Merry Christmas

It was a long day today. Up at 4:30 and then hours spent at the hospital. I'm glad to say everything worked out, but it made for a long day. Christmas Eve service went well, but I think the best part of the day was sitting down this evening when I got home. Now, I think it's about time for bed. Since I'm not planning on writing tomorrow, I just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone that reads this a very Merry Christmas.

Book Review - Primal

Again I find myself in the position of having a book to review that I haven't finished. This time though, I think I have a pretty good excuse. I was in Kenya. When the original offer came out and I accepted it, the book was scheduled to arrive before I left on my trip. I thought the timing was going to be perfect. I would have ample time to read during the flights (I didn't know then that I would be sick). Also, for some odd reason I really wanted to read a book called Primal while I was sitting in Africa. Anyway, due to a slight publishing delay the book arrived two days after I left. My return home threw me right into the middle of my youth group's dinner theatre and the overall business of the Christmas season. Mark Batterson is my favorite author and he deserves a better blog entry, but what can I do. My only consolation is that I have some time off in the upcoming days and I'm looking forward to enjoying the book. So below you will find the publisher's info and then a brief word from me based on the little I've been able to read.

Publisher's Info
Be astonished again. We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are to live out the essence of Christianity, we must commit to being great at this Great Commandment.

In Primal, Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power. Along the way, he calls you to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in your own life.

As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”

Primal will help you live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God. It will help you become great at the Great Commandment.

Author Bio
The author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the D.C. area. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children.

My Thoughts
I personally enjoy Mark's writing style and within the first few pages he has already challenged my thinking. Quoting former Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Mark discusses the idea of there being simplicity on the near side of complexity and simplicity on the far side of complexity. Near side simplicity is is only mind deep and has never been tested in fires of adversity, doubt, trial, and pain. That's where the complexity comes in. Most of us have asked the question "why" a thousand times. Why do so many things happen to us as we follow Christ. Yet, there is that simplicity on the far side of complexity. It's a place where we have been tried and maybe don't even understand completely, but we know God is the truth and we continue to follow. We find ourselves at a place of simple faith. Not immature faith, but faith that focuses on the main things that God has called to do.

Already this idea has been challenging my thinking and to be fair, I must point out this comes from page 5. Five pages in and I'm already challenged. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book. I know that Mark and his publishers are promoting the book as the first book you read in 2010. It would be a good idea, but I encourage you to pick it up and end 2009 with it.

My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Waterbrook Multnomah web site.

And for the government I need to let you know that this was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah

Thank You Hackers

I woke up yesterday expecting to spend most of the day preparing for my youth group's dinner theater. Before I left the house, a friend called me to let me know that he had been talking with someone claiming to be me on my Facebook. They were asking for money because they claimed that I had gotten stuck in London. It sounded realistic since people knew I was flying back from Kenya a couple days ago. I jumped on to find out and sure enough I had no access to Facebook. That was bad enough, but I soon realized that they had jumped from Facebook and now had control of both my major Gmail accounts. That wasn't good. With that they would have had potential access to password resets from various financial institutions.

Let's just say I was a little nervous. It suddenly became a race to protect my family. I give Google credit. I was able to fill out a form online that required a lot of identifying information about various Google services that the certain Gmail account was connected with, but once I did I had a link that allowed me to regain access within about ten minutes. I jumped on and changed the password on both and went on to change other web site passwords to be safe. I came back and tried to access Gmail again and discovered that my password had been changed. Not only was my account hacked still, but they were actually working against me at the exact same time I was trying to fix things. Not a good feeling.

Thanks again to Google, I was able to regain access. I searched through all the account settings and found the problem. They had set my email to automatically forward to them. Plus, they were getting a text message if anything was changed. I went through and removed everything that they had set up. Then I changed the password again. Then, my wife noticed that Google listed at the bottom of the screen that I was not only logged in from my location, but I was also logged in at a second location. There was an option to terminate the other location. I did and then proceeded to recheck all the settings and change the password again. I did this for both accounts and then waited. I was fairly confident that I got it secured, but I had to wait.

While I waited, I went over to Facebook and reported that my account had been hacked. Within a few minutes my account had been disabled. Better disabled than letting them have access. I'm working to regain control but in the past Facebook has been very slow in my opinion.

So, now I'm checking my accounts constantly to make sure they're remain secure. I've changed a lot of passwords. I'm making them insanely long which is only possible thanks to 1Password. If you're on a Mac, I recommend that you use it. It allows you to create long passwords for websites. It remembers them for you and then fills them in when you visit that web site. Check it out at Agile Web Solutions.

Well that's about it. If you received a strange email from me ignore it. As of now I have control and I hope to maintain it.

Back in the Office

I've made it back from Kenya with minimal physical damage. Jet lag hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. I've been crashing into bed a little after 10 PM and waking up at 6 AM. So it would appear that jet lag is making me go to sleep and wake up at a good time. I'm planning on posting a few more thoughts about Kenya in the days ahead, but for now I have to force myself to get caught up in the office.

Warfare

Last night the focus of our service was the Holy Spirit. Cornell was preaching on how to live Spirit filled. That's what this generation of Kenyan and every nationality of believers need. The service was going fine until we got to the message. Within moments of Cornell starting to preach we had an incredible thunderstorm arrive. The rain was pounding harder than you could imagine. As an added bonus, the building we were in has a tin roof. The roar was deafening. Cornell kept preaching though.

At some point Rusty turned to me and asked if I had a flashlight. I dug one out of my bag and we set it on the table. Then I felt it. Rusty and I sit together in the middle of the room at the sound board and computer and I remember turning to him and saying, "I think I'm getting wet." It felt like the splatter of rain in the ground. Within a few moments we had our answer. We were sitting under the pinnacle of the roof and I guess it wasn't as sealed as it should be. Water started dripping on us. We grabbed a cloth tarp that we had been covering the sound table at night to cover our gear. It rained harder. It became clear that cloth wasn't going to protect us. Some of our Kenyan brothers ran over with some plastic and we covered it with that.

The noise was so loud that Cornell called everyone to pray against it. That's all we could do. Then, the power went off. We prayed harder as flashlights were whipped out. We had a generator and after 15 minutes or so of work they were able to get it running to at least get the sound system going again. The rain wasn't letting up and we prayed harder still. Eventually Cornell decided to keep going all the while rain was dripping down the entire middle aisle.

During this Emmanuel thought it best to move the entire sound table. We ripped up some tape that was anchoring cords and moved it to a drier spot. Remember, this is all happening with flashlights and some candles that one of the ladies had. I asked Rusty if he could get me power back to the projector. My thinking was twofold. If Cornell's presentation was onscreen the students could follow his message easier, especially the verses, because they could be reading while trying to listen. Second, projectors are extremely bright. It would go a long way to lighting up the front area.

Rusty and Jimmy were able to run an extension to get power back to the projector and it worked as I hoped it would. Cornell was able to finish preaching and the altar called ensued. As of this moment we know that someone accepted Christ and that at least one was baptized in the Holy Spirit. We will try to find out more today.

After service the students had their tea. It's a good thing that our camp cooks have done all of their work over fire in the kitchen. We showed some videos and then eventually began sending them off to bed. It was still raining this entire time. Not as hard, but still rain.

I asked Pastor Sam if rain like this was common and he told me that it wasn't. The word he used was that it was abnormal, especially since we are entering the dry season.

The power did come back on before we went to sleep so we have it for today. Our final service is this morning before we break camp. Praying that God does something powerful and that the enemy is defeated.

