THE GIFT

The Gift

Tis this season to find the right gift… (That’s not right)…Tis the season to be greedy and get my perfect gift… (wrong again)…Tis the season to be jolly… so we can do all the Christmas things INCLUDING forgetting about JESUS (that sounds about right).

Now I have gone and made some of you mad…tough. I twisted words to a song around to show how people really act during Christmas; it isn’t like I changed the story of the Birth of Christ like society has over the years. Most of you are done reading at this point so for those of you still around THANKS!

I love Christmas time and even love decorating and the celebrating with good food and time with friends and family. I even play the silly gift swapping games that have become so popular over time. BUT I hate that so many people, including Christians have lost sight of the “reason for the season”. Right now I (as I’m sure you can as well) think of good gifts and also the dreaded socks and underwear as you have grown up. But even the greatest gift in the world can’t top the “reason for the season.”

The “Season” unofficially officialyl (I know) start is 12:01am the Friday after Thanksgiving (Black Friday). I have even participated in this madness of the past four years. Most of my time in the madness has been time spent with family or friends having a good time, eating things you shouldn’t be eating at that time of the day, and really buying nothing or very little. Wouldn’t it be nice if we shared the Gospel with the same passion as we chase deals on Black Friday, or we preserved for CHRIST the same way we do lines on Black Friday? Just a thought!

This year I started thinking about gifts. The definition of gift is: something acquired without compensation. Wow that is different than most of us think…”If they get me a gift I will get them one” or “I want to see what I get before I decide how much to spend” WOW REALLY?

As I pondered what true “gift” I have in my life I came up with one group of gifts. You could argue my wife was a gift because she didn’t receive FAIR compensation for the gift of marrying her, but that is another story for another time. But the only “gifts” I could think of was: love, grace, mercy, salvation, forgiveness, and JESUS. All of which are only TRULY given by GOD himself.

Scripture:

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(Scripture from the NIV emphasis mine)

I think that is clear enough and there are plenty more scriptures out there. The truth is that HE is the only real “gift” there is. Sure we give gifts to people all the time, but how many times do we really do it for people that don’t care for us (God DID) or for those that can’t do something for us in return one day (God did..What can we REALLY do FOR God)? Now that doesn’t mean we don’t continue to try and give of our time and services to others in the same none compensation way that God gave his only Son to us as a free GIFT for salvation to take our sin and put it on the cross.

So the real gift was born in a manger. The gift wasn’t given for one, but for ALL. However the “gift” doesn’t stop at birth it continues some 33 (yes I know some scholars argue Jesus was 30-35) years later. The gift started in a manger and continued to a cross where HE was killed for OUR sins. (Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.) BUT WAIT it doesn’t end there either. The “gift” the “something acquired without compensation” was born in a MANGER….died on a CROSS…and AROSE and left a TOMB EMPTY! Talk about the gift that never gets old. God willing and freely gave HIS son Jesus as a FREE gift to the world born in a manger sought for by the common Shepherds of the world….to die for US ALL (yes even those of you who may not believe or accept Jesus) and allowed his Son to return home after starting HIS church to one day come again and GIVE the GIFT of ETERNAL life to those that believe and follow him.

SO this year SHARE the REAL GIFT of the Season.

It is a gift freely given, (and YOU CAN’T COMPENSATE God for this gift no matter how many “RELIGIOUS” things you have done) but the gift must be ACCEPTED…..What will you decide?

Write Night

Wow earlier this week Staci and I went to a write-night at my Dad's school. We had a great time reading and writing with these parents and children. I thought I would share mine (not sure why, I guess because I haven't had a topic to take off on lately.

I know…

I know about the Thrill of Victory,

…and the Agony of Defeat.

I know the need for laughter,

…and the pain of tears.

I know the Joy of being an expecting parent,

...and the fear of the unknown.

I know sports,

…and the pain of injury.

I know words can hurt,

...and the importance of forgiveness.

I know perfection is impossible,

…but hard work is mandatory.

I know the Joy of “Man’s best friend,”

…and the mess they can make.

I know what it is like to marry up,

…and I know a good marriage takes work.

I know the gift of having good parents,

…and the number of kids less fortunate.

I know the love of Jesus,

…and that Grace didn’t come free.

I know how to teach history,

…and the need to continue learning.

I know how AWESOME reading and writing is,

…and the realization that it is phasing out.

I know the need for friends,

…and the need to sometimes be alone.

I know a leader never criticizes,

…but never accepts the praise.

I know times are hard,

…and that America will one day be GREAT again.

I know I don’t have all the answers,

…but I know who does and where to find them.

Football, Perserverance, Hard times, and FINDING JESUS!

