No Place Like Home

Tis the Season for giving and receiving gifts, preparing and serving holiday foods, dessert and special candies. It is also the season for having company come to your house. Some company comes over for a meal or dessert and coffee, other company comes to your house to spend a night or two, but either way the idea of “company’s coming” sends most host families into a “get ready for company” mode.

If you house is like mine, the “get ready” mode includes cleaning the house from top to bottom cleaning the carpet and tile, bathrooms, and making sure all the beds have clean sheets and the bathrooms have fresh towels. Then there is the preparation of food, which includes agreeing on a menu and shopping for all the ingredients to prepare the meal(s). Having company over during the holidays is a big deal. Most families look forward to company coming during the holidays for weeks or months and they plan and prepare for days making sure everything is just right for their special guests.

Most of the time the special guests who come for the holidays are extended family members or older children who are coming home for a good visit. The anticipation of children and family coming to your house for the holidays grows and grows as the day of their arrival draws closer and then before you know it your special guests which you have planned for are in your home and all your planning for preparation goes into action as you play the part of host or hostess during the holiday visit.

You know how all that experience feels especially when you are looking forward to family members coming to your house. The anticipation, the joy and happiness upon their arrival, the celebration of family being together. Can you imagine what God the Father is going through as He looks forward to all of His family coming home to spend eternity with Him?

Jesus says in John 14, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Imagine for a moment what it will be like when all of God’s family goes home to praise God in His house. You talk about a party…. A family reunion…. A celebration!

So this Christmas season as you celebration the birth of Jesus and as you prepare for and enjoy family take some time to look forward to the time that you will be able to stand in the presences of God in His house and know that you are home for eternity. Then you can truly say, “There is no place like home!” I bet God gives the best hugs ever.

Love God. God Love Others.

The Christmas Transformation

Just after Thanksgiving it happens in neighborhoods all over town and throughout the country…the Christmas Transformation. The Christmas Transformation is the process of changing the everyday look of a house into a house which reflects the spirit of Christmas. As you drive around town at night you see everything from a simple candle placed on a window seal to houses being completely outlined with lights to houses which resemble the Griswold’s house in the movie “Christmas Vacation”. Some homeowners go to all the trouble to cut out Christmas characters and place them on their lawn. Some have music playing outside. It really is an interesting process to witness. Some of the families who decorate their house go to a lot of person trouble and they take up a great deal of time and energy. Others simply call up a Christmas Light decorating service to do all the work for them, which seems to be the way to go if you can afford the service.

As you drive around the city you will find that some neighborhoods have almost every house decorated for the holiday season and then there are neighborhoods like the one I live in where most of the houses have little or no decoration. For some families the idea of going to that much trouble to change the appearance of your house for one month is just too much work for too short of time. I know for many homes the amount of effort which is put into the decorating of the house is in direct proportion to the number of children in the house and their collective ages. It seems that the older your children get or the fewer children you have at home the less likely it is that you will do any decorating unless of course the grandchildren are coming and then all bets are off.

The Christmas Transformation… what a process… but is it what the season is all about? This season of the year that brings about a short pause in our busy lives to reflect upon the birth of the Christ child should in some way bring about a transformation within the hearts of all those who believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. This is a wonderful time of year to be reminded that those who wear the name Christian have a story to tell and it is a story which has the power to transform an ordinary person into a child of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is a story that has been told millions of times over the last 2000 years. It is a story that has changed the hearts of people of all races and from all places. It is a story that has changed the direction of entire nations of people. Most of all it is a story that can take the hardest heart and turn that heart into one who loves God completely.

So this year as you and your family drive around town looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights which brighten up our spirits for a few short weeks remember the real reason for the season is to remind you of the story that has the power to change the world forever. You have a story to tell so go ahead… tell it…let the world know the reason you have joy in your heart everyday and not just for a season. Tell you neighbors how they too can have peace on earth. Go ahead…. Tell the story.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Welcome to Our World

Recently my wife and I attended a concert which mainly featured songs for the Christmas season. Most of the music was familiar to me, but one of them was new to me and it was a very beautiful song called “Welcome to Our World”. The lyrics are:

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child
Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world

I have to tell you, I love this song even though I have only heard it once. Though I love the song I will take one issue with it, this world is not ours, it is His. “This is my Father’s world” and everything in it and on it belongs to him. As a matter of fact you and I belong to him – we are his creation made in his likeness and in his image. My plea this day is simple, live in such a way as to welcome Jesus into your life each day.

You see it is one thing to say, “Welcome to our world” please help us and save us. It is an entirely different thing to welcome the Lord Jesus Christ into your life daily and allow him to move you and work through you to glorify the creator of the world - God the Father. Your daily prayer should be to allow Jesus to control the thoughts of your mind and the words of your mouth and the actions of your hands and to in every way possible help you to present yourself as a living sacrifice to the Father.

In this Christmas season share the Joy of Jesus living in your life with those who are living around you. Encourage everyone to welcome Jesus into their life and celebrate the gift from the Father to the world he created and loves.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Love God. Go Love Others.

The Perfect Gift

Here we are …. again, entering the Christmas shopping season. It is interesting to discover the different approaches to Christmas shopping by various people. I know adults who will begin their shopping for next Christmas almost the moment this Christmas is over. I have actually heard someone say, “I’ll get you that for next year” while their friend was opening gifts. On the other extreme you have those who buy gifts at the last possible moment. There is not a lot of time or thought put into the gift or the shopping for the gift. Then somewhere in the middle of those two extremes are the people who spend weeks if not months thinking about the perfect gift to buy for each person on their Christmas shopping list. These people will check all the ads, they will check on-line, they will go from store to store comparing prices, and they go to every possible extreme to make sure the gift they are buying is just perfect.

Once they have found the perfect gift that is only half the experience, next comes finding the perfect way to wrap or present this perfect gift to this special person in their life. They will look for just the right wrapping paper or just the right gift bag and accessorize the bag or the wrapping with the perfect ribbon and bow. Oh, and don’t forget the card. The card may just be the most important part of the gift giving experience. The perfect card along with the perfect gift makes it extremely difficult if not impossible for the receiver to exchange your “perfect” gift, but they will.

I am half way kidding of course, but I do know people who more often than not exchange the gifts given to them for something they really want and/or need. You almost want to tell the person, “Here is cash – get what you want”. As a matter of fact there comes a time when cash or gift cards may be the “perfect” gift for most people.

The older I get the more grateful I am for the one perfect gift I have received. The gift Jesus Christ gave me on the cross is the perfect gift. It is most certainly something I needed and could not buy for myself. Without it I would be lost forever. Without it I would not know the love, grace and mercy of God the Father.

How about you, have you been to the cross and found your perfect gift? This season is all about finding Jesus, but not the one everyone is looking for – you know – the Jesus all wrapped up in blankets in a manger. I like that picture of Jesus, but the view of Jesus that gives you life, hope and joy is the view of him on the cross. So in this season of “Joy to the World” keep looking for Jesus until you find “Amazing Grace” and then and only then will you have “Peace, Perfect Peace”.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Blessed and Thankful

Most of the time when you greet someone and ask him or her how he or she are doing you will get back from them the standard, “I’m fine”. Some have begun to copy the Dave Ramsey reply, which is, “better than I deserve” or something similar. I have an acquaintance, which I see from time to time when I am shopping at Market Street that has an excellent reply to the standard question, when I see him and ask how he is doing his reply is always, “I am blessed and thankful”.

I am blessed and thankful. What a wonderful summary of life for anyone who is living as one of God’s children. As I sit here this morning while the sun is rising on another day it is cloudy in North Texas and even though I cannot see the sun I know that it is there. Not too long ago this morning there was darkness, but now there is light and I can see all that was hidden in the darkness the trees, flowers and my neighbors dog which barks all night. The sun has illuminated all that was in the darkness and another day has begun.

The sun has signaled the beginning of another day, but the Son has given the day to me. The sun has given me light for the day, but the Son has brought me out of the darkness into the light so that I may walk with him this day. The Son makes all things possible. The Son is the giver of all good and perfect gifts. Even though I cannot see the Son, I know He is there. The Son makes it possible for me to say on this new day that I too am “Blessed and Thankful!”

I have had a wonderful life. I was raised by two loving and amazing parents who still bless my life with love and joy and acceptance. My parents introduced me to a life of faithfulness and they showed me how to live a life pleasing the Son and the Father. I am blessed and thankful.

