Day 335 - The Redeemer

"Not a bad day."

Most days when I journal and look back on the events that took place I realize that as bad as it may have seemed at the time it really wasn't that bad at all. Even a boring day without much activity has its own special graces. 

Blogging this year has shown me that after all the struggles, joys and monotony of last year God has had His hand in all of it and there never is a bad day. There are days that have bad things that happened but really the day itself is redeemed by God. 

The worst day that ever could have been was the day Jesus went to the cross. That day is remembered as Good Friday because of the redemptive power of Jesus. In the same way when God is at work in our lives the days are redeemed. The book of Romans tells us that God works all things together for good to those that love Him and who are called according to His purpose. That is you and me! 

When you know this it changes the way you view each day. I pray every night before I go to bed and always find that I open my prayer with thanks for the day that is coming to a close. I often think those words to be strange when I have had a tough day. When I think of it though I know that I really do mean it because God is up to something good. How can I not be grateful? 

As you read this I hope you are realizing how good God is and how today may be tough, good or boring, but it was not a bad day. 

How have you seen God turn bad days into good ones? How do we cultivate a heart that says thank you in tough times? 

Day 334 - The Cause

"They are sweet people and their hearts are starting to long for involvement in a purpose and a cause for Christ."

No one who is truly saved can live a life without purpose. No matter your occupation or your situation there is a cause. The reason we exist is to love God and to make Him known. This is the cause of Christ. 

The Bible tells us that before we were saved we had aimless conduct. We see that in our endeavors before Christ. We would bounce from one thing to another thinking we knew what was important. Looking back now we understand the end of those roads was dead and empty. 

Now that we have given our hearts to the Lord we know there are better things in store for us. We have a reason to live and to love others. When we see others living an aimless purposeless life we know the way and can show it to them. 

King David when confronted by a terrible enemy who was breathing out blasphemies looked at an army that was too scared to fight and said "Is there not a cause?" When we are lifeless and shaking in fear from an enemy who is already defeated we need to shake ourselves and get back to our purpose. 

We have a cause and we have a reason for living. Let's pursue it with everything we have. 

How can we discover more of our purpose? In what way does the cause motivate us?

Day 333 - Christmas Lights

"At the end of the night the kids watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and then we drove home and looked at some Christmas lights on the way before getting the kids in bed."

Every year looking at Christmas lights with the kids has been a tradition that has kept our family close. I enjoy hearing the kids ooh's and ah's and seeing their faces light up with the large displays. 

There is a street in a neighborhood close to our house we have gone to a couple of years in a row that everyone on the street puts up a huge display. It is actually all linked together and they have their own radio transmitter so you can listen and watch from your car as everything moves and switches on and off in time. 

During this season we need to remember the words of Jesus that we are the light of the world. We have something to shine this season. Don't hide your light under a basket but put it on a stand for everyone to see. 

Take it a step further to our illustration link up with other believers this season and show the unity of the body of Christ. Let the world see how with one mind and one mouth we declare the praises of God together. They will tune in and want to be a part of that light. 

We have the greatest story to tell and the most opportune time to tell it. Put the Light of the world on display. He is after all the reason for the season!

Do you enjoy looking at Christmas lights? How can we shine the light of Jesus this season? 

Day 332 - Larger Than Life

"We saw the movie in IMAX. It was epic. We loved the experience and the movie wasn't too bad either."

The IMAX experience is larger than life. We saw a Sci-Fi movie last year in IMAX that I don't think would be as awesome on any other screen. When I was 18 I saw the Grand Canyon movie on the IMAX there. I saw more of the canyon in the movie than I did in person.

As fun and wonderful as the experience is it cannot match the real joys of life. Bigger and louder don't equal reality. There are small joys and soft words that far surpass any movie the world can write.

Some people serve a small God who they shove in a box called Sunday morning. He is there for insurance and comfort every now and then. I would venture to say they haven't met the real God yet. He is larger than life. He is bigger than the universe and His words resonate louder than any other. The whisper of God can change everything in a moment.

Next time your problems look huge or the world you live in seems overwhelming have a moment in the presence of God. Look up, He is higher than the heavens. Take a walk and look at the stars. God created them and named them all. What is too big for Him? Cast your care on Him because He cares for you. He can handle your problems and take care of your needs.

Have you had a larger than life experience with God? Has He ever whispered something to you that changed your life?

Day 331 - Gratitude

For today's thoughts from last year I thought it best after reading my journal to offer some leftovers on the day after Thanksgiving. Instead of starting with the quote today I will end with the quote. Feel free after reading it to offer some thoughts of your own in the comments section. Enjoy. 

"We have so much to be thankful for. First of all for Jesus and His blood. For open invitation to the feast at God's table and new mercies every morning. For the rising of the sun to setting of it God gives us beauty in life. In family and friends at the table. In divine appointments and graces we wouldn't have known until after we experienced them and looked back at the fingerprints of God all over it."

Day 330 - Thanksgiving

"Today was supposed to be light and easy."

