Jason Keith

The Gift of Trials

2011-07-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

If the trials of many years were gathered into one, they would overwhelm us: therefore, in pity to our little strength. He sends first one, and then another, then removes both, and then lays on a third, heavier, perhaps, than either; but all is so wisely measured to our strength that the bruised reed is never broken. We do not enough look at our trials in this continuous and successive lesson which is beyond the power of any to teach alone. -H.E. Manning

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I try to not be disappointed when I hear children of God laughingly say, “Don’t pray for patience!” as it is the all-encompassing kiss of death upon the joy of a child of God. I know they simply mean that fruit of the spirit comes with a high price, but I wish they would consider they are also implying they by no means are willing to pay that price.

As I pray for depth of character, be it wisdom, patience, fortitude or strength. I should and must realize the means by which those traits are possessed. They are not endowed, for endowment engenders shallow disregard, but rather they are wrought - wrought by impasse, strife, temptation and hard tough terrain. We should not disregard the truth and pray for the end without accepting the means.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:2-8

Why can you rejoice in trial? You know the end of that trial, or at least you should. Consider this passage in context. Is James really going to say in one breath to rejoice in trials that produce patience, but if you ask for wisdom it’s going to be delivered on a silver platter, or it will be in the next puddle you fall into? This is why James establishes the need for single-mindedness. Know that your prayer will produce a trial, and when it does have faith, and you will receive from the Lord what comfort He desires to work into your life.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6

Are you called to minister? Know then that you are called to trials and sufferings. With what else would you comfort the people of God? By what other means would an oil be beaten to feed the flame of the lampstand which is the church? (Revelation 2:1)

Just like the children of Israel it may be in your affliction and trial in which you are equipped to do the work for the kingdom of God. You see Israel went into captivity in Egypt a nomadic people skilled in herdsman ship and short term farming. They left with the skills of blacksmiths, carpenters, tradesman, scribes, masons and more. They left their captivity with everything they had need of.

Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they had need of. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
Exodus 12:35-36

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

The Silent Psalmist

2010-06-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

There are sixteen months of the Psalmist’s life in which you find no song. They are the months that David was living in a land not his own, under the rule of Achish king of Gath. It does seem so odd that David, who led the nation of Israel against a Philistine of Gath name Goliath, would at some point in his life pledge allegiance in the same streets the giant ran as a child.

What lead to his compromise? First, David started looking in the wrong direction, “David said to himself…” (1 Sam 27:1) Then, David questioned the promises of God; “… I will perish.” Remember even Saul affirmed the prophecy that David would be king (1 Sam 24) Then he acted on his own flawed logic “There is nothing better for me to do…” David thought shallow, moved quickly and invested deeply.

There was no song because David became complacent in Gath with the false since of security that comes with sin. There was no song, because he gave over the authority of his life to a king that God had given him victory over when a giant fell. There was no song because the land of compromise became the home of David’s family, his men, and their families. There was no song because he lived a life of duplicity. David would fight the Israel's other enemies on one front, appearing against Israel on the other, and kill anyone who could testify of the truth.

David lost his identity as the enemy called him friend. He lost his purpose as he tried to convince the king that he would fight against Saul and the children of Israel. And he fell into depression upon finding the enemy had destroyed his home while he was chasing after a battle he had no business fighting.

The parallels are striking. When comprise begins by looking in ourselves for our answers and direction we logically lose our identity in Christ. When we continue by questioning the Word of God we lose our purpose. And as we invest in the flawed reasoning derived from the previous mistakes we will trade true treasures for destitution and depression.

Thankfully we know that upon seeing his home empty and in shambles David cried unto the Lord, and the Lord heard him. How many songs of victory, songs of sustenance, songs of peace, could have been sung had David looked to the Lord the first time around?

Tokens, Tools & Trophies

2010-06-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

In 1 Samuel 6 the Ark of the Lord is returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. The heathen nation was growing weary of the diseases plaguing their cities. I find it fitting that even the world can tell the Hand of God when they see it.

What really stirred me though was the slaughter that occurred in Beth-shemesh. The men there violated the commandments of the Lord (Num 4:20) by looking into the Ark.

The slaughter was so great that they ended up praying the same prayer as the enemy - that the Ark of the Lord would be taken away. You see Israel had only wanted to use the Ark as a means to victory in battle. It was a token, a tool, a trophy if you will. God couldn’t allow his people to get to a place where they thought His power was only good for their desires.

Perhaps that is why many find it hard to live for God today. Their desire for God ends at the need they wish for Him to fill. God has never been interested in taking the place of a good luck charm. He calls for “transformation” and a “living sacrifice” (Rom 12). The world has a bit of a different view. The following quote from Wilbur Reese comes to mind…

“I would like to buy three dollars’ worth of God, please. Not enough to explore my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don’t want enough God to make me love my neighboor* or pick beets with a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation. I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy three dollars’ worth of God please.”

I want the Lord in my life. Be His call sacrifice, service, joy, victory, defeat or sorrow – His will and His glory is my chief desire. I want your presence at work in my life. I want to be completely yours. You see there is another tale of the Ark of the Lord. This one found in II Chronicles 5. The priests brought the Ark into his place... the proper place. And when they did "the glorious presence of the Lord filled the temple."

When we place the Lord in His rightful place. His glory and power are revealed. Let Him be revealed in you.

*I believe the original quote reads a black man. I wrote this for a group of brethren that I felt might be offended by the quote in it's original form.

Where Your Treasure is...

2010-06-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:21 is a very well known and often quoted passage: "Where your treasure is there will your heart be also."

However I have recently seen it in a different light than I previously had. I don't know if I only heard it preached as such, or if the roadblock has been in my own mind. Regardless, I have most often heard the passage used reciprocally - as some sort of biblical litmus test... Show me where you spend your time and money and I will show you what you love or cherish.

Though that application could be considered and for that matter affirmed I am convinced Christ was speaking in a much more instructive sense. You see in both the two verses prior and two paragraphs further Jesus is very directive. Using imperative statements such as "store up..." and "seek first his kingdom..."

You see we too often, especially in a Western culture, follow after our heart. We seek to do what we love or what we want rather than what we know to do. Christ was assuring us that if we invest our treasure, our heart will assuredly follow.

Invest your treasure. Your time, your energy, your talent and absolutely your MONEY in that which is Godly regardless of how you may feel about it. Your heart will follow.

Amos 4

2009-09-12T19:45:00.001-07:00

"I also withheld rain from you… Yet you have not returned to Me," Says the LORD" (v7)

Five times God tells of trials and tribulations He has laid upon His people and then laments…"Yet you have not returned to Me." We often see the loaves and the fishes as a reflection of God's grace and His goodness, and they are. However we many times do not consider that "God also hath sat the one over against the other" (Eccl 7:14)

Isaiah 26:9b says, "... for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness." and remember Hosea 5:15b "...in their affliction they will seek me early." Sometimes our trials are a reflection of God's goodness and mercy because they bring us back to Him.

When the Israelites went into captivity in Egypt they were nomadic herdsman and farmers. However when they came out of bondage they had "such things as they required." It was in the years of captivity they acquired the skills and trades a nation required.

If the rain has been withheld from you, or there is mildew in your garden, or you don't have any bread to eat, consider you might be in the middle of the goodness and grace of our Lord – return to Him.

Jason Ouellette

Go Fish

2009-09-09T09:00:00.001-07:00

When those who are called to fish don't fish, they fight.

When energy intended to be used outside is used inside, the result is explosive. Instead of casting nets, we cast stones. Instead of extending helping hands, we point accusing fingers. Instead of being fishers of the lost, we become critics of the saved. Rather than helping the hurting, we hurt the helpers.

The result? Church Scrooges. "Bah humbug" spirituality. Beady eyes searching for warts on others while ignoring the warts on their nose below. Crooked fingers that bypass strenths and point out weaknesses.

Split churches. Poor testimonies, Broken hearts. Legalistic wars.

And sadly, poor go unfed, confused go uncounseled, and lost go unreached.

When those who are called to fish don't fish, they fight.

But note the other side of the boat: When those who are called to fish, fish - they flourish!

Nothing handles a case of gripes like an afternoon service project. Nothing restores perspective better than a visit to a hospital ward. Nothing unites soldiers better than a common task or a relentless foe.

Leave soldiers inside their barracks with no time on the front line and see what happens to their attitude. The soldiers will invent things to complain about. Bunks will be too hard. Food wil be too cold. Leadership will be too tough. The company will be too stale. Yet place those same soldiers in the trench and let them duck a few bullets, and what was a boring barrack will seem like a haven. The beds will feel great. The food will be almost ideal. The leadership will be courageous. The company will be exciting.

When those who are called to fish, fish - they flourish. Go fish!

Hosea 13

2009-09-05T10:45:00.001-07:00

The equivalent of this chapter seems similar to the parable of the prodigal son. The writing here seems to be something the father would be writing as he sits everyday on the front porch waiting for the son to come home.

If there was such a letter, it possibly went something like this:

Son,

I have been with you every breath of your life. (vs 4) I have seen you when you rejoiced and comforted you in dark times. (vs 5) I was the one who saw you through every stumble, mistake and heartache. When you didn't know I was watching, I was watching. When you didn't think I cared or loved you, I've never stopped.

