Worshiping and Waiting!! Oh yea I'm forgiven!

“I will worship while I'm waiting”

-John Waller

​This line from this wonderful song has become the meaning to each and every day here recently. As Staci and I are awaiting the birth of our first child we have been through ups and downs, but because of God’s mercy, Jesus’ blood, and great friends we have been able to “move ahead bold and confident”-Worship while I’m Waiting.

​We have been so blessed throughout this pregnancy and still feel that this was all part of God’s plan and that we are just along for the ride. As we are waiting on God’s miracle and our son to show up there is nothing I can think that is more appropriate then to worship while we wait. My prayer is that by God’s grace alone my son will be able to see his HEAVENLY FATHER through his earthly dad.

​To sit back and look at my life three (well even two years ago) I would have laughed if you would have told me I was going to be a dad. Now I CAN’T wait…well I can because I am, but I am really excited. We have some super godly people in our lives that have made the past 9 months go by as fast as possible. Over the last week my prayers for Logan have been through scripture provided by friends, emails, and twitter….yes even twitter. One that has hit my heart especially hard is Psalm 25 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+25&version=NIV) , especially versus 7 (7 Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.) and 11 (11 For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.). My prayer for my son Logan has become Psalm 91( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NIV) , Ephesians 3: 14-21 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A14-21&version=NIV), and John 10 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10&version=NIV). I hope that you may find comfort or peace in one of the above scriptures.

​I know that most of you are “waiting” on something as well, and it may not be as exciting as a child. It may not be good at all, it could be cancer, divorce, unemployment, reconciliation with a friend of family, etc….just know this God’s grace is enough…it will sustain you. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+12%3A7-9&version=NIV)

​I pray that these words helped one of you who decided to read it, and even though some of you read this just to pick apart my words or my life I know that only because of the blood of Jesus I have been forgiven and resurrected with him. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+2%3A20&version=NIV)

​How unbelievable is God’s mercy, grace, and love. He forgave me and in just a short period of time is giving me this gift of a son. That has to rank up there with the transformation of Saul into Paul. Thank you God, Thank you JESUS….lets WORSHIP WHILE WE ALL WAIT!

Lord….. help us to worship as we wait on you to lead us through the days ahead….thank you for who you are and what you do for us! In CHRIST’s name AMEN!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Holy Week part 4...New Life...Coins, Sheep, and Son.

Hello to the two of you still reading these. Today’s little blurb was inspired by Luke 15 and Christine Caine. In Luke 15 there are three parables in the same chapter about something being lost (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son). Do you think that Jesus thought this was important? In the first two the sheep and the coin became lost because someone was being careless, but in the third example the Son became lost by his own foolish ways.

AND…then there is me. The Prodigal Son has turned into one of my favorite parables in the entire bible. Why? That is MY LIFE, correction THAT WAS MY LIFE. I let a divorce, 3 serious health issues in my family (2 of which were deaths), and the pain of being away from home and HATING football for the first time in my life. I ran as far from God as I could, because HE GOT ME in this MESS, or so I thought. Little did I know that God was always there watching over me, building me within so that ONE DAY I would serve HIM and bring Glory to HIS NAME! I pray that I will never be content with How passionate I am about sharing the Gospel, I hope that I never take matters into my own hands ever again. I PRAY that I will never get discouraged by those who doubt me, those who try to tear me down, and those that the devil uses to impede my love for Christ. I pray that God will continue to work through this NOBODY!
I know how the son feels coming back home and THE FATHER running, literally running to meet me to welcome me home. Everyone denied, betrayed, or abandoned JESUS during these 48 hours. No One stood up for Him, but upon his return…HE LOVED THEM and He left them a few simple things…1. FEED MY SHEEP 2. Spread the GOSPEL.
I needed to run back to the feet and cross of Jesus, and HE WELCOMED ME BACK even though I WAS UNWORTHY, HE will do the same for YOU! Don’t believe me, only one way to find out.
Thank you Jesus for forgiveness, mercy, and GRACE! YOU ARE SO AMAZING! Thank you for rebuilding my heart and desire for YOU!

I LOVE YOU JESUS! THANK YOU!

*encourage those close to you* thank you Ms. Vickie

Holy Week Part 3...Unworthy...PERFECT!