Thanksgiving. I often picture the Norman Rockwell paintings of a dad setting the turkey down in front of his family. Everyone at the table is happy. They all are dressed well and look like the meal they are about to share will only reflect the perfect lives they are already sharing. It looks effortless. 

That picture doesn't look like my Thanksgiving. There will be turkey (and ham and spaghetti and enough food to feed a small army) and the family will have that wonderful moment when we are all around the table with our plates piled high with food and we pray and thank God for our many blessings. Where we stray from the picture is the before and after. 

It takes a massive effort to do Thanksgiving. There are a minimum of three stores just to get the one meal. There are plans and conversations about menu, arrangements, timing etc. there is cleaning of dishes, kitchen, table, dining room, kids toys around the house since parents told them to go play while we clean and they went and made a mess. 

All that would be enough without the added stress of relationships and trying to keep the family together in love. You know what I am talking about because you experience it too. It can be hard to keep it together and the ones closest to you can hurt you the most. You endure it though because they are family. 

If you look at your Thanksgiving table and it looks more like the battle scenes from Braveheart than the Norman Rockwell paintings it is okay. I would venture to say that most of us have felt like that or do feel like that. You are not alone.  

Keep some things in mind as you prepare to be with family: 1) They are your family. 2) God loves them and you can let His love work through you. 3) it is worth it in the end. 

It may mean you have to bite your tongue while biting into that turkey. You might have to work alone to clean because no one is picking up your hints at needing some help while they talk and laugh. Love and family are worth it all. 

Let's count our blessings and be grateful we have Jesus and that we have each other. 

What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? What are you thankful for?

Day 329 - Parenting in an Electronic Age

"I sent the kids outside because they were all buried in phones and iPads. I told them they weren't allowed back inside for a minimum of one hour. They ended up spending the whole afternoon outside and it was a really nice day."

It used to be that the television was the reason we were sent outside. Then eventually the video game showed up and wasted hours of time and brain function. Now it is the cell phone and the tablet. 

What I like about what happened last year was that not only did I notice the problem and address it but the kids responded how they should. They ended up spending the day outside. No surprise here. Kids should love it outside on a nice day. I have made exceptions for heat, cold and rain. There are no excuses when it is a gorgeous day. 

As a kid all I needed to fill an entire day with fun was a friend. If one wasn't readily available then a ball would fill an hour or so until someone on my street noticed how much fun I was having and would decide to join me. It never took much to entertain me because my imagination was huge. 

I don't think we have lost the imagination of youth. I think we have lost the motivation to push our children to use their imaginations. I am a firm believer in dirt, sticks, sports, water, play dough, crayons, paper and scissors, building blocks, musical instruments and on and on. Without an adult to help the child on the way to imagination they will follow the television, game or whatever other mind numbing device they have. 

All it takes for my kids to slow to a snails pace is for a cartoon to be turned on. They won't even take a bite of a meal when they are starving if there is a kids show on in their general vicinity. I often have to turn the television off to get them to eat. 

So parents, help your children to develop their minds and imaginations. Send them outside. Set them up to play, create and have fun. Here is a thought, dive in with them and create some fun memories while you are at it. 

What interests do your children have? Are there other ways to engage them in productive activities? 

Day 328 - Your Inner Circle

"It has been a long hard road for her to get here and I know she appreciates this day and these friends and sisters who are here for her."

We all have spheres of influence that reach both outward and inward. I don't think there is anything wrong with having a lot of people in your life and extending a lot of love. We have a greater capacity than we are probably operating with right now. 

As you get closer to the core of the circle it is more important who is there. We have to carefully select people who we trust and who have the right to be there. They will prove this by their love, care, honesty and faithfulness. 

Even Jesus modeled this with his disciples. There were thousands around Jesus at any given time. He had followers and disciples by the hundreds. He selected twelve to be with Him and of those twelve we see three that He brought in even closer. They were exposed to more intimate and miraculous times with Jesus than the rest. 

The Bible tells us that a friend is born for adversity and it is sad when someone falls and has no one to pick him up. If we show ourselves to be a friend then when we are going through tough times our friends will show themselves. 

Do you like having lots of people around or just a few? How do you decide who is a close friend?

Day 327 - Hallmark Movies

"In the afternoon a nap was fitting. Maybe it was the activity or the early morning, or maybe the Hallmark Christmas movie where sappiness is common place and boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. I am getting sleepy just thinking of it."

I joke with my wife about the Hallmark movies at Thanksgiving and Christmas. They all have very similar plots and the music is a dead give away that something is happening. The funniest part is that all through the movie it is the same song. 

I've got to hand it to them though. These movies are wildly popular. Even my children are excited for the new ones each year and watch reruns of their favorites from previous years. There are some elements of these movies that I think make them successful. 

First of all they are pure. I think our society has an overload of filth. We all could use more pure thinking and pure pleasures. The innocence of the characters touches our hearts (unless they happen to be the wrong love interest who the leading lady is connected with at the beginning of the movie). 

