Random Thoughts On The Faithfulness Of God

Perspective

2010-03-25T08:55:00.005-06:00

A good friend and Pilot of the Space Shuttle mission STS-130, Col. Terry Virts asked me to write a devotional while they were at the Space Station in February. This is what I wrote...

The Front Range in Colorado is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The magnificence of Pikes Peak is defined by how it towers above the surrounding peaks into the blue Colorado sky. Most of the year, its’ summit is covered elegantly with a graceful blanket of snow.

On a recent early morning drive down I-25, dense fog had settled over the front range. The mountains were no longer visible. Pikes Peak had simply vanished overnight…her beauty was hidden by the thick cloud cover. I wondered how many people were driving through Colorado Springs for the first time thinking, “Where is the beauty? I have always heard that Colorado Springs was scenic.” Unimpressed, they travel on, never witnessing the beauty that was right next to them. They never laid eyes on the 14,000-foot giant beside them. They simply drove by, oblivious to her majesty.

Perspective is an amazing thing. One day the sun shines brightly on the towering Goliath and the next day it seemingly disappears into thin air.

For twelve days, you will enjoy a perspective that few humans will ever have the honor of witnessing.

As you float past Asia, I wonder if the Great Wall of China will resemble a string of Lego blocks quickly assembled by a two year old? As you soar over Mount Everest, perhaps you will be reminded of a Q-tip rising sharply from the surrounding landscape. As you drift over Africa, will the Great Pyramids of Giza look like sugar cubes sprinkled over the countryside? From your vantage point, as you slowly drift over the United States of America, does the grandest of the canyons look like a small footprint in the desert?

It’s amazing that man’s greatest monuments are almost unrecognizable from your perch. God’s grandest creations on Earth quickly focus into perspective. I suppose from 200 miles above the Earth everything seems small.

Astronauts have the unique ability to see our Earth from a new and different point of view.

Today, like those who sit in the Pilot’s seat on the Space Shuttle, I pray that my obstructed view becomes unobstructed. I want to see clearly, not because my circumstances have changed, but because in faith, I can see through the fog of life. I pray that I allow God to elevate me above the haze of my circumstances. I pray that I understand that the One who created the mountains also commands them to bow down in His presence.

It’s all about perspective. Some days God’s majesty is clear, and some days it takes faith to remember what He looks like. No matter the weather, it’s good to know that the mountain hasn’t moved.

I have to admit, I have astronaut envy. How I long to see obstacles for what they are…objects that stand in between me and God.

The majesty of the mountain still towers next to you. Remember this moment in space and time…no matter what obstacles you face.

Psalm 36: 5-9 (The Message)

God's love is meteoric,
his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite your love, O God! How eager we are to run under your wings.

George Washington with Nate

2009-05-07T15:52:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine, Mark Collins, came to speak today for the National Day of Prayer at Focus on the Family. Afterwards, he talked to Nate and told him an impactful story. After Valley Forge, a 6 year old boy approached General Washington at church, staring at the sword on his hip. Timid, the boy asked General Washington if that was the sword that won the war. Washington asked the boy if he wanted to touch the sword that won the war. The boys eyes lit up. General Washington pulled his Bible out and told the boy that this was the sword that won the war, not the sword on his hip. You should have seen Nate's eyes....priceless.

Gabe's Recent Paper

2009-04-18T20:35:00.002-06:00

Stone

“In first place is…” Stone and Tony were sitting on the bench waiting for the announcer to declare the winner of the U.S. skateboard competition.

“Stone Jefferson from the town of Sapphire, and in second place is Aaron Wood from Aspin, in third place is Tony Peterson again from Sapphire” Stone and tony flew from their seats so fast it looked as though they didn’t even touch the ground. Aaron had won this event before so he just walked up to accept his award with a smile. There was a golden miniature skateboard for Stone, a silver one for Aaron, and a bronze for Tony. Stone and tony gathered their things and started the walk home.

“Dude, I entered that competition knowing I wouldn’t win, just trying to see new tricks, but it turns out we did it!”

Tony was always thinking positive. He usually wore his black collared shirt, his blue jeans, and brown hat turned sideways.

Stone was the popular showoff and was always trying to get attention. He had long brown hair with hazel eyes. No one knew how stone got his name, so it has always been a mystery. When ever some one asked him, he would always change the subject.

Stone burst through the door and shut it behind him. He walked up the stairs to his room to put his trophy away. His parents were at work, so he would have to show off his trophy later. Stone walked into the kitchen to get a snack then watched TV. A few hours later his dad walked in the door.

“Hey Dad,”
“Hey, how did the skateboard competition go?”
“I won!”
“Out of all of those people?”
“Yep,”
“Wow!”
“Hold on one sec.”

Stone walked down the steps with the skateboard he won, then showed it to his dad
“That is awesome! You must have worked really hard! Now go put it in your room and let’s eat dinner, your mom will not be home till after you go to bed.” Stone put up his trophy, had dinner, then went to bed.

The next morning Stone got ready for the day then got his skateboard and was about to go to the skate park in the warm summer sun when the phone rang
“I’ll get it! Stone yelled “Hello?”
“Hi, this is Mark Rhodes. I’m the judge for the county fair, and I invite you to perform at the fair on your skateboard. Will you come?”
Stone didn’t hesitate at this offer. He said, “Yes,” hung up the phone, then ran to his skateboard and started for the skate park to start practicing.

Once he got there, he stopped and wondered what trick he should perform. After a while he decided he’d perform a Hoho, a hand stand on your board. He did this a few times, then left wanting to call Tony to tell him the good news. As he walked through the door he went to the calendar forgetting that the county fair was today. Stone ran to get his mom and dad to drive him to the fairgrounds.

Once he got to the place where the skate park was, he noticed it was a half-pipe with a rail to the side. He saw Tony there and walked to him. About seventy-five people were standing around the halfpipe. Tony encouraged Stone before he started to climb the ladder to the top of the half pipe. Stone looked around, and he saw all of the people. He felt weird doing only a hoho. The announcer interrupted his thoughts.

“Now Stone Jeffererson!”
Stone took off. As he did he started to curve over toward the rail. Stone did the hoho and did an olie on to the rail which he had never done before. After gliding for about two seconds, he slowly started to lift one hand.

Then, “Stone, Stone! Wake up!” When he opened his eyes, he could see the white of the blankets. He sat up. Stone looked around for a while. Then he realized he was in a hospital room. He saw his parents in a corner.

“What happened?” Stone asked a nearby doctor.

“You had a nasty fall on your skateboard. I guess you were tring to show off, or at least that is what your friend Tony said.” Stone laughed then felt the cut on his head. He laid back down. In the car, Stone fell asleep. When he woke up, he saw their log home with the green roof. He felt much better. He decided not to show off again, ever.

The Miracle of the Moment

2009-04-11T11:02:00.003-06:00

I love the imagery of the resurrection. Sunday school teachers around the world are breaking out their flannel boards and felt characters in preparation for Super Sunday.

The scene might look something like this. High atop a barren hill sits an empty tomb. A perfectly round rock has been rolled away from its’ perfectly symmetrical opening. Beams of blinding light burst forth from the blackness. Approaching the tomb, you notice Clorox-clean burial clothes neatly folded, laying in the exact location of where Jesus body was laid. Birds are chirping, the sun is shining.

All is well in Resurrectionland. It certainly puts a storybook ending on a gruesome chapter that transpired only days before.

What if you found out that the burial place of Christ was not actually sitting atop a hill all by itself? Perhaps the burial plot purchased by Joseph of Arimathea was one of many holes hewned into the rocky side of a mountain, full of other dead people.

What if there was no bright Heavenly light blinding you as you walked up to take a final peak inside the tomb? But instead of rays of light, you were greeted by darkness.

What if the perfectly crafted rolling rock wasn’t perfect at all, but instead was just a big, clunky boulder that Joseph found laying near the grave?

What if the burial clothes that once draped the lifeless body of our Savior weren’t quite as pristine as the pictures depict? They probably more resembled the dried bloodstains and water that rushed from the side our Savior. Perhaps the clothes actually smelled like something that had enveloped a lifeless body for three days.

What if in Christ’s excitement to his ascent to glory, he failed to properly make his bed and neatly fold his clothes?

If the scene of the resurrection was a little less felt-boardish and a little more realistic, would it be good enough?

Would it be good enough that Jesus left his Father’s side in Heaven to hang out with a bunch of sinners like you and me? Would you be satisfied knowing that he lived thirty-three fully human years without sinning? I find it hard to live thirty-three fully human MINUTES without sinning.

During his time here on our tiny blue planet, he healed your blindness, raised your daughter from the dead and gave you a purpose to live...and die for the first time in your life. His reward? A brutal Roman crucifixion. On Friday, Jesus was sentenced to thirty-nine lashes with a whip equipped with bone, glass and metal at the end of each strand of leather. Why not forty? Because under Roman law, forty lashes would be considered a death sentence. There were eight inch spikes driven through both of his wrists and feet into a cross made out of wood, which ultimately led to his suffocation.

As sad as Friday was, Sunday was coming. How good is it knowing that his death was not final, but temporary? It doesn't really matter what actually happened that Easter morning. What matters is that it happened at all. The plot thickens now that there is no one in Joseph's grave.

He did it for only one reason. You. If you were the only person on Earth, His plans would not have changed.

The miracle of this event is not in the scene, but in the act itself. I stand amazed at the act.

Into the Reeds

2008-11-22T19:12:00.005-07:00

Take a listen to "While You Were Sleeping" by Casting Crowns.

It makes me think about our country and its' current direction.

United States of America, looks like another silent night,
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies, save the trees but kill the children.
And as we're lying in the dark, there's a shout across the eastern sky.
For the Bridegroom has returned, and has carried his bride away in the night.
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping?
Will Jesus come again and leave us slumbering where we lay?
America, will we go down in history as a nation with no room for its' King?
Will we will be sleeping?

Oh, by the way, the State of Colorado just passed a new law.

If a man wakes up in the morning and "feels like a woman" (gender confusion), he is allowed under State law to use whatever public restroom he chooses...men's or women's. If that establishment, say Chili's Bar and Grill, asks this man to leave the women's restroom, they face a mandatory $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail...all in the name of "equal rights." Never mind that a child molester can hang out in the stall of the women's restroom waiting for a little girl to enter. Internalize that. Think of your daughter, niece or friend that is 13 years old. Why should she fear entering a public restroom? Why should she wonder if the feet she sees underneath the next stall belong to another woman or a predator?

Governor Bill Ritter (D) just signed this into law. It is not a joke. If I had told you 6 months ago that this would be a law, someone would have told me I was smoking something. I would have been ostracized as a right wing nut job. Unfortunately, it's reality and coming to a State near you. This is not fear mongering, it's not intolerant...it's reality.

Are you kidding me? America and our Church better wake up and rise up...otherwise we are in for some dark days ahead. Remind me again, why is the good for America?

Can we not just use our own restrooms for crying out loud?

Did you know that in the first century the Roman's form of infanticide was throwing their unwanted babies into the river? Where was the church? Were they cheering the women's right to choose whether she wanted to drown her baby or not? No...they would quietly wait in the reeds and rescue the babies from the river...refusing to stand by and allow their helpless to simply die. They would take them home and raise them as their own. I'm afraid the church is leaving the reeds and heading for dry land...washing their hands of any ill responsibility. It's easier that way...definitely less messy.

