Journey

This is my morning face...

Take that.

The journey of a thousand miles begins.

Details to follow....

Great God

What a day, God provides!

Did some tree trimming work with a great family in Tennessee, the Bates family.

Great experience, great family,

Great God.

By the way, the pic here? Maybe I should start a convenient store?? ;)

Pressure

It's in the crucible's of life that we find out who we really are. It's easy to appear pious and full of faith when things are rolling along well. It's another thing to walk displaying the fruit of the Spirit when the pressure is on, nothing is going right, and you're hard-pressed on every side.

But, there is good news-

Somewhere in that crucible, somewhere in the fire, silver and gold is refined. The impurities are removed from our lives. In the pressing of the grapes, a fine wine is made.

The Bible says,

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. From Chapter 1 of the book of James, ESV.

Let's count our trials joy today. And let's let steadfastness, or patience, have it's perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete.

Lacking in nothing.

Friends

I'm so glad tonight for friends. Friends that you can share your heart with. Friends you can share your life with.

The older I get, the more I realize good friends are hard to come by. A good friend is to be cherished and treasured.

Unfortunately, too many people live cold and lonely lives, missing deep and meaningful friendships. Friendships are replaced with fronts, keeping the relationship many times at a surface level masquerade.

We're great at that in the Church.

It shouldn't be that way.

So I encourage you: take time this week to pull off the mask, stop the masquerade, and share your life, real life, with a friend.

Opening up is risky...

But worth it.

Listen

Ignore the balloons... supposedly they're there for inspiration too?

As mentioned before, God is carrying us through a difficult season. A faith-testing season, a character building season... A good season.

These series of three inspirational quotes were on my iGoogle home page today. With what the Lord may be doing in our lives, all I can say is wow, Wow, and WOW! When pressure is on and difficulties arise, it seems we can sense Him all the closer in those times, and, if we are willing to listen, He also seems to be speaking so clear.

Maybe this is one of those times.

What about you? What are you facing? What is He speaking to you?

Or, maybe better, are you listening?

POOL PARTY!!

Today was the last day of school for our kids, which means...

...movies, games, Cheetos, slip 'n slide, lunchables, music, squirt guns, beach ball, Popsicles, mini-pool, fruit snacks, sidewalk chalk, and...

Whew! What a blast! They deserved it for all their hard work.

I hope they sleep good, 'cuz Daddy needs to ;)

How You Look At It

We are in a tough season as a family. The future is unknown. We need answers and time is running out...

Time to PANIC!

That's one way of looking at it.

The other way, is that we are in a...

Blessed season. I am home more with my family.

Season of adventure. We don't know what lies around the corner. That can be exciting and thrilling. (And scary!)

Season of testing. And when our faith is tested, we go through trials, God does great things in our lives and hearts (when we do it His way).

Supplied season. All our needs are covered and supplied day by day.

Carried season. When we run out of answers, the only thing we have left is that Jesus Himself is carrying us through. And that's not so bad of a position to be in.

In what basically equates to a lay-off, I am out of work and not sure when the next pay check will come in. Not sure how we will pay the next months bills. And, I know we aren't the only ones facing this right now.

Though things don't look (or feel) good, God has given my wife and I great peace in the midst of the storm.

Not answers, but peace.

He knows our need before we ask // We are of much greater value than the birds of the air // As we seek His kingdom first, all these things will be added unto us...

This Scripture (below) has been encouraging to me in this time, and would like to share it with you, hoping maybe it will help someone else as well.

Thank you Jesus, our peace in the storm...

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34

Dirty Oxen

A favorite verse... almost a riddle! So what does it mean??

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. http://bible.us/Prov14.4.ESV

The Machine

Today I visited The Machine Shop Gym for the first time at Mike "The Machine" Bruce's new location. I was headed for a workout in another location, but decided to tag along with a couple friends of mine who were headed to the Machine Shop.

I'm glad I tagged along.. what a blast!

