More favorites

I was reading a story the other day and a line from it jumped at me. "We often focus on the one or two negative things instead of thanking God for the many good things." Wow, that is so true, even to someone that is optimistic like myself. Every day I hear on the news, see on the tv, and talk to people about bad things. The reality is that there are many wonderful things to enjoy - everyday.

I think this is why I am enjoying the simple things more. My awareness at what is good in life needs to grow. For instance, when we are concerned about our children making wise choices, we need to remind ourselves that they have in the past. We should enjoy their smiles, their questions, and their complex lives.

When we wonder about our schedule and can we get it all done, remember you probably have in the past. When we have concerns about life, health, and finances we need to remember that we have made it this far with God's grace. God can make a way.

What I am saying is that we often over complicate life. At least I do. Let's enjoy the simple things, let's trust God, and enjoy ourselves. Grab some coffee, watch the leaves fall, and remember that you are loved by God. You are His son or daughter. He has a plan for us.

Here are some more favorites, like finding that 20 left in your pocket. Or when you get a card of appreciation. Being surprised by laughter from a colleague. I love when Christa and I share with each other, and we both have the same thought.

I like the challenge of stopping the gas pump on an even number. It moves so fast these days- it's tough. I love sleeping to the sound of a soft rain. I hate getting up from it though.

There really is lots to love, lots to like, lots for us to enjoy in life. Let's be realistic, we are a blessed people. That is not optimisim, that is a fact. Keep on keeping on and blessings to you all as we approach the holiday season.

Jay

More things to love or really like at least

Hey everyone

I took the kids to the Leeland and Casting Crowns concert last night. You know how sometimes a band doesn't sound good live.? Well, not in this case. Wow, the sound was just awesome. Great mix, great night, and a really impressive live performance.

Two of the band members in Leeland are friends of me and the family. Christa and I were there youth pastors back in the day. It was really great to see them in action. I am proud of their accomplishments, but more proud of their sincerity concerning Christ and His mission.

I love to see my kids enjoying themselves, I love to catch them smiling and genuinely pleased about life. It is so hard to keep that everything is all right with the world kind of feeling in our souls, especially when everything isn't alright. As adults peace becomes a treasure that is rarely found.

I love looking at my littlest one Chloe, and watch her complete and disinterest at slow music. You could ask her what her favorite song was last night, she doesn't know. What she does know is her least favorite one - the Table song as she called it.

I love the fact that their is activity on the church ground - at last. Yeah, baby, Yeah. (I know many of you will think I am lame for using that yeah baby thing.) Check the Time to Build logo on the website for the latest updates as we will be using that to keep everyone posted.

I love the earlier than ever commercials for Christmas are here. Those seem to come earlier every year. The Christmas movie that was reserved for December showing, now shows up on the second week of November. Yes, we are entering the Christmas and Holiday season. We all love that don't we.

Blessings to all

J

Simple things - Passion

I was just wondering to myself what am I passionate about. I know that there are certain times of year, events, and sports teams that I just love and can't wait for. ON a personal note, the older I get the more I enjoy some of the simple things.

I enjoy a cup of coffee on a cool morning, watching the wind blow and the leaves change. I love the crisp evenings, fall festival's. I love a short line for a great ride. I love the smell of bacon. I love the feeling of fresh knit sheets on the bed. I love to watch my kids getting along. I love the weekend of falling back, who doesn't like that extra hour to sleep. I love a good movie, a good laugh, good conversation, and good friends. I love playing Disney Scene it with the kids.

The list could go on, but I do not want to rant. Instead I want to ask you the question? What are you passion about? What puts a smile on your face? What makes you just passionate about life?

I was awakened this morning to the sound of garbage being picked up at 5:45. I did not get immediately up, but laid in bed, praying and pondering this idea of passion. Let us make sure that we are passionate about the right things, eternal things, the Jesus things. I am not passionate about getting up at 5:45am. I am passionate about passion though.

Have a great day. You make the difference in someones life everyday.

J

Angry but don't blow it

I hope you all have read Pastor Rich's latest blog. Life is complicated and full of hardships but as he has stated don't quit. God is with you, get back in the fight. Now all that being said, keep your pride in check. Keep your attitude in check.

Have you noticed our world can get angry? For that matter we can to. No it is not a sin to be angry. Jesus was angry. We need some passionate people in this world to stand up for the injustice that we see and know. We need some righteous anger that will stir those that call themselves Christians to really be the examples of Christ.