Second they are accessible. They show them at numerous times and advertise like crazy. With DVR's you never have to miss one either and you can fast forward through the commercials. There are a ton of these movies too. Chances are if you like one you like them all. 

Finally you feel good after watching them. Even the most cynical person, myself included, will smile when the two people who should be together end up happily ever after. Sure it is cliche and life isn't like that most of the time but we all want to believe in a happy ending. The truth is that if you read the end of the Bible you will find one. 

This blog post may feel like an ad but really it isn't. It is an encouragement to put good things in your soul. What goes in will eventually come out. If it is pure, accessible and you feel good afterward then it seems like a winner in my book. Other things may be polluted and feel good beforehand but afterward you feel defiled. Wouldn't you rather feel good about life? I would. 

What are some other pure activities we can be involved in? How do we guard against polluting our minds? 

Day 326 - Lord of the Harvest

"All nice people. I hope to see them all in the future and pray their lives are blessed and that they are saved. Lord please send laborers across their paths to water the seeds and reap where we have sown."

Jesus saw people and his heart ached for them. He wept over Jerusalem and often the Bible says He was moved with compassion for them. Now we carry His Spirit within our hearts and we are becoming more like Him every day. That means that the heart He had we now have in us. That heart is for people.

It can be overwhelming when you see the needs all around. Statistics and news reports paint a bleak picture of the current conditions. But if we are going to actually be productive with the burden we carry for others we have to look past ourselves and past the natural. We have to look to the Lord of the Harvest. 

When Jesus saw the people coming out to meet him he saw them as harvest fields that were ready to be reaped. He then turned to His disciples and told them there was a problem. The harvest is ripe but the laborers are few. A problem indeed! What are we to do with that? He gives us the answer in His next instructions to His disciples when He says to them to pray the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers. 

We all have a part in helping someone on the journey. We all would love to be the one reaping. At least I know I like that part. You seal the deal and feel good about what was done. You know someone is now headed for Heaven and eternity with Jesus because of your efforts or words. 

But what if we are called in someones journey to plant a seed. It is tougher to do. Many times sowing seed is met with opposition. There are periods of silence. You don't see what is going on beneath the surface. Sometimes our job is to water. You may see signs of growth but there is still skepticism. These jobs are tough. 

The Lord know where people are at and there will come a time when the harvest is ready. If you keep reading the story what happened after Jesus told His disciples to pray for laborers you will find he sends them out to do ministry right afterward. Think of it this way, they became the answer to their prayers. When you have a heart for people and pray that God moves and sends an answer you very well could be that answer He is sending. What an awesome thought!

Have you ever been the answer to your own prayers? How do you identify where people are at on their journey? 

Day 325 - No Rush

"I am still considering what I want to do... We will see."

Not every decision should be rushed. In a rush society where we are pressured to purchase it is difficult to slow down. In fact you will most likely be made to feel bad if you don't pull the trigger right away. 

There is a time for quick decisions. When things are clear, conditions right, seasons full then go ahead and pull the trigger. You can make a quick decision when you know the will of God. But when you don't know what to do it isn't always best to shoot first and ask questions later. 

So what do you do when you don't know what to do? First of all pray and ask God. The Holy Spirit will reveal which way to go. Second, give it time. What will it really hurt if you take time to pray and think or watch the conditions? Third, seek Godly counsel from people you trust. Especially people who are older than you and who have gone down the paths you are facing good or bad. 

Finally if it comes down to it you either are going to do nothing or just make a decision and own the results. Make the best decision you know how and trust that God has your back. 

How do you handle delays in your decision making process? Are there other things we can do while waiting to help our decisions?

Day 324 - Making Godly Choices

"The guy I met with shared that he had been a drug addict and when he started coming to the church he was coming on the buses and getting food. He really loves The Rock for that. He now has a job and a vehicle and when he gives his tithes he knows it is going to help people and further the gospel. He told me that God jammed him up that he needed to choose either the drugs or his kids. Thankfully he made the right choice for his kids."

Too many times we hear of people who we know and love making the wrong choices. Their decisions effect their own personal lives as well as their families and friends. It is sad to see the results of wrong choices and bad decisions. 

I have shared in past blogs about how I hate seeing the effects of sin. It grieves me when people who were once on fire for the Lord turn their backs and walk away. But here in today's journal entry I see someone who was stuck in his sinful ways making a Godly decision. 

What made him different? How did he arrive at Godly decisions where others fail? 

I see some key things in his life. First was that he had an open heart to hear the word of the Lord. He had been getting help and the goodness of God lead him to repentance. He was attending church and his life was changing. We all at some point or another will be confronted with the word of God. You cannot hear the truth and not be challenged to change. The word is designed to show you where you need to change and then give you the power to change. 

The second thing I see that helped him to make a Godly choice was that he saw what was important. His children are ultimately more important than the pleasure he was receiving from his sin. Those drugs could never be as important as his children. The value he placed on them made the decision easy. It also showed him the severity of making the wrong choice. 

