important for others to see and know Jesus. She had left us something more special and more important than anything else she could have left us. Jesus was at work that evening - I am thankful that God opened the doors for me to be able to "see" - Him at work - and not about what was earthly happening around us. I am so proud of my mom - for her character through life - for her courage, her smile and the love of Jesus right up until the time He called for her.
That morning as those of us gathered to be at the house as they carried her earthly body out - I think every bird in the county was there that morning - sitting in the trees, the branches the bushes on the ground - and they all began to sing their song - in honor of an awesome lady. Who put you before herself - your problems were her problems and the love she had for you was always amazing. Imagine with me the love that Jesus has for you..... we cant even compare the love that Jesus has for us. Mom may not be earthly with us today - but she is alive and well. Thank You Jesus for giving us the path to a heavenly home. Stop sitting on the fence, stop waiting to get it all right and in worked out - stop sitting in the place you find yourself today - pick up your mat and walk loved ones. Jesus is waiting with open arms - with a love you will only know by accepting it. Your character is worth - EVERYTHING
I love you all -
In Christ,
Randy~
2 Peter 3:
The Day of the Lord
1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.[a]
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b]That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
14So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Blessings when we dont see them........
The day after "The Tissue" still has me reeling - I will be upfront and admit that right from the start. Its a good reeling I am in and not one that has taken me down at all. I feel energized and have so much on my heart and mind to share today, that I am having trouble with is my focus. The events that have taken place over the last few days have been amazing with church being packed, my friend Alice being there with me, Jimmy preaching and telling the story of mom, last night with an additional family in our Rock Group - Our dear friends son shaving his head for funds to help with research to a deadly disease that took their friends life on Saturday. There is still an urgency about me and this pressing feeling that I have. All I can do is lift my heart to Jesus and continue walking the talk and pressing onward because He has control and I am - all in. No gamble taking place here. Its a sure bet. My salvation - my forgiveness and a love that matches no other because if His grace and His mercy on me. Do I deserve any of this? I think not but its by Gods hands - I get to take another breath and its by His encouragement that I continue to put myself out here and talk the walk. Sometimes it overwhelms me with all that God is doing in my life - I think back at how I just wanted to hear from God and know he is real before I accepted Him into my heart. I have to admit - I don't think God ever spoke to me before I took that big step. God has taken 99 of the steps needed and all He asks of us - is that last important step. I do believe with all my heart that God is speaking to me - sometimes more clearer than at other times - the more I spend in His word and trying to understand and grow in His word - the more He leads me places and opens doors. Its a wild ride looking back at where I have come from - where my family have come from and I am so excited about where its going. But you know what it took for me to get here?
My mom.
See sometimes God has to use drastic measures to get our attention. Sometimes during these times, we pull away and go further into where we are from. Instead God wants to pull us close just like a parent with a sick child - or one who has been hurt - We want to pull or children in close and love on them, help them make good decisions, guide them in what is right and wrong - teaching them and loving them. I do believe with all my heart God was using me and showing me so many things when mom was sick - He continues to show me things and teach me in my walk in faith.
I think back at a time when mom was at the point of not getting up out of bed anymore and my brother was having so much difficulty with visiting with her. See mom was blessed in many ways during this time because she did get to talk to us and tell us her wishes and instructions and more importantly, that she was proud of us and that she loved us. My brother was looking at mom - not seeing mom. I remember having a conversation one evening at the kitchen table concerning going and spending some quality time with her. I remember him saying that he couldn't do it - it was too hard to look at her this way as the cancer was eating her body. I told him to not look at her body and to look into her eyes - imagine mom 20 years ago and in her beauty - God sees her this way - the inside of what makes mom - MOM. She is trapped in a body that is dying, it will soon no longer work but God has given her an inside - a spiritual side that will never die. It will never feel pain again and all the struggles of this world will be gone. I remember telling him to be a good son and share this moment with mom - look and focus on her eyes and see what God sees. After about 45 minutes - indeed the longest visit I can recall - he came out with tears in his eyes, walked out on the deck and was bawling - crying like no man I have ever seen other than myself cry. He thanked me for what I had told him - what I had shared and giving him the courage to say his goodbye to mom. Friends, God was at work there and the old me would have been in the selfish mode and all I would have worried about was me - how was I going to do this, how do I feel about this, how am I going to handle this, I am hurting more than anyone else - so many wrong things at a time when so many right things needed to happen. Many came to see mom - never came back. Some never came at all because they couldn't deal with it. TODAY - many cant come and visit my dad because the house reminds them of mom. I am sorry but pull up your panties and do something bigger than yourselves. Friends, we never know when our time may come - we can be making a difference in our families, in our churches in our communities for Jesus - for His church and for the lost people out there in the world who need this Good News. I am not a preacher, I have not been trained to speak or to write - I am just a common person who is doing the Lord's work. Imagine if you could just get off the fence - give up on having everything "Right" (whatever that means) and all figured out before taking that last step - imagine where our families would be going and what we can do together!
Mom had a bigger vision for her "Salvation Tissue" - she new Pastor Jimmy would use that tissue to bring others to Christ. She knew the importance behind it and made it happen - even when she was not with us. That tissue was missing for months - lost somewhere in the house and it was found - at the right time - the right way and given to Jimmy in the way mom would have wanted it. Pastor Jimmy used it Sunday - in the way mom would have been proud and with the passion in the way Jimmy presented it so that others may hear the story - others may know Jesus starting then - and turning their lives around. I am honored to be doing the Lords work - to be part of something so much bigger than myself and to be part of a church that loves people more than anything else because that is the way Jesus wanted it - People come first. We can have all the toys and money in this world but if we lose or soul - what have we gained.
Mom - You always put others before you - and you still are because - You went first. You made a way for our family to know Christ - to know heaven is a real place and you will be there when we get there. Hands open - arms reaching for us and again - You will be serving us in Heaven just like you always served us here. Except this time - NOBODY will have to go anywhere.
I love and miss you but I am so thankful and blessed to have come to Christ and accept His free gift of salvation, forgiveness, love, mercy and grace - so that one day - we will see each other again. I can't wait to see what God sees - in you.
Forever yours,
Randy~
My mom.
See sometimes God has to use drastic measures to get our attention. Sometimes during these times, we pull away and go further into where we are from. Instead God wants to pull us close just like a parent with a sick child - or one who has been hurt - We want to pull or children in close and love on them, help them make good decisions, guide them in what is right and wrong - teaching them and loving them. I do believe with all my heart God was using me and showing me so many things when mom was sick - He continues to show me things and teach me in my walk in faith.
I think back at a time when mom was at the point of not getting up out of bed anymore and my brother was having so much difficulty with visiting with her. See mom was blessed in many ways during this time because she did get to talk to us and tell us her wishes and instructions and more importantly, that she was proud of us and that she loved us. My brother was looking at mom - not seeing mom. I remember having a conversation one evening at the kitchen table concerning going and spending some quality time with her. I remember him saying that he couldn't do it - it was too hard to look at her this way as the cancer was eating her body. I told him to not look at her body and to look into her eyes - imagine mom 20 years ago and in her beauty - God sees her this way - the inside of what makes mom - MOM. She is trapped in a body that is dying, it will soon no longer work but God has given her an inside - a spiritual side that will never die. It will never feel pain again and all the struggles of this world will be gone. I remember telling him to be a good son and share this moment with mom - look and focus on her eyes and see what God sees. After about 45 minutes - indeed the longest visit I can recall - he came out with tears in his eyes, walked out on the deck and was bawling - crying like no man I have ever seen other than myself cry. He thanked me for what I had told him - what I had shared and giving him the courage to say his goodbye to mom. Friends, God was at work there and the old me would have been in the selfish mode and all I would have worried about was me - how was I going to do this, how do I feel about this, how am I going to handle this, I am hurting more than anyone else - so many wrong things at a time when so many right things needed to happen. Many came to see mom - never came back. Some never came at all because they couldn't deal with it. TODAY - many cant come and visit my dad because the house reminds them of mom. I am sorry but pull up your panties and do something bigger than yourselves. Friends, we never know when our time may come - we can be making a difference in our families, in our churches in our communities for Jesus - for His church and for the lost people out there in the world who need this Good News. I am not a preacher, I have not been trained to speak or to write - I am just a common person who is doing the Lord's work. Imagine if you could just get off the fence - give up on having everything "Right" (whatever that means) and all figured out before taking that last step - imagine where our families would be going and what we can do together!
