video

Kids Prayers from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Prayer

Jesus,

Thanks for the health of Fletcher and Terri. You are a God in control of all our lives. I struggle to understand how you hold the world in motion yet you still care about our lives. I really desire to tell of your faithfulness so help me remember what you have done. Make me bold to share your hope and life with others. If I didn't know you I don't know who I could thank for the great life you have given me. I know I don't deserve it. Open my eyes to you in the ordinary things or live and lead me into your way. To you all honor and praise. I love you .

Questions

Matthew Paul Turner-On Questions from Cross Point Church on Vimeo.

The Tough Choice

Here is a funny video that shows that not all choices are pain free. Often people equate coming to Christ like everything will be great and free of all pain. It is really something different, the cost of discipleship is costly and demands your life is not you own. But the one kicker is that, like the video, one choice leads to life and the other certain death. God is good and through the tough choices He promised that he would send a counselor that would guide, direct and assist us thereby helping us if we open our hears to listen. Which do you choose today, both are painful, one leads to life and the other death.

I found this CD that I think anyone should listen to here on Myspace. It is from a church here in Austin. I am not a huge fan of most Christian music and more often find my heart being draw to God through other types of music. But this Cd is worth a listen if nothing else for the lyrics. My favorite song is "In Your Name" and singer has an amazing voice. Make me wish we sang this song at our church. But here are the lyrics

And oh that this city would know your love!
And oh that this city would feel your touch!
And oh ...that this city would live with Hope---!

Give us hands to touch
Give us hearts of love!

We love because you loved
We pray because you prayed
We give because you gave
We live for your fame
We hope because you save
We believe in your name

Flunking Evangelism

Some shifts are going on in my job in the up coming months. Nothing monumental or anything but I am being asked to lead the church in the area of evangelism to our local community of Georgetown. Funny thing, because I am scared like most people about sharing their faith and if I was being graded on in this effort so far I would have flunked the class. Thoughts of rejection, ridicule, and fear dominate my thoughts but God gives His Holy Spirit which overcomes all my shortfalls. I am reading all that I can about practical ways to share this Truth and I ran across this quote. It freed me up remember something I already knew but my fear would let me grasp.

"The Christian call to evangelism is not simply a call to persuade people to make decisions, but rather to proclaim to them the good news of salvation in Christ, to call them to repentance, and to give God the glory for regeneration and conversion.
We do not fail in our evangelism if we faithfully tell the gospel to someone who is not subsequently converted; we fail only if we do not faithfully tell the gospel at all."

Mark Dever

The story

I love all the writing of Donald Miller and Here is an little bit from his new book coming out soon. I love the line about the story is not about arriving at the ending but the development of the character along the way. I know we will never get they spiritually here on earth but I am very concerned about how I develop, or change, here on earth. I hope you enjoy it.

A Motto by Michaelanglo "Criticize by creating."

I know it is the tendency of us all to complain about those things that we don't like. Some thoughts are justified most aren't. Inside the church people always have the idea of how it should go and often time back it with their scriptural interpretation. I am guilty as well so it is great reminder from Michaelanglo that it is best to criticize by creating. I need to begin this process of removing all the time focusing on the negatives and start creating a new future. And most important following God's lead to creating the future He wants.

Proud Pastor

This is my first attempt at imovie but I wanted to give you an idea of why I had not posted anything last week or leading up to it. Crazy busy with Bible Club Adventure and all my free time was going to spending time with family. A lot of children came to know God which is amazing but one of the things that made this year special for me was the difference I saw in the students. In my time with the youth here in Georgetown I have seen the students come from being extremely apathetic to excited about advancing God's kingdom. I was so proud/thankful for all the hard work the students put into making it not just happen but making it a joy to work at accomplishing the goal.

Soft hearts and Hard words.

Preaching this Sunday out of Luke 6 and it is really doing a number on me. My mind is not focusing very well this week but I do know that it calls for some hard word to those of us who follow Christ. Mark Driscoll says "That hard word produce soft hearts and soft words produce hard hearts". I am praying that will take place this weekend. In any case, the sermon includes a old, plaid, and course suit that I bought at Goodwill today so it is sure to be fun. The lady that was at the register looked at me like a moron when I bought it. I do love getting paid to study important and life changing truthes.

So are you to me

John 3:8
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Just heard the this song and thought of how active the Spirit is in everything we do. Really not sure what the songwriter inteaded it for but this is how I see it. We just have to pray for eyes and ears to hear the movement the Spirit is making in the mundane. He is to be praised in for the wine, fruit, and music because He longs to teach us through the goodness of His creation. People born of the Spirit listen for to the wind of the Spirit of God. Plus, the song is great for music as you are working.

Peter Bradley Adams
"So Are You to Me"

as the music at the banquet
as the wine before the meal
as the firelight in the night
so are you to me

as the ruby in the setting
as the fruit upon the tree
as the wind blows over the plains
so are you to me

as the wind blows over the plains
so are you to me
so are you to me

Stories

Terri informed me the books say it is time to start telling Tripp stories. I love telling stories and I have a lot of practice with my nephews who often stayed with us and most nights we ended the evening telling stories we had made up. Like, how we saved Target for a ravenous grizzly bear or stopping the aliens from taking over the United States. One nephew still enjoys it but the other got to big to take part. He listened but stop acting like he cared anymore. Read this quote by C.S. Lewis about the Narnia series.

"In most children but in relatively few adults, at least in our time, we may see this willingness to be delighted to the point of self-abandonment. This free and full gift of oneself to a story is what produces the state of enchantment. But why do we lose the desire--or if not the desire, the ability--to give ourselves in this way? Adolescence introduces the fear of being deceived, the fear of being caught believing what others have ceased believing in. To be naive, to be gullible--these are the humiliations of adolescence."

I believe most people are like my older nephew that want to be a part of the story but fear that people his age don't do the whole story thing. That is why God's story, through Jesus, is just perceived to be for those naive people. Rational people believe in what they can see and touch. We all long for something transcendent but few people abandon themselves to the good news of the Bible. Guess that why Jesus said we have to receive the Kingdom of God like a child. Letting ourselves be swept up in a story we can't fully explain but we know we can't deny.

