On the Outside Looking In

Balderdash

2009-06-03T09:46:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately they didn't train him how to take the gun off safe.

The Grand Canyon vs Mulch

2009-04-16T01:15:00.002-04:00

Intersting title isn't it? It is 1:16 in the morning and I can not sleep; I have cramps. Te last time my body cramped up this bad was in 2000 when I hiked from the top of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado river. It took my step-brother and I 4 hours to get to the bottom. We fell asleep but was awaken by the park ranger telling us to keep moving. after 12 hours later we were back at the car. I had the worst cramps in every part of my body.

Yesterdy me and three other guys laid 500 bags of mulch, and I feel the same cramps. I was hurting. I never thought I would be comparing the two.

Trusting God at his promise

2009-03-01T05:32:00.004-05:00

We should all know the story of Moses and the burning bush...right? If not read Exodus 3. God tells Moses that he would bring the Israelites to the mountain where Moses stood in front of the burning bush (Gods mountain).

What I find fascinating is that the Israelites were in slavery to the Egyptians. How was God going to bring them out of Egypt to Sinai? Due to several plagues Pharaoh let the Israelites leave Egypt. The Israelites go through a time of having to trust God. They are chased by the Egyptians through the desert, God in turn leads them through the Red Sea. They are hungry and God feeds them. They thirst God gives them water to drink. God leads the Israelites by a cloud of smoke during the day and a pillar of fire by night. The entire time the Israelites were going through the desert God was with them guiding and providing for them. He brought His people to Sinai just as He said He would!

Has God ever told you He would do something? It's pretty cool and exciting when He does. God tells Moses at Sinai He brought the Israelites out on Eagles wings, which is a neat way of putting it. A mother eagle determines when it is time for the baby bird to leave the nest (about 3 months) and begins to rough up the nest making it undesirable to remain in. The eagle tosses the baby bird out of the nest to teach it how to fly. Right before the baby hits the ground the mother swoops down and catches the baby on her wings. The process is repeated until the baby flys. God is faithful to do what He says He will do even when it seems to be impossible.

BABY'S-R-US SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR MEN

2009-02-21T19:10:00.003-05:00

I offered to go to BABY'S-R-US with my wife and grab some gifts for a baby shower, big mistake. I noticed and experienced a few things.All the men have the same "I don't belong here" look on there face. Then the pity stare as we walk by each other. Several pregnant women shopping in the same store is WW III waiting to happen.

Here are some things I learned in about 20 minutes:

1. Never,ever make eye contact with a pregnant woman.
2. The lost look on a mans face is usually misunderstood as eavesdropping.
3. Do not stop for more than 3 minutes in one spot or you'll be accused of eavesdropping.
4. Stay as close to your wife as possible. Which is hard for me since I cant navigate through the store as quickly as she can.
5. Do not appear to not want to be there.
6. Do not use the baby rattles as a musical instrument.
7. No you cant fit in a baby's crib no matter how big it looks.
8. Do not go near the breast feeding area, you don't belong there.
9. The words,"When are you due" should never come out of your mouth, I know your trying to fit in but if your wife doesn't ask, she's not expecting!
10. Unless you are shopping for your child try to stay in the car.

Ted Haggard on Oprah

2009-01-28T16:59:00.003-05:00

I caught the end of this interview between Oprah and Ted Haggard. I don't know all the details of Teds story. What I do know is Ted was a pastor at a New Life church in Colorado Springs. Ted had a drug fueled homosexual "experience". He later resigned from the church he founded. Ted then went on with his life as a door to door insurance salesmen among other things.

It hurt to see Ted and his family struggle through the consequences of his actions. It was also interesting to see Oprah try to pin Ted down with questions to get him to say either God doesn't accept gays, or God does accept gays the way they are. It was hard for me at first to discern if Ted was either justifying his action or forgiving himself. I think the last thing he said made a lot of sense to me," God loves all the unrighteous. If we would just seek Him, He will make the necessary changes in our lives."

How do we seek God? Well we need to know Him by the Holy Spirit through His Word. As long as we, the unrighteous, will either start or continue to seek God by His Word that would make all the difference. I saw some healing in Teds story. I'm sure some will pull justification for being unrighteous out of his story. And others will throw fire and brimstone at him, but what did Jesus do? I see a picture of forgiveness and healing.

God, I pray that you line the straight and narrow path with several telephone poles so that as soon as I begin to stray, I don't go any further than the thought.

