Saturday, June 30, 2012

Hunger

Lately, I sense the Lord stirring a hunger in my heart for more of Him. A desire for nothing but Jesus, and only He alone can satisfy.

I love it when He does this.

Hunger is a gift. It stokes the fires of revival in my heart, and causes me to refocus, replenish and repent.

May the Lord ignite the fires of revival in all our hearts as we gather to worship Him tomorrow!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Late Night Jots

Blogging at night just isn't going to cut it. I'm hanging onto awake-ness by a thread. I've already dozed off and am running on the remaining fumes from the day, frantically trying to post.

Thankfully life, at least for now, is a little more scheduled. Hopefully that translates to scheduled posting... we'll see :P

Believe it or not, the more scheduled my posts, the more real and heartfelt the things I write. And that is when I enjoy blogging the most. Hopefully you do too ;)

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Rhythm

I've had zero rhythm in my life lately. With all that has been going on, all the change and unknown, its been hard to settle into any sort of routine.

For me, not having any routine can be quite... challenging.

I long for it, and need it in many ways. Yet life has been anything but routine.

I keep reminding myself, "one day at a time." This is SO HARD for a routine man!

So, as I fight for rhythm and routine, I'm also finding myself dancing to a new rhythm - one of spontaneity and unpredictability. I needed this new rhythm, as it seems to be God's rhythm for us right now.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Psalm 127

Wow, what a Scripture to read tonight...

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. http://bible.us/Ps127.1.ESV

Greater Work

I firmly believe that God is more interested in who we're becoming versus what we "do" with our life. While God is very interested in what we spend our life doing, He is more interested in who we become along the journey. I could be fulfilling God's call on my life, doing what I was born to do, but if I'm not being who He wants me to be in that, then what's it really worth?

And so, when the journey and destination are unclear and seemingly hidden, I can trust He is doing the greater work in me, than whatever work I actually end up doing.

And so, I propose a toast...

To the journey. And to change - being transformed into the image of His Son - the greatest work.

Cheers!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Rejoice Always

We as God's servants are always wondering what the will of God for is, so here you go...

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. http://bible.us/1Thess5.16.ESV

Have you walked this out today?

Any questions?

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Date Night

Hey there... haven't talked to you in a couple days.

The past two nights I've been exhausted. I've fallen asleep shortly after laying on the couch at the end of the day. I suppose that was my first mistake.

I've been in the habit of blogging at night lately, and falling asleep messes with that a little.
I've been blogging from my android, usually in bed, after a long day. It's not preferable, but with life being as crazy and unpredictable as it's been, it seems to be the way things have worked out.

Same with spending time with my wife - we snag our time together where we can.

Tonight?

Narnia...


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

A Man's Steps

A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way? http://bible.us/Prov20.24.ESV

Just sayin'. For my sake.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

His Plans

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. http://bible.us/Prov19.21.ESV

I saw this in action today... wowza.

God is so kind and good. He has provided for us greatly! May His will and purposes stand!

Monday, June 18, 2012

When Things Don't Make Sense

Pray...

and just keep holding on.

Toilet Money

Here's some new toilet reading I recently checked out from the local library.

TMI?

I feel bad for whoever checks out the book next... what they don't know won't hurt 'em ;)

(PS- I read parts of this book years ago ay my Grandfather's suggestion, but feel better prepared to read it as an older man now... we shall see!)

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Logos Quiz

My wife recently downloaded a new app called Logos Quiz. What fun!

It's truly amazing the power of good branding. With just a portion of the logo revealed, we are still able to determine the brand associated with the logo.

Give us a hand though - the pic here shows a few logos in the app, and ones without a check mark we haven't figured out yet...

Any help?!

Movie Night

Kids asleep. Weekend...

...movie night with my wife :)

Friday, June 15, 2012

ALL Things, ALL the Time

Yesterday I spent some time looking for some part-time/full-time work. As we launch our own business, our plan is to find a steady job that will flex with our business schedule, to help supplement our income in this season.

While I was out, I got to stop and talk with a friend of mine, Steve Keck, about life, business, stresses, etc. It was a great conversation with a man who launched his own business from nothing years ago. Today, that business is a highly sucessful one in the recycling industry, employing over 100 people in this area.

As we talked about the emotions and pressures and stresses of starting a business and that go with this season of life, he reminded me of Romans 8:28:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

He also reminded me that Romans 8:28 is in effect, all the time.

Not only do all things work together for good, ALL things work together for good, ALL the time.

Including right now.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Trust, He Will Act

About 10 years or so ago, an older and godly man in the faith encouraged me with this Scripture when I was trying to determine what to do with my life.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5

Ten years later I have never forgotten that. I didn't know at the time that he was actually quoting scripture. Today, this scripture encourages me so much for this season of our lives.

May it encourage you as you pursue His will too.

Trusting in Him...

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Finals

The Finals are here. One of my favorite sports events of the year. The NBA Finals that is.

Even though I haven't tracked the league lately like I have in other seasons, it's still a great few games to watch (at least the highlights - not even sure how much of the games I will see!)

All I got to say is...

Go Heat!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Reflections on the Day

I'm not sure if I've clearly stated this, but we've started our own family business - Thirty Seven Five Landscaping Experts.

We have had it in our hearts to start a family business for a while, and with my recent lay-off (sort of), through prayer it seems the right direction for our family.

So, I've been knocking on doors and handing out flyers looking for work anywhere I can. This week I was able to line up some jobs (praise God!) with today being the first!

In light of it being my first day/job, I've assembled the following list of things I've already learned (or thought about) from one day on the job:

1. Get experience. Ha! This one will take time. I did a job today I thought would take 1 hour or so and 6.5 hours later......