Independance Day

Life is good. Can't wait for today of spending time with family watching Tripp play in the water, eating BBQ, and just relaxing. One of the biggest decision we are making right now is what to name our second son. I want Fletcher Niles but I still have to win Terri over with the name. I think it sounds like a football player. It is so great to live in a country where we are free to live as we choose. I finished reading the book "Almost Home" by Randy Alcorn about the perscuted church it opened my eyes up to the challenges in other countries when it comes to freedom of religion. I wonder how radically different my faith would be if death and torture were real threats for today not just possibilities in the future. So I soak it up today because in this world trouble will come so I praise God for today because I am so fortunate.

Crazy Worship

I have been blessed with a couple of great week worshiping God through singing at Bigstuf and BootCamp. Huge groups of High School students of at both events that where passionate about singing to God. It is great to see young people unashamed of their faith. Those times are great but the best worship experiences I have had lately are right in my home. Tripp loves to dance when I turn on worship music. I want joy in God to be one of traits of our home, and there is no better way to show joy than singing and dancing. Right now Hillsong United song "Shout to God" and New Life Worship "Counting on God" are the Tripp's favorites to dance to. I feel such a thankfulness and awe of how good God is when we sing and dance. Mark Batterson says "Worship is bragging about God to God" These times help to connect my soul to God and strengthen my affection for Him. To me that is great worship.

Remember I use the term dancing very loosely. Not the greatest video but just an idea of what takes place.

Friends

I am back from some crazy weeks. Last week I was down by UT all week but on my way heard bad news on two fronts. One kid I used to work with at Heartlight committed suicide and some good friends lost a baby at 22 weeks. Left me swirling with thoughts in my head. Friends called and wanted to talk about the situations but I had nothing to offer as far as wisdom. Mark Buchanan in a book called "Hidden In Plain Sight" says "Dogma is great for piecing together your theology but an awful suture to a broken heart." I knew all the right thoughts about God last week but sharing those would come across trite and lazy. I know it was better to just sit with people and not share what you know but it is hard. In the Old Testament the Hebrew people would sit and mourn with people for 7 days before sharing anything, that is what happens in the book of Job. So, I will continue to sit, mourn, and pray for them this week. I hope people will be there to do that for us when we go through trials.

Whirlwind

Crazy time of the year, just got back from Florida and about to do a camp next week. Nothing like it used to be a Sky Ranch but still stressful. Sorry about so few posts and will be back a running soon. Didn't take Tripp with us to Florida and it is so great to get to come home to a family. I thank God so often for that little boy and am really getting pumped about the next one will be here soon. It was great for me to see Terri away from Tripp and reaffirm that she is great mom but even more than that a great spouse. I believe marriage is more about Holiness than Happiness but I am thankful that in my wife's presence I am really happy. I am truly blessed way beyond what I deserve. I need to be reminded of that more because I am guilty of being a complainer about my circumstances. Last thing, We need to settle on a name but I think it might come right down to a decision in the delivery room.

Dance! Dance!

¹⁶"But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
¹⁷"'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'


We often would rather sit, watch and wait until some other day to join in. The problem is often you are like the people at the end of the video to scared at first then when they arrive the song is over. Told the students you need to get in God's song this summer because you never know when it will be to late to join in. Be different and create the party by showing them the rhythm.

Story Bible

Every morning I get up with Tripp, make breakfast, turn on Handy Manny, make coffee, and then read while Tripp watches cartoons. This morning I was to lazy to go get my book so I picked up The Jesus Storybook Bible that was given to Tripp. I started to thumb through it but was stopped by how well written it was and different from the others. It weaved the story of God's redemption through Jesus into every sub story. I think it is the one I will read to Tripp from now on. And on a personal note, it was great for me to remember that God has written this beautiful story of life since the creation of time and I am like extra who gets 15 seconds of TV time. I believe my life is so important but really it a blip of the radar of what God has been doing forever. The great thing is that my blip is something that God was willing to send Jesus to die for. Go get the Bible here and I pray that it will used it in your family and in your life as well.

The Message

My song is love unknown,
My Saviour’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take frail flesh and die?

He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed-for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.

One phone call

I got the new Mat Kearney Cd. I love it. I think the line we are all one phone call from our knees is great. It reminds me of the verse from the bible in James comparing our lives to a vapor. I often miss the moments that could bring life to those around because I am tired or cranky but love remembers the shortness of life. Plus it is just a good song.

Fail Proof

I have been thinking through a question a guy named Perry Noble asked on his blog. If you click on his name you can read it for yourself and I think you should.

“What would you be willing to attempt for God if you knew you could not fail?”


I understand the stirring and unrest his is talking about. I often wonder what are my gifts. I know what I wish they were, but long for confirmation on them. I don't know how commitment fits into the puzzle because often time you know you are not it the place you will be the rest of your life but have an obligation to fulfill. James 4 says life is a vapor; here then gone. I don't want to miss what God designed me for because of fear but I do fear even naming it. Because if I name it and then not do it then I would feel like a coward; so I try to convince myself I am unsure of how I feel. It is a great question if it can stir such emotion is me. If you are a praying type, I would ask you to lift one up for me and my future.

Wow I love this Video

I don't even know what to say other than I long to know and understand God that way.

Down in a Hole

I went to a James Taylor concert this Friday and I knew all the songs minus one. It was called "Down in a Hole" and about depression after losing his baby. I am also reading the book of Job and he was a man who knew what it was like to live life down in a hole losing all his money, family, health, and was encouraged to curse God. I know we often live down in a hole of depression but God offers us Life. We can relate to the lyrics

"Down in the hole
Lord, it's deep and the sides are steep
And the nights are long and cold
Down in the hole
Light and love and the world above
Mean nothing to the mole"

We long to experience light and love but we can't seem to find them. They are not found in things we can see but in a God that in invisible yet all powerful.