Mom had a bigger vision for her "Salvation Tissue" - she new Pastor Jimmy would use that tissue to bring others to Christ. She knew the importance behind it and made it happen - even when she was not with us. That tissue was missing for months - lost somewhere in the house and it was found - at the right time - the right way and given to Jimmy in the way mom would have wanted it. Pastor Jimmy used it Sunday - in the way mom would have been proud and with the passion in the way Jimmy presented it so that others may hear the story - others may know Jesus starting then - and turning their lives around. I am honored to be doing the Lords work - to be part of something so much bigger than myself and to be part of a church that loves people more than anything else because that is the way Jesus wanted it - People come first. We can have all the toys and money in this world but if we lose or soul - what have we gained.
Mom - You always put others before you - and you still are because - You went first. You made a way for our family to know Christ - to know heaven is a real place and you will be there when we get there. Hands open - arms reaching for us and again - You will be serving us in Heaven just like you always served us here. Except this time - NOBODY will have to go anywhere.
I love and miss you but I am so thankful and blessed to have come to Christ and accept His free gift of salvation, forgiveness, love, mercy and grace - so that one day - we will see each other again. I can't wait to see what God sees - in you.
Forever yours,
Randy~
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Tissue.......
We are back home from the cabin - came back this morning and attended the 11:00 service at church. My friend Alice met us there and it was a nice surprise - not knowing what the message would include this morning - I was just excited to see Alice there and enjoy church together. She told me afterwards that it was nice to see me smile and that it is something I don't do enough of. I have to agree in some regards but friends my heart is heavy - it was touched this morning and I am humble today because of what the Lord is doing in my life.
Like our friend Andrew, Rachel Joy Scott and my mom and so many others - they took a risk and put Jesus in their hearts - they lived and loved for His grace, forgiveness and mercy. Today they find themselves together, enjoying their heavenly home in peace - no pain and forever at the feet of Jesus. Ya'll earned your trip home and I am very proud of them. The tissue that my mom cried in that day she accepted Jesus when I took her to see our pastor came out today in church. I remember that conversation and the tears on my face and Pastor Jimmy's, as I explained to him what my mom had wanted him to have. How important that tissue was to her and on that tissue was her tears of salvation, of strength, of acceptance, of forgiveness and for her eternity in heaven with Jesus and all those who have went before her. She knew from that moment on where she would be. During her struggle and suffering with cancer and right up until Jesus called her name - mom knew she was going to heaven. February 23rd is coming up and Jimmy picked a great time to call those in church out - to fight for lost people - to make a decision and to stop riding the fence - our lives are at stake here and our eternity is at risk. Where do you find your risk at today? Do you KNOW with out a shadow of the doubt where you will be if eternity came in the next moment? Eternity doesnt have to be years away - deaths call calls in a moments notice and if your're not ready for what is ahead friends - it will be too late. Every day is a blessing on this earth - our struggles and our pain that we suffer through is just part of this life but you could be filled with the love of Jesus - knowing you are not alone and not left behind - part of something so much bigger than ourselves and the washing away of our sins to create a new body - a new person and a higher purpose.
I motioned for Jimmy to stop and see me on his way out today when the service was over - I told him I was proud of him - that I was proud of mom - and mom was proud of him for using her tears for eternity - for others to come to Christ. WHat a great day in church today friends - Church should be moving and exciting - it should rock your world and give you hope and peace and understanding - it should be life changing and encouraging - are you just sitting in church? Looking through the bulletin or occupying your mind of something else? Not even going to church but loving the Lord but not serving or growing or attending or even living with other Christians who can encourage you and shape your life towards a more fulfilling one? Shame on you as Jimmy told our congregation last week - I am proud of him for calling you out. Consumers and those who choose to float along taking the safe road and the easy road but still being part of something but just not 100% all in.
There is more friends, experience what God wants you to have - experience what God gives you for free because He paid it all for you already.
Go ahead and sit where you are, sit on the fence waiting to get your life in order and everything just perfect before taking a risk - a gamble - a leadership role .... Your eternity might be closer than you think and when your time comes to sit at the feet of Jesus and state your case - what are you going to say? I was working on it - I was waiting - I didn't like any churches in my neighborhood - I wasn't comfortable - what will my friends think?
The choice it yours........ my mom put her risk on that tissue - Rachel Joy Scott walked the talk - Andrew fought until the end but was not scared - because they were all going home......
1 Peter 4: 12-19
Suffering for Being a Christian 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Its time to get off the fence and start walking the talk - talking the walk - and make something of yourselves for something bigger than where you find yourselves today.
Thanks R2C2 for making church fun, exciting, life changing and encouraging - I am proud to be part of something so special and so worth everything - in the name of Jesus.
Randy~
Like our friend Andrew, Rachel Joy Scott and my mom and so many others - they took a risk and put Jesus in their hearts - they lived and loved for His grace, forgiveness and mercy. Today they find themselves together, enjoying their heavenly home in peace - no pain and forever at the feet of Jesus. Ya'll earned your trip home and I am very proud of them. The tissue that my mom cried in that day she accepted Jesus when I took her to see our pastor came out today in church. I remember that conversation and the tears on my face and Pastor Jimmy's, as I explained to him what my mom had wanted him to have. How important that tissue was to her and on that tissue was her tears of salvation, of strength, of acceptance, of forgiveness and for her eternity in heaven with Jesus and all those who have went before her. She knew from that moment on where she would be. During her struggle and suffering with cancer and right up until Jesus called her name - mom knew she was going to heaven. February 23rd is coming up and Jimmy picked a great time to call those in church out - to fight for lost people - to make a decision and to stop riding the fence - our lives are at stake here and our eternity is at risk. Where do you find your risk at today? Do you KNOW with out a shadow of the doubt where you will be if eternity came in the next moment? Eternity doesnt have to be years away - deaths call calls in a moments notice and if your're not ready for what is ahead friends - it will be too late. Every day is a blessing on this earth - our struggles and our pain that we suffer through is just part of this life but you could be filled with the love of Jesus - knowing you are not alone and not left behind - part of something so much bigger than ourselves and the washing away of our sins to create a new body - a new person and a higher purpose.
I motioned for Jimmy to stop and see me on his way out today when the service was over - I told him I was proud of him - that I was proud of mom - and mom was proud of him for using her tears for eternity - for others to come to Christ. WHat a great day in church today friends - Church should be moving and exciting - it should rock your world and give you hope and peace and understanding - it should be life changing and encouraging - are you just sitting in church? Looking through the bulletin or occupying your mind of something else? Not even going to church but loving the Lord but not serving or growing or attending or even living with other Christians who can encourage you and shape your life towards a more fulfilling one? Shame on you as Jimmy told our congregation last week - I am proud of him for calling you out. Consumers and those who choose to float along taking the safe road and the easy road but still being part of something but just not 100% all in.
There is more friends, experience what God wants you to have - experience what God gives you for free because He paid it all for you already.
Go ahead and sit where you are, sit on the fence waiting to get your life in order and everything just perfect before taking a risk - a gamble - a leadership role .... Your eternity might be closer than you think and when your time comes to sit at the feet of Jesus and state your case - what are you going to say? I was working on it - I was waiting - I didn't like any churches in my neighborhood - I wasn't comfortable - what will my friends think?
The choice it yours........ my mom put her risk on that tissue - Rachel Joy Scott walked the talk - Andrew fought until the end but was not scared - because they were all going home......
1 Peter 4: 12-19
Suffering for Being a Christian 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Its time to get off the fence and start walking the talk - talking the walk - and make something of yourselves for something bigger than where you find yourselves today.
Thanks R2C2 for making church fun, exciting, life changing and encouraging - I am proud to be part of something so special and so worth everything - in the name of Jesus.
Randy~
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Our friend Andrew.....
Just want to send my love to the Sleeth family today. We have been praying for Andrew and his family for months - in many ways we feel like we know you all personally. We are blessed to know you through the Lucas family here in NC. Andrew - enjoy your first day in heaven buddy - I know my mom will be giving you a big hug - she took everything so personal that meant allot to her family. SO I am sure she is reaching out to you today. May the Lord continue to walk with your family and give them the peace and comfort they will need during the times ahead.
