Shadows

If you have not heard this song - you need to. I heard it first watching Passion 2012 online.

David Crowder Band. Lecrae.

Yea, you'll get it.

Closer Emotion

Is it true that when you find something you love, and truly enjoy it, to a point of deep satisfaction, that you are brought closer to your Creator?

What about that favorite instrumental song, or that picture that invokes such emotion, or that hobby that brings an un-orchestrated smile to your face...

Is it possible that somehow when we stay true to our innermost desires and satisfactions, that we are actually drawn closer to the One who has created us and all good things that we enjoy?

When done right, blogging is therapy for me. It helps me to identify and bring out emotions and desires that otherwise I may not even realize are stirring within me. Blogging has helped me to get in touch with my "feminine" side so to speak. As a man we have a rap of being tough and bigger than our emotions, but come on guys, we got feelings too!

Though I'm not sure blogging helped me in pondering the things I'm writing on today, it has helped me to recognize, articulate, and sort through these very real emotions inside of me.

Anyway, the other day I was struck by a group of pictures that spoke to my soul. I don't know how else to put it except that the views that were in these pictures struck a deep cord in me. And somehow, I felt closer to the Lord through allowing myself to be so moved by the photos. Normally, I don't think I would have allowed myself to feel what I did, maybe because normally my subconscious wouldn't let me. Maybe it was because I felt the Lord was closer to me than usual during that time.

Either way, I felt it.

Maybe this is old news to some who are well-versed in recognizing and enjoying their passions and emotions.

Or, maybe I'm just crazy.

Not quite sure myself yet. But, I felt what I felt. And something tells me, I'm not the only one who has felt that way before...

Nor do I want it to be my last time.

Iron

Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

It is true - God uses people in our lives to sharpen us and make us better. The question is, who are you being vulnerable enough with that they can speak into your life? Who have you given the freedom to share with you what they see in you?

Vulnerability is scary, but necessary for growth. So I ask again, who are you vulnerable with?

Maptastical!

Another post for you map lovers out there - and this one comes in the form of a handy tip. I recently tried to utilize the "My Places" feature in Google Maps. My Places in Google Maps is a handy tool that keeps record of recent searches or favorite places that you have "starred" on the map. That way, you can easily find these favorite destinations and get directions fast, search for whats nearby, or whatever else you may need.

Now, that in and of itself is a cool and handy feature. What's more, if you utilize the Google Maps app on your smartphone, you can pull up these starred locations and get directions while on the fly! The destinations you searched for and starred while logged into your Google account on your computer are seamlessly available on your smartphone for convenient use. How stinkin' cool!

Scenario - you've been planning a family vacation. Who wants to plan a trip on the small screen of your phone, right?! So you log into your Google account and star the place you are staying, as well as local area attractions and restaurants your family would like to visit while on your trip.

Instead of creating a log of these places by writing addresses, etc., they are seamlessly starred on your Google Maps app on your phone for you to pull up and get directions to while you are on your trip. Everyone hungry? Find that star and quickly get directions. Spur of the moment urge to visit the aquarium? Find your star and get their fast.

Another scenario - searching for a new home? Star the addresses of the properties you want to visit and they are ready to pull up and get to while you are out and about.

This is a common sense feature of the Google system - Google Maps and the Google Maps App for Android (I would guess it would still work for the Google Maps app on the iPhone), but I never connected the dots and realized or fully utilized this feature - in particular the seamless integration from your Google account on your computer to your smartphone.

So there you have it, my map tip/post of the day. Happy mapping!

PS, for a similar Google Maps feature, google.com/favoriteplaces, check out the video below...

Media Freedom

This past Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I seem to remember participating in the Ash Wednesday ritual growing up in the Methodist church. Even so, I really had no idea regarding the meaning behind the tradition. After a quick "Googling" of the topic, it seems to me a time of fasting, repentance, inward reflection and the like 40 days out from Easter (Sunday's not included in the count - read more here).

Though we don't participate in the practice, we did find ourselves starting a bit of a fast as a family this past Wednesday. And so far, I am soo glad we did.