Finally, he add the choice based on his relationship to the Lord. He was learning from God and now was presented with a choice from the Holy Spirit. When you have a relationship with someone and you know their character then when they ask you for something it makes the choice easier. Knowing who God is and having the fellowship of the Holy Spirit will help us to make Godly decisions. 

What factors help you to make the right decisions? How can we differentiate between Godly and ungodly? 

Day 323 - Reoccurring Dreams

"He said he had the same dream twice where he was in front of a crowd in a theater on Broadway and had nothing to say. I added that the only way the dream could get worse was if he was in his underwear."

There I was, about ready to go on the stage and preach to our congregation. I was just getting out of the shower and my wife had come in the room to talk to me. Right behind her my kids came in and I was searching for my clothes but couldn't find them in the dresser drawers. Soon my parents are in the room and then others followed and I really should be out on the stage right now but I can't find my clothes. What would I do? I can't go out there with only a towel! 

Hopefully you have caught on that I am sharing one of my dreams (or nightmares depending on how you look at it). It is so interesting how the subconscious mind can draw on fears and frustrations while we are asleep. 

I have noticed that there are reoccurring places and scenarios that come up again and again in my dreams. It could be the mind going into auto-pilot. I am sure people who are smarter than me could explain this phenomenon. 

All that aside what we need to know is that things are on our minds that we need to address. We need to confront our fears. We have to deal with people. We must pray and fight spiritual warfare. Without these things we will add stress to our lives that will do more damage than addressing our issues. 

I can over think when it comes to addressing issues. I often prepare by running through scenarios in my mind. While I am praying my mind will wander from talking to God to having an imaginary conversation or meeting in my mind. 

Recently while doing this I stopped myself and submitted the whole thing to the Holy Spirit. I said to God that if the disciples should premeditated what they were going to say when they went before the counsels and leaders then neither should I. I also asked that the Holy Spirit would speak on my behalf when the time came. It totally worked. I didn't say some of the things I had dreamed up but what I did say was clear and effective. And I trust that apart from what I said what the Holy Spirit did was more effective anyway. 

If you are carrying worry or stress from the reoccurring daydreams or if it effects you in the night as well it is time to roll that off your back on to the Lord. He is strong enough to carry it. He will give you better dreams. They will be dreams of effectiveness, of reaching out in a greater way, of helping others and of being a blessing. One thing is for sure, you won't be standing in front of a crowd in your underwear. 

Have you had one of those stressful reoccurring dreams? What dreams has God given you?

Day 322 - Waiting for the Answer

"I asked why and just listened. "

When witnessing to someone about Jesus we often think of it as talking. As in we are talking. Maybe the training we have had has conditioned us to prepare the perfect two minute testimony along with a Romans road of scripture. Throw in the four spiritual laws and lead them in a prayer. (All those tools are great by the way. I use every last one when I can.)

But even Jesus when telling people about himself had a dialogue and not a monologue. The woman at the well shows us this truth fully. She had questions and he had answers. He stated things that intrigued her as well as engaged her and even shocked her. I would imagine a discussion with Jesus would be all of the above.

People aren't stupid. They know when we are waiting for them to stop talking so we can say what we were planning to say. Discussion is one thing but ignoring what they are saying so you can drop a script or debate is quite another.

Love listens as well as speaks. If we truly love people then we will listen to their hearts and their questions. We will honestly answer even if the answer is "I don't know." We will hurt and cry with them. We will share a laugh and a smile. Our words won't be scripted but will come from the heart and be led of the Spirit.

As we follow the ways of Jesus we will see the results he had too. Some will mock and scoff, some will follow and then fall away, and some will truly get it and will become disciples of Jesus. The world is waiting for the Answer. We have Him.

How can we be better equipped to listen and share the love of Jesus? How do you feel when people listen to you?

Day 321 - And the award goes to...

"We explained that they couldn't give everyone an award every time."

My kids play soccer, go to school and take music lessons. They also like to draw and build amazing things with Lego's. I personally would put every drawing they have ever produced in a museum of refrigerators. 

As much as I love my children and think that they are amazing I am glad that they have had to go through painful situations. It seems contradictory but it is the best thing for them. Just like it was the best thing for me. 

I remember there was a time when I was getting prideful and ended up losing big time. As I was belly-aching to my dad he gave me some sobering news. He told me that there would always be someone who is bigger, faster and better at something than me. He also told me that is okay. I needed that reality check to work harder and to move forward from failure.

In the same vein that failure is good success is good too. I don't think my kids need an award every time awards are handed out just to feel good about themselves but if they excel and get an award it validates their efforts. When their rewards come from hard work and careful study it will be a positive reinforcement that they enjoy. 

Our motivations are important. When we get something for nothing it produces an entitlement mentality. But when we get something for our labors it produces internal motivation that propels us to work hard. Pain and hard work produce character and strength. 