You were not a risk taker - you put God on your priority list and in the end - You finished first.
Job well done buddy.........
God Bless,
The Bateman's
You were not a risk taker - you put God on your priority list and in the end - You finished first.
Job well done buddy.........
God Bless,
The Bateman's
Risk taker?......
My family and I are up at the cabin for a short weekend before coming home in the morning for church. We are enjoying a little get away time and while walking the dogs last night looking up at the heavens - I tried to remember the lessons I learned about the stars 2 days ago while being at my sons school. I was able to find stars and know the names of a few of them - find the north star and Gemini - it was pretty neat. But its also a reminder for me at how small we really are. There is so much we don't understand and so much we haven't even discovered yet to even ask questions about.
I think about my faith and how big or small it is. What I am currently doing - the direction God has my life pointed in - How big is God in my life? What am I risking for Him? Are we all in or are we still riding the fence? What about those in our lives who still are wondering - can I trust God and give Him my life? Let me share a story with you about a young woman - who had put her life in Jesus - was out casted and was alone because of her faith. It was THAT important for her - and her faith was the biggest thing in her young life. She was 100% in......
Columbine - April 20, 1999. A tragic day in our history - in our school systems and it changed the lives of so many families - including Rachel Joy Scott. She was the first to be killed that morning - and when asked if she believed in God after the killer shot her once already - she said she did - and he said then go see God and shot her. She kept a journal - this is her journal entry 1 year to the day before her life was taken - and she got to meet Jesus.
April 20,1998 - It is like I have a heavy heart and this burden upon my back... But I don't know what it is. There is something in me that makes me want to cry... and I don't even know what it is. Things have definitely changed. Last week was so hard... besides missing "Breakthru" I lost all my friends at school. Now that I have begun to walk my talk, they make fun of me. I don't even know what I have done but I don't really have to say anything and they turn me away. I have no more personal friends at school. But you know what.... Its all worth it to me. I am not going to jeopardise for speaking the name of Jesus, I am not going to justify my faith to them and I am not going to hide the light that God has put in me. If I have to sacrifice everything - I will. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be with my best friend Jesus, then that's fine with me. Ya know, I always knew that part of being a Christian is having enemies... but I never thought that my "Friends" were going to be those enemies. Its all good, I am just a loner now at school. I just wish that someone from "Breakthru" went to my school.
Always in Christ,
Rachel Joy
I cant help but to tear up as I read this - as I typed that in. Rachel risked everything for our Lord. She is all in and is paying a price for that. All the disciples risked everything for the gospel. Jesus gave us His life - People today in the world are being killed and tortured for their love of Jesus. What are we risking? Some of us can't even get on board to make a decision. Eternity can come at any time - it might not be a lifetime away - it might only be moments away.
Where is your heart this morning....... in the paper - a cup of coffee - on the streets - stuck in your own world of selfishness? Take a risk this morning and put YOUR life in the hands of Jesus.
Eternity might be only moments away...... that's the biggest risk of all.
IN Christ,
Randy~
I think about my faith and how big or small it is. What I am currently doing - the direction God has my life pointed in - How big is God in my life? What am I risking for Him? Are we all in or are we still riding the fence? What about those in our lives who still are wondering - can I trust God and give Him my life? Let me share a story with you about a young woman - who had put her life in Jesus - was out casted and was alone because of her faith. It was THAT important for her - and her faith was the biggest thing in her young life. She was 100% in......
Columbine - April 20, 1999. A tragic day in our history - in our school systems and it changed the lives of so many families - including Rachel Joy Scott. She was the first to be killed that morning - and when asked if she believed in God after the killer shot her once already - she said she did - and he said then go see God and shot her. She kept a journal - this is her journal entry 1 year to the day before her life was taken - and she got to meet Jesus.
April 20,1998 - It is like I have a heavy heart and this burden upon my back... But I don't know what it is. There is something in me that makes me want to cry... and I don't even know what it is. Things have definitely changed. Last week was so hard... besides missing "Breakthru" I lost all my friends at school. Now that I have begun to walk my talk, they make fun of me. I don't even know what I have done but I don't really have to say anything and they turn me away. I have no more personal friends at school. But you know what.... Its all worth it to me. I am not going to jeopardise for speaking the name of Jesus, I am not going to justify my faith to them and I am not going to hide the light that God has put in me. If I have to sacrifice everything - I will. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be with my best friend Jesus, then that's fine with me. Ya know, I always knew that part of being a Christian is having enemies... but I never thought that my "Friends" were going to be those enemies. Its all good, I am just a loner now at school. I just wish that someone from "Breakthru" went to my school.
Always in Christ,
Rachel Joy
I cant help but to tear up as I read this - as I typed that in. Rachel risked everything for our Lord. She is all in and is paying a price for that. All the disciples risked everything for the gospel. Jesus gave us His life - People today in the world are being killed and tortured for their love of Jesus. What are we risking? Some of us can't even get on board to make a decision. Eternity can come at any time - it might not be a lifetime away - it might only be moments away.
Where is your heart this morning....... in the paper - a cup of coffee - on the streets - stuck in your own world of selfishness? Take a risk this morning and put YOUR life in the hands of Jesus.
Eternity might be only moments away...... that's the biggest risk of all.
IN Christ,
Randy~
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Tidbit....
Just so you know - if you want to reply to me via email - thats ok with me. There is also a feature on here and its located on the bottom of every post - a comments links. Got a comment you might want others to read - click that link and put your comments in. When others click that link they can read what others had to say and also have a chance for you to comment as well.
Just a small tidbit .... Enjoy and thanks for reading - The Walk........
God bless,
Randy~
Just a small tidbit .... Enjoy and thanks for reading - The Walk........
God bless,
Randy~
"And " - "OR"
Ok - repeat after me - I am going to replace "AND" with "OR". Lets say that again - I am going to replace "AND" with "OR". Good job..... so what does that mean already? I know its kind of silly but.......
Well let me share this with you. Today was a good learning day for me. My wife and I got to go to my sons school today and help with "Space Camp". Discovery Place from Charlotte was there and in the gym they had a portable planetarium set up. WOW - the teacher there did an awesome job. The kids were great and learned many things about the stars and planets. We got to crawl through the opening and then sit all around looking up at the heavens as she explained all the stars and their positions in the night time sky. Some of the kids were scared since it was dark, so I had all the girls sitting around me and it was really so much fun today. I very much enjoy being there and playing with the kids - I don't say working with the kids because I think I have more fun than they do! Anyways - I had a decision to make today - my duties for school were over a little after 12 - and the old me would have went to work and finished out the afternoon. Instead - I took my wife to lunch - did a little shopping at Lowes hardware and then went to give blood. Wow - a busy day - but whats with this AND and OR thing? Well many of us are so busy - running here and running there, kids soccer, kids karate, school, house cleaning, homework, making supper - so many things. All the while dealing with what life hands us with relationships, struggles, problems etc. We have become a "AND" - society - ask anyone how they are doing and they probably would say - "busy". I am doing this AND this AND this AND this.
I have said this before and I have heard this before - "God wont put anything on your shoulders that you cant handle". Well - when I was going through the things with my mom last year - I would believe that with all my heart - today I would have to say, to some degree. I think the things we have in our lives today are there for a reason but its also Gods way of saying - Hey we need to unload some things. We need to delegate some of our life's responsibilities. If we are trying to do everything ourselves - we are too proud to let others help us. If we are too proud to let others help us -then we are going to burn out. God did not make us to be Christians by ourselves - He made us to share our experiences with others and to do this life together. We all need help - we all can delegate some of the things we are currently doing. We can sometimes say no ~ Right?
Many of us appear to be strong and always in control of things and God wants us to be strong but strong in the right ways. When we appear we have it all under control – nobody seeing us crying or hurting, we hide our feelings – We only have those around us fooled - God knows better. God wants us to be humble and ask Him for help. Its when we don’t have things under control and we are overwhelmed with what we have to do – that is when God steps in and gives us His grace. We tell God we cant handle the situations and struggles we have and we need HIM. We are then in the right place - right where God wants us. Instead of continuing to say AND – replace some of those things in your life with “OR”. Focus on what God would want us to have on our plate – hand off something – give that other thing to God – and feel the comfort and peace that God will restore in you. So many of us try to be Superman to everything and to everyone. Replace some of those AND (s)– with Or (s). Make a decision what is important and follow through with Gods gusto and cheerfulness!!!