Psalm 16:11

You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Monday morning excitement

I felt like I need this Monday morning. It was a long week leading up to last Sunday so I will move my boogie body this week.

Heaven to your soul

Saw a quote of facebook yesterday that I found convicting by Spurgeon that said "Little faith get your soul to heaven but great faith bring heaven to your soul." Loved it and it was what I am talking about this weekend trying to figure out how to bring the Joy of God back to our souls.

Psalm 16 says in the presence of God is the fullness of joy. I long for that kind of joy but often our faith becomes so eduactional we lose the mystery and awe right out of it. many thoughts just wanted to right it down to come back to later.

Poem

I am preparing for a sermon this week and I came upon this poem from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I really am starting to get an appreciation of poetry. A German, he wrote this poem while in prison for smuggling Jews out of Nazi Germany during World War II. Eventually he was executed once it was discovered that he was connected to the failed attempt to assasinate Hitler. He was executed just short of the end of the war. The poem really speaks to what is our identity and understanding our design from our creator.

Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
tossing in expectation of great events,
powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?

Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
and before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!

Current Readings

Having a break from school is affording me the opportunity to read some books that I like to read. here is the list

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn- Fictional work based on the persecuted church in China. I love it so far setting up the story about two Harvard students that took completely different paths out of school. Good to read something that doesn't tell you how you should feel just lets you come across it naturally.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan- Focusing on those Christ Followers who know God in their heads but aren't living it out exponentially. Tries to give us a higher view of God. I love this line about how big God is compare to what we know, "If my mind is the size of a soda can and God is the size of all the oceans, it would be stupid for me to say He is only the small amount of water I can scoop into my little can"

Heaven by Randy Alcorn- Educational book about our misconception of what eternity will look like and what is the proper view of Heaven. Good to understand what the bible really reveals and what is fictional such as halos, continually praise music, and floating around the street of gold

Free Pizza

Patience does pay off. I was sitting in my favorite pizza place (Brooklyn Pie Company) waiting to order on slice of pizza for lunch but the one employee was on the phone taking an order, forever. Thought of leaving but I stayed. I wasn't in a big hurry. After he got done he felt bad and gave me 2 free pieces of pizza. They were incredible, as always. I got help though, I was watching this video.

Thought I should be a light for my faith and the God I run to.

Mystery in the Making

Eli Young Band had one of their CD's on sale on Amazon for 99 cents so I bought it. Or the rest of it I already had a few songs. Love the CD. One song stuck out to me called Mystery in the Making. Maybe because I feel like a lot spiritually has gotten to mundane and I need to embrace a new approach. Not new beliefs just a different methods to approach express my belief. Not be afraid to make hard decisions even if peace will be disturbed for the mystery of what might happen. I put the lyrics below and the CD on the sidebar.

The night time air's like a baptism
And the way I'm feeling right now is strange
I think it's time to make some changes
'Cause right now my outlook has changed

I feel like a dance that's lost it's rhythm
A compass that can't fine it's way
But there's a headlight shinning clearly
Down a gravel road just off the interstate

Chorus:
Take away the mundane
Calling on a new campaign
Starting over now has got a real good ring
And under this circumstance
It's giving me a second chance
Gonna trade a little peace for the suspense
I'll let it fall wherever it'll take me
I love a mystery in the making

Perkins

I am loving my time at home there is just something about being with family. I know the week will fly by so I am trying to soak up the moments. It is good to get away and recharge my batteries and I think I will return to work with more energy because of my time here. We are going all the time to spend time with family and friends but I am really praying for my spirit to connect with God in all we do this week. Reminds me of a quote out my favorite book "Wild Goose Chase"

God seems to be far less concerned with where I’m going than with who I’m becoming.

I want learn the lessons God wants to teach me this week.

Uncommon

“Success is uncommon, therefore not to be enjoyed by the common man.
I’m looking for uncommon people.”

I am reading Tony Dungy old book and ran across this quote from his football coach at Minnesota University. It was good because I really desire to live successful life. Not really when it comes to money or power but in areas of family and faith. Like a marriage that lasts, children of charcter, and life of descions based on my faith in an all powerful God. and It inspired me to try to break free of basing my life on other people expectations and patterns to something new and uncommon. I hope at the end of life I can say my life was uncommon and different inspired by a more Holy source.

Do it again Daddy

I love this video! Missed when he was really cracking up but we couldn't get the camera in time. Also, excuse the ending he really likes to hit now when he gets excited.

Egg Hunt

Not sure what eggs really have to do with Easter but it sure was fun watching Tripp hunt them down. Here is just a sample of what took place.

God's Support

Love this verse I ran into and it was perfect timing. Really focusing on getting my soul right before God. Not that things are bad just getting some open eyes to the pride in my life. I love that God longs to give strong support to those people seeking Him. I really desire my life to count, not for myself, but so God will be known in new places. Good reminder that God is watching every second not to condemn us but to strengthen us.

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

It's another Boy!

I am so pumped about another son. With the joy comes mixed emotions because I do get sad about not being close to home so my family can see my boys grow. Maybe, that will happen soon but maybe it won't. I am trying to rest in whatever life my hold. I know that going home it is never the same and not as good as your remember it. I love thinking back to growing up on a farm, running through the woods, and playing sports with my brother. I know that the joy I remember it with will likely not be present in those same places anymore. At least not in the same way. I love this quote:

"Nostalgia is the greatest enemy of the present."..........Matt Chandler

Dreaming of returning home will always rip the joy out of the present and stop you from becoming fully you. I call to God to return us to family one day but right now I will focus on becoming all I should be in this place at this time.

Prodigal God

Just finished a book this week called "The Prodigal God" by Tim Keller it was a great book. It open my eyes to the fullness of the story Jesus told about the famous parable of the prodigal son. My favorite line in the whole book was about the difference between religion and the Gospel.