It's Funny What We Crave

I have been loving my time in Kenya, especially since I got over being sick from traveling. The people are wonderful and I'm learning to appreciate the food. It's similar to a lot of things that I normally eat while at the same time being different in a lot of ways. As we sit at the two week mark for being out of the States, I've realized that I'm craving a Chick-fil-a chicken sandwich. I've looked around but I have spotted any Chick-fil-a. The only American fast food restaurant that the missionary knows of in Kenya is a KFC in Nairobi. There's a part of me that would really love to go to it just to see how different it is.

Languages and Presentation

Besides the couple times I've spoken, my major role during this week at camp was to run the multimedia. This includes projecting the worship lyrics. In normal circumstances this can be challenging as the worship team may randomly jump back to parts of a song and you have to be able to keep up. However, this week has added a new challenge. While our team from the States leads worship in the evening, some of our Kenyan brothers and sisters lead worship in the morning. While some of the songs they do are in English, others are in Swahili. It is rather difficult to keep the lyrics correct when they are in another language.

Kumbaya

I asked someone if they knew kumbaya. They did and started singing it. I asked them what it meant. They gave the the exact same answer that people always give in the States. However, they made it clear that it wasn't a Swahili word. The search for the origins of Kumbaya continue.

Camp X Kenyan Style

I am right in the midst of the camp that we are putting on. It has been an interesting experience. For those that know what Big Prairie was, let me just say that we had no right to complain. We spent the hours before camp started cleaning our meeting room. We had to do this because a lot of birds consider our building a nice respite from the sun. While we meet they fly in and out and over our heads. When I made an inspection tour of the restroom and shower facilities, I was greeted by two very large rats. I originally thought they were more of the birds until the sauntered away and I saw their long tales. I know God created everything but why the rat?

I freely admit that things are different than what I'm use to, but in the long run it doesn't matter because God is here. We had good services last night and the sessions this morning went extremely well. I of course spoke during one of them. In spite of me things are going good. We have a few more days of camp and then we pack up for the trip home. Rusty and I both calculated that if all goes right it will take us approximately 30 hours from the time we leave Eldoret until we make it back to our homes. I'm looking forward to seeing my family, but not looking forward to the trip. Plus, I'm heading back to cold weather. Everyday here is probably in the low 80's with cool breezes. Nights are cool enough for a jacket. Anyway, my Kenya journey will end soon and regular life will begin again.

Shout outs from some of the people with me. Cornell says "What's up!" Jenna says hello. They must have thought that I was on Facebook.

Preaching in Kenya

Had the opportunity to preach in a Kenyan congregation this morning. Kept it slow so my accent wouldn't be too hard to understand. I think it went well. I was told it did. The coolest part that has nothing to do with preaching was after the service was over. I was talking to someone and a lady came up to me with a tray that contained a cup of chai tea and some sugar. I guess they brew big batches of it for after church. I walked around and talked with people while sipping on some pretty good tea. The whole trip has been an experience. Tomorrow we are completely focused on prepping for the camp and Tuesday it starts. It's going to be a long and tiring week, but hopefully a good one. I teach a session on Tuesday and I'm praying that goes well.

My New Calling in Radio

Thankfully I'm doing a lot better. The trip over really took it out of me but I think I'm about back to full speed. Now, for my interesting missions experience of the day.

Carrie, Cornell, and myself went to the local radio station and were on The Fish FM. It was local show for teens called T.I.T.O & Pizzah. They were playing Christian American rap and also Christian rap from here and even Uganda. Then, they were talking with us about the upcoming camp. It was over an hour of promoting the camp. During the time we were also giving away some free registrations to the camp. It was an experience. As we were leaving, we found out they wanted us to do promo spots for the radio station. Each one of us did multiple promos. So basically, if you visit Kenya in the upcoming years, you may hear one of us proudly declaring, "you're listening to 97.1 Fish FM."

Here in Kenya

I am writing this from a Kenyan wildlife refuge. This is part of the fun of our trip. Got to watch some rhinos. Pretty interesting.

Still fighting some sickness from the the travels. So far the trip has been unpleasant with small sparkles of enjoyment because of it. I hope that reverses before the end.

The most interesting thing I've noticed so far, besides the rhino squaring up to charge the other half of our team's vehicle, has been the guards. Everywhere you go you see guards. At the Nakumaat (basically a Walmart), guarding where we stayed last night, outside of restaurant's. I understand fully well that they are there to keep you safe, but the question that of course surfaces in your mind is why do we need guards everywhere?

In my life in America, there have only been a few times where I found myself in a place that I considered not safe. For the most part I completely take safety for granted.

That 's it for the moment. Please pray for me if you can so I can get over this sickness. I'll try to write more if I get access to Internet.

Book Review - A Christmas Collection

A Collection of book reviews from Kelly

Publisher's Info about "Treasured"
In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy considers tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides readers in discovering evidence in their own lives of his attentive love.

“The idea for the book came from a cigar box filled with odds and ends of my grandfather’s life that arrived a few months after his death. Sifting through the objects in the box, I experienced him in a fresh new way. This made me wonder what treasures might be tucked away in Scripture that could frame God for me in an equally intimate, tangible way. This process also helped me uncover my own “treasures” of my walk with the Lord: objects that remind me of my history with him and his faithfulness to me,” says McLeroy.

Drawn from the pages of Scripture, the author considers twelve such treasures and personalizes their meaning for readers, such as a green olive branch that offers proof of God’s “new every morning” mercy and a scarlet cord that demonstrates his willingness to adopt “strays” of every sort.

Weaving these treasures together with scenes from her personal history, Leigh McLeroy invites readers to discover God’s heart for them and embrace their unique role in his redemptive story. Treasured offers readers a guided experience of God’s love and character and invites them to consider their own treasures that point to their part in God’s ongoing story.

Kelly's Review
I did not get a chance to read this book.

Publisher's Info About "God Gave Us Love"
In God Gave Us Love, Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, and the young polar bear begins to ask questions like why must we love others . . . even the seemingly unlovable? Why is it easier to love those we like? Where does love come from? And why does God love her so much?

Grampa Bear patiently addresses each one of Little Cub’s curiosities by explaining the different kinds of love we can share: the love between friends, the love between families, the love between moms and dads, and the love for God.

He also assured Little Cub that because of the love God has given her through his Son, there’s nothing she can do to make God love her any more or any less. Through Grampa Bear’s encouraging Little Cub to love others with a “God-sized love,” children will be inspired to love others and to be patient, gentle and kind, so that in every way, they too can demonstrate God’s love.

Kelly's Review
I have read some of the God Gave Us books before and this one was a great book too. It talks about the different kinds of love in a way that kids can relate to. It also told about the difference between liking and loving. The most important love of all is the love that God has for us. Through his love he shows us how to love others. I enjoyed reading it and my kids liked it too. I know it will be read over and over again.

Publisher's Info About "God Gave Us Christmas"
In God Gave Us Christmas, as Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear has something on her mind: “Who invented Christmas?” she asks. “Is God more important than Santa?”

Her questions reflect the confusion of so many children during the holiday season. And this heartwarming story takes them on a wonderful journey of discovery—right to the heart of Christmas.
Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns that God loves her and everyone— polar bear, moose, or human—so much that he gave us Jesus, the very best gift of all.

Kelly's Review
This book was another great one. It tells how God gave Christmas to us and it is not just about Santa Claus. Christmas is a special gift from God for all of us. He sent his son to earth because he loves us so much. The story shows that God is all powerful and everything about Christmas points us to God’s gift of his son for us. I enjoyed reading this book too. I recommend it to anyone wanting to get the focus off of the cultural things of Christmas and back on Jesus.

