On December 26th, 2017 the Lord gave my wife and I a very special gift. Our second child Dontre was born the day after Christmas. Most of the time I am a very non-emotional person, except when I’m in the presence of the Lord, but when Dontre was born the flood gates seemed to open. As the nurses were cleaning up Dontre and the doctor was checking him out I was literally sitting in the corner of the room trying my best to hold in my emotions. All at once all these emotions just hit me; happiness, joy, fear, delight, anxiousness, and a sense of great pride for my boy.
The first time I held Dontre, I felt the presence of the Lord fill the room. I feel like the Lord was saying, you are not going to be alone through this process. As my wife and I trust the Lord to guide us through this next chapter in life, joy begins to fill our hearts with an unexplainable sense that there is no way we can fail. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, Romans 15:13. Joy and peace will fill your heart if you TRUST him throughout all things, especially with raising children.
Let’s be honest, the second thing that came to mind as I was holding him was, what in the world were Kara (my wife) and I thinking?!! I am still learning how to raise my first son, now I have to raise two at the same time? I think God has a funny sense of humor; He definitely gives us the strength to raise these kids. I also think He has to be sitting up on his throne with a huge smirk on His face when our kids are screaming at the top of their lungs at two O’clock in the morning because they had an accident. Those are the times when I pray to the Father, why did you make bowel movements smell so bad??
Marriage got real for my wife and I when we had our first child. We didn’t realize how different we were raised until a screaming baby came into the picture. Luckily we were both on the same page with disciplining children. But when Jacoby (our first son) cried in the middle of the night, after three nights I was ready to let him cry it out and Kara was not. I won’t really go into that because I could write a separate post about that, but simple differences like that started to appear. With much conversation with each other and prayer we were able to adjust to those differences somewhat easily, but it took some time for both of us to get pride out of the picture.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3. Initially I wanted to control the situation my way, rather than our way. Finally, once I was able put my wife’s opinion above my selfishness and pride, we were able to finally make smart decisions about raising our son. It seems like déjà vu since we have another little one in our home again. When we both are losing sleep, we must pray (a lot) that we are able to keep our emotion in check.
We can already tell that Dontre is going to be different than Jacoby. Jacoby was a very relaxed child. He rarely cried throughout the day, unless he was hungry. He rarely cried when we changed his diaper, nor did her cry when he was wet or had an accident. Jacoby also really enjoyed bath time. Dontre is pretty much the complete opposite. Dontre cries the whole time when we change his clothes or diapers. Dontre hates bath time and basically unless he is sleeping or eating he usually is wining or crying. Since he was born only a couple days ago, the only thing he does is sleep, so as he starts waking up, we are praying he relaxes more.
It is funny to me how different I can already tell my two boys are in just a few days. These boys have the same genes, same bloodline, same parents, but completely different individuals. I’m very excited to raise these two boys, and pray that all who read this would say a prayer for my family. I think I might have gotten 15 hours of sleep in the past 4 days, so I’m probably slap happy at this point in time. I’m grateful that God has given me this chance to be a part of their lives. I’m grateful that Dontre is a member of this crazy family.
God is such an amazing person, I pray for all parents that they are able to find God in their children. Find what God is doing in your community and in your life. First join the Father in what He is doing. Second tell your children about the Father and take them along as you join the Fathers work. Let them join you, so that your children can recognize the work of the father for themselves. It is important that they recognize His work, so that they will join His work when we aren’t around. Let’s pray for this next generation to do some amazing work for the Lord.
Have a blessed New year!!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Just Make it to the Next Meal, by Will
I recently "read" four audio books by former Navy SEALs: No Easy Day and No Hero by Mark Owen, the pseudonym for one of the Navy SEALs who served in Operation Neptune Spear, the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. American Sniper by Chris Kyle, and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. I've come to the conclusion that the word "respect" is not strong enough to capture what these men deserve from the rest of us, and feel like we need to create a new word that captures what they are owed for what they do for the American people.
In each of these books, each SEAL spends some time reflecting on his time in SEAL training, and in the case of Owen, the selection process for DEVGRU. One of the things that has really stood out to me is the mentality of each man. SEAL training sucks, a lot, and that's a huge understatement. For a while I wanted to be a SEAL, part of me still does, but the reality is I would have no chance at this point in my life. I've read several books by SEALs, and each one brings up some new feat they accomplished in training, or on a mission, and my mind is blown by what they do. Not only have I realized how tough it is, but also how tough these guys are.
Perhaps the most grueling part of SEAL training is Hell Week, and in each of these books the same mentality has been shared on how to make it through the week, "Just make it to the next meal." Each author says that during Hell Week you get fed every 6 hours, on the hour. You endure 6 hours of constant movement, soaking wet and covered in sand, all on a total of 3-4 hours of sleep for the whole week, but at the end of 6 hours you get a brief chance to eat, and the secret used by those who make it through is consistently to focus on just making it to the next meal. Understatement of the year, Hell Week sucks (and I haven't even been through it, the closest I've come was a 9 day SEAL wrestling camp at the Naval Academy more than a decade ago), but if those who endeavor to complete it were to focus on the total amount of suckage, it would be overwhelming, and much more difficult than it already is. By breaking the week down into six hour increments, the week is broken down into more manageable segments.
It's easy to look at life as one big overwhelming whole. It's easy to worry about every minor detail to the point where the stress is debilitating. Scaling it back, it's easy to look at one year, even one week, as a whole and just be beaten by the seemingly impossible amount of stuff that has to be done. I've found in my own life when I take that view, particularly with school, I end up procrastinating, and having a really hectic and stressful few days right before the deadline. I loath those days, but if I'm honest, I bring them on myself.
This past year flipped my life upside down. I'm now facing some big decisions about my future, that aren't really that far away. The thought of things I need to look into, people I need to reach out to, a thesis topic I need to begin working on (yes, two years before I'm planning on starting the program), the book I'm wanting to write, and all of the other day to day responsibilities, and my mind doesn't even know where to begin, and when that happens, I tend to simply sit and watch stupid videos on YouTube. The reality of life is so overwhelming that I give up on living it, and simply hope to get by based on giftedness and learning how to work within the system. I want to end this cycle as I move into the next year.
I'm not one to make new years resolutions, and this isn't going to be one, but I want to begin looking at life with a Hell Week mindset, just make it to the next meal. One internet research session at a time. One phone call/email at a time. One discussion board post/book critique/research paper/test at a time. One conversation at a time. One planning/dreaming/vision casting moment at a time. In between one thing and the next, everything can change, all of that is outside of my control. One phone call can close a door, which means I need to reevaluate, so I need to focus on simply getting through that phone call, and then going on afterwards. Just make it to the next meal. That's how SEALs are made; that's how life gets done.
Jesus said, in Matthew 6.25-34:
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Don't worry about next week, just make it to the next meal.
James 4:13-15 says, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.' Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.'"
Don't focus on a year from now, just make it to the next meal.
I'm not saying don't have a plan; I'm not saying don't dream. I'm saying focus on the journey, not the destination. The goal matters because it helps you stay focused, SEALs have the goal of becoming SEALs so they get through Hell Week, but the goal isn't the point. See my post called "The Journey" from August 5, 2017 ( href="http://proverbs1824brothers.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-journey-by-will.html"). In my own life, I want to begin to focus on just making it to the next meal. I don't want to focus on the stress of everything that lies a head, and procrastinate to the point where I hate what I'm doing. I don't want to plan for a future where something changes everything, and I'm devastated when I'm left with a bunch of shattered pieces.
Make it to the next meal, and go from there.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
In each of these books, each SEAL spends some time reflecting on his time in SEAL training, and in the case of Owen, the selection process for DEVGRU. One of the things that has really stood out to me is the mentality of each man. SEAL training sucks, a lot, and that's a huge understatement. For a while I wanted to be a SEAL, part of me still does, but the reality is I would have no chance at this point in my life. I've read several books by SEALs, and each one brings up some new feat they accomplished in training, or on a mission, and my mind is blown by what they do. Not only have I realized how tough it is, but also how tough these guys are.
Perhaps the most grueling part of SEAL training is Hell Week, and in each of these books the same mentality has been shared on how to make it through the week, "Just make it to the next meal." Each author says that during Hell Week you get fed every 6 hours, on the hour. You endure 6 hours of constant movement, soaking wet and covered in sand, all on a total of 3-4 hours of sleep for the whole week, but at the end of 6 hours you get a brief chance to eat, and the secret used by those who make it through is consistently to focus on just making it to the next meal. Understatement of the year, Hell Week sucks (and I haven't even been through it, the closest I've come was a 9 day SEAL wrestling camp at the Naval Academy more than a decade ago), but if those who endeavor to complete it were to focus on the total amount of suckage, it would be overwhelming, and much more difficult than it already is. By breaking the week down into six hour increments, the week is broken down into more manageable segments.
It's easy to look at life as one big overwhelming whole. It's easy to worry about every minor detail to the point where the stress is debilitating. Scaling it back, it's easy to look at one year, even one week, as a whole and just be beaten by the seemingly impossible amount of stuff that has to be done. I've found in my own life when I take that view, particularly with school, I end up procrastinating, and having a really hectic and stressful few days right before the deadline. I loath those days, but if I'm honest, I bring them on myself.
This past year flipped my life upside down. I'm now facing some big decisions about my future, that aren't really that far away. The thought of things I need to look into, people I need to reach out to, a thesis topic I need to begin working on (yes, two years before I'm planning on starting the program), the book I'm wanting to write, and all of the other day to day responsibilities, and my mind doesn't even know where to begin, and when that happens, I tend to simply sit and watch stupid videos on YouTube. The reality of life is so overwhelming that I give up on living it, and simply hope to get by based on giftedness and learning how to work within the system. I want to end this cycle as I move into the next year.
I'm not one to make new years resolutions, and this isn't going to be one, but I want to begin looking at life with a Hell Week mindset, just make it to the next meal. One internet research session at a time. One phone call/email at a time. One discussion board post/book critique/research paper/test at a time. One conversation at a time. One planning/dreaming/vision casting moment at a time. In between one thing and the next, everything can change, all of that is outside of my control. One phone call can close a door, which means I need to reevaluate, so I need to focus on simply getting through that phone call, and then going on afterwards. Just make it to the next meal. That's how SEALs are made; that's how life gets done.
Jesus said, in Matthew 6.25-34:
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Don't worry about next week, just make it to the next meal.
James 4:13-15 says, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.' Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.'"
Don't focus on a year from now, just make it to the next meal.
I'm not saying don't have a plan; I'm not saying don't dream. I'm saying focus on the journey, not the destination. The goal matters because it helps you stay focused, SEALs have the goal of becoming SEALs so they get through Hell Week, but the goal isn't the point. See my post called "The Journey" from August 5, 2017 ( href="http://proverbs1824brothers.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-journey-by-will.html"). In my own life, I want to begin to focus on just making it to the next meal. I don't want to focus on the stress of everything that lies a head, and procrastinate to the point where I hate what I'm doing. I don't want to plan for a future where something changes everything, and I'm devastated when I'm left with a bunch of shattered pieces.
Make it to the next meal, and go from there.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Pregame: Getting ready for baby #2, by Aaron
So today is the due date of my second son (12/18/17). My wife is currently relaxing at home, with no current activity. We are just playing the waiting game for the next couple of days. Throughout this process, I found out that my wife is probably one of the most organized people I have ever known. Last week my wife and her mother made almost 20 freezer meals for when the baby comes. The baby has a packed bag with multiple clothes, diapers, and blankets. My wife has her own bag that is filled to the brim with multiple necessities. My oldest son has a bag packed, so that when things start moving along he will be ready to head to grandma’s house. The only person without a packed bag is myself. Let’s be honest, I’m perfectly fine with wearing the same pair of sweat pants and a hoody for three days.
The nursery has been finished for the past 3 or 4 weeks, with multiple baby swings and a cozy crib waiting on the baby. We brought the rocking chair over from my oldest son’s room. The current nursery used to be my office, which is now on the bottom level. A couple of my friends helped me move some heavy furniture to the bottom level of my home. My wife did some deep cleaning of the office before we put the nursery furniture in the room. So needless to say we have been pretty busy getting everything ready for our new family member.
The important piece that I feel the Holy Spirit has really spoken to me about is to make sure I am praying for the newborn baby. I started praying for this baby when I first found out we were pregnant, same with my oldest son. Honestly more important than a new crib, rocking chair, cleaning the nursery, baby clothes, or painting the nursery was to prep spiritually for the baby. I mean hardcore spiritual warfare for my son. I’m sure every generation says the same thing that we are saying now, but our next generations (plural) need some spiritual covering from their parents and grandparents to get through the trials and tribulations that are to come in the future.
