What a day it has been and how about that weekend? I have to tell you that I am bleeping encouraged and amazed at the same time. Saturday night I woke a few times with the vision that nobody came to church on Sunday. Just me - nobody else - like did I not get the memo or did someone cancel church on me? See, I don't see myself as a leader - a visionary - a person who takes charge and makes things happen for others - just myself because I am VERY hard on myself - ask my wife Carol. I am sometimes off the handle and out there to others. I am energized the last year specifically for what the Lord has placed on my heart. NEVER in my wildest dreams would I think that I would be where I am today. Sometimes I just have to stop and be amazed at what God is doing and the direction God is leading my family and I. God has brought us to a great church - with a great Pastor - great family and great love for each other. God asking me to lead a small group - lead our church in 2 Volunteer Ministries - hey I am NERVOUS - I get nervous when I am out of my comfy zone and doing things that are foreign to me. But the past year as God has moved me into more and more of these situations - I have learned to trust Him. When there looks to be no way out or no way this is going to work or failure is just about to happen - God comes in and makes it all come to together. He puts the broken back together and He fits the jumbled puzzle back together again... making it better than before. As I sat and listened to Pastor Jimmy preach his message yesterday, I couldn't help but to think of some friends of mine, my family and also myself because part of that message was for so many folks - including me. The tough trials of last week are behind me and I have learned from them - it's time to move on and to grow in what God is teaching me and bringing me through. I sometimes try and look at the big picture - but that's not my job. Its my pastors Job to lead our church and to look at the big picture... its God's job to make the big picture.
One thing I have learned in serving - The people who work for you, who serve for you - their time is more important than mine. Their talents are more important than mine. A leader must serve in all capacities. Jesus did just that, He washed feet and He taught to the people that the world had pushed aside and had given up on. A leader has to have a humble and kind heart. Maybe that is the part I am missing and question myself when I look at myself as a leader.... I have the heart for people and I care for others so much and I would do just about anything for them but leading - come on not me - me ARE YOU SURE GOD? My vision must line up with the vision that Jesus has for me....and for those I am leading and what we are trying to do together. As we go through things we will stumble and fall - but God is there to pick us up and to teach us His way is best. I would rather be trying and doing what God is asking me and experiencing the blessings that come from that than to just not do it or to walk away in fear. Yes I am feared - but God is with me and so are many good folks. That's my encouragement as I venture out to learn something about myself and hopefully lead with compassion and praise - making something for a GREAT God - not making something GREAT for God.
Just so you know - LOTS of folks came to church yesterday. 2 families I know came yesterday for the first time - 1 family has some deep tough issues and after a year of inviting - they came. The other family came after just a quick invite Saturday afternoon - they come walking through the doors Sunday morning!!! We just never know when the season is right for people to hear and need Gods word. Many times we are at the end, bottom of the pit and then we turn to Him, other times it just happens and the harvest is ripe for picking. We have to stay in the fight - there are lost people in this world who need to know Jesus and that they are loved no matter what. I get it...... it burns my heart I get it...... I want people to experience God like I am right now because its pretty bleeping cool!
There is no other more important job in the world than to serve others. I feel that today...... high in the snow peaks......
Love you all,
Randy~
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Baseball - W
"The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him, to those who seek for him."
(Lamentations 3:25)
Patience- wow - there is something I sometimes don't have. I have been a maniac with Kyles baseball team this year. The way the league is setup - you're either stacked on a great team or on the bottom. Guess where Kyle is? yea.... ..... Today Kyle's team won in their last at-bat. Man on third 2 out and a wild pitch brought him home for the W! Didn't think we would experience that this year but it was great for the kids.
It was a good relaxing day today - just a little work in the garden - a ball game and pizza for supper... weather is even great before the summer HEAT of doom comes.
Busy day tomorrow with setup - Sunday school and then breakdown. - Training a new guy on breakdown this week so I am excited about that - and then Rock Group tomorrow night. Busy day...... but a day of service and time WELL spent. We have a neighbor who has told us many times this week that they are coming to church tomorrow. Please pray for this family and their 2 children. Lord I pray You show up for them tomorrow in a big way - and in a way that You know what is best to reach them.
Enjoying my relax time for now......
Randy~
(Lamentations 3:25)
Patience- wow - there is something I sometimes don't have. I have been a maniac with Kyles baseball team this year. The way the league is setup - you're either stacked on a great team or on the bottom. Guess where Kyle is? yea.... ..... Today Kyle's team won in their last at-bat. Man on third 2 out and a wild pitch brought him home for the W! Didn't think we would experience that this year but it was great for the kids.
It was a good relaxing day today - just a little work in the garden - a ball game and pizza for supper... weather is even great before the summer HEAT of doom comes.
Busy day tomorrow with setup - Sunday school and then breakdown. - Training a new guy on breakdown this week so I am excited about that - and then Rock Group tomorrow night. Busy day...... but a day of service and time WELL spent. We have a neighbor who has told us many times this week that they are coming to church tomorrow. Please pray for this family and their 2 children. Lord I pray You show up for them tomorrow in a big way - and in a way that You know what is best to reach them.
Enjoying my relax time for now......
Randy~
Friday, April 27, 2007
Oh my kids..... and smiles
Wow what a day! I am so pumped with spending time with my kids and school! Got to see my 2 favorite teachers with Donna and Dawn - got to take my kids to all the stations this afternoon with tater races, fire drill water bucket fun, parachute fun - nothing like having all my kids in the chute and then running around the outside tickling all of them as I run around! - This evening we had the schools PTA party - 9 kickball games going on at once. Didn't see of lot of my kids but a few were there and Kyle and I played in 2 games - it was fun - didn't get hurt hahahah hey I am getting old here! Just relaxing now after going full blast since 11:00 this morning. I tell ya - Teachers deserve SO much credit and most of them just love their kids and give everything they have to them. I will be praying a little extra hard for them next week - I wont be with them next Friday but I do plan a surprise stop one day next week! Can't wait for that! What am I going to do this summer????
Well - its been a great day today and I have to be the most blessed person I know. Thank You Lord for the kids - I love them all and they have brought so much to my life. I would do anything for them...... :)
Peace friends,
randy~
Well - its been a great day today and I have to be the most blessed person I know. Thank You Lord for the kids - I love them all and they have brought so much to my life. I would do anything for them...... :)
Peace friends,
randy~
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Plain and Simple.....
Athiest~
a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings. —Synonyms Atheist, agnostic, infidel, skeptic refer to persons not inclined toward religious belief or a particular form of religious belief. An atheist is one who denies the existence of a deity or of divine beings. An agnostic is one who believes it impossible to know anything about God or about the creation of the universe and refrains from commitment to any religious doctrine. Infidel means an unbeliever, especially a nonbeliever in Islam or Christianity. A skeptic doubts and is critical of all accepted doctrines and creeds.
So when you read this definition, what word pops out to you? For me - Commitment.
I am not a debater nor do I like arguing or getting excited about my point of view in a conversation with someone of completely different opinions or beliefs. Kind of like Republican and Democrat - they don't see the same way nor will they probably ever. Is there a God or isn't there? When asked - most people think they can go to heaven if they are a good person. Sad really because they haven't made the commitment to find out what Jesus says about that. The Bible is very clear about this and good people do go to hell. Its not about what we do or being a good person - its about putting your trust and faith in Jesus and repenting of your sins.
For some finding out about all this is as easy as digging through the bible or reading on line or asking someone who knows Jesus. Others push it aside and only know half the story. Too afraid to find out for themselves or maybe - they don't want to know. Discovery channel has a show on and if its on there - well it must be true. Hogwash....... The Bible is the only true source to God's word and its through those recorded events that we find out what the truth is. We need to find out for ourselves and make the commitment to pick it up and read it. There are so many translations these days so if you say the bible is too hard to understand? Get a different version or ask someone what this all means. I too had to ask my wife the breakdown of the bible and how it was all laid out so I can understand what I was reading. We all have to start somewhere!!! You are never going to know unless you make a commitment to find out for yourself and not rely on FoxNews - Discover channel or the local papers for your understanding.
Only then can you make an informed decision for yourself if - there is a God or not. Maybe then you will experience what God had planned for your life all along.
The sad thing is - that people sometimes only find Jesus when they are in a crisis in life. When sickness or the death of a loved one or the death of a child comes or financial struggles or even a divorce - only when we have no other place to turn and see no way out ourselves - that's when we find Jesus. That's when He makes the most sense and He speaks right into our heart.
Its when we have no other place to turn that we give up on ourselves and find Jesus. Science wants to prove everything. Evidence... what does the evidence have to say?
Open the Bible and see for yourself. Then come and talk to me about it. Both sides exposed. Good people dont go to heaven - only saved one's do.
Randy~
a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings. —Synonyms Atheist, agnostic, infidel, skeptic refer to persons not inclined toward religious belief or a particular form of religious belief. An atheist is one who denies the existence of a deity or of divine beings. An agnostic is one who believes it impossible to know anything about God or about the creation of the universe and refrains from commitment to any religious doctrine. Infidel means an unbeliever, especially a nonbeliever in Islam or Christianity. A skeptic doubts and is critical of all accepted doctrines and creeds.
So when you read this definition, what word pops out to you? For me - Commitment.
I am not a debater nor do I like arguing or getting excited about my point of view in a conversation with someone of completely different opinions or beliefs. Kind of like Republican and Democrat - they don't see the same way nor will they probably ever. Is there a God or isn't there? When asked - most people think they can go to heaven if they are a good person. Sad really because they haven't made the commitment to find out what Jesus says about that. The Bible is very clear about this and good people do go to hell. Its not about what we do or being a good person - its about putting your trust and faith in Jesus and repenting of your sins.
For some finding out about all this is as easy as digging through the bible or reading on line or asking someone who knows Jesus. Others push it aside and only know half the story. Too afraid to find out for themselves or maybe - they don't want to know. Discovery channel has a show on and if its on there - well it must be true. Hogwash....... The Bible is the only true source to God's word and its through those recorded events that we find out what the truth is. We need to find out for ourselves and make the commitment to pick it up and read it. There are so many translations these days so if you say the bible is too hard to understand? Get a different version or ask someone what this all means. I too had to ask my wife the breakdown of the bible and how it was all laid out so I can understand what I was reading. We all have to start somewhere!!! You are never going to know unless you make a commitment to find out for yourself and not rely on FoxNews - Discover channel or the local papers for your understanding.
Only then can you make an informed decision for yourself if - there is a God or not. Maybe then you will experience what God had planned for your life all along.
The sad thing is - that people sometimes only find Jesus when they are in a crisis in life. When sickness or the death of a loved one or the death of a child comes or financial struggles or even a divorce - only when we have no other place to turn and see no way out ourselves - that's when we find Jesus. That's when He makes the most sense and He speaks right into our heart.
Its when we have no other place to turn that we give up on ourselves and find Jesus. Science wants to prove everything. Evidence... what does the evidence have to say?
Open the Bible and see for yourself. Then come and talk to me about it. Both sides exposed. Good people dont go to heaven - only saved one's do.
Randy~
The greatness of God.....
OK - here I am today with a few big things I want to share with folks, so this will hopefully be a couple post blogging day. Good right? I hope so.
Let me say this first - Our God is an awesome God! Period.... no shakes about it.
We want to do GREAT things for God but we should focus on doing things for a GREAT God. I need to focus on that because its not about what I do or you do.... Its about serving Jesus and doing what He asks of us.
Please read Pastor Jimmy's blog this morning - http://jimmybritt.com for an awesome testimony. I am so encouraged right now because of this news.
We are so small and God is so big!
Believe + Receive = Become
More to follow,,,
Randy~
Let me say this first - Our God is an awesome God! Period.... no shakes about it.
We want to do GREAT things for God but we should focus on doing things for a GREAT God. I need to focus on that because its not about what I do or you do.... Its about serving Jesus and doing what He asks of us.
Please read Pastor Jimmy's blog this morning - http://jimmybritt.com for an awesome testimony. I am so encouraged right now because of this news.
We are so small and God is so big!
Believe + Receive = Become
More to follow,,,
Randy~
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Jesus - the wind in my sail~
Why is it that when ever there is something really good going on life, something pops in and takes it down a few notches? Why is it that when you're riding a wave, something happens to knock us down? I know the devil looks for opportunities to raise his head and do something to just mess everything up and doubt our faith, doubt our decisions and doubt our directions. But can't we just ride awhile, already? Just when we start to get some momentum, the air gets out of the balloon and it comes crashing down. Yesterday was such a hard day and even pastor Jimmy's blog reflected those hard everyday struggles yesterday. We can't be everything to everyone nor can we be in all places at once. People need to have God as their safety net and to have their trust in His son Jesus in order to press on and through the problems that arise in our lives. We have to lean back and continue to put up the fight knowing God will have your back and will walk with you. People come and go - in and out of our lives - family walks away from each other and sometimes these things really hurt. Today I question myself and the direction I am going in and what I am doing. Why- I think because we aim to please people or we don't care enough about them so we just walk away and scrap it. When we aim to please people we are setting ourselves up for limitations and disappointments. God should be our judge and His will and light should be our path and sometimes that means doing what we don't want to do and sticking it out because its what we signed up for! Many good friends of mine over the years are only dear friends for a season and then something happens - and we part ways. Sometimes these friends stay close and stay in touch and sometimes they walk away. These folks are Christians and some of them aren't- either way we are in our sinful flesh and things like this happen to the best of people. Can we build bridges to people of different color and races - different places in the world and with different views and backgrounds and even beliefs? I know we can but it takes a good heart - a loving heart to do that. I am saddened from yesterday but I forgive and what is good for me may not be good for someone else. All I can do is pray there are no hard feelings and their hearts are true and in honoring God. Maybe loved ones, people come into our lives for a short season and then leave so we may grow - that we may take something from that relationship and build on it - maybe it was not that great to start with and new people will fill the void. All we can do is get on our knees - ask for forgiveness and offer prayers to these folks who are only around for a season. All things have to come to an end..... but a new beginning is right around the corner - to refresh us and encourage us - to refocus us. Our battles are won from our knees in prayer when we give the pressing issues we struggle with to God. When we don't know what is happening and why - why now and why to me? Why to you? worry will do no good..... I used to tell my mom that all the time..... I think she only really understood it before she left for her heavenly home. Friends give the struggles you are facing to Jesus - stay focused on Him if you already know Him. People when they do life together will struggle with things from time to time - keep focused on Jesus and stay on course. Its the only way to keep the wind in your sails and keep pressing forward.