As always, you can find out more about the books at Random House or Amazon.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Keyna

Well, the day has finally arrived. I'm making the last few preparations to head out to Kenya. I'm looking forward to the adventure and praying that God does something good. I'm not looking forward to the long fights.
The absolute worst part about the trip though is leaving my family. I'm a homebody and I love just being with my family. It's hard to imagine even missing a moment of their lives.
Yet, I feel God is leading in this. I pray that he watches over the trip and those that I leave behind.
Except for a book review posted for Kelly (written today but dated for next week), this blog is going silent for awhile. Of course, it's been pretty silent as of late as I've been preparing for the trip. I'll talk to everyone later.

From My Phone

I know it's something we take for granted anymore, buy I find it amazing that I can be writing this post from my phone. When I click publish, it will post this to my blog on Google which in turn will sync it to my official blog page. As a tech person, I am constantly amazed at the multitude of technologies that are being created. It also saddens me. Knowledge is increasing, but wisdom seems to be on the decline. While knowledge is great, the wise application of it is much greater. Don't really have any reason for that random correlation other than it was on my mind.

Book Review - White Picket Fences

Here's a quick book review by Kelly.

Publisher's Info
Amanda Janvier’s idyllic home seems the perfect place for her niece Tally to stay while her vagabond brother is in Europe, but the white picket fence life Amanda wants to provide is a mere illusion. Amanda’s husband Neil refuses to admit their teenage son Chase, is haunted by the horrific fire he survived when he was four, and their marriage is crumbling while each looks the other way.

Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away.

Readers of emotional dramas that are willing to explore the lies that families tell each other for protection and comfort will love White Picket Fences. The novel is ideal for those who appreciate exploring questions like: what type of honesty do children need from their parents, or how can one move beyond a past that isn’t acknowledged or understood? Is there hope and forgiveness for the tragedies of our past and a way to abundant grace?

Author Bio
Susan Meissner cannot remember a time when she wasn’t driven to put her thoughts down on paper. Her novel The Shape of Mercy was a Publishers Weekly pick for best religious fiction of 2008 and a Christian Book Award finalist. Susan and her husband live in Southern California, where he is a pastor and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves. They are the parents of four grown children.

Kelly's Thoughts
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were realistic and fun. The use of historical events to tell the story was good too. It was interesting to learn about some of the things that happened during the holocaust. The underlying theme of having hidden secrets was good. It reminds you that no matter what you try to hide it is always best to have it come into the light. Having honesty within a family is crucial for its survival. Keeping secrets will keep a family from being healthy and loving each other fully. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction.

Check the book out at Random House.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Ministry

I have the honor of meeting every other week with three students from
my youth ministry that feel God may be calling them into full time
ministry. Before each time, we all listen to a podcast and then come
together to discuss it. It's a great resource and I'll give the
website a plug at the end. Even though we've only met a couple times
so far, I'm really enjoying it. Talking about the call of God and the
ministry is stirring something in me. It's taking me back to the days
when I felt God calling me. It's fanning into a flame again a passion
to love and serve others. The whole point of these meetings is to
really help them understand what the ministry entails and to help them
prayerfully make their calling sure. Yet, as we talk, I find myself
realizing that I really enjoy what I do. Beyond the struggles,
problems, and heartaches I face in the ministry, there is something
incredible about serving God in this calling.

www.explorethecall.com

Up Early

This is just a little post to let everyone know that I am sitting in the coffee shop at 6 in the morning. I've been up since 4:45. I thought with age came a love for mornings. Let me just unequivocally express that I do not like mornings. Mornings are for sleeping. I'm sure if I were to research the etymology of the word morning I would find a clear association with the word mourning. They are homonyms and it just makes sense. When you wake up early, you mourn the loss of sleep that you are experiencing. Hence, you are mourning. Over a few centuries the word changes to describe that time early before the sun rises.

To make it even better, there is a pastor I know meeting with a group of men here this morning. They are having a men's Bible study or accountability meeting. Now in addition to being tired, I have a beautiful sense of guilt that they are being very spiritual while I'm griping.

We Press On

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:7–12 NIV)

This just felt like a good passage to post and reflect on. No commentary from me whatsoever.

A Sloppy Wet Kiss

I was sitting here preparing worship for youth service tonight and one of the songs that I chose to use was "How He Loves" by The Glorious Unseen. Since we don't have live music, I will often choose a song that we don't display the words for at the end for everyone just to worship. I like this song, but I've heard it put down in the past because of one phrase. The line is, "Then Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss." I admit that I've often scratched my head at this line. It's doesn't seem to be poetic or even beautiful imagery of the Savior's love for us.

Yet, my children have taught me what I believe is the meaning. I love it when my children kiss me. They are completely and unashamed in their love. So much so that they don't realize that it's polite to close their mouths. They don't realize that I shouldn't have to go dry my face off after their kisses. They just love, and for them that love takes the form of a sloppy wet kiss. It's about the purest form of love we experience outside of our relationship with God. Often we don't realize how much God loves us. He's not ashamed of us. He's passionate about us. He wants to grab us in His arms and smother us in kisses and his love.

As we grow older, we seem to leave unashamed pure love behind. We don't like it when grandma's smoother us with kisses. We struggle to release ourselves from the bear hugs of aunts and uncles. We move toward a proper love. A refined love. However, when I look at what Christ did on the cross, I don't see "proper" or "refined" love. I see the raw passionate love of a Creator for his creation. I see love that was willing to pay the ultimate price.

Maybe what I'm writing today is only resonating in my heart and if that's true that's fine. But reflect on the thought that God is unashamedly and passionately in love with you.

Welcome Home

This past summer, my church was broken into and one thing was stolen. A metal box that the thieves assumed contained money. Thankfully, we don't keep money at the church because, how should I put this, thieves can break in and steal it? So our intrepid criminals absconded with a metal box that contained nothing more than some old ledgers filled with numbers. Quite a heist I know. Anyway, I had pretty much decided that the case was forever resolved to the dustbin of history. Then today, I got a call from a deputy that our box had been recovered. Some people out for a walk came across it on a road just outside of town. It would appear that most everything is still in it. Damp, but still there. Unfortunately, finding the box didn't mean finding the ones that dumped it there months ago. So we have our wonderful box back and just to reiterate once again, we don't keep money at the church. We keep it at the bank. You never know, the thieves may spend their idle time reading my blog and I just want them to know that.

A New Method

Sometimes it's good to shake up the normal way we do things. A little change can bring a fresh perspective. For the past few weeks I have been undertaking a new method for my sermon preparation. I want to thank Gene Roncone for sharing his teaching notes on the method that I am currently using. The crazy thing about change is that while it can be a good thing, the process is not always enjoyable. The steps I'm undertaking now in my weekly preparation are not natural for me. Sometimes I feel like giving up because it is difficult for me. Yet, with this change I find myself having to go deeper in the text I'm
planning to use. I find myself thinking deeper about what God is saying and wants to say through it. The time I'm spending to prepare has increased dramatically as I expected with learning a new way. That added to an already full schedule makes life hectic at times, but it's worth it. The eventual dividends outweigh the current struggle.

With that said, I need to get back to my preparation.

Destroyed By Choice

One of the hardest things about being in the ministry is that you get to watch people choose destruction. People that no matter how much you care about them, no matter how much to teach them, and no matter how much you you fight for them, still choose to live a life apart from Christ. There are many I've seen where I know the end result of their choices, yet they choose to ignore it. It's not that they don't know. They know full well, but they choose not to believe. A choice not to follow Christ is a choice for destruction.

Thankfully, there are others that I see that have so much promise. They are striving to live and do what God has asked. They struggle, but they don't quit. May they keep wrestling with God because when we wrestle with Him, He wins. And when God wins out in our life, we win too.