My prayer for both of my children is that they would be warriors for the Father. I pray that this next generation will not be afraid to stand up to authority on earth, and ask questions such as why are we taking Christ out of Christmas? Why are we trying to take In God We Trust off our coins? Why can’t we say the name of the Lord in school? My prayer is that my boys will not be afraid of what man will do to them, because they know that they will have rewards waiting on them in heaven. My prayer is that they will fight for their heavenly Father. My prayer is that as a father, I will assist in guiding them on a path of righteousness, but only with the help of the Holy Spirit.
So as we pregame for our second son, we ask that all of those that read this post will send a prayer for us as well. Pray for quick healing for my wife and son. I am so excited for this next chapter to start, but I am very nervous as well. Since my first son was born, I have learned many things. Mostly that I thought I was a patient person. I think God was laughing at me, because after my first son was born, I found my level of patience is basically nothing. That is another post for another day. I plan to write a postgame blog as well so stay tuned. If you are a parent, I just want to encourage you to keep praying for your children. Keep them covered spiritually, because each day the devil is whispering in our children’s ears. The devil hates everyone and everything, especially those that love the heavenly Father. We have to go to war for our kids and for our Father in heaven. So keep on fighting for our kids.
God bless!
The nursery has been finished for the past 3 or 4 weeks, with multiple baby swings and a cozy crib waiting on the baby. We brought the rocking chair over from my oldest son’s room. The current nursery used to be my office, which is now on the bottom level. A couple of my friends helped me move some heavy furniture to the bottom level of my home. My wife did some deep cleaning of the office before we put the nursery furniture in the room. So needless to say we have been pretty busy getting everything ready for our new family member.
The important piece that I feel the Holy Spirit has really spoken to me about is to make sure I am praying for the newborn baby. I started praying for this baby when I first found out we were pregnant, same with my oldest son. Honestly more important than a new crib, rocking chair, cleaning the nursery, baby clothes, or painting the nursery was to prep spiritually for the baby. I mean hardcore spiritual warfare for my son. I’m sure every generation says the same thing that we are saying now, but our next generations (plural) need some spiritual covering from their parents and grandparents to get through the trials and tribulations that are to come in the future.
My prayer for both of my children is that they would be warriors for the Father. I pray that this next generation will not be afraid to stand up to authority on earth, and ask questions such as why are we taking Christ out of Christmas? Why are we trying to take In God We Trust off our coins? Why can’t we say the name of the Lord in school? My prayer is that my boys will not be afraid of what man will do to them, because they know that they will have rewards waiting on them in heaven. My prayer is that they will fight for their heavenly Father. My prayer is that as a father, I will assist in guiding them on a path of righteousness, but only with the help of the Holy Spirit.
So as we pregame for our second son, we ask that all of those that read this post will send a prayer for us as well. Pray for quick healing for my wife and son. I am so excited for this next chapter to start, but I am very nervous as well. Since my first son was born, I have learned many things. Mostly that I thought I was a patient person. I think God was laughing at me, because after my first son was born, I found my level of patience is basically nothing. That is another post for another day. I plan to write a postgame blog as well so stay tuned. If you are a parent, I just want to encourage you to keep praying for your children. Keep them covered spiritually, because each day the devil is whispering in our children’s ears. The devil hates everyone and everything, especially those that love the heavenly Father. We have to go to war for our kids and for our Father in heaven. So keep on fighting for our kids.
God bless!
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Girls, by Will
For a long time, I've wanted a son; I think every guy does. Then I read a couple of books by John Eldredge, and my desire for a son became even greater. The more I learned about masculinity, and the stages God created a man to go through, I've wanted a boy to guide through this journey. I've always thought that having a son would help me better understand the love of God for me. On October 23, 2013, I found out I was going to have a daughter, and on November 5, 2015, I found out I was going to have another daughter. I have never been so happy that God didn't answer a prayer.
Girls are different than boys. I've had to learn how to paint nails (their's not mine, although my three year old has asked me more than once if she can paint mine), and I'm getting used to dress up clothes and baby dolls. I've never said "You're so beautiful" so much, and I've realized that being able to do different hair styles is a skill I'll have to acquire. Having girls has been good for me.
These two little girls have had me wrapped around their fingers since the day they were born. I love my girls so much, and I am so glad God gave me daughters. They are my princesses, I call my oldest "Belle" and my youngest "Cinderella". My oldest loves Belle, she was Belle for Halloween, and now all she wants to wear is her Belle dress, with matching socks (this is a must). When my youngest was learning to walk, she would always lose one shoe, just one, and so the nickname took. She's getting a Cinderella dress for Christmas. (In all future posts I'll refer to my girls by these nicknames) If you think about these princesses, they never had it easy. They overcome adversity through courage, kindness, and endurance. These are the lessons and qualities I want to instill in my girls. I want them to have courage, to face the things that scare them and take risks. I want them to be kind, with a caring and compassionate nature that is willing to serve. I want them to have resilient grit, that will stay focused on a goal, and pursue it even when it gets hard.
I've talked about initiation, knowing your true name, the need for brothers, battle, and healing, and it's easy for me to get caught up in the ministry with my brothers, and focus on helping them invest in their sons, doing what our dads never did for us. But all the time that I do this, I'm reminded that I have two girls, and they need the same foundation.
Everything that our group is focused on is about us becoming the men God created us to be. Eldgredge points out that a man's greatest characteristic is his strength, that God made a man to be strong, and that the main purpose of masculine initiation is for a man to find his strength so that he can offer it to others. As I continue to reflect back on my failed marriage, one question that keeps popping up is "what role did I play in the issue?" To sum up the answer that I've come up with, it was a failure of my strength. I didn't understand it, didn't ever realize I needed to find it, had nothing to offer, or rather didn't realize what I had to offer, and failed to come through when I was needed because I didn't know that I could and so I fell back into passivity.
That is all changing, the divorce process caused me to wake up to the things I needed to do in my own life, and I can honestly say that I have seen the truth of Romans 8.28-30 begin to play out. I have started to see how God can make all things work out for good in the process of transforming us into Christlikeness. And in this process of transformation, I've started to realize not simply who I am, but also what I'm able to offer. I've grown in confidence, and in patience, and I think I've started to figure out how to offer my girls what they need from me as their daddy.
Being a full time dad with only part time access to your kids makes this more of a challenge, but I'm not off the hook, and I'm not taking this calling lightly. I'm working to bond with my girls as much as possible, they're already daddy's girls, but I'm trying to do things with them that will help to establish the traits of courage, kindness, and grit, all while helping them know how beautiful and valued they are in the eyes of both their fathers, earthly and heavenly, because if I mess this up, their whole view of God will be twisted.
I'm in no way an expert, and do not claim to be, but for those of you with girls, or girls on the way, who read this and wonder what to do for a daughter, here are some of the things I'm working on:
Before each of my girls were born I bought them a gift that they will receive from me on their thirteenth birthday (that's all you get right now, more details in 2027 and 2029). It's something that will show them a glimpse of what they mean to me, and how precious and valued they are. Our fellowship has talked about ceremonies for the sons, and I've been thinking about how to do something similar for each of my girls. In the book Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You by Stasi Eldredge (John's wife), she describes a ceremony of validation that I am working to be able to give to both of my girls. I'm also hoping to one day take them to a ball, because every girl deserves to go to a ball, and so I'm also trying to work out this plan.
I have a daddy/daughters play list that we listen to during bath time and before bed. Right now their are six songs on it: 1) Live Like You're Loved, by Mark Schultz; 2) I'll Be Your Man, by Zac Brown Band; 3) Safe and Sound, by Matthew West; 4) Cinderella, by Steven Curtis Chapman; 5) I Hope You Dance, by Lee Ann Womack; and 6) My Little Girl, by Tim McGraw. These all point to their value, the love and protection of their daddy, their dreams, and what they can accomplish. These are the foundations I want them to know, that they are loved deeply by God and their daddy, that daddy is always going to be there for them, that they can do anything they are willing to work for, and that risks and chances are worth taking, and no matter what, they will always be my little girls.
I'm working to instill a love of hiking in my girls. I'm trying to teach them about all of the cool gear you get to buy (I repeatedly blame Jeremy for this one, I've lost track of how much he's cost me by getting me really into hiking/backpacking), and how to dress in layers. In this, I'm hoping they learn to love the simple things, and learn that it's ok to take time for yourself, escape, and be alone with God in nature.
I'm trying to teach them who God is, and how to pray. We've been reading from the kids Bible Belle got at her dedication, and I'm trying to explain what these stories mean (getting a 3 and 1 year old to understand the consequences of original sin is super fantastic), and in this I'm hoping they learn how to have a personal relationship with God.
I'm constantly offering affirmation to them. I'm always telling them how much they are loved. I'm always telling them how beautiful they are. I'm always reaffirming their skills, and encouraging them to keep trying.
All of that sounds like it should be so common sense, so simple that every dad should do it. Sadly that isn't the case. It's because dad's have failed at being daddy, satisfied to simply be a father, that women feel the constant pressure to conform, look a certain way, or give themselves away. The world has brutalized femininity, because dad's have refused to offer their strength to their girls, or perhaps more accurately, have never discovered the strength they have to offer to them, and have left them to find their worth and value from people and places that have nothing true to offer. I'm not a perfect dad, as much as I'd like to be for my girls, I'm not. I hope nothing that I have said comes across as arrogant boasting, I simply know that my mind was never geared towards what a daughter would need until I had them, and if I can help another dad out I want to. I know there are countless things I could do better at, but I'm just hoping that what I give them is what they need, and that I'm able to give them a sense of their true beauty, worth, and a knowledge of who God is.
Men, your girls need you. They need you to be a man for them. Your girls need you to know who you are so that you can offer them what they need. Just as a son needs an identity, a name, so do daughters. Just as a son needs a foundation and affirmation of his masculinity, so do daughters. The process of masculine initiation is not simply for those with sons, but for all men, because the world needs the strength of men. Sons, both your own, or those who have no daddy to father them and initiate them, need a true man to lead them. Daughters, again both yours and those with no daddy, need a true man to offer validation and help them know the beauty they posses. That is what a man is called to offer.
Your initiation is not simply for you, but for others. God has given you a strength, it is up to you to discover it, and it is your responsibility to offer it. I don't have a son of my own to invest in, God has given me girls, but they need me just as much, and I will be there for them, no matter what it takes. I will offer them all that I can, so that when the world tries to tear them down, the comments have no impact because they have heard the truth from me.
I'm getting a little angry as I'm typing all of this, I hate that there are women, somebodies daughters, that didn't get this from their dads, and I hate what they have put themselves through, or been put through, because of it. I need to stop writing so I don't start ranting.
Men, God has given you a strength that this world desperately needs. The sons and daughters of this world that have no daddy need YOU. God has given you a strength so that you can do something about it. Find your strength, and offer it.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Girls are different than boys. I've had to learn how to paint nails (their's not mine, although my three year old has asked me more than once if she can paint mine), and I'm getting used to dress up clothes and baby dolls. I've never said "You're so beautiful" so much, and I've realized that being able to do different hair styles is a skill I'll have to acquire. Having girls has been good for me.
These two little girls have had me wrapped around their fingers since the day they were born. I love my girls so much, and I am so glad God gave me daughters. They are my princesses, I call my oldest "Belle" and my youngest "Cinderella". My oldest loves Belle, she was Belle for Halloween, and now all she wants to wear is her Belle dress, with matching socks (this is a must). When my youngest was learning to walk, she would always lose one shoe, just one, and so the nickname took. She's getting a Cinderella dress for Christmas. (In all future posts I'll refer to my girls by these nicknames) If you think about these princesses, they never had it easy. They overcome adversity through courage, kindness, and endurance. These are the lessons and qualities I want to instill in my girls. I want them to have courage, to face the things that scare them and take risks. I want them to be kind, with a caring and compassionate nature that is willing to serve. I want them to have resilient grit, that will stay focused on a goal, and pursue it even when it gets hard.
I've talked about initiation, knowing your true name, the need for brothers, battle, and healing, and it's easy for me to get caught up in the ministry with my brothers, and focus on helping them invest in their sons, doing what our dads never did for us. But all the time that I do this, I'm reminded that I have two girls, and they need the same foundation.
Everything that our group is focused on is about us becoming the men God created us to be. Eldgredge points out that a man's greatest characteristic is his strength, that God made a man to be strong, and that the main purpose of masculine initiation is for a man to find his strength so that he can offer it to others. As I continue to reflect back on my failed marriage, one question that keeps popping up is "what role did I play in the issue?" To sum up the answer that I've come up with, it was a failure of my strength. I didn't understand it, didn't ever realize I needed to find it, had nothing to offer, or rather didn't realize what I had to offer, and failed to come through when I was needed because I didn't know that I could and so I fell back into passivity.