More to follow........
I love you all,
Randy~
More to follow........
I love you all,
Randy~
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Remove the lid....... and Follow what God has in store for you...
Just when you think you can handle what God is placing on you - something comes up even bigger. Can I do this? Do I have the time? Am I called to follow up with this new thing that is placed before me? What am I talking about???? I am talking about my small thinking. I am talking about placing boundaries on ourselves - me included - that is less than what God has in store for us. I am talking about trusting God and the people in our lives who know Jesus when they come to you and have something to say. How hard to we really listen and how hard do we listen to our pastors talking on Sunday mornings.... do we take that message and make it the weeks message and have it hold us over until our next feeding of Gods word. Friends - I can't help but to think about the lid that is on my life and its a lid we all have and its a lid we place there for security and comfort - for reasons other than Gods reason.
I have a few things going on right now in my life - one of which I wont tell you but the other is a leadership role at church. Have I done this before? Can I do this? How can I share the message of my fire and passion for Jesus and take it to others? I feel in many ways I am the outcast right now in my family. I am millions of miles away - yet another day and another weekend goes by with out an email or a phone call from the family I love. Why don't I pick up the phone and call them or email them asking if everything is ok? Maybe its this way right now for me to learn something and to give them room because YES I AM A DIFFERENT PERSON!! Maybe I make them uncomfortable or maybe - they are in their comfortable spot and want to remain there. You know who I am talking to..... and I admit I have not done enough and God is placing this on my heart to make it right regardless of who is doing what and not doing this. Reach out and give forgiveness... no matter who is at fault. My self in my skin I am thinking no way but my God given heart is hurt and wanting God to move this mountain. I am in this place today for a reason - and its in this place God will reveal to me why. I have full faith in Him and trust in Him - He will stick to me like a brother and never leave my side. I have God word as the promise there and I fully trust in that. Why do I hang on to that lid that keeps me in my comfort zone? I will be ok.... because God is with me and I am going to lean back - put my faith in Jesus and trust in His word to show me how to lead - what to do - and if what the other thing is before me is from Him and in His will. No matter what - its all for His purposes and in His Divine appointment.
Please pray for me as I pray for clarity and courage.
Heavenly Father, Humble me Lord and give me clear direction on what You would want me to do here. I know I can lead but I need You to lead me.
Thank You for the opportunity before me Lord - the meeting I had with such a dear friend this afternoon - and for her putting her faith in You as well and then sharing with me something so big and so huge..... I pray that if this is what I am to tackle Lord - I pray its all for Your purposes. Help me to think bigger Lord - help me to remove the lid on my life so I may do something big for You. My heart and trust is in Your hands.
Amen
I have a few things going on right now in my life - one of which I wont tell you but the other is a leadership role at church. Have I done this before? Can I do this? How can I share the message of my fire and passion for Jesus and take it to others? I feel in many ways I am the outcast right now in my family. I am millions of miles away - yet another day and another weekend goes by with out an email or a phone call from the family I love. Why don't I pick up the phone and call them or email them asking if everything is ok? Maybe its this way right now for me to learn something and to give them room because YES I AM A DIFFERENT PERSON!! Maybe I make them uncomfortable or maybe - they are in their comfortable spot and want to remain there. You know who I am talking to..... and I admit I have not done enough and God is placing this on my heart to make it right regardless of who is doing what and not doing this. Reach out and give forgiveness... no matter who is at fault. My self in my skin I am thinking no way but my God given heart is hurt and wanting God to move this mountain. I am in this place today for a reason - and its in this place God will reveal to me why. I have full faith in Him and trust in Him - He will stick to me like a brother and never leave my side. I have God word as the promise there and I fully trust in that. Why do I hang on to that lid that keeps me in my comfort zone? I will be ok.... because God is with me and I am going to lean back - put my faith in Jesus and trust in His word to show me how to lead - what to do - and if what the other thing is before me is from Him and in His will. No matter what - its all for His purposes and in His Divine appointment.
Please pray for me as I pray for clarity and courage.
Heavenly Father, Humble me Lord and give me clear direction on what You would want me to do here. I know I can lead but I need You to lead me.
Thank You for the opportunity before me Lord - the meeting I had with such a dear friend this afternoon - and for her putting her faith in You as well and then sharing with me something so big and so huge..... I pray that if this is what I am to tackle Lord - I pray its all for Your purposes. Help me to think bigger Lord - help me to remove the lid on my life so I may do something big for You. My heart and trust is in Your hands.
Amen
Monday, April 23, 2007
Does it make sense???
It has been awhile that I have said anything on this subject but I have it on my heart today to share with you. After the church message yesterday and the topic of children - leaving something behind after we are gone - this really has come full circle for me. I have shared a few letters and emails to my family concerning different things after my mom passed away and this is probably another one to add to that growing list.
When I started this blog many months ago and over 130 entries later - it has taken on a new meaning and purpose for me from where the concept first came about. When God placed this on my heart way back when, it was a way to say the hard things, to talk about what was on me and the things God had placed on me to communicate and share with my family and friends. It was like a sneak peek at my daily life, daily walk with Jesus and how not only am I doing but also Carol and Kyle. That aspect has not changed - my audience has. Many in my small group check in from time to time - some of my family still reads it daily - especially Carol and my aunt Sharon - they leave the most comments and we have the best conversations because of those comments and the blog subject. Many read but don't have anything to post or comment about. Why? I don't know.....afraid maybe? My blog is being read all over the world and from so many different people -reaching places in the world where being a Christian could end your life! I wonder about these folks, what brought them to the page in the first place and how they found themselves here. Are they too looking for answers? Are they struggling with things in their lives like we are- looking for meaning, purpose and a mission in life? Many times we don't understand what God is doing in our lives. Many times I think about mom and why God took her from me at that particular time. Why did God take mom when He did with everything I am doing and being blessed with right now as I walk with Jesus. I often imagine what mom would be doing now and how happy she would be sharing this part of my life now - in church - serving - and doing so much for the Lord! WOW!! Would I be where I am today without those events when mom was sick and suffering and then mom having to leave? Probably not. See everything that happens has a purpose. Everything we go through and experience, good bad or whatever, has a purpose. I don't know why my mother N law had to leave almost 9 years ago either and leave a broken family just like mine. We see death as so defining. TIME is our worst enemy and its something this life never has enough of. We all want that extra minute, hour or year. When our time comes we are never satisfied and always want more of it. Its that next stop we don't understand and are afraid to leave everything behind that we know. Loved ones, its the time in between us getting here and the time when we answer the call from Jesus, that is most important. What are we doing in our lives today? Are you mad at God for taking a loved one? Even after all this time? Don't you feel the prayers of loved ones for you? Are you living to make a difference and with fulfillment - purpose and leaving something behind to others? Billions of people have went before us, we cannot get out of it but yet we do our best not to think about it and push it off. Our time here friends is limited and defined to the exact moment by God. Why is that so bad? Why when a loved one dies are we so sad? YES its a defining moment and pain and grief is VERY real but like mom - she is in a better place! She has moved on and she had to maybe because God was wanting to get a hold of you - to get a hold of me. Maybe there was no other way to get to your heart than through one of His servants! God is not moved by time. His time is forever and if He chooses to use His children for His purpose than He does so! Death is nothing to God because His children do not die. We wont experience death like we think death will be like. The end, gone forever, stuck in the ground or forever asleep - whatever you think death is. Death to Jesus is just His way to call His children home - a new way of service for His children - Heaven is real and heaven for many of us is our next stop - but NOT for some. Those are your personal decisions and you taking responsibility for your eternity and nobody can make that decision for you. See this life may end - but we will live forever and we have the promises of God behind that.
I think about the message Jimmy preached yesterday - about spending time with my family and my son. I love my wife Carol and my son Kyle and want to be there in all the events of their lives and all the hard times and happy times as well. We are a team - a team sticks together no matter what. Many in my family have walked away - walked away from each other - their families. Many have decided to not go by my dads anymore because the loss of mom is too painful. What a shame and what a crock that is! Shame on them and you know who you are. None of us are doing enough and I take responsibility for that statement as well. As I have backed away some - nobody steps forward. Mom would not be happy about that at all.... we will all lose someone in our lifetime! We as followers of Jesus - share the good news with them and share with them that death is not the end. Its not final and its not over! Jesus has given us the path and the avenue to heaven! AMEN!!!
The one thing that I want to do in my life as I do my best to live for Jesus - to do everything I can to share His love for others and show people that love He has for them - I want to pass that down to my son - the peace and comfort that God gives us when we have put our full trust in His word. I want him to know that his daddy loved the Lord with all his heart and he will take GREAT comfort in knowing that. I pray also for his family and he raises his children the same way and granting that generational blessing along and not the curse of divorse and suffering. I want my death when that time comes - to be a happy time- a time filled with joy and a peace knowing you will see me again! I have made it.... I fully trust Jesus knowing that when my time comes - Jesus will greet me and there will be song and praise - mom and grandpa Joe standing in the crowd and there will be a party - like I have never seen before! We have to lean back loved ones, and put our trust in Jesus. Let Him lead your life and take you places you didn't even know existed. Friends when we are having things happen to us, the loss of a mother or daughter/son or father - complete financial collapse, sickeness or bad health reports or whatever the circumstance - know that God is with you. Lean back on your faith and let your faith and trust in Jesus pull you through it. He said He is like a brother and will stand with you always. You are going through whatever it is today for a reason. God does everything for a purpose and not by accident. He doesn't view death like we do - for people who have no hope and have put their hearts in Jesus. We all should remind ourselves especially those who have put their heart with Jesus - we live on even though our body dies. Its not over - I know our struggles here on this earth are real - don't let your emotions drive your paths! Emotions are lies - they change and come and go - they are not what makes for good decisions! Trust in the Word of God for your decisions - when the chips are down and we see no way out..... your FAITH WILL BE ALL YOU HAVE LEFT.
The last few days of my moms life here on earth were spent singing and praising the Lord. I may not be so devoted and on fire for Jesus if it was not for my mom and what it took for me to understand what I know in my heart today. There may have been no other way.... Loved ones, I pray for you - I ask God to open your eyes and open your heart like He has done for me. Its like going down a road and it just ended - road blocked with no was to proceed .... God made a new way - a way with Him. EVERYTHING has changed...... that's the experience I pray for you today. I pray I leave a legacy that I can be proud of and that God will be proud of - it may come today, it may come 50 years from now but I pray I have the courage and strength to always lean back and have the faith in my Lord and Savior.
Love you all,
Randy~
Psalm 36
5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find [b] refuge in the shadow of your wings.
When I started this blog many months ago and over 130 entries later - it has taken on a new meaning and purpose for me from where the concept first came about. When God placed this on my heart way back when, it was a way to say the hard things, to talk about what was on me and the things God had placed on me to communicate and share with my family and friends. It was like a sneak peek at my daily life, daily walk with Jesus and how not only am I doing but also Carol and Kyle. That aspect has not changed - my audience has. Many in my small group check in from time to time - some of my family still reads it daily - especially Carol and my aunt Sharon - they leave the most comments and we have the best conversations because of those comments and the blog subject. Many read but don't have anything to post or comment about. Why? I don't know.....afraid maybe? My blog is being read all over the world and from so many different people -reaching places in the world where being a Christian could end your life! I wonder about these folks, what brought them to the page in the first place and how they found themselves here. Are they too looking for answers? Are they struggling with things in their lives like we are- looking for meaning, purpose and a mission in life? Many times we don't understand what God is doing in our lives. Many times I think about mom and why God took her from me at that particular time. Why did God take mom when He did with everything I am doing and being blessed with right now as I walk with Jesus. I often imagine what mom would be doing now and how happy she would be sharing this part of my life now - in church - serving - and doing so much for the Lord! WOW!! Would I be where I am today without those events when mom was sick and suffering and then mom having to leave? Probably not. See everything that happens has a purpose. Everything we go through and experience, good bad or whatever, has a purpose. I don't know why my mother N law had to leave almost 9 years ago either and leave a broken family just like mine. We see death as so defining. TIME is our worst enemy and its something this life never has enough of. We all want that extra minute, hour or year. When our time comes we are never satisfied and always want more of it. Its that next stop we don't understand and are afraid to leave everything behind that we know. Loved ones, its the time in between us getting here and the time when we answer the call from Jesus, that is most important. What are we doing in our lives today? Are you mad at God for taking a loved one? Even after all this time? Don't you feel the prayers of loved ones for you? Are you living to make a difference and with fulfillment - purpose and leaving something behind to others? Billions of people have went before us, we cannot get out of it but yet we do our best not to think about it and push it off. Our time here friends is limited and defined to the exact moment by God. Why is that so bad? Why when a loved one dies are we so sad? YES its a defining moment and pain and grief is VERY real but like mom - she is in a better place! She has moved on and she had to maybe because God was wanting to get a hold of you - to get a hold of me. Maybe there was no other way to get to your heart than through one of His servants! God is not moved by time. His time is forever and if He chooses to use His children for His purpose than He does so! Death is nothing to God because His children do not die. We wont experience death like we think death will be like. The end, gone forever, stuck in the ground or forever asleep - whatever you think death is. Death to Jesus is just His way to call His children home - a new way of service for His children - Heaven is real and heaven for many of us is our next stop - but NOT for some. Those are your personal decisions and you taking responsibility for your eternity and nobody can make that decision for you. See this life may end - but we will live forever and we have the promises of God behind that.
I think about the message Jimmy preached yesterday - about spending time with my family and my son. I love my wife Carol and my son Kyle and want to be there in all the events of their lives and all the hard times and happy times as well. We are a team - a team sticks together no matter what. Many in my family have walked away - walked away from each other - their families. Many have decided to not go by my dads anymore because the loss of mom is too painful. What a shame and what a crock that is! Shame on them and you know who you are. None of us are doing enough and I take responsibility for that statement as well. As I have backed away some - nobody steps forward. Mom would not be happy about that at all.... we will all lose someone in our lifetime! We as followers of Jesus - share the good news with them and share with them that death is not the end. Its not final and its not over! Jesus has given us the path and the avenue to heaven! AMEN!!!