But now, you have seen yourself great; you have believed in yourself more than the hands that have put in you the ability to be great. (vs 6) I knew before you left there was nothing but desolation waiting for you beyond the boundaries I have set for you. In your wanderings you have destroyed yourself. (vs 9) There is no way you can survive there so I know you will not be there long. (vs 13) The consequences of your actions are mighty, there is no denying that. (vs15)

I sit here each passing second, longing to hold you in my arms. Longing to forgive you and bring you back into safety. I am daily, desiring your return; as I am the only one who can save you. (vs 9-10)

Love,
Dad

Men, have we ever kindled the anger of God because of our waywardness? Have we ever looked up and found ourselves in a state we thought was too far gone? Replace your name in the letter above where addressed to 'son' and read it again.

Regardless if this letter is for us in our current state, we can all, always cling to verses 4 and 9: 4"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me." 9"O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help."

Tim Jacobs

1 Peter 3:7

2009-08-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

"Likewise, ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered"

This chapter has given me so much to strive for in my young marriage. I like to begin at the end. "That your prayers be not hindered." The way that we husbands deal with our wives is going to directly affect the way God deals with us. So what do you say we get this right?

"Being heirs together of the grace of life" Peter reminds us often through his epistles that our motivation to show grace was met at Calvary. The fact that we are partakers of Christ's redemptive plan is reason enough for us to show grace to all. OK, so I show grace but in relation to what?

"As unto the weaker vessel" Some commentaries feel this statement replies only to the physical difference between women and men. I dare say not. The meaning of this statement is found in the previous statement and in the verses following. Peter is reminding us that we must behave in a way that is not as easy for our wives. That is why Peter reminds us to show grace and that God will hold us accountable. In other words God holds us responsible to do that which He has given us the strength to do. So let's get to it…

"Husbands deal with them (your wives) according to knowledge." There are two main contributors to our actions: what we know and what we feel. Women are emotional beings and men are rational beings. As men we have a greater ability to separate our emotion from what we say and do, literally to act on what we know. Peter is calling us to do just that.

We cannot allow undisciplined behavior to affect the prayers that we pray during this season of revival. As men we must rule our home with the love and grace. This world needs men that will "seek peace and pursue it." "not render railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called."

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful service this morning. Sis McLaughlin planned and orchestrated a great time of reflection on Mother's and issued a needful call "Back to the Basics".

She really has a word to young mothers in our day. I felt the Holy Ghost in what she said about standing up for truth, discipline, parents taking authority and respect. It is so evident that she is a great example by her three children. They are Godly.

Donnie sang "The Basics of Life" and he did great as always. That song brings back so many memories... I have been listening and studying some teaching by Chip Ingram on Balancing Life's Demands and some of what was said this morning dovetailed nicely.

Life, mostly because of our misplaced priorities, has a way of running out of control. I know I truly need to stop seeking after what all seems to matter, and focusing on the things that I know do... Happy Mother's Day.

Same Kind of Different as Me

2009-05-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

If you know me you know I am always looking for a great book to read. I found one recently in a memior by Ron Hall and Denver Moore called Same Kind of Different as Me.

One of the most poinient nuggets I have found in the book is Denver, who for all intents and purposes was a modern day slave on a cotton field in Louissiana, telling "Mr. Ron" about friendship.

He asks about "catch and release" This odd behavior white folk have with fishin, where they catch a fish... appreciate it for a little while and through it back. In contrast "colored folks" they catch a fish... they take it home, show it to everyone they know, they are proud of it, and even use it to sustain themselves.

Ultimately his protrayal leads to the him saying, “If you is fishin for a friend you just gon’ catch and release, then I ain’t got no desire to be your friend…But if you is lookin for a real friend, then I’ll be one. Forever.”

I have been so blessed by friends that embody that statement. I know I certainly want to join them.

Have You Heard of This?...

2009-04-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

I love Pandora. Now I don't know all the legal ins and outs of the musical industry or how they would apply, but I am glad that somehow this technological masterpiece is navigating those murky waters. And even though I am probably light years behind the times. I haven't blogged in quite some time, so I thought I would share.

How It works: Apparently some scientists with little better to do decided that they would create a scientific way of measuring music. Using tonality, lyrical content, instrumentation and other qualities they designed the Music Genome Project. Pandora (Internet Radio) picks songs to play to you based on those similarities. You tell the computer whether or not you like the song it picks and it uses that information to find another song you like. And yes, it works very well!

Happy listening!

The More I Seek You

2009-03-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

The more I seek You,
the more I find You.
The more I find You,
the more I love You.

I wanna sit at Your feet
drink from the cup in Your hand,
lay back against You and breathe,
feel Your heart beat.
This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in Your peace,
it's overwhelming.

I love this song. It seemed to be stolen from my heart tonight. As I was in the prayer room I felt Him put His arms around me and love me - welcoming me into that strong tower. Then Ryan Denard taught our C&C class and talked about mercy (God is really doing a work in that young man). It is so beautiful how the Lord loves us.

Davis Merritt Mathews

2009-03-02T16:58:00.001-08:00

C&C

2009-02-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

We have started teaching on doctrine in our College & Career class. Tomorrow we will continue to talk about sin. More specifically on how it lies waiting at the door.

The more I prepare the more I am reminded at how much I need to be cleansed. I don't ever want to find myself in a place where I refuse to repent: to plead and accept His mercy for my righteousness which is as filthy wrags...

I love the old song so much. I wish the verses wouldn't paint the picture that only those far away from Him need to be washed...

I want to be washed in the blood of the Lamb.
I need a cleansing from the fountain.
My soul is hungry. I've got this aching within.
I want to be washed in the blood of the Lamb.

2009-02-16T20:53:00.000-08:00

Ode to Chick-fil-A

What does an ode have,
how is it written?
How can the World it tell
I love this chicken?
Chicken Mini's, Chicken Wraps,
Carrot and Raisin Salads.
And of course the Original
deserves it's own ballad.
Sweet Tea so perfect and who
doesn't love the cows
The Chicken Biscuit I adore.
My ode to Chick-fil-A.

2009-02-14T20:41:00.000-08:00

Every year on the week of Valentines Texas Music Educators Association holds their annual conference in San Antonio. Last year we started a tradition I think we wont soon abandon. Julie attended the conference while I worked and Friday afternoon flew down to be with her.

This year we did the same and it was such a blessing to me. We got a great rate on the Double Tree hotel where we ordered in room service and spent the night enjoying each other's company.

In the Love Dare I found a list of 20 questions for your spouse and I think we got through 6. :) It is such a blessing to be married to someone that I can talk to. God is so good.

Afterwards we joined my Uncle David Ouellette and his wonderful family and will go to church with them tomorrow and continue a great time. Julie even got to meet my cousins Candy and Darren Murphy who were visiting from the pitiful state of Illinois :)

I will miss being at home and seeing God move, but my heart will be there. Happy Valentines!

2009-02-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

Mario

Every now and again life gives us pictures. Some are pictures that take our breath away; I will never forget pulling the car to the side of the road to gaze at the majestic Pikes Peak while on I25. Some pictures warm your heart; I almost kidnapped a little girl in Wichita Falls one day because she heard my name and greeted me with it so enthusiastically when I was walking away. Other pictures never cease to make you laugh; YouTube "woman falls through floor."

I thought I would share one of those neat pictures with you. Some time around 1998 a man named Mario im'ed me. He had been searching profiles on AOL (if you can remember that world) and saw that I was studying Spanish in the United States.

"Mario from Portugal" as I would come to know him said that he was studying English, and asked if I would like to be his email pen pail so we could both work on our foreign languages. I consented and for about three months I kept up a correspondence.

But an interesting thing happened. I stopped emailing Mario quite some time ago, almost 10 years now, while he continued to email me. Every week or so an email will pop up in my inbox with the subject "friend" and Mario will tell me about his week (in much improved English) and sometimes throw in a devotional.

I have discarded more of these emails than I have ever opened, and regretfully I respond so infrequently. However, if and when I do respond the next day Mario has replied right back. Regardless of my silence Mario types on.

Now isn't that a neat picture?

Look Well

2009-02-05T17:09:00.001-08:00

"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." – Proverbs 14:15

I feel like much of America has not looked well to our going. I feel like we are economically headed in the wrong direction.

In the Oval Office Barack Obama passionately railed on executives that make too much money in bonuses in a "time like this". Well though I could not agree more, what I don't agree with is the principle that he has any right to do anything about it.

The government has no clue what the value of goods and services are in a free market, because they can't. I no more want the government dictating what Steve Jobs or Gary Kelly make than I want to talk on a government issued phone or fly on a government issued plane.

Oh but of course the problem is those bonuses came from government issued funds. And that just is the problem. When the government bailed out companies that were poorly managed and inefficiently run it could certainly not have expected those children to about face and behave properly. Furthermore, the fact that they had not the foresight to prevent such misgivings and poor conduct are proof enough they have no business in the market.

And so today our fine looking president sternly warned congress of an impending irreversible economic crisis that would require a trillion dollar bailout. How misguided could we be?

Romans 13:1 urges us to "submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." I think sometimes we as Christians forget that we are the established authority in our country. God has ordained a country governed by the people.

I know that I am praying for our country and it's leaders. I plead for you to join me. I also ask that we would "look well to our going" and take hold of the authority that God has ordained in us by being active in what ways we can.