We decided as a family to fast all extraneous media. For example, no movies, no Wii, no internet surfing, no iPod games, limited Facebook and Twitter except for specific communication, and similar things, for a week. And all of us - parents and children - are participating.

Talk about eye opening.

We knew the kids had been playing too much Wii lately, what I didn't know is just how much we all needed to step back from all these things and smell the fresh air of media freedom.We wouldn't have said that media was a controlling thing in our home as we had taken strides years ago to remove live television from our home, and trying to monitor and limit media intake. However, we all know there are plenty other of avenues for our thoughts, desires, imagination, and energy to be taken up and spoiled by other media outlets.

I am seeing that every little bit that I am caught up in these media mind mushers, means my attention is taken from the more important. If my energy, desires, etc. are wrapped up, even a little, in these things, that means the most important - my wife and children, are not getting my best. Even worse, God isn't getting my best.

It may sound strange, but we are honestly feeling and breathing the clean air of media freedom. We don't feel as rushed, we're more attentive, which means we're more involved in each other and God. And it seems crazy! We wouldn't have said we were overrun with media overdose, yet, that's in some ways exactly how it feels!

So, Ash Wednesday or not - I would challenge each of you to do the same - fast media for a week. Or maybe even for the 40 days leading up till Resurrection Sunday. And I mean specifically media. Doesn't matter how affected by media you think you are, you may be surprised by what happens to you and your family during the fast. If you absolutely already have no media in your life (which I highly doubt because you are reading this post on some sort of media channel!) then find something that preoccupies your time, thoughts, and energy, even if it seems little, and give it up.

For a time. Or longer.

We are already discussing long term changes to our home and lifestyles as a result of this fast. I hope you find the same.

Timely Word

Have you ever recieved a timely word from a friend? From the Lord directly? My wife and I recieved the same word on two seperate days here recently that we believe was just for us, just from Him, and just what we needed.

We had been in turmoil about something we have been praying about for a while now, when over the course two days I believe God shared with us an encouraging message that was what we needed to hear. He first dropped the thought in my wife's heart a couple days ago, however she didn't say anything to me about what she was feeling. The very next day I had an acquaintance, unsaved mind you (God will speak however He wants to us), share with me in random conversation the very same thing that my wife had received from the Lord.

It was just what we needed to hear.

I was sharing with my wife Liz what this gentleman had said and how it impacted me, and she revealed to me that she had the very same thought just the day before. I believe it was God speaking to us clearly about the posture and attitude we need to be taking in this season of life and in regards to what we were praying through. How wonderful!

I'm reminded this morning that that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV. As believers, God is doing a good work in us, He is at work in us. He knows right where we are at and what we need. And He takes care of His children being the loving Father that He is. He meets our needs at just the right time, and the word He gave us was exactly that.

I would encourage you to continue to seek His face, and trust that He will bring the word, the open door, the change, the encouragement you need too, at just the right time.

Be Anxious... For Nothing

The Bible says, do not be anxious about anything. I needed to hear that today. I was getting all tore up about life and as a result, was filled with anxiety. Then this verse came back to me. It goes on...

...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Let your requests... Which I would say, means ALL your requests or anxieties. In other words, cast everything on Him. All your anxieties. Don't hold anything back for yourself to get stressed about. Give it all to Him. And as the next verse says...

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Deep sigh...

Yea. I needed that today. Maybe you did too.

My Favs

One of my favorite portions of Scripture, from Romans 3:

as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
“Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
in their paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace they have not known.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

There are none who are righteous, not one. Let's receive and walk in His grace today.

Blessed

Our trip to NY to be with family during the loss of my Grandmother was such a meaningful trip. The time with family was priceless and meant so much to me. With my sister and I living out of state and my other siblings and cousins starting their own families or dealing with busy schedules, one evening all together makes for special memories.

Though it was an emotional trip, continually fighting back tears it seemed, it was a blessed trip. My Grandmother was a good woman who knew the Lord, so I can't even imagine what it is like for her right now, in heaven with Jesus! Many wonderful things were said about her, and I am thankful for my "Grandma" the Christian heritage she and all my Grandparents have passed down to all of us, as I now do my best to share that heritage with my children.