This weekend ended my second season as an assistant coach at FCMS (8th grade). This year was full of ups and downs. Our record didn't reflect how much we improved throughout the season. One area of the game that we certainly made strides in was PERSEVERANCE. It seemed like every time (other then maybe twice) we got down we found a way to fight back and score a touchdown or get a turnover or onside kick. This was a great "Teachable moment" with these kids. To show them that life will get hard and you have to keep trying and keep fighting especially when times get tough. I was so proud of how we finished the year this week, after a horrible game last week we bounced back and after one of our leaders got hurt we persevered through adversity to pull out a big win to end the year. Seeing these kids fight through hard times means more to me then seeing them score touchdowns.

As I bragged on this aspect of these kids this week I realized how important it is for Christians to persevere through hard times and "storms". Then as I started looking at my life I realized that I was standing in the middle of a few storms myself. Max Lucado shines some light on this topic in his new book Fearless. Jesus is the commander of every storm.Are you scared in yours? Stare at him.This may be your 1st storm. But it's certainly not his!

The more I prayed the more I turned to scripture and the support of God's people. Three things have helped me keep my focus on Jesus during these storms. 1. The presence of Christ in my life. (IF you have it give PRAISE, IF you don't GET IT) 2. Good Godly Christian friends who with spend time in God's word and in prayer with me. (FIND GODLY FRIENDS) 3. God's HOLY word!(Spend time in IT) All of these thing have helped me keep my eyes on the cross and I am thankful to thos people and their guidance.

I was once asked HOW LONG HAS GOD PESERVERED IN WAITING FOR YOU TO ANSWER HIS CALL? Are you eyes looking at the Storm or the ONE who can BRING YOU THROUH THE STORM?

May we look to JESUS in all times! AMEN

Scripture tells us this about PERSEVERANCE:
-1 Chor 16:11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
-Psalms 37:24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Is the LORD holding you up? Paul perserved, the Disciples did, JESUS did on the CROSS CAN'T WE? Is it easy NO by NO MEANS is it easy.

When your storms come will you be like Peter when he walked to Jesus ON WATER in a HUGE STORM or will we be like Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink???? THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!

There are a few songs that help me in hard times, 1. Praise you in this Storm by Casting Crowns 2. Bring the Rain by Mercy Me
(Bring me joy, bring me peace Bring the chance to be freeBring me anything that brings You glory And I know there'll be days When this life brings me painBut if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rainBring me joy, bring me peaceBring the chance to be freeBring me anything that brings You glory And I know there'll be days When this life brings me painBut if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain).

I realize very few of you are still reading this and most got mad and stopped reading it because it didn't apply to them (even though it does more then they know)! BUT how Christians handle hard times shows non-Christians what we believe about the greatness of God.

When I am afraid,I will trust in you. In God,whose word I praise,in God I trust;I will not be afraid.What can mortal man do to me?Ps 53:3-4! So as for me I am going to continue with everything I have to keep my eyes on CHRIST AND WALK TO HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS STORM!

Facebook, Twitter, ipod Touch, and Synced up with God!

So bare with me....just had ideas start popping in my head and thought hey write it down. When ideas like this show up it normally has nothing to do with me and everything to do with God. So here we go...

Within the past 6 months or so I (like most of you) started a facebook account and I soon remember how effective it could be in today's society to stay in touch with people (sad as it may be). Then it was a Twitter account was next on the technology wave for me. What is the difference in the two? At times nothing but small details. Do you need both? No but once you have both you aren't getting rid of one because they are two different things that can be synchronized together to post your 1 comment in two places. Weird? CERTAINLY. Then this week I purchased a ipod touch and now I can sync absolutely everything to it and update and post on any site at any time. I can browse the web and I can check emails, blog, listen to music, and sync mine to other's ipod to instantly share data. Is it necessary? NO by no means, but it is cool and certainly got me thinking. I had all of these things separate, but I have synced them together to make my life easier (or lazier whichever your prefer).

So what? Good question. This is where I think God took over. The last 6 months have been a very interesting time in my life spiritually as well, but the last month or two has taken it to a new level.

It all started with a prayer like it always does. The time and day I do not remember, but I do know that after reading Come Thirsty by Max Lucado I decided to go to God's well and drink as much as I could. (Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain-his Spirit-where we all come to drink.- 1 Cor. 12:13).

From there the prayer was answered, the question (Where are you in my life Lord? What do you have in store for me?) The answer....coming soon. If I would have followed God's answer I would have be synced up with His Will for my life, but no I had to pray again and again to make sure what He was telling me was the best thing for me. The answer...I don't make mistakes....trust me and I will prepare you.