That is all changing, the divorce process caused me to wake up to the things I needed to do in my own life, and I can honestly say that I have seen the truth of Romans 8.28-30 begin to play out. I have started to see how God can make all things work out for good in the process of transforming us into Christlikeness. And in this process of transformation, I've started to realize not simply who I am, but also what I'm able to offer. I've grown in confidence, and in patience, and I think I've started to figure out how to offer my girls what they need from me as their daddy.
Being a full time dad with only part time access to your kids makes this more of a challenge, but I'm not off the hook, and I'm not taking this calling lightly. I'm working to bond with my girls as much as possible, they're already daddy's girls, but I'm trying to do things with them that will help to establish the traits of courage, kindness, and grit, all while helping them know how beautiful and valued they are in the eyes of both their fathers, earthly and heavenly, because if I mess this up, their whole view of God will be twisted.
I'm in no way an expert, and do not claim to be, but for those of you with girls, or girls on the way, who read this and wonder what to do for a daughter, here are some of the things I'm working on:
Before each of my girls were born I bought them a gift that they will receive from me on their thirteenth birthday (that's all you get right now, more details in 2027 and 2029). It's something that will show them a glimpse of what they mean to me, and how precious and valued they are. Our fellowship has talked about ceremonies for the sons, and I've been thinking about how to do something similar for each of my girls. In the book Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You by Stasi Eldredge (John's wife), she describes a ceremony of validation that I am working to be able to give to both of my girls. I'm also hoping to one day take them to a ball, because every girl deserves to go to a ball, and so I'm also trying to work out this plan.
I have a daddy/daughters play list that we listen to during bath time and before bed. Right now their are six songs on it: 1) Live Like You're Loved, by Mark Schultz; 2) I'll Be Your Man, by Zac Brown Band; 3) Safe and Sound, by Matthew West; 4) Cinderella, by Steven Curtis Chapman; 5) I Hope You Dance, by Lee Ann Womack; and 6) My Little Girl, by Tim McGraw. These all point to their value, the love and protection of their daddy, their dreams, and what they can accomplish. These are the foundations I want them to know, that they are loved deeply by God and their daddy, that daddy is always going to be there for them, that they can do anything they are willing to work for, and that risks and chances are worth taking, and no matter what, they will always be my little girls.
I'm working to instill a love of hiking in my girls. I'm trying to teach them about all of the cool gear you get to buy (I repeatedly blame Jeremy for this one, I've lost track of how much he's cost me by getting me really into hiking/backpacking), and how to dress in layers. In this, I'm hoping they learn to love the simple things, and learn that it's ok to take time for yourself, escape, and be alone with God in nature.
I'm trying to teach them who God is, and how to pray. We've been reading from the kids Bible Belle got at her dedication, and I'm trying to explain what these stories mean (getting a 3 and 1 year old to understand the consequences of original sin is super fantastic), and in this I'm hoping they learn how to have a personal relationship with God.
I'm constantly offering affirmation to them. I'm always telling them how much they are loved. I'm always telling them how beautiful they are. I'm always reaffirming their skills, and encouraging them to keep trying.
All of that sounds like it should be so common sense, so simple that every dad should do it. Sadly that isn't the case. It's because dad's have failed at being daddy, satisfied to simply be a father, that women feel the constant pressure to conform, look a certain way, or give themselves away. The world has brutalized femininity, because dad's have refused to offer their strength to their girls, or perhaps more accurately, have never discovered the strength they have to offer to them, and have left them to find their worth and value from people and places that have nothing true to offer. I'm not a perfect dad, as much as I'd like to be for my girls, I'm not. I hope nothing that I have said comes across as arrogant boasting, I simply know that my mind was never geared towards what a daughter would need until I had them, and if I can help another dad out I want to. I know there are countless things I could do better at, but I'm just hoping that what I give them is what they need, and that I'm able to give them a sense of their true beauty, worth, and a knowledge of who God is.
Men, your girls need you. They need you to be a man for them. Your girls need you to know who you are so that you can offer them what they need. Just as a son needs an identity, a name, so do daughters. Just as a son needs a foundation and affirmation of his masculinity, so do daughters. The process of masculine initiation is not simply for those with sons, but for all men, because the world needs the strength of men. Sons, both your own, or those who have no daddy to father them and initiate them, need a true man to lead them. Daughters, again both yours and those with no daddy, need a true man to offer validation and help them know the beauty they posses. That is what a man is called to offer.
Your initiation is not simply for you, but for others. God has given you a strength, it is up to you to discover it, and it is your responsibility to offer it. I don't have a son of my own to invest in, God has given me girls, but they need me just as much, and I will be there for them, no matter what it takes. I will offer them all that I can, so that when the world tries to tear them down, the comments have no impact because they have heard the truth from me.
I'm getting a little angry as I'm typing all of this, I hate that there are women, somebodies daughters, that didn't get this from their dads, and I hate what they have put themselves through, or been put through, because of it. I need to stop writing so I don't start ranting.
Men, God has given you a strength that this world desperately needs. The sons and daughters of this world that have no daddy need YOU. God has given you a strength so that you can do something about it. Find your strength, and offer it.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Life Lessons from Elf, by Jacob
My wife and I watched the movie "Elf" the other day. It has become quite the Christmas classic over the years, and yet, I haven't seen it in some time. Since my wife has wanted to watch it for most of the week, there we sat in Siem Reap, Cambodia in 88 degree weather watching the christmas movie. No, it does not feel like Christmas here.
It is funny, silly, sometimes bizarre, and yet the message is simplistic and cute in a way! Let me sum it up in my own words: A grown man, raised by elves since he was an infant in the North Pole, realizes one day he is a human and not an elf, and his whole world is turned upside down. Being compelled to travel to New York City to be reunited to his natural father, he travels on foot across more or less of a fairy land till he reaches the Lincoln tunnel. And that is just the beginning of his journey to reconciliation with himself and his natural family.
The Important Part:
What struck me early on was how childish he was! Not childlike, but childish. Being raised by elves in the North Pole, eating the three main food groups (sorry, you'll have to watch the movie), and building toys with stuffed animals that are actually alive for pets, would be like every child's paradise! And for Buddy, it definitely is! He is a child in a grown man's body - who also happens to literally walk into a normal job, go on a very abnormal, child-like (ish?) date and fall in love, get drunk in a mail room, get hurt by his father, and save Christmas all in about 72 hours (or so it seems).
And yet, I was choked up at one point! Buddy, literally, believes in everyone he meets, loves unconditionally no matter how hurt, and has faith in Santa (who he has seen) and is able to impart that same child-like faith in grown people he meets. It seems they cannot help but be impacted by his generosity, his compassion, his silliness, his naïvety or simplicity on many things!
Isn't that what captures us and delights us the most?
I couldn't help see a parallel with child-like faith he had in Santa and childlike faith in Jesus. It isn't about blindly believing in something without any reason at all! It is about a level of certainty through experience that leaves you impacted and convinced in your heart, soul, and mind. Faith may be blind in that you have not actually seen the object of your belief, but there is definitely a level of certitude that accompanies it. And faith is never without experience.
What kind of impact does this have on people around us? Buddy was not trying to convince everyone he met that Santa was real, he was simply living in that reality and it affected everything he said and did. I was impacted by an example of a childish man who believed in Santa, and the same often is said of those who believe in Jesus "Foolishness in the eyes of the 'wisdom' of the world" (1 Corinthians 2:20-21).
It is funny, silly, sometimes bizarre, and yet the message is simplistic and cute in a way! Let me sum it up in my own words: A grown man, raised by elves since he was an infant in the North Pole, realizes one day he is a human and not an elf, and his whole world is turned upside down. Being compelled to travel to New York City to be reunited to his natural father, he travels on foot across more or less of a fairy land till he reaches the Lincoln tunnel. And that is just the beginning of his journey to reconciliation with himself and his natural family.
The Important Part:
What struck me early on was how childish he was! Not childlike, but childish. Being raised by elves in the North Pole, eating the three main food groups (sorry, you'll have to watch the movie), and building toys with stuffed animals that are actually alive for pets, would be like every child's paradise! And for Buddy, it definitely is! He is a child in a grown man's body - who also happens to literally walk into a normal job, go on a very abnormal, child-like (ish?) date and fall in love, get drunk in a mail room, get hurt by his father, and save Christmas all in about 72 hours (or so it seems).
And yet, I was choked up at one point! Buddy, literally, believes in everyone he meets, loves unconditionally no matter how hurt, and has faith in Santa (who he has seen) and is able to impart that same child-like faith in grown people he meets. It seems they cannot help but be impacted by his generosity, his compassion, his silliness, his naïvety or simplicity on many things!
Isn't that what captures us and delights us the most?
I couldn't help see a parallel with child-like faith he had in Santa and childlike faith in Jesus. It isn't about blindly believing in something without any reason at all! It is about a level of certainty through experience that leaves you impacted and convinced in your heart, soul, and mind. Faith may be blind in that you have not actually seen the object of your belief, but there is definitely a level of certitude that accompanies it. And faith is never without experience.
What kind of impact does this have on people around us? Buddy was not trying to convince everyone he met that Santa was real, he was simply living in that reality and it affected everything he said and did. I was impacted by an example of a childish man who believed in Santa, and the same often is said of those who believe in Jesus "Foolishness in the eyes of the 'wisdom' of the world" (1 Corinthians 2:20-21).
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Initiation, by Will
When our group had our first retreat in 2015, it was a weekend camping trip. In the back of my mind I saw it becoming more than that, but I think for the most part it was a cool weekend outing. Out of that initial weekend grew an annual retreat, and with that comes focus and intentionality. We've been guiding our discussion, and our yearly focus, on the various stages outlined in The Way of the Wild Heart, and I was recently reminded of this quote form the book, "The result of having abandoned masculine initiation is a world of unfinished, uninitiated men. But it doesn't have to be this way."
Every member of our group falls into the Millennial generation. For the majority of us, masculine initiation didn't happen in any form. I know my own family history, and it's rough. My dad didn't have his dad around when he needed him most, and my grandfather didn't have his dad around either. That is as far back of the cycle as I know, but masculine initiation has not taken place in my family for at least three generations. It isn't my dad's fault, it isn't my grandfather's fault, and I'm even willing to say it isn't my great grandfather's fault, but it is a trend I am determined to end.
As I've been through the roller coaster of divorce, and all of the realizations and insights I've gained during that 2+ year process, I've started to undergo this process of allowing God to initiate me into true masculinity. Learning who I am, finding a purpose and mission for life, seeking to impact others, and having brothers to share this journey with has been a life changing experience. Learning what I'm made of and what I am able to endure, realizing what I have to offer, discovering how to lead and cast vision, and growing in confidence has lead me to take risks and pursue opportunities I never would have before.
God is willing to do the work in my life that my dad couldn't do, and I am in no way saying I had a bad father. He was around, he encouraged and pushed me, and he has always seen potential in me that I haven't realized, and he has done what he could to move me to better things. But even the best father is limited in what they are able to do. Ultimately, the role of a father is to point his children to God, modeling a loving father so that they can have a solid relationship with the Father.
Proverbs 3.1-8 says:
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
That is the role of a father, to teach his children how to live, and to point them to fully trust in God. The role of a father is to give his children an identity, and point them to God for who they really are in Him. The role of a father is to train, to challenge, and to encourage. The role of a father is to initiate.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend some time with Aaron. We haven't spent much time together in the past few months, life does that, and it was good to sit with some hot beverages and just listen to each other. One of the topics of our conversation focused on his son, and how and when we are going to begin including him in our group. We mapped out some ideas, but I'll let Aaron share those when the time is right. We are being intentional about seeking our own initiation as men, but are also determined to set our children up to not have the same struggles that we have had in this area. We have come to realize the importance of initiation, and the role of ceremony in initiation, and are striving to challenge and acknowledge the essential moments in life.
God desires to initiate each of us as men, and He desires for us to offer initiation to other men. The challenges of life present opportunities for God to teach, instruct and mold us. He desires to initiate you. God has a name for you. He has a mission for your life. Regardless of what your father did or didn't do, God is there, wanting to heal, and wanting to initiate you as the man He created you to be.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Every member of our group falls into the Millennial generation. For the majority of us, masculine initiation didn't happen in any form. I know my own family history, and it's rough. My dad didn't have his dad around when he needed him most, and my grandfather didn't have his dad around either. That is as far back of the cycle as I know, but masculine initiation has not taken place in my family for at least three generations. It isn't my dad's fault, it isn't my grandfather's fault, and I'm even willing to say it isn't my great grandfather's fault, but it is a trend I am determined to end.