I know for my kids the struggle will make them better. They will rise to every challenge and when they get an award it will be well deserved. 

How have the struggles you have been though helped you? How can we navigate the feeling our children go through when they don't get an award? 

Day 320 - Prejudice

"At the back door an older black man came and told me he got the the CD because he wanted to listen to it again. He shared that he had grown up in the South going to black churches all his young life in the 1960's. He said that this was the first time he had gone to a white church. I responded that we don't view ourselves as a white church but that we are multicultural. He said yeah but me being a white preacher was a big deal for him. I told him that we are brothers bound by blood, the blood of Jesus. He said that it had been hard for him because he had seen the abuses in the name of the blood of Jesus and he was overcoming them now."

I had a very different life growing up than this man. Being from Southern California all I have ever known from a young age was a mixture of cultures. Diversity wasn't something we worked at, we lived it. Many of my closest friends to this day do not look like me. In fact I get a little nervous when I am surrounded by a bunch of people who are all the same color. It isn't natural for me. 

I had seen a limited amount of prejudice growing up. It wasn't just in white people either. There is plenty of prejudice in other races and cultures and I have been on the receiving end of it. Nothing like what this man I met last year experienced to be sure. When I ventured out for Bible College to the Midwest it became even more stark. My wife was working at the return desk of a store and when a mixed race couple walked in one of her coworkers gave some rude comments about how that shouldn't be. 

The wonderful thing about being a Christian is that all of that prejudice and hate has been nailed to the cross. The Bible is clear that in the Kingdom of God there is no longer class and race but now we are all one in Christ Jesus. There isn't even the distinction of male and female in the Kingdom of God. We all have a level playing field. We are on the same team, we are all working together. We are family. It is now one race, the human race. We are one blood, the blood of Jesus. 

As we crucify the flesh and renew our minds to the Word of God we will find the prejudice and the hate washed away. All are welcome at the table of the Lord. Jesus died for every person of every tribe, every tongue and every nation. No matter what color a person's skin is their lives matter because the one who matters most, Jesus, died for them. 

What are some good examples of people loving one another and overcoming prejudice? What scriptures deal with this issue?

Day 319 - Too Early For Christmas?

"We went to Costco and got Christmas lights. I put them up today so this marks the earliest we have ever put them up."

First off let me say that I love Costco. (With respect to the the Sam's Club lovers of coarse. I worked at Sam's for two years so I have much love for them as well.) Now that we have that out of the way lets get to the point. 

Christmas lights. My wife loves Christmas. Much like my love for Costco only she gets one time a year whereas I get multiple opportunities every month to express my love. Because my wife loves Christmas so much she has me moving bins of decorations, setting up trees and putting up lights. 

Last year I invested in LED lights. I would agree with everyone who just thought that LED lights do not look as good as the old incandescents. But they are more efficient with energy, cost less and burn out less frequently. Convenience over aesthetics any day. In our neighborhood we had an unspoken race with our neighbors that only we knew about (so we thought) for who could get our lights up earliest. Last year we won and then this year we moved securing our crown as earliest house in the neighborhood to have their lights up forever. 

Some would scoff and say it is too early for Christmas. But just like I said in my Thanksgiving post earlier this month that it should not be the only time we say thanks is on Thanksgiving we also should celebrate Christmas more than on December 25th. 

How can you limit the wonder of God becoming a baby to a single day? That is a light that should shine in our hearts all year long. People should wonder at the joy we carry because that same Christ now lives in us. We have the most wonderful story to tell of the most wonderful time of the year. 

Don't hold back, shine the light of the season early and often. 

What do you enjoy about Christmas? How does that shine the light of Jesus to others?

Day 318 - Hurdles on the Road

"At lunch Shane and I went and got the author copy of the book and we were disappointed. The quality was sub-standard. I now have to go through another round with them to get it right. I am trying to stay in faith and stay positive. Hurdles on the road."

Let me introduce you to my illustrator Shane. The guy is brilliant. His drawings are top notch, his graphic design has no equal, his wit and humor...hilarious. He has been a friend and a great encouragement in the ministry and now with the children's book Sarah's Silly Sock Day. 

It has been a journey of faith to produce this book and I could not have done it alone. My wife has been a constant encouragement. My children's excitement has often fueled my drive to go on. Which brings me to Shane. When we hit the hurdle we were pretty disappointed. Our long awaited book was not what we wanted it to be. 

It turned out that the problem was with the transfer of files. Layers of the images were being lost and others were pixelated. We had to go back through part of the process and it was lengthy and difficult at best. 

What really helped was Shane's positive attitude and quick wit. He saw what I saw in faith. He had a book in mind and knew the quality he wanted to see. After months of going back and forth we got it right and now have a real quality book with beautiful images that capture the imagination of children (and adults!). 

Stay in the fight if you are encountering problems. Hurdles are not something to stop you. They are to be overcome. Surround yourself with faith filled people who will take the hurdle with you. It makes the journey better and the trial more tolerable. 