2009-02-02T21:00:00.001-08:00

“A man with a testimony is never at the mercy of a man with an argument”

This anonymous author never argued with my brother. Seriously though, one of the qualities that I admire in Joseph James Ouellette is his unrelenting hold on truth. My brother is true to his Lord, true to his family, true to his church… he passionately holds to what he knows to be true. And speaking of passion, there are few who are spend themselves for the things they love and believe in like my older brother. I am so proud to follow him.

And so since today is his birthday I thought I would follow his lead and share a few interesting facts and fun memories that you may or may not know.

1) Joseph got REAL passionate one year in front of the Tabernacle at youth camp when a kid unloaded a packet of salt on his head. He literally (I am not exaggerating) picked the kid up by both cheeks and pinned him against the tin wall.
2) Joseph has not always been as skilled in the culinary arts as he is today, but yes he has always been adventurous in them. At the age of six or so he decided that he could cook on the gas space heater in our only bathroom and made chocolate chip eggs. Oh Joseph those tasted sooo bad. Thank the Lord you kept trying!
3) One summer while playing King of the Dock (kind of like King of the Hill, but on a wet slippery dock, (yes only boys…)) Joseph slipped and fell, hitting his head along his eyebrow and split open his skin very well. When we arrived at the Hospital in that small town, Joseph was very unimpressed with their presentation and fought my parents as to whether or not he could wait to drive all the way home to get the stitches sewn in civilization.
4) Perhaps his superior musical ability is somewhat akin to the fact that every week he would memorize his memory verse in a song. (Why didn’t I do that?)

My brother has blessed me my entire life. As a toddler he taught me his school lessons to ready me for school. As a child he would hold me when I would cry. As a youngster he protected me from neighborhood bullies. As a young man he told me with tears in his eyes how proud he was of me for letting God use me. As a man he has lead our family through years of adversity and shouldered loads that I could not bare. Happy Birthday, Joseph. I love you.

2009-01-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

"Most people overestimate what they can do in a day and underestimate what they
can do in a year" - Somebodya

I heard this recently and kind of latched on to it for a personal moto this year. Every now and again I get a day off of work and I always think of a thousand things to do on that one day of freedom. Sometimes I accomplish a great deal. Other days so very little.

But in thinking on the above, I know that I can accomplish so much more in a year than was accomplished last year, or possibly even the previous two. To think in a few days 1/12 of 2009 will have already passed. I have accomplished a little of what I wanted for this year, but much more to go.

This quote came to me this morning around the altar. I let my mind melt it into a spiritual mold and a thought was cast: I have often overestimated what spiritually occurs in one trip to the altar and underestimated what is done through my daily relationship and communion with God.

I know that God has already spoken so much to me this season of life. Oh, how I want Him to continue. I want Him to find in me a lent ear, and a heart set to follow. I want to look back over this year and say WOW, look what God did in a whole year of days and hours speant truly seaking His voice spoken in my life.

"... but the people that know their God will be strong and do great exploits" Dan 11:32

a Google revealed this quote was probably originally speaking of a year and a decade rather than a day and a year. I prefered the former, and regardless could not find an author.

2009-01-20T11:38:00.001-08:00

"This Book is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold on me." –Martin Luther

Words seem so inadequate to describe the wonder of the Bible. Some men of the church have started a Bible study on Wednesday mornings. We come together and read, giving room for any or all to share their thoughts, encouragement, even frustrations. Every week we have found Him true again. We draw near to Him and we are met and ministered to by Him drawing near to us.

Reading through 1 Peter has truly laid hold of my heart. It is devastatingly adverse to me to rejoice through struggle and trial, though wrongly accused or harshly spoken to, but oh the depth found in those pages. The truth and strength that I have been able to taste by just striving to fulfill His word. What a wonder!

"Nobody ever outgrows scripture; the Book widens and deepens with our years" –Charles Haddon Spurgeon

2008-12-26T23:06:00.000-08:00

2008-12-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

It has been quite some time.

Yesterday I was blessed to have the day off, and though I was busy with much to do I enjoyed the respite from work.

And soon I will return, but now I am enjoying a lazy morning by the fire and the beautifully lit Christmas tree. Around this time of year my mind and heart are flooded. How I love the memories of Christmases past and exciting are the ones to come with my family and friends.

I hope all who read are having a wonderful Christmas season. A season of His love and tender mercy. A season of fireplaces, Christmas trees, warm wishes, hot chocolate, late night laughs, close-cutt wrapping paper, shopping, and Love.

Through The Fire

2008-10-15T20:54:00.001-07:00

This song has ministered to me so many times...

2008-10-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

I usually listen to KRLD talk radio on my commute to and from work, at least until I hear a traffic report. And one of the features they have is a segment called, "the other side of the news."

Well the other day that segment talked about despair.com. I was so intruiged I had to look it up, here are some of the favorites I found.

2008-09-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

It is AMAZING what you can find on ebay these days. I searched and in 10 minutes found all of these Sprint phones available for purchase.

Can you imagine!? What was at one time hundreds of dollars is now just $10 on America's favorite store!

2008-09-06T20:09:00.001-07:00

In law, defamation (also called calumny, libel, slander, and vilification) is the communication of a statement that makes a false claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that may give an individual, business, product, group, government or nation a negative image. Slander refers to a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report, while libel refers to any other form of communication such as written words or images. Most jurisdictions allow legal actions, civil and/or criminal, to deter various kinds of defamation and retaliate against groundless criticism."Unlike libel or slander, truth is not a defence for invasion of privacy."[2]

Perhaps there are those who should take more time searching for understanding as well as looking into the ins and outs of misrepresentation and the illegal implications that can arise in the matter.

For the record, as I already did in my last post, I applaud the opportunity that has been afforded Sarah Palin. I also believe she would be the best PERSON out of the four possibilities to hold the office of President in the next term. However, a factual individual could understand that I could and will support the best candidate available even though I do not feel they are the most qualified (whether those qualifications are met by the role which God assigned them or the characteristics He has given them).

And as far as women pastors are concerned, I would think that any High School Band PERFORMER who has found great success in corresponding COMPETITIONS would understand the principle of supporting an organization that holds views not always in line with your own.

2008-08-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

I wish that I did not have to, but I will start my post by saying I am NOT a democrat and regardless of the fact I don't feel that a woman should be a president, I will vote for the only ticket that would accommodate the possibility.

However, I do think that now is not the time to contemplate the policies, views and plans of either Barak Obama or John McCain. I wanted to take a moment and say that I am PROUD to be an American.

45 years after Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and gave us his godly and inspiring dream, a man half black stood at a podium in Denver, CO and accepted a major political party nomination to be the next president of the United States of America.

Yesterday, in Ohio a woman stood on a stage with a man, and accepted the invitation to be a vice presidential candidate, literally a heart beat away from our Oval Office.

I think that those occurrences are greater than democrats or republicans, and they have more to do with the people who craft podiums and build stages rather than the ones who on Thursday and Friday were using them.

Oh by the grace of God how far we have come. And while I know that these occurrences are not the be all and end all of equality, I can't let the moment go by.

I thank God for America, for what she was, and for some good things that she has become.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus

2008-07-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

We have had such a great time leading the College & Career at church with Keith and Andrea Mathews. There is nothing quite like getting to become a part of people's lives both in friendship and leadership.

Here are a few pictures from some of the times we have had together. A pathetic apeasement for my fellow bloggers, but EVERYBODY loves slideshows :)!!!

2008-06-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Our Anniversary

As soon as I got off work Saturday Julie and I set off for Hot Springs, Arkansas. Though a little early, it was the best time our schedules would allow us to celebrate our one year anniversary.

We had a wonderful time together whether being silly or talking about God’s working in our lives. There is no gift like the one He created and kept for you.

Hot Springs had so much natural beauty and plenty of historical splendor. I found myself disappointed that its heritage had not been as well kept as I would have liked, but I am glad we got to see “America’s First Resort”

2008-05-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

I worked this Memorial Day and so I got to take another day off instead. So Julie (newly freed for the summer) and I jumped in the Toyota and took the small trek to Wichita Falls.

Julie still laughs at me (or rolls her eyes) everytime we are driving into town and I say something about the fly-over, and how 'big city' it is.

Isn't it amazing how life changes. Everyday seems the same more often and not and then there are those days that seem like they will change every other day from then on.

As we drove up yesterday we listened to some new music that Julie had found and one was a new CD by Laura Story. There was an underlining depth to so much of what she wrote. I think the last time I lyrically appreciated a CD as much was the latest Casting Crowns CD. Here are the words to the song Indescribable:

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea

Creation's revealing Your majesty

From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring

Every creature unique in the song that it sings

All exclaiming Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name

You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go

Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow

Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light

Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night

None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name

You are amazing God

Incomparable, unchangeable

You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same

You are amazing God

2008-05-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

God's Gifts

I'm sure the battle of Merom looked more like modern day Fallujah that a Sunday School Flannelgraph scene. It was considered to be the third campaign of the children of Israel led by Joshua to inhabit the "promised land".

We just don't think of gifts the same way as God. We've been taught differently. Emerson told us that a gift should be given with a favorite portion of poetry or prose, and that the gift should reflect the giver and the recipient. Macy's just recommends a gift receipt to allow for an easy exchange. God requires blood, sweat, tears...

I wonder if the Israelites were as fat and sassy as I. Imagining the gift of God's promise land would come by some divine eradication of all people; leaving decadent homes and great walled cities, doors open wide, ready for inhabiting... not quite.

