I’m off my rocker.  That’s no big surprise to anyone.

I’m not going to steal Rick Atchley’s Twitter posts forever but here’s another good one.  “I know I need to be Jesus to everyone, but first, I think I nee to see Jesus in everyone.”var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} It seems like Christmas is a month away.  At least that’s what it seems like when I look at the presents I’ve bought compared with what I need at this late date.  It’s looking like I’ll just be giving Christmas cheer this year! 

Lyle Lovett at Bass Hall.  It’s a great way to spend a pre-holiday night and made a fabulous Christmas present to myself.  Next up…Robert Earl Keen, Jr. on December 30. 

I haven’t been to my church on Sunday in 5 weeks.  Time flies by.  Places to be, things to be done.  Time with friends, family and work have kept me on the go.  I miss it.  I miss seeing some of my brothers who lift me up and give me strength.  I miss singing some wonderful songs of praise and hymns that stir my heart.  I miss hearing a challenge or thought from Rick that causes me to take time to reflect on God.  

I’m looking forward to Sunday.  To being back with the body, with my family worshipping the great I AM.

Grace and peace to you.

The Most Risky Profession | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Interesting article.

It’s never far from my mind how I spent years filling a church pew, doing the “right” things and never really knowing God. I can’t help but wonder how many people in church services are there because it’s the “right” thing to do or participate in activities because it’s the “right” thing to do. I’m not judging them, only reflecting on the question of whether anyone else is in the same position I was, playing the part instead of being the disciple. I don’t want to step foot in a church or take part in an activity related to a congregation because it’s the “right” thing to do. I have and will continue to pass on being busy in favor of knowing I am seeking God’s will. Some may think my distinction is a matter of semantics but I know, for me, it’s a matter of following my heart for God. I hope my pride or my “right”eousness ever gets in the way of my pure and unadulterated service to my Lord. I have so far to go to be the child I want to be but it simply starts with another step forward each day. If I’m willing, he will make the lead me on the path.

Grace and peace to you.

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I’m behind.  Behind at work.  Behind on stuff I need to do at home.  Behind on Bible study lessons I need to complete.  Behind on school work.  I’m running behind and I can’t seem to catch up but if I fail, I won’t worry because some of the things keeping me behind are wonderful moments that allow me to see God at work.

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I’m thankful for friends who share their darkest secrets and deepest hurts trusting that I will continue to love them for who they are in God’s eyes.

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I’m thankful for friends who encourage me to follow the teacher and his teachings to help the least of these.

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I’m thankful for friends who are struggling with God’s ways and share those struggles with me reminding me that I’m not alone in my own struggles of understanding “why?” may not be understandable in my small way of thinking.

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I’m thankful for friends who accept me as I am at any given time – whether I’m on top of the world or being drug along the concrete by an imaginary bus that just ran over me knowing that the up’s and down’s are a part of a healing process that isn’t always easy, isn’t always pretty, isn’t always without pain but a process.

I’m even thankful at times to be running behind.  It reminds me that there is much to do and getting comfortable and settling in isn’t always a good thing if it allows me to stop obsessive pursuit of Christ and living a life worthy of his calling.

Maybe I’ll catch up one day.  Until then, I hope my life is filled with moments that remind me God is in control when I don’t understand completely and when I see his handiwork with perfect clarity.

Grace and peace to you.

I’m listening to Third Day and thinking about Lynard Skynard as I write this so Freebird just seemed like the right title for the moment.

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I’m on my way to NYC and hoping for 0 plane problems and good weather.  Nothing like a software conference to get me jazzed up.  Woohoo!  I am planning on sneaking in a Yankees game so getting to see Yankee stadium will make it a little better.

I don’t like the Yankees but can’t cheer for the Blue Jays either so I’ll just be there to soak in the sights.

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I’m not excited about missing class tonight.  It’s going to be a great night of prayer and sharing among our youth group.  I love just getting to watch them and see God at work in their hearts.

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I start school next Monday.  YIKES!  I did get a 100 in the Student Orientation program but it was really simple.  I doubt all the projects will be so generous.  I’m excited but also a bit nervous.  My first round of school wasn’t a great experience on the grading front but I think my motivations are a bit different now. 

I’m so thankful for friends that challenge me to be a better person and a better Christ-follower.  I’ll ask you to pray for some friends who are doing great things in the kingdom with people that most would overlook and pray that their efforts will be fruitful.  I hope to join them again soon and be the hands and feet of Jesus to suffering people. 

That is all for today.  Unless something fascinating happens in the next two days I’m likely done blogging until next week. 

Grace and peace to you.

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Wednesday was fascinating.  It was a day of highs and a day of lows.

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I enjoy seeing what God can do.  I was in a study with 3 other guys who have seen hard times, who have not stood up to the challenges the evil one placed before them but who have walked the road back towards a loving father who is ready to embrace them.  No matter what comes my way, to have a day where I can be surrounded by people who want to pursue a relationship with God is an encouraging day.

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God has already overcome evil and with his help, I can overcome it too.  My time with guys who are overcoming the lure of sin by learning to rely daily on God, a little more each day, is time that encourages me to do the same…to chase the heart of God with passion.

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Thank you Lord for letting me see what you can do in hearts that are open to your ways.

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Grace and peace to you.
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I’m having troubles with Blogger posting my blogs when I want my blogpost posted. 
Charlie Sheen has gone off the rails.  I’ve seen a couple of interviews and heard some of the insanity.  The guy has some issues.  No doubt.
The Rangers could have overpaid for Zack Greinke.  Milwaukee got him and he’s out 4-6 weeks with a broken rib from playing basketball. 
I’m flying to Phoenix, AZ on Saturday and spending a few days hanging out in Surprise.  I don’t think I’ll get signed to a 7-figure contract. 
This is one of those blogs that some people will read thinking something of value is coming only to get to the end and realize it was a few minutes of their life they will never get back.
I hate to see young people suffering.
I bounce between laughter and anger at people who are antagonistic for no good reason.
You may still be thinking there will be something of value coming.  Dream on.
March Madness is around the corner.  I think it’s my favorite sporting time of year and my favorite sporting event.  I’ll miss the Big 12 tournament while in Surprise, AZ trying to get signed to the big money contract. 
What’s up with the Miami Heat? 

Enough of that.  I am thankful for good friends who I can trust and who trust me.  God provides.

Grace and peace to you.
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Today is my mom’s birthday.  She’s 39.  Don’t try to do the math if you know how old I am because it won’t work.  My mom loves celebrating her birthday and it’s often a 3-4 week process with all the lunches and dinners with friends.  Just between you and me, she’s seen more than 39 birthdays and quite a bit of interesting history in her day.  I’ve listened to stories of growing up on the farm and it seems so far removed from the life I have grown up with.  While I’m thankful for conveniences like a bathroom with running water, there are some things about growing up on the farm that I think would be good for people today because I see how it shaped that generation in positive ways.  I suppose every generations has their strengths and weaknesses and maybe we’ll see that my generation and future generations have much to offer the future just like my parent’s generation has offered us. 

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On this day, I hope my mom’s day is filled with good wishes, good friends, good food and a Snickers bar.  I love you mom!

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Grace and peace to you.
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I’ve got the writing blah’s this week.

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I ask God to lead me and then, when he does, I feel like asking “are you sure you want me to do this?”  I like being led where I want to go but I don’t get a big charge out of being led where I don’t want to go.  I realize that thinking can land me in the belly of a big fish though so I’m trying to accept what God is calling me to do and to be willing to do it. 

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I would seek your prayers that I will answer the call and that I will say the things and do the things that come from God working through me. 

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Grace and peace to you.
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