Religion- I obey and therefore the accepted by God
The Gospel- I am accepted by God through Jesus and therefore I obey

I needed to hear that because often I find myself working to earn God's love. Martin Luther said our default mode is religion so we have to remind ourselves often that God loves us. Out of embracing His love we are empowered to live. You should read it. Amazing book.

Tired

I just had some of the craziest weeks lately. I finished preaching this morning about communion and how being so familiar with it we can lose the meaning of why we do it. Mark Twain said that this love for the Mississippi river, which inspired so much of his poetry, he studied every area of the river. One morning to wake up will no feelings or poetry for the river he once loved. He said he loved the love right out of it. We do that with communion. Often times in our routines of the Christian faith we can get some familiar with actions we love the love right out of them. Didn't think it was the best sermon I ever preached but know God used it in some lives. Have to go, I am so ready to rest but thankful to have the time to write down my thoughts. Later

bon iver

I started listening to this guy Bon Iver when I was driving home. It seemed like a perfect soundtrack to a slow, boring, overcast, monday morning. Through it is not, most likely Christian, it stirred my heart to a place of longing for the day we sit on eternity shore. Death will be a memory, work will be fruitful, and tears will no longer fall. All in all the music made me long to be fully present with God. Don't know if music does that for you. If it does what is it that stirs your soul. I attached the music on the side if you would like to listen to it. later

It might be time

Mother Theresa said " I am a tiny pencil in the mighty hand of God as He writes His love letter to the world"

I love that line. I wish that is how I viewed myself. I work so hard to become that person that He wants me, but often in all the work I forget to stop and let God make the changes. My work to earn favor with God is exhausting and futile. All our good works are like filthy rags. It is grace that saves you and grace that grows you. I was reminded of this video during the Superbowl about when to change jobs. I feel like a lot of people could have those same feeling when it comes to church or faith. We daydream about an easier way. Jesus way is easy, light, life giving, and available for those who trust Him. It might be time to quit working and start letting God shape your life into His grand love story.

Glasses

Just got back from lunch and it was sunny outside. Had to wear some cheap shades I found in my office that are made by Nascar. Not very cool looking but when I put them on everything changed. The color of the trees and grass almost turned neon. It was very pretty almost like someone had just photoshopped them to make them brighter. Good reminder coming out of conversation last night. Had a ordinary conversion but in the middle of it just sensed that God wanted to put spiritual glasses on and look at the ordinary different. Started asking different questions and praying. We got to talk about some serious questions, about the point of a following God and role of the church. Not sure how God used the conversation in their life but for me switching into God's glasses made the ordinary into something spiritual. It was a moment I have prayed for so praise God.

Killer Verse

You ever had one of those verses that just always shakes you a little. I spoke on one last night out of Hebrews 10.

²⁶If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

I remember this verse because I remember one night my mom read it over us before bed. I was not living up to the truth I knew existed and I sat in my bed scared of what eternity might hold for me. That fear didn't change my mind though because it is horrible motivator. I chose to follow Christ because I heard of His great love for me. Watching Band of Brother about this group of guys serving on the front lines in WWII. Even though they spoke of all being afraid daily of the enemy and death they did a heroic job because they had such great love for those in battle with them. Fear didn't drive them it was love of country and their fellow soldiers. I no longer fear that the day I meet eternity, but I do plead for God's mercy for those that I love that might not be so sure. I just pray that my friends and family would open up to the love of Christ and get over the fear of the unknown. God your will be done

Craziness

Man I saw this video and don't even know if I can believe those numbers. It is staggering and I think of those students who are trying to grow up in this culture. How did we get here?
ImNotBuyingIt.com Video from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Challenging thoughts

I have been reading through some books about other religions it has been great to refine some what I believe. I not doing it out of fun but out of requirements of a class I am taking in seminary. I have been wrestling through why I believe as I do and what, as a pastor, are those questions that should be prepared to answer. Though most of the questions are not new to me it seems with age comes different angles with which you approach the questions. Some examples that have stretched

What about those people that have no access gospel like babies, mentally handicapped, or people before Christ lived?

Isn't religious affiliation always a function of where you grow up? If you lived in India I am sure you would be Hindu right?

In A.D. 100 about .5 percent of the world population was Christian, in A.D. 1000 19%, in A.D. 1988 31%. Does it make sense to believe that God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of himself only through Christ?

Dont other religions have just as honorable ethical standards?

How would you answer those questions and have you asked them lately? I don't know what to think on some of them but do hold to the conviction that Jesus is the way, truth, and the life. Love this quote by John Calvin: we should leave alone what God has left hidden, but not neglect what he has brought into the open.

New Equation

Here is a new equation that I saw on a blog by Mark Batterson: -++=x. Subtraction plus Addition equals Multiplication. Spiritually it means that sometimes we have to subtract some things from our lives and add some others to see God work multiplied in our lives. I have to subtract some things from my life. Like most Christ followers I don't have to get rid of addictions to cocaine or adutlerous affairs are problems are more discreet. We have addictions they could be to money, power, people pleasing, parenting. For me I am addictted to comfort and security. It drives every discesion I seem to make. I have to subtract it and add more faith. I really desire more than anything to see what God could do with my life if I could just get out of my own way. I was thinking over this idea when I ran into this video of Jesus living out the equation. Subtracting friends, food, and comfort for some quality time with God to multiply His ministry. Hope you enjoy

Sickness

With a new baby on the way I am really starting to get excited about one more Niles to love. Kids just expand your heart in such miraculous ways. When they hurt you hurt when they laugh you laugh. Tripp was sick this weekend and it just breaks my heart to see him hurting and confused after puking all over his shoes. Although the joy will double so will the concern and worry. Terri also got sick which allowed me some time to myself at night to think about how much I love each of them. One thing that was impressed upon my mind was that my relationship with Terri has to come in a clear second behind God and over my relationship with Tripp. He needs to know what love looks like and that it lasts between people. As parents we don't give our kids what they need most when we make them our top priority. They need the family to operate the way it was designed. Don't want to be guilty of childoltry (that what my pastor calls it) before God either. I have to keep the priorities straight.