Muscle

2009-01-25T19:44:00.005-05:00

I went with my wife to a classic car show and auction. Although nobody would give me their car I had a great time coveting. Here is my top three muscle cars in order: First we have the 1070 GTO Judge "The Judge". If you have ever seen the movie Dazed and Confused this is the car in the opening. I could only find yellow but my favorite color on this car is red.

Second is the Road Runner. I think this car is a 1970 but I cant remember. I like the 440 six pack on these cars this Road Runner has the stroker for it's power plant.

My third favorite muscle car is the Charger. And of course in the South we know the Charger as the "General Lee".

My First Wedding Anniversary

2009-01-25T19:37:00.002-05:00

Today is our first wedding anniversary! 1 year has gone by really fast. Carly made a comment to my Grandma today," The hard parts over now right?". The expression on her face was a good answer. Here's to many more good years!

Balderdash

2009-01-21T07:05:00.001-05:00

It's aggravating to get yelled at by a Jackass!

Fortune Cookies and Eccleiastes

2009-01-21T06:43:00.002-05:00

There is a joke that at the end of a fortune cookie if you add the words,"In bed"it gives a new twist to the fortune that will give you a quick laugh. Then there is the truth of Ecclesiastes. As you read through this book written by Solomon the conclusion,"Fear God and keep His commandments(12:13)" is the twist at the end of this "fortune cookie".

To fear God is to respond to Him in awe, reverence and wonder, to serve Him in purity of action, and to shun evil and worship of anything else in His universe. Jesus summed the up the commandments in this,"Love the Lord your God" and, "Your neighbor as yourself".(Matt. 22:34-40)

The Hurt That Will Not Go Away

2009-01-19T15:31:00.002-05:00

By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. Psalm 137:1

It hurts when we're forced to relate to how the exiles felt upon hearing of Jerusalem’s fall by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Something that meant so much to these people was taken.

I see parents who have lost a child. What can I do? I often feel like a visiting coach on the sidelines calling out to his team but his words are drowned out by the noise from the home team fans as I watch a friend that desperately needs Jesus who just won’t listen. What can I do? I’ve done all I can physically to sympathize or counsel, it just doesn’t seem to work. Again, what do I do?

On our knees is a good place to start…

What a one liner

2009-01-16T07:31:00.002-05:00

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Gal 2:20)

"There's nothing wrong with you that a good funeral won't solve," I said to the woman. "I'll even send you flowers!" She smiled in response. I was speaking figuratively to the woman who was stressing out about an issue in her life.

I ran across this scenario on the web today and it is an awesome statement.

Why Me?

2009-01-14T07:53:00.002-05:00

"But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life." - Genesis 45:5

"And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now [it was] not you [who] sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." - Genesis 45:7,8

Nothing happens unless God allows it to. Then why does He allow natural disasters, baby's deaths, murder, rape, and so on. I wish I could tell you but I dont know. I'm sure Joseph asked himself the same thing. Joseph trusted God's plan for his life.

Who moves you?

2009-01-13T07:14:00.002-05:00

"The lord planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."- Genesis 2:8-10

Have you ever wanted to move away from where you are to a seemingly better place? I know I have. What jumps out at me today after reading this is the fact that God had planted the garden before He moved Adam there. The Lord made everything happen perfectly. He provided everything Adam needed and then some.

Now here is the question; will we be like Lot and move to the seemingly greener grass next to Sodom? Or like Adam and go where the Lord has already provided. Or even like Peter in a place where he didn't want to be, in prison, but stayed until God moved him.

An interesting thought that is applicable in our job, church, and our home. So who moves you?

The thought of the morning

2008-12-12T09:42:00.002-05:00

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore on Christs behalf, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20)

"As though God were pleading through us!" Wow

From the outside looking at today

2008-12-11T06:58:00.003-05:00

Though the fig tree may not blossom,Nor fruit be on the vines;Though the labor of the olive may fail,And the fields yield no food;Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,And there be no herd in the stalls-- Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.(Hab 3:17-18)

Fig trees are resilient against frost, pests, and fungus. So what could possibly cause a fig tree to not blossom? The flower of the fig tree is the fruit, which needs to be cross pollinated but not by bees. There is a certain wasp that cross pollinates the tree. The wasp must find a home for its young inside the fruits of a fig species known as 'Caprifig'.

Caprifig, then, must be available in the vicinity of the edible fig tree so that wasps hatching from the caprifigs can enter the edible figs and pollinate the hidden flowers. (The wasps are actually laying eggs for the next generation and, in the process, are carrying pollen to the female flowers. We all know what wasps do to humans, yea they sting.