I love what Mike is doing there. His place is full of inspiration, toughness (physical and mental), and hard-working mean and women... I loved it! It was great to see Mike and see all that he has going on.

If you are looking for a gym in the Somerset, KY area, contact Mike here. Mind you, you will be getting much more than a gym - a place of inspiration for all areas of life.

On a side note - I am CRAZY sore from my workout today, just the way I like it! Thanks Mike!

Uninspired

Boy, I'm uninsprired tonight.

So is my title.

And it's late...

I shall go seek some inspiration from and finish the night in a book.

[after I take out the new puppy]

And meet you back here tomorrow.

Can't wait!

Inspiration shall meet me here.

...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Losing Control

I love late night talks with my wife. And we've had hundreds of them over the course of our marriage.

They are typically freeing, enlightening, convicting, focusing, loving (or some combination thereof) conversations.

Tonight was no different.

Our conversation tonight probably fell into convicting/feeling-horrible-about-myself category, yet I am thankful for it.

So now the rubber meets the road, it's time to change.

It's time to lose control.

Trust

The Lord has been using this promise of His greatly in my life lately... I hope it provides encouragement to someone else tonight as well.

I would encourage you to read and pray through each line of this passage, one by one. Do it with the Holy Spirit, and let His truth sink in deep.

May the Lord overwhelm you with His peace as you trust in 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

Dog Whispering

We've had our little puppy, Rocky, for 3 weeks now. In our quest to train him right, we've called on the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan.

I checked this book out from our local library, and got to watch his show for the first time tonight with my oldest daughter and wife.

I am now fully ready to be the pack leader and pass my inner calm and assertiveness to our puppy...

Country Life

My wife and I have talked for years about moving to the country. Of late, our talks have gotten more serious... And fun!

It's definitely something we hope to do in the future should the Lord see fit. In the mean time, we are doing our best to bring the country to us.

Garden? Check.

Dog? Check.

Clothesline? Check (I mean, come on, how much more country can you get?!)

And, I read. I guess it's in preparation of our next season of life.

Country life.

Ice Cream Adventure

Last night my daughter Lauren and I walked a mile and a half, scaling 3 subdivisions, storage units and leapt over office buildings to get to the all-important Baskin-Robbins the back way. Then we did it all over again to get back home.

By the look on my daughter's face, it was worth it.

My face agrees :)

Weeds Of Fear

I took this picture the other day, and it reminded me how life can grow anywhere. Against the greatest odds, great dreams have been born and great lives have been lived.

I'm also reminded that evil can grow anywhere too. Just like this tree found a crack in my driveway and cement wall; doubt, unbelief, fear, etc. will take what ground you give it.

I have struggled with fear recently. The holy spirit has helped me to gain much ground and turn back this fear, not giving into it and living in greater freedom and faith.

But there are still areas of fear in my life.

And if I don't snuff them out now, that fear will take hold of any ground I give it, attempt to steal back any ground won for faith, and try in any way to become a strong tree (a stronghold of sin) in my life.

No ground must be given to the enemy. My lot is faith, my life is Christ. Just like the Isrealites before us, sin in the camp is not to be tolerated.

Don't tolerate the devil's tactics today. Take ground. Have faith.

You and I are holy vessels for Jesus.

Family Garden

Posting from my phone doesn't always go as planned... Just  tilt your head.

Shew....

Life has seemed a little crazy lately.

It's been tough to find time to really sit down and share my heart in a blog post. Moments of reflection help produce my most meaningful posts, at least meaningful to me. Unfortunately, those moments of reflection have been hard to come by lately.

As I work to find a rhythm in posting, it's been fun posting some pics from my life. These posts are generally quicker and shorter, yet they can still be very meaningful.

Take the above. Our family garden.

The picture above represents more than just vegetables, but also our efforts to eat as all-natural as possible, a love for growing, and more importantly, a meaningful outlet for my family and I to spend some valuable time together.