New Creation

I ran it this almost like someone placed this video in my way. I don't think the visual stuff would have connected with me a few years ago but today these things help me grasp huge concepts. I love that God speaks light in dark, life into lungs, and brings depth to our souls. Here are the lyrics

Holy Spirit hovering over the deep / Speak out the light and let it flood into me / Whisper the word that gave creation her form / I'm searching for a life that hasn't been there before / Speak light into the darkness / Breathe life into my lungs / Fill my soul as deep as the ocean / I'm reaching for your love / All that I can do is give it back to you / You've taken my old skin and made it new again / All that I can do is give it back to you / You've taken my old skin and made it new again / You have made me new , A new creation / All new, a new creation / Holy Spirit hovering over the deep / Bring out the colors that my heart's yet to see / The nights on fire for the warmth of your love / But every hour there's a risen sun / Speak light into the darkness / Breathe life into my lungs / Fill my soul as deep as the ocean / I'm reaching for your love / All that I can do is give it back to you / You've taken my old skin and made it new again / All that I can do is give it back to you / You've taken my old skin and made it new again / You have made me new , A new creation / All new, a new creation
New Creation from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.

Sinking

What do you do when you feel like you are drifting in your relationship with God? It feels to me like I am in spiritual quicksand that keeps pulling me down where I can't reach Him anymore. For me anger, self control, and fear start to become problems. I struggle to get those sins under control it feels like a hopeless battle, pulling me down deeper, which leaves me feeling more distant. This is so real for me right now.

I am grateful I stumbled upon a book from John Piper today just to get my head right before I jumped into reading the Bible it was called "When I Don't desire God". I had read it before so I was just reading the areas I highlighted. I love this line I highlighted dealing with this problem of fighting to get rid of sin:

"The power of sin comes from its promise of pleasure and is meant to be defeated by the blood-bought promise of superior pleasure in God, not by raw human willpower. Willpower religion, when it succeeds, gets glory for the will. I produces legalists, not lovers."

I am quitting working in my power to make things right and instead running into true love. Not struggling in the quicksand and just let his love pull me up. I am repulsed by legalists probably because that is how I am working right now. I am so guilty of trying to save myself by fixing my problems. At least for today- All to Jesus I surrender.

Don't fall asleep

Being to comfortable can be dangerous.

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise

Ephesians 5:14-15

Crazy Week

I had a draining week last week. I spoke 4 times to youth, ran a flag football tournament, and preached this Sunday. God is so good, I really didn't feel like I spiritually had anything to give but I have had great response to Sunday's message. Terri thought I sounded angry and I believe I was a little bit. Hopefully righteous anger because I spoke on serving the church. I believe the Church is the hope of the world when it is working right. Ran across this quote by Mildred Cable getting ready for the sermon

"The greatest crime in the desert was to know where water was and to not tell it"

Jesus tells the woman at the well He is the living water the wells up to Eternal life. It is a crime when our churches don't clearly proclaim Jesus in this spiritual dry land. Often because we make church all about what we like not about serving Him. Our church, like most, is not reaching it full potential and it drives me crazy. I felt like a coach challenging and calling people to something greater than themselves. I am not going to lie to felt good, what Jesus wanted said, and extremely honest. Good for my heart.

Sharing your faith

I have no problem sharing my life just need to take more action when it comes to bringing the gospel in the conversations.
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Here is a video that inspires me to get to work.

Home Alone

I'm home alone tonight. Boring but it has afforded me the chance to sit in silence and talk with God. I preach this weekend so really trying to connect with His desire for this weekends talk. Diving into Colossians 1 and trying to learn lessons from Paul about what serving the church should look like. One cool thing about the house being quiet is I listened to the words of the song "Please Forgive Me (Song of the Crow)" by William Fitzsimmons. Great Lyrics and good song for those thoughtful times. Here are the lyrics.

My demons walk with me
They told me not to leave them...alone
I put you on the tree
I tore your heart to pieces

You swept me off my feet
You gave your heart to me...alone
I left you out at sea
I left you there to plea

Please forgive me
Please please forgive me

My wife is incrediable.

I love my wife so much today. I love her everyday but today she left some notes for me to find when she went to her mom's house. One had a gift card to Little Caesars and the other, Starbucks. She know knows the way to my heart is through my poor eating habits. The gifts were great but the writing in the card was so powerful it gave me chills. I read it like 3 times over. She knows that words that speak life into my heart. One line said "I love you with all my heart and am so thankful for our love story and the legacy you leave as a husband and father." I needed to hear that. I want so much for her life to be all that she dreamed it could be. She is loving, purposeful, and driven to use every gift she has to other peoples lives richer. What a blessing to come home to a house that is a place of peace not strife because Gods Spirit is in us calling and empowering us to die to serve each other.. Often I fail but good to know that sometimes my love for her gets free of the chains of my selfishness.

What is love?

Last night I shared something God put on my heart with the youth. It was about true love and often we place all our hopes on other people to make us happy and complete. We hope that people can hold our world together. Then I heard this Taylor Swift song "Breathe" on httl://www.pandora.com that spoke to this feeling. Here are some lyrics. I highlighted the statements I found interesting:

Music starts playin' like the end of a sad movie
It's the kinda ending you don't really wanna see
'Cause it's tragedy and it'll only bring you down
Now I don't know what to be without you around

And we know it's never simple, never easy
Never a clean break, no one here to save me
You're the only thing I know like the back of my hand

And I can't breathe Without you, but I have to
Breathe
Without you, but I have to

So many people, like the girl in the song, place so much of their identity in the person with which they have a relationship. And when things end or people change their minds those people are without hope, confused, and in need of someone to rescue them. I was so guilty of that in High School trying to escape pressures and insecurities by placing all my cares and identity around my girlfriend. I wanted her to save me from fear and sadness. Both of us looking for things that the other person can't provide. Giving way to much away to get what will never be found in that relationship. It took me so long to figure out that people, even great people, don't have the capacity to hold your world together.

