Friday........and dragging

Boy - talk about dragging today. After such a great week with VBS and being with my kids and at church all week - Kenny Chesney last night with Carol, Kyle, Patty and myself in attendance - I am really dragging today. Have you ever been so tired that you can't even sleep?

That was me last night and its been awhile since I pulled an all nighter - even though I got a few hours of sleep - I am old!!!! Recovery is slower.... :)

Anyways - the concert was great and I am sure Pastor Jimmy will say something come this Sunday at church. He too loves Kenny's music - it is just so real and down to earth. Like Kenny said last night - tonight let all your problems and worries be set aside, tonight is a night for fun and music; for us to get get along and just have a great time.

He sure was right! Even with a sold out show - thousands of fans - all having fun, some drinking too much and making fools of themselves - 3 folks yelling at me thinking I was Kenny - then Kenny's brother - and then asking for back stage passes since I had my "Volunteer" shirt on LOL - it was for oru church's Easter Egg Hunt! I got a hug anyways and the two Kenny freaks told me "That is so nice!" Its all in good fun I guess..... I couldnt help but to compare things to about a month ago seeing MercyMe in concert with our small group! What a difference in the crowd..... I think we need to see more Christian bands in concert together. Just my feeling on things.

Here are a few pictures...... tomorrow - we are in Mt.Airy for my brothers daughters wedding. Hard to believe little Jennifer is getting married. Keep this couple in your prayers - they are good kids and I am proud of them.

Sunday is right around the corner - can't wait for church!

Love you all,

Randy~

The Seasons.......

As I look back on the last few days serving in our church's VBS program, I can't help but to think about the seasons. A season of planting and a season of harvest. It has been a year of investing in my kids at school, at lunches, picnics and events, field trips, talking with parents and making an effort to reach out, letters during the summer to stay in touch and say hello - a chance to roll all this into a week of VBS and have some fun with these kids - also including all my kids at church in Sunday School who also have such a warm place in my heart and to also be a part of teaching them something about a God - a God who loves them regardless of what is going on in their lives. A chance to talk with their parents as they nervously drop their children off into the hands and care of others. It about investing and planting into these families that one day they may reap the harvest and begin to plant seeds themselves one day.
We harvest what we sow- plain and simple. Even at work - God goes with us in our attitudes and in the decisions we make - How we treat the people around us and if we choose to walk around grumpy or with a smile on our face. Whatever we plant we harvest. We plant more when we are younger and we harvest more when we are older. You will never hear an older person on their death bed say "I Wish I spent more time in the office". Our investments should be closer to home - in our families and in the people around us - in our churches. We don't have to pass down the things that have been done to us. We can break that curse and plant seeds of good things to pass along. Planting, Investing and harvesting.
What are you planting in your life today?
Are you still in self mode? Flesh is always hungry for more and never satisfied. If you are feeling SELF - FLESH - than you are investing in a harvest that will reap very little. Everyone knows a farmer and a farmer would be wealthy if he could figure out a way to plant and harvest in the same season. This is why we plant in one season and harvest in another. So we can work the ground, weed the weeds, water and take care of what we are working towards - the Harvest.
When my time comes to be with the Lord - I dont want to look back and have any regrets. I don't want things left undone and wanting more time. I want to be engaged now and planting the seeds of Jesus to those around me - in my family, my church and small group, my KIDS, my friends - arms wide open to accept those who are ripe to hear the Good News of Jesus. My time may be shorter than I realize so its time to get busy - plant, invest and harvest what I am sowing.
The last 2 nights I have taken a van full of my kids home after VBS. There is nothing like hearing belly laughing, seeing the smiles and all the giggles, walking each of them to their doors and listening to each of them talk a mile a minute with how much fun they had that night. One of my kids got up each morning and got dressed, ready to go to VBS...waiting all day to go! This is harvesting what we are planting. Nothing makes me happier - its just is unreal to me and it humbles me as I watch the Lord open these doors, not only for me but also for the most awesome people around me. Its pretty bleeping AWESOME!!!!
I am feeling the buzzzzzzzzzz.........
Can't wait till Sunday.......
Randy~

A New Beginning...

I have to say that the last week or so has been so hectic. Life is in full speed mode here at our house and sometimes we dont even know what day it is. Running all day especially the last few days from 7 AM all the way till 10:00PM - has me dragging in the afternoons and looking for that cup of Java. For those who know me - There is nothing like a good cup of coffee!!