The one thing that I want to do in my life as I do my best to live for Jesus - to do everything I can to share His love for others and show people that love He has for them - I want to pass that down to my son - the peace and comfort that God gives us when we have put our full trust in His word. I want him to know that his daddy loved the Lord with all his heart and he will take GREAT comfort in knowing that. I pray also for his family and he raises his children the same way and granting that generational blessing along and not the curse of divorse and suffering. I want my death when that time comes - to be a happy time- a time filled with joy and a peace knowing you will see me again! I have made it.... I fully trust Jesus knowing that when my time comes - Jesus will greet me and there will be song and praise - mom and grandpa Joe standing in the crowd and there will be a party - like I have never seen before! We have to lean back loved ones, and put our trust in Jesus. Let Him lead your life and take you places you didn't even know existed. Friends when we are having things happen to us, the loss of a mother or daughter/son or father - complete financial collapse, sickeness or bad health reports or whatever the circumstance - know that God is with you. Lean back on your faith and let your faith and trust in Jesus pull you through it. He said He is like a brother and will stand with you always. You are going through whatever it is today for a reason. God does everything for a purpose and not by accident. He doesn't view death like we do - for people who have no hope and have put their hearts in Jesus. We all should remind ourselves especially those who have put their heart with Jesus - we live on even though our body dies. Its not over - I know our struggles here on this earth are real - don't let your emotions drive your paths! Emotions are lies - they change and come and go - they are not what makes for good decisions! Trust in the Word of God for your decisions - when the chips are down and we see no way out..... your FAITH WILL BE ALL YOU HAVE LEFT.
The last few days of my moms life here on earth were spent singing and praising the Lord. I may not be so devoted and on fire for Jesus if it was not for my mom and what it took for me to understand what I know in my heart today. There may have been no other way.... Loved ones, I pray for you - I ask God to open your eyes and open your heart like He has done for me. Its like going down a road and it just ended - road blocked with no was to proceed .... God made a new way - a way with Him. EVERYTHING has changed...... that's the experience I pray for you today. I pray I leave a legacy that I can be proud of and that God will be proud of - it may come today, it may come 50 years from now but I pray I have the courage and strength to always lean back and have the faith in my Lord and Savior.
Love you all,
Randy~
Psalm 36
5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find [b] refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The Message today......
I just have to share with everyone the message that was preached this morning. WHAT a powerful message for parents and for our children. Please check the website at http://www.rockyriverchurch.com and click on the media section and listen to what Jimmy had to say this morning. It will ROCK your world. I just have to hug my family, hug my family and it really motivates me to be a better daddy, a better husband and a better friend. I could just roll off my fingers what the message meant to me and how it moves me - but I will let you decide for yourself and what the message does for you. Let me know......email me@
lrbateman@gmail.com
love you all, JIMMY if you read this - Top notch today!!!! A message we can use on Monday morning and through out the rest of our lives. I will be looking at my wife and my son in a new way - an added flavor to the already awesome wife and awesome son.
Randy~
Lord, thank You for today's message - I pray for those parents, especially fathers out there Lord who need to focus and hear this message today. I pray for changed lives, opened hearts and opened minds after hearing the message that You placed on Jimmy today. I pray for those changed lives and setting the example for generations to come. Its a dark and sad world but that can change - one day at a time and one heart at a time. Thank You for directly speaking into the soul this morning.
I pray in Your sons awesome name in Jesus,
Amen
lrbateman@gmail.com
love you all, JIMMY if you read this - Top notch today!!!! A message we can use on Monday morning and through out the rest of our lives. I will be looking at my wife and my son in a new way - an added flavor to the already awesome wife and awesome son.
Randy~
Lord, thank You for today's message - I pray for those parents, especially fathers out there Lord who need to focus and hear this message today. I pray for changed lives, opened hearts and opened minds after hearing the message that You placed on Jimmy today. I pray for those changed lives and setting the example for generations to come. Its a dark and sad world but that can change - one day at a time and one heart at a time. Thank You for directly speaking into the soul this morning.
I pray in Your sons awesome name in Jesus,
Amen
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Busy Saturday......
Its been a busy day today. At the ball field to watch our friend Julie and Dennis's boy Grant play ball. Pictures at 11 - run to get some lunch - back to the field for Kyles game. They lost big time but they only have room to go upward! For many, it was the first time seeing and playing kid pitch so its way different for them. Anyways - the team will mesh together as time passes.
It was a beautiful day here in NC - 75 and Carolina blue sky. Such a trade mark for these parts with the sky so awesome. I hope everyone is doing well and encouraged today. Looking forward to a great church service tomorrow. Going to try and get a little extra sleep tonight and hopefully have a little time tonight to relax with a movie - we will see.
Tomorrow after church I hope to turn over the garden and get it ready for my summer crop! Always an exciting time and a time to reflect on God's awesome planet - also its EARTH day tomorrow. Enjoy everyone....
Love you all,
Randy~
It was a beautiful day here in NC - 75 and Carolina blue sky. Such a trade mark for these parts with the sky so awesome. I hope everyone is doing well and encouraged today. Looking forward to a great church service tomorrow. Going to try and get a little extra sleep tonight and hopefully have a little time tonight to relax with a movie - we will see.
Tomorrow after church I hope to turn over the garden and get it ready for my summer crop! Always an exciting time and a time to reflect on God's awesome planet - also its EARTH day tomorrow. Enjoy everyone....
Love you all,
Randy~
The soil of Eden
Our bodies originated in the soil of Eden. It should not surprise us that they are sustained by food that grows from the soil. Every source of food ultimately finds its nourishment in the soil, and that nourishment sustains our bodies.
Likewise, our souls were created by the breath of God in Eden; it should not surprise us that the Word of God, which is inspired, or "God breathed," sustains our souls. If we plan to eat food each day to keep our body alive, shouldn't we also plan to feast on God's Word each day to sustain our soul?
Friday, April 20, 2007
Making a difference is worth the risk.....
I got to go see my kids today at school!!! My high point of the week! Last week was spring break so I did not get to see them last week. My wife and I ordered 7 pizza pies to have at my sons school for lunch today. The kids were pumped and ate almost all 7 pizza's! The kids that are shy have really come around after seeing me so much and the outward loving kids are just all over me and I have to tell ya - its pretty cool being cool for once!
I wanted to share a small story with everyone concerning a conversation that took place today with one of the kids. She was sitting on my knee as we all ate pizza and looking forward to ice cream - she said to me - My dad said something a few weeks ago that really upset me. I asked her what it was and she said that "My daddy said there was no God." I looked at her and my heart broke because I could see she was upset with this and was looking at me for an answer. She was searching in me to have something that I would tell her to calm her fears and to give her hope. She was clearly upset with this and I asked her - What do you believe? And she said - I believe there is a God. I smiled - hugged her and I looked at her eyes as she looked into mine (even with all the other kids running around, talking and playing) I said to her- then dear - believe that with all your heart and never let anyone tell you differently. She smiled at me and I could tell that worry was washed from her. (I wish there was a way to bring her to church - that would be so awesome!) She is 1 of the 2 children in that class I have especially prayed hard for this year because just by getting to know them a little bit - you can tell things are tough at home or just not what they should be. For that hour I am there - all things hard at home and the struggles they face each and every day are gone. For that one hour there is no worry - there is nothing but focus on smiles - being themselves for who they are and to know they are loved. I really do LOVE those children and as this school year closes, I know I will be the one in tears. Summer will be long for me - especially during my one hour happy time on Fridays with them - its a time where no matter what I am feeling, how I am doing, no matter what is going on in my life and in my heart, I have time to give to them because they are my priority and it just might make all the difference in the world to one of those children. The love they have is unbelievable and its a blessing that I never knew until now because the Lord opened this door for me to experience. Why did this child ask me that important question that has been on her heart for the last month? Why not someone else? Why does it really matter to a 9 year old? God knows - I don't know - but I am sure enjoying my kids and all the smiles they bring to my heart. I am forever changed.......
Mr. B ~
I wanted to share a small story with everyone concerning a conversation that took place today with one of the kids. She was sitting on my knee as we all ate pizza and looking forward to ice cream - she said to me - My dad said something a few weeks ago that really upset me. I asked her what it was and she said that "My daddy said there was no God." I looked at her and my heart broke because I could see she was upset with this and was looking at me for an answer. She was searching in me to have something that I would tell her to calm her fears and to give her hope. She was clearly upset with this and I asked her - What do you believe? And she said - I believe there is a God. I smiled - hugged her and I looked at her eyes as she looked into mine (even with all the other kids running around, talking and playing) I said to her- then dear - believe that with all your heart and never let anyone tell you differently. She smiled at me and I could tell that worry was washed from her. (I wish there was a way to bring her to church - that would be so awesome!) She is 1 of the 2 children in that class I have especially prayed hard for this year because just by getting to know them a little bit - you can tell things are tough at home or just not what they should be. For that hour I am there - all things hard at home and the struggles they face each and every day are gone. For that one hour there is no worry - there is nothing but focus on smiles - being themselves for who they are and to know they are loved. I really do LOVE those children and as this school year closes, I know I will be the one in tears. Summer will be long for me - especially during my one hour happy time on Fridays with them - its a time where no matter what I am feeling, how I am doing, no matter what is going on in my life and in my heart, I have time to give to them because they are my priority and it just might make all the difference in the world to one of those children. The love they have is unbelievable and its a blessing that I never knew until now because the Lord opened this door for me to experience. Why did this child ask me that important question that has been on her heart for the last month? Why not someone else? Why does it really matter to a 9 year old? God knows - I don't know - but I am sure enjoying my kids and all the smiles they bring to my heart. I am forever changed.......
Mr. B ~
Sometimes God makes no sense...
I know so many people who are struggling with life and the situations that they find themselves in today. I know people who are sick with cancer, who have heart conditions, people who are struggling with direction in life as they face retirement and now what do I do - I have people around me who are addicted to drugs and/or fight that addiction every single day, friends on the verge of divorce, dear friends who are out of work and are struggling with finding employment and providing for their families, children who have passed away and left parents at a place of complete emptiness, children who when I visit them at my sons school really have a tough home life. SO many things that makes no sense at times....
I remember back when my mom was sick and my dad screaming out to me and those family members that day in the hospital, saying "What did she do to deserve this? - She never hurt anyone? Where is this God and why is he letting this happen to her?" - I remember my father-n-law that said to me when he was turned down from his cancer study at Duke University Hospital, "Guess your God doesn't listen to prayers" and "Where is your God now because I was not chosen." I remember the anger that welled into me during those times and the feeling of just wanting to defend my God. But I know He can defend himself and I know there is a reason WHY all these things happen. Why the folks in Virginia were killed and why so many things happen that is just horrible. Friends these things have been going on since the beginning of time. My dad telling those around him that they don't understand and nobody knows how he feels - is just not right. People do understand and more importantly - God understands. Even when we don't feel Him in our lives and we are crying out to Him - where are you Lord?!!! He is there - He is testing your faith and if you don't have any faith - it might be that He is pulling you towards Him.
Do I understand everything that goes on and what God is doing? Surely not.... but God has a plan regardless even if someone close to us passes away or someone is suffering. Maybe there is someone else, who in no other way, He uses to get to you and to get your attention. Maybe to us he makes no sense at times - maybe down the road it will or to someone else.
I think about all the missionaries out in the world serving God and bringing lost people the hope of Jesus and are killed for their faith. In many parts of the world being a Christian means that you can be rounded up, jailed or even killed for your faith. Dale E. Sr - died doing what he loved to do driving a race car in the Daytona 500 - I am sad these folks died sure - but they died doing what they loved and were passionate about. Do we feel less sorry for them than the other people? We are all going to pass away from this life - we are all terminal - it's the walk between the points folks that matter. Those that walk the best lines know there is no other ending point! Yes the body may die - but their soul will live if they have given their hearts to Jesus.
Jesus hanging on the cross asked our Heavenly Father - My God, My God why have you forsaken me? Even Jesus had to dig deep and find his faith - after all He was human and had to experience what we all will experience one day. Its all we have at times when everything around us is dark and does not look good. Its during those times loved ones that we can't explain why - we just have to trust in what we believe - and that God is who He says He is. There is so much more that we don't see and understand. Sometimes God makes no sense in what is happening around us but then again - sometimes He does.
I love you all,
Randy~
I remember back when my mom was sick and my dad screaming out to me and those family members that day in the hospital, saying "What did she do to deserve this? - She never hurt anyone? Where is this God and why is he letting this happen to her?" - I remember my father-n-law that said to me when he was turned down from his cancer study at Duke University Hospital, "Guess your God doesn't listen to prayers" and "Where is your God now because I was not chosen." I remember the anger that welled into me during those times and the feeling of just wanting to defend my God. But I know He can defend himself and I know there is a reason WHY all these things happen. Why the folks in Virginia were killed and why so many things happen that is just horrible. Friends these things have been going on since the beginning of time. My dad telling those around him that they don't understand and nobody knows how he feels - is just not right. People do understand and more importantly - God understands. Even when we don't feel Him in our lives and we are crying out to Him - where are you Lord?!!! He is there - He is testing your faith and if you don't have any faith - it might be that He is pulling you towards Him.
Do I understand everything that goes on and what God is doing? Surely not.... but God has a plan regardless even if someone close to us passes away or someone is suffering. Maybe there is someone else, who in no other way, He uses to get to you and to get your attention. Maybe to us he makes no sense at times - maybe down the road it will or to someone else.
I think about all the missionaries out in the world serving God and bringing lost people the hope of Jesus and are killed for their faith. In many parts of the world being a Christian means that you can be rounded up, jailed or even killed for your faith. Dale E. Sr - died doing what he loved to do driving a race car in the Daytona 500 - I am sad these folks died sure - but they died doing what they loved and were passionate about. Do we feel less sorry for them than the other people? We are all going to pass away from this life - we are all terminal - it's the walk between the points folks that matter. Those that walk the best lines know there is no other ending point! Yes the body may die - but their soul will live if they have given their hearts to Jesus.