Wouldn't it just be great if upon the infilling of His spirit God would fill our minds with a complete gamut of Biblical knowledge and understanding; if upon being buried with Him in baptism we would come out of the water with a thirst and longing desire to spend endless hours before Him in prayer; wonderful to upon repentance be emboldened to share the gospel with reckless abandon.

Oh how hollow that would be. Solomon so wisely reminds us that He is more interested in our character than our comfort (Ecc 7:1). He has instead called us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). And His gifts truly are perfect because they work about the perfecting of us (Matt 5:48, James 1:17).

"Look, the Lord you God as set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you do not fear or be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 1:21

2008-04-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

I read something very interesting the other day, it's lengthy but I thought worth sharing...

No matter where I look around the globe, I find that pentecostal churches are leading the way in rates of increase. A recent study of the growth of United States' denominational families, for example, has shown that pentecostal churches are growing at a DGR (decadal growth rate) of 48%, far ahead of all others. Second on the chart is the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination at 26% DGR. For comparison, Southern Baptists are growing at 17% DGR (the same as Mormons), and Lutherans at minus 5% DGR, while the entire U.S. population is growing at 9% DGR.

Korea as a nation is enjoying the most rapid church growth in the world. While churches of other denominations are growing as well, the largest church there and in the world is the Full Gospel Central Church, a pentecostal church. As of this writing, it has more than 200,000 members and is adding over 5,000 new ones per month. In Africa a pentecostal evangelist using a tent which accommodates 10,000 has found it much too small. He is taking delivery from an American contractor of a tent which will seat 35,000! In Latin America after World War II, about 35 years ago, Pentecostals comprised only an estimated 20% of evangelical Christians. Now, over 70% of Latin American evangelicals are Pentecostals, with the figure running over 90% in Chile. To say that this growth is phenomenal is an understatement.

The Pentecostal movement is less than 100 years old, young as such movements go. Only 50 years ago it was still being classified by many along with Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and Christian Science as a false cult. Now, being a Pentecostal is an "in" thing among many Christians, and the stature, reputation, and dignity of the group continue to grow.

If the Lord tarries, Pentecostalism will undoubtedly go down in future history as the most significant religious Phenomenon of the twentieth century. What is behind this awesome growth? First and foremost, pentecostal growth, as all bona fide church growth, is a sovereign work of God. Paul said that although he plants and Apollos waters, it is God who gives the increase (see I Corinthians 3:6). Jesus said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). It is His Church, and He is the builder. To God and God alone be the glory!...

I am going to attempt to simplify it [their growth] by selecting as carefully as I can what I consider to be the four most salient characteristics of pentecostal growth... Pentecostals are usually characterized by churches of purity, prayer, power, and the poor.

Churches of Purity
Pentecostal churches have a tradition of purity in three key areas: belief in the Bible, Christian doctrine, and lifestyle... The authority of the Scriptures is final. Pentecostals believe that what the Bible says is the Word of God, no questions asked. The great theological debates of the last century which have eroded confidence in the Bible among large segments of Christendom have scarcely touched Pentecostals... Research in church growth has shown that the more literally the Bible is interpreted, the more likely the church is to grow. One reason, then, that pentecostal churches are growing is that they hold firm to biblical purity.

Sound doctrine, which goes along with biblical authority, has also contributed to the purity of pentecostal churches... They firmly believe that Jesus Christ came to die on the Cross to pay the price for sin once and for all. The good news is that salvation and eternal life are available to all who repent of their sin, turn to Jesus in faith, and open their heart to the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. The bad news is that those who have not believed in Jesus Christ do not have eternal life. When they die, they go to a Christ-less eternity. Because this truth has gripped the hearts of most Pentecostals, they join with the apostle Paul in declaring, "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16). No wonder pentecostal churches grow!

Christian lifestyle is a third mark of pentecostal purity. For most Pentecostals conversion is a radical, life-changing experience. Separation from the world is demanded at the new birth. No drinking, no smoking, no drugs, no extramarital sex, no cussing, and no gambling are common lifestyle characteristics among Pentecostals. Some groups add others such as no dancing, no gold, no bikinis, no rock music, no movies, no card playing, no sports, and no buying on Sunday. On the positive side, Pentecostals usually go to church three or four times a week, read the Bible daily, pray before each meal, and give at least ten percent of their income to the Lord. It may seem to some that such strictness could be an obstacle to church growth. Just the opposite. It is a well-known fact that the stricter the religious obligations and the higher the level of commitment demanded on its members, the more vigorously a church grows. Watering down the Christian lifestyle to conform to society in general may appear to have some short-term benefits for growth, but over the long haul it will surely turn people away from the church. The pentecostal pendulum, fortunately, is still over on the strict side.

Churches of Prayer
This section on prayer will be relatively short. The shortness, however, does not reflect the lack of importance of prayer for the growth of the church. It simply reflects the lack of research... I do know that Pentecostals are praying people. The kind of prayer that requires the active, energetic participation of each person (as contrasted to liturgical prayers that require very little personal involvement) is a universal characteristic of pentecostal people in their churches, their family circles, and their private devotions.

Praying in tongues undoubtedly helps this greatly. It frequently establishes an intimate contact with God that is otherwise much more difficult to establish and maintain. Through the years I have noticed that in interdenominational meetings the person called upon to lead the group in prayer is frequently the pentecostal. Intimacy with God is reflected not only in formal prayers, but also in revelatory manifestations of the Spirit such as prophecies, including what many call a word of knowledge (which I consider a type of prophecy). This kind of direct contact with the Holy Ghost is a tremendous force for growth and is most consistently prominent in pentecostal churches...

Churches of Power
Closely related to the intimacy with God attained through prayer is the frequent manifestation of supernatural signs and wonders in Pentecostal churches. Probably the greatest contribution that Pentecostalism has made to Christianity in general is restoring the reality of the miracle power of the New Testament.

Such power had been absent among the other churches for so long that when it appeared in Pentecostalism around the turn of the century the only way many traditional Christians could handle it was to declare it a heresy and classify Pentecostals as a false cult. Most Christians are smarter now, and God has forgiven them for the past.

Although I am still in the process of studying this, it does seem to me that one of the major purposes, if not the major one, of signs and wonders in the New Testament was to attract the attention of unbelievers and to draw them to Jesus Christ and to the kingdom of God. Time after time in the book of Acts, signs and wonders are related to vigorous church growth. Acts 5: 12-16 is typical of many other passages: "Many miracles and wonders were being performed among the people by the apostles . . . more and more people were added to the group-a crowd of men and women who believed in the Lord." Worldwide, Pentecostal churches grow when the Holy Spirit is free to manifest His miracle power through believers...

Not only do Pentecostals believe in miracle power, they also believe in soul-winning power. Sharing the faith is a constant way of life for Pentecostals. They believe that God wants to use them to win souls, and He does. When I consult with many denominations, I have to start by convincing them that the gospel is worth sharing and that God wants churches to grow. Not so with Pentecostals. It never occurred to them to question it. Pentecostals are possibility thinkers-their faith level is high. They believe in evangelism, and they believe in church growth. They trust God for great things, and God honors their faith.

Pentecostal churches are churches of power!

Churches of the Poor
The God of the Bible is a God who loves the poor. It is true that He loves all people, including the rich; but, if we take the Bible seriously, we know that He has a special bias for the poor. Because of this, God is going to make sure that the poor have a strong witness for Christ...

Check it out. Almost all Pentecostal preachers now in their sixties or seventies were born in poor homes, and many younger ones were also. This is one of the strongest characteristics of Pentecostal growth. Research has shown that the working class people of the world are more receptive to the gospel than the higher classes. Furthermore, God reserves a special blessing for His servants who preach the good news to the poor, and Pentecostals have been receiving this blessing through the years.

But this observation leads me to my final section in which I want to elaborate on what I said up front; namely, that there are some ominous signs that Pentecostals may subtly be moving away from the very things that have contributed to their growth for 80 years.

Many different factors are entering into this process, but most of them can be classified under the following: the burning desire for respectability.

Dangers of Respectability
I have argued that Pentecostal churches are growing steadily and strongly because they are churches of purity, prayer, power, and the poor. If they remain that way, they will remain strong. But cutting any of these characteristics off will be like cutting off the hair of Samson. Unfortunately, I think Delilah with her scissors may be lurking right around the corner.

Especially since World War II ended, 35 years ago, Pentecostals have been gaining respectability rapidly. Being persecuted and classified with the Jehovah's Witnesses now seems like an unreal bad dream. General superintendents and general overseers are now officers in the National Association of Evangelicals. They get invitations to the large international congresses. For the older generation it is a great relief to be able to mix with other leaders interdenominationally after taking nothing but abuse for so many years.

The younger generation knows no different-weren't Pentecostals always respectable, just like Lutherans and Presbyterians? ... One price of respectability is that you will continue to be accepted so long as you do not stress your doctrinal distinctives. For Pentecostals this means keeping a low profile on Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, hallelujahs and amens from the audience, miraculous healings and exorcisms, prophecies/ words of knowledge, and many more. But these are some of the very characteristics that have enabled Pentecostals to grow three or four times faster than the other groups they are trying to gain respectability from. Some have rationalized by saying that we will keep a low profile while we are working with our brethren from other persuasions, but we will let loose when we get back with our own. It sounds good in theory. And it probably worked for a couple of decades. But if I am not mistaken, the attitude is now creeping into Pentecostal churches themselves...