I have an amazing wife who loves me unconditionally and she has shared with me a life full of joy, kindness and laughter (and an occasional chocolate pie). She has given me three wonderful children who have filled my life with love, adventure, laughter and wonder. I have in-laws who love me like I was their own son. They have been a constant source of loving support and acceptance. I am blessed and thankful.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea my life is full of blessings and for that I am thankful. I know that this is Thanksgiving week and each of us is taking time to reflect on how thankful we are for what God has blessed us with in life. I just want to encourage you to live a life of thankfulness daily. Those who have been saved by the grace of God should begin each day with a heart of gratitude being thankful for all the Father has provided. I want to encourage you to begin and end each day with the acknowledgment that you are “blessed and thankful”.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Direction

Many, many years ago my preschool age daughter and I were running an errand in the car when she asked me an interesting question, she asked, “how does the car know where we are going?” I asked her to explain her question and she went on to say, “Before the car turns those arrows light up.” She had never noticed that I was moving the switch that turned on the turn signal. We have laughed about that moment many times over the years and with any luck at all we will remember it for years to come.

That experience has often caused me think and maybe even ponder the question, how do I know where I am going? Life presents so many options on a daily basis and some how you and I navigate through those choices and get to the end of each day. The question is valid for each of us, what are the guiding principles for our life. Those who are Christ follower choose to follow in His steps. We strive to do things the way Jesus would to the best of our ability.

When asked about what is important in life Jesus said, “to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength” and then he said that the next most important thing is to “love you neighbor as yourself”. How do those commands influence your life direction? Think about that question for a moment….. In what way is your life different when you choose to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? In what way is your life different when you choose to love your neighbor in the same way you would like to be loved?

Do you spend more time in prayer and Bible study? Do you spend more time meditating on his word and his will for you life? Do you live your life in such a way that says to the Father, “I love you”? Do you go out of your way to show love and respect to your neighbor and others in your community? Do you look for opportunities to serve others? Do you look for opportunities to build up your fellow Christians and encourage them to follow Jesus more perfectly? Does loving God and loving your neighbor help you determine the direction of your life?

At some point someone in your life may stop and ask you why you live the way you live and why your life direction is pointed towards Jesus and the cross. At that moment you will have the opportunity to be a witness to the fact that the love of God and his Son compel you to live your life with purpose and direction.

You see my friend when you have stood at the foot of the cross and realized that it should have been you nailed to that tree – that changes everything. From that moment on your life is all about loving the One who gives you life. From that moment on finding direction for your life is simple, just keep your eyes on Jesus and He will lead you home.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Veteran's Day Special

Over my life time I have seen countless movies and television programs depicting in one way or another the life, adventures and sacrifices made by those who serve in our nations armed services. Some have been humorous such as Gomer Pile, Hogan’s Heroes and Mash. Some have been dramatic such as 12 O’clock High and Band of Brothers. The big screen has given us stories that have stirred our hearts and minds such as Patton, Saving Private Ryan, Pearl Harbor, We Were Soldiers and Iwo Jima and many, many more. I am sure that most of us have our favorites. My favorite may be The Patriot with Mel Gibson.

Behind each of these stories, television shows and movies is a truth – since the beginning of this great nation, men and women have served this country by fighting for our freedom. For over 234 years men and women have served this country to secure our freedom and our rights. Some have carried a musket and some a M16. Some have loaded and shot cannons mounted to wagon wheels and others have used laser guided missiles with GPS devices. Some rode horse back and others have flown faster than the speed of sound. Some have paddled a small boat across rivers or down streams while others have circled the globe in a nuclear submarine. Some have caused pain and destruction while others have mended the wounds of those who fight. Men and women serving together with one cause – to serve, defend and protect the United States of America.

How does a nation properly say thank you to our son’s and daughters who are willing to serve this nation in such a selfless way? How do you thank someone who is willing to travel around the world to fight for a cause and a way of life? How do you thank a young man or young lady who is willing to go and do what most of us are unwilling to go and do? How do you thank someone who is willing to leave their wife and children for a tour or two or three in order to protect your wife and children? How do you thank someone who is willing, if need be, to die so that a nation might survive? How do you thank those who are the best among us?

Adequate words of gratitude and thanks do not come to mind for how I feel about those who give up so much and have so little so that I can have the opportunity to have everything. So on this Veteran’s Day I simply say from the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU! Without your service this great nation would not and could not exist. I thank God for you and your families. May the God of Peace be with you all the days of your life.

Peace to all.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Wilson - Wilson

Through out my life there have been several characters on the television and big screen with the name Wilson that have had an impact on my life to one degree or another. First was Mr. Wilson the next door neighbor of Dennis who over the years helped to shape the life and character of Dennis the Menace. The show was just as much about Mr. Wilson as it was Dennis. Then of course you can not over look Wilson Wilson from “Home Improvement”. There were many times that the advice he gave to Tim was also good advice for me and countless other husbands and dads. I have never had a neighbor which was able or willing to give good advice. For a short period of time it was nice to have a good neighbor on TV.

The Big Screen gave us “Wilson” which was volleyball in the movie “Castaway” starring Tom Hanks. “Wilson” turned out to be much more than volleyball; he was also a companion, confidant, and friend who could listen for hours on end. It was really too bad that he did not survive the trip home.

This past World Series gave you and me a pair of Wilsons, two pitchers, one on each team. Each of these Wilsons gave us some exciting baseball moments and some things about life to ponder. C.J. Wilson the starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers had an excellent year of pitching and a pretty good post season. In addition to baseball he is know for living a “Straight Edge” lifestyle. In short, this is a life style that calls a person to a life of no alcohol, no drugs and no promiscuity. I commend C.J. for wanting to live such a life style and for being so open about it.

On the San Francisco Giants team the pitcher Brian Wilson is quite the character with his jet black beard and his intense approach to the game and his pitching. He is truly an amazing pitcher. His pitching caught my attention, but not as much as his post victory gesture. If you have not seen it the gesture is an “X” formed by his forearms. Here is what Brian says about the gesture, “when I cross my arms, I have my left hand in the fist and my right hand goes underneath pointing with my index finger. What I’ve taken into my own belief is that this finger represents one man. I’m that one person and I can only go so far in life leaning on my own understanding and my own strength. The fist represents the power of the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The fist is symbolic of a circle. It’s never ending. This strength will only continue to grow. So here’s the strength of God and the strength of man, and without him, I am nothing. I can only go so far in this life, but with the strength of Christ I can do anything through him who strengthens me.”

Two Wilsons living the life of a baseball player and trying to make a difference in the world around them and trying to influence people for good. I am not sure about the faith or belief system of C.J., but I do know that Brian Wilson is passionate about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and everything that he does in life is a reflection of his faith.

So here is the question for you, does your life reflect the fact that you believe Jesus Christ to be both Lord and Savior of your life? Do the people around you know that you are a person of faith and conviction? I’m not saying you should start throwing up the crossed arms with the fist and finger, but I am saying that in all you do and say the people in your life should know without a doubt that Jesus in the King of your life. Think about it.

Love God. Go Love Others.

The Whole Enchilada

Recently my parents were in town for a doctor’s appointment. Most of the time when they come to town I go to lunch with them before they head back home to Canton. Nine times out of ten they will want to eat at the Whataburger. My dad always gets the Whataburger Jr. with a Senior drink and my mom always gets two chicken strips and a Senior drink. Their orders are always the same, which makes it easy to order for them if they are running late because of traffic.

Well on this particular day I suggested that we go to El Fenix. They have always liked eating there ever since eating at the one in town downtown Dallas over 50 years ago. For as long as I can remember my mother has ordered one Chicken Enchilada. That is it – just one Chicken Enchilada. For some reason on this occasion she asked me what I was having. I said, “The number two lunch”, which is two cheese enchiladas with rice and beans. She thought that sounded good to her and she said she wanted to try something new.

When the waiter came to the table he took my dad’s order and then he took my order. Then he turned his attention to my mother who said, “I’m going to have the number two except I don’t want the rice and beans and instead of cheese enchiladas I just want one Chicken Enchilada. Change is difficult.

That is the way life is for most of us, we have changes that we either want to make or need to make and most of the time making the change is hard to do. I just want to give you some encouragement this week to take a serious look at your life and the changes you need to make. For some it may be the need to loose a few pounds or start an exercise program. For others it may be the need to spend more time in the Word of God or more time in prayer. Maybe you need to spend more time looking for opportunities to serve others or participate in a ministry at your church. Maybe you need to spend more time with your own children making sure they have all the love and nurture they need from their mom or dad.

Just take some time to look at your life, your walk with Jesus, your relationships with family and friends. In what way could you improve your life? What changes do you need to make in order to be a better spouse, better friend, better parent or child, a better neighbor, a better church family member, a better follower of Jesus Christ?

Here is a simple plan for making changes in your life: 1. Realize the change that needs to be made in your life. 2. Have a desire to make the needed change. 3. Develop a plan to change with an end goal in mind. 4. Work the plan. 5. Stay in prayer.