My prayer is that our Church will wake up and quit relying on others to fight the fight. If you are not fighting, we're losing. If you're voice is silent, we lose the opportunity to be heard. If we stand on the sidelines, who's making the plays?

I wonder if Jesus would wait in the reeds, or wash his hands as Pilate did? Rhetorical question, but one that is currently confusing our Church I'm afraid.

Oh The Places You'll Go

2008-09-09T18:03:00.003-06:00

I wrote this as a dedication to my wonderful mom. For those who know her, you'll appreciate the "Dr. Seuss" theme, as she taught 2 year old's for over 40 years.

When Evolution Makes Sense

2007-12-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Even a monkey can walk down the middle of a broad highway. It takes someone with Intelligent Design to see the impending train wreck and choose to navigate the narrow road.

Ever since Matthew Murray wielded his AK-47 shooting helpless worshippers at New Life Church as they left to load up in their minivan, I have been prematurely forced to discuss topics unfit for my 5, 7, and 9 year old boys. Evil, desperation, sin, wickedness and malevolence…not exactly my favorite dinner table discussion.

Thanks, Adam. Since the moment you stuck your incisors into that apple, humankind has had to find answers to the unanswerable. Congratulations. You ate your way to a new highway being named in your honor…Broadway. The hard decision was to listen to the voice of the Lord and simply say “no.” How long did you struggle with the decision? Perhaps as long as it took me to decide on that second helping of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.

Why is it that Broadway seems to scream at you with eardrum piercing decibels and the Narrow Way simply whispers?

Once again we find the dichotomy of the Bible.

Greatness means becoming the least. To be first means you must be last. To lead means you must first serve. And, low and behold, God hangs out on the Narrow Path. That is where you will encounter Him.

Nothing good ever came out of taking Broadway. Cheating, lying, stealing and kicking the cat are the easy decisions. Biting your tongue, turning the other cheek and asking your enemy for forgiveness…welcome to the Narrow Path.

It’s never too late to make the right decision. If you find yourself cruising down a path of bad thoughts and correlating actions, and you see a fork in the road, as Yogi Berra says, “take it.” It’s called grace.

Webster defines evolution as “a process of change in a certain direction.” In other words, be transformed or metamorphed daily into the likeness of Christ. God smiles at this type of evolution. It takes a conscious, daily decision to follow the Narrow Path.

Life’s too short. Quit monkeying around. Evolve.

The Empty Chair

2007-12-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

Around the dinner table tonight sits an empty chair. The chair seat is cold, as cold as the Colorado winter outside. Death resides where life should live. A grieving loved one stares at the empty chair through tear-stained eyes with the reality that they will never ever return.

The weather in Colorado Springs was Narnia-esqe. A fresh blanket of snow covered the pine trees and the mountains in the distance. Pikes Peak pierced the deep blue sky. The air was brisk and filled with anticipation as Dr. Jack Hayford was to speak today at New Life Church. Five thousand people filtered out of the first service as my family and five thousand others replaced their seats for the second one. The congregation listened attentively as Jack delivered an amazing word on preparing your heart to be softened. He spoke eloquently on the importance of not allowing your heart to become hard. The title of the message was “A heart for Christmas.”

After church we made arrangements to meet friends at a local restaurant. We picked up our kids from their classes, visited with more friends, loaded up in the Sequoia and left the building at 1:00 pm…only five minutes before the crisp, cold silence was interrupted with the popping sounds of gunfire.

The gunman’s shoes crunched through our tire tracks in the snow as he made his way towards the church. Shots were fired on the innocent and the unknowing. The beauty of the fresh snow was soon tainted with the blood of his victims, as well as his own. By God’s grace, one of the security guards at the church confronted the shooter, fatally wounding him. It was a scene fit for an episode of CSI, not New Life Church.

As my church grieves tonight the irony is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Ten thousand people left the sanctuary with a renewed conviction of the importance of a soft heart. As we exited the building, we were confronted by one of the hardest, darkest hearts imaginable. Instead of sitting in his car loading his weapons, what if he had been in the back row listening? Would it have changed the outcome?

The joy and excitement of Christmas was interrupted today…gunfire and death will do that. Today we had the occasion to introduce to our boys a reality that they should never have to deal with. Even so, by God’s grace, I counted five people tonight around my dinner table. All were present and accounted for.

At another home, at another table somewhere down the street another family counts one less person tonight. Only fifteen days before Christmas, a family will go to bed with an uncontainable chill throughout their home.

The brevity of life once again rears its’ head. I think about how easily we could have run into another friend…delaying our departure 5 minutes. Tonight I hug my wife and children tighter. I look into their eyes deeper than I ever have and tell them I love them. I think about God’s grace, that He would allow me to live another day. I don’t claim to understand all that has transpired over the past 6 hours. I only claim to be the son of a living God who loves his children deeply. Incredibly, He loved the shooter no less than He loves me. He only longed for him to know Him.

If he had, there would be no empty chair tonight.

Michael W. Smith's Christmastime

2007-12-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Me and my bride...celebrating 14 years!

The Man of the hour...fantastic concert

John Rivers from K-LOVE mornings

The Meyerson Symphony Center was beautiful

Melinda Doolittle from American Idol fame...rocked the house!

Boom!

2007-11-30T16:49:00.001-07:00

Hi! I am Tom Turkey
And I am feeling very bad
Because just yesterday I lost my dad
A few days ago I lost my brother
Tomorrow I am going to lose my mother.
I am running in the forest. Zoom,
There I go. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
I think they flung some led.
I am very big and plump.
I think I am dead.

Gabe Phillips
11-21-07

The Snow Globe

2007-11-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

The splendor of living in a mountain town is the snowfall.

There is nothing more beautiful that the fresh flakes from Heaven slowly drifting quietly to the Earth. Unhurriedly, one by one, each individually crafted creation softly finds its’ way into the backdrop. The more they join together the more they change the surrounding scene. This is the tender side of snow.

The competing side of that beauty comes in the days that follow. Industry, pollution and cars quickly take their toll on the white landscape. Soon the white strips of covered roadways will heat up from the friction of passing cars, and will become watery and slushy. Puddles form making easy targets for cars to splash brown mud onto the roadways and sidewalks. What was the night before a scene of tranquility, solitude and peace has quickly turned into the hustle and bustle of industry and melting muck.

The blessing of the newness and the freshness of the virgin snow can quickly be tainted and soon forgotten.

Too often my life reflects this Creation amnesia.

Like a fresh snow, I am reminded of the grace that surrounds my life. I gaze into the eyes of my beautiful Godly wife and three precious boys and stand in awe of the One who trusted me with such incredible blessings. I look at my career and my church and my friends and find myself amazed with overwhelming gratefulness. I am surrounded with newness and a fresh awareness of my God’s love for me…that He saw fit to give someone so undeserving such an avalanche of blessings.

And, in the very next heartbeat, something happens. My world heats up and my snow begins to melt. Suddenly someone drives through a puddle, violently splashing mud into my otherwise protected snow globe. The beauty of the blessing disappears in an instant. I forget how richly blessed I was only moments before, although absolutely nothing changed. My wife is still beautiful and my boys are still amazing. My God has remained constant and close as ever.

It doesn’t take much mud to taint the beauty of a white fleck of snow.

My challenge is remain constant. I want to choose to feel blessed regardless of the weather. I want to choose to embrace the beauty in my life, without allowing events surrounding me to melt my snow. I want to learn to deflect the mud that is sure to splash my way. I long for the strength to withstand the pollution that can so quickly turn my snow to slush…because there is always something lurking, looking to invade my snow globe.

I believe that we serve a great Creator…a God of second chances. When things look still and feel stale, He grabs our snow globe and gently shakes it, stirring up a fresh glitter of snow to gently fall on us and remind us of His faithfulness.

My challenge to you is to stand firm, taking up your shield of faith. Protect with passion the world that God has intended for you.

Troubles will come. Hardships are on their way…be assured of that (see Job). But in the midst of trial, don’t allow your circumstances to muddy the truth of His blessing.

I just heard the forecast…the Weatherman is predicting snow!

True Worth is in the Adjectives

2007-11-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

I felt like David in the land of the Giants.

I’ve never seen an assemblage of men this size. One by one, they walked single file by the open casket. One by one, each paid tribute to a man who changed their lives. Most of these giants shed tears. Many passed by with look of confusion, shaking their heads, wondering if this was really true. How could he be gone? Where had he gone…somewhere other than this earth? Watching from the 2nd row, I found that the gravity of the moment was overwhelming.

The sanctuary was filled with a virtual who’s who in the world of Dallas/ Fort Worth sports. Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers filled the seats. Whether their trade was football, baseball, coaching or ownership, they all came under one roof for the same purpose…to pay their final respects to an amazing man who changed their hearts, not just the world around them.

In order to assemble this kind of talent and fame, surely this man must have had his life described as “powerful, rich, good-looking, talented, driven and successful.” After all, that’s where true worth resides….right? The more of each that you posses the better off you are…right? Surprisingly, none of the thirteen people who eulogized their father and friend used any of those adjectives to describe John Webber. No, the man that packed out the church with the rich and famous was described much differently than that.

John was described as “a wonderful father and husband, a lover of God, faithful, passionate, full of integrity, a man with purpose, compassionate, servant-hearted, humble and simple.” This is what brought these giants to their knees? These are the words used to describe a man who affected such a diverse group of successful people? Yes. The most unlikely man had the most incredible impact on their lives. John was described as “colorblind and power blind.” It didn’t matter who you were or where you were from, he would listen to you, give you a bear hug, look you in the eyes and tell you that he loved you.

Life can be summed up in the adjectives.

What words could be used to best describe you, and will describe you one day, when you move on from this life? Will they be words that will leave a legacy, or are they adjectives that only matter in the living years?

Each one of John’s five children touched on one of his resonant teachings…”Do not strive to be spectacular, but faithful.” John was faithful…first and foremost to his God, then to his family and lastly to others.

I sat amazed at the impact that this man had on so many diverse lives. I wondered what I am doing now that is leaving a legacy with my family and my friends. I wondered how often I find myself striving for adjectives that could describe accomplishments on earth, but yet have little to no eternal value. Unfortunately, too often. As I exited through the maze of giants in the lobby, I wondered whose life was forever changed because of what they witnessed today. I prayed that those who sat in that audience will live differently because their lives have been touched by such a simple man with a humble spirit. I know that I left a different man…and I’ve never met him.

It’s never too late to alter your adjectives. Live differently.

Live Like You Were Dying

2007-11-05T01:37:00.000-07:00

“Bart, are you sure that there’s enough room for Carol and I to join you Monday night?” John asked. “Of course,” I replied. “Well then, I look forward to meeting you in person.”

I was honored. The former Chaplain of the Texas Rangers and the current Chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys and I had just spent 45 minutes on the phone together, forming what was to be a great partnership in reaching professional athletes and their families.

That was the last time I spoke to John…forever. John Webber died shortly after of our conversation Thursday morning. For all I know, our conversation might have been his last.

The eagerness in his voice didn’t sound like death was near. To the contrary, he sounded full of life. John left our conversation to work out at the YMCA, and after swimming some laps at the pool, he simply collapsed into the arms of his Savior.