Behind all this is a phenomenon called redemption and lift. When poor people become Christians and allow God to clean up their life, they frequently do not remain poor... rising to middle-class respectability can easily get a church out of touch with the poor they originally came from. This hasn't completely happened to Pentecostals, but it has happened enough to hoist yellow flags all over the place. If the Pentecostals abandon the poor, God will raise up someone else to minister to them and the rate of growth of Pentecostal churches will surely begin to drop.

One of the measuring sticks for redemption and lift is the denominational educational system. As Pentecostals who were born poor rise socially and economically, they desire better educational opportunities for their children than they themselves had-so they establish colleges. When their children graduate from college, they are irretrievably middle-class. Over the decades this can and usually does shift the focus of outreach and church growth from the poor to the middle class.

Another measuring stick involves requirements for ministers. Most of the old-time Pentecostal preachers were either self-educated or they learned by being an apprentice to another pastor. Then, when the colleges came, more and more were college graduates. Ministers were considered more respectable if they went to college. Then the process escalates until graduate schools are established. Currently, the Church of God, the Assemblies of God, and the Pentecostal Holiness Church are about at this point. Down the line a two-tiered ministry is likely to develop. Those who go to graduate school will subtly be thought of as superior to those who do not, and they will be elected to influential denominational policy-making positions.

It may take a few decades, but the well-meaning declarations of the present leaders (who have not gone to graduate school) that no formal educational requirements will be made for ordination into the ministry may begin to erode and eventually disappear altogether...

Let me conclude with a list of concrete suggestions that can keep Pentecostals on track as the global leaders in making church growth happen:

1. Hold purity high- I do not see much change as yet in biblical authority or doctrine, but I do detect some watering down of the Christian lifestyle as distinctly separated from the world around. Keep strict, and God will bless.

2. Depend on prayer and fasting as your spiritual core- Keep channels open for intimacy with God through tongues and prophecies.

3. Ask God to show His power through signs and wonders as He did in the early days of the Pentecostal movement- Publicize testimonies of those who have been blessed through miracles. Not enough is said about healing any more. If I am not mistaken, only one author, David L. Lemons, addressed the issue of healing in the entire first year of publication of The Pentecostal Minister.

4. Maintain a passion for souls- Keep witnessing and outreach in the forefront of all church programs.

5. Never allow educational requirements to substitute for spiritual gifts as the basis for ordaining new ministers.

6. Vigorously plant new churches and exalt the bi vocational minister- There's nothing wrong with earning money from a secular job while you're building a new church.

7. Curse "the demon of respectability." Be willing to be fools for Christ's sake. Do not allow association with other Christians to water down Pentecostal distinctives of doctrine or practice.

The last two decades of the twentieth century hold incredible promise. I believe that they will see the greatest harvest of souls in the history of the Christian Church. My prayer is that, as Pentecostals have led the way in reaping the harvest over the past two decades, they will maintain this leadership with even greater power as we move into the future for the glory of God...

C. Peter Wagner

From Azusa Street and Beyond: L.G. McClung, Editor, Bridge Publishing, 1986.

I took quite a bit of liberty in editing some of Wagner's comments so if you would like a copy of the article without any ...'s just email me, and if you are still reading- Can you kill a blue elephant with a Pink Elephant gun?

2008-04-09T21:17:00.001-07:00

His Word truly is ALIVE

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For

"He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit
-1 Peter 3:8-18

I have read this passage five times today and every time I find myself feasting on the bread of life. I want to be reduced to love and live in peace.

2008-04-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Fireproof

Most people have heard about the film Facing the Giants. Created by a baptist church in Georgia the film highlights a Christian school's football team that faces giants on and off the field. Ultimately the team and their coach find success in honoring God in all they do.

Julie and I watched Facing the Giants one night together and I was so encouraged. When Hollywood is tearing down lives and families by constantly parading sin it was refreshing to watch something that so boldly proclaimed Honor God!

This year at our spring Mardel manager's meeting representatives from Sherwood Baptist Church visited to preview their new movie called Fireproof to the Mardel managers. We were the first showing to a group not associated with the Provident Films or Sherwood Baptist Church.

I think this film will be just as popular if not more so than Facing the Giants, here is a sneak peek

2008-03-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

A Declaration of War

So aptly named, the Dandy Lion. At a young age the beast is considered "just dandy". She lures young children to spread her reign among the earthen sod. She calls to them with her bright yellow flowers and white globes of seed carrying tentacles.

But with age one realizes the true nature of the beast. She is a lion. A tormentuous foe who cannot be ignored or let lie. She will creep upon you and in minutes rule over your lands. She is a force to be reckoned with.

I declare war on her. You will stand no more in my lawn you beast! I will prevail. David killed a lion so can I!

2008-03-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Jay's Gospel Jubilee

Julie and I headed home after a wonderful Sunday night service and made dinner together. I was flooded with a memory of my family growing up.

There was a season in our lives when on Sunday evening after church we would head back to our little old house on Pennsylvania and make dinner. Usually mom and Joseph were in the kitchen cooking up tacos, burritos, hamburgers, something easy and good. Dad and I would be in the living room where we would often play chess waiting for supper.

Always in the background Dad would have Jay's Gospel Jubilee - a radio broadcast that was dedicated to Southern Gospel music on Sunday nights on KLUR, which was normally a country western station. I can still remember so vividly Dad waiting to hear The Gray Speckled Bird, getting excited when I would hear the announcer mention this week's sponsor was the Dutton Funeral Home, and the smell of ground beef cooking in the kitchen.

Work hard at keeping your house a home, and once it is, don't forget to spend some time there. I am so thankful my parents did

2008-02-14T21:10:00.001-08:00

The Lover of My Soul

I am alone tonight. Julie is at Texas Music Educators Association in San Antonio. I can't wait to with her when I travel to meet her tomorrow, but my thoughts trailed tonight...

I am in love with Jesus. It is a love that cannot be anything other than real. A love that changes everything about me. A love that at sometimes hurts so much. A love that thirsts for time speant and nearness felt. And a love that feels the warmth and beauty of love returned.

I wonder about this Lover of My Soul. I wonder why He does certain things. Why He omits specific actions or answers. I wonder why He loves me. I sometimes wonder how He is showing it. And then day breaks. The sun shines down on a flower's pedal or a dancing leave in the wind and I see His hand. Not to say I know the answers to all my questions. But, I feel again His nearness. I get lost again in His company. I see His gifts poured out in my life and I fall in love again. Deeper and deeper in love with my Jesus, the Lover of My Soul.

2008-02-02T17:33:00.001-08:00

Well I guess it would be of note to some that I have had surgery.

Two weeks before last Thanksgiving I stood up swifly from crouching down and tore my right medial meniscus. The meniscus is a moon shaped peice of cartilaginous tissues that provide structural integrity to the knee when it undergoes tension and torsion.

By swiftly standing up from a crouched position my patella in conjunction with my tibia tore this peice of cartilage which has since then brought about quite a few instances of pain.

The surgeon performed Arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed either to evaluate or to treat many orthopaedic conditions including torn floating cartilage, torn surface cartilage, ACL reconstruction, and trimming damaged cartilage the latter being my particular case.

So as we have it now, my beautiful bride is nursing me back to health, while I hobble around the house wondering how in the world I am supposed to go back to work on Monday.

2007-12-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in,
Lord Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's "all as it should be"
And blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

I edited the words a little, but we sang this song Sunday night, and it ministered to me deeply.

I want to bless the Name of the Lord. When the world is "as it should be", and when my road is marked with suffering. He is still worthy.

Mike Huckabee responds to evolution question

2007-09-10T20:22:00.001-07:00

2007-09-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

This Sunday it was Justin; a small young man who quietly walked into yak bak two months ago holding a bible in an old embroidered bible cover, that looks like one his grandmother made and carried. This quiet young man, was respectful, and responsive all in a reserved manner. He would listen, and answer honestly. He would smile rarely, but you felt like he probably was listening.

A week ago Sunday night Justin's Dad, and Dad's girlfriend brought Justin to Sunday night service. They came again last night. And while the Holy Ghost was moving across the congregation, and the power of God was obviously ministering to the people, Justin's Dad tapped me on the shoulder. He wanted to give his life to God.

The experience was so new to him. I knew that his prayers were sincere and true, but held in by a gate that the man himself didn't know how to open. Bro McLaughlin came to talk with him for a moment, and while he did I motioned for Justin to join me. I spoke with him briefly but then went back to pray for his father. It was while that man was trying so hard to reach to God, that his son's heart burst. Justin began to weep before the Lord.

I prayed with Justin and we talked to God. Neither one received the Holy Ghost, but what a powerful step both made. To truly open themselves and seek after God. "Oh what fellowship divine. I am His, and He is mine. In the presence of the Lord, there's fullness of joy."

God is doing wonderful things in the city of Euless. Please pray for the souls that are coming in. 15 have received the Holy Ghost in 6 weeks and 9 have taken on His name in baptism.

2007-08-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

First United Pentecostal church of Euless has an exciting program called Kidz Zone. They have catered a Sunday morning to evangelism, with three different bus routs, a hot breakfast, and an involved program with puppets, projection, music, and teaching. Each Sunday morning 40-75 kidz fill their fellowship hall to hear the word of the Lord.