What hurdles are you encountering and how do you intent to overcome them? Who is around you that can be a faith partner to encourage and go on the journey with you? 

Day 317 - Creativity

“Because Poetry and Hums aren’t things which you get, they’re things which get you. And all you can do is to go where they can find you.” (Winnie the Pooh) 

- A. A. Milne

There has been much said from people more creative than me about how to be creative. For everyone there are things that spark creativity and things that hinder creativity. Here we find the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh. Atmosphere can provide an avenue for creativity. 

There are spaces, times and factors that help us to think in creative ways. There are times that I need absolute silence to create so that my mind is not cluttered. Other times I want music blasting. Some are more productive in the morning or, if you're like me, night time is prime time. 

Lighting can even play into the equation. Bright open spaces will produce one effect on the mind whereas a darker more enclosed space can produce another reaction. I personally like the bright open spaces because dark and confined makes me feel enclosed. I like to see farther and greater. 

If you feel like you have hit a wall with your creativity it might be time to rearrange the furniture, open a window or go for a walk. The atmosphere you work in can be a catalyst to your creativity. 

What are your peak times for creativity? What spaces spark ideas and creative thoughts? 

Day 316 - Where Battles Are Won

"I am worse off for not having prayed. My heart, mind and attitude are in line with the things of God when I pray. That is where the battle is won and the power is at."

The simplest things in life are often the most overlooked. The answers we seek are staring us in the face. Why? Maybe it is the need we feel to complicate things. It could be that if something is easy we think it isn't real. But the real simple answer to winning the battles of life is prayer. 

For all intents and purposes prayer should be easy. Prayer is simply communicating with God. Have a talk with God and He will take care of you.

 Too simple? You're right, we should make it hard or add some formulas. Maybe if we enforce long hours of prayer we will earn what we are asking for. 

The only problem with this all is that Jesus simplified prayer. He made it easy to understand too by relating it to a child who asks their parent for food. If we give our kids what they ask for when they are hungry, and we are sinful by nature, then how much more will God take care of us when we ask Him to? His nature is good and perfect! He wouldn't ever give us something evil because He can't. It would go against His nature to do so. God is good. Only good. 

So when you pray and pour out your heart to God know that He is listening. When you share your pain and your troubles He is there comforting. When you don't know what to do and you have no direction He is guiding. When you feel defeated and weak He is fighting for you and making you strong. When you are lacking and needy He is providing. 

The battles are all won in prayer. Don't try to complicate it. Talk to God about your life, all of it. Listen for His voice and follow Him. Too simple? No way. It is just How God wanted it to be so that we could do it and He would get all the glory for it. 

What stops you from praying? Have you seen God answer simple prayers? 

Day 315 - Attitude Adjustments

"I pulled him aside for a while so that both our attitudes could improve."

The day was dragging on. We were going from store to store and my eyes had glazed over. My strength was sapped like Superman next to Kryptonite. I noticed one of my sons unraveling. His actions and words were getting louder. 

What I didn't see was the person he was taking his cues from...me. 

We often don't see ourselves until someone points it out. They may tell us what we are doing but most of the time they won't say a word. We see it in their eyes. We hear it in their responses. I saw it in my son that day. 

Have you ever had one of those moments when you realize you were wrong or that what you thought was appropriate was out of control? How did you realize that? Most likely it was during or after the fact when someone told you a different perspective than your own. 

Look for the signs and see it in their non-verbal communication. Be open to change and ask how people see you. Get ready to hear things you don't like. If they love you then they will tell you the truth but they will also help you to change. It helps to have someone to hold you accountable. 

That day my son and I sat for a while and we went back together with better attitudes. 

How do you see yourself in others reactions? How do you change for the better when you see these things? 

Day 314 - Kids Stuff

"We usually only get kids stuff."

Life changes when you have kids. You don't realize it until later but when you have children you are no longer your own. All that you have and every moment is consumed with them. This is actually wonderful. I have enjoyed being a dad. The big three in my life in order are becoming a Christian, getting married and having children. 

On my birthday this year I told my wife that I just wanted to be with her and the kids. She started trying to change the plan and when I was asked if I really didn't want to be with anyone else I had to pointedly say no. There was just something in me that wanted to be with them. We ended up going to the science museum and the museum of natural history. Someone asked me if that is what I wanted to do for my birthday. It wasn't what I would have picked if it was just me but because I was with my kids we were doing kid stuff. (Truth be told when I saw the Shuttle Endeavor and the real dinosaur bones I became a kid again!)

The quote from last year is about clothes shopping. Probably every mom that read it immediately shouted amen. You go to the store to buy yourself something and come home with bags of children's clothing. In fact you probably are like us and have felt guilty for buying yourself clothes and not the kids. 

The one thing I love most about my children is that they are continually teaching me the heart of the Father. How much greater is His love than mine? How deep is His love that He would give His only begotten son for us. How awesome is His grace and mercy for His children. If my love is so great and I  want to be with my family all the time how much more our heavenly Father? It makes me love Him so much more. 