The day after the Monday night event, John asked me to join former Dallas Cowboys Chad Hennings, Russell Maryland and John Gesek to share their testimonies at a luncheon in Dallas. Coming too was legendary sports announcer Pat Summerall, who would be there to share how his encounter with Jesus Christ had changed his life. But earlier tonight I found out that I needed to change my appointment on Tuesday from a luncheon to a funeral. The brevity of life overwhelms me.

His life’s work here on Earth is done…but the prize of his life’s work is only beginning. With tears in my eyes I wonder who was there in Heaven to greet John. How many lives that went before him were there because he took the time to listen and care? How many more will join him someday because he worked tirelessly to help broken people heal?

Take a moment to reflect on the brevity of life.

What’s it all for? Why are you here on this tiny blue Planet? What will it all mean when you, like John, breathe your last?

Did you provide a warm house for your family? Hard work and labor are a gift from God, but not at the expense of leading your family into the richness of a deeper knowledge and appreciation of God.

Did you fill your children’s tummies with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and get them to their soccer games on time? A caring mother is a blessing. But a mother who teaches the love of Christ to her children, leaves a legacy far beyond. Sing “Jesus Loves Me” to your children…no matter how bad it may sound.

I challenge all of us to live out the commands that God gives in Deuteronomy 6:

6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Take every opportunity to share with your children and to your world about the importance and the real meaning of life. It’s so much more than who you were or what you accumulated…because in the end, none of that mattered to John. It’s about your relationship with a great God, who wants to encounter you right where you are…no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done. It’s about a God who wants to give you life worth living…not just on the other side of death, but here on Earth as well.

To borrow lyrics from the great poet Tim McGraw, “And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter and I gave forgiveness I’d been denying and he said someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying. Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about what’d you do with it what did you do with it what did I do with it what would I do with it? Live like you were dying.”

I pray that we will embrace life for what it really is…temporary. It only took John Webber 59 years to reach his ultimate prize…looking into the eyes of his Creator to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” God only knows how many years it will take you.

Live today like it’s your last. Love today like it’s your last. Live purposefully.

They're Off to see The Wizard!

2007-11-01T09:28:00.000-06:00

Boat Dweller

2007-10-30T21:39:00.000-06:00

There is little risk in staying in the boat. Growth occurs outside the confines of the wood and fiberglass.

Into the waves…that’s where Jesus hangs out...amidst the waves that are so violent and cruel that they whitecap as an oceans surf.

We often think of Peter as the one who experienced the only recorded episode of wave walking. However, the Bible is full of examples of those who decided to do the unthinkable. Staring intently into the face of God, they stepped out of a perfectly buoyant boat into a sea of darkness that couldn’t possibly keep them afloat.

Imagine holding the limp body of your lifeless daughter. Faith was evident as he sought out Jesus to breathe life back into death. Welcome to the waves, Jairus.

Imagine pulling the knife from it’s’ sheath, believing with reckless abandon that God’s plan is perfect when he told you to kill your own son. Welcome to the waves, Abraham.

Imagine staring a 9 foot giant in the eyes on the battlefield with nothing more that a piece of leather and a stone. Welcome to the waves, future King David.

Jesus calls us out in faith to do radical things. Believe for the ridiculous. Claim the impossible. Pray for the preposterous. We serve a God who delights in the prayers of His children. What circumstances are calling you out of the boat and into the sea of uncertainty? Is it your marriage? Is it the test results? Is it your job?

Stepping out of the safety of the boat is the hardest part. That’s faith. You will not journey alone. Stare into the eyes of your Savior, knowing that He wouldn’t call you into the waves without an outstretched hand.

2007-10-26T20:14:00.000-06:00

Does it get any better than that?

"to A WONDERFUL DAD WHO is the BEST in the WORLD your 39!!! your my DaD!!!! Out OF ALL 39 year olds ALL Pick you PeAKAS (because) your FAithFULL truthFULL AND the very very GOOd DAD LOVe LUKe"

I would argue that it can't possibly get better than that.

Crocs vs. Escalators

2007-08-23T21:27:00.000-06:00

Shortly after clearing Security at Denver International Airport, we heard Luke screaming as he headed down the escalator. I rushed down to see what he could possibly be screaming at so loudly. I looked at his foot and it was caught in the side of the escalator. Not just caught, stuck. I have never been gripped with so much fear. Only about half of his foot was visible, the other was somewhere down in the dark abyss of the metal teeth. I freaked out. His tiny foot would not budge. The harder I pulled the louder he screamed. It wasn't until we got all the way down the escalator when his foot finally came free.

I was unsure of what I would pull out of the crevice. I was fairly certain that some if not all of his toes would be missing or badly severed. Amazingly, the only injury he sustained was a cut toenail and burns on the top of his toes from the friction on the side walls.

The usual hurried foot traffic stopped and all eyes were on us. People were horrified when the saw what was left of the Crocs. A man bolted back up the escalator to find a police officer. "Oh good" I thought. "Someone who 'protects and serves' is coming." He slowly walked down the center staircase to us and asked in a somewhat irritated voice, "What seems to be the problem here." I could barely hear over the sounds of Luke screaming and the sound of my own heart beating out of my chest. I answered, "Your escalator sucked my child's foot into the side and almost ripped his foot off."

As long as I live, I will not forget his next comment. "It's not my escalator." Have you ever physically seen steam coming from one's ears? If not, you should have been at the airport that day.

And so went the next 15 minutes. It was "spirited." I've never lectured an officer of the law on manners and etiquette before that moment in time. He wasn't in the mood for a lecture, and I wasn't in the mood for sarcastic comments.

Bottom line...I didn't go to jail and Luke is fine. And we soon found out he really wanted red Crocs anyway.

Suzi and I seriously thank the Lord that it was not worse than it was.

Cinderella’s Wheelchair

2007-08-19T22:19:00.000-06:00

There’s something magical about wheelchairs at Disneyworld.

It’s as if I was witnessing multiple “Make a Wishes” all at the same time. DisneyWorld is a handicapped child’s dream. Unable to fully participate in life as their peers, the playing field seems more level at the Magic Kingdom. For a few short days, their lives seem otherwise normal. I have never seen so many smiles coming from a prison of leather, chrome and wheels in my life. It was truly touching.

But then I saw her. Her wheelchair was special. As I walked up to her from behind I could see that she was a severely handicapped child. As I approached her specialized reclining chair, the first thing that I could see was her 10 year old arms covered with thick black hair. Her head moved wildly from side to side…a string of spittle came from her chapped lips sagging down onto her shoulder. Its elasticity was evident as she quickly moved her head from left to right. Her grunts were loud and animated. So loud in fact that I became embarrassed for her and especially for her father. It was an uncomfortable sight to see…that is until I looked closer.

Glimmering in the afternoon sun, she wore a shimmery Princess dress….a stunning purple dress with beads and sparkling diamonds. Adorning her neck was a necklace that was fit for Cinderella. As she moved back and forth the sun would catch her gems and send rays of sparkling light into the air. Fixed firmly in her dark hair was a diamond tiara. Left, right and then left again…exhilarated, she moved her crown to and fro.

The image was remarkable, and one that will be frozen in my brain for a long time. But then I saw her smile. No longer did I notice the string of spittle waving in the wind. All I could see was her smile. That smile. It was truly delightful. This was her day. Whatever pain she had felt before this day vanished when her dreams of becoming a Princess were fulfilled. This day she was a real-life Princess...her wheelchair transformed into a horse-drawn carriage.

As big as her smile was, her father’s was twice as big…stretching from ear to ear. He proudly positioned her chair next to a statue of Cinderella, trying to snap the perfect picture. He was completely unaware and indifferent to the onlookers…most of which failed to see the beauty of the moment. His thoughts resolute only on his daughter…his Princess. Perhaps this was a lifetime dream fulfilled. It certainly looked like it when you looked at their faces.

I thought of my Father…my God. I thought of the pride he has in me. With a sparkle in his eye, he looks at me as He sees me, not as I see myself. That was me in that wheelchair…handicapped by hurts, habits, addictions and yes, spittle. What must I look like to those passers by? I look so unattractive so much of the time. As Paul says, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Trust me. I desire to stop drooling. I desire to control my unintentional movements that should embarrass my Father...but miraculously they don’t.

This magical moment reminded me of my Father who sees through my spittle. My Father sees beyond my circumstances. My Father sees something that the world cannot see…a Prince. I am a child of God…unblemished.

Christ has offered everyone their “glass slipper.” He comes knocking at your door with only one intention. He desires for you to accept the slipper. He wants nothing more than for you to place it on your foot and rise as royalty.

Praying Outside the Bubble

2007-08-18T12:57:00.001-06:00

For as long as I can remember, I have prayed a very simple and repetitive prayer. “God, place a hedge of protection around my children. Protect them. Keep them from harm or hardship all the days of their lives.” A noble prayer indeed, but one that lacks faith.

I am so fearful of my boys going through what I have had to endure. I wanted to pray a very safe prayer for them. A very sterile prayer…as if I was praying for the “boy in the bubble” on Seinfeld. God revealed something important to me. And so today I begin to pray a very different prayer.

Real growth and utter dependence on God happens in the hard times…the times when we realize that it is only God who can save us. A time when if God doesn’t come through, we’re through.

I can’t imagine the range of emotions Noah must have felt as he stood on the bow of his ark, watching those he knew and loved breathe their last slipping beneath the rising water below. But, because he obeyed his God in the times of ridicule and persecution, his family lived.

Joseph must have thought his life was the pits when he hit rock bottom, but that is where his faith grew and God allowed his hardship to humble him to become a great leader.

With his wind worn face and sandals full of sand, it was in the desert where Moses met with the Lord and became the leader that God had intended him to become.

Tied to a stack of rocks watching his elderly father wield a sword above his head, Isaac was all ears, pleading that God would intervene. He did.

As his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird, the banished King Nebuchadnezzar submitted to his God and was restored to his Kingdom. God knew exactly the amount of pain the he would have to endure to bring Nebuchadnezzar clawing back to Him.

And, Bart’s faith has never grown more than when he kissed his wife and 3 boys goodbye as he was wheeled down the hospital hallway to have my skull removed. My darkest times in life are those where I have been willing to be placed on God’s anvil.

My boys will fall. I know that. I pray that God will reveal himself to them in those times. I want to have a faith in a God who is bigger than anything I have ever known or imagined.

“Sons, as you begin this journey down the winding road of life, I pray that when you fall, your faith is solid. I pray that your God is so close you can feel his breath. I pray that your faith in God enables you to get up quickly. Get up and rise above your circumstances. And as Nate would say, I pray that you realize you serve a ‘Ginormous’ God. His mercy has no end. I pray that your faith is increased and your wonder of God has no limit. I thought you should know what I am praying.”

Our trip ot Nashville

2007-05-01T17:33:00.000-06:00

Mark Hall of Casting Crowns

Alex Kendrick of Facing The Giants

Darrell and Stevie Waltrip

Mac Powell of Third Day

Our trip to Nashville last week.

2007-05-01T17:32:00.000-06:00

An Inconvenient Truth

2007-04-07T20:28:00.001-06:00

"What is truth?"
Pontius Pilate 30 A.D.

The most powerful man in the land looks Truth in the face, and questions its existence.