As an extension of this ministry they started Yak Bak. An intermediary class where kids would transition from Kidz Zone, to a traditional Sunday Morning Apostolic church service. The age is 12-15 (aka Jr. High).

It wasn't long after makeing FUPC Euless home that someone mentioned me being in Yak Bak. And so after a few months we began. We spend two hours or so every Sunday morning drilling principles of the Word into the lives of our young adults.

The first month we talked about Prayer. The second we spent five weeks on the Word of God. This month we focused on Praise and Worship, and to conclude the month we went into the sanctuary to worship with the greatest music minister on the planet (my lovely wife). Praise and Worship was filled with power, and Bro Chad Mooney delivered a word from the Lord.

At the first mention of altar call, a young man made his way to the altar. With tears in his eyes he started to pray. After praying together and believing in faith Eddie began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance. Baptized at the age of 8 in our church, God completed the work of salvation in his life and we are so excited!

I just had to share.

2007-07-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

Go check out our wedding pictures!

2007-04-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

"And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." Matt 28:2

I love the precious word pictures that just pour out of the Word. Resurrection morning: The Prince of Peace has risen, the king's seal was broken, his greater error has become a reality, and an angel of the Lord is sitting on his stone. What a finality and dominion. No need to stand in defiance for it was no act of defiance to roll your stone away. Simply sitting will do fine. Perhaps the angel was whistling a tune as he sat upon the broken seal. What a King, what a power, what a wonderful communion.

Julie and I had a wonderful Easter this year. Saturday night we were busily preparing for the family to come over. Julie's older sister, April, has two kids, Hannah who is six and Brendon who is three. April and Jerome, Nathan (Julie's brother) and Rachel (his fiance), Bro Jones and Sis Jones, all came over for Easter dinner. Julie and I made Easter eggs for our Easter egg hunt.

It was fun, and not near as messy as I had thought it would be.

And for dinner we had fillet Mignon! Julie's mom had bragged to everyone about my steak, so the pressure was on. Thankfully we found this AWESOME meat market that sold 8 oz, bacon wrapped filet's for just 4.99! I took the picture of them marinating Sunday morning to send to the guys, but my phone was having problems... Anyway all went well. I missed my family and my church family, but I had a beautiful Easter morning.

When she pulled this one out of the die she said, "I'd been waiting on that one..." I can hear the gag reflexes now, Lynn... she is actually anticipating my cheesyness. Isn't it great!

I know to the casual observer these may look bad, but they are primed and ready for grilling, olive oil marinade with italian dressing and a bunch of Montreal Steak Seasoning... mmm!!

2007-04-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful day. I don't know what the temperature is, I really don't care. There is just this combination in the air. It's a warm sunshine, a cool breeze, a lightness in the air because of some level or lack of humidity. Regardless, it makes me want to walk in the grass barefoot and throw around a frisbee with my love. It's a beautiful day.

2007-03-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

My Honeymoon

I really can't tell you how excited I get at just the thought of being completely done with the wedding and enjoying time off with Julie. Especially here!

Check out the wedding blog if you want to hear more!

2007-03-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

French Toast

This weekend Julie and I were able to go to Wichita Falls. I got off work last night and picked up Julie. We got some Subway... mmm and got to Mom's house about nine.

I slept as long as I could at Joseph's and came over to start breakfast. I made French Toast and bacon. I thought the bacon would never be done... Dad taught me how to make French Toast. I personally (and Julie agrees) think my French Toast is the best! Whenever I would go to visit her while we were dating I always wanted to cook her breakfast on Saturday morning. At first she didn't want me to, she was afraid she wouldn't like it and not know how to lovingly, but honestly, tell me.

The first time I convinced her to try I made French Toast. Her mom loved it! She started to ask me what I was going to make for breakfast when I was there. Really simple, three eggs for four pieces. A little bit of milk, just a pinch. And then some cinnamon and nutmeg. Always use butter to grease your pan, and cook on medium to low heat. Butter the pan each time you cook a new piece.

Toppings are the FUN!... lol... This morning was a little powdered sugar with bananas and strawberries... It really was perfect. An Ouellette tradition was to put peanut butter and syrup. It is delicious!

2007-03-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

There is a study bible that is called the Serendipity Bible. Serendipity is defined as an aptitude for encountering unexpected desirable discoveries. What a great thought! Anytime you open up the word you really can expect an unexpected discovery. There are many better study bibles out there, I just thought I would mention the name of this particular one.

My mind has found so much to think on in a passage we recently read. In his second letter Peter lists a hierarchy that can be applied so many ways.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. II Peter 1:5-7

It really is a beautiful transition. That first with our faith comes an intent and desire for goodness. Then through that we thirst and desire knowledge of Him and His word, for in it we define what is good and what is not. Then comes that self control to abstain from not only what isn't lawful, but what we also find imprudent. Next we have to find patience to wait on Him. Then we truly start to see that Holiness and Separation (perhaps why holiness is not seen quickly in a new believer is because these other foundations must have some sort of foothold). Then as all men can see that we are called into his marvelous light we love one another, and last but not least comes that unconditional and undeserved love that we all need so much more of.

The only problem with the word serendipity is that it implies happenstance or the unexpected. Perhaps if I reminded myself of how constant the blessings are that I find in the word I would linger at the table a little longer.

2007-03-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

In the morning...

There is just something to be said of rising early in the morning. I know I don't love sleep as much as some. My lovely bride, my honorable brother... they seem to study sleep and know it well. I kind of feel like I enjoy it as much as the next guy. I do enjoy it enough to have a hard time getting up, but I love to meet with Him in the morning. I love to read His word, and I find meeting with Him early is different than my time in the evening.

I love this painting. I don't know if it's morning or evening, but I think it beautifully speaks of the times when Jesus would find solitude and pray. I hope your mornings find as much of Him as possible.

2007-03-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Weight Watchers Garden Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

2/3 cup sliced carrot

1/2 cup diced onion

2 garlic cloves

3 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)

1 1/2 cup diced green cabbage

1/2 cup green beans1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup diced zucchini

Directions:
In a large saucepan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, saute carrot, onion, and garlic over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth, cabbage, beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and salt; bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered about 15 minutes or until green beans are tender. Stir in zucchini and heat 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.

So the picture online dosen't look half as good as my bowl did tonight. Julie told me about this soup a day or two ago - last weekend was a little rough. Kristopher Prince dragged us to Fudruckers and Cheesecake Factory both after having Papadeaux's with all the family last Tuesday. Needless to say this yummy recipe was overdue. I love cutting up fresh vegetables and this tastes awesome. You have to try it

Tips: I don't know what those white looking beans are other than sick looking... If you like green beans you can load them up, but if you make sure and really dice the cabbage you can get all the filler you need. Also make sure you "dices" of zucchini aren't the size of a quarter cubbed, it looks like that one would take an hour to cook... Next time I'll take my own picture.

2007-03-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Donnie & Sondra

Mr. & Mrs. Donnie Allen Gandee

In 2007 there will be four weddings in my Euless church... still waiting on how many will be at home to add to it. As I sat there through the ceremony I had so many thoughts of what will happen in less than just four months time.

It was a beautiful ceremony and a beautiful day to be wed!

2007-03-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sis Karla.

Not that anyone who reads this blog, dosen't already know, or hasn't told you themselves... But regardless. You are such a beautiful example of a Lady. I love you dearly, and wish you a wonderful and blessed next year.

p.s. I unfortunately do not have any pictures of you on my laptop, so I just got some off of y'alls blog ;)

2007-03-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Internet, it is quite unreal. I mean what in this life compares to a realm in which the vast majority of so much is right at your finger tips. Few really know all that you can experience partially. Amazing that you can come so close to reality as satellite images of your neighbors house, a virtual tour of a hotel room in Cancun, watch Nat King Cole sing unforgettable and get a recipe for lemon crusted chicken but still never come so close to reality as the taste of a simple peanut butter sandwich. No surprise that some get so lost in the vastness and still feel empty...

Any way. I am sitting here looking for wedding songs. And I come across something so silly I have to blog about it...

"Go hang a salami, I'm a lasagna hog" What in the world? Well, it's a palindrome. Just like "mom", "pop" or "Hannah", it is spelled the same backwards as it is forwards. Yeah... I made you look. pretty cool huh... try "I prefer pi". That's a fun one!

I have a thought that has started to really turn in my head. I think it's something of being grown up, responsible... maybe it's something of my mother's strength. It has to do with dealing. Not cards or negotiation, but the kind of dealing you do when you realize that sometimes it doesn't matter how that makes you feel, or how you wish something would be different. That no matter how you look at it, the situation really won't change. Or worse yet, if you don't just deal with it, you will probably just make it worse.

Something of choosing the higher road, the road less traveled maybe even Samuel's more perfect way. Either way America needs more men, more people, if you'll forgive my gender neutrality, that will just be consistent- not because of their feelings, pressures or inclinations, but rather because the moral authority they're standing upon has not and will not change. Because that other guy won't deal, and I'm not better, but I'm also not of his/her world I'm of His.

How's that for one incredibly random post?! :)

2007-03-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not it has actually been less than a month since my last post. However, it has been made known through conversation, even text's, that how ever long it has been has been to long. And so here it is.