Ironic that the very insect that causes pain is needed to provide food, which in turn makes us grow strong. It's interesting what God uses to make us grow stronger. I find myself not agreeing with some of Gods methods(like a telephone pole).

We are encouraged to rejoice in Him during these times with whatever little faith we have left knowing we will walk away stronger. Okay God easier said then done! "Teach me what I do not see...." (Job 34:32)

Ummm.......

2008-12-09T17:27:00.001-05:00

High and Right

2008-12-07T19:22:00.003-05:00

I got together with some long time buds of mine after church to shoot some guns out in Geneva, or what I like to refer to as boosting the Ole' testosterone levels. My friend just bought a Remington 700 with a bi pod and it needed to be sighted in. I also needed to shoot my 380 auto, I say needed, but in reality just wanted to real bad.

My friends back yard is right on the St. Johns river which gives us a nice shooting range. After $35 worth of bullets the rifle is still not sighted in. The mounts for the scope are damaged and the springs that helps feed the next round into the rifle's chamber is broke, not as new as he thought( Oh well a quick fix). I hear gun sales are up 30% since Obama won...not a statistic I would want personally.

My pistol is always fun to shoot, and gives me a quick adrenaline rush. After a few hours of shooting guns my manliness goes up by 15 points which is quickly suppressed by my wife talking about putting candy canes on the Christmas tree. I act like I cant hear her because my ears are still ringing and retreat to the office. I have to keep that estrogen/testosterone level in proper balance.

Pay attention men. The next time your feeling down and golf just wont do it for you call Dave and I'll put some man points back on your board by putting a loaded gun in your hands......you never know an unlucky squirrel might wander into our line of fire!

Is America lazy?

2008-12-01T05:40:00.003-05:00

This topic popped up in a forum that seemed interesting. After a few not so accurate statistics focusing on politics, unemployment, and genetics I realized something.

Take a look at the 1900's. Up to this point our main source of transportation was either the heel mobile, or an animal. A huge technological advancement takes place over the course of 100 years. We see cars, trains, plains, and readily available food like McDonald's, BK, and my personal favorite, Arby's(I'm a fatty/hypocrite too)your basic heart attack in a paper sack. Fast forward to the 50's 60's 70's, and half of the 80's. I don't think we've hit lazy just yet. The four food groups in the 90's are candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup (I watched "Elf" the other day), and you can get it all right down the road from your house.

America has become FAT I see obese people in motorized carts blaming it on a genetic thyroid problem(Yea your fat because of the way you eat genius!). Convenience has become a problem in the U.S. Did you know depression, inability to sleep or always being tired, anger, obesity, and inactivity can all be traced to the way you eat. Is there a weight problem in the military? Not yet, they're still active. How about among active athletes, not so much. What about inactive people that say they don't have the time to take 20 min. out of their day to walk or something? You guessed it, overweight.

Yes America is lazy as a whole but there is a reason, we are FAT! Eat right and exercise. You don't have to bench a 1000lbs just get your heart rate up for 45 minutes 3 times a week, that's .01% out of your 7 days. Drop soft drinks and fast food. Remember the concept of cooking? Parents kick your kids outside, if your worried about weirdos stealing your young'ins get them involved in sports. America is lazy because we are fat.

Where do you stand?

2008-09-13T06:37:00.002-04:00

There is a fine line between the two

Change - to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone: to change one's name; to change one's opinion; to change the course of history.
________________________________________________________________

Quit:

1.to stop, cease, or discontinue: She quit what she was doing to help me paint the house.
2.to depart from; leave (a place or person): They quit the city for the seashore every summer.
3.to give up or resign; let go; relinquish: He quit his claim to the throne. She quit her job.
4.to release one's hold of (something grasped).
5.to acquit or conduct (oneself).
6.to free or rid (oneself): to quit oneself of doubts.
7.to clear (a debt); repay. –verb (used without object)
8.to cease from doing something; stop.
9.to give up or resign one's job or position: He keeps threatening to quit.
10.to depart or leave.
11.to stop trying, struggling, or the like; accept or acknowledge defeat. –adjective
12.released from obligation, penalty, etc.; free, clear, or rid (usually fol. by of): quit of all further responsibilities.

Fantasy Football is here!