Soon after Pilate questioned Jesus, the Truth carried his cross to die a painful death. The One who fashioned the spit of man, found his creation running down his face on his passage to his unfinal resting place. The same breath that Jesus breathed into the nostrils of man was used to hurl insults as he passed by. As the Roman nails ripped through his flesh, you were on his mind. With each labored breath, he muttered your name. On the doorstep of death, Jesus intercedes on your behalf. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” You are “them.” It was a horrifying day, but a necessary one for the rest of your story.

God had to become a baby and live the life of a man. The same hands that scooped out the oceans chose to hold a baby rattle. The Deity who flung the stars chose to lay in a manger and gaze up at them. The Divine chose diapers. The Independent chose to be dependent. The One who gave man freewill chose to confront its poor choices. The King of Glory chose a crown of thorns.

Only the blood of Jesus can cover your disgrace. Only the blood of Jesus is able to wipe the slate clean. You must embrace it. Jesus’ blood must cover you like a spring shower of healing rain. Your ability to sin will never outrun Jesus’ ability to forgive. This is the beauty of the message of the life of Jesus.

At the foot of the cross is a mirror. Look in it. What do you see staring back? Jesus? That is exactly what God sees…nothing less. It’s only at the foot of the cross where this happens. If you choose to reject Jesus, the image staring back at you in the mirror is the best that you can be.

Saying “yes” is the hardest part of accepting truth. Christ already paid your price on that earth-darkening day 2,000 years ago. How can you give Jesus anything but your best in return?

The truth is simple…but it’s not convenient. It requires a daily choice to choose life…life in Christ.

I'm Dreaming of a White Easter?

2007-04-07T17:53:00.000-06:00

Hiking in Colorado...Is there anything better?

2007-03-11T17:09:00.000-06:00

2007-03-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

2007-03-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

2007-03-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Phillips Family goes to the Sock Hop!

2007-03-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

My Valentine

2007-02-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Question…who is your Valentine? Who is the love of your life? Today is the day that we evaluate our deepest desires. Today is the day that we search our hearts for our truest love. Today is the day that we reflect upon the day we first met our love.
Who is your love? Can you read Reverend Dr. S. M. Lockeridge’s description of his King, and fully embrace his God?
I would encourage you to click and read along.

That’s My King
He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King.
He's the King of Israel - that's a National King.
He's the King of righteousness.
He's the King of the ages.
He's the King of Heaven.
He's the King of glory.
He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King. Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King?
David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.
My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong.
He's entirely sincere.
He's eternally steadfast.
He's immortally graceful.
He's imperially powerful.
He's impartially merciful. That's my King.
He's God's Son.
He's the sinner's saviour.
He's the centerpiece of civilization.
He stands alone in Himself.
He's honest.
He's unique.
He's unparalleled.
He's unprecedented.
He's supreme.
He's pre-eminent.
He's the grandest idea in literature.
He's the highest personality in philosophy.
He's the supreme problem in higher criticism.
He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology.
He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King. He's the miracle of the age.
He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He's available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves.
He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharged debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King. Do you know Him?
Well, my King is a King of knowledge.
He's the wellspring of wisdom.
He's the doorway of deliverance.
He's the pathway of peace.
He's the roadway of righteousness.
He's the highway of holiness.
He's the gateway of glory.
He's the master of the mighty.
He's the captain of the conquerors.
He's the head of the heroes.
He's the leader of the legislatures.
He's the overseer of the overcomers.
He's the governor of governors.
He's the prince of princes.
He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King. His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He's indescribable. That's my King.
He's incomprehensible, He's invincible, and He is irresistible. I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him.
You can't get Him out of your mind.
You can't get Him off of your hands.
You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him.
The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him.
Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him.
Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King. He always has been and He always will be.
I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor.
There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him.
You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King! Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.
Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? Forever and ever and ever and ever. . . And when you get through with all of the ever's, then . . .Amen!

Into Daddy’s Arms

2007-02-06T20:51:00.001-07:00

I could sense the magnitude of the occasion. As I boarded the American Airlines flight from San Antonio to Colorado Springs, the only thing I saw was camouflage.

The entire section of First Class and most of Coach was filled with soldiers dressed in identical fatigues. The troops were returning from Bagdad. As I walked to my seat, I found myself mesmerized by the faces of these heroes. They were battle-weary. They were exhausted. They were depleted. But deep in their eyes I was able to see anticipation…a certain expectancy for the conclusion of this long journey.

I found my way to 23F, and took my window seat beside a large G.I. After a few minutes, I introduced myself to this gentle giant. He was soft-spoken, courteous and obviously affected by what he had just left. He had been flying for just under 20 hours and was worn out. After I asked a couple of questions, it was clear that he felt uncomfortable discussing the war and their previous whereabouts.

I turned my questioning to what awaited him when he landed. His countenance immediately changed. He perked up and began to tell me about his wife and two beautiful daughters. He had been in Iraq for the past year…missing the birthdays of his 4 and 5 year old girls. He expressed pride when he told me about his wife and how strong she had been, as this was the first time he had been deployed. As we got closer to Colorado Springs, his voice began to change.

And then, all at once, each soldier began to point out of the window, leaning over to catch a view of the 14,000 foot tall Pikes Peak. They were almost home. Weariness turned quickly into smiles. They were taking turns going into the lavatory to freshen up after their marathon plane ride. The anticipation was so thick you could have cut it with a knife.

I deplaned with Private First Class Collins, and I intentionally fell behind so that I could see what was about to unfold. The further down the terminal we walked, the faster his pace quickened. As he rounded the corner, the Colorado sun illuminated two small girls just beyond security. I could read their body language. They recognized this “mountain of a man.” Without regard for the signs that read “No entry,” the girls began to sprint towards their daddy.

He too began to sprint until he dropped down on his knees in anticipation for the freight train headed towards him. The shrill was intense. “Daddy, Daddy!” The high pitched screams were passionate and expressed clearly their longing for their daddy’s return. In tandem, the two curly headed girls jumped to each shoulder of their waiting father. The same arms that 2 days before were clutching his M-16 in the streets of Baghdad were now gripping tightly his beloved children.

My thoughts were immediately turned towards our Heavenly Daddy.

How far away do you feel from Him today? Do you find yourself peering into the distance wondering if He’ll ever return?

Look again. No matter how far that you feel from the warmth of our Father, He is never far away. Look closely and anticipate His arrival. And then sprint. With wild abandon, dash towards the most loving arms and gentle compassion that you will ever feel. No matter how much time you have been away, or how far you have wandered, your Daddy waits.

There is no greater feeling than the warm embrace that awaits. Become a child again Allow your Father to walk closely with you during the day, and tuck you in at night. . Become gripped with the reality of the situation. He is your guardian and your protector.

Rest.

Grace Defined

2007-01-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

In the red corner- the Pharisees. In the blue corner- Jesus. Once again, the high-minded Pharisees do all that they can to land a right hook to the face of our Lord. And, once again wisdom and righteousness prevails.

Being caught in the act of adultery a woman was pulled from the sheets and placed in utter humiliation before Jesus. What a perfect time to preach to her, telling her that her eternal life hangs in the balance…pending her decision. And as Christ does numerous times in the Bible, Christ responds in a very Christ-like manner.

Instead of berating the woman Christ replies, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Grips loosened leaving the only sound in the Temple being that of stones hitting the floor. One day, perhaps we will meet this former adulteress in Heaven because Jesus took the occasion to love her instead of condemning her.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus never avoided the hard conversations. Prostitutes, adulterers, murderers, thieves and yes, perhaps the worst of them, Pharisees…they were all willingly engaged by Jesus. His life shows us that he spent very little time with the “church goers.” Instead, he spent his time in the trenches…getting down and dirty with the sinners.

We found ourselves in the trenches this past Sunday morning. A practicing gay escort came to my church. The audacity. He hasn’t even pretended to renounce his current lifestyle.

And like Jesus himself, Christ’s body worshipping at New Life Church had a decision to make. How would we treat him? Just as Jesus did, we stared an adulterer right in the eyes.

What mucked up the water is that this prostitute was the same man who had a homosexual relationship with our longtime Pastor. His testimony lead to the firing of Ted Haggard, and the beginning of a long and sometimes dark road we now travel.

Mike Jones came to New Life Church Sunday because he had been invited. Many of those in our church invited him down, not to throw stones, but to tell him “thank you.” You heard me right. “Thank you.”

Pastor Rob Brendle saw Mike in the foyer and approached him. His hands were free of stones and full of grace. Rob said, "Mike, I believe God used you to correct us, and I appreciate that. One of the wonderful and enduring truths of Christianity is to love the people that the world sets up to be your enemies."

Grace defined.

Rob’s boss, spiritual mentor and best friend was fired because of this man who stood before him. I love how Rob puts it. We as Christians are set up to be the enemy of the Mike Joneses of the world. What part of the conversation in the Temple sounded as if Christ was the enemy of the half-dressed adulteress? None.

Throngs of people gathered around Mike and expressed similar sentiments. “Thank you.” “God bless you.” “We are a stronger church because of your honesty.”

Does this excuse Mike’s past and current behaviors? No. But does this seem to mimic the attitude of our Lord. I believe so. I’m not so sure that we have heard the last of this man, Mike Jones. I continue to pray that he, like his predecessor in adultery, meets Christ.

I am proud of the body of Christ. It once again teaches me that grace is the battering ram to destroy the walls of legalism. Grace, you are amazing and welcome in my house anytime.

Levi and the Boys

2007-01-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Saving Levi, You and Me

2007-01-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight I came face to face with Jesus.

Not in a conceited way. But in a way that made me understand His unconditional love for us, unlike anything that I have experienced in a long time. I watched my 4, 6 and 8 year old sons morph into the likeness of Christ…right before my very eyes.

Lisa Bentley and her 4 year old son Levi are in town from Beijing, China. They were in the United States to celebrate the release of Lisa’s new book, Saving Levi. I was excited for my family to spend time with them at dinner. And like an idiot, when she asked where we were going to eat, I responded, “How about Chinese?” Dummy. She politely accepted and we were soon off to eat the brand of food that she eats every day for every meal. Sometimes my lack of originality blows me away.

Young Levi is the most amazing child that I have ever met…ever. He was found lying in the middle of a rice field in China in his burial clothes saturated with body fluids from burns on over 75% of his body. His 6 month old body was left for dead. It was only by the grace of God that a villager found him and rushed him to John and Lisa Bentley’s orphanage. Through many surgeries and multiple brushes with death, Levi is alive…perhaps the understatement of the year. He is FULL of life. After many years of red tape, their adoption is final.

The fire took its’ toll. Levi’s left arm was amputated and his right hand only has 4 partial nubs. His face and body is quite disfigured with burns. Apparently, he doesn’t seem to understand his limitations.

With tears running down my cheek, I watched as Gabe, Luke and Nate embraced this child that looked like no other child they had ever seen. Never mind the fact that they had never played with a little boy from China. They have never laid there eyes on a child whom the world would see as unlikable and perhaps unattractive as Levi. Not these kids. You would think that they were brothers from the first second they met. At one point I looked over to see them playing some form of “ring around the rosie.” One problem…the object of the game is to hold hands. Luke didn’t miss a beat. He grabbed the stub of Levi’s left arm and continued the circular motion.

At dinner I looked over and saw Levi patiently showing my boys how to use chopsticks. And yes, he works them marvelously.

I watched intently as Luke and Nate noticed Levi’s hidden left amputated arm come out of his shirtsleeve. It was as if it happened in slow motion. I once again was moved to tears as Luke reached over and gently rubbed the end of his stub…as if to say, “It’s gonna be alright, buddy.”