I lead a Volunteer Ministry and I coordinate connecting folks in our church to the Ministry that they are interested in serving. I have made a few calls this afternoon - have sent a few emails out over the last couple of days and I am just building with excitement. Reason being is, these are folks, couples, 20 somethings, families, people from all walks of life looking to get connected. I am only the point person and dont really think about leading anyone - as a matter of fact - My small group actually gets credit with this idea. We came up with this idea and have got this off the ground. These folks are at the brink of something big. Something life changing when they get up out of the chairs and the pews of their church and get moving. They get up and start serving and being a part of the solution instead of sitting back and saying this is not right, this needs to be better and how about that over there - a window shopper enjoying the show.
These are folks I am very proud of who are stepping forward in serving others! I look forward to these new relationships and team work. When we become a servant we always give up something we could have kept for our self – OUR time, money, and energy.
But in the end, even while we are serving it may be as hard as anything we have ever done or afraid like never before, its the most rewarding thing we could ever do.

Last day of VBS tonight. I am sad - sad for the kids who have enjoyed it all week. Sad that I won't get to see these kids until Sunday or not again until later in the summer. There is nothing like seeing the smiles on these faces. How contagious they are....... will let you know how tonight goes.

Randy~

A sleep at the wheel.......

WOW - what a week we are having. VBS has been great this week so far and we are fully enjoying the company we have riding over together with many of our friends children - many of which are Kyles friends. Its just been fantastic even though its a lot of work - its a long day by the time we get home after 9. But its so worth it seeing those kids smiling, learning about Jesus, making friends and lasting relationships, inviting their parents to church, watching the volunteers and the most awesome teachers I have ever seen!

As these blessings are flowing, I can't help but to thank God for these opportunities we are all sharing and experiencing together. Our walk with our Lord is a personal one but many times we share the paths together. My promises to my mom still have deep roots in my commitments to her and to the Lord. I know the Lord is changing me more than anyone in my family and I do believe with all my heart that is how God is working here. Like you, I often wonder why God doesn't just take over - WHAP - problems solved, relationships fixed, marriage back on track, finances just taken care of, the loss of loved one can be overcome - so many things. But that is not how God works.
Remember the story of Jesus feeding the 5000? Sure Jesus could have just taken care of everyone right then - He could have prayed to our heavenly Father and asked for their hunger pains to be gone. But that is not how God works. He uses what we have. What we don't have - God provides. It makes us dependant on God and teaches us to look UP to Him for what we really need in this life.
David and Goliath - You know the story - David did not want the kings sword, the armor and shields - he had what he needed. He had a sling shot and something that he had been using as a kid for years! He had all HE NEEDED!!! God provides what we don't have .... and uses what we do have.
Sometimes we dont even know we have something until its either tested or taken away. Our health is a good example - leadership that is untested - faithfulness to continue raising that empty place in your heart to God each and every chance you get.
He uses us also to reach to others. Like I said, I know God is changing me to reach to others. The gift I never knew I had with children - leading a Small Group - leading a ministry at church - leading my home in godly values where the question on Sundays are not - "Dad are we going to church today?" but more "Dad when are we leaving?" God uses us in so many ways if you continue to raise that empty place in your heart to Him to fill.
Many of us are struggling with finances, finding a job, loneliness, a marriage that is not working, a struggling son or daughter who has lost directions.....
friends if you look around you -
YOU HAVE people all around you praying for you - Use it.
YOU HAVE a church where you can go and talk with your pastors - Use it.
YOU HAVE a family who will help you and love you - Use it.
YOU HAVE the Bible with all the wisdom and guidance for you life - Use it.
YOU HAVE a God who loves you, longs for your heart and prayers - USE it.

Friends we have what we need.... God has promised that he will multiply what you have - He would give you your hearts desires - Don't put God in a time frame - or a box- Those are YOUR conditions - When the time is right and when you are ready - God will produce what you need. Stay faithful ..... stay strong - You have all you need to move forward.
But you say I don't have a spiritual problem - I have a money problem, a loneliness problem, grief problem, a loss of job problem..... Everything friends is a spiritual problem - How can you keep God out of your finances, your loss of employment, or grieving process? Everything you do, every breathe you take, everyone you meet is spiritual!
Keep bringing yourself to God and He will continue pouring out His blessings. You stop lifting to God - He stops pouring.