Pizza Hut Is Out To Get Me

Anyone that has read this blog knows that I'm fighting the diet battle. After slacking off, I'm trying to hit it hard again. Thankfully I'm still below my all time high. Everytime I get serious I go through the first several days where I'm just hungry. Okay, I'm hungry every day but I digress. Without fail, when I get serious we get an ad from Pizza Hut in the mail. In the ad there is always the same picture. It's one of their sandwiches with what looks like boneless BBQ wings on it. It looks amazing. The funny thing is I've yet to try one. When I break my diet I go other places. Yet without fail the ad shows up when I start trying to be good again. I'm beginning to believe that Pizza Hut has singled me out for diet destruction. I'll show them, I think I'll call Papa John's.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Adios Old Comments and Other Changes

I have officially made my behind the scenes changes to the web site. I know some of you don't care and if that's you, go ahead and stop reading now. The biggest thing that I changed was that my bog now syncs with my blog that I have on Google's blogspot. Before acquiring my own domain and deciding to use Rapidweaver, I tested and used both Wordpress and Blogger. They were okay, but I liked the greater control I had using Rapidweaver. I never got rid of the accounts though. Anyway, I came across a way to sync my blogspot and Rapidweaver. I set it up and it does work. The benefit is that I have a backup blog. This is nice in case I decide down the road not to renew my domain. That's a couple years away, but it I thought it wise to have it already have it in place.

The added bonus is that I can now blog from my phone when I'm traveling. There is a free iPhone app that allows you to post to your blogspot blog. I can write a blog, it syncs to blogspot, and then appears on my blog. Then, when I publish down the road with Rapidweaver, the blog entry is imported into Rapidweaver. I've been impressed on how well it works. Some bugs to be sure will pop up, but nothing too bad.

That does lead us to the couple problems I faced. I had to choose between my old comment system or switching over to the comments from blogspot. Using the blogspot would allow comments to be present on both sites. I chose to go that route. Unfortunately that meant losing my old comments. Tough decision but I made it.

Also, Google's spam fighting features prevent me from importing my entire blog at once. When I tried I would get locked out and could only post from blogspot using Captcha to verify that I was a human. So, I will be slowly rebuilding old post a few a day. I'm not in a big hurry. I don't believe that people are clamoring for my blog archives.

That's where the blog stands now for those that were willing to read all the way through.

For the insanely curious, you can check out the mirror image of my blog at www.focusedjourney.blogspot.com.

Kenya's Coming Fast

I am about one month away from heading to Kenya. It's amazing to think that I will be heading to another continent for a time of ministry and then returning before Christmas. The missionaries of the past have my deepest appreciation. Many headed out never expecting to return home. For many it was months of travel just to reach their field. I'm humbled that I am able to fly half way around the world, preach and teach, and then fly back in such a short amount of time. Praying that the Lord will use me and the team for something great.

McDonald's Commercial

McDonald's has a new commercial that bothers me. A man walks around holding one dollar in his hand asking what he can get for it and is told at a variety of places that he can't get anything. Then he goes to McDonald's where he is informed of all the wonderful choices on the Dollar Menu. The man happily hands over his one dollar. Make a note. It was one dollar. We see pictures of food and then the commercial ends with the man at a table eating. He's eating a McDouble, but on his table is also a drink and a yogurt parfait. He handed the worker one dollar, but he has three dollars worth of food. I don't know why this bothers me but if does. It's like when a car commercial shows you a car loaded with features and gives you the price only to tell you in the fine print that all those features shown are not included in the price.

The man either had more money, which sort of negates the entire commercial being about one dollar, or he stole the extra food. Neither one seems like great marketing to me.

Meatballs and Sausage

A few of my youth and I ran a fundraiser tonight at our church. It was a bluegrass gospel concert and we prepared and sold food during the intermission. A lot of work, but we did fairly well. I arrived to the church at 3:45 this afternoon and left some time after 9. Over five hours, and the most exciting time was that 30 minutes where everyone descended en masse. There is an adrenaline rush when everything is happening at once and you have to move everything to high speed. Anyway, it was good to work with some of my youth and raise a little money for our retreat

Ironing Out Some Problems

Sorry if the blog is messing up over the next few days. I'm making some behind the scenes changes.

Book Review - The Sound of Sleigh Bells

A book review by Kelly.

Publisher's Info
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Author Bio
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.

Kelly's Thoughts
I have really begun to enjoy reading Cindy Woodsmall's books about the Amish. The Sound of Sleigh Bells did not disappoint. It was another great book. I enjoyed the story line and felt connected to the characters. In the story you see two characters that have faced hardship with different attitudes. The one who turns to God for healing is able to reach out to those around him. He helps the others to see that opening up and allowing God to heal you from the inside is better than living in bitterness. It is a good read for Christmas or anytime of the year. The story is fun to read and is captivating from the very beginning. It is a great book and I highly recommend it.

You can find the book at Waterbrook Multnomah or my favorite Amazon.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

A Connection

We asked our daughter what she learned tonight and she as a matter of fact told us about Daniel getting eaten by a lion. When asked to clarify, she said that Daniel was eaten by a lion but he prayed inside, just like Jonah in the whale. Her version of Daniel made me laugh, but it was cool that she made a connection (even though incorrectly) to another story in the Bible. Something is is sinking in.

Bumper Stickers

I'm not a big fan of bumper stickers. If you're one that loves them I'm sorry. In my opinion, people often reveal their ignorance in what they choose to slap on their car. As in an example, let me bring forth a sticker that I saw the other day. It stated, "If you ain't a Steelers fan, you ain't *crap*." Now for anyone that finds that word crap offensive, I wish to point out that the word that was originally used was much stronger and I chose to lesson it.

The bumper sticker was supporting the Steelers. It was in their team colors. I think there might have even been a tiny Steelers logo on the car. Yet, when you read it properly it is a slap against the team.

Ain't (it is in the dictionary that I checked) is basically an informal way of saying "is not" or "are not." So, reading the words of wisdom again, you wind up with, "If you are not a Steelers fan, you are not crap."

Read it again slowly. "If you are not a Steelers fan, you are not crap." Basically, if you cheer for anyone other than the Steelers, you are not crap. Or, as I was taught in school, let's use the fact that having two negatives in the same sentence cancel each other out. We're left with, "If you are a Steelers fan, you are crap." Somehow I don't think that is what they were intending when they put it on their car.

Whether you take the literal meaning of the real last word in the phrase, or use the idea that it means "a person that is worthless," it still doesn't make sense.

Before you slap something on your car for the world to read, think it through first.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Book Review - If God Is Good

Tonight I have the pleasure of promoting a book that I really want to read. This is suppose to be a review, but I seem to have been inundated with other tasks and only read three chapters of a fairly length work. The book is "If God is God" by Randy Alcorn. It looks at the age old problem of how God can be good when so many bad things happen. It considers the difficutly of where is God in the midst of pain and suffering.

To honor my agreement with the publisher, I'm putting all the information about the book here. Hopefully in a week or so I will be able to post a proper opinion about it.

Publisher's Info
Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

Author Bio
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include Deadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. Randy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

The Hat Message

Tonight I preached my final sermon in the "Everything a Message" series. Next week my wife will take a stab at it to finish the series. I wish I could take credit for the idea, but my mom came up with the basic premise that I ran with.

I talked about how it is a fun and crazy hat. It's bright orange and fuzzy. Yet, if you turn the brim of the hat up, you see a leopard pattern. Leopards are hunters. They hunt and kill other animals. So beneath the fun and frivolity, you find the pattern of a killer.

Our enemy is no different. He masquerades as an angel of light while he is really a killer. He works his best to package evil as something lighthearted and fun, but beneath it is eternal death.

I kept the message short and to the point. I closed with the point that if we want to escape eternal punishment, we have to allow God to be God in our lives. That means we must give him the right to point out things in our lives that displease Him and then when He does, we must change. Too often we accept and enjoy what God doesn't want us to partake of (the fun side of the hat). We may think it's harmless, but only God knows the end result in our lives of so called harmless fun (the killer side of the hat).