I was reminded of a God who looks at me with all of my flaws, and constantly reminds me of His unwavering love. My God really looks at my malformations and loves me in spite of them? Can He really look past my scars? Is it possible that the same God who threw the stars into the sky is the same God who cares about my pain?

Absolutely. He even knows the number of hairs on my head…although I’m making it easier and easier for Him to keep up with.

Remember that. Just as my boys were able to see past the obvious, and instead concentrate on Levi’s heart…your God does the same for you. He loves you for who you are, not what you or the world thinks you should be.

We, too were that child laying in the field. Without a miracle and the grace of God, we would be dead. Instead, God reaches down, scoops us up and adopts us into His family. What an amazing family it is!

Two Options for One Fallen Man

2006-11-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Go ahead. Pick it up. The stone will fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. It’s ideal to hurl with ease at this self-confessed “meth-buying, gay escort-massaging” man of the cloth. And there couldn’t be a better time. He’s laying right in front of you exposed…willing to receive what you have for him. Make him pay!

I too see the pile of stones. I walk by because I’m not worthy to pick one up. Oh, the thought has crossed my mind. I have to explain to my three boys why they will never see Ted Haggard, with his contagious smile and infectious laugh, standing in front of them ever again. They will never again tug at my shirt and excitingly say, “There’s Pastor Ted!” I have to share that our Pastor made a bad choice and there are consequences for bad choices. That weak man really threw my family a curve ball. So, why shouldn’t I have the right to fire a curve ball right back at him?

Jesus.

It’s not about the fall of one man. It’s about the rise of another. Without Jesus, we are all screwed. Completely lost. We are all at the mercy of one Man…a Man who knew from the beginning of time that Ted Haggard would struggle and lose his honor, his ministry and maybe even his family.

In an email that I received from Ted yesterday, he said,

“We are completely dependent upon Him. Yesterday I saw the Phil 1:19 in a new light. It says, ". . . for I know that through prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."

I am so desperate right now. Thank you for your love.

I am so sorry. Please forgive me.

Ted Haggard"We are Easter People"

You see, when Ted says, “We are Easter People,” he understands that his only hope for his restoration is His Resurrection. When the earth shook and the stone was rolled away that Easter morning, Ted’s hope for healing began.

It’s bigger than the fall of one man. It’s about the excruciating pain of the effects on his family and on the New Life family.

It’s bigger than the double-life that gripped him over the past few years. It’s about his daily fight to get a hold of a sin that was killing him.

It’s bigger than the assumption that hypocrisy was being preached from the pulpit. It’s about a man who was desperately trying to let the words on his own lips penetrate his own soul.

Even Gorilla Glue won’t put the pieces back together. His only chance, his only hope, is the fact that today Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God the Father.

And so is yours. How does that rock feel? I’m not quite certain how you have enough strength, integrity, or piousness to continue holding it. Drop it.

Show me a man holding a stone, and I’ll show you a man who has completely forgotten what Christ has done for him.

Genesis 9:18-27
18 The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan.) 19 These were the three sons of Noah, and from them came the people who were scattered over the earth. 20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father's nakedness and told his two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father's nakedness.

Ham’s goal was to expose his father's vulnerability and weakness.

His two brothers, on the other hand, stood in the gap exemplifying grace and reverence for a man who was unable to do so for himself.

The Bible clearly illustrates two different approaches to dealing with a fallen leader.

24 When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said, "Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers." 26 He also said, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem. 27 May God extend the territory of Japheth; may Japheth live in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his slave."

So thousands of years later, Ted, just like Noah, lays before you bare and helpless…unable and unwilling to fight back. Do you offer him a cloth to cover his nakedness? Or do you prefer to stand around the water cooler and talk about yet another preacher biting the dust? Is this yet another convenient reason to put off Christ? Did you really need another one?

Seriously.

If you are looking for perfection…keep looking until Christ comes again. As long as Churches are run by humans, there is guaranteed to be humanness. Are you willing to give up the fullness that Christ offers because you are holding out for a perfect Church or Pastor?

I think the Bible is pretty clear about the Godly way to deal with sin. This is no time to “Ham” it up. See the “Shem” for what it is and extend a hand of grace to the same people whom you hope will do the same for you.

I think these are the times when true character comes out. Not only for Pastor Ted, but for all of us who choose to throw stones or extend grace.

2006-10-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

Trick-or-Treating in the Snow!

2006-10-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

A Pirate Jack-O-Lantern?

God IZ Good

2006-09-23T20:46:00.000-06:00

Luke, my 5 year old, has it right. God iz good!

Adventures in Fatherhood

2006-07-17T21:40:00.000-06:00

I just got back from one of the most incredible experiences of my life. AIF is an event that Focus sponsors for Fathers and their son or daughter. It was 4 days in the wilderness with no phones, no lights, no motor cars...not a single luxury (Gilligan's Island reference.) Oh, and no toilets, sleeping bags or watches allowed either. I saw fathers and their children connect in ways that I could have never dream of. We hiked several miles to a campsite at the base of The Toad...a 250 foot plus rock with a sheer cliff on one side. Fathers and their children went rapelling together off of the side of this thing. It was phenominal. 250 straight down...faith defined.

I would highly encourage you to check this out at http://www.summitadventure.org/.

Happy Father's Day, Dad

2006-06-17T19:18:00.000-06:00

Dad,

The coming of another Father’s Day and the passing of another year somehow seems harder…not easier. I miss you Dad.

I long for one more heart to heart talk with you. I would tell you things that I’ve regretted never sharing with you before. I can imagine your “heart to hearts” are now with your Creator…nothing hidden, only your deepest feelings shared openly and always.

I would do anything for you to meet Nathanael Don. He would keep you in stitches, as he does the rest of the family. I wonder what you and Corban’s reunion looked like? Although my boys live their days here without their Grandpa, I take comfort knowing that Corban has his Grandpa with him…taking long walks along a mountain stream or spending your days swinging together.

If I could feel one more bear hug and receive one more kiss on the cheek, I would embrace it and take nothing for granted. I would welcome the coarseness of your unshaven face. When you first met Paul, did you at long last find another brother willing to greet you with a holy kiss? Do you still go up to total strangers and greet them with a kiss? Perhaps in Heaven, there are no strangers.

I would do anything to look into your caring, sky-blue eyes one more time and tell you about our experiences here in Colorado. I can already hear your response, “Aw shoot, son” Are your beautiful blue eyes even more brilliant in Heaven?

I want to hear you say one more time, “Son, I’m proud of you.” Did Jesus meet you as you arrived into Heaven and say, “Well done?”

I often think of my boys crawling up in your big lap and feeling the love of their Grandpa. Your stories from your sawmilling days would have them captivated for hours. I now imagine you as a child crawling up into the arms of your Abba, listening to Him tell you love stories.

I would do anything to hear you call Suzi “Lucy” or call Jocko “Greg.” After your stroke, your sense of humor and willingness to laugh at yourself was contagious. It is finished. You never have to “reach” for a word again, or wonder if you are calling something by its’ real name. Your body is now perfect..and you now dance with the angels.

I sit through many afternoons, watching the mountain rain showers. I imagine you sitting next to me. I even imagine which chair you would sit in. I often pick up my cell phone to call you to describe the brilliance of a rainbow or a sunset over Pike’s Peak, only to remember that you’re no longer there to answer. The feeling in my gut is indescribable. I know that your rainbows and sunsets are far more magnificent than ours, but I miss being able to share ours with you.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad. But in Heaven, isn’t every day a “Happy Father’s Day?”

I love you deeply,

Bart

The Exalter, Hiking Today

2006-05-21T16:30:00.000-06:00

I Will Praise You In The Storm

2006-05-13T08:27:00.000-06:00

Casting Crowns has done it again. These guys are amazing! Their honesty is penetrating and real. How many times have we walked these words? I will praise you in this storm. Every tear I've cried, You hold in your hand. If you haven't heard this song, you've got to download it.

I Will Praise You In The Storm

2006-05-13T08:21:00.000-06:00

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen"

and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God

Who gives and takes away

Chorus:

I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

Every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember whenI stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry

You raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God

Who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

RepeatChorus

2006-05-13T08:18:00.000-06:00

We had a great time in Mexico

2006-04-30T18:42:00.000-06:00

Luke Summiting the 70 foot Wall.

2006-04-30T18:41:00.000-06:00

Gabe Summiting the 70 Foot Climbing Wall

2006-04-30T18:24:00.000-06:00

Gabe on the Monkey Bars

2006-04-30T18:22:00.000-06:00

Luke...my incredible climber

2006-04-23T08:47:00.000-06:00

Nate and His Buddy Milas

2006-04-23T08:46:00.000-06:00

Gabe Covering His Man

2006-04-23T08:45:00.000-06:00

Gabe Playing Soccer

2006-04-22T20:38:00.000-06:00

My Beautiful Wife

2006-04-22T20:35:00.000-06:00

My Precious Gabe

2006-04-22T20:34:00.000-06:00

Samson the Goldendoodle

The Boys at South Padre Island

2006-04-17T21:30:00.000-06:00

The Man In The Middle

2006-04-02T21:50:00.000-06:00

As we approach the day that we honor our Lord for His sacrifice and celebrate his unwillingness to decompose in a borrowed tomb, I am taken back to the events of that weekend.

Do you remember the scene that day? Nailed to the cross atop Golgotha, our sin was on display. Our Savior hung front and center, had not only taken the sins of the world upon himself, but ironically, sin itself surrounded him to His left and to His right. Two men who were the worst that the world had to offer hung on either side of the man who was the best that the world had to offer.

To one side of Jesus, a man hung content to die with contempt. On death’s door, he turned to Jesus to scoff, just as those who walked beneath his cross. "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!" The same calloused heart that killed, lied, stole, swore, and abused was the same heart that hung mere feet away from the One who could change it in an instant. He was at the end of his rope and at the end of his life, and yet all he could do was spew hatred and insults at his Creator.

In a swift rebuke, a voice from the other side of Jesus spoke. "Don't you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." In other words, “I accept you as the One who can save me. If you see fit, when you find time, after you’re settled into your new kingdom…please remember this event.” Broken, the man rebuked the darkness of sin and crossed over into the light, seeking forgiveness and grace from the One who invented it.

In agony, Jesus looked the dying man in the eye and said, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." Jesus told the man that they would enter Heaven hand in hand. The newest resident of Christ’s eternal kingdom would be the man who suffered and died just as Jesus did.

Imagine the magnitude of that moment. Just minutes before, with each labored breath, he was painfully reminded of his sin. For hours he hung thinking of how he wished he could take it all back…how he would give anything for a do over. And in an instant, with one utterance from his newfound Lord everything changed. He met Grace. Everything. Gone. Removed. Forever. Suddenly his suffering turned to longing. His fear of death turned to anticipation. His outlook changed.

Which criminal are you? Because, make no mistake about it, you are one of them.

Do you stand at an arms length away from Jesus, watching in disbelief that this man is who he says he is? Do you repeatedly reject the thought that He can change your circumstances? Are you emotionally, spiritually or physically dying, as this man was, and continue to stiff arm the One who longs to save you?
Or are you the man who finally gets it? Through tear-filled eyes, do you extend your hand to Christ, begging for a pardon?

Jesus says, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me.”