As I've been through the roller coaster of divorce, and all of the realizations and insights I've gained during that 2+ year process, I've started to undergo this process of allowing God to initiate me into true masculinity. Learning who I am, finding a purpose and mission for life, seeking to impact others, and having brothers to share this journey with has been a life changing experience. Learning what I'm made of and what I am able to endure, realizing what I have to offer, discovering how to lead and cast vision, and growing in confidence has lead me to take risks and pursue opportunities I never would have before.
God is willing to do the work in my life that my dad couldn't do, and I am in no way saying I had a bad father. He was around, he encouraged and pushed me, and he has always seen potential in me that I haven't realized, and he has done what he could to move me to better things. But even the best father is limited in what they are able to do. Ultimately, the role of a father is to point his children to God, modeling a loving father so that they can have a solid relationship with the Father.
Proverbs 3.1-8 says:
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
That is the role of a father, to teach his children how to live, and to point them to fully trust in God. The role of a father is to give his children an identity, and point them to God for who they really are in Him. The role of a father is to train, to challenge, and to encourage. The role of a father is to initiate.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend some time with Aaron. We haven't spent much time together in the past few months, life does that, and it was good to sit with some hot beverages and just listen to each other. One of the topics of our conversation focused on his son, and how and when we are going to begin including him in our group. We mapped out some ideas, but I'll let Aaron share those when the time is right. We are being intentional about seeking our own initiation as men, but are also determined to set our children up to not have the same struggles that we have had in this area. We have come to realize the importance of initiation, and the role of ceremony in initiation, and are striving to challenge and acknowledge the essential moments in life.
God desires to initiate each of us as men, and He desires for us to offer initiation to other men. The challenges of life present opportunities for God to teach, instruct and mold us. He desires to initiate you. God has a name for you. He has a mission for your life. Regardless of what your father did or didn't do, God is there, wanting to heal, and wanting to initiate you as the man He created you to be.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Really Live, by Will
"Every man dies, not every man really lives." -Braveheart
For a few years now I've been thinking about this question, what does it mean to really live? It is so easy to get caught up in the routine of life, get bogged down with responsibilities and obligations, that it seems as if we simply exist to do what we have to do in order to keep existing. We own houses simply to leave them for massive chunks of the day in order to go to jobs so we can pay for the house that sits empty. For years I lived in routine, hating it, and hoping some day it would simply get better, but I've learned that isn't how life works. One of the songs in my Daddy/Daughters play list, "I'll be your Man" by Zac Brown Band (my oldest daughter's favorite) says, "Go have a ball, take every chance that you may" (and when I looked up the lyrics I realized I have been singing them wrong to her, I thought it was "take every chance that you make") Living involves taking chances and embracing risks, and that is when we begin to really live.
I've played it safe for so long. I've gotten into jobs where I was afraid to make moves in the company because I was afraid of failing and losing my job. Before I was married I never really dated because I was always unsure of the girls interest level, and was too afraid to find out. I think back over all of the missed opportunities because I wasn't willing to take a chance, and looking back, that wasn't living.
Right now life is changing. I've gotten older, and wiser, and I've started to realize some things about how the world works. Due to my present situation, I'm in the position where I'm going to have to make some changes in the next few years in order to be closer to my girls. It's easier to play it safe, stay where I'm at in a comfortable job with great benefits, but if I do that, I'm not going to be around like they need me to be, and that isn't something I'm willing to do.
Everything that has happened with my divorce, as difficult as it has been, has ultimately put me in the position to take some chances, go after some dreams, really begin living out what I'm passionate about; it's put me in a position to begin really living. In no way will I be neglecting my responsibilities as a father with any of this, and I'm not at all saying you should ignore your obligations, but I am saying don't kill your heart/soul/passion for the sake of your obligations. I was talking to a friend about a job change he's considering, and for him the move would make sense, but at the same time I see how this move, if it happens, could easily turn into the safe path at the expense of his passion. As we talked I told him, "I'm behind you, but this can only be a stepping stone to get to where you can do what you're passionate about. You can't kill your heart."
The world has too many men who are not living. They ignore their passions out of a sense of duty, a sense of fear, or laziness. Men are board, and men are frustrated, because men aren't really living.
What are you passionate about? How can you fit that into your life?
What is your dream? What can you do to move towards it?
What makes you come alive? Why aren't you living?
Every one of us is going to die, but many of us die long before we are ever placed in a wooden box. Let me give you something, your dreams are good. Your passions are good. It is ok for you to pursue them, you need to pursue them. If you want to start a business, make a plan, get organized, and go for it. If you want to change career paths, update your resume, apply, and go for it. If you want to go back to school, see what schools offer the program you want, apply for scholarships and financial aid, and go for it. If you want to pick up a new hobby, research, save, and go for it. Take the chance, take the risk. Make your preparations, and always be moving closer to the moment where you can jump in, and when you get to the edge, jump.
This world needs men who are really living. God made you for life. God created you with your passions. God has placed your dreams in your heart. God is glorified when you follow them. St. Irenaeus said, "The glory of God is man fully alive." God wants you to really live; He created you to really live.
Every man dies, are you going to one who really lives?
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
For a few years now I've been thinking about this question, what does it mean to really live? It is so easy to get caught up in the routine of life, get bogged down with responsibilities and obligations, that it seems as if we simply exist to do what we have to do in order to keep existing. We own houses simply to leave them for massive chunks of the day in order to go to jobs so we can pay for the house that sits empty. For years I lived in routine, hating it, and hoping some day it would simply get better, but I've learned that isn't how life works. One of the songs in my Daddy/Daughters play list, "I'll be your Man" by Zac Brown Band (my oldest daughter's favorite) says, "Go have a ball, take every chance that you may" (and when I looked up the lyrics I realized I have been singing them wrong to her, I thought it was "take every chance that you make") Living involves taking chances and embracing risks, and that is when we begin to really live.
I've played it safe for so long. I've gotten into jobs where I was afraid to make moves in the company because I was afraid of failing and losing my job. Before I was married I never really dated because I was always unsure of the girls interest level, and was too afraid to find out. I think back over all of the missed opportunities because I wasn't willing to take a chance, and looking back, that wasn't living.
Right now life is changing. I've gotten older, and wiser, and I've started to realize some things about how the world works. Due to my present situation, I'm in the position where I'm going to have to make some changes in the next few years in order to be closer to my girls. It's easier to play it safe, stay where I'm at in a comfortable job with great benefits, but if I do that, I'm not going to be around like they need me to be, and that isn't something I'm willing to do.
Everything that has happened with my divorce, as difficult as it has been, has ultimately put me in the position to take some chances, go after some dreams, really begin living out what I'm passionate about; it's put me in a position to begin really living. In no way will I be neglecting my responsibilities as a father with any of this, and I'm not at all saying you should ignore your obligations, but I am saying don't kill your heart/soul/passion for the sake of your obligations. I was talking to a friend about a job change he's considering, and for him the move would make sense, but at the same time I see how this move, if it happens, could easily turn into the safe path at the expense of his passion. As we talked I told him, "I'm behind you, but this can only be a stepping stone to get to where you can do what you're passionate about. You can't kill your heart."
The world has too many men who are not living. They ignore their passions out of a sense of duty, a sense of fear, or laziness. Men are board, and men are frustrated, because men aren't really living.
What are you passionate about? How can you fit that into your life?
What is your dream? What can you do to move towards it?
What makes you come alive? Why aren't you living?
Every one of us is going to die, but many of us die long before we are ever placed in a wooden box. Let me give you something, your dreams are good. Your passions are good. It is ok for you to pursue them, you need to pursue them. If you want to start a business, make a plan, get organized, and go for it. If you want to change career paths, update your resume, apply, and go for it. If you want to go back to school, see what schools offer the program you want, apply for scholarships and financial aid, and go for it. If you want to pick up a new hobby, research, save, and go for it. Take the chance, take the risk. Make your preparations, and always be moving closer to the moment where you can jump in, and when you get to the edge, jump.
This world needs men who are really living. God made you for life. God created you with your passions. God has placed your dreams in your heart. God is glorified when you follow them. St. Irenaeus said, "The glory of God is man fully alive." God wants you to really live; He created you to really live.
Every man dies, are you going to one who really lives?
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Saturday, November 18, 2017
My Beloved Son in Whom I am Well Pleased, by TY
When I was younger, my brother used to ask me every Christmas Eve, 'how do you make Christmas come faster?' Looking back, I don't know why he asked me that question, but I would always respond, 'Pretend to go to sleep, so you would actually fall asleep and when you awake, it would be Christmas'. Not that it is timeless truth, but every Christmas Eve night, I would get myself comfortable in my new pajamas, which my parents gave every year, and pretend to go to sleep despite my nervous energy in excitement for the next day, and before I knew it, it was 5 am and the joy of Christmas Day would permeate the atmosphere.
A couple days ago, that same feeling resurfaced. As I walked to my desk (the furthest walk of anyone working on my floor), I kept remarking to my colleagues that waiting for my son to be born was like Christmas Eve all over again, but this one was extended. My 37-week pregnant wife was ready to have our kid outside of her so she could meet him and hug and kiss him. My hope was just to get through the week at work prior to his birth, and of course, get my flu shot. We were looking forward to the weekend to clean the apartment, get last minute items, and to meet with friends for various things. It was a perfect weekend that never happened!
Last Thursday, Megan and I went into the hospital for individual appointments and did not return home (full-time) until Monday afternoon. I was sitting in the waiting area of my doctor's appointment (the bane of my existence), and I get a call from my wife that her doctor wants to induce her. WHAT!?!?!? After an hour of my life spent in being in my doctor's office (the band of my existence) and not seeing my doctor, I rushed to see Megan. Thankfully one of my dearest Chicago friends was willing to drive me home to get our baby bags, get some food, and back to the hospital. The next 35 hours was more of a waiting game than anything. Megan's mom, who was planning to come in town for a full week, and my parents drove out from Ohio Friday morning and made it to Chicago by noon. Friday was basically a whole day of doctors and nurses coming in and out trying to essentially from Megan's body to have the baby since it was not really ready.
The "party" didn't pick up until 10 pm Friday when the efforts of our doctors intensified Megan's contractions while she was getting an epidural. (For those who do not know what an epidural is, it is the drug that numbs her lower extremities so she won't feel pain during delivery. The anesthesiologist was pretty numb to Megan as she writhed in pain, grabbing my hand during every contraction. I'm glad I was there. Initially, the nurse tried to kick me out of the room during the process, and in doing so, called me "the boyfriend". [Insert Death Stare and Wedding Ring flashing]
At about 12:30/45, the doctor on call checked in with Megan again, and said, "We start pushing in an hour". OK. At this point in the night, I was incredibly tired. I tried to stay up as a watchman takes watch over a city, but when they gave me a defined length of time before the main event, I figured it was best to get a power nap in. An hour later the nurses came in, I jumped up, ate a Cliff bar and a granola bar, and started stretching. It was gametime! After about 20-25 minutes of pushing, Tyrome III (Tre) was born on November 11th at 2:54 am, weighing at 5 lbs and 12.7 oz and measuring just under 20 inches. He was here! Christmas had come and my first child, a son, was born. He is beautiful. Megan handed him to me, and I proclaimed, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased".
The culmination of a nine-month journey filled with joy, anxiety, sadness, and grace had reached its climactic end. Megan and I were parents. My initial feeling is "this is unreal and "what just happened". It is hard to explain how overwhelmed I feel with love for Tre. All I can think about is God's love for us. We get so consumed by a works-based, humanistic mentality of salvation, that somehow doing this or that will make God love us more. But the reality is Tre had not lifted a finger for me and still has yet to do anything, but as soon as he came out, I love him and waned to do whatever I could to give him a fighting chance in this world.
What if we saw God like that? What if we saw Him less like a warden and more like a father? A warden cares nothing about his prisoners, but a father wants to give his kids the world. What if we saw God less like a mystical vending machine and more like a relational, loving father? The former gives out based what goes in, but a loving father desires relationship and gives out of desire to seek his kids' best. How do you see God? Dare I say that our faith goes to and fro based on how we answer that question. Dare I say our spirituality rise or dies with how we answer that question.
Marriage and child-rearing were never meant to be ends within themselves or for each other, but they were meant to point us to the gospel, and in doing so, they point us to God. When we are pointed to God, He is glorified. All of life is meant to be for the glory of God. I praise God for my wife and my son!