When my mom was sick - I lifted everything I had in me to Jesus - He is still pouring and the awesome thing is - I know it. It took my mom for me to understand this and it usually costs something of great value before we all come to understand. Maybe this is why you are still reading this, God is changing me so that MAYBE - He can get to you.
I pray for your hunger of God - for life change and for God to speak directly into your heart and fill that empty place you have today.

Quote of the day:
"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."– Carl Jung

Its time to be AWAKEN........ or are you sleeping at the wheel of your life?
Randy~

WOW - What a day......

After dragging most of the day yesterday - I had to be in the game today with church setup, the big announcement and Volunteer sign ups- 2 services - then breakdown -airport run to get Carol and Kyle - and then tonight with VBS.

Carol and Kyle both had a safe flight - had a great time and glad to be home. We all walked in the door and had about an hours before gathering the troops up and heading back to church. Tonight was lots of fun.... even if it is hard work and much of it is putting things together as we go. Tomorrow another run to the airport - Kyle has camp tomorrow with the Cabarrus County Parks association so that will be lots of fun and then we gather up even more troops tomorrow and take 2 vehicles back to church for VBS. Oh, did I mention we have to setup and break down all that stuff each and every night? whew....... but I tell ya something - seeing those kids having fun and learning something - making friends and then their mom and dads coming to get them and they dont want to leave is priceless.

Pastor Jimmy made the announcement at church today that we are moving our church to a new location right near our land. This means we will be serving the very folks who will be in walking distance to the land and our ministry campus. This is big stuff and tomorrow we get to meet at the school - to give it a walk through and DREAM - what it can be... what it will look like and how this is all going to work. We needed folks to serve - we have had this need for months!!!! Today we signed up 31 new folks/families - to help with this dream and mission that God has us on. This is very exciting and Carol and I will be working through those names this week to get people connected and plugged in.
Ready to ride the wave???? It's going to get even more exciting....... Never did I ever in my wildest dreams - think that I would be where I am today - that my family is where they are today and have the most awesome friends and church family that anyone could ever ask for.
I hope I can sleep tonight...... busy day tomorrow! :)

Cya tomorrow......
Randy~

Whew.... what a long day today. Its quiet and I am thankful for that but I am wiped out. Yesterday the Red Cross was on campus and I donated Red Blood cells and Platelets. They then put plasma back in your system. Its a longer process and its really weird feeling when the plasma is put back into your body. Makes me cold and my lips went numb and they tingle - even that little flapper thing in the back of your mouthwas tingling.
Anyways - I ventured out today and it was HOT. Went back inside.... thats it today.
Thanks to Donna and Dawn for the plans to go to Mexicasa tonight. Even if I didn't feel up to par - it was great seeing everyone. I stuck a few french fries in little Davids shirt pocket and he could figure out how to get to them... he kept looking down his shirt. He also tried chips and salsa and a lemon. Didn't go over that well....but we all got a big laugh with his body quivers and his funny faces.
Carol and I used to do that all the time to Kyle. We would just laugh and laugh.... one time at OutBack he was quiet for a change because he was drinking the butter out of those little cups. Hey we got a good meal in while he was busy!!!! Whatever it takes when we are out to eat. All of us have been there.......
well - I am out of here... church day tomorrow. Have to be at church at 7:15 - long day ahead but atleast it will be one - serving and praising our Lord.
Pray for safe travels for Carol and Kyle tomorrow....... Can't wait to see them!!!
I think I survived the week without them..... how, I don't know. Even did laundry and dishes...... and nothing broke. YET

Peace,
Randy~

Friday Reflections Part 2....

I am not really sure how to begin this post. It's a 3 post day today and I am feeling good about things....as I try to get some things off me - explained here - maybe helping someone along the way and sharing Jesus with all my heart to those who read this blog. It's for Gods purposes I put this together and take the time to reach folks for Him. What, when and how that happens through this blog is between you reading it - and our Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3
There's a Right Time for Everything 1 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth: 2-8 A right time for birth and another for death, A right time to plant and another to reap, A right time to kill and another to heal, A right time to destroy and another to construct, A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer, A right time to make love and another to abstain, A right time to embrace and another to part, A right time to search and another to count your losses, A right time to hold on and another to let go, A right time to rip out and another to mend, A right time to shut up and another to speak up, A right time to love and another to hate, A right time to wage war and another to make peace.