Jesus hanging on the cross asked our Heavenly Father - My God, My God why have you forsaken me? Even Jesus had to dig deep and find his faith - after all He was human and had to experience what we all will experience one day. Its all we have at times when everything around us is dark and does not look good. Its during those times loved ones that we can't explain why - we just have to trust in what we believe - and that God is who He says He is. There is so much more that we don't see and understand. Sometimes God makes no sense in what is happening around us but then again - sometimes He does.
I love you all,
Randy~
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Question?
What is the smartest thing your parents ever did?
For me -
A) My mom showing me how important her faith was to her over the years growing up even though she never was able to completely fulfill it until months before she died.
B) Even though my parents went through some tough times, had fights and didn't see everything eye to eye - they stuck it out and stuck together. Thus breaking that generational curse of being raised in a divorced home. My brother and I have something to reflect back on when it comes to our marriages today because of that sacrifice.
3) There is nothing more precious than a parents love for their child. I know there is nothing I would not do for my son and I know how small that is compared to the love our Heavenly Father has for His children.
Comment or email me your thoughts on the smartest things your parents ever did.
lrbatema@gmail.com or use the comment link below.
Randy~
For me -
A) My mom showing me how important her faith was to her over the years growing up even though she never was able to completely fulfill it until months before she died.
B) Even though my parents went through some tough times, had fights and didn't see everything eye to eye - they stuck it out and stuck together. Thus breaking that generational curse of being raised in a divorced home. My brother and I have something to reflect back on when it comes to our marriages today because of that sacrifice.
3) There is nothing more precious than a parents love for their child. I know there is nothing I would not do for my son and I know how small that is compared to the love our Heavenly Father has for His children.
Comment or email me your thoughts on the smartest things your parents ever did.
lrbatema@gmail.com or use the comment link below.
Randy~
Heart dump on Thursday.......
All the blogs I read every day seem to be filled with the news concerning Virginia Tech and the events that has scarred our nation a few days ago. The news is being reported as if its the only news in the world going on - the paper is completely full - not that I even open the paper anymore but right now if you don't WANT to hear anything about that horrible day and the events afterwards - where can you go?
I think about all the people in this tragedy that were killed - including the killer himself. I think about the people in my life right now fighting cancer - a professor here at work that just got news of his heart attack a few months ago and now his heart is in really bad shape because of the damage that it has done to the heart muscle itself - I think about my mom and my grandfather Joe. Knowing mom and Grandpa are both in heaven and both got there because they took responsibility to make sure they were going to heaven is just sweet music in my ears. I think about how grandpa Joe thought and struggled with his decision to come to Jesus for probably 20 years - read everything he could on Jesus, books, tv shows, the bible, anything you could think of. How he waited till 2 weeks before he passed on to talk with Pastor Lonnie from my grandmother's church and accepted Jesus. Some of us wont get that chance!
I think about many right now like my father n law who is battling cancer and the the value that is placed on doctors and the medicine that he has to take from time to time to support good health. People flocking to the next miracle pill or the next diet pill or the next procedure to prolong life and vitality. We put so much emphasis on living that we forget the most important part of our existence. Our SOULS. See loved ones, there is nothing more important than our souls because if we lose that - we have lost everything.
We gain nothing at all from this life if we don't take our souls with us when we die. We die twice when we do that ..... if we are born twice - we only die once.
I pray those that were murdered this week knew Jesus - how important that decision is when we don't have the chance to make it anymore. Putting it off another moment or another day or until next Sunday can backfire. I am not here to scream the world is going to end or someone is going to kill you or you'll be hit by a taxi - I am just saying that we need to be ready because our eternity can come at anytime!
Our souls are worth fighting for - many things in my views have changed over the last few years with accepting Jesus into my heart. My family is on a new and very exciting direction as Jesus leads us and spread us and teaches us and puts just awesome people in our lives. I look for opportunities to share Jesus with people -notes at the gas station pumps around town about our church. Frisbees flying into driveways with our church information on it - business cards from our Pastor Jimmy tacked up onto bulletin boards in local stores and places to eat - inviting friends we know each and every week and smiling as they most of the time squirm looking for excuses not to come~ but I keep inviting anyways - all of this matters because as a Christian - our main priority is saving the lost people around us. It takes courage and effort - we will fail at it more times than we are victorious but its those victories loved ones that keep our eyes on Jesus - our focus on what we are here to do and then watching as this new creation in Jesus blossoms and gets involved in so many new ways. We spend so much energy, money, emphasis in all the wrong places.
Imagine your marriage when Jesus is in the middle - imagine your friends with Jesus in the middle of those friendships - imagine the family that has Jesus in the middle of it....... we have so much to do and so far to go. We have to take the steps and begin our walk each day with Jesus because nothing in this world lasts....only the word of God will carry us through and deliver us from our sinful ways and death itself.
This is a sinful world - filled with darkness - filled with pain and grief - so much going wrong and I am afraid that now the details and (instructions) is out on this murderer in Virginia - many will copy him to have their moment of glory and publicity. I am afraid but it will not keep me from reaching out, serving others and helping those who need to here what Jesus has to tell them.
Changed lives, new hope, a changed attitude, love for others LIFE and forgiveness is offered... why not take the opportunity? God gives you that choice......... set your priorities.
Pray for those in your life right now who don't know Gods mercy, grace and love he has for each of them.
Randy~
I think about all the people in this tragedy that were killed - including the killer himself. I think about the people in my life right now fighting cancer - a professor here at work that just got news of his heart attack a few months ago and now his heart is in really bad shape because of the damage that it has done to the heart muscle itself - I think about my mom and my grandfather Joe. Knowing mom and Grandpa are both in heaven and both got there because they took responsibility to make sure they were going to heaven is just sweet music in my ears. I think about how grandpa Joe thought and struggled with his decision to come to Jesus for probably 20 years - read everything he could on Jesus, books, tv shows, the bible, anything you could think of. How he waited till 2 weeks before he passed on to talk with Pastor Lonnie from my grandmother's church and accepted Jesus. Some of us wont get that chance!
I think about many right now like my father n law who is battling cancer and the the value that is placed on doctors and the medicine that he has to take from time to time to support good health. People flocking to the next miracle pill or the next diet pill or the next procedure to prolong life and vitality. We put so much emphasis on living that we forget the most important part of our existence. Our SOULS. See loved ones, there is nothing more important than our souls because if we lose that - we have lost everything.
We gain nothing at all from this life if we don't take our souls with us when we die. We die twice when we do that ..... if we are born twice - we only die once.
I pray those that were murdered this week knew Jesus - how important that decision is when we don't have the chance to make it anymore. Putting it off another moment or another day or until next Sunday can backfire. I am not here to scream the world is going to end or someone is going to kill you or you'll be hit by a taxi - I am just saying that we need to be ready because our eternity can come at anytime!
Our souls are worth fighting for - many things in my views have changed over the last few years with accepting Jesus into my heart. My family is on a new and very exciting direction as Jesus leads us and spread us and teaches us and puts just awesome people in our lives. I look for opportunities to share Jesus with people -notes at the gas station pumps around town about our church. Frisbees flying into driveways with our church information on it - business cards from our Pastor Jimmy tacked up onto bulletin boards in local stores and places to eat - inviting friends we know each and every week and smiling as they most of the time squirm looking for excuses not to come~ but I keep inviting anyways - all of this matters because as a Christian - our main priority is saving the lost people around us. It takes courage and effort - we will fail at it more times than we are victorious but its those victories loved ones that keep our eyes on Jesus - our focus on what we are here to do and then watching as this new creation in Jesus blossoms and gets involved in so many new ways. We spend so much energy, money, emphasis in all the wrong places.
Imagine your marriage when Jesus is in the middle - imagine your friends with Jesus in the middle of those friendships - imagine the family that has Jesus in the middle of it....... we have so much to do and so far to go. We have to take the steps and begin our walk each day with Jesus because nothing in this world lasts....only the word of God will carry us through and deliver us from our sinful ways and death itself.
This is a sinful world - filled with darkness - filled with pain and grief - so much going wrong and I am afraid that now the details and (instructions) is out on this murderer in Virginia - many will copy him to have their moment of glory and publicity. I am afraid but it will not keep me from reaching out, serving others and helping those who need to here what Jesus has to tell them.
Changed lives, new hope, a changed attitude, love for others LIFE and forgiveness is offered... why not take the opportunity? God gives you that choice......... set your priorities.
Pray for those in your life right now who don't know Gods mercy, grace and love he has for each of them.
Randy~
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Lessons learned........
I have someone close to me today that is going through some tough times. Marriage is no easy thing when all we want is our own way, the last word, and when we put our needs ahead of others. I have learned many things over the years but the bible teaches us many things about how we should be, how we should treat others and to no matter what - not to give up. Nothing easy is worth anything - everything important is worth fighting for especially if in the family - there are children. I know there are some things that a marriage cannot get over, one party doesn't take any interest and many times - the one that is left behind is often the one that is hurt the most. Surround yourselves with good friends, attend a good church with Christian brothers and sisters who will pray for you and help you in life's hard and troubled times and NEVER take your eyes of Jesus. He loves you regardless and has the answers, comfort and peace everyone is seeking for any struggle that troubles you today and tomorrow. That is from my heart.
I think that Carol and I have been blessed together with a great marriage and an awesome son. I am not saying in the least that it has been easy - we have struggled and we have had to do without many times - especially with no family in the area to help us with much. We crossed a bridge when Jesus came into our hearts - we give now more than we take, we ask what we can do for someone before we do for ourselves, we give at Christmas instead of receiving, we serve the needs of others before ourselves - especially in our family and in our spouses. We work as a team and we come to agreements when obstacles come, we take our worries and fears to Jesus and let Him show us what we need to do. We are in constant communication. We thank Jesus everyday for having each other, for keeping us healthy and providing for us. See loved ones, when you humble yourself you raise the bar in blessings in your life, you begin to ask how can I be more "Like" Jesus and ask Him to change US before we can change anyone else - even our spouses and family members. We look inward before we look outward. You will find the silliness in life that things in our marriages seem so important and we can't do without fall to the side and become unimportant.
Loved ones, God has to be the center of our lives, of our marriages and in focus for us to have the lives and marriages and friendships we want! Even a church is not measured by how great it is - it is measured by how the people love each other and how they love others who come through Gods doors. Only then will our churches grow, our friendships grow and our marriages grow. Less of us and more of Jesus.
That's from the heart.....
I love you all dearly - stay focused and encouraged loved ones because we all matter - we all have significance - hold each other accountable to the truth and the plan that Jesus has for you.
With love,
Randy~
1 Peter 3
Cultivate Inner Beauty
1-4Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition.
4-6Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as "my dear husband." You'll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.
7The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God's grace, you're equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don't run aground.
8-12Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.
I think that Carol and I have been blessed together with a great marriage and an awesome son. I am not saying in the least that it has been easy - we have struggled and we have had to do without many times - especially with no family in the area to help us with much. We crossed a bridge when Jesus came into our hearts - we give now more than we take, we ask what we can do for someone before we do for ourselves, we give at Christmas instead of receiving, we serve the needs of others before ourselves - especially in our family and in our spouses. We work as a team and we come to agreements when obstacles come, we take our worries and fears to Jesus and let Him show us what we need to do. We are in constant communication. We thank Jesus everyday for having each other, for keeping us healthy and providing for us. See loved ones, when you humble yourself you raise the bar in blessings in your life, you begin to ask how can I be more "Like" Jesus and ask Him to change US before we can change anyone else - even our spouses and family members. We look inward before we look outward. You will find the silliness in life that things in our marriages seem so important and we can't do without fall to the side and become unimportant.
Loved ones, God has to be the center of our lives, of our marriages and in focus for us to have the lives and marriages and friendships we want! Even a church is not measured by how great it is - it is measured by how the people love each other and how they love others who come through Gods doors. Only then will our churches grow, our friendships grow and our marriages grow. Less of us and more of Jesus.
That's from the heart.....
I love you all dearly - stay focused and encouraged loved ones because we all matter - we all have significance - hold each other accountable to the truth and the plan that Jesus has for you.
With love,
Randy~
1 Peter 3
Cultivate Inner Beauty
1-4Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition.
4-6Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as "my dear husband." You'll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.
7The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God's grace, you're equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don't run aground.
8-12Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
A moment of Silence
Heavenly Father - as we stop and pause for a few moments today at the university here - I pray we pause as a country - a world of one people. I pray for the families, for the University Employees and all the students at Virginia Tech - Lord I pray for the families of all those wounded, killed and involved at the uninversity - Police officers, medical people, news reporters... so many Lord affected by this. I also pray for all school campuses today Lord to have the courage and vision to put higher standards of safety on all our campuses and in our schools. Lord use the church - use Your people Lord who have their hearts in You to comfort those in need and to help bring prayer, peace and understanding to all the people. Lord I pray for clarity and understanding during this moment of pause..... moment of prayer since we are so afraid to call it that today. I raise the bar for all of us to come together at this time.
I pray in Your sons name,
Amen
I pray in Your sons name,
Amen
Alpha Leader......
Ok so last night was a non-sleeping night for me. It happens to me from time to time but after an hour of tossing and turning - trying my best not to wake my wife up she finally says to me - what in the world are you doing? Turn the TV on! So there I was.... thinking what should I do. I huffed and got up. It was 4:07 - out to the kitchen and made some coffee and ready at that moment almost to start my day. I continued reading a book I am currently reading and my mind is going 1000 directions. Did I pray for my friend Shelley enough today for her interview? Did I pray for Julie? Steven - my brother? Am I thanking God for all the blessings in my life? Are my priorities lined up correctly? Where is mom when I need need her? For those who don't know - my mom passed away last year - Feb 23rd.