A couple days ago, that same feeling resurfaced. As I walked to my desk (the furthest walk of anyone working on my floor), I kept remarking to my colleagues that waiting for my son to be born was like Christmas Eve all over again, but this one was extended. My 37-week pregnant wife was ready to have our kid outside of her so she could meet him and hug and kiss him. My hope was just to get through the week at work prior to his birth, and of course, get my flu shot. We were looking forward to the weekend to clean the apartment, get last minute items, and to meet with friends for various things. It was a perfect weekend that never happened!
Last Thursday, Megan and I went into the hospital for individual appointments and did not return home (full-time) until Monday afternoon. I was sitting in the waiting area of my doctor's appointment (the bane of my existence), and I get a call from my wife that her doctor wants to induce her. WHAT!?!?!? After an hour of my life spent in being in my doctor's office (the band of my existence) and not seeing my doctor, I rushed to see Megan. Thankfully one of my dearest Chicago friends was willing to drive me home to get our baby bags, get some food, and back to the hospital. The next 35 hours was more of a waiting game than anything. Megan's mom, who was planning to come in town for a full week, and my parents drove out from Ohio Friday morning and made it to Chicago by noon. Friday was basically a whole day of doctors and nurses coming in and out trying to essentially from Megan's body to have the baby since it was not really ready.
The "party" didn't pick up until 10 pm Friday when the efforts of our doctors intensified Megan's contractions while she was getting an epidural. (For those who do not know what an epidural is, it is the drug that numbs her lower extremities so she won't feel pain during delivery. The anesthesiologist was pretty numb to Megan as she writhed in pain, grabbing my hand during every contraction. I'm glad I was there. Initially, the nurse tried to kick me out of the room during the process, and in doing so, called me "the boyfriend". [Insert Death Stare and Wedding Ring flashing]
At about 12:30/45, the doctor on call checked in with Megan again, and said, "We start pushing in an hour". OK. At this point in the night, I was incredibly tired. I tried to stay up as a watchman takes watch over a city, but when they gave me a defined length of time before the main event, I figured it was best to get a power nap in. An hour later the nurses came in, I jumped up, ate a Cliff bar and a granola bar, and started stretching. It was gametime! After about 20-25 minutes of pushing, Tyrome III (Tre) was born on November 11th at 2:54 am, weighing at 5 lbs and 12.7 oz and measuring just under 20 inches. He was here! Christmas had come and my first child, a son, was born. He is beautiful. Megan handed him to me, and I proclaimed, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased".
The culmination of a nine-month journey filled with joy, anxiety, sadness, and grace had reached its climactic end. Megan and I were parents. My initial feeling is "this is unreal and "what just happened". It is hard to explain how overwhelmed I feel with love for Tre. All I can think about is God's love for us. We get so consumed by a works-based, humanistic mentality of salvation, that somehow doing this or that will make God love us more. But the reality is Tre had not lifted a finger for me and still has yet to do anything, but as soon as he came out, I love him and waned to do whatever I could to give him a fighting chance in this world.
What if we saw God like that? What if we saw Him less like a warden and more like a father? A warden cares nothing about his prisoners, but a father wants to give his kids the world. What if we saw God less like a mystical vending machine and more like a relational, loving father? The former gives out based what goes in, but a loving father desires relationship and gives out of desire to seek his kids' best. How do you see God? Dare I say that our faith goes to and fro based on how we answer that question. Dare I say our spirituality rise or dies with how we answer that question.
Marriage and child-rearing were never meant to be ends within themselves or for each other, but they were meant to point us to the gospel, and in doing so, they point us to God. When we are pointed to God, He is glorified. All of life is meant to be for the glory of God. I praise God for my wife and my son!
Friday, November 10, 2017
Owning Your Name, by Will
I'm restless right now, and for some reason I feel like writing. I started to write a post on spite, but I realized in doing that I was being spitefully hypocritical. Adjusting to this new chapter of my life, one that was never supposed to happen, has been difficult. I've been working on a plan to move closer to my girls when my oldest starts school in a just under two years, and in that I've started to see how God can make all of this work out for my good and His glory (Romans 8.28-30). I've also realized that until that happens, there are going to be a lot of moments that absolutely suck. And in the midst of all of this, I keep being reminded of the name that I believe God has given me.
I feel that it's finally the time to share this, but I have to limit what I say because I'm working on a book based on this idea (if anyone who reads this has published anything, I'd love to talk with you about how to go about this). I feel like the name God has given me is "Lion Killer", and I've found a lot of encouragement in 1 Peter 5.1-11. Lions are big, strong, fast, and vicious. In short, lions are really dangerous, and the Bible says that our enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. The attacks come often, and we are told to be on the alert, of sober spirit, and to resist him, because we are not the only ones suffering these attacks. There is a promise as well, that when we resist, after we have endured, God will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. There is a struggle, but the struggle is not eternal; God's glory for what He will do for those who persevere is.
This name has revealed to me why I dress the way I do, I love safari style shirts. But more than that, it's helped me to see what is involved in following God to what He has in store. It is not easy. It's exhausting, and you learn that you can't drop your guard even for a minute. You learn that the enemy is relentless, and anywhere he sees an opening, he'll take advantage. In the past two years, I've seen the ways I didn't guard my marriage. We never dealt with infidelity, never even came close, I wouldn't even talk to women if I could avoid it, because I wasn't going to let anyone pull me away from my wife. But I have also seen how I failed as a husband. I was so focused on the future, so focused on where I thought we were headed and needed to get, that I didn't see how my wife wasn't doing well. I was so caught up with what I thought life was supposed to be like, so frustrated that things weren't working out like I thought they should, that I let a lion slip in and devour my marriage.
It isn't too late to claim the name God is trying to give me. It isn't too late to fight and kill lions. My marriage may be over, but I still have two girls, and I have to do the best I can to love their mother, because I made a covenant before God. Life isn't over, there is a still a work God has called me to do, there are still lives that He has called me to impact. In order to be able to do this, I have to begin by killing the lion of spite and bitterness that wants to be angry. I can't teach Bible at a Christian High School, or to college students, if I'm harboring unforgiveness. I can't be a good dad to my girls I refuse to love their mother well. This goes against every human inclination I have. I want to be angry, I want to be bitter, I want to act in spite, but that isn't what a Lion Killer does. If that is how I choose to respond, then I'm just going to end up as another casualty, and so may many others that I couldn't reach because of my heart attitude.
Lions don't go down easily, they're tough, but they are not invincible. Satan is relentless, but standing firm in God allows for him to be resisted and overcome. Through Christ, the lion is killed, and through Christ victory and peace are attained. In Christ, hard hearts are softened, and forgiveness is extended. In Christ, your true name is bestowed, and your destiny is lived out.
God has more for you than you could possibly imagine. God has a name for you that reveals who you are and why you are here. The reality of that name will bring about trials and hardships, but it will also result in the blessings of God, and His glory. Own your name, live it out, glorify God.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
I feel that it's finally the time to share this, but I have to limit what I say because I'm working on a book based on this idea (if anyone who reads this has published anything, I'd love to talk with you about how to go about this). I feel like the name God has given me is "Lion Killer", and I've found a lot of encouragement in 1 Peter 5.1-11. Lions are big, strong, fast, and vicious. In short, lions are really dangerous, and the Bible says that our enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. The attacks come often, and we are told to be on the alert, of sober spirit, and to resist him, because we are not the only ones suffering these attacks. There is a promise as well, that when we resist, after we have endured, God will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. There is a struggle, but the struggle is not eternal; God's glory for what He will do for those who persevere is.
This name has revealed to me why I dress the way I do, I love safari style shirts. But more than that, it's helped me to see what is involved in following God to what He has in store. It is not easy. It's exhausting, and you learn that you can't drop your guard even for a minute. You learn that the enemy is relentless, and anywhere he sees an opening, he'll take advantage. In the past two years, I've seen the ways I didn't guard my marriage. We never dealt with infidelity, never even came close, I wouldn't even talk to women if I could avoid it, because I wasn't going to let anyone pull me away from my wife. But I have also seen how I failed as a husband. I was so focused on the future, so focused on where I thought we were headed and needed to get, that I didn't see how my wife wasn't doing well. I was so caught up with what I thought life was supposed to be like, so frustrated that things weren't working out like I thought they should, that I let a lion slip in and devour my marriage.
It isn't too late to claim the name God is trying to give me. It isn't too late to fight and kill lions. My marriage may be over, but I still have two girls, and I have to do the best I can to love their mother, because I made a covenant before God. Life isn't over, there is a still a work God has called me to do, there are still lives that He has called me to impact. In order to be able to do this, I have to begin by killing the lion of spite and bitterness that wants to be angry. I can't teach Bible at a Christian High School, or to college students, if I'm harboring unforgiveness. I can't be a good dad to my girls I refuse to love their mother well. This goes against every human inclination I have. I want to be angry, I want to be bitter, I want to act in spite, but that isn't what a Lion Killer does. If that is how I choose to respond, then I'm just going to end up as another casualty, and so may many others that I couldn't reach because of my heart attitude.
Lions don't go down easily, they're tough, but they are not invincible. Satan is relentless, but standing firm in God allows for him to be resisted and overcome. Through Christ, the lion is killed, and through Christ victory and peace are attained. In Christ, hard hearts are softened, and forgiveness is extended. In Christ, your true name is bestowed, and your destiny is lived out.
God has more for you than you could possibly imagine. God has a name for you that reveals who you are and why you are here. The reality of that name will bring about trials and hardships, but it will also result in the blessings of God, and His glory. Own your name, live it out, glorify God.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Turning 31, by Will
When I wrote my first post a year ago, I had no intention of doing one every year, but as I've thought about it, I feel like this is a good opportunity to evaluate the previous year of my life. I'm past the point of being excited about my birthday, it's just another day, and I just happen to get a little older. I met someone years ago who told me that she made her new years resolutions on her birthday, and while this is not something I'm going to do, I feel that this is the appropriate time to evaluate the last twelve months of my life.
In the last year I have experienced things that did not go according to plan, but have started to learn to role with the unexpected, and see them as part of the process. Along these lines, I have started to really focus on the journey, more so than the destination, and have begun to try and simply enjoy the process of life. I've been learning to cast vision, and do so slowly. I tend to get an idea and run with it, pouring gasoline on coals so that the fire is too hot to do any good. As part of the process lesson, I've been learning to take time, really evaluate, and not rush. I'm trying to build the fire slowly so that it lasts, and can be used for multiply needs. In short, this past year has been teaching me to slow down and enjoy the journey, realizing that life is a continuous process, and that is what it's all about.
The last year has been both an encouraging time of personal insight and growth, and the most trying struggle of my life, I'm beginning to see that those two go hand in hand. I earned my first Master's degree, and I found myself in the most intense, and costly, part of a struggle with someone I never thought I would have to fight against. Seeing my marriage end, dealing with the financial loss of everything (you don't want to know how much this ended up costing when it's all said and done), and now working to be a dad when I only see my girls part of the time, has been rough. With all of this, I'm trying to get to the point of embracing forgiveness. This is no easy process, but I know that this is where I have to go, and what I need to do. This is part of being a good and godly man, and a great dad, and that is all I'm after in life.
Though that is a big part of my life for the past year, it is not all of my life. In the past twelve months I have started to see who God made me to be. I've started to see the identity that He has offered me, and I'm learning to see every opportunity as a chance to claim that identity. I'm learning to embrace the trials and the hardships as an opportunity to grow, and then do something great, in spite of everything, to strive to be who God has intended me to be. Life seems to have given me a bunch of lemons this past year, but I want to take those lemons and make root beer, I want to take what has happened, own my part of it, and do something far beyond anything that myself, or anyone else thought possible. It would be easy to take the safe path, stay on the road that brings financial security, but that road requires me to kill my heart and surrender my passion, and that isn't how I want to live.
As I turn another year older, I'm beginning to see the road before me more clearly. The next few years are going to be rough, I'm well aware of that, but I really believe that if I can endure this, if I can deal with the initial difficulties of this divorce, if I can finish well with my second masters, if God opens the door and provides the finances for my PhD, I'm choosing to focus on the hope of a life closer, and much more involved with my girls, a career that impacts lives and makes a difference, and maybe leaving the world a little bit better than when I got here. In short, I'm hoping to make some really good root beer.