Today was an “Or” day for me. I went to my sons school – and made a decision – school “Or” work. I couldn't do both and if I did – I would have been worn out, tired from running the entire day – so I handed it off. I replaced the AND part of my day with an “or”.
Exodus 18: 14 17-18
14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”
17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.
Friends we don’t have to try and do everything by ourselves. Seek help from those around you, share the burdens and responsibilities that you have on your shoulders. Together we can do so much more than doing things alone and trying to do everything ourselves. We are in this together….
A few months back our Pastor at church told us - that we had out grown him. We have become a church that is too big for him to minister to us alone. He was humbly telling us that he needed God and he needed our help as well. Everyday I pray he delegates his workload - his responsibilities and has people around him to help him - new faces to give the tired faces a break so that they don't get worn out. Humbly tell God you need His help to handle all you are doing. It will make a world of difference.....When we are worn out we cant accomplish much.
I remember back when my mom was sick – feeling like everything around me crumbling in – how I had to hold it together for not only mom and myself but for everyone. God came and walked beside me – I did not have to do everything alone and by myself. God took part of that responsibility from me and looking back now – I am blessed He did. He helped me focus on what was happening, minister to those around me who needed a little extra love and care, He kept me safe during those long hours of driving up and down the roads. If I had kept up with the “And” – I would not have made it through it all. What can you delegate in your life loved ones? What do you need help with? I pray someone is there serving you and asking to help. If not – send me an email, I would be honored to hear the story you have. God is waiting on His part – ask Him today.
Randy~
Well let me share this with you. Today was a good learning day for me. My wife and I got to go to my sons school today and help with "Space Camp". Discovery Place from Charlotte was there and in the gym they had a portable planetarium set up. WOW - the teacher there did an awesome job. The kids were great and learned many things about the stars and planets. We got to crawl through the opening and then sit all around looking up at the heavens as she explained all the stars and their positions in the night time sky. Some of the kids were scared since it was dark, so I had all the girls sitting around me and it was really so much fun today. I very much enjoy being there and playing with the kids - I don't say working with the kids because I think I have more fun than they do! Anyways - I had a decision to make today - my duties for school were over a little after 12 - and the old me would have went to work and finished out the afternoon. Instead - I took my wife to lunch - did a little shopping at Lowes hardware and then went to give blood. Wow - a busy day - but whats with this AND and OR thing? Well many of us are so busy - running here and running there, kids soccer, kids karate, school, house cleaning, homework, making supper - so many things. All the while dealing with what life hands us with relationships, struggles, problems etc. We have become a "AND" - society - ask anyone how they are doing and they probably would say - "busy". I am doing this AND this AND this AND this.
I have said this before and I have heard this before - "God wont put anything on your shoulders that you cant handle". Well - when I was going through the things with my mom last year - I would believe that with all my heart - today I would have to say, to some degree. I think the things we have in our lives today are there for a reason but its also Gods way of saying - Hey we need to unload some things. We need to delegate some of our life's responsibilities. If we are trying to do everything ourselves - we are too proud to let others help us. If we are too proud to let others help us -then we are going to burn out. God did not make us to be Christians by ourselves - He made us to share our experiences with others and to do this life together. We all need help - we all can delegate some of the things we are currently doing. We can sometimes say no ~ Right?
Many of us appear to be strong and always in control of things and God wants us to be strong but strong in the right ways. When we appear we have it all under control – nobody seeing us crying or hurting, we hide our feelings – We only have those around us fooled - God knows better. God wants us to be humble and ask Him for help. Its when we don’t have things under control and we are overwhelmed with what we have to do – that is when God steps in and gives us His grace. We tell God we cant handle the situations and struggles we have and we need HIM. We are then in the right place - right where God wants us. Instead of continuing to say AND – replace some of those things in your life with “OR”. Focus on what God would want us to have on our plate – hand off something – give that other thing to God – and feel the comfort and peace that God will restore in you. So many of us try to be Superman to everything and to everyone. Replace some of those AND (s)– with Or (s). Make a decision what is important and follow through with Gods gusto and cheerfulness!!!
Today was an “Or” day for me. I went to my sons school – and made a decision – school “Or” work. I couldn't do both and if I did – I would have been worn out, tired from running the entire day – so I handed it off. I replaced the AND part of my day with an “or”.
Exodus 18: 14 17-18
14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”
17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.
Friends we don’t have to try and do everything by ourselves. Seek help from those around you, share the burdens and responsibilities that you have on your shoulders. Together we can do so much more than doing things alone and trying to do everything ourselves. We are in this together….
A few months back our Pastor at church told us - that we had out grown him. We have become a church that is too big for him to minister to us alone. He was humbly telling us that he needed God and he needed our help as well. Everyday I pray he delegates his workload - his responsibilities and has people around him to help him - new faces to give the tired faces a break so that they don't get worn out. Humbly tell God you need His help to handle all you are doing. It will make a world of difference.....When we are worn out we cant accomplish much.
I remember back when my mom was sick – feeling like everything around me crumbling in – how I had to hold it together for not only mom and myself but for everyone. God came and walked beside me – I did not have to do everything alone and by myself. God took part of that responsibility from me and looking back now – I am blessed He did. He helped me focus on what was happening, minister to those around me who needed a little extra love and care, He kept me safe during those long hours of driving up and down the roads. If I had kept up with the “And” – I would not have made it through it all. What can you delegate in your life loved ones? What do you need help with? I pray someone is there serving you and asking to help. If not – send me an email, I would be honored to hear the story you have. God is waiting on His part – ask Him today.
Randy~
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentine...
Happy Valentines day loved ones. May today find you surrounded with loving people - may you reach out to someone today who needs a smile and a shared moment. Make a small difference and look at someone else instead of yourself today. Might just be a pick me up - if your feeling down.
Jeremy Camp - Empty me -
Holy fire burn away
My desire for anything
That is not of you
and is of me
I want more of you
And less of me
Empty me, empty me, fill meWith you, with you
Love to all,
R~
Jeremy Camp - Empty me -
Holy fire burn away
My desire for anything
That is not of you
and is of me
I want more of you
And less of me
Empty me, empty me, fill meWith you, with you
Love to all,
R~
Endure and pressing onward........
I come to you this morning asking WHY - why am I doing this? Why do I care so much about spending my time writing on here blogging with these topics everyday? Why is my heart heavy for those around me and why do I feel an urgency about me? All I can say at this point friends, is that Jesus has put things together as they are right now for a reason. I don't know who is reading this, if anyone is getting anything out of this or even if in the future that will ever change. I do know that I will continue to do Gods will for my life until He changes my priorities or moves me in a new direction. I often question my Jabez prayers, this blog, updates in the forms of letters I write to people and the the ministry I have right here in this office. Sometimes I do feel like Dr. Phil - but a Dr. Phil with no training, never having read the entire bible, being a new Christian and limited knowledge of Jesus and His ways, have never been a leader, sometimes just not knowing what to say and sometimes feeling like I don't know anything! - I don't feel sometimes confident in leading 4 families in a small group setting - setting an example in church by serving but you know what? I am, I know God did not place these things into my life for no reason. I am where I am for a reason and a purpose and God is blessing me while I lean on Him and trust Him to show me the way. I have a heart that is burning for Jesus - I know mom is with Him as well as many others I have known over the years. I know that we have much work to do loved ones, and it's personal to me that you know where I am coming from. I would be doing you no good if I did not want to share the Gospel with you and show you that God loves you. It has nothing to do with me and what I have to say - I would rather us not be family or a friend if I had to leave you in order for you to understand the importance and the magnitude that Jesus has on your future and your life.
So when the times come when I feel like I am getting no place, getting no head of steam up or feel I am not explaining things right or in proper details or even correctly - I know I am doing my best and that is important to God. He will open the doors for me when I need them and I will continue to pray for those around me and for those who need Jesus - Its not about me - I have taken an oath to serve you in anyway I can. I love you - I will not give up - Ignore me if you wish - hold your ears tight- keep your eyes closed - keep a safe distance. I will love you the same. God has given us the ability to love each other.