If you choose to be the criminal who reaches out, Jesus tells us that we must do so daily. He wants the little stuff as well as the crisis. If we are to “take up our cross,” we must be willing to accept His role…as well as ours. Our role is to simply bring our cares and concerns to Him…believing that he is the Great Physician, the Comforter, the Deliverer, the Rescuer and our Savior.

Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California

2006-04-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Alisal Ranch. It was unbelievably beautiful. Below you'll see my bride riding like the wind, Shirley Dobson posing, and Dr. Dobson who can't get over the fact that Texas beat USC like a drum in the Rose Bowl. He was bitter at the Texans in attendance.

Lunch with Fess Parker aka Davy Crockett

2006-04-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Mimi Come To Focus and Skiing

2006-03-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

Today at the Garden

2006-03-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

Nate and Gabe

Gabe with "Flat Stanley"

Best Looking Family Around

My Precious Boys

Big Daddy

Our Dog Samson

2006-02-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

Best Looking Boys in the World

2006-01-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Glorifying God in the New Year

2006-01-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

As we begin this New Year, I am extremely thoughtful about God’s faithfulness over this past year. I use this day to contemplate my life…yesterday, today and tomorrow. What area of my life have I unsuccessfully forfeited over to my Maker? What area have I held onto with a death grip…failing to trust the One who knit me together in my mother’s womb. What problem area continues to be a struggle for me if I were to face it again tomorrow?

One of our resolutions this year is to meet once a week for a family devotional. Our first meeting adjourned a couple of hours ago. We talked tonight about glorifying God and why that is so applicable today as we begin the New Year. To followers of Christ, a New Year’s resolution is really just a way of saying “Lord, I want to glorify and honor you more this year by (fill in the blank.)”

I want to glorify You more by being a better husband…more akin to Christ loving His bride.

I want to glorify You more by being a better father…following closely in my Father’s footsteps.

I want to glorify You more by taking more seriously my role as spiritual leader to my family.

I want to glorify You more by being a better steward of my body…my Earthly temple.

I believe that all New Year’s resolutions lead us to discover ways to better glorify our King.

As you think about the newness of this year, contemplate the strength and hope that is offered by God. Where do you feel inadequate? What scares you? What area in you life is not working? Where do you feel the most vulnerable and helpless? Whatever your answer…He is your hope and your strength. For all of the unforeseen trials that 2006 will bring…He is your hope and your strength. In Romans 8:38 we are reminded that "Our fears for today, our worries for tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away."

The thing that I love most about this day is the hope that it brings. I love the feeling of wiping the slate clean. Understanding that God’s grace doesn’t wait until the first day of the New Year to kick in, I, in my humanness, benefit from having a starting point. There’s nothing special about July 6th. It’s just another day to me. It’s hard to feel like starting over on July 6th. But, the first day of a New Year is a good time to take a moral, spiritual and physical inventory…and take your first step.

As the sun sets on the first day of the New Year, I feel pretty good about how the year is going so far. I’ve taken care of my body, had my first family devotional with the family, went to church, loved my wife, my kids and didn’t kick the dog.

Only 364 more days to go.

Snowman Time

2005-12-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Boys See Santa...And He's Bald!

2005-12-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Obituary from 33 A.D.

2005-12-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hammond's Candy Factory

2005-12-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Nate The Great

2005-12-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

God’s Christmas Bonus

2005-12-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Clark Griswold had been dreaming for weeks of the new swimming pool he was to put in his back yard upon receiving his Christmas bonus check. He would stare out of his kitchen window daydreaming of his family swimming and splashing in the gift that would come as a result of his year end bonus.

As he received the envelope from his boss, his expression on his face was priceless. He was so excited he didn’t know quite how to deal with his coming excitement. His immediate and extended family gathered around him as he slowly opened the long-awaited envelope. You could’ve heard a pin drop as he read the card. There was obvious disappointment. After some expletives, Clark explains that instead of a new pool, he had received a membership to the “Jelly of the Month” club. After a long silence, Cousin Eddie offers his timely observation. “You know Clark, that’s a gift that keeps on giving the whole year.” Not exactly what Clark wanted to hear.

As I contemplate the Christmas season, I am transported back in time 2,000 years to an amazing scene. I arrive simultaneous to the wise men. I watch quietly as the Magi bow before their king. What an incredible sight! These priestly men are paying homage to their newborn king, their Redeemer, their prophecy fulfilled. There was no confusion. These men understood the magnitude of this gift. They brought their time, their treasure and their earthly importance to honor the promised child. They were expectant, searching the heavens each evening for a star…a star announcing the arrival of a promise.

Jesus Christ was delivered to this world not as royalty, but by way of a peasant birth. His tiny nostrils filled with the smell of fresh manure. This was an unlikely start for the one who sat with his Father and breathed life into the world in which he now resides. His tiny round eyes first seeing the backend of cattle, or perhaps the wooly coat of sheep. Hardly what you might imagine for the King who would eventually look into the eyes of you and me and say, “You have been forgiven…welcome home.” His delicate fingers first touch being that of a splintered manger. This is an ironic start to the Healer who would eventually touch our lives, healing our hurts, our families and our hearts. The first sound to his tiny ears was that of bleating sheep, an amazing beginning for the One who hears the slightest utterance and groans of our hearts.

In spite of His meager beginnings, the Son of God was given to us to fulfill a promise. God gifted His son to breathe into us life…to look into our eyes and tell us we’re forgiven…to touch our lives and heal our hurts…and to intercept our groans and present them to His Father on our behalf.

To steal a phrase from Cousin Eddie, Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year…our whole lifetime and beyond.

If you have not yet received your membership into the “Jesus of the Month” club, I would strongly ask you to reconsider your decision. What part of God’s amazing gift can you not fully embrace?

The Haven of Heaven

2005-12-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

I pulled up to a house and a steep driveway. My Toyota Camry was unable to traverse the steep incline. I was forced to unload and carry my luggage up the steep drive…traipsing through deep snow and ruining my dress shoes. I had been traveling for 4 days and as Murphy would have it, the day I left, it snowed a foot. It never seems to amaze me. Every time that I have traveled over the past couple of months, the Lord opens the Heavens and dumps 6 to 12 inches of snow the morning I leave…stranding my wife and boys.

Needless to say, everyone was ready for dad to get home. Gabe and Luke were particularly excited to have me home and couldn’t wait to show me their pictures they had drawn for me while I was away.

As they handed them to me, I starred in awe at their masterpieces. The fact that my boys spend their art time drawing a picture of an Angel named “Exalter” at the gates of Heaven, is humbling. It makes you feel like you are doing something right as a parent. The second thing I noticed was the appropriate misspelling of the word “Heaven.” Gabe had titled his artwork “Haven,” and then came back and crammed an “e” in there.

Webster’s defines HAVEN as: 1: a place of safety or ASYLUM2: a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions

If you cross-reference the word Asylum you find that it means: a place of retreat and security.

Gabe, I couldn’t agree more with you. I live my life here on this Earth to one day enter a place of safety, a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions and place of retreat. Heaven…a place offering eternal security. Sign me up…I’m in.

I thank God for the plan. It would have been impossible for God to make it any easier or simpler. I am asked to trust Him with my life. Because I place my trust in Him, I am equipped with a Helper that navigates my steps to follow his instructions in a book that He wrote to me a long time ago…to treat others as Christ treated the Church, and to love my neighbor as myself. Because followers of Christ do this, the world is a better place and I am able to live life to the fullest. And, one day when my Heavenly Dad says it’s finally time to enter His gates, I will live forever, with no end, in complete happiness and security. Sounds like paradise…oh wait, it is paradise.

Good plan God.

Sometimes my vision gets cloudy. I forget the prize. I forget what awaits. I thank God for my insightful 7 year old boy who reminds me of the haven of Heaven.

Luke warming up by the fire

2005-11-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Fresh Cut Christmas Tree

2005-11-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a blast! We went to the Black Forest to find our Christmas Tree. We ended up with a 13 foot Blue Spruce...and it only costs $30.00. The boys had a great time...except the fact that the wind chill was in the teens.

Thanksgiving 2005

2005-11-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful day. Our day started off with the annual Focus on the Family Turkey Bowl. About 25 guys from Focus, including Jim Daly, Focus' President and CEO came together for a good old fashioned game of flag football. What a blast! Daly was a quarterback in college, and man was I impressed. The guy has a rocket for an arm. There were no groin strains or hamstring pulls...so that, in and of itself was a great start to Thanksgiving.

Our family did something we have never done. We went to the Salvation Army to "bless" those who were disadvantaged. Per usual, God had a different plan. We got there and immediately sat down with a wonderful older couple. Mel and Grace, who are 79, lived only a few blocks away. Our boys interacted with them and really made them smile. They live in the Springs, but have no family here. Grace kept crying during the meal and told us that God must have sent us. We had been home from the shelter for only a couple of hours and received a call from their daughter in Mexico, who is a missionary there. She extended her heartfelt thanks for reaching out to her parents, and told us that she has prayed for a family who could help care for her elderly parents. Again, how could this day get better?

Then, this afternoon, our dear friends Ken and Meredith Norwood came over with their 3 boys...all three the exact same age as ours. Ken and I started at Focus on the exact same date, and we both moved our families out to Colorado not knowing a soul. God has really knit our hearts together. We shared the most incredible Thanksgiving day meal together. We joked that we kind of felt grown up...having our very first Thanksgiving away from the comfort of home.

I missed being with our families back in Texas. However, I thank God that He gave us a wonderful day.

Nate The Great...Sweaty Lion

2005-11-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Making The Boys A Log Cabin

2005-11-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Wife and Her Sweet Sisters

2005-11-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Paul Harvey's Prayer

2005-11-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.

So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.

"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue.

Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all othersbetter than 200-to-1. So what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna?

If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.

If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.

And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome ..

"But what about the atheists?" is another argument.

What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!

Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.

Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep.

Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.

God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well ... just sue me.

The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard ... that the vast majority don't care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don'thave to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance;you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back ... and we WILL WIN!

God bless us one and all ... especially those who denounce Him. God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all.

God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.

May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of ourfamilies and institutions.

Keep looking up!

Milk Is Overrated

2005-11-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

I just left my 5 year old’s bedside. We shared our usual nightly routine. We read a story from Sticky Situations, a book that describes a story with an ethical dilemma. At the conclusion of the story, five possible answers are given to choose from. Only one is correct. There is only one obvious answer. The others are completely out of the realm of possibility, and when Luke guesses it correctly, his eyes light up as if he just discovered the theory of relativity. Tonight was no different.

We finished our nightly sticky situation and our prayers, and I told him how proud of him I was. This morning he woke up (before everyone else in the house…per usual) and got himself dressed, brushed his teeth and quietly exited his room. He usually slams the door and wakes up his two other brothers upstairs. This was the first morning where he really put all of the pieces together.

He beamed with pride when I told him how proud I was of him. However, he was quick to point out that I had not mentioned his greatest accomplishment of the early morning. He said, “Dad, I even woke up this morning and told myself this was going to be a great day. I told myself and God that I would only hurt Nate one time today. And that was all I did…just once.”

I busted at the seam. I could not stop laughing. His morning devotional with God consisted of a conversation saying that he would only hurt his three year old brother once. If during the course of the day Luke only hurt Nate once, he has officially made progress.