Life changes, sometimes radically. I remember what has now been about ten months ago when I started working in Lawton, OK. I would leave the house anywhere between 6:00 - 6:30 am every weekday morning and get home around 7:00 - 7:15 most every night. I worked a lot and spent my leisure time on the phone with Julie, or hanging out with the guys, or spending time with family. That was all quite a change. The past few months have been even more radical. I have kept the tradition of a long ride to and from work, but the work and frequency has changed. I probably put the same amount of hours in, maybe a little less. Thank the Lord I get paid a little more.

I usually get to spend time each evening with Julie. On Tuesdays the church has a Crisis Care Class (trying to equip the saints to minister to those faced with crisis in their lives). On Wednesday is mid-week service, which consists of singing and Young Married's class ( Bro McLaughlin wanted all of his many engaged couples to join). Thursdays I usually work late and Julie every other has choir practice, and Friday nights have been occasionally helping with youth or traveling or whatnot... Mondays are wonderful! Julie usually has dinner ready when I get in from work and we go and play tennis or go for a walk, and try to sit down and read and study together. It is a wonderful time together...

Along with all these changes or experiences have come so many new lessons. Many are lessons previously taught, and principles that I seemingly understood, but with life and days and coming and going has come and brought a clarity that I hadn't had. A clarity of love and life. Giving and receiving. God and His grace, His mercy, His provision, His love. A clarity of how I need Him. I need thee oh I need thee every hour I need thee.

2007-02-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon a heathen walked into the break room of MARDEL Christian and Educational Supplier and STOLE my phone. I called my number and the thief actually answered. LORD I pray for those that have spitefully used me. I pray that the blessing of truth will reign in their lives, for the wages of sin is death.

Regardless. I have received a new phone. In less than 18 hours my replacement had arrived. I do not however though, have any one's phone number. If you have my number in your cell phone. And would like to hear from me in the future, then give me a call. I would love to save your number so that I could in turn call sometime to say hello. Thanks!

2007-02-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 18:13 has spoken to me so frequently in the past few days. How many times it has been such a horribly daunting task to study silence.

2007-02-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

There is a professional relationship of mine that started off on the wrong foot. She thought I was wrong, and I was too right to let her continue being so wrong, regardless of how few the days I had been around.

Needless to say her stubbornness was introduced to my own and she still hasn't gotten over it. In fact, she did a very effective job of influencing the initial view of a few others. Now we have all entered that fun stage where everyone else has realized how wrong she was and is now falling on the other side of nice to make up for their missperceptions, except of course The Thorn.

And so it is through the relational workings of Thorn and myself that I have come reacquainted with some psychological understandings that interest me. I have in a since, continually tried to manipulate Thorn so that I can increase my influence. John Maxwell builds a staircase to influence. It begins with relationship, then calls for success and finally requires the development of others leading to their own successes. Let me share with you a few of the 'experiments' I am trying to conduct to reach the first step on Maxwells staircase.

One finding (I would source these, but my Social Psychology book is at Julie's and I don't want to waste the time Google'ing), shows that when someone is asked or convinced to perform a favor or work for another that the view of the recipient is heightened by the giver. It seems that while the person giving is performing the task they tend to justify their actions by increasing their perceived value of the person they are performing for. (i.e. Yesterday I asked Thorn if she would store my bag of starlight mints in her desk drawer, of course she could have any she wanted... True I give away a few mints, but now everytime she opens that drawer she is reminding that she is doing something for me. Why would she do that if she hated me? Maybe she dosen't really hate me.)

Another finding shows that a moderate amount of negativity towards a bystander also increases the perception the bystander has for that individual. I loved the way this one played out. Last Thursday. I walked up to a desk and Thorn was standing their with Pleasant. I said hello to both, but only asked Pleasant how her weekend was. Afterward I started to slowly leave without speaking to Thorn.

She quickly bit, and said, "Aren't you going to ask how my weekend was?'

Of course I turned around and said, "Oh! I didn't know you would even want to tell me."

"Well I enjoy talking to you..."

Simple examples really, some would say those 'findings' are mere common since to a skilled communicator. However, regardless of how new or old the information, it still brings about a pause. Is it wrong to use your knowledge and understanding, however limited it may be, in interpersonal relationships toward an end that serves a purpose? Does a nice gesture, when done with an ulterior motive, cease to be nice? Of course I wouldn't dare propose that one shouldn't serve and be nice just for the sake of being nice, 1 Peter would certainly detour such missconceptions. I would be dishonest if I said that I had never used some psychological principles in every relationship I have. I guess the question is: Should I apologize for it?

2007-02-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a wonderful service. I found myself once again getting lost in praise and worship. Oh how wonderful He is.

It is so sweet to just love the Lord and praise Him. He has been so merciful when my attention has been so divided. He truly is the Lover of My Soul.

2007-02-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

It's 9:15 on Saturday morning and my brother is now 29. Do I call him and wake him up to wish him a happy birthday or do I let him sleep in. If your into the blog thing then you already know how much he enjoys sleep, But he loves me too right :)? Ah what to do.

People talk so frequently of sleep and how much they enjoy it. Bill Cosby relates it to a good steak. His retelling reminded me of mom. He said he wouldn't tear into sleep with long and loud log cutting action, but more soft and subdued humms and murmurings of fondness. Regardless Joseph James, Bill Cosby, Sis Karla and many others in great company love sleep. I think I don't.

We all know I'm a hopeless romantic, but if Julie is going somewhere in the morning and I wont see her for a while, I like her to call and wake me up. I want to hear her say good morning and encourage each other at the beginning of the day. Sometimes when friends are over and work is looming on the horizon there is just to much gold lying in those hours to sell them to sleep.

Yes, Lord, You've made us fearfully and wonderfully, but I do long for the day when this body will be made new. When rest and regeneration will not be needed and I can spend every drop of eternity with You, You're wonderful people, and the angels.

9:22... I've waited long enough. Goodmorning Sunshine!!!

2007-02-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

Joseph James Ouellette

On Saturday February 3, 2007 my brother will be a score and nine years old. I have met men with twice as many years and not half as much wisdom. Somewhere along the way that wisdom revealed itself in the value of passion. And so what ever work it was that his hands found to do, he would sacrifice of himself, and it would resound in excellence. So often he quotes an interview that he conducted with Terry Creekmore. He would tell the story of asking Bro Creekmore about his calling into ministry, he loved the reply. 'I don't really know that God ever called me. It was just that I saw a need and knew I could do it. So I did.' There is no better description of the principal foundation of Joseph James Ouellette than that. If there is something that HAS to be done, he can do it, will do it and probably do it better than you.

If you have a mission field of 6000 students you can count on him to spend years toward creating an organization to try and reach them. If your church has been uncounted in the work of reaching children while others are taking advantage of the opportunity you wont even need to solicit his response in ministry. There are not ways to convey the depth that my brother will pour himself into a masterful job of baking an apple pie or sharing the word of the Lord.

Along that 29 year wisdom illuminated the path of knowledge. If you have something to share then share it. You will find in Joseph a mind that is ready to hear what you offer. You may get it back, and you may not appreciate what he did with it, but you won't have to think long or hard to find the truth in his reply. Oh how aggravating when you are arguing and you know that you have been exposed... how well I know that feeling. Overcoming what some would have considered obstacles Joseph James is a man who seeks understanding, gives it the attention it deserves and shares it freely with those around him.

I guess I will leave you with this. I find in you, Joseph, a picture of a man. A man who seeks to fulfill the role that God has revealed to him. A man who does truly know the meaning of success and refuses to seek after the cheap imitations the world portrays. A man who will lead. A man who will follow. A man who knows where he falls in between the two. I love you. Happy Birthday!

2007-01-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

There are times when I lie in bed before sleep succumbs me and I think. Think, dream, call it what you may, but my mind wonders off into a world of ideas. One of my most recent ideas was a restaurant.

I think I'll call it Cookies & Milk. The sign would be a bold all capitol "cookies" while the ampersand and "milk" will be in some fancy script overlapping. The idea is a simple clean sit down restaurant, where every meal comes with dessert. And dessert is always Cookies&Milk. I like the idea of a restaurant with few choices. So I'm thinking you don't have a lot of choices. The sou chef will make cookies without nuts and cookies with. Oreo's will be available for the kids or the kid in you. Maybe go with Chocolate or White Milk, Skim for those who are kidding themselves, and there you have it.

I've thought a lot about the other menu items as well. Again I like the idea of utter simplicity. Perhaps a Single sheet menu that changes daily. My wait staff would be pleased with a total of ten choices. One choice will be the sandwhich. One day turkey and avocado on a nine wheat bread another brie, lettuce and tomato. Other choices include steak, chicken and pasta. Every day the dish a little different, but always the same price. And always including Cookies & Milk for dessert. Want to come?

2007-01-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday was inventory. Economics has always interested me in forms and fashions. Retail stores of course operate by selling various selections of merchandise at a price that is higher than what they purchased it for. It isn't unethical. Because of their quantity and consistency vendors, publishers, wholesalers, etc. offer them products at a cost that they would not offer a normal customer. And so all retail stores succeed or fail, by how effectively they make money, by sales, from what they spend, by purchasing product (as well as payroll, fixed costs, etc.)