2008-08-23T16:48:00.004-04:00

This is my second year being involved in the Calvary South Orlando Fantasy Football League. Last year I was in the "other league" but have been asked to be part of the "Pro league" with the big dawgs. I've been seated next to the 9 year old....which is a favorite I might add. Last year I took second which is okay but I want the gold. The 1st place prize is for the all the bragging rights.

I did my home work and was ready to go, or so I thought. The "mans league" plays defensive players which adds a few more positions than I'm use to. Not a big deal I thought to myself, until "it" happened.

Right around the 5th round my mind drew a complete blank on how to strategize around bye weeks. My draft selections went downhill quick. Then several people to tried to explain to me what I already knew but I didn't know I knew it (if that makes any sense). Anyway I figured it out and in order to win the bragging rights I'll need some free agency picks to come through for me.

At least my team name still has all the class. From the Corvette Killers in 06' to the Cow Killers this year. Class....I think so, just all low class. Lets play ball!

Trust is earned

2008-08-16T07:42:00.003-04:00

It is easy to say Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Actually doing it is something totally different.

My company picked up a new contract in June which earned us a new full time employee. The downside to things was it needed to be cleaned up in a very expensive way. 103 King Oaks needed to be trimmed that have been neglected for 3-5 years. We cant do this kind of work in house during the busy season which happens to be hurricane season as well. I realistically had two options: Bring my Dad up, or sub it all out. Neither two option were responding to my requests.

I go to the Lord in prayer to hand this problem over to Him. I mean 103 oaks are not too big for Him right? I get a response from my tree contractor. $8,000 is his price!! Umm God, seriously!? Where am I going to get eight grand I thought to myself. A sister in Christ just happens to be on the board and sees the problem I've been put in. They will front $6000 so I'm down to two thousand now, a little easier to swallow. There is some extra work coming in covering this two thousand dollars.

It is so cool to give something up to the Lord, be still(The hard part) and watch Him go to work. It's like he either teaches us a lesson, helps out just enough to get by, or straight out does it for you. I like when it is the latter. I've learned to trust the Lord with my health, work, and my finances. But this falls into some other category. I guess my trust in God is being built up to trust Him in everything. To those who can walk into faith in Jesus with absolute trust, good job.

Vacation, not so relaxing?

2008-08-04T07:15:00.002-04:00

I can't remember the last vacation I took, wait it was to the Bahamas with my now wife in 04'. The past four days were spent in Fort Pierce with my Step-Father Kevin. The idea was boating, fishing, clamming, and doing nothing in between. I was at this same location when I was 14 with my Dad and that side of the family but I forgot how fast the currents rip through the inlet at tide change, that's kind of an irrelevant side note. I also forgot how much work is involved for this kind of get away like; loading the boat, packing for the vacation, driving down to the spot, docking the boat,and unpacking. I'm walking away with these realizations:

I was raised in the ocean fishing and diving with my Dad and there is a method to how we did things making the day smooth, plan our dive and dive our plan. Kevin has the play it by ear we'll fish wherever, inshore and offshore but preferably the latter which is cool just different.
Without prior proper planning you run into poor performance.
I have more fun these days as a fisher of men than a fisher of fish.
A dock full of partying fishermen scatter when you read your Bible at sunset 60' away from them.
I was once that partying fishermen that scattered when I saw somebody reading the Bible.
I miss the wide open ocean.
I miss the days of fishing in the wide open ocean with my Dad
I'm reminded of the phrase;" lead, follow, or get out of the way"
My Step-Father and I are two totally different people

All in all I had a good time. We caught some small fish and 3 shark but I would loved to set the hook on a 20lbs King Fish. Aah the ones that we missed in the ocean and on the dock will be caught by some body else.....hopefully.

An observation

2008-07-31T07:04:00.002-04:00

I've been working with several kids this past week for this years vacation Bible school and have made a few interesting observations. There is a distinct contrast in the group, and in the church as a whole for that matter, the churched and the unchurched. I've witnessed disappointing things. Now this observation is in general, there are few exceptions, and the kids are being compared to their own age group so I don't want to hear about their maturity.
As far as the churched kids go

The discipline is lacking, you cant tell these little one's to do much
The kids walk all over the adults and do not obey their parents until the "I'm going to count to three" routine
They seem shocked at stern words directed at them, and there is little to no reaction

I understand the church seems like a second home for these guys but do they act this way at home too? I question the parenting. No I'm not a parent, but I've been a kid who knew how to act. It is what it is, the kids behavior shows the parenting. "Well we positive reinforce our kids". Well positively reinforce your kid on the rear end behind closed a door!