2 Peter 1:
1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Making One's Calling and Election Sure 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I am not afraid of failure in Christ - there is no failure when He is with you. Ordinary people doing extra ordinary things for God. Does this sound like you? If not, rekindle that fire, fan the flames loved ones - there is much work to do around us and in making a difference. I pray this blog is an encouragement to others as Gods words work through this - I pray God is tapping your shoulder right now- bringing you spiritual discomfort so that you may one day get the Good News and the treasure of the Gospel. I don't understand it all either friends, but together we do so much more and learn so much more and make a bigger difference in the world around us. Think about a team with God on your side and what you could do then - for the kingdom that hopefully one day - you can finally say - "I believe" - " I know I will be going to heaven" - "see you when I get there mom". Nothing in this life is more important than how you finish. I will not back down and I will not be ashamed of the Gospel. Many of my family and friends don't know Jesus - but that wont stop me from sharing His news. If we are ashamed now and when our time comes - God will be ashamed of us then. But if we are not ashamed now - GOd wont be ashamed of us then then. How do you plan on finishing? I plan on finishing for Jesus.....
Randy~
So when the times come when I feel like I am getting no place, getting no head of steam up or feel I am not explaining things right or in proper details or even correctly - I know I am doing my best and that is important to God. He will open the doors for me when I need them and I will continue to pray for those around me and for those who need Jesus - Its not about me - I have taken an oath to serve you in anyway I can. I love you - I will not give up - Ignore me if you wish - hold your ears tight- keep your eyes closed - keep a safe distance. I will love you the same. God has given us the ability to love each other.
2 Peter 1:
1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Making One's Calling and Election Sure 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I am not afraid of failure in Christ - there is no failure when He is with you. Ordinary people doing extra ordinary things for God. Does this sound like you? If not, rekindle that fire, fan the flames loved ones - there is much work to do around us and in making a difference. I pray this blog is an encouragement to others as Gods words work through this - I pray God is tapping your shoulder right now- bringing you spiritual discomfort so that you may one day get the Good News and the treasure of the Gospel. I don't understand it all either friends, but together we do so much more and learn so much more and make a bigger difference in the world around us. Think about a team with God on your side and what you could do then - for the kingdom that hopefully one day - you can finally say - "I believe" - " I know I will be going to heaven" - "see you when I get there mom". Nothing in this life is more important than how you finish. I will not back down and I will not be ashamed of the Gospel. Many of my family and friends don't know Jesus - but that wont stop me from sharing His news. If we are ashamed now and when our time comes - God will be ashamed of us then. But if we are not ashamed now - GOd wont be ashamed of us then then. How do you plan on finishing? I plan on finishing for Jesus.....
Randy~
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Pack it in....... or not?
Where are you investing your energy and your time friends? I remember about a year ago, our pastor at church confessed something in front of the congregation. He told a story about a man who was ready to pack it in with his family. They had been through some hard times, they had been to counseling and all kinds of therapy sessions. Our pastor has spoke with this family and with this man for months. Some days you make head way and get some steam behind ya and then something happens and all the good progress made is lost. Back to square one. After all this talk, heart felt emotions, our pastor becoming involved in this family in more ways than one - emotionally- spiritually - praying for them every chance he could. Our pastor told us that morning - he felt like giving up. It was his hardest week of being a pastor in 10 years in the ministry. It was a baptism day - I do believe it was MY day to be washed clean with Christ. What turned out to be a hard week ended with a baptism of many people that day - a call to see if anyone else wanted to step forward - I had been waiting on this chance for months to do this. I stepped forward and began my walk with Christ. I had already accepted Jesus but I needed to take part in showing my faith outwardly. 3 more people after me stepped forward and GOD was in the house that day. I will never forget that day~ it has changed my life in more ways than 1!
Many of us are ready to pack it in. Ready to walk away from the things that are hard and look for something easier and greener. I remember our pastor telling us that if we walk away from our marriages - our families or friends or whatever - move on to another life - we not only get this new life but we take the baggage with us. I have a friend right now who is in the middle of an affair. The lies are rolling and the deceit that is taking place is consumer her. She comes from a good family - goes to a great church but somehow has been led astray. 2 lives now living in one body. The energy taking place there is such a waste when its going into things that just don't matter - that is just plain wrong and in the end - there will be no value left, nothing good can come from this and broken hearts all around her. Many of us are hiding things and we are doing our own thing. Life has struggles and life deals us many hardships. But God must come first in order to climb those mountains. The things that are dragging you down today - is this where your energy is going? Are you investing your time into these things? I am not judging you or your actions - or your thoughts. I am a sinner as well and no better than you are but I am walking with you - you are where you are for a reason friends. Focus outward and on others - there are bigger things in this world than our sinful and selfish selves. God had a better plan for you and a life that is in a new direction. Trust was always something as a child my parents made me earn. Its something that had to be proved and something that was always tested. God may be testing your trust in Him right now. Your problems and situations, hurts and hangup - they may be all tests that God has put in your life so that He may get your attention. Friends the greatest things in this life when we are hurting and down on our knees with pain, guilt and sorrow - this is the time that Gods works miracles in our lives. When we submit to Him and let His love flow through us - we shine for others to see. He blesses us and gives us new energy. Don't think you can take one more step - cant take that last breath - cant do one more day in your marriage - cant press forward in your relationships? God will give you the grace and mercy friends for you to carry on.
I remember when my mom was sick and there were days that we all just thought it was over. This is it- this minute right here might be the last that mom is with us. Conversations and prayers taking place all around her - wondering when this was all going to be over and mom's suffering was done - Jesus please call her and take her home. Just when we thought momma couldn't go on one more day, one more minute, one more moment - God provided and gave her a little more - a little more time, a little more love, a little more grace and a little more mercy. God loves you friends, He wont leave you high and dry - TRUST in Him and He will provide for your marriage, your friendships and relationships, your hurts and hangups.
2 Peter 3:
14-17But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
The things holding you back now friends - invest your energy, time and love into lasting things. True and honest things - God is ready to forgive you. Just take the high road and ask Him. Times might be hard and they may get harder - but you will never be alone again. You will have the strength of God that has created all things on your side and fighting the battles for you. Persevere loved ones and never give up on hope. Jesus gives us that HOPE.
Love you,
Randy~
Many of us are ready to pack it in. Ready to walk away from the things that are hard and look for something easier and greener. I remember our pastor telling us that if we walk away from our marriages - our families or friends or whatever - move on to another life - we not only get this new life but we take the baggage with us. I have a friend right now who is in the middle of an affair. The lies are rolling and the deceit that is taking place is consumer her. She comes from a good family - goes to a great church but somehow has been led astray. 2 lives now living in one body. The energy taking place there is such a waste when its going into things that just don't matter - that is just plain wrong and in the end - there will be no value left, nothing good can come from this and broken hearts all around her. Many of us are hiding things and we are doing our own thing. Life has struggles and life deals us many hardships. But God must come first in order to climb those mountains. The things that are dragging you down today - is this where your energy is going? Are you investing your time into these things? I am not judging you or your actions - or your thoughts. I am a sinner as well and no better than you are but I am walking with you - you are where you are for a reason friends. Focus outward and on others - there are bigger things in this world than our sinful and selfish selves. God had a better plan for you and a life that is in a new direction. Trust was always something as a child my parents made me earn. Its something that had to be proved and something that was always tested. God may be testing your trust in Him right now. Your problems and situations, hurts and hangup - they may be all tests that God has put in your life so that He may get your attention. Friends the greatest things in this life when we are hurting and down on our knees with pain, guilt and sorrow - this is the time that Gods works miracles in our lives. When we submit to Him and let His love flow through us - we shine for others to see. He blesses us and gives us new energy. Don't think you can take one more step - cant take that last breath - cant do one more day in your marriage - cant press forward in your relationships? God will give you the grace and mercy friends for you to carry on.