I'm 31, and I'm not at all where I thought I'd be at this age. Right now I have to decide what happens next, what path I pursue. I think I shared in last year's post that I feel like I've wasted the last three decades, and I really don't want to waste anymore time. I want to take what I've learned, take the confidence I've gained, take who I'm becoming, and move forward to what God is leading me into. I understand the nature of some of these challenges, though I know I don't grasp the full extent of what is in store, but I want to own the identity God has given me. I want to continue to grow, and I want to be back in a year, reporting at 32 that God has been faithful, and I've continued to move forward. Next year I want to be closer to my destiny than I am right now. Next year I want to be more forgiving of my ex-wife than I am right now. Next year I want to be closer to what God has called me to than I am right now.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
In the last year I have experienced things that did not go according to plan, but have started to learn to role with the unexpected, and see them as part of the process. Along these lines, I have started to really focus on the journey, more so than the destination, and have begun to try and simply enjoy the process of life. I've been learning to cast vision, and do so slowly. I tend to get an idea and run with it, pouring gasoline on coals so that the fire is too hot to do any good. As part of the process lesson, I've been learning to take time, really evaluate, and not rush. I'm trying to build the fire slowly so that it lasts, and can be used for multiply needs. In short, this past year has been teaching me to slow down and enjoy the journey, realizing that life is a continuous process, and that is what it's all about.
The last year has been both an encouraging time of personal insight and growth, and the most trying struggle of my life, I'm beginning to see that those two go hand in hand. I earned my first Master's degree, and I found myself in the most intense, and costly, part of a struggle with someone I never thought I would have to fight against. Seeing my marriage end, dealing with the financial loss of everything (you don't want to know how much this ended up costing when it's all said and done), and now working to be a dad when I only see my girls part of the time, has been rough. With all of this, I'm trying to get to the point of embracing forgiveness. This is no easy process, but I know that this is where I have to go, and what I need to do. This is part of being a good and godly man, and a great dad, and that is all I'm after in life.
Though that is a big part of my life for the past year, it is not all of my life. In the past twelve months I have started to see who God made me to be. I've started to see the identity that He has offered me, and I'm learning to see every opportunity as a chance to claim that identity. I'm learning to embrace the trials and the hardships as an opportunity to grow, and then do something great, in spite of everything, to strive to be who God has intended me to be. Life seems to have given me a bunch of lemons this past year, but I want to take those lemons and make root beer, I want to take what has happened, own my part of it, and do something far beyond anything that myself, or anyone else thought possible. It would be easy to take the safe path, stay on the road that brings financial security, but that road requires me to kill my heart and surrender my passion, and that isn't how I want to live.
As I turn another year older, I'm beginning to see the road before me more clearly. The next few years are going to be rough, I'm well aware of that, but I really believe that if I can endure this, if I can deal with the initial difficulties of this divorce, if I can finish well with my second masters, if God opens the door and provides the finances for my PhD, I'm choosing to focus on the hope of a life closer, and much more involved with my girls, a career that impacts lives and makes a difference, and maybe leaving the world a little bit better than when I got here. In short, I'm hoping to make some really good root beer.
I'm 31, and I'm not at all where I thought I'd be at this age. Right now I have to decide what happens next, what path I pursue. I think I shared in last year's post that I feel like I've wasted the last three decades, and I really don't want to waste anymore time. I want to take what I've learned, take the confidence I've gained, take who I'm becoming, and move forward to what God is leading me into. I understand the nature of some of these challenges, though I know I don't grasp the full extent of what is in store, but I want to own the identity God has given me. I want to continue to grow, and I want to be back in a year, reporting at 32 that God has been faithful, and I've continued to move forward. Next year I want to be closer to my destiny than I am right now. Next year I want to be more forgiving of my ex-wife than I am right now. Next year I want to be closer to what God has called me to than I am right now.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Monday, November 6, 2017
One Year In
It was a year ago today that we launched the blog. At that point there were just six of us, and we really had no idea of what would happen. One year in, and we have had over 7,100 views from people on five continents. Last month we had over 1,000 views.
We’re truly humbled and amazed by what this past year has brought, and we look forward in anticipation to the future.
From all of us at Pr. 18.24, thank you
We’re truly humbled and amazed by what this past year has brought, and we look forward in anticipation to the future.
From all of us at Pr. 18.24, thank you
Sunday, November 5, 2017
He's a Good Good Father! by Aaron
I woke up this morning with so many thoughts swirling around in my mind. My wife is pregnant and our second child is supposed to be born in about six weeks. There is a great amount of excitement and joy that I have, but also I am very anxious and stressed about how much we need to do around the home before our second son comes. The other things I was thinking about were about work, things I need to do around my house, bills we need to pay and the list goes on. As I was stressing out about everything I decided to turn on some worship music (generally it means putting on the Shane and Shane station on my Pandora app). The first song that came on the radio was Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin.
Here are some of the lyrics to Good Good Father:
Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like
But I've heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you're pleased
And that I'm never alone
You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am
'cause you are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways
I felt like the Holy Spirit was saying, Aaron you need to talk to your Father who has been anxiously wait to hear from you. Once the song came on, I hopped out of bed and knelt on my knees beside the bed. I instantly just felt this overwhelming presence of the Lord and began to cry. As I closed my eyes I just kept envisioning that I was kneeling in the lap of Jesus. I kept telling Jesus to forgive me for all of my sins. I also kept telling God that He is a Good Good Father. I felt as if Jesus was giving me a hug and felt I needed to write this quick note.
As we start this new week I want to challenge every person that is reading this post. First, I want you to stop reading this post and thank God for creating you. I want you to thank God for being such a good Father. I want you to ask God to forgive you for the sins you committed this week (whether known or unknown). Next I want to challenge you for the next seven days to find a spot in your house where you can be alone, even if for only three minutes. I want you to grab a pillow (especially if you have painful knees like me), kneel on that pillow and tell the God He is a Good Good Father. Make that three minutes about Him only. Do not ask for requests at this time, just thank God and sit in His presence.
The peace I have after being in His presence and acknowledging His holiness is indescribable. This seems so simple to me, because I know that I should do this every day, but I find myself asking God for requests constantly. I’m not saying this is a bad thing because asking things of the Father is something He wants from us as well. The problem is I often forget the Father is such a powerful God and deserves to be praised and worshiped. Spending time by kneeling in His presence and telling Him that He is a good Father is something that He deserves from us. I hope you all have a blessed day and please go hang out with the Father. He is anxiously waiting for you TODAY!
Here are some of the lyrics to Good Good Father:
Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like
But I've heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you're pleased
And that I'm never alone
You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am
'cause you are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways
I felt like the Holy Spirit was saying, Aaron you need to talk to your Father who has been anxiously wait to hear from you. Once the song came on, I hopped out of bed and knelt on my knees beside the bed. I instantly just felt this overwhelming presence of the Lord and began to cry. As I closed my eyes I just kept envisioning that I was kneeling in the lap of Jesus. I kept telling Jesus to forgive me for all of my sins. I also kept telling God that He is a Good Good Father. I felt as if Jesus was giving me a hug and felt I needed to write this quick note.
As we start this new week I want to challenge every person that is reading this post. First, I want you to stop reading this post and thank God for creating you. I want you to thank God for being such a good Father. I want you to ask God to forgive you for the sins you committed this week (whether known or unknown). Next I want to challenge you for the next seven days to find a spot in your house where you can be alone, even if for only three minutes. I want you to grab a pillow (especially if you have painful knees like me), kneel on that pillow and tell the God He is a Good Good Father. Make that three minutes about Him only. Do not ask for requests at this time, just thank God and sit in His presence.
The peace I have after being in His presence and acknowledging His holiness is indescribable. This seems so simple to me, because I know that I should do this every day, but I find myself asking God for requests constantly. I’m not saying this is a bad thing because asking things of the Father is something He wants from us as well. The problem is I often forget the Father is such a powerful God and deserves to be praised and worshiped. Spending time by kneeling in His presence and telling Him that He is a good Father is something that He deserves from us. I hope you all have a blessed day and please go hang out with the Father. He is anxiously waiting for you TODAY!
Monday, October 30, 2017
Take a Hike, by Will
I love to hike. I hike year round, and have the footwear and attire for each season; I've even been looking at snowshoes to make my winter excursions easier. I made my own hiking staff (actually 2, and I'm working on a third with Aaron, it depends on the mood I'm in that day). I've got my favorite local trails, and Jeremy and I are working on a plan to section hike the Appalachian Trail over the next couple decades. I like to be up early, the first one on the trail. I love the cool air first thing in the morning, and I love taking in how the landscape changes as the sun comes up. I love to hike.
I'm working to instill this love in my girls. I'm teaching them how, and when, to use their rescue whistles (this lesson is taking a little longer than I was hoping because blowing it every 10 feet was not part of the lesson) I just bought my oldest a Firesteel, and we're starting to learn about making a campfire, leading to how to survive in the woods. I love hiking with them, and seeing their enjoyment. The only downside to my trail buddies is that they have really little legs. When I hike with them I end up carrying a lot, my oldest gets tired of carrying her backpack, my youngest gets carried for the first half, and there are things in the woods that they want (I picked up my hiking pants today and they were heavy from all of the rocks we had to have). When I hike with them I'm focused on them. They like to run ahead or lag behind (or they each do one of the above at the same time). All of these things add to my enjoyment of the hike, and these are memories I treasure.
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to hike by myself for the first time in months. I've been really busy with work and school, and for the past two months my Saturdays have not had a spare moment. The school term ended on a Friday, and so Saturday I got up and went on a five mile hike. I got there a little later than I wanted, I saw half a dozen people within the first hour, but it was a great time to just clear my head. I don't typically do a lot of praying while I hike, I find that my mind wanders way too much, but it still ends of being a refreshing time with God. It's time I need a lot more in my life, and I've even assembled a hiking kit to keep in my trunk, that way I am always prepared to take a walk in the woods.
There is always a reason not to hike. I'm too busy, which is almost always true. It's too far of a drive/too much of a hassle to assemble my pack (which is never less than 98% ready to go), it's raining (in spite of the fact that I have rain gear). I love to hike, and I need to hike more than I do, it's good for my soul, but the excuses come so easily. I find this to be true of my time with God with as well. I know I need it, but it feels like there is so much else that has to get done, and this is for people who control my income. When I make this excuse I'm reminded of Martin Luther who would pray for, I believe, three hours each morning; when he was asked about what he would do the morning of a particularly busy day he said, "I'll pray for four hours this morning". For Luther, prayer was the answer to the hectic chaos, not an obligatory burden to fit into the day. It was his essential source of strength.
Hiking rejuvenates me, even a long and difficult hike. I feel great when I get done, and I wonder why I don't make more time for hiking. Time with God is the same way, and yet it is something I put off because of how busy I am. As I've been writing this I've been thinking about my first trip to Israel. The first few nights we stayed at a hotel in Tiberius, right on the Sea of Galilee. Jeremy was on this trip as well, and we would get up early to spend time down by the sea. When you're part of a Bible Lands tour, they are hectic, trying to squeeze as much as possible into each day, it's overwhelming. These mornings as we took in the sounds of the sea, watching the sun rise over hills on the far shore, it was that moment of calm serenity before the chaos of the day. And as I sat there just taking in the red sun light cutting through the haze, I couldn't help thinking about Jesus, and the mornings He spent near this same body of water.
Mark 1.35 says, "In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." If there was ever a busy man, it was Jesus. And yet, He made time every morning to get alone and pray.
I wish I lived in an area where I could hike to a secluded spot each morning just to be alone with God, but at this point in my life, that isn't an option, but hopefully someday. But what about until then? I can't hike the AT right now, but that doesn't mean I don't hike. I can't pray like I'd like to right now, but that doesn't mean I can not pray.
Right now life is full of changes, and right now I need God's guidance more than ever before. Right now, my life is more chaotic than ever before, adjusting to the new normal, or momentary normal, with my girls, school, work, it's overwhelming. It's ok to take time and pray. It's ok to take a hike. For me, both are essential. I need to stop thinking about the time it is going to cost me, and instead focus on the benefit of the activity.
God gave me a love of hiking, and He created me to desperately need Him. I cannot allow the responsibilities I have take away my source of life and refreshment.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
I'm working to instill this love in my girls. I'm teaching them how, and when, to use their rescue whistles (this lesson is taking a little longer than I was hoping because blowing it every 10 feet was not part of the lesson) I just bought my oldest a Firesteel, and we're starting to learn about making a campfire, leading to how to survive in the woods. I love hiking with them, and seeing their enjoyment. The only downside to my trail buddies is that they have really little legs. When I hike with them I end up carrying a lot, my oldest gets tired of carrying her backpack, my youngest gets carried for the first half, and there are things in the woods that they want (I picked up my hiking pants today and they were heavy from all of the rocks we had to have). When I hike with them I'm focused on them. They like to run ahead or lag behind (or they each do one of the above at the same time). All of these things add to my enjoyment of the hike, and these are memories I treasure.