Colossians 1 says speaking of Jesus that:
¹⁵He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. ¹⁷He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Praise God everything is held together. God holds my life together. My marriage, my son, or my job cannot do that for me. Nothing or No one can fix my world but Jesus. I pray so much for me and the students at we would understand because it would save us such heartache. After we understand how to be loved can we love others.

Buying Experiences

Money burns a hole in my pocket. If I have money I want to spend it. Often when I am done I wonder why I have nothing tangible to show for it. I believe Terri and I are wise with our money but like most people we want new floors, lawn furniture, and cell phones. I realize money and things don't make us happy but often I need reminders. This reminder came from San Francisco State, they did a study and posted an article about where to invest your money. They, rightly, said in life experiences. Here are a few lines from the article.

The study demonstrates that experiential purchases, such as a meal out or theater tickets, result in increased well-being because they satisfy higher order needs, specifically the need for social connectedness and vitality -- a feeling of being alive.

Funny thing, In Genesis God says it is not good for man to be alone. Connection with other people brings a full life. Why do we make money decisions on personal wants not relationship needs? We choose poorly so often and we wonder why life is mundane and boring. Purchases go to things that distance us from those people we desperately need a strong relationship with. Items like video games and ipods instead of board games and gas money for trips. The study continues:

Experiences also lead to longer-term satisfaction. "Purchased experiences provide memory capital," Howell said. "We don't tend to get bored of happy memories like we do with a material object."

I desire more memory capital and a life full of happy memories. New floors will make me happy for a few days but a trip to see friends in Washington would provide life to my soul. I wish I could keep this in my mind but it often flies away. Like a balloon in Tripp’s hand without a firm grip it will fly away and he is sure to be sad and maybe cry. Without a firm grip on good on wise stewardship we will fly away into selfish spending creating a life full of emotional lows and sometimes tears. Lord help us be wise spenders of time and money.

Thin Places

Tripp is at that age where he doesn't want me to go to work. He cries, I hate it for him, and I love it for me. Feels great when I get to spend time with the family over the weekend. We went to the Zoo yesterday in Waco. It was perfect and Tripp wore himself out running. I really think He was the most excited to see the size of the Giraffes. He feel asleep quickly in the car on the way home. So we know it was a successful trip. Feels like so much of life is full of moments I wish we could bottle up to be opened up during the tough days. I would have bottled yesterday. Mark Batterson's book "Wild Goose Chase" he tells of the Celtic Christians had a name for places where heaven and earth seem to touch. They called them "thin places." My affections for God yesterday at the Zoo exceeded many worship services I attend. Seems like the world is full of bailouts, unemployment, and wars but praise God for giving family and experiences that is like a refuge from all troubles. I believe God gives "thin moments" all the time we just miss them in our own selfishness.

Did You Know

Crazy Video! Makes me wonder what kind of world we will live in soon.

Steelers

I watched the super bowl last night and was rooting for the Cardinals. Terri and I were both impressed with the way the Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin, carried himself. He looked so calm and confident. When I heard him speak after the game I just loved the way he approached the victory with such humility. Today, just looking through coverage of the game, I ran into this opinion piece Mike did for USA Today about the influence of his father. I loved it because I constantly seek motivation for being a husband and father. Here are my favorite lines:

I had big dreams when I was a child. But without my dad, those dreams might not have come true. He brought stability to my life. He made my world a safe place in which to think and to learn. And though not every boy may aspire to become a football coach, every father can aspire to become the dad of his child's dreams. But to make that a reality, fathers must choose daily to work toward that goal.
Mike Tomlin, Steelers Coach

My goal is that Tripp knows I love his mom. I want him to know I enjoy him and love him unconditionally. I want my faith to inspire him and not convert him by coercion. I hope to equip him with everything I know to help him become all God intends for him to be.

You can and should read the whole article here
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/01/fatherhood-come.html

Family Life

I read this quote and thought of Tripp. Terri and I played peek a boo with his shirt last night and he laughed so hard each and every time we played. He brings such joy to our lives. Never thought parenting would teach me so much about God. We are so blessed that God is giving us another child to teach us even more. The expectation makes me want to yell like Tripp "again, again" to God.

Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.

G.K. Chesterton

Reminders

I read a daily devotional by Frederick Buechner. Today, I read this little bit and it just jumped of the page.

"To journey for the sake of saving our own lives is little by little to cease to live in any sense that really matters, even to ourselves, because it is only by journeying for the world's sake ----even when the world bores and sickens and scares you half to death ---- that little by little we start to come alive. It was not a conclusion that I came to in time. It was a conclusion from beyond time that came to me. God knows I have never been any good at following the road it pointed me to, but a least, by grace, I glimpsed the road and saw that it is the only one worth traveling."
Frederick Buechner, Listening to Your Life

Maybe, It stirred my spirit because I will be preaching on Feb. 22nd about serving the church. Or maybe I just love to be reminded why I travel down this road of faith. God came from beyond time to reveal Himself to me and I respond by giving all of me back to Him. Paul talks about this in the first chapter of his letter to the Ephesians. Often we need to be reminded more than instructed on Godly living. Let this serve as a reminder

Mid Afternoon Distraction

Just thought you might want some entertainment. Enjoy

Sleep

I am in need of some sleep. The past few nights I have been tired but just could not stop my mind long enough to doze off. One of the reasons I love this blog is because it stops my mind from focusing on other things and allows me to doze off into the greatness of God. I really believe so many people fill distant from God because they don't give themselves a routine that makes them stop. I know God always longs to meet with us but often He doesn't overwhelm our daily lives. I have heard it said pain and trials are a megaphone that God uses to speak to us. In the good times it seems like God whispers His love for us. I am so blessed right now, if I don't stop my mind I miss the splendor of communion with God.

If times are good, what is your routine to ensure time focused on God?