Cultivating a garden AND relationships...

Win.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all moms! I love you Mom!

[a pic of my wife with all the kids, about to enjoy breakfast in bed this morning!]

Gone Fishin'

This... makes me smile :)

Early this morning Josiah and I went on our first fishing trip together. No lines lost and caught ourselves a crappie. Not bad for our first time out!

The day started early, I can't hang on much long...

...zzzzzzzzzzz

Mommy Weekend!

Called on the "Papa" tonight... Let Mother's Day Weekend begin!

Well Said...

Regarding the recent statements of our President regarding same-sex marriage, I thought this was well said...

On the Presidential Endorsement of Same-Sex Marriage

For two decades the frog has been in the pot while the temperature has been slowly turned up. Yesterday, it was finally cooked and served to the American people in a sauce so thick as to cover the rancid flavor of the dish.

The process began with the Bush presidencies and their toleration for homosexuality. It was advanced in full by the Clinton Administration. It has now reached its logical zenith under Obama. So we should not be surprised by the official announcement that the President of the United States of America has finally declared to the world his opposition to the historical, common law and biblical meaning of marriage. President Obama may be remembered for many things, but few are as fundamental in its treason to his countrymen, to his oath of office and to the living God, then his decision to use the presidency to redefine a definition of marriage that was established on Day Six of Creation and has been the benchmark of civilization for 6,000 years.

Mark your calendars—May 9, 2012, the President of the United States of America finally crossed a line from which there is no return without repudiation and repentance. Terrorists are dangerous. The economy is a real and present danger. But there is simply nothing other then the holocaust of the unborn which imperils the safety of our country or places our people in jeopardy as does the leader of the Western world publicly raising his fist at the Heavens and declaring that the bedrock institution of society, ordained of God and meant to be protected by the state, is little more than a convention of convenience for the children of Sodom to transform the meaning of something which is precious to Jesus Christ and a living picture of His love for the Church, into a legally protected justification for perversion, and vehicle of hatred aimed directly at that love.

Doug Phillips, President Vision Forum Ministries

To read the post in it's original form, click here.

Meal Time Musing

My oldest child and beautiful young lady Lauren has been making dinner (and dessert!) For the family once a week. She has done a great job as the food has been delicious!

If you haven't seen any pics of the fruit of her labors yet, here is one of her with her prized caramel, chocolate and nut covered apples! Yum!

Stressin' No Mo

I've been stressin' a little lately. When I'm stressin', I start taking life and matters into my own hand, leaning on my own understanding and efforts. But after a healthy and loving smack upside my head by my wife, and some time in prayer with the Lord and in His Word, the tea kettle is cooling off and I am getting some sense back. Some God-sense.

God sees our struggles and stresses differently than us. Therefore, it's important for us to know and have His mind and perspective and wisdom for the things we go through.

This morning I went to a verse that I have visited much over the years - Proverbs 3:5,6.

Most people, including myself, put such emphasis on those couple verses of Proverbs 3. And we should, as His Word in those verses helped ignite life and perspective and trust in Him in my heart as I read them this morning. However, I was delighted by what I read in other parts of Proverbs 3 as well, as they too encouraged my faith.

Maybe they will encourage someone else's faith too...

Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.


Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.


Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.


Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.


My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Beautiful Balance

Wow. I am so blessed. My wife is just who I need, providing balance and insight in my life when I can't figure out which way is up.

So thankful for you babe, so thankful your my friend :)

Winding Down

...my book of choice at the end of a wonderful Sunday :)

Playground Date

Carson and I got to spend some quality one-on-one time together today at the newly renovated Somersport Park in Pulaski County.

Picnic then play, what fun we had!

I treasure these moments together.

Dream

I'm a dreamer. Can't help it. It's God's fault. He did it to me. And as such, articles like the below stir up my heart to dream.

Check it out. It's short. Pointed. And the question is...

Are you fulfilling the dreams God has given you?