While cycles revolve of sales and restocking of inventory (ie product) each store keeps an idea of what they have sitting on their shelf. This is called their inventory and most of the year it exists in the form of a soft number. If I had this on Monday, and I got another one of these on Tuesday, and I sold one of those over there on Wednesday, On Thursday I should have this plus one of these minus one of those. (Confused yet? :) In short you can spend the year adding what you buy and subtracting what you sell, but there has to be a time when you definitively measure everything you have so you have a more accurate number to add to and subtract from.

And so this time of the year is very important for retailers. Their inventory measurement will reflect on the way they have run their business, how well they have sold things at the right time, and what potential sales they can have for the next year.

At 6pm yesterday evening an outside auditor came to perform our yearly inventory. There were many of them, but they weren't as skilled as they should have been, so they didn't finish until 5:45 am this morning. Now some of you may know that I live about 40 minutes away from the store that I work at and when viewed in the light that we had a shipment of new merchandise coming in at 7am this morning I had an hour and fifteen minutes before I had to be back to work. So I went to IHOP and had a little breakfast. ( I did get to leave work at 11am this morning, so I was only there for 23 hours :).

As I sat at IHOP though I read from the book of James. The scripture came to life inside those dead bones, "Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." Bro Benson had preached Sunday morning in Bro McLaughlins absence on Not Being Weary in Well Doing. One thing that echoed so true was that "our good works are the world's proof of our power." I was tired and drowsy, and I almost fell asleep before I got my food. But how merciful is our God to even when my enthusiasm was lacking to still speak to me. To still remind me that it really is putt up or shut up. I remember the playground banter of ain't nothin to do but do it. Whatever smack your giving me, whatever you think you will do with that basketball or rather with your faith, ain't nothin to do but do it.

2007-01-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

Life Tabernacle has two of the most beautiful little girls in this world. One of the reasons I just love Sis Elm's blog are the pictures of her beautiful grandbabies and this one just tugged my heart strings this morning.

I don't have as many pictures of Onjolyce, but she is so adorable too.

A really old picture of Alayna.

2007-01-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

I have not nor do I now think that I will ever understand a man who would not want to dance with his wife. I find it tearful that the world would treat something so seemingly intimate profane by engaging in the practice with friends, coworkers, complete strangers and the like. I think so fondly of an evening that I can hurry home. Make a fire, dim the lights, find a soft CD and push the coffee table aside. To hold her and softly move to the music. What a beautiful joy I envision - the dance.

There is another dance that I think of today. The dance of initiation and response. From creation the plan and design of God was for man to initiate and the woman to respond. In creation, in relationship, even in physiology God's design is so beautiful when done according to His will. It is so aptly referred to as a dance. Two softly engaging, one leading tenderly, the other respectfully responding. One holding and choosing direction. The other being held and trusting. What a beautiful dance of initiation and response.

Of course the greatest gift is that dance was created to display the ultimate in intimacy. The intimacy that the bride of Christ can find in her Lord's arms. As I prepare for marriage and look to fulfill the role of initiation, I seek even more to find my place in response to my Lord. I long to life a life of grace and beauty, waltzing in His mercy. How I wish for my life to be a clear picture of my Lord gently leading me, my life warmly responding. How I long to learn His slightest leading... how I long for my response to warm His heart for He knows how close I am and how intently I am searching for His initiation.

Except the Spirit draw Him - Initiation. No man commeth unto the Father - Response. When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that He has done for me - Initiation. My soul cries out Hallelujah - Response. And you shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you - Initiation. Ye shall be witness unto me... and unto the uttermost part of the earth - Response. I long to enjoy the dance of initiation and response with my wife, but I thank you today Lord for the ability to enjoy the greatest fulfillment in You.

2007-01-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

It is a simple thing really. Two or three eggs fried in a pan with various ingredients to add flavor. It is a common name that most people know and a few have used to make fun of my own. The etymology of the word omelet is not for certain. The French are most widely known for omelettes (yeah yeah yeah the resemblance is striking), however most credit the Roman epicure Apicius who used to make an overmele which consisted of eggs with honey and pepper. Either way the omelet is also very similar to the frittata which is basically mixing your additives in with the eggs instead of folding the egg around the mixture.

However I have most recently became acquainted with how much I enjoy making omelets. I have never been a skilled chef. Joseph was the creative accomplished workman, Mom was always quite an improvisionist, but I just floated by. There was a season when we were all working jobs, Joseph and I in school, and so we all took a night. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday were all divied up. My night was always reserved for something simple like burritos, tacos, spaghetti. Creating in the kitchen just wasn't my forte. But recently I have found quite a bit of pleasure in it all.

There are a few universal necessities in an omelet. Salt and pepper - I'm beginning to think you cannot cook anything without them. Butter - real butter, make up for the points someplace else it just isn't worth it here. Medium Heat - if your blessed enough for stainless steel then go down to Medium Low. Cheese - as we will cover later the type of cheese is optional the presence of it is not. And an 8-10 inch pan. I prefer 8 but if you can manage a 10 your better than I and probably don't need any of my advice.

Eggs are beat with a smudge of milk added in and salt and pepper. Have your additives ready for quick access. Don't cook anything prior in your pan or at least anything that requires more heat because you don't want it to get too hot. The butter goes first an eight of an inch off a stick should be fine, and then pour the eggs in the pan. No need to wait long for the ingredients. They go in the pan and are best placed around the center of the eggs. Then comes the hardest part. The wait. You want to be sure and let the eggs cook a little while so that you can fold. I usually start with one fold. I take one side and fold it toward the center. Wait a little while longer... then the other side. Either way you want the center of the omelet to be covered majoratively with eggs. If you have to you can try and roll the omelet over letting a few uncooked eggs to run out and produce a covering for any left over parts. Either way, a big key is to even after you have folded both sides over to let it cook. Your low heat comes into play here because it will be a while before you burn anything, and by letting the omelet sit there you are letting the eggs inside to fully cook and mix with your ingredients.

As far as ingredients I like mostly the Mexican flavor. Some Rotel, Mexican blend cheese, and Sausage is always good. Cilantro adds great flavor and little sprinkled on top looks rather cool. I did try something different for Julie and Sis Jones one Saturday morning. I diced tomatoes, mixed a few red onions (Julie just loves onions), some black olives, a touch of mango's and some feta cheese. It tasted really well. When I served it I sprinkled a little oregano on it and that shredded Parmesan cheese... mm mm good.

To make a long post longer... I would have to consider the joy I find not necessarily in the omelet or the kitchen, but rather in the ease of a Saturday morning. The time that I have to relax and put a little more of myself into something that is usually stolen by the important things in life. I wonder this morning how many pleasurable things I have missed in my life because I robbed them of the time that would bring to them simple joys.

2007-01-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I listed again for the first time to the strong and powerful words that were spoken in the “symbolic shadow” of Abraham Lincoln on August 28, 1963. I have never been the follower of History that one should be. I know briefly of the figures that brought about a most pressing change in the United States, and know less of their persons. Black History month would come and go but I had neither the facilitation nor inclination to learn more than what I would consider to be an average understanding.

Even still I believe that there is a power beyond my comprehension found in the spoken word. When the word spoken is true, just, and righteous it stirs the soul. There are songs that open my heart and allow emotion to pour in. There are words that bring pause and consideration. But, then there is truth. Truth that moves, stirs, excites. I’ve heard it from the pulpit. I’ve read it on my brother’s blog. And thanks to contributors like MLK I’ve read it from the pages of my history. I don’t post to proclaim this man as more than what he was. Perhaps I will find Patrick Henry’s birthday and write some small epilogue near that day for such words as “give me liberty or give me death.” Perhaps I will write as well about those men who had consecrated Gettysburg “far above our poor power to add or detract,” but regardless I will say that Martin Luther King Jr. stood just a short time ago and with powerful words of truth hewn a stone of hope out of the mountain of despair. I think my world is better for it. I hope you had a wonderful Martin Luther King Jr. Day. If you would like to read and listen to the entirety of “I Have a Dream” you can do so here. It will take about 18 minutes.

2007-01-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

I have had a new beginning. I have recently changed homes, changed jobs, and changed churches. I have started fresh and new. I remember the thoughts of a high school junior who searched for himself a little differently. I had analyzed what I thought being cool was all about and why some kids had it, why I didn't. It just had to be the time they spent together. They interacted at football games and dances, clubs and organizations, and so many other things that I rarely attended because a youth function or church service fell on the same night. I wanted to be cool. I decided to join them. I entered every club and organization I could. I made every excuse in the book to be a part of anything and everything at Wichita Falls High School. I found my name recognized. I found a number of 'friends', but I also found my soul wanting. At the end of that year there was a high school junior that wanted a new start. He wanted a new opportunity to set the priority. To be what he was raised and taught and knew to be. It would just make it easier. If I could go to a new school I could start over. I wouldn't have to listen about the 'old' Jason...

Well here I am. A new start. I don't have quite the same motivation for a new start. Not at all. But Lord, I want to approach it with a similar vision. One that says I have the opportunity to be all that You have shown me to be in this short life. I don't want to ignore my past and all the ways my lessons have been learned, NO not at all. But I do want to take all the newness that I have woken up to this last week and embrace it for the wonderful and merciful gift it is from God. I am starting a life with the most wonderful woman that God formed for me. I am joining a church led by a man led by God. There is a family of believers that have welcomed and loved me and believed in me without question. I am starting a job when I can lead as I see fit with no question or regard to mistakes made. Thank You Lord. Thank You for my new beginning.