Moving on to the unchurched

These kids have heard a stern voice and know what comes next if they continue
There is a respect to the words,"Does your Dad need to know what is going on".
There is more discipline in them.

What gives, Shouldn't it be the other way around? I am personally tired of sissy christian kids that cry twice as much as the kids who rarely hear about God.

Two boys are in line one pushes the other, that boy says in very assertive tone,"Don't push me again". The other one crys, can you guess which one goes to church? I understand humility and a soft heart but there should be a balance between aggressive and passive.

To the Christ following Parent

Take a "How to discipline your kid" class
The parent that isn't afraid to bend your kid across your knee, teach that class
introduce respect for elders concept in your kids life, it works wonders

The Christ spectating Parent

Be do'ers of the word, scripture has a lot to say about parenting, I'm not a parent and am reading the best how to parent guide called the Bible. It's good stuff.
Umm...read the Bible then see above.

I had a heavy amount a discipline in my younger years, I was one of those kids who needed it. Discipline is the instant willingness to obey all orders, respect for others, and self reliance. Discipline leads to respect which leads to good behavior that equals a good example of a little Jesus. If you didn't like what has just been said I know what category you fit in....

The Codex Sinaticus online

2008-07-22T06:05:00.003-04:00

The oldest surviving copy of the New Testament is going to be available online. Reading the article a few things jumped out at me:

"The New Testament has a few interesting differences from the Bible Christians use today. The Gospel of Mark abruptly ends after Jesus' disciples discover the empty tomb, for example. Marks last line has them leaving in fear"
"It cuts out the post resurrection stories.....That's a very odd way of ending a Gospel"

Is this an attack on the validity of the Bible? Obviously this thing is not a new discovery, but how many have heard of it? With these points blasted all over the web I feel an article like this added with the Codex could shake some convictions.

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-science/20080721/Britain.Ancient.Bible/

Chuck Smith's C2000 Series

2008-07-12T09:33:00.002-04:00

Chuck offers a verse by verse study through the entire Bible by his C2000 series. They can be downloaded free and offers his notes on the particular book and chapter(s). He's easy to follow along with and just as easy to listed to on the ipod. I enjoy listening to him when I am on the lawnmower while at work. The safety head phones I use has a port that connects my ipod to them, the head phones drown the mowers noise so that I can clearly hear what Chuck is saying. The problem is my attention is not all focused on mowing so I do miss a lot so when listening to these teachings. Grant, my partner, puts up with it.

I just finished II Corinthians and look forward to Galatians. The problem I find in just listening vs. following along in the Bible is I cant soak up all that he is saying. But when I do eventually read that particular section of scripture I can relate back to when I listened to Chuck teach. It's not a bad way for me to pick up on some deeper parts of scripture. After all I am on the mower all day stuck with my thoughts and the hum of the mower. After all I can only evangelize to the mower so much, which is now saved by the way..... I may get an occasional grass hopper that responds to an alter call here and there but since I'm at these accounts every week they get tired of hearing the same Ol' stuff. Heh who knew the Word that is sharper than any two edge sword not only cuts through bone and marrow but exoskeleton as well.

CSO's Wedsnesdys Night Growth Groups

2008-06-26T05:54:00.006-04:00

Wednesday night has changed at Calvary South Orlando. We have gone from the normally Wed. night Bible study to a few different groups all focused on spiritual/personal growth. Since this change, our attendance has gone up on Wednesday nights compared to the more traditional Wednesday night. Of course we have worship before we brake off into our groups.

I have the privilege of teaching one of these groups called"Foundations of Faith". What a stretch for me. I personally feel I'm growing more as the leader than anyone else. What a difference it is teaching the Word of God compared to anything else. It puts a weight on my shoulders I cant explain that I've never felt before. I've taught Marines how to fight in life and death situation, high school teenagers on everyday life, and debriefed officers after a mission. Nothing compares to the responsibility of teaching scripture. I'm truly grateful to my pastors for letting me grow in this way. This Wednesday night will be fun.

C.S.O's Saturday golf adventure

2008-06-16T06:09:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful morning the bass were jumping in the lake, gators laying in the sun , and some golf balls were about to get crushed....into the water.

I was teamed up with Matthew Jessie and Desmond Clark, it was a cruel joke in my opinion. Scramble was the set up on the first nine, where everybody is suppose to contribute. My contribution ended after the first hole. I made the comment that I needed to step up if I wanted to contribute. "Tell a joke was" the encouraging comment I got. After the first 18 I was done. I look forward to doing it again and hope we as a church will do that more often. There is no better way than to spend a Saturday morning with a bunch of sinners who love God and chase some white balls around in a golf cart. I cant play golf well but I sure can talk like I can.