I ended with a call for every student to prayerfully ask God to examine them. After a few moments, I asked for students to raise their hand of they honestly felt God was pointing out something that He wanted them to stop doing or give up. I'd say at least half if not a little more raised their hands. I prayed over them, but then I left it in their hands. If God has pointed out something, they must make the decision to obey.

It felt like a powerful ending, but I hope it remains with them.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

The Hat

My final contribution to the "Everything a Message" series must be based upon this crazy hat to the right. The liner inside is a beautiful leopard print while that outside radiates a happiness that can only come from a stunning Day-Glo orange fuzz. Yeah, that was a stretch.

Anyway, this one is a stumper. I know with a hat people automatically think helmet of salvation, but this hat really doesn't conjure up images of strength and warfare. I know I could make one of my youth extremely happy if I preached on Samson while wearing the hat, only to take it off when I get to the part of Delilah cutting off his hair. Yet, wearing the hat definitely would be a distraction. The object is meant to help us learn something, not just be an amusing prop.

So, I need to figure something out. As always, I would love some ideas from people that read this. Either leave a comment on my blog or leave a comment to the post in Facebook.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

The Cottage Cheese Container

Tonight's "Everything a Message" had to deal with a cottage cheese container. My main emphasis was the three types of Christians represented by the container.

1. The Empty Container

A cottage cheese container is really only a cottage cheese container if there is cottage cheese in the container. That was as much fun to write as it is to say. The thought is that there are a lot of people that call themselves Christian, but inside their lives you don't find Christ. If Christ isn't living and working in you, then it doesn't matter what you say, you really aren't a Christian.

2. The Full Container

Cottage cheese in a container is meant to be consumed. For the Christian, we are to pour out what God pours into out lives. We pour out love to others because Christ freely pours love into us. The amazing thing is that we can never outpour God. The more we pour out the more He pours. Our lives should constantly be refilled by the Lord, and it happens as we share what He has done with others.

3. The Moldy Container

If you wait long enough, a container of cottage cheese will go bad if it isn't used. Sadly, some Christian have allowed God to pour into their lives, but they have refused to pour it out for others. Christ gives them love but they don't show love in to others. The work that God has done in them begins to sour and bitterness sets in. It falls in line with the example of the Dead Sea. All it does is take water in. There is no outlet for the water. With no outlet, the Dead Sea is...well...dead. Too many believers take and never give, then wonder why they seem so far away from God.

Well, that is what I came up with. Originally I had one more point that I wrote up but I scrapped it because it didn't seem to fit.

Timetables and Decisions

I'm currently reading the book "The Dark Foundations." It's the second part of a three part series. I guess the best way to define it would be Christian Science Fiction. It has a nice blend of both technological advancement and theological issues. Even though the author and I have differing eschatologies (he shares his opinions on his web site), there was something that he wrote for one of his characters that struck me.

"Where we are in the great timetable has no real bearing on matters of right and wrong. Every day we're given choices and every day we have to make the right decisions. If I knew the King was returning tomorrow or in ten thousand years' time, it wouldn't alter my choice...we just battle evil until the whistle blows--whenever that is."

I personally believe in a Pre-Tribulation rapture of the church. I would fall into the Christ could return at any moment crowd. Often, we do speak in terms of we should live like Christ is returning tomorrow. However, what if we knew absolutely that Christ wasn't returning for a thousands of years? Would that change how we live? Does right and wrong only exist in a timetable where Christ is coming back soon?

We have been called to live holy lives in Christ. We have been called to do what's right no matter how long Christ chooses to tarry. No matter the number of days that remain for this world, I must make decisions that reflect my Lord.

Revisiting the Gnome

I realized that I never got back on here and shared what my message on the garden gnome was all about. I did some light research on gnomes and then narrowed it down to garden gnomes specifically. I stress the word "light" in my research. I gleaned four points about garden gnomes from this.

1. They are helpers.
2. They work behind the scenes.
3. They work to help things grow (in the garden).
4. Some people absolutely hate them.

With those four thoughts in mind, I preached about the Holy Spirit.

1. He is a helper the Lord has given us.
2. He works behind the scenes deep in our life.
3. He helps us to mature and grow.
4. There is an amazing amount of hatred for the Spirit today.

I thought the points were pretty good and it fit well. Now honesty. I got into the prep so much that I wan't thinking about length. I went longer than what I think is the max for youth that are listening. That was my fault. I should have worked more to streamline the message. Another proof of my lack of perfection.

Anyway, I enjoyed it and if you're following this blog, you know that we are on to our second item now. The cottage cheese carton.

Cottage Cheese

Part 2 in the "Everything a Message." This past Tuesday there weren't many items brought. Quite a lot of head smacking and I forgot. However, a few items were placed out with some items scrounged from the church. This weeks top vote getter was a carton of large curd cottage cheese. Just to refresh, by next week I have to come up with a message that is in some way related to that carton. I think I might already have an idea. Would love for readers to post some of their ideas in the comments below.

It Was Worth It

I went to the department of health today to get the shots I needed for my missions trip to Kenya. Both arms are now covered in multiple band-aids from the experience. The thought I had as I was sitting there concerned the missionaries of the past.

They headed out into the world to spread the news of Jesus Christ without the benefit of vaccinations.

They headed out knowing that there was a high probability that they would never return.

They headed out willing to suffer if needed.

They headed out to lands where they often had to bury a child, a spouse, or both.

They headed out because the truth was burning so strongly in them that they couldn’t help but share it.

They headed out because that’s what we are called to do.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Here Comes the Gnome

My youth ministry’s “Everything a Message” series begins next week. You can read a little about the idea here. We had all the students bring in items this past Tuesday for the first vote. There was a lot a crazy items (some of which I’m sure will be brought back next), but the winner was this gnome to the right.

So basically, by next Tuesday I have to prayerfully come up with a message from the Word of God that is in some way based on this gnome.

I’ve already spent some time studying, praying, and thinking, and I do believe I already know what route I’m going to take. Need to spend some time fleshing the whole idea out, but I think it will work nicely.

I would love to have anyone that reads this to post some of their ideas on a basic message idea or thought that can be brought out of a garden gnome.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Book Review - Deadlock

Here’s a review of the book Deadlock by Kelly.

Publisher’s Info
The Zarbo brothers are seasoned outlaws with a reputation for killing. Already wanted in two states, they set their sights on Colorado and a string of bank robberies. They don’t count on running into Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman.

John arrests Lee Zarbo, but his brothers remain in hiding. Lee’s sentence to death by hanging incites them to desperate measures. They’ll do anything to get him out alive. Even kidnap the Chief U.S. Marshal’s daughter.

When John learns of his young daughter’s captivity and the conditions for her release, he must turn to the Lord for direction. It takes all the faith he can muster to wait for the answer. Without freeing a dangerous criminal, can John find Ginny before they kill her?

Author Bio
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and Western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print. JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.

Kelly’s Review
I have read some of Al & Joanna Lacy's other books that deal with the characters that were in Deadlock. It was nice to read a sequel and find out what happened with the characters. While the story was good and it was fun to read, I don't think it is very realistic. I like reading books with a Christian theme, but I find the Lacy's books to be a bit over the top. It seemed like every second paragraph someone was getting saved or quoting scripture to someone. The dialog was, in my opinion, cheesy. Maybe it is just me but I don't think people really talk like that all the time. I enjoy reading books set in the past and that is what I enjoyed about this book.

If you want to check it out for yourself, you can find it Amazon.