How much do you love and enjoy your family? In what ways do you see God through your family?

Day 313 - Words That Stick

"...some of his words are still ringing in my ears."

There are words that we hear and never stick. The book of Proverbs tells us that a curse won't land on an unintended victim like a bird that darts off. Thank God for that! I'm sure you have heard things you are glad you forgot shortly after. 

Some things we hear stick. Some good and some bad. I had a conversation just the other day that bugged me. I left the room and the person but the words stayed with me. I finally had to pray it off! When these words stick to us they are like acid or some corrosive material that eats away at us. These words destroy and tear down. The old saying that sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me is great for personal morale but probably in practice far from the truth. 

On the other hand the kinds of words that we want to stick are the words that build. As we hear them they add to our life. They build inside of us a support structure that holds us together and hold us up. They come as defining moments in our lives from people we respect and love and who love us. The Apostle Paul said that we should speak in a way that imparts grace and that which is good for necessary edification. That word edification is similar to the word edifice. Like a building that has been raised up we need these types of words to build our lives. 

In order to have more of the right words in your life stuck to you all you have to do is get in the right places with the right people. You will have destructive words come but don't let that stop you. Find the people who you trust to speak into your life. Also, be an encourager and speak the right thing to others. As you do what you have sown you will also reap. 

How do you choose the right people to speak into your life? What are some good things to say to build others up?

Day 312 - Distractions

"I was just distracted." 

There are things that will pull us away from our focus and what's important. I get distracted easily. When I clean the house I start in a room and if I find something from another room I take it to the other room. While in the other room I see the need to clean that room and start cleaning there. The cycle continues and I end up getting a little cleaned in each room but never get anything done. 

In our technologically connected society the distractions are overtaking us. We have distractions and time wasters sounding bells and alerts from our pocket or purse. If you're not careful your e-mail box will get overwhelmed with notifications. 

Jesus told us that if our right hand causes us to stumble we should cut it off. I have shut off notifications and distraction causing apps, alerts and even people. As sad as that may be to some I have to guard my time. If I get distracted from my purpose as a man of God, a husband and father or as a pastor the result could be devastating. I have even fasted social media and my phone for a while to reset my mind. 

In the time you have read this blog you either had some of those distractions come up or have thought of those distractions. Take inventory and see if you can reduce or remove those distractions. You may have to take drastic measures or make small adjustments. Either way you will be glad you did. Your focus and attention will be undivided. Productivity and connection will be better too!

What distracts you? How can you reduce or remove those distractions?

Day 311 - Unmet Expectations

"I thought today would be simpler than it was."

Our expectation is often met with adversity. What we want and what we get can be very different. On top of that the lens of our perspective can skew things too. 

In many ways things like this will not change. We can expect the unexpected. Between the leading of God and the wiles of the devil we know anything can happen. How can we stay sane through it all?

The one constant in life is God himself. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. There is no shadow of turning with Him. In the same token God's attributes will not change. His goodness will always be good, His love will always be perfect, His faithfulness will always be true. 

So while we go through life we know that no matter what happens it will be alright. Whether our expectations are met or not God is in control and He is working on our behalf for our good. 

How do you respond to unmet expectations? How have you seen the unchanging nature of God at work? 

Day 310 - Throwback Thursday

"When I got home the kids were watching the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It was a throwback Thursday."

In recent years going back to decades past has become very popular. I have enjoyed some of the movies that have brought back comics, toys and cartoons I enjoyed as a kid. My children also love to find out what it was like when I was a kid and want to know if things were the same or different. My mom actually saved a lot of my toys and now my children play with old and new toys. It is like I get to live my childhood all over again through them. For that I am grateful. 

Recently through social media there has been a craze called throwback Thursday. Just search a hash tag with those words and you will find your friends and family and even celebrities who have posted fun pictures from years past. The clothes and hairstyles still amaze but not in the same way they did in the 80's and 90's. I know I have looked at pictures of myself and wondered what I was thinking. My wife often let's me know she would have passed me up at that age and in those clothes. Nevertheless I got the girl and that is all that matters. 

It is fun to remember the good times and even some of the bad ones if they aren't too painful. Have you ever went through something that at the time you thought was the worst and then as time passed you realized it was a growth time? Or even better that the situation you went through is actually funny? I can remember every time my children ruined a set of clothes at an amusement park when their diapers didn't do the job they should have. At the time I was wondering "Why me God?" but now I have a good laugh at myself and the situation. 

Time may not heal all wounds but it certainly does help. Distance from an event can give perspective and and in the time that personal growth takes place you can come back later with more wisdom and a stronger outlook. We see the road God has us on and realize that things may not have been so bad or if they were that we still made it by God's grace. 

In many ways this blog is a throwback to last year with a focus to the future. No matter the highs or the lows God is leading us and will take care of us. When we look back we see His handiwork and know it is going to be good in our future. 

Do you have a favorite throwback moment? Was it a good time or bad time and how do you view it now?