I put this off for quite some time before sharing it with Staci. Then Upward Football and Cheerleading began (yes the one that Brad and I said we weren't going to do). But I knew it was God's will (not the answer by the way). That season is almost over and it is not the topic at hand, but it showed/taught me something. It taught me that even when you can't do something or don't have time for it God can and will use your blind step of Faith to do big things. This season has been amazing, our numbers increased and most importantly we had more then a few kids raise their hand to accept Christ in our Gospel presentation at Practice 7. I almost teared up thinking that before that practice I was apologizing to God (and had been for a while) for messing this year up, for not doing a good job. His answer WATCH THIS! LOOK HOW AMAZING AND STRONG I AM! Why do I tell you this, for one reason GOD is POWERFUL when weak people step out in faith and trust His Will. When we are synced up with God he can do AMAZING things in our lives. I mean he is the God that fed all those people with 5 fish and 2 loaves of bread. (Matthew 14: 13-21).

Now back to the story. God started doing small things in my life syncing me to him and I never saw it coming. After being reminded that syncing my actions with God's will was best for me and my family I jumped all in and found some prayer warriors to pray for strength and perseverance through the answer that God gave me way back in the beginning of this blog. (answer still to come) I started going to a bible study at work early on Tuesday mornings. The people in there were close friends of mine and that provided me with mornings full of great discussions, scripture, doughnuts,and coffee. Then a few guys asked me to read Wild at Heart (John Eldredge ) as they were reading it. I started reading this book about being the type of man that God wants men to be. I immediately began to see how this book was a helpful tool for living life, being a good husband, father, friend, and Christian Male. I really didn't want to read it, but I felt God wanted me to do this with them, so I did. Once again trying to be in sync with God's will for my life (knowing that I made a pledge to be). Then GOD SYNCED them all together in a see I told you I would prepare you and guide you to the answer.

Ok God's answer to my first prayer (of this blog) HAVE A CHILD. Those of you that know me you know my answer NOOOOOOOOOO! Then I said ok lets get in sync here Sizemore. Shortly after starting this book and this group (which is mostly made up of good Godly men that teach and Coach middle school football with or in the same district as me) Staci and I got the news. Your pregnant. Now this in itself was a test of faith and trust God to sync our lives to His will.(another story for another day)

You see when I allowed GOD to sync my life to His will, my life got easier. It also left me open to more blessings then I could have ever imagined. Some of you are saying these events are separate events they have nothing to do with each other. Oh they do...they were synced together BY GOD to help prepare me for the big news he knew would be coming sooner the later. My facebook, twitter, and ipod touch have nothing to do with each other either, but I sync them up as most of you do as well. So why can't God sync events in our lives together too?

First the reminder that God can work through anything (even me doing a less then superb job with Upward). Then the guidance and support from people at work. The book that taught me lessons I certainly am going to need. (the book spends a lot of time talking about relationships between Dads and their kids) Then the news...oh and if your not convinced the next book on the list to finish (already started) FEARLESS by Lucado. (does anyone else see the irony?)

God used all these things (ALL SEPARATE in their own way) to sync my life to His will.

I believe everyday we should evaluate how in sync we are with God's will. YOU are the only one that can answer this, yes others can provide guidance and support but you are the only one who can truly answer that. Notice the challenge .....We need to evaluate how in sync OUR lives are with GOD'S will not your friends, co-workers, family members etc idea of God's plan for you.

There are some people who no matter what will say Andrew this is ridiculous or others may say he is lying (they will say the same things to you as well). That's how this battle of Spiritual warfare works. God syncs us to his will using people and events in our lives, Then the devil comes along and uses people (some times people close to you) to create fear, doubt, and insecurity to un-sync you from God's will.

SYNC up with GOD and see what happens in your life. Once again I felt led to sit down and slow down long enough to type. God put the words on the page. So be encouraged and SYNC UP!

God bless you all and thank you for getting to the end of this!

How often do we miss CHRIST?

Luke 24: 13-32

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.
14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.
20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;
21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning
23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther.
29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have been thinking about this topic for some time now, but just couldn't put it all together. Then this week I have been reminded of how easy it is to "miss Jesus" in today's fast paced society. Even when every day for the last months have been full of doing Kingdom work it is so easy to miss opportunities that Christ is giving us to make an impact on some one's life.

These moments can be very little things that we overlook all the time. For example it could be something as small as saying hello to someone or holding the door for someone. "These aren't God moments" you say. I disagree! These are the times that scriptures refers to sharing the Love of Christ with everyone (believers and non-believers). These are the moments where as a Christian you have the ability to be difference, the opportunity to "be different " to leave an impact.