May God bless you and I as we seek to make the changes in life we need to make in order to be more pleasing to the Father. Oh by the way, last week my mom ordered Chalupas – it was a landmark day.

Love God. Go Love Others.

The Strongest and the Weakest

If I were to tell you that I am very impressed with the Texas Rangers Baseball team that would be an understatement. Yes, it is true that their 90 wins in the regular season was impressive for this young team. Yes, it is also true that their winning the Division Series against Tampa Bay was impressive. Yes it is exceptionally true that their winning the ACLS over the giant 210 million dollar New York Yankees was most impressive. The fact that this young team is going to the World Series is impressive in so many ways, but that is not what impresses me the most.

For me the most impressive thing about this young team is that they seem to understand the concept of team. It has been awhile in the arena of professional sports that you and I have been able to witness a bunch of highly paid athletes functioning as a team on every level. The players seem to have a very difficult time talking about themselves as individual players. For each player it is all about the team and how great the team is.

One of the most impressive and moving things they have done as a team has been their constant love and respect the team has shown toward their strongest and weakest player. Josh Hamilton is easily the strongest player on team and maybe the entire American League. He is also the weakest because of his addiction to drugs and alcohol. At the moment Josh has his addiction under control by the grace of God and the support of people who hold him accountable. The impressive part about his weakness is how the team supports him and gives him an amazing amount of love and support. During a time when most teams would be popping Champagne bottles this team first reaches for the Ginger Ale for their initial celebration. They do this out of love and respect for their weakest player the great Josh Hamilton.

That is really what each of us is called to do in our Christian walk. You and I are called to love, respect and support those around us who are the weakest among us. In a world that seems to revolve around “self” it is a challenge to remember to put others first and to seek out those who need special help and attention. Paul said it this way in his Philippian letter, “ If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

So let each of us take a lesson from the Texas Rangers and live out the instructions from God to “consider others better than yourself”. Let us find ways to elevate those who are the weakest among us and treat them with love and support. The most important thing you can do each day is to make someone else feel important and special.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Ultimate Sacrifice

This past Friday afternoon I just happened to be at the intersection of Industrial and Airport when the traffic was stopped by three Collin County Constable units. I sat there for awhile wondering what was going on. I thought that was a strange place to stop traffic for no apparent reason. After a minute or two the Constable units were replaced by McKinney police units and then a few motorcycle units drove by and I began to think to myself that something special must be going on, then about that time around fifty bikers with United States of America flags attached drove by. Then I saw the hearse and it hit me, this was the day that Army Pfc. Cody A. Board was coming home. I will never forget this moment in time. What a moving event to witness, the honoring of a young man who gave his life for his country.

Last year this young man was in High School just across the street from our church. He had his whole life ahead of him along with plenty of choices to make about his future. He chose to serve his country. He chose to protect our rights and freedoms as Americans. He chose to put himself in harms way so that you and me would not have to and so you and me could live our life in the way that we chose to live it. On October 4, 2010 Cody A. Board made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

This scene is replayed all over our country from time to time (way too often). A young man or woman who has chosen to serve their country gives their life for their country and they come home in a flag draped coffin. There is an official escort; a full military funeral and the presentation of an American Flag to the parents or spouse along with the sincere appreciation from the Commander and Chief on behave of the nation. Then it’s over…except for the pain and memories of a loved one who has died fighting for a cause much greater than them.

I do not know the family of Cody Board, but I hope they know how much I along with you appreciate the service and sacrifice they have made. Freedom is not free. Freedom comes at great cost and sacrifice. Without men and women who love their country enough to fight for it and die for it we would not have a United States of America. This great nation of ours did not just happen. It happened because millions of men and women have pledged to serve, protect, and fight and if needed die for their country.

The freedom you and I have in Christ was not free either. The victory over death and the promise of eternal life with God came at great cost and sacrifice. For that I will be eternally thankful.

Once you understand the sacrifices made for your life and your eternal life you are never the same. The Stars and Stripes are no longer just a flag to be flown over ball fields and post offices. The Flag is a constant reminder of the high cost of freedom. To a greater degree every time I see a cross I am reminded of the high cost of spiritual freedom. I am reminded of the love Jesus has for me.

My prayer this day is one of thankfulness for all those who have made my life possible and for the One and Only who makes eternal life possible. May I live my life in such a way as to show true appreciation for both.

Love God. Go Love Others.

New Bulb - No Light

Has this ever happened to you? You change a light bulb and turn on the switch and the new bulb does not work. I am sure that has happened to most of us who have to change light bulbs from time to time and it happened to me just the other day. One of our lights in our bedroom had been out for several days and finally I went to effort to bring the ladder upstairs, which in and of itself is quite a chore. Well, between my wife and me we get the bulb changed and then we notice that the brand new light bulb right out of the box does not work. You know that is just the way life is some times.

Life does not always work the way you think or hope that it should. Even some of the simple things in life can become difficult. Something like changing a light bulb can become a difficult thing. Life is like that. You go through life with little or no problems and then boom! something happens to throw off your whole day or week or even change your life forever.

God promises that we will have difficult days, but he also promises that with faith we will be able to handle whatever comes our way. A burned out light bulb from time to time is just reminder that everything on this earth is temporary. That’s right temporary. You and I are here for just a short time and then our life on this side of eternity is over. It really is an “every second counts” world that we live in. Everything and everyone has a purpose to fulfill. Each person has their own journey or road to travel and you never know what is just ahead over the next hill or around the next curve, but we travel by faith knowing that God will see us through.

What is your purpose in this life? What have you been called to do or become? What are your gifts? What brings true joy to your life? What brings to you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction? Find the answer to those questions, and then set out to do those things in your life. Fulfill your God given purpose.

Jesus came so that we might have life and have it abundantly. As a matter of fact Jesus also said, “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” So a word to the wise and the unwise, make sure your journey is on that narrow path which has been set out by Jesus. It is the only path that leads to a home with the Father.

Remember, you were called to make a difference in this world. So get with it! Work hard! Serve with passion! Love with all your heart! At the end of your life…come home to the Father. The latch is on the outside and the light is always on.

Love God. Go Love Others.

The Box Score

Baseball is called America’s Past-Time. I must admit that I have really gotten into the Texas Rangers this season. They have been a fun team to watch both on and off the field. The whole “claw” and “antler” thing has give the team and their fans some added fun, but you have to know that all that would not be fun if they were not winning. Time will tell just how good this team really is this year. Baseball is an interesting sport. I don’t know of any other sport that keeps track of statistics the way they do in baseball. The important stat is the win loss record, which for the Ranger this year was 90-72. The game of baseball seems to keep track of everything from the number of At Bats, Runs, Hits, doubles, triples, HR, TB, BB, SO, SB, CS, OBD, SLG and of course the Batting AVG. Then they go further by tracking how well a particular player hits against a certain pitcher while runners are in scoring positions in the bottom of the 9th inning during a day game in the month of September. Yes, they really have those stats and the amazing thing to me is that someone gets paid to keep all those stats. Baseball is America’s Past-Time.

I wonder what it would be like if all of our life was tracked in the same way every detail of baseball is tracked. If we knew how often a salesman made a successful sale on a Monday morning after the Dallas Cowboys won their game on Sunday while the salesman wore his black pants, blue shirt and silver tie? Or if we knew how many times we said things we should not say while driving in traffic during rush hour while being 20 minutes late to work? Or what if all the interactions between our spouse and children were tracked and everyone knew when we acted nice or when we lost our temper or our patience or when we gave our wife flowers. What if all of your life what tracked and posted for everyone to read? The question is would that matter to you? Would it change the way you interacted with your spouse and your children? Would it change the way you acted in traffic or other challenging situations?

Well, to some degree those things are tracked by others. Your spouse and children know what your record is and the people in the grocery store sure know about your personality. And people do get to witness how you drive every morning and afternoon and you can be sure that if it is note worthy someone is telling a story about you.

You and I are called to live our life differently than those around us in this world. We are called to be “lights in a world of darkness”. We are called to make a difference in this world that will change the lives of others forever. So this is a gentle reminder for you and me that people are watching and some of them are keeping score.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Empty Rooms

Once in awhile I think to myself, “self, where did the time go?” It seems like only yesterday that our home was full of small children playing with trucks, footballs, dolls, dishes and a puppy. Gone are the days of playing in the park, pushing children in the swings and playing catch in the street. As my wife and I walk through the neighborhood now and see all the young children riding their bikes and their skateboards we often wonder where about how quickly time passed by.

The bedrooms in our home are empty and the house is quiet. The toys are finally picked up and the beds are made and everyone knows who left the light on in the game room. From time to time one of the children will come home for a weekend or for a holiday and it is always wonderful to have them home for a short while. For the most part though, the rooms are empty.

