Good morning and happy Friday. There is nothing better to me than being in the mountains. Seeing all this beauty and majesty always helps me to remember who put it here. We as humans have done as much as we can to make things and create beautiful things, and we have. But there is nothing we've ever done that comes close to what God has done. Even in the smallest of details He has thought of it all. From tiny little flowers poking up from a crack in a rock to the mountain I'm staring at right now. What a beautiful world. We take it for granted sometimes too. I know I do. How often then do we take Him for granted? How many times do we just pass right on by Him in an effort to do it ourselves? It goes back to letting Him, no asking Him, to be the instrumental part of our lives. When we see things through His eyes we see the real beauty of life. The smile of cute little girl as she looks up at her mom or dad. A bird soaring high above on the winds. Don't you always feel good or just stop and stare at those types of things? It's because we're seeing the real part of the life God has created for us. It always seems like when you leave the bonds of the routine life we live every day, is when you really notice what He has done for us. Be sure and thank Him for all this today. Make sure He's at the center and begin to see the beauty even in our routine lives. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Thursday. When's the last time you asked God to come take your place in something you're going through? What? You can do that? I can't ask the God of the universe to take time out of running everything to deal with little ol' me. Yet, that is exactly what He wants us to do. Do you think the CEO of a huge company is gonna come down to the basement to help you deal with a mail room crisis? Of course not, but that's worldly thinking. We're not of this world. We are children of be Most High God. Now, would you ask your dad to help with a crisis you're dealing with? Absolutely. And we do it all the time, this calling on God for our troubles and on behalf of our friends as well, but do we really understand how willing He is to listen to us and our requests? Do you see your friends post and say a little prayer and call it good? I hope not. It's like calling your friend, yeah calling them, and letting them know of a need you have, for yourself or someone else. He desires our conversation. He desires our time with Him. The amazing thing is what happens to us when we do spend that time with Him. The Israelites couldn't even look at Moses when he came down from the mountain after being with God. Don't go through life's events alone, good or bad. In all things praise Him and give glory to Him. Because really, it's what He wants from us. Imagine all the people listening to the words of God together. What a wonderful world this would be. Spend some time with Him today and everyday. The world needs it. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Humility; the world sees a humble person and assumes weakness and gullibility. Someone who is walked over and pushed around. How do it you see it? "We're 'Mericans, we don't get pushed around. We fight back and don't take nothing off no body". Sound about right with our country's attitude. It's good to a point but only to a point. I heard a man talk about another man in how much he would be missed at his job following his retirement a week or so ago. I know the man and how humble he is in his work and it was good to hear just how much he did for, and will be miss by,the people there. To know him you would not really know this. He's quiet an easy going. So how do we fight off this stigma of weakness? We don't. When we are weak we are strong. I never really understood that song as a kid. I get it now. It's not us when we are humble before The Lord and the world. Jesus is who fights for us. From our knees comes victory because we have chosen to not follow the ideas of this world but to follow the ideal God. Humility is arrived at through growth in our relationship with Christ. Through that relationship, we begin to see more clearly that the things we are fighting for have already been won by Him. We need to merely be willing to serve Him and to serve others. It's time to lower ourselves off the pedestal we put ourselves on and see from a clearer view of the tasks at hand before us. This is what He has called us to do. No praise or glory for us. This is not about us. It's about Him. Lets fight the good fight, for all the right reasons, humbly and faithfully. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Friday. Why is it so hard to open a door?  Or, why is it we won't work as hard to open a door as we will to walk through one that is already open? I know we say that God opens doors for us when one closes. I'm not so sure He opens them for us. I do believe He leads us to them, but there is some work and effort required of us to do our part. Life would be so easy if all the doors He wanted us to go through were already open, but then what kind of Christ follower would we be if it was just that easy? When we make the choice to turn the knob and pull, yank, or just simply open the door, we're saying to God that we believe and have faith in Him to lead and guide us. Far too often we come to those spots and find it too difficult to make that decision and turn around and find an already open door and take the easy way out, just to find ourselves down a road we didn't intend on being on. I wonder how many wonderful blessings we leave behind those closed doors? Ones that would have changed our lives and others in ways we could not imagine. Just a little effort on our part instead of wanting and waiting on God to do it for us. I'm not saying that we do things for ourselves apart from Him to gain favor. Sometimes behind that door may be a little heartache and pain, but if is by God that we are there, it is for the greater good of the whole. I see myself in a hallway with many doors, some opened and some closed. I feel the Holy Spirit leading me to a door that is closed. It's hard to open and I can't find the key. I fall on my knees and ask God for His guidance and wisdom. Humbled before The Lord the door opens. The key to unlocking those doors is our willingness to surrender ourselves before Him. "Well done good and faithful servant. You may enter". Oh what a glorious day. Until then, when the door behind you closes, open the one He's brought you to. Do it with the fullest confidence in Him to be leading you to where He is. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Monday. Many of you know of my love of music. Here's a blast from the past; Foreigner- " I wanna know what love is, I want you to show me. I wanna feel what love is, I know you can show me". Love, the most powerful emotion and feeling known to man. Today it also seems to be the least shown as well. Our Father God is the perfect example of what love is. He showed us love through His son Jesus. We feel His love through the Holy Spirit. He has done this for us for the very reason of filling that void He knew we would find inside ourselves, and that we would try and fill it with something else. Jesus felt all the pain of the cross. He felt all the hatred that was poured out on Him. He felt what we feel sometimes. He became our model of loving someone so much you would lay down your own life for them. I don't know too many parents that would not do that for their children, but would they do it for their neighbors child?  Love from God cannot be explained or felt to its fullest potential, not yet anyway. Would you as a parent, then, give your child to save your neighbor's child ?  God is our Father and He will and has done just that. Here's another oldie from Conway Twitty- " That's my job, that's what I do. Everything I do is because of you, to keep you safe with me. That's my job you see". We sing about it all the time. We long for it our whole lives. But are we giving it and showing it more than we are wanting it?  Go and show what love is. Go and let others feel what love is. That's our job you see. I love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. With all the recent tragedies and loss of loved ones I felt led to share a word God spoke to me on the way home from an old friends funeral in Denton.


The purpose of a life is not easily determined. A newborn who passes away; what was the purpose? Could it be that a person is born and raised and we meet and grow together and bond in a way that is beyond friendship, that their death is their purpose for my life. It happens to us all the time when a loved one or close friend passes away. We change the way we see our life and the way we're gonna live it. It's a huge feeling in the pit of your stomach that says; do it this way from now on. Is that the purpose of the life that has passed? Did God really put into motion a life born, lived and died just for the purpose of changing me at a crucial point? Yes He did. The little baby was born only for a few days before passing and has touched the lives of many people. A grandparent who dies late in their life that as they are dying the family is reflecting on their life and has a changing impact on a lot of lives. When those deaths happen, don't we begin to search for the meaning behind them and then make changes in our own lives. Well it happened a long time ago and it was very deliberate in it's purpose. Jesus was born and lived and died to change our lives. Death of our loved ones and ourselves are simply that again, as a reminder of what's been done for us by God Himself through His son Jesus. Don't let the purpose of a life lived be lost on our own idea of life. Let your life be changed by those who have gone on before us, but especially by the one who went first before us all. That's where all life is pointed to. Jesus' life was to die for us. You are born to die so others may change from your life lived. Not to take away from the actual life itself, changing others as it is lived. But sometimes the only way we see it is when a life is taken. In love always

Good morning and happy Tuesday. I know, it's been a while. How much do you really trust God? How much do really believe He has it all in control?  Then do your actions and behavior show it?  I've watched the sad story of a friend of mine losing his wife to cancer unfold over the last couple of months. It's been a battle for a few years though and I finally met this incredible women whose strength and faith in God has helped to inspire so many. She's the reason I couldn't sleep this morning as I think and pray for Tim, my friend. Together they walked the very questions asked before, and by their actions one could see so easily how much they trust and believe in God to take care of them. We read or hear stories all the time of the faith of someone and their trust in God in a difficult situation, but to see it being lived out firsthand is inspiring beyond words. I have not stopped thinking of you two since walking out of that door that day. I hear someone complaining about this or that and think of you being by her side as you say goodbye to the love of your life. We are such selfish people. We have allowed ourselves to be distanced from our Lord by this world. I saw the peace that only God can give you Tim. To truly know that God is God is how one feels that. Our pains here are insignificant when compared to an eternity with Him. Tears will be shed and hearts will hurt, but it's only for the time we have left here. Sheri will be missed, but her life here will not be forgotten. She is a pillar of what true trust in God really is. If you've never really seen it, your life will be changed when you do. If you have seen or do trust in Him fully, are you living it for others to see so they may be changed by the One you saves us all. Sheri, thank you for your life shared with all of us. Tim, continued peace and comfort brother. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Monday. Just got done reading a few news spot headlines and scanning through FB only to see nothing but bad stuff all over. It's the same all the time and has been for a while. I know that bad things have happened since Cain killed Able, but it really seems to be accelerating more quickly now. I wonder why? ( note sarcasm ). Since the Jews ignored the heeding of God they have been slaves and oppressed and not even a nation until not too long ago. America has been blessed by God since it was founded because it was founded with Him at the head; no matter how "they" try and distort our history. But ever since we have asked Him to leave our schools, offices, government, and lives, things just haven't been the same. I know people can see it but no one seems to be willing to admit it. Even those who don't believe in God know something is wrong and have a million excuses for it. None of which hold water when tested. This country is in need of a revival of its faith in God to deliver it. It has to be done with love for each other and fir those who do not see it this way. Love is all that remains. When Jesus died that was all that was left for us. Complete selfless love for each other. All the hate that these "Christians" pour out is not what Jesus had in mind as the nails were driven through His skin. Westboro and the hate mongers at protest rally's are not what we need. It's time, it's passed time to stand up and show some love to others and bring the purest of love back to our country.  I have lots of friends who do not see it this way, but I love them and I pray for them and I hope that they can see Jesus is real living through me. We're all sinners just the same and all in need of the same grace of God to be saved. No one is above or below another. Together we stand, side by side and together we are all in the same sinking boat of an America that's asked God to leave. So He has, but He's right there with us waiting for us to ask Him back into ours lives, all parts of it. As frustrated as I am getting, it's the peace Jesus brings that's has kept me sane. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. Ever feel like if you don't do it, it won't get done; or at least done right? It's one of my biggest issues I struggle with. It's not that I don't think someone else can do it, it's just I lack the trust to of them doing it. (Probably the way I want it done). I did a little studying for Sunday school class as we go through the book of Acts. Growing up I heard and sang a song about Paul and Silas. But as we have been reading Acts, I've been seeing Paul and Barnabas. Now at the end of chapter 15 Barnabas is replaced by Silas. We hear no more of Barnabas except for a few mentions. We are replaceable and disposable. We have to make the most of the time that God is using us for the moment He's using us. His plans will be carried out with or without us. He does not need us. We are not a necessity that He requires. That's what makes His love for us so beautiful, He wants us. He wants to use us so that we can be blessed by Him and the moment that we are a part of. I don't know about you, but I would rather be wanted than needed. With that though, are you ready to be used when He calls? Are you prepared to answer?  You will not always have the tools needed to do the task, but you can rest assured that if He calls you to it, He will equip you for it. He needs to see you step out in faith in Him before you get it. He loves us and wants no harm to come to us, so why would we think this was a set up for failure. Barnabas did great work for The Lord and continued to do so afterward as well, but his time was up and it was time for Silas to step up. It's not about us, it's about Him. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. When I see my girls and think of memories of them when they were younger, my heart swells. There is so much emotion when you see your kids. The good times and the painful ones as well. You begin to question what you could have done to protect them. Well, we did the best we could. But the stuff we feel when we know it could have been different. That " not in our control " feeling of them making a choice hurts to the core sometimes. We understand now what we did to our own parents now that we have our own to raise. Let me say now for all of us, I'm sorry mom and dad. But I need to really be directing that more heavenward though. I'm sorry God for the things I do and choose that hurt you. Just like all parents, He is there with us till the end. Shaking His head and eyes filled with tears as we miss another blessing He had for us if only we would listen to Him. How many times do you say that to your kids, "just listen to what I'm telling you"? What makes us any different than them by not hearing God the Father? Be still and be quiet and listen. Read that again only, with a stern voice, not in anger, but in loving frustration of a parent doing all He can for His children. There is no greater love than what we receive from God, and it's there for the taking. So when you look at your kids or just kids in general, feel the eyes of God upon you and know that He's watching over you. What a great comfort that is. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Monday. In the beginning God was with us Himself. As time went on He stayed among His people throughout all their trials and oppressions. Next Jesus came to be with us. He came to show us the error of our ways and to show us the way home. When Jesus left us, He did not leave us alone. He left us the Holy Spirit, never to be left alone or without the guidance of the God Himself. With that said, it is safe to say that we are never alone in this world. Since the dawn of time God has tried to lead us and guide us in the right direction. The Jews didn't do so well at following along. Jesus came to help and they didn't do so well again, but this time the rest of us are allowed in. And like the Jews some have done well and others have not at following His will for us. Then there's today, it seems the further into this we go, the worse we as a people are doing at following the guidance of the Spirit. So the question for today is this; are you following the Holy Spirit or are you trying to guide the spirit to your will?  Sometimes it's easy to be confused as to wether or not we are leading or following. Looking back over history and knowing the promises of tomorrow, we should all be making sure we're doing all we can to follow the will of God in our lives. After all, He only wants the best for us, as any Father would. Happy Father's Day everyday. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Sometimes when you feel the absence of God, like He's not talking to you or hearing you, it's probably that you have moved away from Him. What's happened to our longing for Him and to be in service for Him? We've become very self reliant and putting God in our lives as an add on. The Bible days are relevant to us today in many ways. So in keeping with that, look at the simplicity of their lives, God and family. Now we have our kids playing sports year round with games on Sunday even. Just a few short years ago when I was a kid that was unheard of. Even on Wednesday because church was on that night too. A poll was taken asking for your most favorite Bible verse. Guess what won? "God helps those who help themselves". Really?  That ain't even in the Bible. He will place Himself within us if we ask Him to live there. From there He will guide us and direct us to what should be our ultimate goal, Home and an eternity with Him. Along the way all things we do should point to Him and His glory. That nothing we've done has been possible without Him. "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from Me you can do nothing". Jesus. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Just like everyone else in this country as we woke this morning to all the terrible news of the devastation in Oklahoma, my heart is heavy, for a few reasons. Many people are going to ask where is God in all this? How could God let this happen? Others will use this to condemn our society, by taking God out of everything this is what we get. Others will point to the end times and try and create panic among non and young Christians. Still others will simply point out there is no God. My heart is heavy for the obvious reasons; death of people and loss of homes and communities. But it's also weighing on me about how quickly death can come and in this case so wide spread that many may not have been ready to meet the Father. We are after all a lost people and this has become a lost nation. More and more people are living here not knowing or believing in God the Father. That should bother all of us. It's not too late to turn this around though. Those of you who know me and especially those who know my past can see change in direction is possible. But how did it happen? What took place and what is my role in it?  Well it didn't happen over night and it was just a few people who spoke God's word to me. They allowed themselves to be used by Him to reach me in a place some might not have gone. Oh it wasn't that bad where I was. For some it may have looked pretty good. Hell will be filled with a lot of "good" people. Every time we have a major event like this in our country, many different views spring to life. Be prepared and become the voice of Truth about the Father who loves us all, no matter what. Help others find their way home to Him now, before anything else can happen to them. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Monday. I'm in a conversation with my youngest daughter who is getting ready to graduate from high school in a few weeks. She said there's a lot of stuff going on at school and people acting up and causing her some issues. "This is not how I thought my senior year would end up", she said. Is life ever how we thought it would be? Are you where you thought you would be when you dreamed of your life as a kid or teen? Why do you suppose it's never how we think?  Well, maybe just maybe it's because we don't know what's best for us or what we need to be doing for others. It's the second part that usually throws us off. God has plans for us, for and with other people. Our society today has become so self reliant and self sufficient, we have forgotten about other people in the world until they bother us. In the Old Testament days the people relied on each other for all kinds of things. They were communal people. The reason it took a community to raise a child is because the community did raise the children, together. We're losing touch with each other and all of our technology today is making it easier to isolate ourselves from each other. God wants us to be in community with each other today and with Him. It makes us a better and stronger person because when we are together we tend not be able to hide our garbage and so satan loses his tools against us. When we are alone we are vulnerable to our secrets. These are the tools of the devil. Don't try and make life what you think it should be. Instead be pliable to God's will and ready to be placed in the path of others so that we can build community, together. In love always <>< 

Good morning and happy Friday. Yesterday I was talking about selling out to Christ. Is He worth that? In my studies and reading I'm finding more and more how deluded and disconnected I am in my relationship with Him. Our culture is partly to blame but my willingness to accept what is preached and perceived versus' what is really at the heart of it all is more to blame. I've talked before about Jesus in the garden and as to why He was in agony as He prayed. It wasn't because He didn't want to go or afraid to go it was because He would be bearing the full wrath of God, which was ours to bear, and be out of God's presence while it takes place. If God is just, and He is, then if He's pouring out His wrath on Jesus for us, He must be mad at us. Why else would He have anger? Well it's because we're sinful and ugly. We don't deserve to be with Him. So the loving part of God that is so over used so that we can justify things we do, sends His Son to take it for us. Imagine standing below a dam 10,000 ft high and 10,000 ft wide and it breaks. Just before you are destroyed a gapping hole opens and takes in all the water. Jesus drank the cup of God's wrath for us, which we could in no way handle, and after the last drop, turned the cup upside down and said "It is finished". So does He deserve us to be sold out to Him. Absolutely. In love always. <><