Last night I took a break from my reading and watched on the National Geographic channel the guy in England who is living IN the wolf pack. He is the Alpha male and leader of this 3 wolf pack. He has learned and studied them long enough to communicate with them and teach them since they were pups how to live, eat, rank and order - everything a wolf needs to know. I was in shock at what this man was doing - giving up his family and life to throw himself into what he loves and to learn - to teach others about Gods creature and their rightful place in nature. It really was amazing and hope there are more episodes. As I watched my 2 huskies sleeping on their blanket all nice and warm its really the closest thing I have to wolves - they understand the pack. The rank and eating issues - the play fullness they have with each other and in constant battle to see who is the leader. See each of the pack members has a job to do. You have the Alpha who is the protector from other animals and other packs - He usually is the one that eats first but it could also be a female too. You have the lookout pack member to warn when trouble is near and to alert the pack. You have the cautious one and the others who go along with whatever is happening regardless of what they want to do. So much to learn about families in the Wolf pack because they are very much in many ways - like ours. Our families have the leaders- the ones who cry wolf and always need help sounding the alarm with the drama - the struggle between who is the boss and who wants to be the boss - we also have the easy to get along with types that just go with the flow and will never lead anything. They complain, sometimes they are happy, most of the time sad, struggling or complaining they didn't get their fair deal in life. We all have the same type's of members in our families no matter who we are or where we are from. See I think sometime in the night it occurred to me that my mom was the Alpha pack leader. She had the ultimate goal of getting things done - my dad lead the family with the decisions per say but mom really made it all happen - she kept our pack going, kept it safe and kept it together.
The last month or so many in my family have drifted - many have drifted in and out for years and just like the Wold Pack - sometimes they are accepted and sometimes not. Many times they have to take a smaller role and will never lead the family again no matter what. But some without the Alpha pack leader - the family falls apart. There is no other pack leader that can handle the job. My mom was our Alpha pack leader - plain and simple. I have told everyone that none of us can do this job in (our) family - that God is the only one now to lead us if we are to do anything with our lives as a family. Many times I just have to sit and realize that our pack (family) is broken and we are struggling for our own existence. I am not sure where this all leads but I know without God - we are hopeless. The wolf pack is hopeless. God created an awesome animal in the wolf - they once roamed the entire country here in America - but have fallen because we didn't know anything about them - we feared them - we hunted and killed them just for sport and for saving our livestock. Much like people in the world - we kill and fight for no reason or reasons we don't understand. There is an order on earth and everything has its place and balance. The wolf pack communicates by howling to let the other packs know where they are and to not venture out of the territory. Its as simple as that..... in our families - its as simple as communication - in our countries and in our people.
God has something to say about all this if we just open our hearts - our ears and minds to something that the world has no say in - history has shown that people leading people ends in destruction - God has the answers if we would just take the time and listen. Otherwise like the wolf pack who has lost the Alpha leader~ the rest are doomed. I pray for my family and each of the pack members, for their rightful and deserved place in order to make the family (pack) work - to love and play together. Things could be so different..... it just breaks my heart where I see things right now. God intended for much better than this. We are meant to do life together -not alone and not like an island. Pride keeps us from God - Don't let the things of this earth hold you back loved ones, drop the death clothes and live like God intended us to live. In harmony and in order - helping those around us, reaching and spreading His message - staying out of our comfort zone so that He may do His will through you. We all matter and are all loved by Jesus regardless - give Him the chance because we sure are doing a lousy job ourselves.
Love you all,
Randy~
Last night I took a break from my reading and watched on the National Geographic channel the guy in England who is living IN the wolf pack. He is the Alpha male and leader of this 3 wolf pack. He has learned and studied them long enough to communicate with them and teach them since they were pups how to live, eat, rank and order - everything a wolf needs to know. I was in shock at what this man was doing - giving up his family and life to throw himself into what he loves and to learn - to teach others about Gods creature and their rightful place in nature. It really was amazing and hope there are more episodes. As I watched my 2 huskies sleeping on their blanket all nice and warm its really the closest thing I have to wolves - they understand the pack. The rank and eating issues - the play fullness they have with each other and in constant battle to see who is the leader. See each of the pack members has a job to do. You have the Alpha who is the protector from other animals and other packs - He usually is the one that eats first but it could also be a female too. You have the lookout pack member to warn when trouble is near and to alert the pack. You have the cautious one and the others who go along with whatever is happening regardless of what they want to do. So much to learn about families in the Wolf pack because they are very much in many ways - like ours. Our families have the leaders- the ones who cry wolf and always need help sounding the alarm with the drama - the struggle between who is the boss and who wants to be the boss - we also have the easy to get along with types that just go with the flow and will never lead anything. They complain, sometimes they are happy, most of the time sad, struggling or complaining they didn't get their fair deal in life. We all have the same type's of members in our families no matter who we are or where we are from. See I think sometime in the night it occurred to me that my mom was the Alpha pack leader. She had the ultimate goal of getting things done - my dad lead the family with the decisions per say but mom really made it all happen - she kept our pack going, kept it safe and kept it together.
The last month or so many in my family have drifted - many have drifted in and out for years and just like the Wold Pack - sometimes they are accepted and sometimes not. Many times they have to take a smaller role and will never lead the family again no matter what. But some without the Alpha pack leader - the family falls apart. There is no other pack leader that can handle the job. My mom was our Alpha pack leader - plain and simple. I have told everyone that none of us can do this job in (our) family - that God is the only one now to lead us if we are to do anything with our lives as a family. Many times I just have to sit and realize that our pack (family) is broken and we are struggling for our own existence. I am not sure where this all leads but I know without God - we are hopeless. The wolf pack is hopeless. God created an awesome animal in the wolf - they once roamed the entire country here in America - but have fallen because we didn't know anything about them - we feared them - we hunted and killed them just for sport and for saving our livestock. Much like people in the world - we kill and fight for no reason or reasons we don't understand. There is an order on earth and everything has its place and balance. The wolf pack communicates by howling to let the other packs know where they are and to not venture out of the territory. Its as simple as that..... in our families - its as simple as communication - in our countries and in our people.
God has something to say about all this if we just open our hearts - our ears and minds to something that the world has no say in - history has shown that people leading people ends in destruction - God has the answers if we would just take the time and listen. Otherwise like the wolf pack who has lost the Alpha leader~ the rest are doomed. I pray for my family and each of the pack members, for their rightful and deserved place in order to make the family (pack) work - to love and play together. Things could be so different..... it just breaks my heart where I see things right now. God intended for much better than this. We are meant to do life together -not alone and not like an island. Pride keeps us from God - Don't let the things of this earth hold you back loved ones, drop the death clothes and live like God intended us to live. In harmony and in order - helping those around us, reaching and spreading His message - staying out of our comfort zone so that He may do His will through you. We all matter and are all loved by Jesus regardless - give Him the chance because we sure are doing a lousy job ourselves.
Love you all,
Randy~
Monday, April 16, 2007
The world is a dark place....
Just another example today at Virginia Tech - 31 people killed by a mad man - many more hurt and wounded - WHY? We may never know. This kind of stuff just breaks my heart and really upsets me, especially when people or children are involved that have their entire lives ahead of them. Pray for these families, for the school's administrators, faculty and students - pray for the lost ones there and the hope that they knew Jesus. Crying shame this world is this dark and things happen like this. I wonder how many will be affected now and never go back to college? Dreams taken down because of a crazy person who only cared about himself and a moment of glory and self centerdness. I just dont understand.......
A full life in an empty place......
Wow - its a tough Monday here - just to get my head out of the sand and get going again after a few days off last week. Behind at work here and feeling that "Out-of-Focus" feeling I seem to always have after a few days of down time. This week marks a big week for many folks around me. My dear friend Shelley has a big interview scheduled this afternoon at 2:00. She is out of work and many have been praying for her and her family the last few weeks. I pray for good news when she checks in with me after her interview. My dear friend Julie has an interview with a local company in her field tomorrow and I am praying for a good fit for her. She is working 3 jobs and seems the last months, she is always working and going. Our friend Steven has an interview this week as well. My brother will be out of town starting tomorrow for 10 days to go to Indiana with his company for some specialized training at his work. Great opportunity there to further his skills and value. Carol has her performance review this week from her company. I am just feeling blessed to work here at the University and to serve my church and those around me here in the capacity that God has given me.
Isaiah 58:
A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places
9-12"If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins,If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones.You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry.You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past.You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.
As I go about my day and this week - I will be focusing on Clarity and Courage - not only for myself and what God wants me to do - but also for my friends and loved ones. May God speak to your heart like never before, may He open doors you never thought possible and may He deliver you from the things that you are struggling with right now.
Love you all,
Randy~
Isaiah 58:
A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places
9-12"If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins,If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones.You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry.You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past.You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.
As I go about my day and this week - I will be focusing on Clarity and Courage - not only for myself and what God wants me to do - but also for my friends and loved ones. May God speak to your heart like never before, may He open doors you never thought possible and may He deliver you from the things that you are struggling with right now.
Love you all,
Randy~
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Is today tax day?
YES - BUT ITS MORE THAN THAT!!!!
Well folks, 18 years ago today - just like today, a rainy day.... but a great day! 18 years of marriage and I am more in love with my wife Carol today than on that day! It does keep getting better~ no we didn't plan it to be on tax day but it does keep us from forgetting! I pray God continues to bless each of us, our family and our marriage. It's not always been easy but then again nothing worth anything is easy. It takes some work but when you have someone like Carol - who is so giving, loving and easy to get along with - it sure does make me look smart and I know what I am doing. I pray to have 18 more Carol and then some. I have done more stupid stuff in my life than I have good but the few times I have - marrying you, accepting Jesus and asking Him to lead our family and having Kyle - has to be the top 3.
Would do it all over again....
Happy Anniversary Carol. Love you more than I could ever tell you. Thanks for doing this life with me.
Gods Best and with Gods love,
Lonnie
Well folks, 18 years ago today - just like today, a rainy day.... but a great day! 18 years of marriage and I am more in love with my wife Carol today than on that day! It does keep getting better~ no we didn't plan it to be on tax day but it does keep us from forgetting! I pray God continues to bless each of us, our family and our marriage. It's not always been easy but then again nothing worth anything is easy. It takes some work but when you have someone like Carol - who is so giving, loving and easy to get along with - it sure does make me look smart and I know what I am doing. I pray to have 18 more Carol and then some. I have done more stupid stuff in my life than I have good but the few times I have - marrying you, accepting Jesus and asking Him to lead our family and having Kyle - has to be the top 3.
Would do it all over again....
Happy Anniversary Carol. Love you more than I could ever tell you. Thanks for doing this life with me.
Gods Best and with Gods love,
Lonnie
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The trophy......
Just to let everyone know .... please pass on a "Job well done" .... Carol and her hard work doing the Harrisburg Elementary PTA Newsletter - WON a NATIONAL AWARD - The PTA president and a few other PTA volunteers will be accepting the award in the coming weeks in Asheville. Carol works hard with this newsletter to get all the important information to parents from over 1000 students. Carol, I am so proud of you - and Hope you bask in the sun for just a few moments and enjoy the award and fame!!!
AWESOME as little Sophia would say.... :)
Love you and proud of you,,,,, guess what tomorrow is?
Randy~
AWESOME as little Sophia would say.... :)
Love you and proud of you,,,,, guess what tomorrow is?
Randy~
The view from the top of the world....
Proverbs 27
17 You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.
I know I have used this before on my blog but its such an awesome thing and SO very true. Driving back from the airport this morning I couldn't help but to be thankful for our friends - Lynn, Dennis and Sophia. We had such a great week and no matter what we all were doing, it was full of smiles, laughter and fun. Kyle and Sophia were 2 peas in a pod and I am sure if those two lived closer together - they would remain great close friends forever. I am sure over the next few weeks - he will be talking about her and remembering - "Good Times". Yesterday - we all climbed Chimney Rock mountain and enjoyed Chimney rock village. Carol even ventured onto the Chimney Rock knob - scared, hands sweating, crying because of fear - she did it for her friends and not having to stay behind. Dennis, Sophia, Lynn and Kyle climbed needle point - got some great pictures! Discovery place in Charlotte was great and just pausing our lives long enough to enjoy each other. Many times our lives are on auto pilot and we are just going by doing work, cleaning, running here and there never taking the time to stop and just be thankful for what God has blessed us with.
Much like the view from the top of Chimney Rock - we all enjoyed the view from the top of the world. This past week reinforced our friendships and I am forever grateful.
Love you guys - miss you already.
Blessings,
Randy~
17 You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.
I know I have used this before on my blog but its such an awesome thing and SO very true. Driving back from the airport this morning I couldn't help but to be thankful for our friends - Lynn, Dennis and Sophia. We had such a great week and no matter what we all were doing, it was full of smiles, laughter and fun. Kyle and Sophia were 2 peas in a pod and I am sure if those two lived closer together - they would remain great close friends forever. I am sure over the next few weeks - he will be talking about her and remembering - "Good Times". Yesterday - we all climbed Chimney Rock mountain and enjoyed Chimney rock village. Carol even ventured onto the Chimney Rock knob - scared, hands sweating, crying because of fear - she did it for her friends and not having to stay behind. Dennis, Sophia, Lynn and Kyle climbed needle point - got some great pictures! Discovery place in Charlotte was great and just pausing our lives long enough to enjoy each other. Many times our lives are on auto pilot and we are just going by doing work, cleaning, running here and there never taking the time to stop and just be thankful for what God has blessed us with.
Much like the view from the top of Chimney Rock - we all enjoyed the view from the top of the world. This past week reinforced our friendships and I am forever grateful.
Love you guys - miss you already.
Blessings,
Randy~
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Role models.....
OK just another quick post here that I have been thinking about for 2 days now so I figured, no rush to work, coffee is hot and most of the troops are still sleeping - I have a few minutes. So I looked up Thessalonians.... enjoyed the read this morning and let me share this with you.