I think to some degree I know how God must feel about the empty rooms in his house. He has a “big, big house with lots and lots of rooms” and he is just waiting for the day when all of his children come home. What a day that will be! I know for me waiting for the children to come home is an exciting time. I check my watch, I have them call before they leave, I call them along the way, I wait by the window when I think they are getting close and the second I see their car I go outside and give them a big welcome home hug. I think I know a little about what God must feel about this children coming home some day.

Can you image how it will be on that day when we get to go to the “big, big house” and there to meet you and I will be the Father of all creation waiting to give me and you our big welcome home hugs? Here is a question, are you ready for that day to come and are you living like someone who is going to spend eternity with God?

You see God has a room just for you in his house and it is currently empty. On that day when all of God’s children get to go home will you move into the room prepared for you or will it be empty? I want to encourage you live today based on where you want to spend eternity. If you want to live in the room God has prepared just for you, then live like it! See you there. By the way, it will be your turn to do the dishes.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Sole Searching

Does the name Blake Mycoskie mean anything to you? If not, get to know that name and get to know his cause. Blake is in search of soles. That’s right; he is looking for bare feet that need a pair of shoes. Blake is the owner of Toms Shoes and he is the owner of the idea that is putting shoes on hundreds of thousands of people. As a matter of fact, just this past Tuesday he gave away the one millionth pair of shoes to someone in Argentina.

Here is how it works; when someone buys a pair of Toms Shoes, Toms Shoes gives a pair of shoes away to someone in the world that does not have a pair of shoes. You might be asking why shoes? Their website gives the following reasons:
Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:
•A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
•Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
•Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.
It is really quite a story about a man with a vision to make a difference in the world one sole at a time (well actually two soles at a time) and he developed a plan to make his dream some true. The question for you and me is this; do you have a plan to make a difference in the life of anyone? Forget about the hundreds and thousands for a moment. Do you have a plan to improve the life situation for any one person in this community or world? You see if you don’t have a plan to do something small, but yet meaningful you will never be able to make a difference to larger numbers of people. I have known people that have said, “if I had a million dollars I would give half of it to ….” And they would name some deserving cause. Well here is the thing, if you won’t give half of what you have now to that cause then why would God bless you with a million dollars?
People who truly make a difference in this world start out by making a difference in small meaningful ways and as they are blessed they increase the size of their gift to the world. So, what is your dream for making a difference? Make your plan and start making your dreams come true today.
Over 2000 years ago Jesus came to this earth to do some soul searching of his own and his soul searching has made all the difference in the world. It is one thing to go through life without shoes it is an entirely different thing to go through life without hope. Jesus came to give life and hope to all people of the world. It does not matter if you have no shoes, a pair of Toms Shoes or a pair of Stuart Weitman designer shoes without Jesus the path to heaven is impossible to walk. So get in step, do some soul searching of your own and follow Jesus.
Love God. Go Love Others.

The Real McCoy

Not too long I was having the tires on my wife’s car rotated and while I was waiting in the lounge area I noticed a recent copy of Texas Monthly which had a picture of Colt and Brad McCoy on the cover. Being a fan of Colt I picked up the magazine and looked at the picture and began to flip through the pages trying to find the article. Before I could locate the article a gentleman who was also waiting on a car asked me if I was a University of Texas fan. I answered him and went on to say, “I mainly am a fan of Colt McCoy. His dad and I went to college together at Abilene Christian.” Then the man said, “So you know Brad McCoy?” And I answered truthfully, “he and I had a couple of classes together, but to say that I know him would be an exaggeration.”

That experience got me to thinking about if I knew the McCoy family at all. It is true that I went to school with Brad and we had a couple of classes together, but I do not know him. I don’t know that we ever spoke with one another. I know that we never “did lunch” or anything like that. He is at best an acquaintance and even that may be a stretch. Going further, I don’t know Colt McCoy either, but I do know people who do know him. Colt and I have never met and most likely won’t any time soon.

I know people who say they know Jesus, but I wonder, do they really know Jesus? They may have called out his name. They may even attend a church which teaches and preaches that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. They may even be a believer, but the question still remains, do they really know Jesus? Okay, let’s get more personal. Do you know Jesus? I mean really know Jesus.

Have you been in the Word of God and read the accounts of the life of Jesus enough to believe that you were there when Jesus walked down the shoreline and through the market place? Have you put yourself into the stories about Jesus and wondered what you would do or what you would say to the Lord of lords and the King of kings? Have you allowed His teachings and stories to speak to you personally? When you read of Jesus loving the unlovable and being friends with the lonely and broken hearted and being meal partners with sinners; do you wonder how he would have treated you?

The real issue is this, do you have a relationship with Jesus or is he just an acquaintance? Think about that for a moment. I believe when it comes to knowing the person who loves you enough that he has given his life for you… well I believe that is the person you really want to know with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. I believe that is the person you want to love for a lifetime. So, I will ask you again, do you know Jesus? He knows you and he desperately wants a real relationship with you.
Go ahead, invite him over. You never know he might just be the friend you have always been looking for. Really, call him now!

Love God. Go Love Others.

Deeper Water

At the risk of boring everyone with stories about the beach in Destin, I have one more. One afternoon while walking along the beach, I was noticing the small fish swimming next to the shore. There was hundreds of little tiny fish swimming all along the shore with a few slightly larger fish mixed in. Just a few feet out from the shore the fish got significantly larger, but there were no really big fish that close to shore. Later in the day my wife and I were able to watch three dolphins swimming around and jumping. It was really fun to watch. So, what’s the point? Big fish don’t swim in swallow water.

You see, it is okay for small fish to swim near the shore where it is safe for them to swim, but larger more mature fish should be swimming in the deeper water. The deeper water is where the large fish can thrive and survive. The question for you and me is this. How big of a fish are you? Spiritually speaking? As we grow in the Spirit we should venture out into deeper waters.

Deeper waters bring with them more risk, but also more rewards. In the deeper water you will be faced with more challenges, but you will also be faced with more opportunities. We have this promise from God, “you will not be tested beyond your ability”.

There is another reason to swim out in the deeper water and that is where the real blessings of Christianity are found. In order for the dolphins to show off their jumps and flips they must be in deeper water, there is no way they could pull off those moves next to the shore in ankle deep water. The same is true for you and me. If you and I want to see amazing things in our life, then we must trust God and venture out into spiritually deeper waters.,

Right now some are asking, “where is the deeper water and in what way is it different from where I am right now?” If you think about it you already know the answer to that question. Maybe you have sat in church all your life and heard stories about men and women going various places in world on a mission trip and you have thought to yourself, “I wish I could do that some day”. Or, you have always wanted to be able to share you faith with your friends, but you don’t because you are “not sure what to say” or you are “not confident in your ability”.
Maybe you want to help plant a church, or join a team who is already planting a church. Maybe you want to write a book that would encourage others to follow Jesus or just give people in the world an encouraging word from God. Maybe you have always wanted to volunteer to work in a soup kitchen or shelter. Maybe you have a desire to help children learn to read. Maybe you have always wanted to share your resources with total strangers and bless their lives in amazing ways in the name of Jesus Christ. Maybe you have always wanted to start your own business and run it with Christian values and principles.

I am not sure what is on your list of things you would do, if you just had a little more faith, but each of us have something on our list. Today I want you know this – Jesus is calling you and me to join him in deeper waters so you and I can experience all the joys and blessings of being a Christ follower. Go-ahead step out there “O you of little faith” and just see what the Lord does in your life.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Words Can Hurt

My wife and I have just returned from a week in Destin, Florida. We had a wonderful time on the beach and it was as beautiful as ever. Before our trip several of our friends asked us, “why are you still going to Florida, aren’t you afraid the oil will ruin your trip?” We told everyone that there wasn’t any oil where we were going and even if there was we would still go because of how nice the city of Destin is to visit. Just as we expected, we found the beach to be as clean as ever and the water to be as clear and clean as ever. Everything was great except for one thing; the people who live there have suffered all summer from the lack of tourists.

That’s right, even though everything was just as nice and beautiful as it ever was the people who provide food, entertainment and water sport related activities have been devastated. Their problem was not the oil, but the reporting from all the news networks that there was oil and that this was a terrible time to visit the gulf coast of Florida. Now to be fair, there were several weeks ago one spot on the beach way up the coast from Destin, which did have a small amount of oil, but it, was never anything like the network news stations reported. The damage is done, the words have been spoken and the result was a drop of more than 50% in the number of tourists coming to Destin this summer. Many of the people we spoke with have earned 25 – 50 percent of what they normally earn during the summer months. Some businesses have completely shut down.

So what is the lesson? Words can hurt. If the right person or group say negative comments about you or your business it can cause a great deal of harm to both you and your business. On a more personal basis you and I should be very careful with the words we speak. I have always appreciated the wise words given to Thumper in the story of Bambi, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Truly words to live by.