Following Christ is a progression. That’s why the Bible compares metaphorically those beginning their journey with Christ to babies beginning their journey with life. “Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” I love this imagery. Those who begin their journey of faith with the Lord begin with a childlike faith. Each day bringing with it new and exciting revelations. With each revelation comes a deepening of faith. Deepening our faith instills a better knowledge of our Creator. The more intimately we know our Lord, the quicker we move from milk to Cheerios to hotdogs to steak. And how sweet the steak tastes when we begin to better understand our Father…our Abba.

Luke is on a journey. In his world, progress is measured by the amount of times he hurts his younger brother. He is taking steps forward, and I’m proud of him.

I am on a similar journey. In my world, progress is measured by the amount of meat consumed during a day. Some days I feel like I should be drinking from a bottle…diapers and all. But by God’s grace, I find myself bellying up to the bar eating steak more and more.

This life is a journey. As we walk down the road with Christ by our side, we long to consume meat. How would you like it cooked, medium or well? Grow up, milk is overrated.

City Of Angels

2005-11-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

“Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13: 2, 8

Consider this verse for a second. Do you find it absolutely amazing, as I do, that within the same thought, we are told that there are angels among us, and our world is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow? Our God has not changed. Perhaps, there really are angels among us.

Imagine comforting the one who no one else wants to comfort. You know the one..the disfigured, the lonely or the one whom everyone else looks away from when they walk near. You might be showing grace to one of God’s finest.

Imagine offering to pay a dollar for the guy in front of you in line at the store who comes up short at the register. You might have just loaned a buck to an angel.

Imagine taking your family to the local shelter to feed the homeless. While modeling for your family the concept of true service, you just might be serving an angel sent by God Himself.

Imagine, instead of judging the man standing with crutches at the traffic light asking for money, you actually blessed him. Is it feasible that maybe, just maybe you might have just passed the test given to you by our Maker?

I believe you have. If you fully believe the Bible, and you truly trust that our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, this concept will transform the way you view servant hood. The way in which you treat others will forever be changed. Your newfound hospitality will revolutionize your world.

Today, as you travel, search out those whom you can bless. Pray that God will put people in your path that need a touch; you just might be touching Heaven…literally.

But what if one day it’s revealed that out of all of those people you served on this tiny blue planet, none were actually angels. None were sent from Heaven to test your hearing as the Spirit gently whispers to you. Does it really matter? Again, if we believe the truths of scripture, Jesus says it does matter. He says “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Lord, I pray today you allow me to share my time, my resources, and my talents with those who need a touch from you. Lord, if you choose to put in front of me angels from Heaven, or a con artist on a corner, let it be no different…because in Your eyes it is not. You call me to serve and to love those around me unconditionally. Thank you for trusting me to be your hands and your feet, as I travel this world. I accept the challenge.

Back By Popular Demand

2005-11-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

What Do You Mean; “Do I Want To Be Healed?”

Perhaps one of the strangest questions asked in Christ’s 33 years. Since 8 years before Jesus was born, this paralytic man laid beside this pool…waiting. As the angel stirs the waters, phrases such as “First one in is a rotten egg” were not heard around the Jerusalem poolside. The first one in was healed. For 38 long years this guy was slow on the draw.

So, Jesus showed up and asked this guy, “Do you want to be made well?” This seems like a loaded question. The man immediately replied, “OF COURSE!” Or, at least you would have thought that. He never said “yes.” Can you believe it, he never said “yes.” Instead he made excuses as to why he hadn’t made it in the pool.

We all lay by the pool of Bethesda at some point in our lives. Some of us lay there so long; we could qualify for residency there. Others are there on the diving board waiting for the first sign of bubbles.

The angel is over there stirring the water and we’re hanging out under the beach umbrellas sipping an iced tea. We lay there on our beach chairs discussing our miserable lives with other miserable humans. What’s wrong with you? Get next to the edge of the pool!

Is it the attention? When we are in need of emotional, spiritual or physical healing, someone tends to pay attention to us. Maybe we are lonely. We fear when we actually get better that no one will listen to us anymore. I’ve received more emails in the past week, than I have in the last month. Please don’t stop writing just because I confess this vulnerability.

Is it the lack of desire to get well? It takes work to receive healing. Do we want to do what it takes to get better? Do we want to do the counseling, the rehab, or the moral inventory? When you are healed, people will come to you and ask about your story. You will actually have to relive the hard times. Maybe this makes sense.

The ultimate question is do you want your circumstance to change? Or, is it easier just to live here by the pool? Healing is done. It was done on the cross 2,000 years ago when the phrase was uttered, “It is finished.”

For now, I stand next to the pool, looking for the first bubble to surface.

Kyle Lake Meets the Giver of Life

2005-11-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

The University Baptist Church in Waco will meet tomorrow morning without their Senior Pastor.

Imagine for a moment that you were one of the 800 present last Sunday. As Kyle Lake waited for the girl to enter the baptistery, he reached up to adjust the microphone…just as he had done a hundred times before. Only this time, something went wrong. A jolt of electricity went through Kyle’s body. Kyle belted out a scream, and was thrown to the rear of the baptistery. An amazing rescue effort ensued, but ultimately Kyle quietly slipped from this Earth and into the arms of his Abba.

I spent an afternoon with the staff of UBC this week. I never knew Kyle and had never set foot in the church before. But, as the stories began to unfold before me, the sadness that overwhelmed my heart was unspeakable. Listening to Ben Dudley, David Crowder and others reveal the hurts in the depths of their hearts was almost too much to bear.

Perhaps the hardest part of my conversation was when I asked about Kyle’s 5 year old daughter, Avery. After Jen, Kyle’s widow, told her innocent daughter the news of her father, Avery came out and tugged on Ben’s shirt. With tears in her eyes she said, “My dad got to go to Heaven. I won’t see him anymore, and I will miss him…but he’s in Heaven.” Any remaining strength I had left…left. I wept like a baby. I’m afraid Avery’s new found reality hit too close to home. I urge everyone to cover the Lake family in prayer…even if you don’t normally pray. Kyle leaves on this earth a beautiful 5 year old daughter, 3 year old twin boys, Sutton and Jude and a wife who adored him.

I left encouraged that this young church was allowing the Lord to gently lead them into their future…whatever that may be.

Below are Kyle’s final sermon notes exactly as he wrote them:

Live. And live well.

BREATHE. Breathe in and breathe deeply. Be PRESENT. Do not be past. Do not be future. Be now.

On a crystal clear, breezy 70 degree day, roll down the windows and FEEL the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of the sun.

If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool autumn day to FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE.

Get knee-deep in a novel and LOSE track of time.

If you bike, pedal HARD… and if you crash then crash well.

Feel the SATISFACTION of a job well done—a paper well-written, a project thoroughly completed, a play well-performed.

If you must wipe the snot from your 3-year olds nose, don’t be disgusted if the Kleenex didn’t catch it all… because soon he’ll be wiping his own.

If you’ve recently experienced loss, then GRIEVE. And grieve well.

At the table with friends and family, LAUGH. If you’re eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke.

And if you eat, then SMELL. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven.

And TASTE. Taste every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of Life.

Because it is most definitely a Gift.

Appropriate words for one who would soon meet their Giver of Life.

The following verses were read at Kyle’s funeral:

Psalm 34:17-19 "Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time."

II Corinthians 4:16-18 "So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever."

1 Corinthians 13:12 "We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!"

1 Peter 1:3-5 "What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven - and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all - life healed and whole."

Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Korah

2005-10-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

The original game of Pac-Man occurred, not in the early 80’s, but several thousand years earlier.

Found in one of the most bizarre stories in the entire Bible, God’s wrath is displayed at the expense of Korah and the boys.

Korah, Dathan and Abiram engineered their first and only coup attempt against Moses in the desert. They, along with 250 others rose up against Moses and most importantly, God. As you read their statements, remember these were the same people who stood outside with their mouths open wide, eating bread raining from Heaven. These were the same people who got tired of bread and demanded meat. The Lord heard their cries and sent quail hovering three feet above the ground for their harvest. In spite of all of the miracles they experienced thus far in the desert, their lack of faith resulted in impatience before the Lord.

They cursed Moses saying, “Isn’t it enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? And now you also want to lord it over us? Moreover, you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards.” Can you say, “Attitude problem?”

At this point, Moses had heard enough. It is as if he inserts his quarter into the arcade game and orders up their fate. He explains to them right to their face just so there wouldn’t be any surprises. “Fellas, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news. In a matter of moments the Earth will open up and swallow you whole. Not just you, but your families will be eaten as well.” And just like that, the Earth opened up and “Wacca, Wacca, Wacca, Wacca…gulp” Korah, Dathan, Abiram and each of their families were swallowed whole by God’s Pac-Man. Can you say, “Our God gets angry?”

A note to men: Do we fully embrace the responsibility that we have been given by our Lord? We hold the destinies of our families in the palms of our hands. Our lack of faithfulness directly impacts our spouse and our children. Our poor choices and our lack of passion have the power to change the eternity of those we love the most. Take seriously the role of spiritual leader in your family. I know the wives and children of the “three non-wise men” wish they would have.

I pray that as you face your desert today, you will be blessed with a recollection of God’s faithfulness. Your questions will be met with answers. Your dry and thirsty soul will be quenched with a never-ending supply of God’s daily manna.

Lord, Thanks For The Snow!

2005-10-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

I'm SO Proud Of My Boys!

2005-10-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

I Am A Christian

2005-10-29T21:37:00.000-06:00

I am a Christian.

Last night I was watching Tom Brokaw’s special on New Life Church…the church my family attends here in Colorado Springs. It was an amazing special on the influence that evangelical Christians are having on the political process in America.

During the course of the special, Tom interviewed a family from New Life. Leon Loman just happens to work at Focus on the Family and is a friend. They chronicled their life, including their struggling start up Spa business that Venetia Loman launched. Tom posed a question to the Lomans. “When life gets hard and stressful, and you find yourself at the crossroads, which direction do you go?” In other words, are you willing to renounce your Christendom for the shedding of the stress…as if this is a logical solution.

I thought they did a good job of answering the question. They said, “We are Christians.” They basically said that there is no choice. They continue to believe that God is in control of their circumstances. The spa may or may not make it, but the issue is a reliance on the Master.

I’ve been thinking about that answer all day. Being a follower of Christ impregnates your very being. It’s not a title, but rather a calling. It is your DNA.

During the day you are a nurse, sales representative, loan officer, manager or fill in the blank. Your occupation defines what you do, not who you are. You are a Christian. This alone defines who you are and to Whom you belong. It’s the very fiber of your being. There is no on/off switch.

Being a God-chaser is not a part-time job, and in fact being a God-chaser doesn’t feel like work at all. For those who chase God, it is who you are.

If you have made the choice to follow Christ, yet your heart cannot resonate with this thought, consider this verse.

Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith. Colossians 2:7

Answer God’s classified ad. Accept the job to serve Him without ceasing. You’ll absolutely love the benefits…especially the retirement plan.

Painted Hands

2005-10-25T20:55:00.000-06:00

Lord, I Want To Be Just Like You

2005-10-23T21:02:00.000-06:00

“Lord, I wanna be just like You, ‘cause he wants to be just like me. I want to be a holy example, for his innocent eyes to see. I want to be a living Bible, Lord, so my little boy can see. I want to be just like you, ‘cause he wants to be like me.”