Not too long ago I was talking to an old friend of mine that I haven’t seen in quite some time. When I told him that I had just spoke at church our conversation got real silent. He responded by saying “Are you a preacher now”, I almost died laughing. I explained to him that I was still a teacher and a coach, but was just speaking that one time. In his mind I know he was thinking ANDREW…CHURCH?
This story has been on my heart this week as I have been reading, listening, and watching things about Jesus and His last few weeks on earth. I have been reminded that God used average, unworthy, and foolish people to accomplish His will. Two sermons today one by Joby Martin and the other by Christina Caine reaffirmed these concept.
Think about Noah: building an ark in the desert…REALLY? LOL but look how GOD showed up! Moses: a Murderer….a man who talked to a burning bush, the man who separates the red sea. Can you imagine being his friend and being so confused how your friend could be used by God when he was so simple and imperfect? What about David when he was a boy and used 5 smooth stones instead of armor to kill Goliath. His brothers mocked him, but he trusted God. Peter scolds Jesus, Doubts him and almost drowns, and then denies him. How is he repaid? He is the Rock of the church and when he preaches at Pentecost 3000 people are saved by the Holy Spirit. How about Mary and Joseph….both were look at as foolish, but God always protected them. What about Paul? He killed Christians…he was going to persecute more when he is blinded on the Damascus road. God then uses him to spread the Gospel like no other. Then the disciples were all chosen by Jesus. Each one of the disciples was not chosen by other Rabbis because they weren’t viewed as good enough.
As the time grew closer Jesus tried teaching His disciples and those around, but they would not believe. Jesus used miracles to show how great God was and is. God used all these people and countless others who were unworthy and unjust to show just how powerful and might HE is.

To many times as Christians and the “church” we get trapped thinking…God can’t use me, I’m just normal….or whatever excuses we can find. However, God is waiting to add your name to the list of unworthy, unjust, sinful people that HE worked through to show HIS power and HIS mercy.

Thanks you God for working through sinful people in scriptures and in today’s society.

Do I deserve to speak to people about the Gospel, NO! Those closed to me knew a few weeks ago I would do a “good” job and I would be “fine”, but God had something bigger in mind. God took away all my comfort to speak in public, he took away all my preparation, and HE spoke through me and HE SAVED dozens of children and people. GOD did all that and those closed to me know that I was shaking and nervous beyond words before I spoke. Then to make sure I understood what was going on He provided words I did not write down in my notes. As this was happening I watched GOD TAKE OVER AND SAY just another unworthy sinner that I can use.

When we are unworthy we are perfect tools for God. What is HE trying to do through you?

Thank you JESUS for using and SAVING unworthy people.

Holy Week Part 2...Joby Martin....Pride...THANK YOU JESUS

Monday’s big topic was Pride. I was listening to a pastor by the name of Joby Martin from Beach United Methodist Church in Jac. Fla preached on Pride and how it separates us from God.

This Holy Week has reminded me that it was religious people who sought out to kill Jesus. They wanted a reason to persecute Him because He was making them look bad or not follow their protocol for a rabbi or teacher. What a shame, these church people killed and ignored their KING and SAVIOR. Then again I do that, we all do if we are honest. When we let pride set in we lose sight of who God is and what Jesus did for us. Pride causes us to mistreat others and opportunities provided for us by God himself.

God works in spite of us NOT because of us!

My prayer this Holy Week and thus time forward is for God to remove my pride to remind me that I am NOTHING without JESUS! I can accomplish ABSOLUTELY NOTHING without JESUS CHRIST and His sacrifice on the Cross.

The scripture was from Luke 7:

³⁶Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. ³⁷When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, ³⁸and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

³⁹When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."

⁴⁰Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.

⁴¹"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,^[d] and the other fifty. ⁴²Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

⁴³Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

⁴⁴Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. ⁴⁶You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. ⁴⁷Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

⁴⁸Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

⁴⁹The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

⁵⁰Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

This passage is full of possible topics or discussions, but a few things hit my heart very hard.

1. The lady washes Jesus’ feet with the perfume from her alabaster jar and was symbolically laying down on her pride and surrenders everything she had to Jesus. I pray that we all will find the same humility and fall at His feet surrendering all our pride to Jesus.

2. The Pharisee (religious leader) looks down on both Jesus and this woman because she sinned and because Jesus let her touch him. Really? This guy should KNOW JESUS, as the Church WE SHOULD accept those who are different. We shouldn’t reach out to just the well dressed visitor on Sunday, but also the YOUNG MAN who is heading to the STRIP CLUB. YEA EVEN HIM! Jesus died for all of us. So many “churched” people forget that we are still dirty evil sinners who have found grace and mercy and are forgiven. This Pharisee is to proud to see the beauty in this sinner surrendering to JESUS!