Just a little Off

I was eating today when I had this uncomfortable pain in a crown I received. I got it a few months ago, but when they put it on the crown didn't fit right and hit before my other teeth. It is interesting how something little can be so incredible annoying. A little bit off can cause huge problems. A little something wrong at home can lead to a loss of intimacy, a little thing at work leads to a loss of productivity, and little hitch with God leads to not experiencing fullness of life. With my tooth, I wanted the problem to go away without going to the dentist. That was not possible; it had to be grind down. We all want our problems to go away without any difficulty. It is just not likely. Uncomfortable conversations have to grind away the problem.

Your spouse has to know your heart has drifted because....

Your boss has to know you lost your drive because....

Your family needs to know why you don't spend time with them because...

God needs nothing but desires honesty about the hurt or failure that have caused the distance.

Last month I had one of these conversations that was extremely awkward and I fumbled through the whole thing. I know unspoken words were cancer to the relationship. Not sure much changed on their side but everything changed inside of my heart. A weight was lifted. All this is easy to say and hard to live. I fall short of what I desire so often. So God help us!

Windows of the Soul

I read this when I was struggling with some criticism. I needed to here it. My nature wanted to attack and bring out all that was wrong with the other person. I couldn't see my self righteousness.

The old proverb, "The eyes are the windows of the soul," contains a powerful truth. Our eyes reveal whether our souls are spacious or cramped, hospitable or critical, compassionate or judgmental. The way we see other people is usually the way we see ourselves. If we have made peace with our flawed humanity and embraced our ragamuffin identity, we are able to tolerate in others what was previously unacceptable in ourselves.

Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

Come, Lord Jesus

Revelation 22:20

"Yes, I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

I have been racking my brain over something lately. In this political season I have heard a few well meaning Christian say that they wish Jesus would come because their candidate didn't win. I am conflicted and it has been bothering me, not because of the statement, but the spirit in which it seems to be said. Often it comes off as fear of the unknown and like the world has gotten to be to much for them. It is cowardly. God doesn't stop working because this world is evil. I have fear often but I must remember I have the spirit of God living inside of me, as a Christ follower, and perfect love drives out fear. Also, God is patient not wishing that any should perish. Do we really understand what it means that Jesus is coming to judge? All those that don't know Him are eternally doomed. Doesn't that break your heart for those you love that don't know Him? We need commitment to the mission of God not tunnel vision on the obstacles.

I understand what Paul is talking about in Philippians 1 "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me."

Jesus open blinded eyes! Give me wisdom and understanding. I don't want the easy way out, but anoint me to push forward your Love.

Focus

John Milton said "The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make a Heaven out of Hell, a Hell of Heaven." I have this problem focusing on what is wrong instead of seeking what is right. Destroying what has the potential to be amazing. Today I have fought that all day making it more hellish than it needed to be. Tripp, Terri, family, work, home, and health speak to the fact I have so much. Jesus needs to enlighten my eyes like Paul talk about in Ephesians. I will renew my focus, life is short I won't live in what is not but what currently is.

Worldview

A huge day in America's History today. I love America but we can't get so wrapped up in what is happening in our little world. I love when I get a clearer picture of what the world looks like. I ran across this post yesterday and it made me think about what is the way I see the world.

Six billion people on the planet. If we reduce that population to a one hundred people, proportionately,

57 of those people come from Asia

21 from Europe

14 from North and South America

8 from Africa

49 would be women

51 would be men

68 would still not be able to read and write

6 of those people would own and control 50% of the world’s wealth, all of those six people would be US citizens

1 of those people would have just been born

1 of those people is about to die

Only 1 of those people have been to college.

On planet earth…

One third of the world’s population is dying from a lack of bread.

One third is dying from lack of justice.

One third is dying from over-eating.

How do you see the world? I see it in need of hope. I love the way President Obama is calling people to action and giving people tools to make a change reveal some hope at www.usaservice.org. I know real, true, and lasting hope comes through a right relationship with our creator not service projects. Although, service does reveal our hearts desire to change the world with God love revealed through Jesus Christ. So get off the sidelines and make a change in the world!

MLK

I got Terri a book on Martin Luther King one time. One of those coffee table books, you know big and bulky that they have near the check out line at Barnes and Noble. She loves what his life stood for, probably more than most young white women. I of the things I instantly saw different about her was she didn't seem to have preconceived notions about people. No stereotypes, prejudices, or bad feelings but love seemed to spring from her eyes when speaking of people of different ethnicity. I loved that and still do because I believe I am a recovering racist. I never acted it out in violence or joined a white supremacist group. I did however join in jokes, promoted stereotypes, and felt somehow superior to other races and nationalities. It all changed when I met Jesus Christ; I felt the depths of how ruined I was as a person. I understood that all the hatred I had toward others was fear of my own inadequacy. Perfect love drove out that fear and I saw that all people are the same before God. Terri had the eyes that I hoped to see people with, free of all hatred, but jumping out was God love. She was my guidepost to take me where I wanted to go. God has taken me a long way and I give Him honor. Praise God for my wife that inspired me to change and my Savior that empower me to change.

Wedding

I am going this weekend to perform a wedding. My first one and I have this overwelming peace right now that everything will go well. I know that as the day approaches my stomach will turn in anticipation. Butterflies in my stomach is something I deal with every time I speak whether in front of 5 people or hundreds. I think it focuses my thoughts to have a physical reminder to continue to study or run over what I am talking about. That is why I love being a pastor every week I am on the line for something I know that if God doesn't show up I will look like a complete moron. After years of God showing up to speak through me it gives me so much confirmation that the Holy Spirit is real and active. I think it is sad how many Christians don't push themselves to the point of getting butterflies in their stomach to do something to make Jesus famous. Without pushing ourselves we limit our experience of knowing God. What have you done lately that you could not do unless God shows up?