We greatly appreciate all prayers for us and my extended family during this time.

Blessings.

How We Roll

Shopping cart collectors become jungle gyms during a long day on the road ;)

Full Heart

One of my favorite moments from this weekend with the family was captured in this shot. The passing of my Grandmother brought their two children (my Mom and Uncle) and all their kids and grandkids together under one roof, which is no small feat.

My Grandpa and Grandma had two children who had six kids each (I'm the oldest of my Mom's six), so with six each, plus their kids and spouses, it made for a full house - and full hearts.

Happy Ending

Late nights when visiting family are common. Here's how this one ended up...

Dinner Stop

O'Charley's anyone??

On a side note - a great alternative to fast food for big families is calling ahead to a restaurant on the way. Don't order drinks - bring some with you, order from their deals, and split meals, and you'll pay about the same as you would getting fast food - or less! (And you wont feel as bad afterward:)

Gas Hawk

For a gas deal fanatic like myself, this was a sight for sore eyes

The Crew

Hangin' out in the back :)

More from the Road

Cincinatti in the rain

On the road...

Headed north to be with family durring this time of loss. I'm hoping to share some pics from the road as we make our way up to Western NY. We greatly appreciate any and all prayers for us and our extended family.

This is how our day started...

Precious Moments

Last summer our whole family visited my Grandpa and Grandma's farm. What a great time we had! The kids got to climb on tractors, crawl through the barn, see the cows, and best of all, spend some time with their Great Grandparents.

I didn't know at the time it would be the kids' last time with their Great Grandma Strickland.

And mine.

I found out from my Mom this morning that her Mother, my Grandmother, had died. She died there at the house where we all had visited with my grandparents that day, where I have many memories from time spent there as a kid.

Needless to say it has been an emotional day.

It was a difficult day for me as her grandson, and I am sure for all those who were close to her, family or friend. At the same time I can't imagine what my Mother, Uncle, and especially my Grandpa must be feeling, knowing how I feel today.

Grandpa and Grandma had been married for (I believe) at least 70 years. They are from another generation, another time in our nation as they have lived through everything from the end of World War 1, the Great Depression and World War II, to Vietnam, Desert Storm, 9/11, and everything in between. Life has changed so much in America over the course of their lives. Technology, travel, and even morals and values have changed - some things have changed for the good, some for the bad.

I am blessed with incredible grandparents, on both sides of my family. And I am so thankful that my kids, wife and I had those precious moments with my Grandmother that day.

My brother (Jesse) actually caught some of those moments on camera, where four generations laughed and talked together in that house filled with memories from me being a kid, the house where my Mom grew up, and even where my Grandfather was born.

I can look at these pictures and tell my children - this was the last day we had together with your Great Grandmother.

Precious moments indeed.

To My Lovely Bride...

Your Eyes Still Capture Me,

Your Love Upholds Me.

Your Beauty Is Immeasurable.

Happy Valentine's Day,

To My Forever Valentine.

I Love You Elizabeth Ann Follman.

Darwin

Over 200 years ago today, evolutionist Charles Darwin was born. Darwin wrote the book, "On the Origin of Species." Darwin and his evolutionary thinking have had an impact on our world, including the church. Many church-goers have adopted the thinking that somehow evolutionary thought and the Word of God can co-exist. We have re-interpreted the Scriptures to make allowance for the evolution of man. What most don't realize is the slippery slope that this creates, which can lead to the undermining of God's Word and the existence of God Himself.

Instead of the Church influencing the world, the world is influencing the Church.

On this anniversary of Darwin's birthday, I would encourage you to read the blog post below by the man who started the creation museum here in northern Kentucky, Ken Ham. I would also encourage you to take time to find out truly what the Bible says is the origin of man. Consider carefully where you may have adopted Darwinian thought, simply because it was handed to you from teachers, professors, or the like, just as it was handed to me.

And let me know your thoughts as well.