I will never forget the LifeTalk that Pastor JImmy preached the day he spoke these words into my heart. They live with me today and in SO many ways - they put things into perspective and in timing for me and all that is happening around me - around US.
My Aunt Sharon is facing a tough few days ahead with the sickness of her cat. My dad and my brothers family just has their dog put to sleep because of another dog attacked her and really ripped her beyond fixing. The loss of my mom not long ago - the loss of Carols mom now going on 8 years ago - these are facts that we live with every day of our lives. One day, our names also will be in the local paper - if you have lived a good life and people around you loved you and knew you - they will experience this loss in their lives. But we ALL will face this time - we ALL will face judgement by God, no matter your political views here or your voting party. What we do here on earth matters - how we treat people - how many folks we have helped and if our hearts belong to Jesus or not. Death is a part of our lives.
In the US - we are hidden in so many ways from death. Sure we see it on TV everyday in almost every show at some point but it doesnt affect us because we only watch - when someone passes on that is close to us - then we get it and experience it. Countries all over the globe see death so differently than we do here in this great country but together we experience it the same with the feelings of the loss, loneliness and helplessness. We all handle it about the same and it is the most painful time any one can experience - and I am talking from a person who has experienced this first hand with my mom - Carol with her mom. I am sure you have dealt with at some point in your life.
Death here is hidden away behind closed doors. Behind the hospital rooms and behind Hospice doors. Sudden death seems to haunt those who didn't have time to say goodbye or time to have peace with these hard and truthful facts. Many times its rare to see up close and personal "Death". I don't know how folks in the cancer ward at hospitals do their jobs - how Hospice folks do their jobs but I am grateful they do. I am THANKFUL they do their jobs to help not only the person who is dying but the families.
I know my dad reads this from time to time- this blog was originally put together for him - I am not saying anything here that I would not share with him if we were sitting in his living room and I pray you do know that because this is hard to type and hard to have these feelings come to surface and for my to share them. It is IMPORTANT that I share them though because maybe - it will help him one day... maybe it will help you .......
My dad like many folks spend time at the grave site of a loved one. Carol's grandfather went to his wife's grave site every single day after church - he was Catholic and went to church EVERY single day and he loved the Lord.... and he handled the death of his wife like he loved the Lord and knew where she was. He respected everything about his wife and for years... kept the house like she was coming home at any time.
See he knew where his wife was.... Carol's grandmother was in heaven and pops knew that. Many folks like my dad go and sit at the graveside for hours on end. Hours and hours are spent over 6 feet of dirt. I just want to tell my dad that IF you want to spend hour after hour at my moms grave site than ok ... but if your looking for an answer.... than it wont come from God.... it wont come from momma because SHE AINT THERE!!! She is in heaven and that is where you need to talk - one on one - with God - and come to terms with your own salvation - your own terms with the God of this universe .... you and HIM - and there you will find what you are looking for - ANSWERS.
Death can be so painful that we cling to a 6 foot patch of dirt. We often lose focus of the eternal place our loved ones are - or we have never heard the Truth of Jesus and what He has done for us. We are paralyzed in life - stuck on hold and cant move forward or backwards. For someone who doesnt know Jesus or who has put their entire life into something and now its gone- who can blame anyone for doing such things? I am blessed and saved by the love of Jesus to know this and its the only thing that keeps me going on in life. My mom was so many things to me..... its easy to get stuck in our tracks.
We live in a fallen world - and God uses Death as a vehicle to Him. Putting our trust and understanding in Jesus is our way to say that death is only a part of this life. Its only a grave and we are not saying "Good-Bye" - we are saying "See you later".
When we walk in Sync with God we are saying OK to death and it is a part of life - even our own life ... even if the lives of our parents, our loved ones, our wives and husbands... its a part of LIFE.
2nd Samual 14:14
14 All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.

The only way we will truly live a life that is beyond human limits and understanding is when we into the full and right relationship with Jesus Christ. Nothing else matters....
Put your life into the hands of Jesus Christ - He will begin to mold you and shape you. Get into a church that teaches the Bible near you and begin to experience God... you will never look back.
Death is as much as Life.

Thanks mom for your continued teaching - thank you Jesus for having my heart. Email me if you would like me to pray for you... or my church to pray for you or a family member.

Gods peace,
Randy~