The writer of James says we should be “quick to listen and slow to speak”. Paul instructs you and I to build up each other and encourage one another. So the question for you and me is simply this, do your words build up and encourage or do they tear down and discourage those who hear your words? As you and I go through this week let us be careful to watch each word we speak to others. Your words will make a difference in someone’s life this week. The question is, will your words make their day or will your words be hurtful. As a matter of fact, it should be a goal each day for you and me to find someone to encourage and build up with the words that we speak to him or her. When you think about it, most people hear too many negative words spoken to them on a daily basis. Most of us could use a daily dose of encouragement. So what do you say, how about making it your mission in life to find at least one person each day to build up and encourage. You will make someone’s day and be a blessing to him or her. Who knows, maybe they will pass the good words along to someone else.

Father God, may the words of my mouth be acceptable to your ears and helpful to others.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Destination

Have you ever planned a trip or a vacation to a place you have always wanted to go or a place you really enjoying visiting? I hope the answer to that question is yes. At this moment my wife and I are looking forward to our trip to Destin, Florida. We have gone there this time of year for the last two years and we are going again this year. It is one of our most favorite places. The beach is beautiful and the water is just crystal clear. Our accommodations are right on the beach and it is just the most relaxing atmosphere. In addition to relaxing there are a whole list of places to go and things to do that we also enjoy. All in all it is a great trip and we look forward to arriving at our destination. We don’t leave town for a few days, but in my mind I’m already gone.

Looking forward to a destination is something we do through out our life. Even if it is just to a local theme park, a sporting event, concert or a special restaurant we look forward to going and experiencing all that the destination offers.

For those who are Christ followers you have a destination to look forward to like none other. Jesus said to his disciples, “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Do you look forward to Heaven? I hope you are looking forward to your final destination. Just imagine a place with no traffic problems, no one fighting for a better parking place. Imagine a life void of worry, suffering, pain, illness, crisis, and all the other things that make this life difficult. A life full of praise, glory, worship, service and blessings in the presence of the eternal Father who loves you enough to prepare this place just for you.

Not only does God love you enough to prepare a place for you to spend eternity, he also loves you enough to pay for your stay in advance. You have heard that old saying, “nothing worth having is free”. Well that is especially true about Heaven. The accommodations for you and I in Heaven came at great expense – the life of God’s one and only Son. That is right; Jesus dying on the cross makes it possible for you to spend eternity with Him and the Father in Heaven.

Now back to looking forward to your destination. You and I should live our life in such a way that it reflects the fact that we have an eternal destination and we are looking forward to going there. You and I should be preparing for the time we get to trade up to a better room with a much better view.

I love the song by Mercy Me, “I can only Imagine” for those who do not know the song here are the lyrics:

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in honor of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
When I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

So fellow Christ followers let’s get ready for the trip of our eternal life time. The destination is truly out of this world.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Sacrifice

This past Sunday our church was raising funds for school supplies for a local elementary school which has a high percentage of low income students. The goal was to raise $1600 dollars. A generous person gave the church a challenge which was, “if the church raises $800 then I will match the offering with another $800”. What a great deal to get our fundraiser off to a super start. So the word began to get out about our challenge. Our children minister posted the challenge on Face Book. The generosity of our church blows me away.

One of the responses to the Face Book post was from a soldier in Iraq who read the challenge and immediately got on PayPal and sent us $100. This young man understands life and sacrifice. He understands what we have all been called to do in life. He understands the importance of being a part of something bigger than yourself. Not only is he willing to serve his country by fighting for our national security, he is also aware of the smaller battles in life that can be won by few people who are willing to make a difference by working together to change their small corner of the world.

That is your calling too, to make a difference in the lives of people around you. To reach out in whatever way you can to make another persons life better. The need may be school supplies or it may be something else entirely such as food, clothing, friendship, a listening ear, a place to stay, a thoughtful prayer, a word of encouragement, a push in the right direction, a vote of confidence, or the willingness to used in whatever way needed to make a difference.

Another story about the fundraiser is this: In the bottom of one of the envelopes was a dollar and twenty seven cents ($1.27) in change. I am not sure about the giver of the change, but it also indicates a generous heart. Maybe the person just emptied their pockets and gave all that they had. Or maybe it was from a child who brought money from their piggy bank. I just have no idea about who gave that amount, but I do know this, it was from a generous heart who sacrificed what little they had to be a part of something bigger than themselves to make a difference in the life of someone they do not know. That $1.27 is huge on the loving heart scale.

You see it does not matter if you are the $800 giver or the $100 giver from Iraq or the $1.27 giver scraping the bottom of your pockets or one of the hundred other givers who gave anything from a one dollar bill to a hundred dollar bill. The same thing is true about each giver. God loves you for your generosity and he loves the spirit in which you gave your gift.

My prayer this morning is that God will bless each dollar and each penny and use this act of love and generosity to change the lives of children and parents who need to know that people around world care about them and want to make their life better. May they also come to know this, God is AWESOME!

Love God. Go Love Others.

The Inside

A little over a week ago I returned home from directing a week of camp in southern Oklahoma. As is the case each year it was a hot week of camp. Not only is it hot there, it is also a very dusty place. The roads around the camp are either gravel or dirt roads and it seems as if the dust is constantly in the air. When I returned home both the outside and the inside of my truck needed to be cleaned. Well the afternoon that I returned I took a long nap and began the recovery process. The recovery process continued the next day as well. On the Monday following camp it was my mothers 80th birthday and my family had plans to be with her on that day.

When I woke up on Monday morning we decided to take two cars so we could pick up some furniture for my daughters college apartment. One of the cars was going to be my dirty truck. Once the decision to take the truck was made I had a new item on my “things to do” list – wash the truck. So I headed to the car wash. In my haste I decided to only have the outside washed. I was in a hurry and it made since to me at the time. After the wash, my red truck looked nice and clean. I even spent an extra dollar or two to get the tires cleaned and shined.

Later that day my son got in the truck with me to run an errand and his immediate comment was, “I thought you had your truck cleaned?” I explain that I was in a hurry and just cleaned the outside. Upon hearing that he replied, “the inside is the most important part to keep clean”. It had happened; I had been put in my place by my youngest son. He was right. The inside is the most important part to keep clean. The inside is where the driver and passengers sit. It is where all the electronics are kept. If anything needs to be kept clean it’s the inside.

What a lesson for life: Take care of the Inside – It’s The Most Important Part!

Too many people are making the same mistake that I made with my truck in their personal lives. As a culture we spend billions of dollars (or more) working on the outward appearance. We invest in clothing, shoes, hair styles, gym memberships, P90X type programs, weight loss programs, jewelry, and a number of other things just to look good on the outside. I know people that don’t workout, but wear workout clothing just so they can look like they are working on their body. The outer man is being well taken care of by most people. What about the inside?

The inside is the most important part of a person. What do you do to take care of the inside? Do you read, study, pray, discern the word of God? Do you attend a Bible study? Do you attend a worship service? Do you have someone that challenges your thinking and encourages spiritual growth and maturity? Do you look for opportunities to grow spiritual and work on the inside? When you add up all the time you spend working on the inside is it minutes or hours each week?

The goal of this week’s High Pointe of the Week is to encourage each of us to take better care of the inside. After all, it is the most important part. The inside has to last for eternity. So begin your spiritual P90X program today. Really! Get with it!

Love God. God Love Others.

Come to Your Senses

This past week I was directing a session of Sooner Youth Camp located in Lake Murray State Park near Ardmore, Oklahoma. The facility is a group camp built back in the 1930’s by the CCC and WPA. All the structures on the property with the exception of the new bath house were built with resources found on the property. We are talking log cabins with rock peers and rock fireplaces. To say that it is rustic is an understatement. When it was new it was rustic. Now it is old and rustic, but for over sixty years it is the place Sooner Youth Camp has called home.

One of the reasons I enjoy going there year after year is the opportunity to get away from the city along with its hustle and bustle to enjoy taking in just a small part of what God has created for me to enjoy. Each morning at camp I wake up a little bit earlier than the campers and stagger over to the mess hall to be greeted by the cheerful voices of our wonderful cooks (there is a special place in heaven for those who have cooked at camp) and the wonderful smell of coffee and bacon. The only thing better is the smell on Tuesday and Thursday mornings which includes the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls. YUM!

There are other less fatting things to enjoy about camp. The refreshing coolness of swimming in Lake Murray, the sounds of crickets and other critters in the evenings, the morning sunrise and of course the sunsets at the end of a long day. I also enjoy seeing the multi-hand work of a spider that spins a web in the evening and by sunrise has taken it down. I enjoy seeing the rabbits, armadillos, raccoons, road runners and wild geese. Oh, and I enjoy seeing young men and women who are growing in the glory and likeness of the Father. I enjoy the opportunity to serve God by serving young people during a week of camp. It is hard exhausting work, but well worth the effort.