From Ken Ham...

Yes, Abraham Lincoln was born on this day, but today, secular humanists and compromising and liberal clergy are more likely to be celebrating Darwin’s birthday. Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809. He published his book On the Origin of the Species in 1859 and 12 years later released The Descent of Man. Darwin’s ideas of biological evolution, built on his belief in geological evolution (millions of years), have permeated the world and sadly much of the church...

To read the rest of Mr. Ham's article, click here.

October Baby

I've only heard good things about the movie "October Baby" so far. Any thing that promotes life for an unborn child in our culture is a great thing, and very welcome in my book.

Though I haven't seen it yet, I'm planning to at some point. Hopefully our city (Somerset) can gather enough commitments to bring it to our theater's.

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the official trailer below.

Let's be a voice for the unborn...

Library Lovin'

The whole family went together today to the Somerset-Pulaski County Library. What a blast! Three floors of library fun!

I had the chance to share with the oldest three how to search and find books on topics that interest them. Libraries and bookstores are one of my wife and my favorite places to visit, and I want to share with the kids how to get the most from their library experience.

As you can see, our local library has a kids floor that has kids books, animals (bunnies!), reading spots and play areas. It makes it a fun place to go for kids and adults both, no matter your age.

As I said, we really enjoyed our time at the library. So here's the plug: Support your local library by visiting today!

Walk with God

I was challenged the other night with the question - Am I ready to walk with God?

Normally I wouldn't hesitate on that answer, giving a resounding, Yes! This time I hesitated. This time I was hit with the weight of the question, and what answering "Yes" really meant.

To walk with God means that all other earthly pursuits must cease. You must be committed to the Groom forever, having no other lovers. All idols must be torn down.

ALL.

Stop striving, stop straining, your life must now be found in Him. Your life is His.

Am I willing to pay that price? I thought I was, until Wednesday night.

We all would want to walk with God. On the surface it seems like a no-brainer. When in reality, the cost is high. Do we really understand the weight of what it means to Walk. With. God?

The Bible says that "Noah walked with God." And we know what he was required to do, and the ridicule he more than likely faced.

One thing is certain. To walk with God will cost you your life...

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

...yet it's in losing our lives that we truly find it.

Puke

Yeah. Not kidding.

3 kids. 5 days.

Good thing is that is seems to be one and done. Over in 24 hours. We do covet your prayers as we desire for all our kids to recover quickly.

We are teaching them to share, but sharing their cold is taking it a little far.

It was Carson tonight, and hopefully he's the last.

Thanks all.

Dreams

I would like to welcome my favorite guest blogger today, my lovely bride, Elizabeth! :)

God has given my wife many dreams over the years as it seems to be a consistent way he speaks to her. She recently wrote a short post about dreams, which I would encourage you to read below, especially if you are a fellow dreamer...

One of the ways that I believe God speaks to me is through dreams. Like the kind of dreams where you are sleeping- (in case anyone wasn't sure:) I have had dreams where I felt the Lords presence so strongly all I could do was weep. I also go through times where I will have the same/similar dream a couple times a week! As of now there are two specific dreams that I dream over and over. I have prayed and asked the Lord to show me what they mean.

To read the rest of this post click here.

Courage

One of my favorite verses lately. I've said it over and over again to myself...

http://bible.us/Josh1.9.ESV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Be strong and courageous today.

Prepare the Way

John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord. Matthew 3:3 says this of John:

For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’”

If you look just a verse earlier in Matthew, you read the message that John was specifically preaching,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

To the church in Ephesus, Jesus commands them to repent, and do the works you did at first. They had left their first love. The remedy? Repentance. Repent and do the works you first did when I was your first love.

Repentance, I believe, prepares the way of the Lord in our hearts. Repentance prepares the way for the Kingdom in our lives. Jesus Himself started His ministry saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

If you are feeling distant from God today, repentance may be just the remedy. Been living in sin? Repent. Unforgiveness in your heart? Repent. Cold heart? Repent, as I have had to do recently.

And don't stop. Let's continue to repent.