Its weird too that a conversation took place yesterday concerning Hollywood and Anna Nicole Smith - they know who the daddy is - the dad was announced and while watching the news - the father is jumping around like he just won the lottery. I can't help but to feel sorry for the child who was born from a drug attict mother who is since passed away - a life of camera lights and craziness - and a father who is looking at the bank account. If you really look at Hollywood - everything is upside down and I don't know what happens with these people when their lives are out there for the public to see. People need hero's and as a society we are looking at the wrong place. Hollywood changes marriages like they change their clothes - everything seems like a publicity stunt - parenting out of wed lock - parties that are wild and rehab comes next. Its just a shame we have people today, KIDS today looking up to these folks. I would like to meet someday real people who have made a difference in peoples lives. But then again I am meeting them everyday as they lead local churches - teaching in our schools - and parents who are fighting to raise their children. When the chips are down and the lights of fancy things are gone - kids go back to their roots and do what they were raised to act like and be like. Marriages are worth fighting for and doing whatever these parents can to set an example for their children to do what is right - to not just throw in the towel and start life over or walk away because things are sometimes hard and sometimes REALLY hard. We have a role model crisis in this country loved ones..... I just want to turn the TV off sometimes - even with sports players - the standards are so low today it is shameful.
We mock life by what our parents raised us to do..... that could mean so many things - what does it mean to you?
1 Thessalonians 1:6
5-6You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.
Its weird too that a conversation took place yesterday concerning Hollywood and Anna Nicole Smith - they know who the daddy is - the dad was announced and while watching the news - the father is jumping around like he just won the lottery. I can't help but to feel sorry for the child who was born from a drug attict mother who is since passed away - a life of camera lights and craziness - and a father who is looking at the bank account. If you really look at Hollywood - everything is upside down and I don't know what happens with these people when their lives are out there for the public to see. People need hero's and as a society we are looking at the wrong place. Hollywood changes marriages like they change their clothes - everything seems like a publicity stunt - parenting out of wed lock - parties that are wild and rehab comes next. Its just a shame we have people today, KIDS today looking up to these folks. I would like to meet someday real people who have made a difference in peoples lives. But then again I am meeting them everyday as they lead local churches - teaching in our schools - and parents who are fighting to raise their children. When the chips are down and the lights of fancy things are gone - kids go back to their roots and do what they were raised to act like and be like. Marriages are worth fighting for and doing whatever these parents can to set an example for their children to do what is right - to not just throw in the towel and start life over or walk away because things are sometimes hard and sometimes REALLY hard. We have a role model crisis in this country loved ones..... I just want to turn the TV off sometimes - even with sports players - the standards are so low today it is shameful.
We mock life by what our parents raised us to do..... that could mean so many things - what does it mean to you?
1 Thessalonians 1:6
5-6You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.
R & R
All is quiet here in the Bateman household - but I am not like my dog Adger waiting for everyone to get up so I can go and lick their ears. I enjoy the morning and even though I have been working and serving now at an unreal pace - I have the rest of the week off to enjoy some down time and some time to enjoy the company of my good friends Lynn, Dennis and Sophia. As I sit and reflect this morning on the past few weeks, I can't help but to feel overwhelmed with what God is doing in my life and in the lives of my wife and son. I am so grateful for the opportunities that are before us. I look forward to resting and refreshing the next few days and then be ready to go at it all again with the love I have in life for those around me - never knowing when someone might email me or walk into my office at work or grab me by the arm at church and just spill something on me that needs prayer. I do take that responsibility extremely serious and many times I wonder if that is what I should be doing fulltime in life. But I know God has the plan and I am where I need to be right now - today. I am fulfilled with this mission and assignment. As the troops here begin to wake up - I did my best to sleep in but just too excited to see what the day has for me and also has for everyone here at the Bateman household. I still need to get my quota in of hugs from Sophia - she doesn't know what to make of uncle Lonnie just yet..... but she will.
Gods best today,
Randy~
Gods best today,
Randy~
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Strength of the huddle...
Its funny how things come to people, things fall into their laps - sometimes good and sometimes not. Today, my family and I are blessed to have company this week. 620 miles have separated our 2 families from each other for 9 or so years - until now. It's awesome knowing that this family is in the huddle of life with us. Doing this life via email and phone calls - praying and encouraging each other no matter what is going on and what we are facing. Last night as I hugged my dear friend Lynn and her daughter - I couldn't help but to tear up - a good hug and handshake from Dennis - have stay manly somehow as I wiped my eyes right? Anyways, this family means the world to me and even after all these years, we all have remained faithful and steadfast to continue this awesome friendship - It's such a blessing to share this time with them. We are all very excited with what this week will bring.
The one thing that sticks out in my mind today more so than anything else is the friendships and the family members who have chosen to walk away from this blessing - friendship. Many people I know right now are shutting down - walking away - hiding in the shadows of life - going through a divorce that is shutting them off from communication due to guilt or shame - people facing a sickness and have nobody they feel able to turn to. I think about my Rock Group and the families that God has blessed me with to share this life with - those friendships - my church family and all that they bring in blessings to me and my family. Friends these are people who I do life with - who have my back - who encourage me and call me out when I mess up and hold me accountable for. They are the ones who pray for me - to motivate me and huddle with me to form a ring of protection around me and my family when things are falling apart. I don't know if I would have come out of things when my mom was sick and died if it was not for my wife, son, my Aunt and Uncle and my cousin - AND my church family and my close friends who know the Lord - all praying for me - praying for each other. Let me be honest here and say that we have confidence when we are surrounded by great loving people who understand and want to be involved in my life.
Those that are pulling away - doing things for themselves - staying only focused on themselves and what they can get out of life - are doomed. You will need friends and people who care for you and love you one day, we live in a dark and sinful world and if you think that you can go about it alone - it will be a sad ending. Jesus can redeem you from all this - forgive you for all you have done and place good people around you in your life to lean on and do this life with. Friends we are not made to be islands - to go about life as we see fit and step on people who don't agree with our political ideas and social outlooks. There is more to this life than where you find yourself right now. Expand your thinking and enlarge what you see and what you are doing. Blessings from God can be yours if you just take the steps to just talk with Him. Work out those problems and things that keep you down and where you are.
Ecclesiastes 4:8
8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless— a miserable business!
If you find yourself alone - miserable and shut out of things - loneliness -being your own little island and with no hope from your situations..... Go to Jesus and ask for Him to come into your life - He will provide all the answers you need and surround you with people who will love you and care for you.
My dad is included in this since losing my mom - but this I am feeling today is for many others in my life - people I know directly and not - I often wonder why when the chips are down, people pull back and shut off - God wants to pull you closer during these hard times but can't because you wont let Him. Let Him bless you and your situations - your struggles and see what changes....
Ecclesiastes 4:12
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two men can stand back-to-back and conquer.
Imagine the football huddle - 12 guys standing around each other - encouraging each other and trusting each other fully for the next play to win the game, they are on enemy grounds and 12 other men are waiting for them, the crowd is ruthless in their screams and chants for them to fail. Nothing is as more important than knowing- the 12 men standing with you - have your back. Its time to play ball friends...... we all need a team around us and Jesus wants to be in your huddle. Time to give Him the ball...........
Blessings,
Randy~
The one thing that sticks out in my mind today more so than anything else is the friendships and the family members who have chosen to walk away from this blessing - friendship. Many people I know right now are shutting down - walking away - hiding in the shadows of life - going through a divorce that is shutting them off from communication due to guilt or shame - people facing a sickness and have nobody they feel able to turn to. I think about my Rock Group and the families that God has blessed me with to share this life with - those friendships - my church family and all that they bring in blessings to me and my family. Friends these are people who I do life with - who have my back - who encourage me and call me out when I mess up and hold me accountable for. They are the ones who pray for me - to motivate me and huddle with me to form a ring of protection around me and my family when things are falling apart. I don't know if I would have come out of things when my mom was sick and died if it was not for my wife, son, my Aunt and Uncle and my cousin - AND my church family and my close friends who know the Lord - all praying for me - praying for each other. Let me be honest here and say that we have confidence when we are surrounded by great loving people who understand and want to be involved in my life.
Those that are pulling away - doing things for themselves - staying only focused on themselves and what they can get out of life - are doomed. You will need friends and people who care for you and love you one day, we live in a dark and sinful world and if you think that you can go about it alone - it will be a sad ending. Jesus can redeem you from all this - forgive you for all you have done and place good people around you in your life to lean on and do this life with. Friends we are not made to be islands - to go about life as we see fit and step on people who don't agree with our political ideas and social outlooks. There is more to this life than where you find yourself right now. Expand your thinking and enlarge what you see and what you are doing. Blessings from God can be yours if you just take the steps to just talk with Him. Work out those problems and things that keep you down and where you are.
Ecclesiastes 4:8
8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless— a miserable business!
If you find yourself alone - miserable and shut out of things - loneliness -being your own little island and with no hope from your situations..... Go to Jesus and ask for Him to come into your life - He will provide all the answers you need and surround you with people who will love you and care for you.
My dad is included in this since losing my mom - but this I am feeling today is for many others in my life - people I know directly and not - I often wonder why when the chips are down, people pull back and shut off - God wants to pull you closer during these hard times but can't because you wont let Him. Let Him bless you and your situations - your struggles and see what changes....
Ecclesiastes 4:12
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two men can stand back-to-back and conquer.
Imagine the football huddle - 12 guys standing around each other - encouraging each other and trusting each other fully for the next play to win the game, they are on enemy grounds and 12 other men are waiting for them, the crowd is ruthless in their screams and chants for them to fail. Nothing is as more important than knowing- the 12 men standing with you - have your back. Its time to play ball friends...... we all need a team around us and Jesus wants to be in your huddle. Time to give Him the ball...........
Blessings,
Randy~
Monday, April 9, 2007
Longevity is not everything.......
Today I find myself just in amazement. I received an email this morning that was all encouragement - the Easter service at church yesterday! Wow - how uplifting it was knowing that someone is praying for me and my family. That awesome encouragement in following Christ and serving Him. Whew - this truly just makes my heart sing. As I think about those in my life who have went their ways this morning - I can't help but to think about mom's promises. How do I accomplish this - I can't. Plain and simple. God has to do His part and those who the promises were for have to do their parts. I can't go about this alone. Prayer changes everything and I will continue to pray for changed lives and opened eyes and hearts.
Here are some things on my heart this afternoon:
God helps us and prepares us to help others. "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."
God wants me to fulfill my promises.
We become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.
We get to be a part of what God's doing.
God knows what to do, and he doesn't leave our side.
"Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions."
"It's no light thing to know that we'll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That's why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God."
Once we commit our lives to Christ, we get a fresh start. It's like we are newly created.
"Don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us."
"I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way... Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"
My heart regulates my hands and hopefully my mouth.
"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything."
God wants us to build others up rather than tearing people down.
"Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable."
Friends - It's not how long we live on this earth that matters - it's the quality in which we live with the time we have. Mom died too early - the police officers who were killed last week died too early and too young - but they died living a life of passion and a life worth living for and giving everything for. During our time of seeing people unjustly die - all we have is our faith and trust in Jesus. Make the most of your time here friends, live for Jesus - help others and leave a memory that others will follow, cherish and honor. Jesus has given us the chance to live...
I love you all - God's best,
Randy~
Here are some things on my heart this afternoon:
God helps us and prepares us to help others. "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."
God wants me to fulfill my promises.
We become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.
We get to be a part of what God's doing.
God knows what to do, and he doesn't leave our side.
"Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions."
"It's no light thing to know that we'll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That's why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God."
Once we commit our lives to Christ, we get a fresh start. It's like we are newly created.
"Don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us."
"I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way... Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"
My heart regulates my hands and hopefully my mouth.
"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything."
God wants us to build others up rather than tearing people down.
"Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable."
Friends - It's not how long we live on this earth that matters - it's the quality in which we live with the time we have. Mom died too early - the police officers who were killed last week died too early and too young - but they died living a life of passion and a life worth living for and giving everything for. During our time of seeing people unjustly die - all we have is our faith and trust in Jesus. Make the most of your time here friends, live for Jesus - help others and leave a memory that others will follow, cherish and honor. Jesus has given us the chance to live...
I love you all - God's best,
Randy~
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Its Sunday..........
HAPPY EASTER!! This morning I had to go to church early and was on the road by 7AM. As I drove in, the sun was coming up and what a wonderful vision of Jesus in the sky. The sky was bright - shining red and orange - it was a reminder what Jesus did for us and the sacrifices made for us. Today Jesus us alive, just as He was 2000+ years ago. My mom is alive just as Jesus is right now. 2000+ years ago today the sun came up and the grave was empty - the stone was rolled away and the grave clothes was folded neatly - as in saying Job Finished.
The movement is still going on, the Jewish leaders at the time - dumbfounded because there was no ending, no body, no understanding in what had happened.
Isn't it great that even the disciples had doubts - even after the last 3 years of their lives studying and learning with Jesus himself? They too have doubts and their faith and trust was questioned - was put to the test. Just like us today - all of us at times have doubts and have questions. I continue to pray for those doubts - for full trust in Jesus in my life. Isn't it awesome that this is not just a cookie cutter story here and yes the disciples themselves had doubts - But once Jesus appeared to them - they touched Him, placed their fingers on the scars and the wounds - they believed. They lived the rest of their lives preaching and spreading the Good News.
Today friends and loved ones, where are you? Where is your walk today with Jesus? Being Easter - use this day as a day to live - to reset your life and live for Jesus. To drop the baggage and start new. Jesus died on that cross so that we may live.
Lord I thank You for this day - a day of total sacrifice Lord because You put us on the priority list and You put us before Yourself. Lord I pray for those who are on the fence or are choosing not to believe. Lord they may have small faith, questions and doubts, but even the disciples had them - and for that I am thankful because it means we are all human and imperfect. Lord I thank You for Easter and all that today means. You died so that we may live. Thank You for this awesome sacrifice Lord and for loving us that much.
I pray in Your most awesome son in Jesus,
Amen
The movement is still going on, the Jewish leaders at the time - dumbfounded because there was no ending, no body, no understanding in what had happened.
Isn't it great that even the disciples had doubts - even after the last 3 years of their lives studying and learning with Jesus himself? They too have doubts and their faith and trust was questioned - was put to the test. Just like us today - all of us at times have doubts and have questions. I continue to pray for those doubts - for full trust in Jesus in my life. Isn't it awesome that this is not just a cookie cutter story here and yes the disciples themselves had doubts - But once Jesus appeared to them - they touched Him, placed their fingers on the scars and the wounds - they believed. They lived the rest of their lives preaching and spreading the Good News.