2. Price Right. Pricing right takes knowing how long the job will take, refer to 1.

3. Pack a lunch. Again, you never know how long somethimg will take, so better to be prepared. I was running on fumes ;)

4. Careful sticking your hand in front of a power washer. 'Nuff said.

5. Plan and Prepare. Make sure you have everything you need to complete the job.

6. Do not attempt to jump a fence before first hiking your wet jeans. Try it, you'll see...

7. Be dependable and communicate with your clients. Do what you say your going to do.

8. Slow down to talk. Talk to your customers - you are selling yourself first. Make friends. They'll call you back and tell their friends. And, you will more than likely have opportunities to share your faith.

So there you have it! One day expert!

Not quite. But these are at least some thoughts running through my head :)

Sunday, June 10, 2012

His Kindness

God is so kind. His love for His people is too great for me to comprehend.

In this season of trial and adventure, it's been difficult to not try and lean on my own understanding. Of course, my understanding falls short. It's limited. And as days pass, it seems as though I end up with more questions than answers.

During our time of worship today at The Chapel, God gave me what seemed to be three specific words. They were words I needed to hear, and bring great peace and comfort to my heart.

Now, my mind would have said I needed some more "direction" inspiration from Him, but God knows best, doesn't He? God is more concerned with my faith and my character over what I will be doing tomorrow.

He's got tomorrow handled. It's my heart He's after.

I'm learning to walk with Him closer and wait for HIS timing and provision. It is a good work He is doing in our lives.

As each day plays out, I believe He is guiding our steps. I can take comfort in knowing He has all the details,

and,

He has me.

That's all I really need to know.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Peacefully Wasted

Wow, I am wasted.

Maybe it's all the travelling. Maybe it's spending most of the day in the hot sun today. Maybe it's just the pressure of needing to make a buck.

I'm not totally sure what God is trying to speak to me in this season, but, there seems to be more than one thing He's after.

One thing I am trying to do better is to "go with the flow," or maybe the better way to say it, take it a day at a time.

Of course, that is easier said then done.

I want so bad to know the answers to life's questions, to have my life nailed down, figured out, you know? If I had my way I would have my whole life written down (at least the high points) and planned out before any of it happened. That way if life threw me a curveball, I could just go to the "plan" to see what was next.

Of course, therein lies my problem.

I like to find my comfort in my own understanding. You know what? I've realized lately that there is a peace that comes with understanding. There is a peace in knowing the why and the what... all the details. But life has a way of throwing things our direction that are beyond our understanding. We can't figure out why, or we can't predict the future, etc.

I want the peace that surpasses understanding. The peace that comes when you don't know the answers. The peace that comes from God alone.

Part of obtaining that peace I believe is learning to go with His flow. I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.

And, as part of the process of going through a storm, my faith is built and I get to know Jesus a little more.

Isn't that what it's all about?

Home

There and back again, though, my journey lasted only about 30 hours.

To the rainy Northwest (Portland) and back. It was a fun adventure. I'll miss my traveling buddy ;)

Back in Kentucky tonight with my family - check out God's portrait in the southern sky.

No special effects needed. Just the Creator's creativity.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Life Boost

What's up with the soap?

Nothin'.

Except that I'm on the road again, traveling with my wife's grandmother back to beautiful Oregon.

Turning right around to head back home.

Bonus? The 36-year-old-never been-married-ad-agency-designer-by-day-band-member-by-night that I got to hang out with on the plane gave me some great advice:

Sometimes that kick in the pants is actually a boost.

I'll remember that.


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Edge

So thankful to God tonight...

This pic illustrates how I feel - on the edge of so much potential, unknown, and adventure.

Launching our business tomorrow, my feet will be on the street, hopefully setting up accounts.

It's a busy time right now, and God is, and will continue to, show Himself strong.

Stay tuned...


Monday, June 4, 2012

He Will Act

I am humbled. I saw this verse played out first hand today.

God. Works. Miracles.

One step at a time.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

http://bible.us/Ps37.5.ESV

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Surprise!

Now that the cat's out of the bag, I can share more details :)

I recently spent a few days traveling to the west coast of the country. My recent posts included pictures of Arizona, Washington and Oregon. But I purposely tried to not get into too many details, and didn't really explain why I was making the trip.

We've been working for about six weeks to get my father-in-law's mother (my wife's grandmother) out to Kentucky. We had always wanted to get out to Oregon to see my wife's grandmother again, but just weren't sure when that would happen. So we decided to try to bring her to us instead of us going out there.

We weren't sure if Liz's grandmother would go for this, seeing I had only met her once in my life and she's getting up there in years a little bit. But she showed herself to be a young great grandmother when she didn't put up a fight at all, but said yes to going on this little adventure!

My mother-in-law and father-in-law we're making a trip to Kentucky this week, so we thought that would be a great opportunity to bring her out and surprise my father-in-law at the same time.

Well, it all worked together when they came to my brother-in-law's house today (many people have been working hard to keep this a secret and make this happen!) and, get this, my father-in-law's mother from Oregon opened the door for them! What a blast!! He was so surprised and had no idea!

The look on his face, the tears in Grandma's eyes, and the joy in everyone's hearts made it all worth it. Praise the Lord!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

The View

No, not that view.

But check out the view from Hayden Island, Oregon across the Columbia River into Washington.

Beautiful.

That was this morning. Back in KY tonight.

The journey is almost complete...

Friday, June 1, 2012

From the Road

The journey continues...

A shot from Phoenix where temperatures were to hit around 110 degrees or more over yesterday and today. Hot!