Oh $%*#

That is likely what came out of that kid's mouth, when he was hit with the reality of having his head stuck. He had to be scared and embarrassed over making that mistake. I noticed on yahoo today about a man who had an Oh $%*# moment and tried to fake his death in a plane crash to get rid of the embarrassment, fear, and shame. His name was Marcus Schrenker and as an investment banker he got caught cheating people out of millions of dollars and was being forced to pay it all back in addition to jail time. Marcus also was getting a divorce as well as just have his stepfather die. He escaped the crash by parachute and went in hiding until yesterday. They found him in campground in Florida with his wrist cut and wanting to die. In a suicide letter he said "I embarrassed my family for the last time." Marcus took into his hands to fix all the mistakes the easiest way possible but in reality made things worse.

Reminds me that fixing our problems ourselves makes them worse. Mistakes are meant to be lived through and used to provide deeper understanding of how to live your life in the future. You can't change past mistakes and running doesn't make them go away. My mistakes given over to great God can be redeemed and used for the good of others. In Hebrews 13 I am reminded God promises to never leave me or forsake me. It is crazy that God never gives up on me but I often desire to say Oh $%*# I did it again stop believing in myself

Praise the God of the 2nd Chance!

rewriting your life

I was reading through 2 Samuel 22 today in the message and I came upon a prayer from King David after all the victories in battle throughout his life. One line in particular stuck out me it said

"God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes"

I often think of my life as a story that God is writing out in and through me. Sometimes I feel like my story is incredible mundane especially compared to David and other people of the bible. I desire to see God do crazy things to make himself famous through me. I know that security is something I cling to and want to control so many aspects of my life but that is the kind of story that nobody would want to read or a movie anyone would watch. God has taken me so far from the person I used to be before I open the book of my heart to his eyes but I hope I am not just a more moral, kinder, and nicer person to be around. Nothing wrong with those thing but they don't inspire and compel people. I hope to become a person of risk, courage, and faith that invites people on a adventure to join with me to make God more famous. Today my story is boring so I am praying for a place to begin to write a new part of my story. Mentoring, Volunteering, Joining something new to expand my influence might be the direction I go. I really don't know what that looks like so pray for me.

How is your story? Is it worth reading about or is it safe?

Understanding

I recently took my car to the shop because the check engine light was on and after travel from the Holiday's, it wasn't starting. It ended up being just an O2 sensor, which is not that big of a deal, and now the car is running great. When I went to picked the car up, the mechanic tried to explain to me what the O2 sensor does. It was confusing and I didn't get it at all. Maybe it was the speech impediment, speed of the word coming from his mouth, or that I don't know the first thing about cars. I shook my head and smiled like I followed every word. It is real easy to listen without any comprehension of what is really being said.

I am finding out how often I do the same thing with Terri when it comes to parenting. Often I can listen to her tell of the difficulty of the day and what energy it takes to follow a one and half year old around. She doesn't complain but just explains how frustrating the tantrums can be and what a chore it can be to get anything done around the house. I shake my head, give confirming noises, listen, and try to show concern. But, I don't really understand until times like today when Tripp is mine to watch all by myself. I understand right now and I value what my wife does by raising him. He is asleep, the house is quiet, and I am beat. I have to go Tripp and I have another big day tomorrow.

One Man and One Boy

Big weekend coming up this week! Terri is heading out for a bachelorette party for her sister, so it will just be Tripp and I. Hoping it will be a fun weekend for him. He loves playing with mom and Terri is so intentional when it comes to how to interact with him. She will be missed by us both. I have not decided what we will do but I am planning to use this time to do something different from the ordinary to start building memories with my son. I know he is young but it is never to early to start. Traditions and events have to start sometime. I desire to be a Dad that shows life lessons as we spend time together.

I can remember one the important lessons I learned from my Dad that is seared in my brain is that when you borrow something you give it back in better shape than you recieved it. He said that when he was working on a car and I was watching. He borrowed a tool and in the process of fixing the car damaged the tool. Dad left to buy a new one to replace the one he damaged. That event says alot about my dad and issues of integrity are caught not so much taught.

So I am seeking creativity, energy, and fun. I am gearing up now.

Hope

I just read an great article that I think you should all read. It speaks about how powerful it is to have someone believing in you and rooting that you succeed. I hope we can be as creative as this coach and have the forethought to think about those that are stereotyped and marginalized. I always have to remember that good intentions never help anyone. Brilliant ideas with no forward momentum are wasted opportunities. Only when we act on these God inspired ideas do people lives get changed.


http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373

Finished

I just finished this Sunday morning. I preached today about dealing with disappointment with God. We went through everyone's favorite book of the bible, Habakkuk. I used a quote by Mark Batterson in a book called "Wild Goose Chase" where he says "Don't let what is wrong with you keep you from worshiping what is right with God" to be the central theme. I believe it went well and I will try to post it to the blog once I get a copy of the message. It is such a relief once done because the anxiety level is high when speaking in front of people about what I think the most important truth in the world. Off to watch football and decompress.

Brand New Day

I was late getting into a the new Joshua Radin CD. I got it with all the itunes gift cards from Christmas. As I was listening to it one song stuck out to me because the theme made me stop and play it again. The song is "Brand New Day". Listen to it on youtube or myspace but here are some of the words.

Joshua Radin "Brand New Day"

Most kind of stories
Save the best part for last
Most stories have a hero who finds
You make your past your past
Ya you make your past your past

It’s a brand new day
The sun is shinning
It’s a brand new day
For the first time
In such a long long time
I know
I’ll be ok

This cycle never ends
Gotta fall in order to mend

It's not christian artist, as far as I know, but he hits the Christian gospel message head on. A Hero who finds us and makes the past the past. The last line reminds me of Jesus words about personal growth in John 12 "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." Reminds me everyone is looking to be redeemed from the past. They just need to be shown that Hero they are looking for.

Not a great start

Well I started the year with a great bit of parenting. I was cleaning the grill while Tripp smacked his face on the concert of the back porch. He ended up with a few good scratches on his face nothing serious. It was the first band aid of his life. And I only turned my head for like a second. Crazy what we miss when we look away. My hope for 2009 is for God's mercy, grace and protection for myself and those I love. Without help my focus goes to my selfish desires and I look away from everything I know makes life worth living.