Today friends and loved ones, where are you? Where is your walk today with Jesus? Being Easter - use this day as a day to live - to reset your life and live for Jesus. To drop the baggage and start new. Jesus died on that cross so that we may live.
Lord I thank You for this day - a day of total sacrifice Lord because You put us on the priority list and You put us before Yourself. Lord I pray for those who are on the fence or are choosing not to believe. Lord they may have small faith, questions and doubts, but even the disciples had them - and for that I am thankful because it means we are all human and imperfect. Lord I thank You for Easter and all that today means. You died so that we may live. Thank You for this awesome sacrifice Lord and for loving us that much.
I pray in Your most awesome son in Jesus,
Amen
Saturday, April 7, 2007
The day in between.....
Over 2000 years ago today - the Disciples and all those who believed in Jesus, were heart broken. Society, the Jewish elders and the rulers of Rome - killed Jesus. They thought they had killed the movement that Christ had started. They were scared that their life would change is Jesus lived - they would lose control of the people and their high ranking officials would no longer be leaders - what if Rome came and took them over? They can feel good now, go back to their daily walk and leading others while enjoying their high stature. The disciples hid from others thinking at any moment, the Roman guards would be coming for them and they would be facing the same things that Jesus just went through. Imagine the fear - imagine the pain of losing their best friend and teacher - they have all lived together for 3 year, learning everything that Jesus had to teach them about why He was here and what He was leaving them. Imagine the pain we all go through when losing a loved one or best friend..... imagine their pain as the visions of Jesus being beaten almost to death, spit in the face and mocked - imagine the horrible unjust death He endured -
I think about the hope they had probably lost - just like today - we don't understand everything. Jesus taught them the best He could using everything and anything to get His points across and in a language and style that was easy for them to understand. What were they going to do now.... some time needed to pass so they could grieve..... if they could stay alive long enough.
So far..... everything Jesus told them was true - He raised people from the dead, He healed people with many diseases, He taught thousands of people about God and about who He was and what He came to do.
Tomorrow loved ones - imagine with me what we know now compared to the pain and suffering the disciples knew then. I think about mom and how devastated we were when she died - gone forever - never to see again..... or would we? What do you believe? We all are feeling what the disciples felt 2000 plus years ago today - for those who don't believe and have their hearts with Jesus. No wonder we cling onto so much in this life.... just hanging by a thread.......
Today is the day in between - death and life.
Randy~
I think about the hope they had probably lost - just like today - we don't understand everything. Jesus taught them the best He could using everything and anything to get His points across and in a language and style that was easy for them to understand. What were they going to do now.... some time needed to pass so they could grieve..... if they could stay alive long enough.
So far..... everything Jesus told them was true - He raised people from the dead, He healed people with many diseases, He taught thousands of people about God and about who He was and what He came to do.
Tomorrow loved ones - imagine with me what we know now compared to the pain and suffering the disciples knew then. I think about mom and how devastated we were when she died - gone forever - never to see again..... or would we? What do you believe? We all are feeling what the disciples felt 2000 plus years ago today - for those who don't believe and have their hearts with Jesus. No wonder we cling onto so much in this life.... just hanging by a thread.......
Today is the day in between - death and life.
Randy~
Friday, April 6, 2007
It's Friday .... But Sunday's a comin
Happy Good Friday everyone. Its such a special day today. As Charlotte finished the funerals of 2 Charlotte police officers - I can't help but to thank God they knew Jesus. There first week in heaven - honored in such a way here with cars lined up, people and families lining the road ways - American flags lining all the roads. It truly is an amazing sight to see such honor. I don't know how anyone cannot get emotional watching all this. Both officer's families know where their husbands are today because of Jesus. Today marks a big day in our faith - the beginning of VICTORY! Sunday will be a celebration and I just can't wait - today is Friday, but Sunday's a coming. Little did the world know that Christ would rise from the dead, little did they know that the followers of Christ would still be heard! They thought it was over..... Victory over death - all for us.
If you don't believe and the word of God hasn't moved you - then you are choosing not to believe. Nothing will allow your heart to accept Gods Word if you put up the armor and keep your guard and just choose not to believe. What else do you have? 511 people saw Jesus after he raised from the dead. Some by themselves and in crowds - 511 people lived their lives and testified that all was true - do you think if it was not true someone would have said so? Some one before they died or on their death bed would have said... Hey this is what really happened - its all a lie - there are not documents or records anywhere stating just that. It is in the Bible - its the recorded truth - if you don't know Jesus - find out, read, attend a church, ask a close friend who knows Jesus.
We thank you Officer Shelton and Officer Clark! Enjoy heaven because Jesus has given us this wonderful gift. I bet their families are thankful that their trust was in Jesus!! WE NEVER KNOW WHEN.....
It's Friday - but Sunday's a comin........
If you don't believe and the word of God hasn't moved you - then you are choosing not to believe. Nothing will allow your heart to accept Gods Word if you put up the armor and keep your guard and just choose not to believe. What else do you have? 511 people saw Jesus after he raised from the dead. Some by themselves and in crowds - 511 people lived their lives and testified that all was true - do you think if it was not true someone would have said so? Some one before they died or on their death bed would have said... Hey this is what really happened - its all a lie - there are not documents or records anywhere stating just that. It is in the Bible - its the recorded truth - if you don't know Jesus - find out, read, attend a church, ask a close friend who knows Jesus.
We thank you Officer Shelton and Officer Clark! Enjoy heaven because Jesus has given us this wonderful gift. I bet their families are thankful that their trust was in Jesus!! WE NEVER KNOW WHEN.....
It's Friday - but Sunday's a comin........
Never in my life........
Did I think hanging out with 3rd graders would be such a blessing in my life. Never did I think that I would ever relate to kids at this age - EVER! Today I had lunch in the classroom, it was brown bag day - they saved me a seat in the middle of the room - next to miss Madison of course. We ate and shared some lunch and snacks - then off for game time. It was the third grade kickball championships - so off to the field we went. Before the game we had a team cheer and put some strategy in place - some of the kids had never played so we went over the rules and it was game time. We won the first game and I had to leave for the second game because I unfortunately had to come back to work. BOOOO!
I know some of the kids have problems at home - parents they struggle, divorce and other brothers and sisters fighting for mom/dad attention. Some have really tough lives for being such little kids - but at least for that one hour on Friday's - there are smiles and all tough hard things are forgotten.
In a few weeks - we hopefully will be having a pizza party - I look forward to this time together. Nothing like getting hugs, smiles and kids hanging all over you to cheer up your bad day - a day of smiles for everyone.
God has truly blessed me - I never would have thought it or experienced it if God had not come into my life.
Thank You Lord for the awesome blessings in these wonderful children.
Father I pray that their struggles at home can be something that does not hold them back from anything in life Lord. I pray they each have someone in their life to pray for them - to love them and encourage them - I feel like they are all my children and I know that is how You must feel for all of us Lord. Thank You for giving me the experience of these kids - I know for that one hour on Fridays this year, it is our time and a time filled with hugs, smiles and love. I continue to pray for their safety - for good health Lord and for Your love on them. It will be a sad time when school ends.... mostly for me probably - but its an awesome experience that I will always hold close to my heart.
I pray in Your sons awesome name in Jesus,
Amen
I know some of the kids have problems at home - parents they struggle, divorce and other brothers and sisters fighting for mom/dad attention. Some have really tough lives for being such little kids - but at least for that one hour on Friday's - there are smiles and all tough hard things are forgotten.
In a few weeks - we hopefully will be having a pizza party - I look forward to this time together. Nothing like getting hugs, smiles and kids hanging all over you to cheer up your bad day - a day of smiles for everyone.
God has truly blessed me - I never would have thought it or experienced it if God had not come into my life.
Thank You Lord for the awesome blessings in these wonderful children.
Father I pray that their struggles at home can be something that does not hold them back from anything in life Lord. I pray they each have someone in their life to pray for them - to love them and encourage them - I feel like they are all my children and I know that is how You must feel for all of us Lord. Thank You for giving me the experience of these kids - I know for that one hour on Fridays this year, it is our time and a time filled with hugs, smiles and love. I continue to pray for their safety - for good health Lord and for Your love on them. It will be a sad time when school ends.... mostly for me probably - but its an awesome experience that I will always hold close to my heart.
I pray in Your sons awesome name in Jesus,
Amen
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Camp Thunderbird....
Carol and I are off to camp thunderbird tomorrow - early start - have to have Kyle off to school and ready to roll out at 6:30 - I will post pictures tomorrow night. Got to love being around my kids ... pray I get some sleep tonight.
Randy~
Randy~
Being Bold.....
Today I got an email from my Pastor. A few weeks ago my church put together the last and finishing touches to our ad that hit the papers today for our Easter service. This morning some folks contacted pastor Jimmy and were not all that happy with it. Seems when people have a difference of opinion and how they see things - sometimes toes get stepped on. Nobody can make everyone happy - a few folks will always have a problem with whatever you are trying to do. Those folks we can't focus too much on - we are not here to make people happy - we are hear to help spread the Word God has placed in our hearts. I take heart in this because I have accepted the role of doing that - all who have accepted Christ should take this stand and be working hard in every situation of our day to look for an opening to share Gods love.
Being bold for God is not always easy. Its easy to preach and praise God when things are going well but it's hard to walk that line when we are hurting and struggling with things. Being bold for God sometimes hurts people's feeling and many times, people around us don't know us anymore because we have changed. Many times instead of being bold for God we tend to hide in the shadows - we don't offer the hand to someone because we are afraid - afraid of what people might say or what they might think. Many times - these same folks don't know Jesus - our outreach might be just what they need to turn their lives around. Jesus does that to people - He may close a door in your life but will open a better door that He has planned for you. There is no favortism in heaven - God does not love one person more than another - He does not give to one and not another - he doesn't answer a prayer from this person and not the next. We may not always get what we ask for - but there is reason for that. We might not like the answer we get sometimes - we give up many times on praying long before God is ready to deliver what we ask for. Its in his time and in His way -
Friends, like I told my pastor this morning - hold your head high for Jesus - be bold and stand firm on what you believe - God did not give up on you.... don't give up on Him.
We are here to please God in what we are doing here - not to please people and worry about what they will think and what they will say. I had this fear for many years - afraid of failure and afraid of people getting too close. I am not afraid anymore.........
Live bold for God!!!! How can we grow as Christians - if we are hiding in the shadows or go out on a limb? Bold is scary - bold is daring - bold is no safety net in front of people - bold is putting yourself out there for others to mock and pick at but Bold is worth it when it comes to Jesus. The more time spent in Gods word - the more you will understand and the more God will bless you with understanding.
I had lunch with my dear friend Shelley today - its her birthday today! Happy birthday Shelley! She and her family are having a hard time right now but as I sat across from her today and listened to her speak - there is peace in her heart - our faces reflect our hearts like looking into a pool of water - we project what is on the inside of us for others to see. She is living bold for God right now - full trust and faith in Jesus.
Love you all,
Randy
Being bold for God is not always easy. Its easy to preach and praise God when things are going well but it's hard to walk that line when we are hurting and struggling with things. Being bold for God sometimes hurts people's feeling and many times, people around us don't know us anymore because we have changed. Many times instead of being bold for God we tend to hide in the shadows - we don't offer the hand to someone because we are afraid - afraid of what people might say or what they might think. Many times - these same folks don't know Jesus - our outreach might be just what they need to turn their lives around. Jesus does that to people - He may close a door in your life but will open a better door that He has planned for you. There is no favortism in heaven - God does not love one person more than another - He does not give to one and not another - he doesn't answer a prayer from this person and not the next. We may not always get what we ask for - but there is reason for that. We might not like the answer we get sometimes - we give up many times on praying long before God is ready to deliver what we ask for. Its in his time and in His way -
Friends, like I told my pastor this morning - hold your head high for Jesus - be bold and stand firm on what you believe - God did not give up on you.... don't give up on Him.
We are here to please God in what we are doing here - not to please people and worry about what they will think and what they will say. I had this fear for many years - afraid of failure and afraid of people getting too close. I am not afraid anymore.........
Live bold for God!!!! How can we grow as Christians - if we are hiding in the shadows or go out on a limb? Bold is scary - bold is daring - bold is no safety net in front of people - bold is putting yourself out there for others to mock and pick at but Bold is worth it when it comes to Jesus. The more time spent in Gods word - the more you will understand and the more God will bless you with understanding.
I had lunch with my dear friend Shelley today - its her birthday today! Happy birthday Shelley! She and her family are having a hard time right now but as I sat across from her today and listened to her speak - there is peace in her heart - our faces reflect our hearts like looking into a pool of water - we project what is on the inside of us for others to see. She is living bold for God right now - full trust and faith in Jesus.
Love you all,
Randy
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Confessions of being all in......
Its time finally to step up to the plate- especially being that its holy week, Good Friday is this Friday and Easter is Sunday. I have a confession to make and this might surprise a few people but its time to let it out. Reason being I am choosing today is because God deserves me to be all in. He deserves that my family is all in. We are not half way, in one day out the next. We all strive to make the most of every situation for Him. We all fall short on that but we strive to give everything we have to what is most important. I am sorry this is going to be a long blog but hang in there for a few more minutes. Last year I had to go for some tests on my Thyroid. I have been having problems swallowing and pressure in my neck with some discomfort. I made arrangements to see the doctor and he noticed after checking me out that something was not right. After my ultrasound they discovered I have 2 tumors on my Thyroid. I remember that phone call with the news from the doctors office - how sick feeling I was and feeling like I was going to puke. I don't even remember what she told me so I called Carol and had her call back to get the details. Being that thyroid cancer runs in my family - they ordered a test for cancer. My mom had just passed away from cancer and all of this is running through my mind just as fast as anything. I had to go to the hospital and swallow a nuclear pill that the thyroid sucks the radioactive stuff up from my body - the pill came in like this bomb looking container, it was wild. The next day I had to have another scan and it was determined that I don't have cancer - at least at this time. But I do have 2 nodules, tumors, growths - what ever you want to call it on both sides of my thyroid. 9mm and 4 mm on each side. Why are you asking right now - Why don't I know this? Because I don't need worry - prayer is the only thing that changes anything.