So get angry, but don't blow it. Don't go postal. Don't respond to harsh emails with harsher emails. Don't think of how you can do bigger, badder damage to that person that is offending you. Every time you choose patience, you choose forgiveness, you choose love, no matter how hard it is, you are choosing Jesus. You are choosing His response. A reminder for myself, I am going to be offended, it is how I respond that matters.

Choose to respond with Life folks. I can tell you as a student that has failed many times, and still struggles to get it right, that choosing a godly, forgiving, patient response is life, life, life. Keep on keeping on my friends. If we faint not, we will reap a harvest.

J

Thanks for praying

Hello everyone

Well it is raining today with a forecast for more - so anyone who read my last entry and prayed, thanks for praying, it worked. I love it. It finally is a little chillier with the rain and the wind. Hopefully this will continue and lead us into the winter.

Don't forget everyone that this is NOT the weekend to set your clocks back. We do have to wait one more week. Of course it can't come fast enough as we all love that extra hour of sleep. I love how dark it is in the morning, makes it hard to get up, but it is awesome to watch the sunrise.

I am going to be speaking on Pride this Sunday at Horizons. I have been brainstorming on if there was ever any prideful moments. I didn't think I had that many until I asked my wife. She reminded me that I have made just a few arrogant mistakes in life. Hey you have to. It is a difficult balance between humility and pride. I mean we are made by God, that is good. However life is not about us. Balance really is tough because we all have a self centered nature. We talk about mine, I want, I need. We focus on self. This is a huge character assassin - Pride.

I have to keep mine in check, I have to keep recognizing that it is God's amazing grace. I am smart enough, I am sharp enough, I am wise enough, to know that I am not smart enough, sharp enough, or wise enough. I just want to get better today, and then the next. I think when you and I concentrate on our character, we can change the world around us. That is the kind of stuff that makes God smile.

Now praying is very important, because we make the move to spend time with the Lord. The more we pray, the more we rely on Christ to meet our needs. It is a wonderful act to humble ourselves before the Lord, to repent of our misdeeds and seek Him for our lives. So thanks for praying - we really needed the rain here - and we got it. Thanks God, we couldn't have done it without you.

Keep praying, watch the pride, and pursue His purposes.

J

Monopoly madness

Confession time. As I sit here eating some fries, I realized the marketing experts got me. I love the game Monopoly - I went years without ever losing and bragging about it. I now lose regularly so I no longer brag, but I still like to compete. Anyhow, McD's has this promotion around Monopoly. This is quite a coincidence because this past week I was playing the brand new - Credit Card edition.

I was at my brother in laws house and he had just obtained the newest version of Monopoly. All money is in millions and thousands. The card machine keeps up your account with it gains and losses. Pretty inventive and really enticing especially to the gadget freaks. My wife I am proud to say managed to win that game, she is pretty tough with her dealings.

Anyhow, I find myself driving by McDonald's and looking at the monopoly promo, 2 game pieces if you get a soda, two more on a large fry, two more on Big Mac. Collect game pieces, make the set and win cash and prizes. There is no way that I really think I am going to win, but you know what, I drove thru. Yes - the enticement to get my hands on those fries with game pieces - Wow. So it really works this marketing ploy. Nice job for them. Bad for my diet, but joy for that part of me that will always play Monopoly.

See you soon

Jay

Is it fall yet? Pray for Rain

What is going on with the weather? I guess we should all be praying for rain. Rain by the way is often considered a bad thing. We refer to the rain as "Oh its raining outside!"It ruins our hair, not mine, but other's. We also say in reference to bad things happening to people "It rains on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Yet here we are being told to ration water, and that we have gone some 30 plus days without any real measurable rain. So when it does come, my perspective will change. I will thank God for the rain. I will rejoice, with many others to know that our water levels will increase. Our grass will get a soak, the trees will get a drink and show their appreciation with brighter colors.

It is just a perspective thing about rain. It is good, it is necessary, and sometimes its bad. Many of our issues or problems in life are like that. Sometimes they are necessary. God can use anything to get us from point A to point B. Right now we need it - the rain. So remember when we pass through this season and into the next - appreciate the rain when it's not as desired as today.

Speaking of a season, I am a little disappointed that the fall hasn't been spectacular with a weather change, and leaves turning color. Football is half over, that is scary. We are making plans for all of our Christmas ideas and programs. We are in the last quarter of 2007. I can't believe it. I guess we should all just count our blessings, and pray for rain.

Seriously we should pray for rain.

Starting a new series this Sunday called the Enemy Within. I am looking forward to sharing the redemptive power of Christ over our lives. So pray for Sunday and for Horizons to be a life giving church.

Be blessed

J