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to hike by myself for the first time in months. I've been really busy with work and school, and for the past two months my Saturdays have not had a spare moment. The school term ended on a Friday, and so Saturday I got up and went on a five mile hike. I got there a little later than I wanted, I saw half a dozen people within the first hour, but it was a great time to just clear my head. I don't typically do a lot of praying while I hike, I find that my mind wanders way too much, but it still ends of being a refreshing time with God. It's time I need a lot more in my life, and I've even assembled a hiking kit to keep in my trunk, that way I am always prepared to take a walk in the woods.
There is always a reason not to hike. I'm too busy, which is almost always true. It's too far of a drive/too much of a hassle to assemble my pack (which is never less than 98% ready to go), it's raining (in spite of the fact that I have rain gear). I love to hike, and I need to hike more than I do, it's good for my soul, but the excuses come so easily. I find this to be true of my time with God with as well. I know I need it, but it feels like there is so much else that has to get done, and this is for people who control my income. When I make this excuse I'm reminded of Martin Luther who would pray for, I believe, three hours each morning; when he was asked about what he would do the morning of a particularly busy day he said, "I'll pray for four hours this morning". For Luther, prayer was the answer to the hectic chaos, not an obligatory burden to fit into the day. It was his essential source of strength.
Hiking rejuvenates me, even a long and difficult hike. I feel great when I get done, and I wonder why I don't make more time for hiking. Time with God is the same way, and yet it is something I put off because of how busy I am. As I've been writing this I've been thinking about my first trip to Israel. The first few nights we stayed at a hotel in Tiberius, right on the Sea of Galilee. Jeremy was on this trip as well, and we would get up early to spend time down by the sea. When you're part of a Bible Lands tour, they are hectic, trying to squeeze as much as possible into each day, it's overwhelming. These mornings as we took in the sounds of the sea, watching the sun rise over hills on the far shore, it was that moment of calm serenity before the chaos of the day. And as I sat there just taking in the red sun light cutting through the haze, I couldn't help thinking about Jesus, and the mornings He spent near this same body of water.
Mark 1.35 says, "In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." If there was ever a busy man, it was Jesus. And yet, He made time every morning to get alone and pray.
I wish I lived in an area where I could hike to a secluded spot each morning just to be alone with God, but at this point in my life, that isn't an option, but hopefully someday. But what about until then? I can't hike the AT right now, but that doesn't mean I don't hike. I can't pray like I'd like to right now, but that doesn't mean I can not pray.
Right now life is full of changes, and right now I need God's guidance more than ever before. Right now, my life is more chaotic than ever before, adjusting to the new normal, or momentary normal, with my girls, school, work, it's overwhelming. It's ok to take time and pray. It's ok to take a hike. For me, both are essential. I need to stop thinking about the time it is going to cost me, and instead focus on the benefit of the activity.
God gave me a love of hiking, and He created me to desperately need Him. I cannot allow the responsibilities I have take away my source of life and refreshment.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Divorce, by Will
Both of my parents are from divorced homes. As a result, they were committed to stick together. Growing up as a believer, divorce was one of those things that was never an option, but yesterday I found myself in a place I never expected to be. Yesterday, after over two years of the process, my marriage was terminated by the court. It's something I've known was coming for a long time, but the finality of it has brought on feelings and emotions I didn't expect. People talk about this so casually because, sadly, it's a regular part of life today, but this isn't right, it isn't normal, and it isn't at all what God wants.
This is really fresh, less than 24 hours old, and in all honesty, I probably haven't even begun to process this enough to write about it; however, part of me feels that this is part of the healing process. Dads get screwed, I can now confirm that that is the case. I want to be bitter. I want to respond in spite, and spill a lot of things on here, but I know that isn't the right response, and if I did that wouldn't be doing what is best for my girls. I know that that response isn't going to do any good, and simply makes things harder for my girls. At this point I'm simply trying to process, heal, pick up the pieces, and move forward with the knowledge that life isn't over, and I'm still a dad who my girls need.
I've thought about this post for the past few months, and one of the things that has consistently come to mind are the lyrics from a song in my Daddy Daughters play list:
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
-Verse 2 of "I hope you Dance"
Right now there is a lot of uncertainty in my life. I'm not sure what the future looks like, and I have financial concerns. I'm not sure where I go career wise, and I'm questioning a lot about God. It's a rough place to be. I find myself questioning a lot of the legal decisions I made over the past two years, as well as the counsel that I was given by my church. I find myself frustrated because I tried to do things God's way, and I feel like God let me down. I want to trust that God will deal with the issues the courts wouldn't, but part of me doubts very much that He ever will.
So where do I go now? Well, today I'm going to work. Tonight I'll go home and pack some more stuff up. Tomorrow I'll do that again. Saturday I'll see my girls. Sunday I'll take them to church. Beyond the routine I don't know. One of my pastors wants to work with me on some things, and part of me isn't sure that I want to. Part of me doesn't see the point, and doubts that it matters at all at this point.
I don't feel like dancing, and the path of least resistance is very appealing.
And then there is the identity that I have felt God has been speaking into me, and realizing that this situation is a chance to claim it. My reaction now determines who I'll be as a man, and as a dad.
My mind is now blank, and so since this is the beginning of the process, I'll simply end this here.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
This is really fresh, less than 24 hours old, and in all honesty, I probably haven't even begun to process this enough to write about it; however, part of me feels that this is part of the healing process. Dads get screwed, I can now confirm that that is the case. I want to be bitter. I want to respond in spite, and spill a lot of things on here, but I know that isn't the right response, and if I did that wouldn't be doing what is best for my girls. I know that that response isn't going to do any good, and simply makes things harder for my girls. At this point I'm simply trying to process, heal, pick up the pieces, and move forward with the knowledge that life isn't over, and I'm still a dad who my girls need.
I've thought about this post for the past few months, and one of the things that has consistently come to mind are the lyrics from a song in my Daddy Daughters play list:
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
-Verse 2 of "I hope you Dance"
Right now there is a lot of uncertainty in my life. I'm not sure what the future looks like, and I have financial concerns. I'm not sure where I go career wise, and I'm questioning a lot about God. It's a rough place to be. I find myself questioning a lot of the legal decisions I made over the past two years, as well as the counsel that I was given by my church. I find myself frustrated because I tried to do things God's way, and I feel like God let me down. I want to trust that God will deal with the issues the courts wouldn't, but part of me doubts very much that He ever will.
So where do I go now? Well, today I'm going to work. Tonight I'll go home and pack some more stuff up. Tomorrow I'll do that again. Saturday I'll see my girls. Sunday I'll take them to church. Beyond the routine I don't know. One of my pastors wants to work with me on some things, and part of me isn't sure that I want to. Part of me doesn't see the point, and doubts that it matters at all at this point.
I don't feel like dancing, and the path of least resistance is very appealing.
And then there is the identity that I have felt God has been speaking into me, and realizing that this situation is a chance to claim it. My reaction now determines who I'll be as a man, and as a dad.
My mind is now blank, and so since this is the beginning of the process, I'll simply end this here.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
The Need for Brothers, by Will
"A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." -Proverbs 18.24
Growing up, I didn't have a lot friends. When I got to high school, I lived farther away form everyone else, and so it was hard to do things with them outside of school. It wasn't until college that I really made real friends, guys who would be with me throughout the rest of my life. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a group of friends, not a big group, but a few guys who I could do life with. When I read Wild at Heart and The Way of the Wild Heart for the first time, this desire for masculine fellowship really began to be strengthened. This is something we need, but not just friends, you need men that you do more than simply watch sports and make small talk with. We need brothers.
The term "brother" is one that holds significant meaning to me, and it is one that I do not give out lightly. When I call someone brother, I am making a commitment. When it comes to my brothers, there is nothing in the world I wouldn't do. When I call someone brother I am saying I have your back through thick and thin. When I call someone brother I am saying I will stand by your side in any battle you face. When I call someone brother, I am saying that I will fight with you, or for you, that I will shed my blood for you, and if I have to, I am willing to die for you. When I call someone brother, I am saying I will be the first one to celebrate their joy, and the first one to shed tears of sorrow. The term brother is a big deal to me.
A man of many friends comes to ruin because a friend doesn't share this commitment level. A brother is the one who answers the phone at 2 am. A brother is the one who is there during the hardest times of your life. A brother is the one who calls you out when you're being an idiot. A brother is the one who rejoices with you over the victories. A brother isn't someone who ditches you to save their own skin, but is willing to stand by you and die for you. If you fall, a brother stands guard over you to protect you, then help you back up, and helps to heal your wounds. This goes way beyond watching football with a bag of Doritos.
Men are bored, and men don't have brothers. Brothers call you to battle, and they call you to adventure. We need this. It's too easy to get into the routine of work, home, sleep, repeat. Jeremy and I were talking a few months ago, we've talked a lot since we were college roommates. Jeremy got me into backpacking, and we used to talk about the trips we'd like to do. Guess how many we've done in the time we've known each other? One. In this recent conversation he said, "We need to start doing these things, or we'll get to the point where we can't and regret it." It's true, and so we've started to talk with more intentionality.
Our group is working to commit to our retreat weekend each year, and we're being intentional about building relationships throughout the year. Really, we're just trying to do life together.
I saw a movie a while back, "A Walk in the Woods", based on the book by the same title, by Bill Bryson. I finished the book last week, and watched the movie again (just a heads up there is some strong profanity, and suggestive language, as well as suggested scenes but nothing is seen). It's about two middle aged men who set out to through hike the Appalachian Trail, a 2,000 plus mile hike from Georgia to Maine. Jeremy and I have talked about it, but the reality is that a 4-6 month outing isn't realistic, so we're looking at other options of how to undertake it. Anyway, the credits for the movie role with a song by Lord Huron called "Brother":
The lyrics capture the life I want with my brothers. Adventure, facing our fears, standing together in battle, friendship. As men we need this. We were made for this fellowship, we were made to do life together.
Don't live in isolation. Don't fight alone. You need brothers, not simply friends, but brothers who have your back. Who will celebrate and weep with you. Brothers who will pick you up and call you out. Brothers who will fight by your side and adventure with you. I am privileged to call these men my brothers, and I look forward to the miles we will walk, the battles we will fight, and the adventures we will live. I can't wait to celebrate your victories, and when we must, I will mourn your losses. I am privileged to do life with you.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Growing up, I didn't have a lot friends. When I got to high school, I lived farther away form everyone else, and so it was hard to do things with them outside of school. It wasn't until college that I really made real friends, guys who would be with me throughout the rest of my life. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a group of friends, not a big group, but a few guys who I could do life with. When I read Wild at Heart and The Way of the Wild Heart for the first time, this desire for masculine fellowship really began to be strengthened. This is something we need, but not just friends, you need men that you do more than simply watch sports and make small talk with. We need brothers.
The term "brother" is one that holds significant meaning to me, and it is one that I do not give out lightly. When I call someone brother, I am making a commitment. When it comes to my brothers, there is nothing in the world I wouldn't do. When I call someone brother I am saying I have your back through thick and thin. When I call someone brother I am saying I will stand by your side in any battle you face. When I call someone brother, I am saying that I will fight with you, or for you, that I will shed my blood for you, and if I have to, I am willing to die for you. When I call someone brother, I am saying I will be the first one to celebrate their joy, and the first one to shed tears of sorrow. The term brother is a big deal to me.
A man of many friends comes to ruin because a friend doesn't share this commitment level. A brother is the one who answers the phone at 2 am. A brother is the one who is there during the hardest times of your life. A brother is the one who calls you out when you're being an idiot. A brother is the one who rejoices with you over the victories. A brother isn't someone who ditches you to save their own skin, but is willing to stand by you and die for you. If you fall, a brother stands guard over you to protect you, then help you back up, and helps to heal your wounds. This goes way beyond watching football with a bag of Doritos.
Men are bored, and men don't have brothers. Brothers call you to battle, and they call you to adventure. We need this. It's too easy to get into the routine of work, home, sleep, repeat. Jeremy and I were talking a few months ago, we've talked a lot since we were college roommates. Jeremy got me into backpacking, and we used to talk about the trips we'd like to do. Guess how many we've done in the time we've known each other? One. In this recent conversation he said, "We need to start doing these things, or we'll get to the point where we can't and regret it." It's true, and so we've started to talk with more intentionality.
Our group is working to commit to our retreat weekend each year, and we're being intentional about building relationships throughout the year. Really, we're just trying to do life together.