During this time I had got enough courage up, especially after my aunt Sharon talked enough to me, to share this news with my church and Pastor Jimmy and a few praying family members. I remember that afternoon for lunch going to the church's men's lunch across the street at the wing place and Jimmy opened with prayer. How awesome that prayer was asking for healing and for nothing to be wrong - never letting out who he was praying for, but I knew. I remember the love in his eyes as he looked over at me afterwards and he could tell by my look - I was thanking him. Its during these times loved ones, that we have to give up on ourselves, to submit to God and be "all in" to experience the peace, mercy and grace that He has for us. I recently shared that story with one of my cousins who is having some health issues now and he does not know Jesus. I asked him after my story to meet Jesus half way - to come to Him and truly know this peace and comfort that I am trying to explain here.
Folks, we have to be all in - we can't feel like doing this one day and not the next. We have to keep our fire burning for Jesus in our lives. Its personal and there is nothing to hide about any of it. If you have accepted Christ - than you would be sharing that with the world - everyone will need to know you have been saved. Its worth celebrating!!! If you haven't or if your not sure - than your not. We will all face God when our time comes - we will have to answer for all our actions. If we are at home claiming to be Christians and not doing what we are called to do in this life - What will we have to say for ourselves? Do we just show up at church and listen to the message being delivered and say I wish so and so was here to hear this? Folks that message is for you! We are called to be ministers to the message. Serving in our church, being a part of a small group family, learning and being, expanding our knowledge and understanding, surrounding ourselves with godly people who will love us and care for us and who will pray for us! We need to be serving the community and reaching the lost people in the name of Jesus.
We all need to be in - totally committed to what God has called us to do. We are the body of Christ and He is using us to do His will on earth. Yes its hard, yes it sometimes takes us out of our comfort zone and we have to give up control of what we are doing - but its so worth it. I have learned many things since leading my Rock Group the last few months. We are all committed to serving, the church and each other. I don't have to save anyone in this family but I do have to focus them, give them encouragement and teach them something that I too am learning! I will set expectations with my next group whenever that is that this group will be a serving group - no matter what. Committed - 100% in. This is why our Rock Group is rocking - we are on the same page and we are taking the level of expectation for the other groups to step up to the plate for Jesus - for our church and for the lost people we are trying to reach with the Good News!
Friends, be committed to something - make a decision and put God first in your life. He will take you places if you give Him priority. This stuff is hard for me to share - because I want everyone to GET IT. I want us to be the body of Christ together........ You included.
I love you all,
In Christ,
Randy~
During this time I had got enough courage up, especially after my aunt Sharon talked enough to me, to share this news with my church and Pastor Jimmy and a few praying family members. I remember that afternoon for lunch going to the church's men's lunch across the street at the wing place and Jimmy opened with prayer. How awesome that prayer was asking for healing and for nothing to be wrong - never letting out who he was praying for, but I knew. I remember the love in his eyes as he looked over at me afterwards and he could tell by my look - I was thanking him. Its during these times loved ones, that we have to give up on ourselves, to submit to God and be "all in" to experience the peace, mercy and grace that He has for us. I recently shared that story with one of my cousins who is having some health issues now and he does not know Jesus. I asked him after my story to meet Jesus half way - to come to Him and truly know this peace and comfort that I am trying to explain here.
Folks, we have to be all in - we can't feel like doing this one day and not the next. We have to keep our fire burning for Jesus in our lives. Its personal and there is nothing to hide about any of it. If you have accepted Christ - than you would be sharing that with the world - everyone will need to know you have been saved. Its worth celebrating!!! If you haven't or if your not sure - than your not. We will all face God when our time comes - we will have to answer for all our actions. If we are at home claiming to be Christians and not doing what we are called to do in this life - What will we have to say for ourselves? Do we just show up at church and listen to the message being delivered and say I wish so and so was here to hear this? Folks that message is for you! We are called to be ministers to the message. Serving in our church, being a part of a small group family, learning and being, expanding our knowledge and understanding, surrounding ourselves with godly people who will love us and care for us and who will pray for us! We need to be serving the community and reaching the lost people in the name of Jesus.
We all need to be in - totally committed to what God has called us to do. We are the body of Christ and He is using us to do His will on earth. Yes its hard, yes it sometimes takes us out of our comfort zone and we have to give up control of what we are doing - but its so worth it. I have learned many things since leading my Rock Group the last few months. We are all committed to serving, the church and each other. I don't have to save anyone in this family but I do have to focus them, give them encouragement and teach them something that I too am learning! I will set expectations with my next group whenever that is that this group will be a serving group - no matter what. Committed - 100% in. This is why our Rock Group is rocking - we are on the same page and we are taking the level of expectation for the other groups to step up to the plate for Jesus - for our church and for the lost people we are trying to reach with the Good News!
Friends, be committed to something - make a decision and put God first in your life. He will take you places if you give Him priority. This stuff is hard for me to share - because I want everyone to GET IT. I want us to be the body of Christ together........ You included.
I love you all,
In Christ,
Randy~
Monday, April 2, 2007
Through a Fathers faith.....
A child is not likely to find a father in God unless he finds something of God in his father.
This explains many things for those of us who have not put their hearts into Jesus. They choose to take the word of man to explain everything that is unknown. God has given us free will, He has given us a choice to follow Him or not. Many did not believe Jesus even though He walked with them and healed many around them. They chose not to believe - then - many choose not to believe now. By Gods grace I will let them see God in me.
My son asked me tonight - "Daddy, why do some people not go to church?" I said because God has given us the freedom to choose to go or not to go. Even though He loves us all the same. He then said, "I don't see why they don't go, we go to the coolest church in the world!" I couldn't agree more......
Lord Jesus, I do believe in you. I have accepted you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. Thank you for saving me! Because of your grace and my faith, I am a child of the living God. I praise you. What a privilege! What joy to know that in every situation I have a loving, wise, and good heavenly Father to counsel and help me. Thank You for loving me Lord and setting an example for my family and for shining through me for them to see. Thank You for Your son, Jesus - who makes everything possible.
Amen
This explains many things for those of us who have not put their hearts into Jesus. They choose to take the word of man to explain everything that is unknown. God has given us free will, He has given us a choice to follow Him or not. Many did not believe Jesus even though He walked with them and healed many around them. They chose not to believe - then - many choose not to believe now. By Gods grace I will let them see God in me.
My son asked me tonight - "Daddy, why do some people not go to church?" I said because God has given us the freedom to choose to go or not to go. Even though He loves us all the same. He then said, "I don't see why they don't go, we go to the coolest church in the world!" I couldn't agree more......
Lord Jesus, I do believe in you. I have accepted you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. Thank you for saving me! Because of your grace and my faith, I am a child of the living God. I praise you. What a privilege! What joy to know that in every situation I have a loving, wise, and good heavenly Father to counsel and help me. Thank You for loving me Lord and setting an example for my family and for shining through me for them to see. Thank You for Your son, Jesus - who makes everything possible.
Amen
Friendships...
One of the things I have learned from reading the Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren is the importance of building friendships within our church cannot be overemphasized enough. Relationships are what hold’s the church together. Friendships are the key to retaining members.
Research shows that the more friendships a person has in a congregation, the less likely he or she is to become inactive or leave. A survey was recently completed on 400 church dropouts – 75% of those surveyed responded “I didn’t feel anyone cared whether I was there or not.”
One of the many aspects that our church -your church - Gods church is that “If you come here, we are going to love you. No matter who you are or what you look like or what you’ve done, you’re going to be loved in this place.”
Families are based on relationships and those too have people who walk out on them as well - A church is a family of people all focused on the same mission - all doing life together and helping each other. Is this your idea of dedication? - is your heart behind doing for others - especially those in your family? So much rides on keeping everyone in the game...... be a person who loves regardless of what has happened - this is what Jesus teaches us. Foregiveness~ Acceptance~ Its more than just believing - its Belonging
I know many right now in my life and probably in yours - family and friends - people who are close to you who are saying - "I dont feel as if anyone cares - whether I am here or not". Nothing could be further from the truth.
John8:31
31-32Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."
Imagine being that person who could not see and Jesus comes - rubs some dirt and mud on your eyes and you are healed - able to see for the first time. Jesus can do that for you. Your eyes will be opened for the first time - This week loved ones - close your eyes and imagine what God could do in your life if you let Him. Imagine where He would take you..........
Research shows that the more friendships a person has in a congregation, the less likely he or she is to become inactive or leave. A survey was recently completed on 400 church dropouts – 75% of those surveyed responded “I didn’t feel anyone cared whether I was there or not.”
One of the many aspects that our church -your church - Gods church is that “If you come here, we are going to love you. No matter who you are or what you look like or what you’ve done, you’re going to be loved in this place.”
Families are based on relationships and those too have people who walk out on them as well - A church is a family of people all focused on the same mission - all doing life together and helping each other. Is this your idea of dedication? - is your heart behind doing for others - especially those in your family? So much rides on keeping everyone in the game...... be a person who loves regardless of what has happened - this is what Jesus teaches us. Foregiveness~ Acceptance~ Its more than just believing - its Belonging
I know many right now in my life and probably in yours - family and friends - people who are close to you who are saying - "I dont feel as if anyone cares - whether I am here or not". Nothing could be further from the truth.
John8:31
31-32Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."
Imagine being that person who could not see and Jesus comes - rubs some dirt and mud on your eyes and you are healed - able to see for the first time. Jesus can do that for you. Your eyes will be opened for the first time - This week loved ones - close your eyes and imagine what God could do in your life if you let Him. Imagine where He would take you..........
Psalm 116
1-6 I love God because he listened to me, listened as I begged for mercy. He listened so intently as I laid out my case before him. Death stared me in the face, hell was hard on my heels. Up against it, I didn't know which way to turn; then I called out to God for help: "Please, God!" I cried out. "Save my life!" God is gracious—it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God. God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me. 7-8 I said to myself, "Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you've been rescued from death; Eye, you've been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling." 9-11 I'm striding in the presence of God, alive in the land of the living! I stayed faithful, though bedeviled, and despite a ton of bad luck, Despite giving up on the human race, saying, "They're all liars and cheats." 12-19 What can I give back to God for the blessings he's poured out on me? I'll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God! I'll pray in the name of God; I'll complete what I promised God I'd do, and I'll do it together with his people. When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him. Oh, God, here I am, your servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your service! I'm ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God. I'll complete what I promised God I'd do, and I'll do it in company with his people, In the place of worship, in God's house, in Jerusalem, God's city. Hallelujah!
Holy week.......
Never in my life has Easter meant so much to me. The old me -Easter was always about making eggs, buying my mom a lily or some other type of plant so she can put it in the yard - it meant having a family get together - but never did we really respect the day with a church service - all the things that took place on Good Friday - acknowledging Jesus dying on the cross for me and being raised from the dead on Sunday. 2000 years ago the events unfolded and still many continue to not believe the greatest events in our history. This is the super bowl here folks - Jesus being raised from the dead - it means we are in victory over death! He made a way for us - for all who take up our mats and walk with Him. Without Jesus resurrection than we have nothing - no hope in this life or in the one after! Why do we continue to push Christ away and do what we want to do? For one nobody wants to think about death - we all think we have time and we will be here to make the "deal" when our time does come. Not everyone will have that chance and spending eternity away from Jesus is not something we should be willing to risk. One thing is for sure - Jesus came and we have been forever changed. Its a personal walk loved ones - no one can accept Jesus for you - There are many probably around you that have been praying for you for a long time - for your heart to soften enough to be open to what God has in store for you.
I got an email from a dear friend of mine this morning - as I read this email tears started to flow from my eyes because this email explained in detail yesterdays church service with her husband. For years this friend has followed the Lord, has been faithful over the years and has fought so hard for her marriage - yesterday her husband had a moment - an eye opening awakening! He told her that he had lived his entire life for himself and he is not happy. As he had made fun of the choir over the years he finally realized that they were singing to the same God with love and passion he knew nothing about. They both are going through a hard time right now and her faith is being pushed to the limit and I am praying hard for this family - for those teachable moments that she will have for her husband. The distant shore is closer than we think loved ones - sometimes we just give up too early. Dig deep and examine yourself - are you happy in life? Do you have direction and purpose? Are you experiencing friends who really love and care for you? Maybe your pushing when you should be accepting and pulling people close - Jesus can do this for you. For His blood was shed 2000 years ago for YOU.
Easter services at church is the one time a year that people come to find out about God and Jesus - be one of them this year. Open your mind and heart and see what God has in store for you. You'll never be the same again.....
Love you all - if you need a place to go to church - email me - I am officially inviting you to come.
Randy~
Luke 22:
63The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" 65And they said many other insulting things to him.
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod 66At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67"If you are the Christ,[a]" they said, "tell us."
Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
70They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am."
71Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
I got an email from a dear friend of mine this morning - as I read this email tears started to flow from my eyes because this email explained in detail yesterdays church service with her husband. For years this friend has followed the Lord, has been faithful over the years and has fought so hard for her marriage - yesterday her husband had a moment - an eye opening awakening! He told her that he had lived his entire life for himself and he is not happy. As he had made fun of the choir over the years he finally realized that they were singing to the same God with love and passion he knew nothing about. They both are going through a hard time right now and her faith is being pushed to the limit and I am praying hard for this family - for those teachable moments that she will have for her husband. The distant shore is closer than we think loved ones - sometimes we just give up too early. Dig deep and examine yourself - are you happy in life? Do you have direction and purpose? Are you experiencing friends who really love and care for you? Maybe your pushing when you should be accepting and pulling people close - Jesus can do this for you. For His blood was shed 2000 years ago for YOU.
Easter services at church is the one time a year that people come to find out about God and Jesus - be one of them this year. Open your mind and heart and see what God has in store for you. You'll never be the same again.....
Love you all - if you need a place to go to church - email me - I am officially inviting you to come.
Randy~
Luke 22:
63The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" 65And they said many other insulting things to him.
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod 66At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67"If you are the Christ,[a]" they said, "tell us."
Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
70They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am."
71Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
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