The Way I Like It

We had something happen Sunday night that I love to see happen, although it seems rare in this day and age. We had someone in our service baptized in the Holy Spirit. If you are reading this and don’t know what that is, take a look at Acts chapter 2 in the Bible for a starting point. In case it’s not clear, I’m a believer that God doesn’t change and what the early church needed we still need today.

With that said, what made this so incredible is that it just happened. Ministers that bring people up to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and then try to knock the person over or coax them with what to say leave a bad taste in my mouth. I don’t believe we teach or force people. We seek God and allow him to do it. It’s his gift to give.

On Sunday night, God moved into our service in a powerful way. I’m sorry to those that don’t believe, but you could sense that he was there. The entire service ended up being a time of worship and prayer. Good stuff. Then, after it was over and people left, I found out that one of our people had been filled. They had been worshipping God and suddenly realized that they were praying and praising in other languages. As they were just spending time worshipping God the filling came.

I love it that way. When God does what he desires as people seek him.

May there be many more in the days ahead and then, may we each live every day full of the Holy Spirit.

Project BC

I have some friends that are currently going through a very hard time right now. Things are happening beyond their control and they are being hurt in the process. It’s a situation where I am completely powerless to assist them. If there was something that I could do I would do it, yet there is nothing. So I am left with my only option. I will go before the Father on their behalf. As best as I can I will seek the Lord and will remind Him of what is happening. We are told to ask and keep on asking and that’s what I’ll do. Project BC is a reminder to me to pray, and if my friends see it, a reminder to them that they will not be forgotten or abandoned.

Book Review - The Hope of Refuge

Another review by Kelly.

Publisher’s Summary.
Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

Author Bio
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.

Kelly’s Thoughts
This was a great book. I really enjoy reading books about the Amish. I think that the author does a great job of telling how life is with the Amish. She makes it easy to fall in love with the characters and their seemingly more simple lifestyle. I enjoyed how reading how the two cultures mixed and resolved conflict within the story. It ends with room to continue the story and I would love to see if there is a sequel someday. I felt like the characters were so real and would like to know what happens in their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this type of fiction. I know I will be watching for other books by Cindy Woodsmall in the future.

Check it out on Amazon.com.

Book Rec - I Sold My Soul on Ebay

Just going to toss out a recommendation for a book that I just finished. Just so it’s clear, this is not connected to my reviews that I do with free copies from a publisher. I actually got this book from the library. The book is “I Sold My Soul on Ebay: Viewing Faith Through an Atheist’s Eyes” by Hermant Mehta.

The premise is fascinating to me because the book winds up being the story of an atheist having to attend a variety of churches at the request of his Ebay buyer. What follows are some candid observations from an atheist as he finds both services he enjoys and others that wanted to fall asleep in. Having grown up in the church, it becomes easy to accept things because that’s just the way they are. Having a man that most would designate as an outsider to the Christian faith step into churches and offer critique sounds crazy, but it provides some interesting insights.

In fact, I found myself completely agreeing with his opinion that worship (singing) portions at some churches go on for extreme amounts of time and basically are filled with one chorus being repeated again and again and again. That’s a completely different blog post, but it was amusing to find myself on common ground with an atheist concerning a common (it seems) church practice.

Will you agree with everything he writes? Most assuredly you won’t. Will the ending disappoint you? If you want him a Christian by the end of the book you better not pick it up. Will your faith and the way we do church be challenged? Yeah, and that’s probably a good thing.

Everything a Message

As we walk through this world, do we allow God to constantly instruct us? Is it possible to see Biblical lessons in the most mundane of places? That’s one reason I love hanging out with my friend Cornell. He is an expert at finding teachable moments in everyday things. I try, but I’m still a work in progress.

This past Sunday with a host of people away, I not only had to preach both services but I also filled in for the teen Sunday School class. Needing something to do with them, I decided to go this route. Don’t think me insanely creative, but I got the idea from Brent Salyers at Camp X. I gave them an object from the room and they had to come up with a basic lesson from the Bible that the object could help illustrate.

The best one in my opinion came when I put out a piece of Sugar Daddy candy. One of my youth (you’re awesome Brianne) came up with the basic idea that it doesn’t matter what the wrapper looks like, it is what’s inside that counts. You can run with in a variety of directions. Perhaps a message on hypocrisy and putting a “Christian” wrapper on when you are anything but a Christian. Or, you could go with a message on how God looks beyond physical appearance to heart. It was a great time and I heard a lot of great ideas.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much that we’re going to do it again at our youth services tonight. I’m going to speak a little about allowing God to teach you as you walk through your day and then give them some opportunities to think creatively again.

Then, in what may be one of the crazier ideas I’ve had, I going to present to them my plan for our September sermon series. I’m going to have them to bring in objects the week before each message. I’ll allow them to vote and pick one, and then I will write a message for the next week and incorporate that object into the message. My brain has been running a little slow this summer, and this seems like an interesting way to get me creatively thinking. Not only that, but it will force me to prayerfully seek God for fresh ideas and insight.

It might bomb completely. I might have to get up one night and honestly say that I couldn’t come up with anything. Yet, I think the God that created the universe can work with me to come with something interesting. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Oh, in case you’re wondering why I’m promoting this so early, it’s simply because we have some events and another trip to the Warren Family Mission coming up during August. Just wanted to get it on the radar.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

The Curse of the Meatloaf

I do about 95% of the cooking in my family. It’s something I enjoy doing and quite frankly, something I’m really good at. You name it and I can cook it. From homemade spaghetti sauce and meatballs to handcrafted spicy pork tamales, I really can do it all. That is, I can make it all except a lowly meatloaf. Over the years of my marriage I have tried again and again to make meatloaf and it never comes out right. It’s my mom’s recipe so I know it should work, but it never does. Every time it falls apart as you try to dish it. You can never get a nice slice of it. I’ve added more egg and I’ve taken away egg. I’ve added more bread crumbs and I’ve taken away bread crumbs. Nothing ever seems to work.

Now, my brilliant readers out there may accuse the recipe as the being the problem. Trust me, I wish I could blame the recipe, but remember, my mom makes it and it comes out fine. Even worse, my wife can make the meatloaf following the exact recipe that I do and it turns out fine. I love her, but that’s a little frustrating.

I guess there’s a moral to all this though, and if you know what it is, please leave me a comment so I can know it too.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

I Hang My Head in Shame

Well, I haven’t posted my health report for quite some time. I got off the diet and have been a little embarrassed by the results. I went from a low of 213 all the way up to 234. I can blame my vacation and many other things, but it comes down to the fact that I simply quit. Anyway, I’m hitting it hard again. The possibility of heading to Kenya has got it into my mind again that I need to do this. There’s no doubt that it would be beneficial to have the weight off.

So that leads me to today. I am currently 227 pounds. That’s a loss of around 7 pounds in less than a week. It’s always nice kicking off the diet because the first pounds drop off so quickly. Then, it slows down.

I’m leaving the picture with red text. Green has always meant loss, but I’m not considering it loss till I’m back down to where I was.

Book Review - A Perfect Mess

A book review by Kelly.

Summary
Caught up in the self-imposed pressure to do and be all the things they think a Christian woman ought to do and be, countless women are working desperately to convince everyone, including God, that they have it all together. Few have any idea that the Creator of the universe looks at them with delight even when they yell at the dog, drive a minivan littered with French fries, or think bad words about that rude clerk at the store.

A Perfect Mess offers hope to every woman who yearns for a vibrant relationship with God but worries she isn’t good enough or doesn’t do enough to merit His affection. With characteristic authenticity, speaker and author Lisa Harper shares poignant stories from her own imperfect life to showcase the real-life relevancy of the Bible in the lives of modern women.

As she guides readers on a story-driven journey through selected Psalms, they will be inspired to experience for themselves how God’s incomparable love transforms the messiness of life into a gorgeous work of grace.