Repentance seems to wonderfully re-align our hearts and minds with the will of God, and light a fire in our heart once again for Him.

Revelation 2:5 in the Amplified Bible says, Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord]...

Let's re-align ourselves with His will today, let's repent of our sin, and prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts.

While We Were Watching

I've caught a few moments of the Super Bowl while watching online. I also read a tweet tonight that caught my attention.

Sex-Trafficking at the Super Bowl http://t.co/98IkM5vv -- PastorMark (@PastorMark)

The tweet is from Mark Driscoll's Twitter account. Mr. Driscoll is the lead Pastor out at Mars Hill Seattle. I had read an article the other day that dealt with the same issue - Super Bowl and human trafficking.

Take a moment and read the article, and may it convict us to action as our eyes are again opened to what happened while we were all watching...

Read the article here.

Trust

I was reminded this morning that God has great plans for my life. He has great plans for us as a family.

The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11,

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Praise God that today we can trust that the Lord has great plans for us! He knows us by name, and knows what plans He has for us!

And now on to trusting Him...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust... can sometimes be the hardest part.

Big South Fork

The other day I received a couple fun things in the mail from Amazon.com: a map and a guidebook; both related to the Big South Fork.

The Big South Fork is a recreation area that stretches from southern Kentucky to northern Tennessee. It's a place where you can hike, ride bikes, go rafting, and other outdoor activities. And, it happens to be just down the road from where we live.

As someone who loves the outdoors I was pretty excited to receive my goodies. I've been planning our next hiking trip(s) and can't wait to get out and explore God's creation, especially as the weather turns even warmer (its already been a crazy warm winter!).

For you other hikers out there, see you on the trail!

Sex, Marriage, & Fairytales - Review

Seems I have been in a video mood lately, so might as well keep the streak going...

So, have you seen the video poet? Jeff Bethke has been creating quite a stir, to say the least. His creative videos have been viewed over 20 million times on YouTube.

20 million.

He just posted a new video back a few days ago and it already has been viewed over 3 million times. The name of it is Sex, Marriage, & Fairytales.

Let me say up front that I love what he is doing. He is using his gifts to share his love for Jesus and his heart on some real life matters. His poems contain gripping phrases that challenge us as Christians. His videos have gone "viral" and as a result are bringing I'm sure both praise and condemnation from others.

I have not watched any, but just a brief glance at some of the related videos' titles that YouTube lists (whether they should be called "related" or not is up for debate) shows that he is probably bringing out both the good and the evil in people through his poems. Which makes sense - they are all about Jesus and truth.

I have posted his Sex, Marriage & Fairytales video below. He shares some good thoughts for both married couples and singles. I'll be honest, it's difficult to receive from him entirely and fully simply because of his age and having never been married. Maybe that's my pride though. I'm young and still early in my marriage. That doesn't take away from the truth he shares.

Side note: Jeff is stepping out and following his heart - what most people don't do. It's a lot easier to criticize someone else's step of faith than to step out ourselves...

Anyway, it's obvious even to a young man like Mr. Bethke that marriage in America... scratch that ...marriage in the Church has problems. As a result, we are not setting a godly example for the next generation to follow. Jeff has some good insights and thoughts for all of us.

So take a look. What do you think?

For more on Jeff Bethke, click here.

Injustice

Human trafficking, and modern day slavery, is a growing horror. Men, women and children are being sold as slaves all around the world. It's time we do something about it.

Exodus Cry is a prayer ministry formed to end this atrocity. Taken from their website...

Vision:

To end human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

Mission:
Exodus Cry is an international anti-trafficking organization committed to abolishing modern day slavery through prayer, awareness, and reform, while assisting the victims of human trafficking and slavery through rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.

We cannot be silent on this issue.

Exodus Cry has recently produced a documentary on modern day slavery and human trafficking titled, Nefarious, Merchant of Souls. For an eye opening glimpse into the lives of those enslaved, check out the trailer to the documentary below.

The trailer may not be suitable for children. It is suitable for awakening us to action.

Spread the word. Save a soul. Let's do something now.