So as you begin this work week let me encourage you to “come to your senses” and enjoy what God has put around you this week. You will have opportunity after opportunity to interact with someone God created. They may already be Christ followers or they may be someone who is searching for meaning to their life. Seek them out and make a difference in their life. You may come across someone who needs a handing hand or a word of encouragement. Take the time to enjoy the opportunity to serve God and others and make a difference in the life of another person.

By living beyond yourself you will find the joy and beauty that God intended for you. It is only when you live within your self that you miss out on what God has created and planned for you to enjoy. So keep you eyes and ears open and discover the joy God has prepared for you this day. It may be a beautiful sunset, but it may be a lonely soul in desperate need of an ear and a shoulder. Praise God! You have two of each.

St. Francis of Assisi said it this way, “It is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Make me an instrument of Your peace, I want to know what it’s like to follow You. When men look at me, I want them to see, the Light of the World inside.”

Love God. Go Love Others.

The Gate

You have heard the old saying, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. I would like to change that saying to this, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, but if it is, get with it!” I say that mainly for my own benefit for I am guilty of letting broken things stay broken for too long. The most recent example is the gate to my back yard. For months the latch has been difficult to open and close. All it needed was a small adjustment, but it has been something that was easy to put off. Every day, two or three times a day I would go out that gate and think to myself, “I need to fix that”. As I said, this went on for months and months. Everyone who tried to use the gate would complain and wonder about the time line for fixing the problem. Well, I am glad to announce the gate latch is now in proper working order. Enter or exit with the simple ease of pushing the button. No longer will you have to push, kick, or bang your way in or out. Just push the button down and swing the gate out. It work just the way it was designed to function.

That is the way life is for most people, you have things in their life that need fixing or correcting and too many times you and I just learn to live with the brokenness in our life. You may or may not have anything major in your life that needs correcting or adjusting, but I can assure you that you have something in your life that needs improvement. Maybe you have a habit that you need to stop. Maybe some of your language is not what it should be. Maybe you drink too much or look at the wrong things on the internet. I don’t have to list all the possible areas for needed correction. I am pretty sure that each of you is aware of your own short comings, failures, bad habits, addictions, and selfish acts. Either you are self aware or someone who loves you has shared their concern for your life.

It has been my experience that most issues in life that need correcting or adjusting are simple things that have turned into a major issue. Just has the solution for fixing my gate had been a simple ten minute problem. That’s right, my family put up with a sticking gate for months because I did not want to spend 10 minutes to fix it. I know that my gate is a very small problem and it is not really even the point of this message, but it is a reminder to not put off those things which need correcting in your life. Make changes today.

You may need to be a better listener in your relationships with your spouse and children. Maybe you need to be more responsive to the needs of your family. Maybe you need to be a better boss or employee. Maybe you need to be a better neighbor or friend. Maybe you need to spend more time in prayer and personal Bible study. Maybe you need to focus on things that lead to holiness rather than the worldly. Maybe it is just a matter of putting first things first in your marriage, your family, and your spiritual growth.

So that a look around or take a look within and make yourself a to-do-list for self improvement. There are things in your life that need fixing, improving, correcting, adjusting, starting or stopping. Make your list today and then (and this is the important part) GET WITH IT!

Love God. Go Love Others.

Freedom

The 4th of July is more than just another holiday, it is a reminder of the great cost we have paid and continue to pay for the privilege of living in this great nation the United States of America. Each year my family watches the movie “The Patriot” with Mel Gibson on the 4th. We watch it for a few reasons; it is a very good movie, the acting is superb, the story is worth telling and re-telling and it is a good reminder of the price which was paid for you and me to live in “the land of the free and the home of the brave”.

In the movie, Gabriel takes the torn and tattered flag from the belongings of a dead soldier and as he does another soldier tells him “don’t bother, it’s a lost cause”, to which Gabriel considers the statement, but takes the flag and begins the process of mending it. At the end of the movie when his father, Benjamin is going through his dead sons belongings he finds the worn and tattered flag which has been completely mended. It had been sewn back together with new tread and an occasional piece of new cloth. It was a representation of all they had been fighting to achieve. As the father looked at the flag which so many had died for he decides that this nation, this cause is bigger than him and worth staying the course. The sacrifice of so men and women demands that those who are living continue the fight for freedom. Freedom comes with great cost and sacrifice. The fight for freedom is not over; it is a fight that must be fought every day so that those who come after us can have the same opportunity and responsibility.

So what does that mean for you and me today? You will have to answer that for yourself, but as for me I am forever thankful for all those who died to make this nation free or to keep this nation free. I am reminded that with freedom comes responsibility. I must live in such a way as to be respectful of the great price that was paid for me to walk, talk, work, and worship in freedom.

As people who live in freedom we have been given great blessings. With great blessings also come responsibilities. You and I must live in such a way that we can share the freedom and blessings which God has given us and so many have died for.

So today, I am thankful. Thankful that I live in a nation which great men and women have sacrificed their lives so that you and I can be free and I am thankful for Jesus Christ who made an eternal sacrifice so that you and I could be free from sin and have a life for all eternity with the Father. What a blessing it is to be a Christian living in the freest nation in the world. The question is what will I do with the freedom I have as a citizen of the United States of America and what will I do with the freedom I have in Christ Jesus? The blood of the Many and the blood of the One and Only demand that I do something as a citizen and a Christian. To do nothing would make their death meaningless.

Father God, thank you for watching over this great nation. May we be a people who do not take this opportunity of freedom lightly. May we live up to the expectations of those who have died to give us the responsibility of freedom.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Fences

How tall is your fence? As you drive around town you will see a wide range of fence heights. Most of the fences are around the seven to eight foot tall range, but some are well over nine feet and some seem to be ten feet or higher. I have noticed that since my neighbor installed his ten foot high fence almost no one can see into my back yard. In some ways I really like the fact that I have so much privacy in the back of our property, but in other ways I am not too sure that having extra tall fences in a good thing.

We are a people in desperate need of “community” or as Maslow said, “Belonging”. That is so true today. Even though we strive to be independent and self sufficient, we as a people have a built in need to belong to something bigger than ourselves.

I have notice in resent weeks that not all of the neighborhoods in McKinney have tall fences. As a matter of fact there are some communities around town which do not have fences of any kind or if they do have a fence it is a wire fence that does not provide any privacy. The people who live in these homes seem to have a greater sense of community or belonging. They have more activities outside and seem to know their neighbors better. As a matter of fact many of the cook outs or barbeques happen in the front yard rather than the back yard and the neighbors are always invited.

So, let me ask you, how tall is your fence? More importantly, do you also have social fence that travels with you from place to place as you go to different events. I believe that some of us not only like having tall fences for our back yards, we also like having social fences around us everywhere we go. We are quickly becoming a nation of people who live next door to strangers instead of neighbors. We go to church with strangers rather than “family”. As a matter of fact most people in the United States have fewer than five close friends. Some of you are saying, “I wish I had five close friends”.

Let me encourage you to take a personal step of social faith in people and get out there and make friends. Get to know your neighbors. Become better acquainted with those you work with daily. Invest yourself in people and relationships and I mean real relationships the kind that can only be developed over the diner table or the patio. To quote a famous American, “Tear Down that Wall!”

I know that it has been said, “Good fences make good neighbors.” That may be true, but extra tall fences turn your neighbors into strangers. So do what you can to become a part of this community and to take part in the lives of those who live around you.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Get Off the Phone

To say that we live in an information age is an understatement. To say that we are busier than ever, is also an understatement. You and I live in an age where we can communicate with almost anyone we wish anywhere in the world. We have telephones, cell phones, email, face book, twitter, and text messaging. We are connected like never before in history. Or are we?

The other day, my wife Mary and I were out for one of our long bike rides and we decided to stop and rest awhile on a bench at one of our city parks. It was a nice location in the shade of a tall oak tree and there was a nice breeze. We noticed a young mother and her toddler daughter walking near by and they had stopped to play in the water. At first it was a nice event to witness. Then we looked closer and changed our minds. The mother was spending her time talking to someone on the phone rather than interacting with her daughter. We watched for awhile then we rode on. In about 20 minutes we came back by the park and the mother and daughter were still there and yes, she was still on the phone.

Right then Mary and I took it upon ourselves to make a rule for all parents.

Rule: If you want credit for taking your children to the park you must stay off the phone.

Now I know there are important phone calls and I know that I have spend more than enough time talking on my phone, but there comes a time when you and I must decide what or who is important. As someone who has all of their children out the house (for the most part) I can tell all the young parents – SLOW DOWN.