Day 309 - God Is Faithful

"God is so good to me and faithful to His Word." 

Read that aloud and let it sink in. Make it your declaration that flows into gratitude. Stop and meditate on what makes God good to you. How has He been faithful? 

Some of my favorite scriptures are the short but powerful ones. Three little words that pack a dynamite punch are 'God is faithful.' He is faithful because He is good and He is good because He is faithful. 

When we realize this truth it builds gratitude and love in our hearts. From a grateful loving heart we serve Him and imitate Christ. The wonderful thing about all this is that when, not if, trouble arises we have a good God who is faithful to His word to rely on. He will carry us through every trial. He will give us grace to endure. We can go to Him and receive the strength we need. 

Take time today to speak this over your life and even share with some one His goodness and faithfulness. Then look for ways to serve Him and reflect His faithfulness and goodness back to Him. 

How has God been faithful and good to you? How can we grow in our faithfulness and goodness back to Him?

Day 308 - Crisis

"She was going through a personal crisis and wanted a divorce."

As a pastor I give spiritual guidance to a lot of people on a daily basis. Most of the appointments we make with people to meet and talk are in crisis. I have heard a lot and would venture to say that some of our more seasoned pastors have heard it all. 

Crisis comes in a lot of ways. Death, accidents, divorce, family, drugs or addiction, and the list goes on. It could just be that someone learned a disturbing fact about someone close to them and it spun them into crisis. I have experienced this personally. 

When you are in crisis you don't think like you normally would. There is an urgency that you cannot shake and every decision seems like it is life altering and has to be made quickly. The truth is quite different.

What I have learned from people who are in crisis is that there are some things we can do to help ourselves and the situation. First of all is give it time. I don't always have the luxury of meeting with people right when crisis hits. I have had people mad at me for making an appointment rather than dropping everything, and everyone, and running to the crisis. The weird thing is that most of the time when people accept an appointment they usually call or come in and say that the situation worked itself out. Give it some time and see if it takes care of itself.

Second is slow down and think. Are you catching a pattern here? Don't rush! you may only frustrate the situation with hasty decisions. Take the time to think through your words and actions in a crisis. The pressure to make fast decisions may push you in the wrong direction. Get wisdom from trusted people and listen to what they say. Someone who has experienced your same situation and made it through can tell you the pitfalls they encountered and how they would have avoided them. 

Finally is pray. The best counselor you will ever have is the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would guide us. He will also comfort us. As you walk through a crisis remember that you aren't there alone. Your friends and counselors may not be there in the middle of the night when worry has replaced your sleep but God will never leave you nor forsake you. Talk to Him about it and listen to His counsel. I put this one last but really it should be our first response. 

When crisis comes remember these simple things. Give it time, slow down and think and pray. You will make it through the crisis. 

Day 307 - The Right Answer

"[My son] told me that when Jesus would heal him that he would say thank you every time." 

That was the right answer...for all of us. It is a common courtesy to say thank you when someone does something for you or gives something to you. And yet it seems at times that gratitude is a lost art. We should be the most thankful people because we have the most to be thankful for. We also should be the most expressive people. It unlocks something for us as well as those we are thanking.

Jesus pointed this out when he healed ten lepers and only one returned to say thank you. The one that returned was a Samaritan. Jesus even pointed this out too saying that only a foreigner came back when all ten should have been there. 

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday this month don't let it be the one time a year you say thank you to God and the people you do life with. It takes time and effort but it encourages others and shows your appreciation when you say thank you. 

Accept the command to give thanks always and in every situation. Meet the expectation of the One whom we are most indebted to give thanks to. Say it, pray it and show it with your life. 

How are some ways to say thank you? What are you most thankful for?

Day 306 - A Tough Year

"He said after church that he has been going through a tough year. May the Lord grant him strength to endure."

We have all had tough days. Most have had tough weeks and some have had tough months. What is hard is when you have a tough year. 

There are times and seasons that we go through in life. Years teach us lessons that the days can not. Anyone who has been around for a while has something they can teach us because they have weathered storms and learned by experience. 

I am not that old (today I turn 36 in case you were wondering) but I can say from the tough times I have been through that God is faithful. As I look over my journal entries from 2014 it was a tough year. That doesn't mean it was a bad year. It was tough in the sense that we had some hard times, conflicts internally and externally and were challenged to grow and stretch past what we thought we could. But again, God is faithful. 

My prayer for the man I was talking to applies for all who are going through a tough season. No matter if it lasts a few months or few years it is God who can give us the strength to endure. Like Joseph who went through the seven years of drought God will sustain us through the tough times in life. We just need to focus our gaze and draw our strength from Him. Cling to Him in prayer and stay in His presence throughout your days. 

As you receive the strength you need to go through the tough times you will find joy and the beauty of God's goodness. Like I said, last year wasn't a bad year for me. It was tough but there were joys and gladness that I wouldn't trade for an easy year. 

Have you had a tough year? How did you get through it?