So many times we are so tired or so busy we miss these people that God wants us to share his love and grace with. To many times we fall short of completing the simple task that God gives us and we get frustrated when we don't get instant gratification or our prayers aren't answered instantly. The disciples (those who knew Jesus the most) didn't recognize him on their walk to Emmaus until after they had dinner with him. It is safe to say that anyone reading this, even if they aren't a Christian, would show kindness and love to Jesus if they recognized him walking beside them. It may be out of admiration or out of fear. However, when Jesus is disguised as someone in need, a kid who needs support because they don't have support at home, a stranger who has lost a job, the homeless guy walking the streets, or the woman/man working a second or third job/shift just to provide for his family we miss him. When this is the case we don't recognize Jesus, we miss a chance to LOVE JESUS (You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:38, Matthew 25:40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.") we miss a chance to share HIS love with others.

There is no way you will ever get it right every time, but I sure hope I learn to get it right more times then I get it wrong. Think of what the world would be like if we weren't like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, what if we recognized Jesus the second we saw him, and better yet saw those who need to see him the second GOD put them in our path.

I am so thankful that because of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross God is willing to forgive us and to provide more second chance then you can imagine. GOD IS GREAT....ALL THE TIME....ALL THE TIME...GOD IS GREAT!!!

Thanks for reading may God strengthen you and guide you in the days to come.

God is GREAT.....Pain hurts.....Summer is over....

Man the last week or so has certainly been like a roller coaster ride. We had an amazing time at the beach. We had a great time with an amazing family in our first real vacation since we were married. Upon our return we jumped straight into our UPWARD evals. It seems like no matter how hard you think you have worked to get ready your are always behind. Then we started experiencing our first "God moments" of the year. Shortly into the night it was obvious that God was at work.
Then a few hours later our family was hit with news that our only Grandparent had a very bad night in the hospital. In a short phone call I was reminded how much pain can sting. We spent almost the whole day at the hospital talking to our family and grandmother. The day was full of uncertainty and a sense of fear. However, the day was full of laughter and great stories with my family. In the midst of this fear and pain it is very obvious that trusting in God is always the best answer.
After a long day today I realized that my summer was over. No more part time work, no more lazy days fishing or laying around with the wife and dogs :(. I hope whoever reads this, if anyone does, will be blessed by God in will realize how great he is. God Bless you!

UPWARD

Wow it is here and I can't believe it. Tomorrow will be our first evaluations date and things won't slow down until October. There is no doubt that God is going to do powerful things this year with this ministry. Please consider being a part of it, and please pray for this ministry. Come join us at Lyman UMC and watch God work miracles through average people to reach his children.
God Bless!

Beach

Staci and I just returned from a wonderful trip to th Beach. We had such a good time with our geat friends, our God-daughter, and their family. I has been a long time since we have been to the beach and I must admit I had a blast, even though I hate the sand. With that said I can't wait to sleep in my own bed.

Where has the summer gone?

Well the last few weeks have been way to busy to write, but I decided to sit down and write tonight. Since I have posted last a LOT has changed. I absolutely loved sending a few days with all of my sisters before Amy's wedding, which was beautiful by the way. I hope and pray that they are as happy as Staci and I well as happy as I am. Yesterday was Staci's birthday and her present was new big shiny and expensive, right a car. It is a really pretty 2010 Equinox and Staci says she loves it, and she better. :) Not sure really what else to write about, but I will be updating more ofter I hope. I hope you all are well. God Bless!

Catching Up

Well it has been a long time since I have slowed down enough to write a blog entry. We are still working out and everyone seemed sort of pleased at the 30 day mark. We are now as of 12:01 one week away from Amy Jo's big day. I do hope that HER day will be a great as Staci's was for me (if that made any sense). I have been preparing today for the message for our 8:30 service on Sunday. I am nervous even though I know God will make sure to provide the strength that I will need to complete this. Our dogs are growing up and seem to enjoy their new pool, especially at night when we want them to be dry. I can't believe that July is already here. We are really advertising hard right now for our UPWARD season. If you are interested let me know or you can register from www.upward.org (PLAY NOW). May God Bless you are on this Independence Day weekend. A BIG THANK YOU to our military and their families (past and present).

IDK

Well it has been a wild first official week off. This week has been full of workouts, setting up for bible school, and fishing. This week I have also realized that I won't ever understand some things or some people. I went fishing with Staci and her dad for the first time this week and we had a blast. I must admit I haven't fished much since I was young because I don't like baiting a hook or touching fish. However, I learned to do both this week and can't wait to go again. We will begin our Vacation Bible School this coming week and the set looks great. I am looking forward to another avenue to share the story of Jesus Christ with Children. Please bring your kids out to Lyman UMC on Sunday for Crocodile Dock. I hope everyone has a blessed Friday.