I remember when my mom was sick and there were days that we all just thought it was over. This is it- this minute right here might be the last that mom is with us. Conversations and prayers taking place all around her - wondering when this was all going to be over and mom's suffering was done - Jesus please call her and take her home. Just when we thought momma couldn't go on one more day, one more minute, one more moment - God provided and gave her a little more - a little more time, a little more love, a little more grace and a little more mercy. God loves you friends, He wont leave you high and dry - TRUST in Him and He will provide for your marriage, your friendships and relationships, your hurts and hangups.
2 Peter 3:
14-17But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
The things holding you back now friends - invest your energy, time and love into lasting things. True and honest things - God is ready to forgive you. Just take the high road and ask Him. Times might be hard and they may get harder - but you will never be alone again. You will have the strength of God that has created all things on your side and fighting the battles for you. Persevere loved ones and never give up on hope. Jesus gives us that HOPE.
Love you,
Randy~
Monday, February 12, 2007
We never walk alone......
Many of you know I have been nervous or troubled or feeling an urgency about me. I have been feeling this way for a week now and in many ways I feel a heaviness on my shoulders. Maybe its of my own doing - maybe its God adding to my load - or maybe - its you I have this urgency for. Only God will reveal this to me in time. God does things like this when He wants to get our attention - to move us along in our paths or in our understanding. Maybe God is moving me along side you so that I can help carry your burdens. Many of us are feeling alone - my small group has been praying for some close friends who are recently going through a divorce or a separation. I have been praying for those who have lost a loved one - I know how this feels because I am there with you. But God has something to share about all this friends:
2 Corinthians
3-5All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
I know many of us are struggling with things and I can't even explain the pain that some of us are in. Some of these struggles are caused by ourselves, some are caused by the devil himself but some are placed there because God chose to put them there. Now before you say " if there was a good loving God - why would He do this to me or put me into this struggle?" I have news friends - I don't think God is majorly concerned about your happiness. I think God is more interested in your character - I think God wants to move you in a new direction and onto a new path. I think God wants for you to put down your agenda and pick up His. Your struggles even then loved ones, might just continue. God cares about your character - not you being happy.
I think about a baseball player - bottom of the 9Th and the bases loaded - need a hit to win the game - the pressure is enormous! You get a hit and your team wins. We sometimes perform best when the pressure is on. We sometimes go the extra mile or the extra effort to get over the hump or land that sale or get the monthly bonus check.
I think sometimes by God keeping the pressure on - keeps us playing in the game and performing at our best. Apostle Paul knew suffering - He performed best under the pressures that God placed before him.
2 Corinthians
6-7When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it.
We can walk together friends - we can help each other carry the burdens that this life has given us. I am not asking for God to release me from what I am feeling friends - this Bordon, anxiety, nerves or urgency - is there for a reason. God is interested in working through me - to accomplish what He wants me to do. Maybe its to continue writing this, maybe its to do something bigger for church, maybe its to lead a family member to Christ - I don't know but I am not asking Jesus to take away anything that I truly believe He alone has placed there for a reason. When the pressure is on - I have an opportunity to do my best. God will be with me during this time - He will show me something of Him or even myself that I did not know I had before. Friends, God will walk with you during your struggles, the hard decisions in life, your hang ups and hurts. God does not place things on our shoulders for no reason - everything has a purpose. I did not think I would make it through the dying of my mom - the funeral afterwards and the past LONG year - but God has brought me through some green pastures friends. The pressure is still there - and it seems sometimes the more I pray - the more the pressure mounts. I know I can only do so much - and God is in control of every detail of my life~ I am living for His glory and for His purpose. I know if God can trust me with what I currently have, He will give me more and bless me beyond where I am today.
2 Corinthians
24We're not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We're partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not by ours.
As I think about our service at church yesterday and how moving it was - I think about you. I continue to press on, to pray for you, to serve you in some capacity. Friends no matter where you are today - right now - God has the mercy to equal your burdens. That alone is why I am at peace with whatever God has me moving to next. I pray you have Gods mercy and have accepted this free gift. Your struggles might still be there, but you will have someone walking with you always. God is looking to do something through you - it is time to get moving.
Randy~
2 Corinthians
3-5All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
I know many of us are struggling with things and I can't even explain the pain that some of us are in. Some of these struggles are caused by ourselves, some are caused by the devil himself but some are placed there because God chose to put them there. Now before you say " if there was a good loving God - why would He do this to me or put me into this struggle?" I have news friends - I don't think God is majorly concerned about your happiness. I think God is more interested in your character - I think God wants to move you in a new direction and onto a new path. I think God wants for you to put down your agenda and pick up His. Your struggles even then loved ones, might just continue. God cares about your character - not you being happy.
I think about a baseball player - bottom of the 9Th and the bases loaded - need a hit to win the game - the pressure is enormous! You get a hit and your team wins. We sometimes perform best when the pressure is on. We sometimes go the extra mile or the extra effort to get over the hump or land that sale or get the monthly bonus check.
I think sometimes by God keeping the pressure on - keeps us playing in the game and performing at our best. Apostle Paul knew suffering - He performed best under the pressures that God placed before him.
2 Corinthians
6-7When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it.
We can walk together friends - we can help each other carry the burdens that this life has given us. I am not asking for God to release me from what I am feeling friends - this Bordon, anxiety, nerves or urgency - is there for a reason. God is interested in working through me - to accomplish what He wants me to do. Maybe its to continue writing this, maybe its to do something bigger for church, maybe its to lead a family member to Christ - I don't know but I am not asking Jesus to take away anything that I truly believe He alone has placed there for a reason. When the pressure is on - I have an opportunity to do my best. God will be with me during this time - He will show me something of Him or even myself that I did not know I had before. Friends, God will walk with you during your struggles, the hard decisions in life, your hang ups and hurts. God does not place things on our shoulders for no reason - everything has a purpose. I did not think I would make it through the dying of my mom - the funeral afterwards and the past LONG year - but God has brought me through some green pastures friends. The pressure is still there - and it seems sometimes the more I pray - the more the pressure mounts. I know I can only do so much - and God is in control of every detail of my life~ I am living for His glory and for His purpose. I know if God can trust me with what I currently have, He will give me more and bless me beyond where I am today.
2 Corinthians
24We're not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We're partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not by ours.
As I think about our service at church yesterday and how moving it was - I think about you. I continue to press on, to pray for you, to serve you in some capacity. Friends no matter where you are today - right now - God has the mercy to equal your burdens. That alone is why I am at peace with whatever God has me moving to next. I pray you have Gods mercy and have accepted this free gift. Your struggles might still be there, but you will have someone walking with you always. God is looking to do something through you - it is time to get moving.
Randy~
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Challenge......
The weekend is moving right along. Back to work in just a few hours it seems like. Some of my family got together yesterday and attending the 49er home coming men's basketball game. I got to share my work with some family who had never stepped foot on campus and the game was almost sold out - and we pulled out the win. We all shared a great meal at our favorite place to eat (Mexicasa). Thanks ya'll for making yesterday a great day!
Today at church our Pastor baptized 5-6 young people - the place was packed with friends, family, visitors and regulars - the band had it going on and sounded awesome. I was not feeling well yesterday and slept in this morning - I am glad because I feel better now and got to take part in something like a baptism. It has not been that long ago that I was in the water - my son was in the water and how much it really hits me in my soul - for those in my family and my friends who need this water. Before Jesus came to earth - we had 1000's of rules and guidelines to adhear to. Being a good person to make it in to heaven was just out of reach for common folks like me and you because we couldnt keep all the rules. It was saved for the high priests and the leaders of that time since they followed all the rules and made sure - the people of the times followed as well. They had to sacrifice an animal (usually a lamb) in order to please God and this all changed when Jesus came. He is the new way- the new rules and He took our sins with Him to the cross. We had a new set of rules to follow and only through Him - is our path to heaven.
A question was asked this morning - Who with a show of hands had been raised in church? I did not look around to see but I know mine was not. I was a peppered church person - going once or twice here and there. I knew of church - I knew of God - but I did not KNOW church or KNOW God. Years of my aunt and uncle praying for me - my family - I thank you for those prayers!!! How I love you and am so glad God answered your prayers for me - my family. Some of us continue to need those exact prayers because you still have not stepped forth to say "I GET IT!"