Author Bio
Lisa Harper is a master storyteller whose lively approach connects the dots between the Bible era and modern life. She is a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker whose upcoming appearances include the national Women of Faith Conferences. A veteran of numerous radio and television programs and the author of several books, she also is a regular columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Lisa recently completed a master’s of theological studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. She makes her home outside Nashville.

Kelly’s Thoughts
I was able to get about half way through this book. Each chapter goes through one Psalm and helps you to see how God sees you. The questions to answer at the end of each chapter really make you reflect on what you read as well as the Psalm that the chapter focuses on. It helps you to see how much God loves you the way you are and wants you to closer to him. God does not expect us to be perfect, he just wants us to be closer to him. God wants to work in our lives to make us more like him. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to finishing it soon.

Here’s a link to Random House to check the book out.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

I Hang My Head in Shame

Well, I haven’t posted my health report for quite some time. I got off the diet and have been a little embarrassed by the results. I went from a low of 213 all the way up to 234. I can blame my vacation and many other things, but it comes down to the fact that I simply quit. Anyway, I’m hitting it hard again. The possibility of heading to Kenya has got it into my mind again that I need to do this. There’s no doubt that it would be beneficial to have the weight off.

So that leads me to today. I am currently 227 pounds. That’s a loss of around 7 pounds in less than a week. It’s always nice kicking off the diet because the first pounds drop off so quickly. Then, it slows down.

I’m leaving the picture with red text. Green has always meant loss, but I’m not considering it loss till I’m back down to where I was.

If All Goes Well

I had to wait a few days while I got some approval from the leaders in my church, but I can go ahead and post the information now. If all goes well, I’m planning on going to Kenya in late November into December. The details of the trip are still being worked out so I don’t have definite dates just yet.

I got my passport application turned in today and my mind is racing with the various things that I think I might have to do. Granted, the trip isn’t a given yet. There are still a lot of things that have to come together for me to be able to go. I’ll keep moving forward with it and we’ll se what happens.

I Got To Sit And Watch

My youth ministry and I went back to the Warren Family Mission today. It was an awesome experience because I basically had to do nothing. My students jumped right in and just did the work. They hung out with and played with kids that were there. They were flexible when our plans for the day had to be changed in an instant. Basically, they did what needed to be done without much prodding from us. I literally sat and was able just to watch them in action.

A lot of my position is to lead and be out in front. Just a couple years ago I would have had to do everything, but that’s not the case anymore. It’s a good feeling. May there be many more opportunities for me to sit and watch my youth do ministry, and then more opportunities to work right beside them.

Stepping Out In Faith

I have decided to step out in faith and pursue a missions trip opportunity that has been given to me. While I won’t go into details here at this time, I’m excited about it. I’ve started the work to get my passport and I’m already mentally making lists of what I would need. The trip is months and months away, but I want to be ready.

I really believe it could be something that the Lord has for me. I’m praying, pursuing some preliminary steps, and keeping an open heart. I don’t feel any check in my spirit at this time, but I sure want to be open for the Lord to stop me if need be.

At this stage of the game, if I end up not going I’m only out the money for the passport. Of course, I can always use it to go visit Niagara Falls. I know you can see Niagara from the American side, but the Canadian side is much better.

That’s were I’m at and I will post more once things get more set in stone.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Stepping Out In Faith

I have decided to step out in faith and pursue a missions trip opportunity that has been given to me. While I won’t go into details here at this time, I’m excited about it. I’ve started the work to get my passport and I’m already mentally making lists of what I would need. The trip is months and months away, but I want to be ready.

I really believe it could be something that the Lord has for me. I’m praying, pursuing some preliminary steps, and keeping an open heart. I don’t feel any check in my spirit at this time, but I sure want to be open for the Lord to stop me if need be.

At this stage of the game, if I end up not going I’m only out the money for the passport. Of course, I can always use it to go visit Niagara Falls. I know you can see Niagara from the American side, but the Canadian side is much better.

That’s were I’m at and I will post more once things get more set in stone.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Book Review - Holy Roller

I have another book review tonight. The current book is “Holy Roller” by Julie Lyons. For any new readers, I make it clear that I receive copies of these books free to read as long as I write a review. With the busyness of my schedule, I was only able to make it part way through the book, but it’s definitely one that I’m looking forward to finishing in the next few days. I’ll give you the publisher’s summary and then chime in with a few thoughts at the end.

Summary
Julie Lyons was working as a crime reporter when she followed a hunch into the South Dallas ghetto. She wasn’t hunting drug dealers, but drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results?

At The Body of Christ Assembly, a rundown church on an out-of-the-way street, Lyons found the story she was looking for. The minister welcomed criminals, prostitutes, and street people–anyone who needed God. He prayed for the sick, the addicted, and the demon-possessed, and people were supernaturally healed.

Lyons’s story landed on the front page of the Dallas Times Herald. But she got much more than just a great story, she found an unlikely spiritual home. Though the parishioners at The Body of Christ Assembly are black and Pentecostal, and Lyons is white and from a traditional church background, she embraced their spirituality–that of “the Holy Ghost and fire.”

It’s all here in Holy Roller–the stories of people desperate for God’s help. And the actions of a God who doesn’t forget the people who need His power.

My Thoughts
So far the book has captured my attention. It takes you into the life of the author while also focusing on the pastor of this church. His testimony is powerful. Being a pentecostal myself, I’m looking forward to seeing where the book is going to ultimately lead. From the description and what I’ve read so far, it’s a book testifying to an all powerful God that still actively works in the lives of people no matter where they are. The first few chapters have been worth the read. I’ll try to give my final conclusion in a few days.

Here’s a links to Amazon or the Random House website if you’d like more info.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

The Beard

First off I give major apologies for letting this blog be quiet for the month of July. I had my vacation and chose not to blog during it. Then, I had a week that was leading me up to being away for a week at a youth camp. I was doing various prep and just didn’t have time. Of course, the time wasn’t available while at the camp either. So, I finally find myself in a position to start being a regular on my own blog again. Thanks to any and all that read these words and hopefully you’ll stick around for what’s to come.

Just a perfectly pointless story to share. I grew a full beard on my vacation and kept. Just because I thought it would be crazy, I went to Camp X and shaved off a part of it every day. I went from full beard on Monday to a mustache goatee with long sideburns on Tuesday. Wednesday found me with the mustache gone. On Thursday I got rid of the sideburns and to wrap it up, on Friday I shaved down to just a small soul patch. I haven’t been without my goatee since I was a sophomore in college. That was over ten years ago. The best part, on the last day of camp I asked the tract I was working with which look of the week was the best. Everyone was talking at once, but the words I remember being the most clear were something to the effect of, “the other day you wore a brown shirt with jeans and some light brown shoes and that looked pretty good on you.” I can’t remember exactly who said it, but it was perfect timing. So in honor of that, I wore the same color scheme today. I mean, if it looks good, why mess with it?

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Book Reviews - Summer Grab Bag

Things have been really crazy and the blog has had to take a back seat. Here’s two quick book reviews by Kelly.

A Promise for Breanna by Al Lacy

Summary
Suspense, danger, romance and spiritual truth each play a part in this heroine’s life as she faces the man who once broke her heart and led her to mistrust men.

Kelly’s Thoughts
This was a good book.  I have read many of Al Lacy's books before and find them enjoyable.  I thought for some reason that this was a new book.  I realized about half way through that I have read this before.  I kept reading.  It had been many years since I read this the first time.  It was good this time through too.  I like reading this type of fiction because it takes you to a different time and place.

A Gathering of Finches by Jane Kirkpatrick

Summary:
A turn-of-the-century Oregon coastal couples’ life is seen through the eyes of the wife, her sister, and her Indian maid who discover reasons why money and possessions can’t buy happiness, forgiveness or relieve consequences of choices.