Summer TIME

Well it has finally arrived and some how I still haven't had one day off from work. This summer is sure to fly by. We don't have huge plans as of now except to continue to workout and prepare for the 10k in November. Everyone is still doing the P90X and we are having a blast doing it. I do hope that I will get to send a few more hours at the pool this summer since last summer was ALL work. I hope all of you are doing well! God Bless!

P90X

So a group of us started this intense workout called P90X. SO far everyone is loving it even though it is pretty tough. However the hardest part is the Yoga. They didn't make that stuff for big people like me. This program is going to help me cut weight, build muslce, and train for my 10k in November with Anna. Hopefully everyone willl stick with it for the full 90 days. God Bless you all.

CGC Test

Well it was a tough task, a new environment, and a gym full of anxious dog and owners but Bricie was able to pass all 10 of her test to gain CGC certification. What you ask? Canine Good Citizen test. Bricie is now recognized by the AKC and now could go into hospitals, nursing homes, etc. I am so proud of her, I know this seems weird to some of you, but I hope to be able to do outreach with Bricie in nursing homes and children's hospitals. Staci did the test with Bricie and was the best handler there. YAY! We even got some cool goodies. It is kind of sad that we can care that much about animals, but she is our baby girl and she is smarter then most of the honor students out there. j/k.

Relay for Life

Last night was the Relay for Life night at DHS. Staci and I decided to go for the first time to support our schools while being there with our church. It was an amazing time. I want to congratulate the Byrnes High School family for a great victory for the High Schools by raising around 24k dollars so far. Cancer is something that has impact us all in some way and it was awesome to be there to help fight the horrible disease and to remember those in my family who have passes away because of it. If you have never been you may want to try and go next year.

UPWARD

It is that time of the year again. UPWARD Flag Football and Cheerleading. That's right CHEERLEADING. If you are reading this and you don't mind please pray that the program will be pleasing to God and that the voluenteers will fall into place. I will be co-directing the football and Staci will be heading up the cheerleading. Please pass this information on to any of your children in your famlies or churches. We will be accepting all participants ages 3k to the 6th grade. Please consider seeing if your kids or kids you know want to play they can sign up from the upward website www.upward.org by clicking on the play now button and entering their zipcode, or you can contact Lyman United Methodist Church.
Thanks and God Bless we need all the prayers and help we can get.

I have no name for this blog.

Well the last two nights have setup this weekend to be a pretty good weekend. Last night Staci and I went with Pastor Jay and the Shaver's to the Casting Crowns concert, then tonight we went to a concert a our church tonight with HisSong and the West-Hill quartet :). I don't know of anyone who is ready for a summer to get here more then I am.

Amy is getting extremely close to getting married :'(. Even though I am married it is still hard. I am excited for her and Jeff and pray daily that they will be as happy as Staci and I are and that they will trust and rely on the Lord for the strength to make their marriage a success.

Anna picked up her diploma this week YAY. I miss her so much and wish that she was here with is in the Upstate. I enjoy it so much when she is here (especially when she comes to church with me).

Abby is getting ready to finish up her first year at BHS. I hope that it hasn't been as painful as she thought it was going to be. It has been a pleasure to get to see her at work.

Well the kids profiles have been updated at the side of the page and Bricie will Graduate tomorrow from her Intermediate class.

Happy Mother's Day

I want to wish all Mothers a happy Mother's day. My mom is so special to me and I know that without her I wouldn't be where or who I am now. I will never be able to repay her and the neat part is she doesn't want to be paid back. We can learn a lot about how Jesus has told us to love each other by watching the love that our mother's show us. So to all the moms HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

Time of the Year

This time of the year is climbing up the ladder of not so favorite times of the year. Between the pollen and the end of school coming up it is almost impossible to get a fully productive day at work. I hope everyone is safe and free of the oh so scary Swine Flu thingy magige. I hope all of you are doing well. Oh by the way Bricie weighs 59 lbs I don't know what happen to our lean baby girl and Wesley is light years ahead of where she was at his age. Oh well the joy of having puppies :)

Praise & Worship

The service has gone well for two weeks. God is definitely in the service and the possibilities are endless. Come Join us for doughnuts coffee and worship @ 8:30 Lyman United Methodist Church.