3. The parable of the forgiven debt here really hits home to me. Real short on this one THANK YOU JESUS for REMOVING MY DEBT!

I write because God places it on my heart, not because my words are worthy or significant. I speak because God provides the words, not because I deserve to. I am NOTHING WITHOUT JESUS! I’m NOT BETTER THEN ANYONE and I am very thankful for that.

In this sermon Joby also references Gal. 6:3-4:

3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else,

I pray that we all lay down our pride unless it is pride in what GOD does through us by HIS SON JESUS. Thank You God for working through me and for calling me to these things, may YOU GET ALL THE PRAISE, HONOR, and GLORY!

My sin is just as guilty as the Pharisees for killing Jesus, with that in mind How can I remain proud? Not possible! Praise God Praise GOD!

Holy Week Part 1...Lyman UMC SERVICES

I all of a sudden had tons of ideas and words in my heart so once again I have decided to write/blog them down. This week is my favorite week of the year. It is the week where I do not celebrate because I am religious or enjoy church, but because I, like all humans, was born away from God and when Jesus died for me HE closed that gap!

As I was up late Sunday watching 3:16 by Lucado I was overwhelmed (a term that certainly describe my heart the last few days) with how much God loved me and all of you. That no matter what we are worthy of HIS forgiveness, if we weren't He wouldn't have let his Son die for us.

Luke 19:28-40 (New International Version)

The Triumphal Entry

²⁸After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰"Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.' "

³²Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

³⁴They replied, "The Lord needs it."

³⁵They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

³⁷When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
³⁸"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"^[a]
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

³⁹Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

⁴⁰"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

I am sure most of you heard this recently since it is the Palm Sunday story, but at a closer look there are several things we can take from it. These were the questions that had been laid on my heart Sunday before leaving home for church.

1. What has the Lord sent us to find? What is the Colt we should be bringing back?

2. What “cloak” should we be laying down for Jesus? A cloak was expensive/important and not something you would just throw on the ground, but for JESUS, YES throw it down!

3. If the Stones could cry out praises to Jesus shouldn’t we?

4. Why did they persecute him already? Religious leaders/teachers were ready to kill him, and JESUS knew this and let it happened. Jesus will work in spite of us not because of us, will be turn people away or bring them closer to Jesus with our actions and feelings.

I know these are different questions then we normally associate with Palm Sunday or this scripture, but they were questions laid on my heart. As this week continues Jesus will eat with friends who will betray Him, deny Him, and abandon Him in the last few hours of His precious life, but He still loved them upon His return.

As this week continues, may we learn what God has planned for us to Learn. May we learn how much HE loves us and may we ALL realize the price it cost so that we may be free.

If you are still reading this THANK YOU! I only write the things that God places on my heart and I pray that this week will be life changing for all of us. I am thankful for all the post and tweets that have shared the massive number of lives converted this week already! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Maunday Thursday, Good Friday (both @ 7pm), Easter Sunrise service 7am with a breakfast following. ALL AT LYMAN UMC please come join us if you aren’t having a service at your church. May we be ONE BODY and WORSHIP ONE LORD and SHARE ONE CAUSE and LIVE OUT ONE LOVE!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Ends and Outs

Well it has been a long time since I made time to sit down and type. The last month has been so fast paced!
Christmas was great with my amazing friends and family.
Then school started and I have truly been blessed with a great group of students to teach and spend time with. These students this year (in a short period of time) have broken my heart with their stories and built me up with their prayers and concerns.

Staci and I are so excited about our little man coming to join us. They are both doing perfect and every step of the process continues to show that God had his hands on this from day 1.

I got to eat supper with my Mimi tonight, which doesn't sound like much BUT it is huge.She rarely gets out of the nursing home. However she is doing so much better. Her determination and will has been an inspiration to me as I continue to struggle with my health. I can't wait to see her hold her great-grandson. I pray that he can make up for my poor performance as a grandson.

God continues to bless us with fellowship with our friends, The Journey, and Sunday school discussions. He is moving in a big way and I am so thankful HE is LETTING me be a part of it.

I hope you are all doing well. I will do better next time. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

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?"
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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.