That’s right, slow down, take your time, enjoy every moment with your children. Before you know it eighteen years will pass by and all your opportunities to spend meaningful time with your sons and daughters will be gone. Those walks through the park, those rides in the car, the game of catch or playing house will just be memories of a time that passed by too fast.

So, from one old guy who has been there – Get Off the Phone! Talk to your children. Discover their thoughts and ideas. Learn of their dreams for tomorrow. Dwell in their world of discovery, wonder and amazement. If you have teenagers the same go for you. Get Off the Phone! And get them off theirs as well. Talk with them about their dreams, struggles, joys, confusion, questions about life and love. Have meaningful conversation. Learn what makes them happy. Know what causes them frustration. Be a part of their life.

There will always be time for phone calls, but when you have the opportunity hang up the phone and give your total attention to those you love the most. Some day you will yearn for a call from your children and if you give them the time now they will give you the time then.

Got to go… My phone is ringing.

Love God. God Love Others.

The Wedding

My wife Mary and I were honored to attend the wedding of one of our friend’s daughter this past weekend. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding and we were blessed with fairly comfortable temperature and a nice breeze. The whole event was well done. It was a happy occasion for all involved.

Weddings are quite the ordeal to plan. From choosing just the right cake, just the right dress and just the right venue plus all the other details a wedding is a major event as it should be. There is no end as to how much some parents are willing to spend just to get their adult children out of the house.

Regardless of how much planning or how much money is spent on the wedding the whole event leads to and culminates with four simple words, “I Do” and “I Do”. Those four words change everything in the life of the Bride and Groom. By the saying of those simple words the covenant is sealed. Instantly the bride looses her maiden name and takes the name of the groom. This is a key moment in the life of every young couple. It is the moment when the groom says, take my name and I will make a life for the two of us. It is the moment when the bride takes the name of her groom and by doing so she is saying, I will take your name and I will follow you and join you in making a life for the two of us.

The same thing happens when Jesus Christ calls you to become his disciple. He calls you to follow him in the making of a new life for you. A life with a new purpose and a new name. From that moment you are know as a Christian. You are presented to the Father of the Groom as sinless and worthy of the Name you have agreed to take as His follower, disciple and Bride.

As with all weddings this one happened with great cost. It could not be paid with coins or cash or even credit. It was purchased with the blood of the God’s only Son, the perfect Lamb of God. No one has ever paid such a great price for a wedding, but it was what God the Father and Christ the Son were willing to pay so that you and I could live for eternity in the Father’s house.

The great thing about this spiritual wedding is there is room for everyone and all are invited. I’ll see you at the reception. Oh, one more thing, RSVP is required. You better do that now!

Love God. Go Love Others.

The Owner's Son

I know I share a lot of stories about the Market Street grocery store, but this one is really good and it needs to be told. You may or may not know that Market Street is a family owned; Texas based company with the home offices in both Lubbock and Frisco. The owners are Christian people who have built their company to serve others and oh by the way sell groceries to as many people as possible. One of the keys to their success is customer service. As a matter of fact, I believe that customer service is their number one key to their success.

Recently, the son of the owner has come to work in the McKinney Market Street store. He is there to learn every aspect of the business. Before he leaves he will have worked in most of the departments. He is getting to know the business from the ground up.

The other day, he was working alone in a department at the end of the day. He was told that if he needed anything he could ask Mary (my wife) and she would help him. Well it wasn’t to long until he knocked on Mary’s door and needed help with a customer. The customer was requesting a service that Market Street normally does not provide. Long story short, Mary and the owner’s son worked together to meet this special request and satisfy the customer.

The lady was very appreciative of their extra effort and then she made this comment to my wife, “someone should give that young man a raise, he has been wonderful to help me”. Mary told her that she was sure that he would get a raise some day. When I heard this story my thought was, “yes, he is a hard worker, if he keeps it up he might own the whole company some day.”

The owner’s son reminds me that over 2000 years ago God, the creator of the universe sent His only Son to live among us (John 1). He walked among the very people that he helped to create. He walked on the sea shore and with each step on the sand he could tell you how many grains of sand were under his feet. Jesus came to earth and “learned the business” from the ground up. He saw with his two eyes full spectrum of the human spirit. He witnessed joy and happiness at a wedding. He experienced deep sadness and grief when his good friend died. He saw satisfaction in the eyes of the masses when their hungry stomachs were full of fish and bread. He saw the look of hope when he treated the woman at the well with compassion and grace. He also saw the look of anger and hate as seemingly religious men called for his death on a cross.

During his short time on earth Jesus saw it all, but more importantly the people of his creation saw him. The people were able to see God in the flesh walking among them. We got to see in a real way the very nature of God. And the good news is despite everything Jesus saw in the lives of people he still loves us. He saw us at our best and our worst. He knows our deepest thoughts and fears. He knows about our greatest moments of victory and he knows about all the times we have felt defeated. Jesus knows it all and the best part is He still loves you and me and He still says come to me all of you who are weak and struggling and I will give you rest.

Father God, thank you for sending your Son to walk among us. We pray that we were worth the trip.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Sacrifice

In my opinion there is an increasing list of words which get over used and at times used improperly. The word Awesome is used all the time to describe how wonderful something or someone is in the mind people. I believe that Awesome should be reserved primarily as a description of how great and marvelous our God is. Another word is Love. We love everything from soft drinks to sports teams to a pair of jeans to our family members.

Lately I have been thinking that the word Sacrifice is another one of those over used words and Memorial Day gives me a reason to reflect on Sacrifice. You hear that word a lot these days. Moms and dads “sacrifice” to send their children to a Christian School or University. Parents “sacrifice” so their children can play little league, take kick boxing or music lessons. Families “sacrifice” for a few months so they can take their dream vacation. We are a people who “sacrifice” for a good number of things.

Let me suggest that those kinds of “sacrifices” are not really sacrifices. You may have to adjust your budget so your children can attend a private school. You may have to eat out less so your children can participate in an extra curricular activity. You may have to do your own laundry and cancel your cable TV so you can save up money for a family trip to Disney World. Those may be adjustments or inconveniences, but they are not sacrifices.

Sacrifices cost you a great deal more. Sacrifices normally require one form of payment – your life. So on this Memorial Day I am thankful for those men and women who loved the ideals of freedom, independence, liberty and justice that are wrapped up in our “One Nation Under God” so much that they were willing to first serve our country and then die for a cause much great than themselves. To their families I say thank you. At the time of your loss you may have received a folded flag, a letter of condolence, and perhaps a silver star. Regardless of the length of time that has passed since your husband, wife, son or daughter sacrificed their life for this country, you need to know this. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and I for one am grateful and moved by their courage, honor, and commitment to a people and a nation.

When you go to our Nations capital and walk among the memorials of the various wars and conflicts you see name after name after name of men and women who paid with their life so that you and I can have the freedom to live in this great land. Those memorials remind you and me that freedom is not free. Freedom only comes when those who are true believers in the cause choose to sacrifice themselves so that other may live, work, play, and worship in freedom.

It bothers me more and more these days when I realize that some in this “land of the free” are willing to give away those very things that so many of our best and brightest have sacrificed to achieve and protect. I would hope that as a nation we would live in such way as to honor all those who serve and sacrifice.

In closing, I just want to say thank you to all those who have given their life for this great nation. May your families be treated with honor and respect for the sacrifice you have made.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Made By Design

As you drive around the Dallas Fort Worth area you see a lot of buildings that were originally built for one business and now they are something completely different. It is kind of fun to try to figure out what the business used to be before it was sold and remodeled for the business. For instance, just the other day I noticed a Mexican Food restaurant that was originally a Bonanza Steak House. At this point some of you are asking, “What is a Bonanza Steak House?” Well, back in the day it was a restaurant chain started by Dan Blocker who played the part of Hoss Cartwright on the Bonanza television show. There is also a Chinese Buffet place that was once a Red Lobster. Now I personally have a problem with that one. A Chinese food place should look like a Chinese food place. That is by far not the worse use of a former Red Lobster location. For me the funeral home on 635 East that used to be a Red Lobster wins the award for “Worst Use of a Building Formerly Used as a Red Lobster”.

Now there are some remodels that I really like such as the Pantry which used to be a hardware store. As much as I like old hardware stores a restaurant with great “homemade” pies is even better.

What about you? What were you designed to be? You and I were made in the image of God and in His likeness. We were made to glorify the Father in all things. But what exactly were you designed to be by the creator? Maybe a better question is, are you living the way you were designed to live?

I am not talking about your occupation or your job. I am talking about the way you live your life. You see it does not matter if you are a doctor, attorney, chef, teachers, mechanic, plumber, or a professional baseball player. It does not matter if you are a white collar or blue collar or no collar. It does not matter if you are male or female. Over paid or under paid, employed or unemployed or retired. What does matter is this, are you living the way you were designed to live?