As those who were baptised this morning - It was hard to hold back the emotion because I am so very happy for them and their families. Many families have struggles - many have so many things to overcome - Only God has kept them together - only God gives them the strength to keep going. You can see them - they have a different look about them because - they are together and God is keeping them together even as many things around them are hurting or falling apart. God uses normal ordinary people like you and me - these special people who were baptised this morning - all of us who accept Him. He turns us into extra ordinary people - to do His work - to show others His love- to reach out to others and help them. Its not all work here friends - blessings of smiles and friendships come with this work. A feeling of God smiling on you and knowing you are doing right when you reach out and help someone.
I am asking you this week - to open your heart and open your mind - to reach down inside you and extend a hand to someone who could use it. Without anything in return - show the love of Jesus - and then email me your story. I challenge you this week loved ones - give God something instead of sitting where you are right now. Valentines day is wednesday - share some of that love with someone who would be alone or feels down and left behind.
(it may be a meal for a family or friend, it may be attending church and going WITH your children to Sunday school, it may be stopping and seeing a friend you haven't seen in awhile, it may be to drive through the drive through at burger king and paying the price for the car behind you - it may be offering forgiveness to someone who needs your forgiveness - its your homework friends - make something good happen)
Are you taking up space in church? Not going to church? Sliding back to your old self after a spiritual movement God had you on?
Don't know Jesus? - think you need to get your life right before asking Jesus to come into your life? God has something to share with you..... allow God to open your heart so that YOU may experience Him..... He accepts you as you are - as your reading this, all your hang ups and struggles, all your problems and things you have done wrong, all your emotions and regrets - its all right now..... He accepts you. Jesus did not come to this earth for everyone else and to leave you behind. He came for you......... for all of us.
I am so very proud of those in church this morning who took this big step of accepting Jesus and being baptized. May God fill your entire soul and lead you on a path and journey like no other one else can.
John1:
50-51Jesus said, "You've become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven't seen anything yet! Before this is over you're going to see heaven open and God's angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again."
God see your struggles - He feels your pain and knows the things you have wrapped around your neck. Stop what you are doing - put your life in a new direction today. Faith takes courage and knowing that something is bigger than ourselves. Take my challenge this week and let me know - I look forward to hearing from you.
Gods blessings,
Randy~
Today at church our Pastor baptized 5-6 young people - the place was packed with friends, family, visitors and regulars - the band had it going on and sounded awesome. I was not feeling well yesterday and slept in this morning - I am glad because I feel better now and got to take part in something like a baptism. It has not been that long ago that I was in the water - my son was in the water and how much it really hits me in my soul - for those in my family and my friends who need this water. Before Jesus came to earth - we had 1000's of rules and guidelines to adhear to. Being a good person to make it in to heaven was just out of reach for common folks like me and you because we couldnt keep all the rules. It was saved for the high priests and the leaders of that time since they followed all the rules and made sure - the people of the times followed as well. They had to sacrifice an animal (usually a lamb) in order to please God and this all changed when Jesus came. He is the new way- the new rules and He took our sins with Him to the cross. We had a new set of rules to follow and only through Him - is our path to heaven.
A question was asked this morning - Who with a show of hands had been raised in church? I did not look around to see but I know mine was not. I was a peppered church person - going once or twice here and there. I knew of church - I knew of God - but I did not KNOW church or KNOW God. Years of my aunt and uncle praying for me - my family - I thank you for those prayers!!! How I love you and am so glad God answered your prayers for me - my family. Some of us continue to need those exact prayers because you still have not stepped forth to say "I GET IT!"
As those who were baptised this morning - It was hard to hold back the emotion because I am so very happy for them and their families. Many families have struggles - many have so many things to overcome - Only God has kept them together - only God gives them the strength to keep going. You can see them - they have a different look about them because - they are together and God is keeping them together even as many things around them are hurting or falling apart. God uses normal ordinary people like you and me - these special people who were baptised this morning - all of us who accept Him. He turns us into extra ordinary people - to do His work - to show others His love- to reach out to others and help them. Its not all work here friends - blessings of smiles and friendships come with this work. A feeling of God smiling on you and knowing you are doing right when you reach out and help someone.
I am asking you this week - to open your heart and open your mind - to reach down inside you and extend a hand to someone who could use it. Without anything in return - show the love of Jesus - and then email me your story. I challenge you this week loved ones - give God something instead of sitting where you are right now. Valentines day is wednesday - share some of that love with someone who would be alone or feels down and left behind.
(it may be a meal for a family or friend, it may be attending church and going WITH your children to Sunday school, it may be stopping and seeing a friend you haven't seen in awhile, it may be to drive through the drive through at burger king and paying the price for the car behind you - it may be offering forgiveness to someone who needs your forgiveness - its your homework friends - make something good happen)
Are you taking up space in church? Not going to church? Sliding back to your old self after a spiritual movement God had you on?
Don't know Jesus? - think you need to get your life right before asking Jesus to come into your life? God has something to share with you..... allow God to open your heart so that YOU may experience Him..... He accepts you as you are - as your reading this, all your hang ups and struggles, all your problems and things you have done wrong, all your emotions and regrets - its all right now..... He accepts you. Jesus did not come to this earth for everyone else and to leave you behind. He came for you......... for all of us.
I am so very proud of those in church this morning who took this big step of accepting Jesus and being baptized. May God fill your entire soul and lead you on a path and journey like no other one else can.
John1:
50-51Jesus said, "You've become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven't seen anything yet! Before this is over you're going to see heaven open and God's angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again."
God see your struggles - He feels your pain and knows the things you have wrapped around your neck. Stop what you are doing - put your life in a new direction today. Faith takes courage and knowing that something is bigger than ourselves. Take my challenge this week and let me know - I look forward to hearing from you.
Gods blessings,
Randy~
Friday, February 9, 2007
Thank you Coach Dungy ....
For those who have been reading my blog since the beginning - you know how I was all excited for Coach Dungy from the Colts..... well he just went up a few major notches now.
Enjoy the video and thank you coach for sharing your heart and for telling the truth.
TOTALLY AWESOME.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8fEpvdHC40&mode=related&search
Randy~
Enjoy the video and thank you coach for sharing your heart and for telling the truth.
TOTALLY AWESOME.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8fEpvdHC40&mode=related&search
Randy~
Teachers and children......
Good morning everyone - I pray this day finds each of you well and in in good spirits. My son did an awesome job on his poetry reading this morning at school. All the kids did a wonderful job and I am very proud of each of them. My wife and I got there early to help setup and we had coffee, danishes and muffins for the parents and the kids. I had to sneak out while the kids were working to avoid the MOB - I just love being over there and my sons teacher is really good about it all. I know I couldn't teach them much in a classroom setting even though they continue to ask me to sub for the day! Imagine that with me for a second.... hahahahahah - way too funny. Anyways -these kids will one day run this country, be teachers, doctors and nurses, athletes, business owners - they need to know their dreams to do whatever they want in life can be obtained - they can reach for the stars - it will take hard work, dedication and determination to make it. They don't have to settle for second best. Each of them deserve a great teacher - I know this class has been blessed by a great teacher this year. Her dedication and love for children makes her stand out. The children will probably always remember their 3rd grade teacher!
Jesus was a teacher - He came with news and being that it was so different than what anyone had ever heard - it made it tough to teach the lessons He came to teach us. He couldn't teach people from Panthers stadium or on TV or on the radio. He had to do this amongst the people - He came to live with us, experience this life with us and to feel this life with us. No matter what you are going through in this life, Jesus has been there. We have an avenue to God now because of Jesus. He is God with a face for us - a path to experience and love God. A great teacher - a profession even today that is not respected as much as it should be. We are all children in the eyes of God - we can either do our homework and study hard or we can goof off in the back and make fun of everything - keeping our eyes and ears closed. 2 directions in life...... we all have a choice. I pray you are taking time for your children - get down on the ground with them and see them eye to eye - they always have something to say and something to share if we just take the time to listen. You might be surprised what is shared......
Luke 18:15-17
15-17People brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."
Sounds so simple ..... and really it is. Why make things so hard to understand? Why try our best to explain things and reason things out? Truth is truth.....
Good job today Kyle - I am proud of you and all your classmates. Ya'll have touched my life forever and 3rd grade I will always remember! Thanks for making me cool for once....