Holy Week

Last week was so much fun. Staci and I stayed on the go, but it was all well worth it. We started our 72 hours of prayer @ 12am on Maunday Thursday. It felt like Staci and I were constantly getting ready to head up to church to pray alone for an hour. It was a very neat experience and extremely powerful. "Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks."-Matthew 7:7-8.
Then we our Church had a Maunday Thursday service that was very powerful and neat. It was cool to imagine that we were at the last supper. Then on Good Friday (not really a good day at all) we attended a service at Mauldin United Methodist. It was absolutely amazing. They played some contemporary music and clips from the Passion of the Christ. Then on Sunday we went to a Sunrise Service in Inman before coming back and going to our Church's service. Every service was great and powerful. It was by far the best Easter weekend ever and the first time I spent time realizing and studying the true meaning behind each day.
I hope that everyone else had a great easter. There is also a picture of our "children" in their Easter outfits.

A Special Day

Yesterday was such a special day for me. Yes it was Palm Sunday and yes I had the Sunday special at the "Crack" (Buttermilk battered Southern Fried Chicken). When we arrived at church at 9:30 sharp we (Staci and I) were called into the Pastor's office. No big deal (YEA RIGHT). You know you are in trouble when he is reaching out to hand you a yellow sticky note ( it always has a scripture to be read on it). Except this time it was a lot of scripture. 30 and 31 verses to be exact. Staci was immediately terrified. Everyone says "Oh I wouldn't do it!" or "I'm not a reader" or "I don't speak in front of people"." Well Staci would have said the exact same thing before we started the Experiencing God Bible Study. She knew that the Lord was working through Jay and through her and that she HAD to read that long scripture in front of the whole church. Our bible study says that your ACTIONS show what you believe about God. Normally Staci wouldn't have done it, but she knew that by not doing it she was saying "I can't do this and not even God can help me do it". However, this time her actions said "I can't do this, but MY GOD is BIG enough to do anything even through me." Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Now I am not calling out people who would have said the other comments, but my point is that Staci was the same way, but by trusting that God would give her strength to complete the assignment he had given her she was able to not only read the scripture in front of the whole church she was able to inspire others (especially me) and show just how BIG OUR God is. I was so proud of her.
I was so proud that it was even OK that I didn't read through my scripture all the way and slipped up on a word I knew. And to make matters even worse instead of correcting myself I followed with "or something like that."
I hope that through this true story you realize how big God is and that he is strong enough to help you do anything.

Matthew 19:26 (see above)
Mark 9:23 ("If you can’?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes.")
Philippians 4:13 (I can do everything through him who gives me strength.)

Think about these Scriptures! Staci's actions said I may not can do this, but I know and trust God to give me the strength to complete this task and any other task he may have for me.
What are your actions saying about how big or strong your God is?

May God Bless you and give you strength.

Spring Break

What it is already Thursday. Every day has been full of early mornings, busy afternoons, and late nights. Well the newest thing is of course Wesley. He is so cute. Bricie has taken to him well and they play until they both can't go anymore. I don't think Wesley knows he has legs yet since Staci loves holding him just as much as he loves being held. I think I have papers to grade, but that can wait (might be going fishing). I am not what you call the fishing type. I love fishing, but I can't stand touching the fish lol, So we shall see how this will go. I be show to let everyone know the embarrassing stories when I return. Have a great Thursday! God Bless!

Wesley

Well the time has come. Tomorrow we will be going to pick up our newest addition to our family. He is growing at a fast pace and will most likely end up being bigger the Bricie. There will be more updates and pictures to come as the week continues.

Updates

Well...Spring Break is right around the corner and I can't wait.
1.Looks like Wesley will be here on Sunday and I am just praying the fence is done by then with all this rain.
2. My phone is finally fixed:)
3. And I will be going back to the doctor next week. I will be seeing an Orthopedic Dr to see if there is either nerve damage, disc damage, or something that rehab will fix.
4. Staci and I have been asked to be the godparents of Analee Shaver. We were both speechless and extremely honored.

Well it is way past my bedtime. Good Night all and may God bless your Friday:)

Craziness

I really thought that once Upward was over I would have a lot more free time, boy was I wrong. I am so ready for spring break. Oh yea and to think how crazy that is going to be with the addition of Mr. Wesley to the family. We have also been warned that he may be a chewer :(. Well live has been busy lately, but Staci and I have continued to be extremely blessed and God has poured his grace and mercy into the hearts of Staci and I. Life has been so busy that I took a nap Sunday afternoon and missed 3/4 of the Bristol Race (unheard of). I hope to have something more to blog about soon. I feel like I do so much, but I never have anything to really write about. Until next time please remember ...."We love Him because He first loved us."1 John 4:9-10... know this and treat others with love because you know that you are loved.

Can We get back to normal already?