Kelly’s Thoughts
This book was interesting to me.  I was unsure of how it would turn out and that kept me reading.  Being historical fiction it is somewhat based on true events.  I did not like most of the book is based on an adulterous relationship.  It is not something I agree with.  I am glad that the main character finally realized she was wrong for the things she had done in her life.  It was fun learning about the time period and all that happened along the Oregon coast in around the turn of the 20 century.

As always, you can find the books on Amazon.com.

It Is An Honor to Serve

I have been granted the incredible privilege in my life to serve an amazing group of students. They keep me young while constantly reminding me of my fading hairline. My hope and prayer is that each and every one of them will hold onto Christ and never let go. I want nothing less than to spend eternity with every one of them.

To any of my youth that read this, I really mean it when I write that it is an honor to serve you.

Add It To The Day

I had a lot of plans for today. After being gone for a week with my youth on a missions trip, I had a lot of catching up to do. The start of my day had me driving to a nearby city to correct an order error that had been made on a batch of t-shirts we had made. About halfway there my car decided to die. Within an hour my car was in the shop and the early prognosis was a fuel pump.

That one event pretty much messed up my day. I’d like to be able to say that I was a triumphant Christian that didn’t let an expensive repair bring me down, but I did. Everything from that point on just seemed to be piling it on. The title of this post was what I kept telling myself, just add it to the day.

My emotions got the better of me when they really shouldn’t have. It wasn’t like life ended or anything. Looking back now, I see that the whole day moved rather smoothly for what happened. I had my cell phone on me so within minutes I had a tow truck coming for me and a repair shop waiting for the car. Within a half hour, I was sitting at the repair shop which conveniently is within walking distance from my apartment. I was able to get some work done before my mom picked me up and took me into the church (added bonus, she bought me a sandwich for lunch). Later, she allowed me to take her car until my car is fixed. The final thing is that I have most of the money for the repair. I’ve blogged before about the budget software that my wife and I use. Part of our budget sets aside money for repairs and thankfully it had been building up for a while.

So, at the end of the day I have to realize that God had things under control and I should have remained positive. Harder said than done, but it would have been worth the effort.

Book Review - Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes

A book review by Kelly.

Description:
When a mammogram result comes back abnormal, midlife mama Summer Finley makes a snap decision to relegate fear to the back burner and fulfill a lifelong dream. Summer heads for Holland where she meets up with tulips, wooden shoes, and her best friend, Noelle.

Pen pals since fourth grade, Summer and Noelle have never met face-to-face. Through decades of heart-level correspondence, they have sustained a deep friendship. A week of adventure helps both women trade anxiety for a renewed and deeper trust in God. When Summer confides in Noelle about the abnormal medical report, Noelle finds the freedom to share a long-held heartache, and both women discover they needed each other more than they realized.

Women ages 35 and up, readers of Christian Boomer Lit, and fans of books such as The Yada Yada Prayer Group will enjoy Robin Jones Gunn’s humorous and uplifting style. True-to-life characters and moments of poignancy bring a deeper understanding of the value of life and the gift of true friends. Readers guide and bonus material included.

Author Bio:
Robin Jones Gunn is the best-selling and award-winning author of over seventy books, including the Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Christy and Todd: The College Years teen series. The Sisterchicks® series has sold more than 300,000 units, bringing her total sales to more than 3.5 million books worldwide. A Christy Award winner, Robin is a popular speaker, both at home and abroad, and is frequently interviewed on radio and on television

Kelly’s Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The author grabs your interest right from the start and keeps you wanting more at the end. I enjoyed reading about all the places they went to while touring in the Netherlands, especially since I had been there before. I thought the spiritual transformation that both women experience as a result of their time together was good. It was a great lesson in learning to forgive as well as learning to completely trust God. The characters learn so much from each other and have a blast being together. It was fun reading it. At times I was laughing so hard and other times I was on the verge of tears. It truly is a book about sisterhood and I would recommend it to all my friends. I have never read anything by Robin Jones Gunn before but I will be looking for more of her books in the future.

Check the book out at Amazon.

Keep Pressing On

I was talking with a good friend today about the journey. That road that we are on to eternity. We were talking about how life seems so full of pain. Pain that seems overwhelming at times.

It is difficult at times to really hold on to the fact that the pains of this life one day will pass away. We suffer now, often unjustly, but in the end eternity with God will wipe away all the pains.

Our task is simple. We hold on. No matter what happens. No matter the cost. It’s the theme that I’ve been trying to drill into the head of my youth (and myself) this year.

Whatever It Takes.

That’s my prayer for anyone that reads this. I pray that you will do whatever it takes to spend eternity with God.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Book Review - The Night Watchman

Description:
Ray Quinn is a tough, quick-witted homicide detective in love with his partner, Trisha Willis. She gives Ray something to live for—something to hope in. Until a barrage of bullets leaves Trisha murdered and Ray crippled.

Struggling with his new physical disability and severe depression, Quinn turns to whiskey, scorn, and a job as a night watchman to numb the pain. But when a pastor and dancer are found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, the pastor’s sister approaches Quinn for help.

Reluctantly, Quinn takes the case and is plunged into the perilous Orlando. Soon he discovers that, not only was the pastor murdered, but the case may be linked to his and Trisha’s ambush. Torn between seeking revenge or responsibility, Quinn is thrust into the case of his life.

Author Mark Mynheir gives readers his most profound police thriller to date with The Night Watchman (first book in The Night Watchman Private Detective Agency Series). Readers of all ages will devour this gripping murder mystery that bristles with tension and intrigue. In a taut cop-style all his own, Mynheir delivers an inside look at the thoughts, feelings, fears, and challenges police officers experience while investigating violent crimes and the lost souls who commit them.

Author Bio:
A detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Palm Bay Police Department, Mark Mynheir investigates violent crimes and writes riveting Christian fiction. A U.S. Marine with a passion for martial arts and firearms training, Mark has worked on narcotics units, SWAT teams, and myriad high-risk situations. His four novels offer a realistic glimpse into the gritty world of law enforcement and the rarely seen raw emotions behind the badge. Mark lives in Florida with his wife and three children.

My Thoughts
I’ve been reviewing a lot of serious books lately so it was a nice change of pace to read a piece of fiction. “The Night Watchman” was a good read both in plot and in character development. An unwilling crippled former police detective turned night watchman who is drawn into a murder investigation makes for good reading. I will also give credit to the author for not being overly suffocating with the Christianity portrayed in the story. I know some works of Christian fiction have basically every character accepting Christ by the end. I love my Lord, but in real life not everyone accepts him. Good fiction should reflect reality. In the story, the main character begins heading in the direction of Christ, but even at the end he has a ways to go.

Overall, a good story worthy of a place in your lazy days of summer reading list.

You can check out some purchase options at Random House.

Book Winner - Hero

Congratulations to Todd for commenting and winning the copy of “Hero” that was reviewed last week. All entries were assigned a number and then I used random.org to pick the number of the winner. I will be getting the book out to you real soon.

Battling

Last week I was away for church business for a few days and when I returned this blog remained untouched as I caught up on work. So, this week’s health update comes two weeks after the previous one. That’s my build up for my explanation. From two weeks ago, I’m up 0.4 pounds. However, from last week when I didn’t blog, I’m actually down 6 pounds. Yeah, I gained some weight on my trip. It’s mostly back off now. The current weight resides at 214.2 pounds.

This weekend entails me taking my wife out for her birthday, a family gathering celebrating multiple birthdays in May, and of course Memorial Day. If I would have stayed on track I could be closing in on 200 instead of losing the same five pounds again and again.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.