This past Thursday was my 36th birthday. I celebrated with so much gratitude. In one year we have sold our house, packed up a moving van and moved to Colorado, started an amazing career with Focus on the Family, been diagnosed with a life-threatening brain aneurysm, undergone major brain surgery and recovery, lived for 5 months with an eye patch over my useless left eye, bought a new house and as of a week ago, seen the Lord heal my eye. Other than that, it’s been a pretty dull year.

For my birthday, my three boys gave me a CD by Phillips, Craig and Dean. They had so much excitement built up inside of them, I thought they were going to explode. They watched intently as I opened the much anticipated present. We placed it into the CD player in the car. I stayed parked as I wanted to relish this moment with my boys. I would have done anything to capture their smiles of excitement as the words began to unfold before us. My oldest son, Gabe, had tears in his eyes as we listened.

What a precious gift! Do we fully realize the responsibility of raising our children to chase after our Maker? Modeling Christ for our children may well be the third most important task we will do on this tiny blue planet. The first is to fulfill our commitment to our Lord, and the second is to fulfill our commitment to our spouse. It’s funny that when we accomplish the first two, the third takes care of itself. It’s no coincidence that God had this already figured out.

When we love our God, and honor our spouse, our children will have before them the blueprint they need in order to grow up loving and honoring their God.

Evaluate where you are with your commitment to your God and to your spouse. If you took an honest look at where you are in these areas, how would you rate yourself? If you are failing the test, the best news is that there is a huge truckload of God’s grace just waiting for a heart that acknowledges its need. It is never too late to begin modeling Christ to your child. Imagine the legacy you will leave for your child. Not only can you model Christ, but you can teach them firsthand God’s amazing grace.

The gift of legacy lies within you. I pray your child unwraps it to find Christ inside.

Luke's 5 Year Old Birthday Party

2005-10-23T20:40:00.000-06:00

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

2005-10-19T19:52:00.000-06:00

Do you remember the phrase that made Rodney King famous? According to police reports the night before the famous quote was uttered, Rodney was thinking a little differently.

Police reports states the following: King's girlfriend, JoAnne Naser, 22, of Rialto telephoned police Saturday and said King punched her in the stomach during an argument that began the previous night, police Sgt. Shawn O'Connell said.

In the last couple of days, I feel like unity in the church has taken a punch to stomach…a good old-fashioned kick to the groin.

Are we still at the point in our world where we believe that we are the only ones going to Heaven? Are we arrogant enough to think that we’ve got the market cornered on eternity? Do we accomplish anything for the kingdom by fighting with our own army?

Forget the Nazi’s, let’s fight our own men. Iraqi’s…why? We can kill our own troops right here…after all they’re so close to us. It takes less work, and they’re easy targets. I’m so ready to share the grace and love that God has shown me, I can’t fathom taking up arms against other followers of Christ.

I suppose “followers of Christ” is a relative term…at least to some. Who are we as fellow followers to determine salvation and authenticity of another? As far as I can tell, Christ himself didn’t walk the streets of Jerusalem looking for covenant members of Jerusalem Baptist. Instead, the One who sat at the right hand of His Father delighting in watching His dad hang the stars in the sky, searched out those desperate for a Savior.

As I search scripture, the only “church folks” that Christ took offense to were those who “knew” all of the law. It’s funny how those who knew the law best were the very ones that Christ called hypocrites. He uttered the phrase that they would never step foot in Heaven (see Matthew 23:13). Jesus says, “You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.”

Go Jesus, with your bad self! He didn’t mince words.

For every person you touch with the grace and forgiveness of Christ, there is a modern-day Pharisee around the corner sabotaging the effort.

Perhaps I reveal a bit of my heart here. Perhaps my disdain for the modern-day Pharisee exposes a heart that is no different than theirs. I’ll pray that I’m convicted by the Spirit for a heart change, if indeed one is needed. But today, I pray that those who follow Christ search out those who so desperately need Him instead of taking pop shots at those who fight in the same army.

God, please confirm in my heart that your grace is big…bigger than that required by the Pharisees of today. I’m simply not good enough, if you require what they do.

Friendly fire kills.

Patchless

2005-10-17T20:32:00.000-06:00

The great Billy Graham said, “It takes an average of 40 people working with God to bring someone to Christ. The first one thinks he did nothing and the last one thinks he did everything.”

I was having lunch with a family in Tyler last week. We finished our lunch at the “not to be missed” New York Deli. I got back in the rent car to race off to my next appointment, when the wife knocked on my window. “I can’t let you leave without praying for your eye.” She placed her hand over my patch and prayed. I was thankful that she prayed, but quite honestly, it was just a prayer in a long, long line of apparent unanswered prayers. I have not lost faith that God could heal, but after 4 months, I was getting weary.

At the end of the day, I began to unwind at my hotel. Per usual, at the end of the evening, I remove my patch to get ready to go to bed. I was in the bathroom in front of the big mirror and removed my patch. I thought something was wrong. As I removed this “thorn,” I was able to stare at myself without the world spinning around me. I was actually able to focus. This was the first time in 4 months that I could look at the world around me, and not get sick. My eye is still not normal, but what an incredible blessing to see with both eyes.

I believe prayer is much like bringing someone into relationship with Christ. Those who have been praying for me for months might have given up hope for an answer. This begins to describe me…praying for my own healing. The woman who prayed the final prayer before my eye was healed is no more important in the Lord’s eyes that those who have been praying for months.

I would encourage you to keep praying…no matter how dark and unanswerable your request may seem. We serve an amazing God…a Father who cares for us deeply.

To God be the glory as He continues to heal my eye, and as He continues to heal your circumstance.

Meet Samson

2005-10-12T15:51:00.000-06:00

As many of you may remember, our beloved boxer "Tyson" died a couple of months ago. We struggled with whether or not to get another dog right away. After a lot of discussion around the dinner table, we decided it was time. Meet Samson. He is a Goldendoodle...a cross between a standard poodle and a golden retriever. They don't shed and they are hypoallergenic. He is absolutely adorable! When he is full grown, he will appear to be a golden with a perm...almost resembling a sheepdog. The boys LOVE him...and he loves them.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2005-10-12T15:49:00.000-06:00

Our First Bronco Game

2005-10-09T17:24:00.000-06:00

What a great time! Gabe and I went to see the Bronco's/ Redskins game today at Mile High Stadium. We're expecting 6-12 inches of snow today, so you can imagine the environment at the game. It was fantastic. Not quite a Bronco fan yet, but this experience made me think twice.

2005-10-08T21:57:00.000-06:00

Meet Face the Tree

Patch

2005-10-03T22:59:00.000-06:00

The girl behind the counter would not stop staring at me. This was not the usual “you look like a pirate stare.” I’m very acquainted with that. This look was different.

She worked at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Houston. I had gone there for a visit on behalf of Dr. Dobson. Soon her stare produced tears. About the time I saw them welling up in her eyes, I felt moved to inquire about them.

She proceeded to tell me about her father. “My father died a couple of years ago. He wore a patch over his eye…just like you.” Her pain became obvious…she missed her father. She continued, “You don’t see many people wearing patches anymore. When my two sisters and I remember dad, we first remember his patch.” And then came the bombshell. “I want to tell you something. Whether or not God chooses to heal your eye, you need to know the impact that your eye patch will have on your boys. They will forever remember the courage and strength that you faced…your patch will always be a physical reminder.”

The reality of that comment took about an hour to sink in, but when it did, I was very emotional.

Her statement became reality a couple of days later as we walked down the streets of Breckenridge, Colorado. Two boys, about 6 years old approached me. They both pointed and yelled loudly, “Look, a pirate!” Real original, kid. Without missing a beat, my oldest son, Gabe grabbed my hand, squeezed it tightly, looked up into my eyes and smiled. His smile was worth a thousand words. Nothing needed to be said. He was proud of his daddy…patch and all.

The lady from the CPC changed the way that I view this “thorn.” I thank God for the truth that she spoke into my life that day.

As followers of Christ, we face days where those around us ridicule our Dad…our Heavenly Father. I love being able to walk so close to Him that His hand is right there for me to hold. His face is close enough to mine for me to look into His eyes, and simply smile. Our smile tells Him that we believe in Him and His promises…despite what those around us think.

Fall In Colorado

2005-10-02T20:03:00.000-06:00

2005-10-02T07:54:00.000-06:00

Gabe in Breckenridge

2005-10-02T07:53:00.000-06:00

The Boys in Paradise

An Eternity Awaits

2005-09-16T15:07:00.000-06:00

We would all be better off if we realized how short this life truly is. Compared to our eternal dwelling, this life is fleeting. If we could see the eternal perspective of life, our world would change.

Consider David, who says,

“Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.”

This is a picture of a man who raced after God’s own heart. He was also a man who realized the price of eternity bought. He understood the brevity of life on this tiny blue planet, and he longed to be in the presence of his Father…forever.

What if we were like David? How would things be different as we go through our days?

I would imagine our families would look radically different than they do now. I think it would be a lot easier to love your bride as Christ loves His. Those “unscheduled discussions” with your spouse would become more infrequent and resolution would come quicker. Life together would be sweeter and have a new meaning not yet realized. If we viewed this world as temporary there would be a longing and desire that would radically change our views.

Our children would be blessed. The goal of bringing your child into a relationship with a loving Father would be more intentional. Modeling the love of Christ to our children would become an urgency. I believe with an eternal perspective, we rear our children to know their forever Daddy better. Being a parent of a child who knows their true Father, brings contentment and joy, yet unfelt.

Imagine if an eagle had to walk everywhere unable to spread its wings and fly. He would be absolutely miserable. A largemouth bass wouldn’t fare too well on land because it’s made for the water. Because we were created for eternity, I don’t think we will ever be fully satisfied here on this Earth. This assignment is temporary and will never feel like home to those who follow Christ.

The best chapters in our book come after this life on Earth is over. Our time here on Earth prepares us for what lies ahead. Live today knowing that it is in preparation for life with our Father. I believe that your spouse, children, coworkers and fellow earthlings will begin to see an eternal difference.

I Must Have A 1,000 Hearts

2005-09-15T21:13:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love when my boys say something that will forever be engrained in my mind.

Tonight on the way home from Mickey D's, Luke my 4 year old says, "Dad, I want to tell you something funny about my body." I thought this was an interesting lead in comment...I was intreagued. "I must have a 1,000 hearts." Interesting, I thought, "Why do you say that?" He answered, "Because that's how many hearts it would take to hold the love of God that I have."

I smiled and was extremely proud of the depth of love my sons have for their Father.

Gorilla Glue Hair Gel

2005-09-07T09:57:00.000-06:00

I received a frantic call from Suzi on Thursday. Her voice was shaking and there was obvious panic on the other end of the phone.

She informed me that Luke, our 4 year old, told Nate, our 2 year old, that "Gorilla Glue" was hair gel. Nate, obviously wanting to look his best, took "the world's strongest glue" and squirted it in his palm and began massaging it into his scalp.

A short time later, Nate's hair and scalp had become one. I immediately got on the phone with the glue people and was assured that he would not die. However, his scalp would turn dark brown for a while, and his hair would be glued down for "quite a while."

It didn't take long to find the humor in the situation. You should see the way people stare at poor Nate's head...wondering what in the world happened.

Oh, and no...you can't cut it out. Clippers and scissors are unable to get in between the hair and the scalp.