I haven't been an active blogger since I returned from Emmaus. I stayed busy thanks to some wonderful friends while Staci was gone on her retreat. Seems like both of us had AMAZING weekends. I am still experiencing pain from my role in breaking up an altercation at school, but all in all things are great. I can't wait for Spring Break. On the Monday of Spring Break Wesley (our newest lab/chow puppy) will be joining the Sizemore household. Man are we going to need strength. It is also time to start trying to lose weight for Amy's Wedding. That is going to be tough especially with Summer cookouts rolling around at a fast rate of speed. Well I think it is about time to eat so that we aren't late for Bible Study. God Bless!

Off She Goes

Well I made it back alive from Emmaus and now it is Staci's turn. It has been a very hard week not being able to talk to her about the specifics of my trip. I can't wait to see her on Sunday night to see what she things about the trip. She is a lot more nervous then I was so make sure you add her to your prayers.

Thanks Be to God.

Here I go!!!

Well it is finally the day I have been waiting on for a long time. I leave for Emmaus today. What a week, I mean we had two snow days and a great celebration for UPWARD on Tuesday and now I am going to Emmaus. I have no idea what I will be doing at all and I couldn't be more excited about it. I would appreciate any prayers that would be said though. Thanks and I will blog when I return on Sunday.

SNOW

The snow has postponed our Upward celebration today and School tomorrow. It is going ot make this next week an extrememly busy week with the Upward celebration on Tuesday and I will be leaving for Emmaus on Thursday, but it is cool to see good soft snow falling in the bunches from my daddy chair. It has been a long time since we have had this much snow "stick". Should make for a fun day tomorrow. Bricie apparently loves chasing the snow. Happy Snow Day!

Last Practice

Well tonight was our last practice for the Upward. We still have our game on Saturday and our awards ceremony on Sunday. I am definitely looking forward to a break after a long season with long hours, but I am going to miss my team and this league. This league has provided so many "God Moments" to help me through tough times this year. It has truely been amazing to see God working through this program to impact the lives of about 150 children, the majority of which come from outside of our church home. I thought that this year was going to be an administrative roll only, but that isn't what God had in mind. I have had so much fun with my team and fellow coaches. What a coaching staff, I was the head coach (talked to parents basically), Josh was the devotion coach, and Jake was our Basketball coach. Even the Lakers' couldn't handle that coaching staff. We end up with a great group of kids who I know have learned a lot about Christ and just maybe something about basketball. Some how I have been picked as the guest speaker at the awards celebration on Sunday and for the first real time I am nervous about speaking in front of a crowd. I know that God will provide me with the strength and the appropriate message, but it is a lot easier to sit behind a microphone inside the radio dial. So if you find time say a small prayer for me, our volueenteers, our league, and most importantly our kids.

Thanks! Oh by the way come see us Saturday I can teach you how to make a mean hot dog!

Everything happens so fast

The past few weeks have been going by so fast. Upward is in the last week of the season, Wesley is walking, playing, and seeing now (can't wait to get him) and yes Bricie is still getting socks. I have been out sick the last few days and can not wait to get back to work to get caught up and feeling better. One week from tomorrow I leave to go on the Walk to Emmaus. I can't wait, everyone says that it is just amazing and I can't wait to see what it is all about. This will be my first spiritual retreat and I couldn't be happier. Since I have last blogged I have been reminded that I serve a very big God who can do anything, and that the Devil is constantly trying to tear down what God does through his disciples. I hope everyone else is doing well, oh yea and I am thinking about starting a new blog for my Sunday school class to keep people updated on prayer concerns and as a refresher on the things we have talked about. What do you think? I am afriad no one will check it, but I also feel it would be neat way to keep everyone up to speed. Thoughts and opinions would be appreciate! Thanks!

Is any week Calm?

So another week has come and gone and once again it was a wild week. This has been a very tiring week, but a very inspirational one as well. I have been able to "experience" the beauty of God a bunch this week. It all began on Tuesday when after a very long day I was at church basically going through the motions waiting on basketball practice to be over. I guess I had been there checking on coaches, mingling with parents, and talking to friends for roughly 20 min. when I went to check on the cheerleading squad. Little did I know, that a little girl had just fallen and broken her arm, and yes it was very obvious it was broke. The children that witnessed this were all in the 5-7 year old age group. In the midst of this horrible thing God was right there. After checking on the little girl we moved the others to a classroom for numerous reasons. They weren't in that room for more then a few minutes and they were praying for their hurt teammate. The little girl had those prayers with her all night when at the last second before surgery the doctors were able to set the arm on the last try without surgery. On Wednesday I went on a "walk" with God as part of our bible study. I ended up getting my shoes soaked and my pants wet, but it was such a peaceful walk and time away from the hectic pace of my life to sit still and listen to God's beautiful creation. On Thursday I had a young man rejoin our Upward team after quiting a few weeks ago, just another God moment. I am truely thankful for these "God moments" even during sad times to help remind us that God is always right there with us and that all we have to do is slow down and look for him. Have a great week everyone!