I love you bud, more than I could ever tell you. I will always be there for you and I am honored to call you my son. I pray you always have Jesus in your heart.
Daddy~
Jesus was a teacher - He came with news and being that it was so different than what anyone had ever heard - it made it tough to teach the lessons He came to teach us. He couldn't teach people from Panthers stadium or on TV or on the radio. He had to do this amongst the people - He came to live with us, experience this life with us and to feel this life with us. No matter what you are going through in this life, Jesus has been there. We have an avenue to God now because of Jesus. He is God with a face for us - a path to experience and love God. A great teacher - a profession even today that is not respected as much as it should be. We are all children in the eyes of God - we can either do our homework and study hard or we can goof off in the back and make fun of everything - keeping our eyes and ears closed. 2 directions in life...... we all have a choice. I pray you are taking time for your children - get down on the ground with them and see them eye to eye - they always have something to say and something to share if we just take the time to listen. You might be surprised what is shared......
Luke 18:15-17
15-17People brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."
Sounds so simple ..... and really it is. Why make things so hard to understand? Why try our best to explain things and reason things out? Truth is truth.....
Good job today Kyle - I am proud of you and all your classmates. Ya'll have touched my life forever and 3rd grade I will always remember! Thanks for making me cool for once....
I love you bud, more than I could ever tell you. I will always be there for you and I am honored to call you my son. I pray you always have Jesus in your heart.
Daddy~
Thursday, February 8, 2007
kudos.......
Well tomorrow is my sons big poetry reading at school. All the kids have been practicing all week and the kids drew numbers to see the order in which they read. My son is going first! Looks like he will be eating before everyone else - he is excited about going first! Parents are invited and my wife again - has organized everything - coffee - danish stuff - muffins - all kinds of fancy coffee creamers - many of you know I am a simple coffee guy so I had to make sure we just had NORMAL coffee creamer! This is going to be really cool. We even got my sons awesome teacher some flowers just for the event. We are all very excited and I always look forward to spending time at school. The kids are so awesome in the 3rd grade - I am still cool. Better do my best while I am still cool right? Wont be long and I will be back to normal - non cool. LOL
Also wanted to share with everyone how special my wife is. She has her hands in so many things. School, PTA, Church - work and taking care of my son and I and all the other 10,000 things that needs to happen for this household to run. Our pastor at church has taken on a new role the last few weeks - his wife went back to work after many years of being a stay at home mom. So what that means is she really gets 2 jobs cut out right? Hey you wives out there - you work hard and deserve extra credit, attention, praise and some time to your self once in awhile! I love you with everything I have - thank for being a partner in life - part of a team - part of Gods family with me as we do our best to share the Good News - and touch the lives of those around us. Thank you Lord - for an amazing woman, wife, mother and best friend.
Randy~
Also wanted to share with everyone how special my wife is. She has her hands in so many things. School, PTA, Church - work and taking care of my son and I and all the other 10,000 things that needs to happen for this household to run. Our pastor at church has taken on a new role the last few weeks - his wife went back to work after many years of being a stay at home mom. So what that means is she really gets 2 jobs cut out right? Hey you wives out there - you work hard and deserve extra credit, attention, praise and some time to your self once in awhile! I love you with everything I have - thank for being a partner in life - part of a team - part of Gods family with me as we do our best to share the Good News - and touch the lives of those around us. Thank you Lord - for an amazing woman, wife, mother and best friend.
Randy~
FREE ......
2nd Peter 2:19
19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
I see many things in our lives today that are in control of us. This past year has seemed to be a long one and for many of us probably the longest of our lives. Since mom has left - it just seems like on one hand it was yesterday and those emotions can easily get away from us but then again it seems like it's been so long ago. I can still see momma smiling and hear her laughing - I can feel her love in my heart and when I look at Kyle - I see a child who misses his grandma. Friends this life will go on and if we continue to keep our minds and hearts in one place - frozen in time - we will never move forward. Its a decision we all have to make each day in moving on from our struggles and the paths that life has us on. Our problems and stuggles all have a reason and many times the hardest part is knowing what to do about them. Back in Sept my pastor preached a sermon on breaking free - and I would like to share this with you this morning. F.R.E.E -
Focus on something better - Proverbs 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Friends make a choice and decide to not focus on the things that keep you down and with a weight around you neck - you can only swim for so long.
Restore broken relationships - Romans 12:18 As far as responsibility goes, love at peace with everyone.
Enlist support from others - You need others in your life - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better off than one, because together .... if one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls... there's no one to help him". Help each other carry the load and the burdens we have. If we have to do everything our selves - we wont last long. Reach out friends to others - ask them how they are doing, is there anything you can do, can I come over and bring a meal - pray together and do this life together.
Extend yourslef to other people - Extend youself so that you can help others. Help others carry their burdens and together a team is formed. Not only will you enjoy and experience a blessing - so will they.
Friends, you do not have to wait to make yourself clean before you ask Jesus into your heart. He accepts you the way you are - hangups, problems, past, future and issues that keep you down, bad decisions, regrets - its all given to Jesus when you accept Him as your Lord and Savior. We do not have to wait until the season is ripe and our we think we have it all worked out. Only through faith in Jesus - that he died and rose again for you - forgiving you of your sins and in accepting Him into your heart - He gives you new life and a new purpose with meaning and direction. The old has past away and you are a clean and fresh - forgiven and white as snow.
Romans 6:12-13 -
12-14That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don't give it the time of day. Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you've been raised from the dead!—into God's way of doing things. Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God.
Enjoy the freedom from your old life - leave all those things in the past and rise a new person under Jesus. Experience what He has to offer! Why stay where you are? There is truth and promise - do you have that now?
Acts 4 -
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Carry on loved ones - with a decision to be made - with Jesus or without. A new path awaits you.... or continue on the one you currently are on. The choice is yours....... the time is now to break FREE>
Randy~
19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
I see many things in our lives today that are in control of us. This past year has seemed to be a long one and for many of us probably the longest of our lives. Since mom has left - it just seems like on one hand it was yesterday and those emotions can easily get away from us but then again it seems like it's been so long ago. I can still see momma smiling and hear her laughing - I can feel her love in my heart and when I look at Kyle - I see a child who misses his grandma. Friends this life will go on and if we continue to keep our minds and hearts in one place - frozen in time - we will never move forward. Its a decision we all have to make each day in moving on from our struggles and the paths that life has us on. Our problems and stuggles all have a reason and many times the hardest part is knowing what to do about them. Back in Sept my pastor preached a sermon on breaking free - and I would like to share this with you this morning. F.R.E.E -
Focus on something better - Proverbs 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Friends make a choice and decide to not focus on the things that keep you down and with a weight around you neck - you can only swim for so long.
Restore broken relationships - Romans 12:18 As far as responsibility goes, love at peace with everyone.
Enlist support from others - You need others in your life - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better off than one, because together .... if one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls... there's no one to help him". Help each other carry the load and the burdens we have. If we have to do everything our selves - we wont last long. Reach out friends to others - ask them how they are doing, is there anything you can do, can I come over and bring a meal - pray together and do this life together.
Extend yourslef to other people - Extend youself so that you can help others. Help others carry their burdens and together a team is formed. Not only will you enjoy and experience a blessing - so will they.
Friends, you do not have to wait to make yourself clean before you ask Jesus into your heart. He accepts you the way you are - hangups, problems, past, future and issues that keep you down, bad decisions, regrets - its all given to Jesus when you accept Him as your Lord and Savior. We do not have to wait until the season is ripe and our we think we have it all worked out. Only through faith in Jesus - that he died and rose again for you - forgiving you of your sins and in accepting Him into your heart - He gives you new life and a new purpose with meaning and direction. The old has past away and you are a clean and fresh - forgiven and white as snow.
Romans 6:12-13 -
12-14That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don't give it the time of day. Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you've been raised from the dead!—into God's way of doing things. Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God.
Enjoy the freedom from your old life - leave all those things in the past and rise a new person under Jesus. Experience what He has to offer! Why stay where you are? There is truth and promise - do you have that now?
Acts 4 -
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Carry on loved ones - with a decision to be made - with Jesus or without. A new path awaits you.... or continue on the one you currently are on. The choice is yours....... the time is now to break FREE>
Randy~
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