The Thief on the cross

2008-06-12T06:16:00.003-04:00

Hanging from both arms on a cross barely able to breath, hardly able to speak, feet in severe pain from the weight of the body resting on them trying to breath a few words were muttered.".....remember me...."

Strength through the Lord is supernatural, but often overlooked in my opinion. I'm not focusing on the life of the thief but rather his confession, repenting, then following the Lord while in the most difficult time of his life. What an amazing example he gives us. Coming to know Jesus at that point in time in that situation.

You go thief after all you've stolen from God you return in through your heart in total physical pain. I cant wait to shake your hand.

Cleaning house

2008-06-09T06:39:00.004-04:00

The message at church yesterday really has me thinking.
" If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear." Psalm 66:18

Paul tells us since we are no longer under the law but under grace should we continue to sin, heck no! So this is doesn't exempt us from obeying Gods laws. Even the Savior obeyed the law, shouldn't we?

The funk we put between us and god drowns our cries out to the Lord. Makes me think back to what Jesus said,"With the faith of a mustard seed we can move mountains". If we draw closer to Him,He will draw closer to us as we cry out for repentance. It is actually the Lord that removes iniquity and grants us that repentance.

Pastor said this "grace" separates us from being under the law regarding salvation.
But once accepting faith in Christ the law is a standard on how we as Christians should live. whew my brain hurts.

Gas Pump Evangelisim

2008-06-05T06:19:00.002-04:00

Yesterdays schedule at work was jumbled. There was some unplanned stops that had to be made. My partner ran out of gas the day before in the truck, and we needed to pick up a wire locate in Orlando. Our Wednesday route wasn't the norm. At the gas pump I noticed a gentlemen, Cory, approach my partner Grant and hand him something them walk away. The headline of the pamphlet read The Watch Tower. I commented out loud,"That's it?" and started watching this family proceed to hand pamphlets to every vehicle pulling in. I approached the man to chat with him and you could see the excitement on his face building. I asked him,"That's all? Your just going to hand out a pamphlet then move on without talking about Jesus?" Wow, he got his New World Translation Bible out from under all those pamphlets real quick. his anxiety really started to set in now, my arm would have been raising up.

He immediately began this instructed "Romans Road" like walk through his bible. Cory first went to the great commission to explain why he was there. The question I asked, stopping him short, was why he didn't think Jesus was God in the flesh. His only explanation was Jesus is the son of God nothing more. Cory then allowed me to walk him through the certain Scriptures in John 1 that tells us Jesus was God in the flesh. He was faced with a decision, is Jesus the son of God and what is the consequence for not believing that he is? The Holy Spirit was all over Cory, it was freaking awesome! I could only imagine a family I had the opportunity to share the Word with at a gas station could eventually say yes to faith in Christ. The rest of my day was a blur.

The Pulpit

2008-06-04T06:20:00.002-04:00

Last Tuesday at a leadership discussion held by my pastor, he let me know I would be introducing the Foundations of Faith growth group I will be leading to the church. I'd be lying to say I didn't give what I was going to say much thought 2 minutes up and out I've done it before. That is until I stood next to the PULPIT. Public speaking isn't something I dread and have found to be effective at.

I was called up to the stage to speak and all was good then my eyes connected with that pulpit and a new weight fell on my shoulders. My mind went blank as my leg started to shake. My left arm began to lift up outwards, which I call my Holy Spirit meter, uncontrollably. The first service my pastor had to walk over and put his arm around me as I stumbled through what I was trying to say. I felt like running behind him. The second service wasn't such a disaster but I cant quite remember what was said.

I once stood behind the pulpit staring into an empty auditorium, for about 5 seconds until I felt uncomfortable and stepped away. Talk about a nerve wracking burden. At least my class is in front of the pulpit. It seems the place I'm called to is the very same place I'd rather not be.

I'm working on it

2008-05-23T23:03:00.002-04:00

You know when you come to road construction and there is that guy holding a slow/stop sign "directing" traffic? I haven't pulled my hands out of my pocket to turn the sign. Until then enjoy the panoramic view of Everest. Look hard and you can see me taking a picture with Tupac and Elvis playing Ping Pong, before they showed up at the YMCA in Georgia.