The Shack

Wow! What a book! If you have not read this book Read it! It definetly puts a new twist on Life, Faith, and God. It is a very intense book that will absolutely touch your heart. Now I will admit that I read the book while going through the Experiencing God bible study and it became a very emotional and spiritual book for me because of that. However, the book shows a level of faith and forgiveness that is hard to imagine. I had about two chapters left to read and decided to go buy two more books from Costco for about $8.99. Then I finished the book and now I wish I would have bought about five of them. This is the type of book that you must pass on to as many people as possible so that you can get the full enjoyment out of it. So in saying that please read this book, but be ready to have your heart touched in so many ways. It has been on the New York Times best sellers list and has been the #1 best seller in paper back at Barnes and Nobles as well as the 2nd best seller (#1 Love Dare) at Chirstian Supply. If you decide to read this book please blog about it, talk about it, give it out, and allow it to touch your lives.

Long Journey

My life has been a wild wonderful journey that has been full of blessing. However, the wildest journey of my life took place over 24 years ago today. As I have my last piece of birthday cake for the night I have decided to share the story with the blogging world. My family hates this story even though they normally get a good kick out of it. My twin Sister (Anna) and I were born premature and supposively I was one of the smallest and ugliest babies ever. I am sad that Anna isn't here with me today, but we had lots of time together before we were born. I decided very early in the pregnancy that it was my job to take care of her and that is exactly what I did. Every day I spent countless hours fighting of infections and collecting antibodies to give to Anna. When times were tough and we didn't have much food I would go and gather enough for Anna to have even if it meant that I would go without. This went on for several months, until I eventually became used to it. It was hard work and caused me to stay tired and exhausted, but it had to be done so that I could fulfill my duties as a big brother.

The story gets even better. When the big day came I knew what had to be done and once again that was exactly what I did. It took some convincing, but finally we agreed that I would go check things out and if I didn't return within 5 minutes she was to come out and join me. Well there were tons of weird people and I cried alot, but I thought that it would be safe enough for Anna to join me so 5 minutes later she came out to join me and has been my "wombmate" ever since. Now we didn't always see eye to eye or even get along, but since we have grown up we have become so close. I hope desperatley that she changes her mind and one day moves back to the Upstate (even if it isn't to the Duncan area. There isn't anyone out there that understands how much I missing being around her all the time, but the most important thing tonight is to wish her Happy Birthday again and to thank her for my new son Wesley (puppy).

Thanks WOMBMATE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! LOVE YOU :)

Week of 2/2-2/6

Wow! What a week. Wild days at school, practices at church, bible study, home school, Uncle Herschel, celebrations with friends, sushi, puppies, sadness, and joy. I know right! Well every week has wild days when it comes to school. And well our coaches do a fantastic job which means very little work on my behalf. Oh and the Bible Studying "Experience God"= Amazing. Uncle Herschel is the Uncle to the founder of the Cracker Barrel. How neat you can go to such a wonderful place filled with great food and fun things to spend extra money on. I have been doing that all my life with my Dad on trips, but this week it was different. This time, for the first time, I didn't have to drive around a weird parking lot and ask a thousand times "how do I get out of here" or "where is the interstate"? Just a simple right on 290 and on the way home. You read that right folks the Cracker Barrel has arrived in Duncan. Now as if that would have made the week complete, but it didn't. The next day I was surprised by my awesome co-workers with two mini parties at school. I still have a sugar high. Wait it gets better! Then my beautiful wife takes me out to eat for Sushi. I mean wow enough is enough, but not yet. My sister, that I miss dearly (Anna), became my first sibling to become a Grandmother. Wait WAIT don't freak out....her dog had puppies. Two to be exact one boy and one girl. (I hope the boy comes home with me) shhhhh!!! All of this before the weekend even begins. I mean there is still 6 basketball games and NASCAR, thats right NASCAR, still to come on Saturday. AM I BLESSED OR WHAT? Well I think that about sums it up :) if you made it to this point thanks for reading and I hope that your week has been blessed as much as mine has, but if not just remember "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NIV)

The Sizemores

Hello World! I have no idea where to start, so here we go. I am 23 about to be 24 and married to the most loving and patient women in the world (She has to be to tolerate me). We are both Education major teaching in our old district. I am currently staying busy by volunteering as the assistant league director of our Upward basketball and cheerleader program at our Church. It is amazing how much God has blessed us in the last 13 months. I am looking forward to wasting away spare time on here blogging to the world about who knows what. God Bless and enjoy the rest of the week!