This week I just encourage you to dwell on that question and consider God’s purpose for your life. Consider the way in which you live your life. The thoughts you have the words you use, the things you do, the things you don’t do. Consider your whole life, your relationships, your work, your play, your study, and your habits. Is this the life you were designed to live or were you called for something greater?

One of my favorite books for reflection and meditation is, “God is No Fool” by Lois A. Cheney. One of my favorite passages is,

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

If it were just a matter of the mouth,
I wouldn’t have so much trouble,

but it isn’t ,

and I do.

Love God, Go Love Others.

Who Wants All This Stuff?

My parents have made a decision to down size and move into a much smaller home. This decision is forcing them to get rid of much of the stuff in their house. They have started by asking each of their three sons if they want any of the stuff. Well, some of things are old toys and things from my childhood and some of that I want and some I don’t want at all. Some of the things they want to pass down are items that belonged to my grandparents and great grandparents and I have to say that is pretty cool to have those things.
All of this down sizing and passing things down has caused me think about this question, Just what do I want my parents to pass down to me? I think for the most part I want the things they have already given me. These are things that I will always have and they are things that don’t take up any storage space and they will last me a life time.
My parents have given me the following:
1. An appreciation for a good joke. I love to hear my dad share an old joke even it is one that I have heard a hundred times. The joy he has in the telling of a good joke is better than all the punch lines in the world.
2. An appreciation for a good days work. I will forever remember the long hours of work put in by both my parents. My dad would spend hours in preparation of his sermons and Bible lessons. He would spend hours sitting with families in a hospital or a funeral home. My mother always kept a clean house, clean laundry and she feed her three sons like we were kings. She would spend hours sewing new shirts for each of us and to this day I don’t like the feel of a tag on the back of my neck.
3. A willingness to show compassion to the less fortunate, the lonely, the hungry and those in despair. I will forever remember my parents bringing home enlisted men from the army who were stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. I am sure that some of those men who ate fried chicken at my mother’s table never made it home from Vietnam and maybe they never knew how much this nation appreciated their service to our country, but for one afternoon they enjoyed a good home cooked meal and a long nap on the couch and for those few hours they knew someone cared about them.
4. An understanding of what it means to love someone for a lifetime. One of the reasons Mary and I have such a good marriage is the fact that each of us grew up in homes that were built on forever love. My parents never owed a house until they were in their fifties. They never spent their money on senseless things. I remember thinking that my family was probably the last family on the planet that owned a black and white television. I was a teenager before I saw a cowboy game in color and I had no idea that Little Joe’s jacket was green. We did not have a lot of stuff back then, but what we did have was a mom and dad that truly loved each other and were committed to a life time of love for each other and their family. This is a love that has sustained them for over sixty years.

So, what do I want from my parents? Simple, it’s all the stuff like that which will last me to the end of my days. It is also the kind of stuff that I want to pass down to my own children. Hopefully, they will see the value in those things just as I have.

Thanks mom and dad. You have given me everything I need and for that I am forever grateful.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Old Hands

This past week I was able to be on a college campus to visit my children and pick up some of their stuff for the summer. It is always fun to be on a college campus in the spring when all the young hearts are in love and newly engaged. It is fun to watch that young love as it starts its journey together.

Recently I have had the opportunity to be in the company of several married couples who have celebrated life together for over 40 years and some well over 50 years. I love to hear their stories about the early years of their marriage. Most of them started out with nothing or close to it and they would not want to change a thing if they had it all to do over again. Some of them remembered their first house being a bedroom, living room, kitchen with the simplified floor plan of using one room for all three needs. That floor plan works great for the couples who like having breakfast in bed and a couch in their bedroom along with a small dinning table. Speaking of the dinning table, one couple often used the space under the table to double as the spare bedroom for overnight guest.

These are great examples of life long love that survives all the struggles of life. This is the kind of love that faces cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, unemployment, special needs, and the rest of life’s ups and downs with loving grace and determination. These are couples with life long love that still enjoys a walk in the park, sharing a piece of pie, a good laugh or a good cry. These are couples that still enjoy the touch of their hands clasped together. These old hands may have wrinkles and age spots, but they know a thing or two about life and love and the meaning of forever.

So for you and I let us look forward to having old hands with our life long mates. Let us have the love and determination to walk hand in hand through both the joys and struggles of life. This does not mean that we won’t have moments of anger and frustration, but it does mean that those moments will not define us or our love for each other. So keep walking, keep living, keep longing for the time you and your spouse can look back and say “we did it!”

One more thing for all the young couples out there, Life and Love are not about moments that take your breath away. Life and Love are about the moments that give you breath and a reason to keep walking hand in hand.

Love God. Go Love Others.

Construction Ahead

When you live in the Dallas Fort Worth area you can count on one thing – construction. Currently we are surrounded by road construction efforts. It seems that everywhere I want to drive there is some type of road construction happening. The other day I was meeting someone for a lunch meeting at a restaurant near one of our construction projects. I got there a little early so I sat in my truck and watched the men working on the project work. That is one of my favorite things to do actually. I have always been fascinated by construction. I love the tools the machinery and seeing a project slowly come together into something useful.

One of the things that are fun to watch in construction is the difference in the two basic roles of the workers. One group is responsible for the construction of the new building, house or highway. Another group is responsible for demolition. You know the tearing down of something so that land can be cleared or a path can be made for something new to take its place. Demolition is also fun to watch.

I know there is more planning to demolition than it appears, but it looks like they just start pushing things down, moving things over, digging things up, cutting things apart until the object is completely torn down and removed from sight. It is hard work.

On the other hand the guys on the construction side seem to move at a different pace. They measure, survey, test, draw plans, meet with various environmental groups and then they start their work. As they work, everything is done in a very deliberate way. They dig hole at a precise spot to a specific depth. They take out dirt and bring in gravel. They level the ground. And they work day after day. They continually refer to the plans and drawings. Everything has to be done just right. These men are professional builders and construction workers. When they finish the job you and I have a brand new highway to drive on.

As much as I like to watch the demolition I enjoy the construction phase even more, because they are building something and not just tearing it down. It may not be true, but it appears that those who tear things down are not as careful and deliberate as those who build things up. Which brings me to my point this week -
I want to encourage you to be involved in construction or the building up of people. It seems today that too many of us are active in the demolition or tearing down of people. I know people who go to work every day for weeks and years and never hear an encouraging word. I know children and teens that go to school everyday and never hear a positive comment made concerning them or their work. I know people who claim to follow Jesus who never seem to see the good around them and they are quick to tear down those around them. Christ followers are to be in the building up business. We are to build up one another and encourage one another. Leave the demo to Satan. God’s people are builders!

So as you go through out this week look for those people who have suffered a demolition attack and do what you can do to build them up. Who knows, you might be the answer to someone’s cry for help. Now get out there and build something.

Love God. Love Others.

Get In Shape

The other day someone asked me if I felt alright. I responded by saying that I felt fine. Later in the day I began to wonder to myself how should I feel at this point in time of my life. I believe that I feel fine. I believe that I feel the way I should feel. But how do I know if I really feel the way I could feel?

Okay, okay I know that is some weird thinking, but that’s me. I am able to do everything that I do with no problems at all. But I do know that there are people my age that do things that I can not do such as run a marathon. I can’t do that and further more I have no desire to do that. All this did get me to thinking that maybe I should be doing more at this point in time of my life so I can stay healthy longer in life. I do know this, the old saying, “use it or loose it” is very true.

I know of people who are well into their 80’s and even some 90 year olds that still mow their lawns and still do gardening. These are people that run circles around most of us regardless of our age. They are truly inspiring people to know.

In a spiritual sense, how are you doing? Have you grown spiritually lately? Do you strive to grow spiritually on a daily basis? Think about these questions for a moment. Some of you may be saying what I said about my physical health, “how should I be doing?”

Well let’s ask some more questions. Is your understanding of scripture the same as it was last month, last year, five years ago or twenty years ago? Have you grown in your understanding of what God’s will is for your life? Are the weaknesses you had in your life a few years ago still weaknesses today? Are the struggles in your life still struggles today? Have you grown in your prayer life? Is your faith easier to share with others? Are you more willing to do good in the name of Jesus to those in need around you?

You see just as in your physical life you can know how you are doing spiritually. That old saying “use it or loose it” is also true about your spiritual life. So think about these things and develop a strategy for better spiritual health. Remember, your spiritual walk is a marathon and you should run the race to win. 1 Corinthians 9:24 “ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” The writer of the book of James simply put it this way, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” So get with it! Get in the spiritual shape of your life. The reward is out of this world!

Love God. Go Love Others.