The Only Alarm Clock You Desperately Need
Jon Acuff

This is a picture I took of my alarm clock two weeks ago in Indianapolis.

I wasn’t there to work out for the Colts, but that’s a pretty good assumption.

I spoke in Grant County, Indiana on a Friday night. Then rode 95 miles back to Indianapolis and checked into the hotel at 12:30AM. Roughly 3 hours later I was up for a flight to San Antonio.

Before I took my dream job, I didn’t expect so many 4 AM alarm clocks. I bought into the myth that when you find your passion or calling or dream, things will be easy. Life will flow like a gentle river of fresca, passing banks of candy cane grass. La. La. La.

I was wrong. Here’s the truth:

You will work harder at something you love than something you like.

You will work harder than you have ever worked when you start chasing a dream.

You will hustle and grind and sweat and push and pull.

You will get up earlier and go to bed later. But that’s OK.

Joy is an incredible alarm clock.

It will wake you up and keep you up and pick you up and gently pull you through a thousand rejections along the way.

If your goal is to work less, keep the day job you have. Do something you like. Settle into life like a long winter’s nap and coast on through to your 80s.

But if you want to dream. If you want to live out some unique talent you’ve been given to steward during your time on this planet, set the alarm for 4 AM.

Get going.

Get up.

Question:What is your dream job?

Read this article in it's original form here.

Male, or Man? Part III

I can't escape it. I keep being brought back to it.

Manhood.

What does it look like? Who can I look to? What makes you a real man?

In a conversation with a friend a little while ago, we got talking about the generations of men before us. Those of my grandfathers' generation. They were men. Real men.

Those who lived through or around the Great Depression, and through the difficulties of WWII, seemed to exude an ora of manhood. Hard-working, disciplined, focused, frugal, respectable men. They were strong in their decisions and convictions, strong in their successes, and in their failures.

Somehow these men became the men they were. Maybe they were a product of their time, having lived through such difficult times in our country, maybe it was the traditional values that they held to, or their strong sense of morals and honor of God above, or maybe they were well-trained by the generation before them...

These wise men of our day, including my both my Grandfathers, are a stark contrast to what media portrays as manhood in our day. A stark contrast to "males" in our nation.

I guess I am on a journey. A journey to find men, true men, as God designed a man to be.

Somewhere, manhood has gotten lost in translation...

Male, or Man? Part II

As part of my journey in manhood, I recently picked up a book I've had for a while, Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge. I started reading it after a conversation with a friend regarding manhood, as he had recently gone through a study on the book.

I'm not too far into it but am liking it so far. I'll check back with a personal review once finished...

To Manhood.

Male, or Man?

Taken from The Art of Manliness, here.

My brother recently turned me on to The Art of Manliness. I have enjoyed what I have seen in the site so far, and appreciate their heart - Restoring the lost art of manliness.


One of the strong desires in my heart lately is to be a man - in more than the body part kind of way - but to have the heart, will, strength, courage, vision, love, and gentleness that a man was meant to have. To be the man that God has created me to be.

Unfortunately, manhood and men in general are not celebrated or encouraged in today's day. You don't have to look too far to see a man being portrayed as a dumb, sloppy, disconnected, selfish, sports hungry, video-game addicted man (rather, male I should say, as there is a difference). And, as men we have fulfilled that role pretty well.

I want to be a part of the generation of real men. Sacrificial men. Strong men. God's men. It was A.W. Tozer who said:

The most critical need of the church at this moment is men, bold men, free men. The church must seek, in prayer and much humility, the coming again of men made of the stuff of which prophets and martyrs are made.

So I encourage you, men, in your journey to be the man that God meant for you to be, check out The Art of Manliness. Though I don't believe it is written from a biblical perspective, manliness is biblical, and there are many articles there that will help you in restoring the lost art of manliness.

By the way, here is a great article I read recently on being a frugal man - an area I have been growing in (and still growing) over the past couple of years. Click here to check it out.