I saw a movie a while back, "A Walk in the Woods", based on the book by the same title, by Bill Bryson. I finished the book last week, and watched the movie again (just a heads up there is some strong profanity, and suggestive language, as well as suggested scenes but nothing is seen). It's about two middle aged men who set out to through hike the Appalachian Trail, a 2,000 plus mile hike from Georgia to Maine. Jeremy and I have talked about it, but the reality is that a 4-6 month outing isn't realistic, so we're looking at other options of how to undertake it. Anyway, the credits for the movie role with a song by Lord Huron called "Brother":
The lyrics capture the life I want with my brothers. Adventure, facing our fears, standing together in battle, friendship. As men we need this. We were made for this fellowship, we were made to do life together.
Don't live in isolation. Don't fight alone. You need brothers, not simply friends, but brothers who have your back. Who will celebrate and weep with you. Brothers who will pick you up and call you out. Brothers who will fight by your side and adventure with you. I am privileged to call these men my brothers, and I look forward to the miles we will walk, the battles we will fight, and the adventures we will live. I can't wait to celebrate your victories, and when we must, I will mourn your losses. I am privileged to do life with you.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
The Parables of Life, by Jacob
"You need to go not for the destination or for the mileage on your odometer, but for what God shows you along the way." - Seth Barnes
Journeys are beautiful things (at least I think so)! They are beautiful, however, not because they are easy, but because they are good! A journey means a lot of things: change, difficulties, leaving, finding, both mountains and valleys. Truthfully though, on a deeper more fundamental level, a journey means growth; it means becoming something more than you are today, something you hope to become...you hope to grow into. And that is beautiful! That is worth it in the end, right?
We are all in the midst of a journey. For some it might be a huge transition from high school to college, a physical move even. For others that means transitioning into a long-term job on your way out of college, or maybe finding one, yikes! Or it could be a little simpler like you are looking for a newer car to replace your old, worn out one. You know, the one that drives fairly well, but every time it rains the front floorboards get soaked, the engine light has been on for years now and still you're not sure why, and you're tired of dealing with that one window that gets stuck halfway down in the winter. You are on a journey for a new car.
Whatever it is, big or small, a journey is a part of life!
I have found my life over the past 2 years to be a journey of both epic proportions and complete mundane-ness all at the same time! After a number of years being single, I started dating a girl, she became my wife, and we are expecting our first child. This all took place in 2 years. I have also had significant job changes in those two years, among a few other things, and yet, the mundane-ness easily takes over all perspective leaving me feeling lost sometimes. Its crazy how such significant changes can still leave me lacking focus and losing perspective!
But, in all of this God remains faithful!
I met my wife in a coffeeshop. She was working for Starbucks at the time. When we started dating, her still working for Starbucks, I was managing a coffeeshop. We were sitting in a coffeeshop early on in our dating, and she was telling me one of her dreams was to open a coffeeshop. I roast coffee as a hobby, and I have worked in three different coffeeshops. Suffice it to say, we both have our own history (and love!) of coffee.
See, God does not lose sight of our dreams even when we do!
On a whim, we went down to visit Adventures in Missions (AIM) in Gainesville, Georgia. She was planning and fundraising for an 11 month missions trip with them called the World Race when we met, one of the things that attracted me to her. So, because we got married first, we went down to pursue other options for missions, but we left with more questions than answers.
Finally deciding on going to one of their longterm bases for a few months, I called up our contact in the organization and he proceeded to ask a few questions about when and where. I told him towards the end of this year and either Cambodia or India. He then told me of an opportunity...the longterm base leader in Cambodia had recently asked if he could send a couple of people to help start a coffeeshop at their base - which is a hostel (this helps them better serve those who stay and have the opportunity to share the Gospel with them).
WHAT!?!?
Um, Yes!!!
And so we are going. And yes, my wife is also pregnant. But we are choosing to respond to the call of God and the open door He put in front of us despite the complications. And we have found out that their is great medical care in both Cambodia and especially Thailand if we need it! God has taken care of all of the details, and when we start to get a little nervous, he takes care of those issues as well.
God loves journeys! Whether small or big, whether mundane or epic, God takes us all on our journey in this life. It could include actually moving somewhere else, but it can also include moving outside your door when you feel like staying inside. It could include moving your chair beside a window to spend time with Him instead of moving it in front of the tv that particular night. It could include moving to ask your boss for a raise instead of staying at the same place. Whatever it is, it includes risk, because their is no real growth without risk and some discomfort.
This is our journey right now. This is where my wife, our little one we have yet to meet, and I am at on our journey. In all of the seeming mundaneness, God includes a little excitement and adventure because we need it, we were born for it.
What does your journey look like?
How is God bringing adventures both big or small into your life?
Every journey is a place of encounter and partnership with Jesus - it is so worth celebrating!
P.S. Consider partnering with us on our journey. We need your prayers in this step. We also need support financially. All we have to purchase is plane tickets. If you have airline miles and would love to donate, purchase our tickets, or support us in any amount financially would help! And thank you:) We are excited about serving on the mission field.
https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=staff&desc=Jacob+and+Ariel+Wachtel&appeal_id=WACHTELJACOB%26ARIEL
Monday, October 2, 2017
Bathtubs and Soap Suds by Aaron
Currently my 3 year old son loves taking a bath. When I tell him each night (or every other night) that he is going to get a bath he starts jumping up and down, as he sprints up the steps. I try to fill the bathtub with as many soap suds as possible, otherwise he will say "daddy why are there no bubbles?" My wife and I decided early in marriage that when we had children that I would be the one to give them baths. Many nights I am really tired, and don't feel much like doing anything especially giving my son a bath. That all goes away when I see how excited he gets about playing with his toys in the tub and being with "daddy" for a few minutes.
This post is pretty simple to be honest. Think about how excited the Father gets when you set aside time to spend with Him. He is waiting patiently for you to take time out of your day to say hello to him. He is waiting for you to sprint upstairs when He tells you that he is running the bath water for you. That bath water could be a new job that he has waiting for you. That bath water can be peace that he has in waiting for you. That bath water could be blessings stored up for you that he wants to bless you and your family with. That bath water could be hope in a situation when you thought there is no more hope left. That bath water could just being in the presence of a good good Father (great song).
After I give my son a bath and rinse off all the soap suds from his body, I pick him up and wrap him in a towel as I hold close to keep him warm. The Father wants to wrap His loving arms around you. It doesn't matter what kind of sin you are involved in and how "dirty" you are. The Father is the only one who can truly wash away all the filth. He does not care what you look like, or how much money you have, or how much you have sinned in your life. He is willing and waiting anxiously to wash away those sins. We are so lucky to have a loving father like that.
As our busyness continues to grow and time seems to creep away from us; let us continue to make time for the Father. He is waiting patiently to bless us and clean away our filth. We need to confess those sins and ask the Father for forgiveness, so that we can be right with Him. I don't know about you but I'm ready to go take a bath. I'm getting tired of all this filthiness holding me back from the blessings the Father has for me. I'm going to let the Father wrap me in his arms. He is glad to do it for anyone that asks. Love you all and have a blessed day!!
-Aaron
This post is pretty simple to be honest. Think about how excited the Father gets when you set aside time to spend with Him. He is waiting patiently for you to take time out of your day to say hello to him. He is waiting for you to sprint upstairs when He tells you that he is running the bath water for you. That bath water could be a new job that he has waiting for you. That bath water can be peace that he has in waiting for you. That bath water could be blessings stored up for you that he wants to bless you and your family with. That bath water could be hope in a situation when you thought there is no more hope left. That bath water could just being in the presence of a good good Father (great song).
After I give my son a bath and rinse off all the soap suds from his body, I pick him up and wrap him in a towel as I hold close to keep him warm. The Father wants to wrap His loving arms around you. It doesn't matter what kind of sin you are involved in and how "dirty" you are. The Father is the only one who can truly wash away all the filth. He does not care what you look like, or how much money you have, or how much you have sinned in your life. He is willing and waiting anxiously to wash away those sins. We are so lucky to have a loving father like that.
As our busyness continues to grow and time seems to creep away from us; let us continue to make time for the Father. He is waiting patiently to bless us and clean away our filth. We need to confess those sins and ask the Father for forgiveness, so that we can be right with Him. I don't know about you but I'm ready to go take a bath. I'm getting tired of all this filthiness holding me back from the blessings the Father has for me. I'm going to let the Father wrap me in his arms. He is glad to do it for anyone that asks. Love you all and have a blessed day!!
-Aaron
Saturday, September 23, 2017
True Name, by Will
"A man's need for validation is one of his most desperate longings. Until we have that validation, we live with an uncertainty down deep inside. As men, we need to know who we truly are, and what we are destined to become."
A lot of the focus I've had over the past few years, and very intentionally for the past few months, is the discovery of my true name. This isn't the name given to me by my parent's when I was born, after all, they didn't know anything about me at that moment. This isn't the name, or names, that the world tries to bestow on us either. Instead, I'm after who God says I am, and I believe that this name is discovered through the healing God desires to give us, and through the battle He has called us to fight.
In Revelation 2.17, the Bible talks about a new name, written on a white stone, that is given to those who overcome. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it."
This is your true name, the name God knows you by. God knows what He created you for. He knows the potential you have, because He is the one who has give you that potential. This name is not the one your parent's gave you. It is not based on your education or profession. It is not dictated by your successes or failures. This name reflects your true calling, and it bestows your true identity.
God heals, God calls, and God renames. God validates.
This is the name that I want, God's name for me. A name that speaks of destiny. A name that is not impacted by failures, or successes, but that impacts every aspect of my life. This is the name I want all of my brothers, and every man I have the opportunity to disciple, to discover.
When I think about the true name this scene from Gladiator always comes to my mind:
This name speaks of who he really is, and what he is here to do. It is a name bestowed by a loving father, validated through battle, and declaring his mission. I want a name like that. A name that is not shaken or questioned during hardship and trials, but gives focus and the strength to endure.
So how do we discover this name? For me, it has been a process of seeking healing, getting alone where God can speak, and paying attention to what He says in those times, and allowing Him to speak to my heart. I've noticed a consistent theme for about two and a half years, a theme everything keeps returning to. I believe that all of this combines for God to reveal who He made us to be.
Brothers, we must learn who we really are. It is because Maximus knows his name that he is able to do what he does. He has an identity and a destiny, and is able to embrace it. He does not spend his life seeking approval, or trying to prove himself; he lives because he knows his true name.
Who are you? Who does God say you are? What are you here for?
That is what your true name reveals.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
A lot of the focus I've had over the past few years, and very intentionally for the past few months, is the discovery of my true name. This isn't the name given to me by my parent's when I was born, after all, they didn't know anything about me at that moment. This isn't the name, or names, that the world tries to bestow on us either. Instead, I'm after who God says I am, and I believe that this name is discovered through the healing God desires to give us, and through the battle He has called us to fight.
In Revelation 2.17, the Bible talks about a new name, written on a white stone, that is given to those who overcome. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it."
This is your true name, the name God knows you by. God knows what He created you for. He knows the potential you have, because He is the one who has give you that potential. This name is not the one your parent's gave you. It is not based on your education or profession. It is not dictated by your successes or failures. This name reflects your true calling, and it bestows your true identity.
God heals, God calls, and God renames. God validates.
This is the name that I want, God's name for me. A name that speaks of destiny. A name that is not impacted by failures, or successes, but that impacts every aspect of my life. This is the name I want all of my brothers, and every man I have the opportunity to disciple, to discover.
When I think about the true name this scene from Gladiator always comes to my mind:
This name speaks of who he really is, and what he is here to do. It is a name bestowed by a loving father, validated through battle, and declaring his mission. I want a name like that. A name that is not shaken or questioned during hardship and trials, but gives focus and the strength to endure.
So how do we discover this name? For me, it has been a process of seeking healing, getting alone where God can speak, and paying attention to what He says in those times, and allowing Him to speak to my heart. I've noticed a consistent theme for about two and a half years, a theme everything keeps returning to. I believe that all of this combines for God to reveal who He made us to be.
Brothers, we must learn who we really are. It is because Maximus knows his name that he is able to do what he does. He has an identity and a destiny, and is able to embrace it. He does not spend his life seeking approval, or trying to prove himself; he lives because he knows his true name.
Who are you? Who does God say you are? What are you here for?
That is what your true name reveals.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
The Need for Battle, by Will
If you read just about any book on masculinity, one of the themes that always appears is that of battle. In Wild at Heart, John Eldredge observes that one of the three core desires of a man's heart is for a battle to fight. Men were made as warriors, and warriors engage in battle; it's part of who we are. I've found that the times in my life when I've been the most miserable are the times when I have not felt like there was a battle for me to fight.
As I've talked to my brothers over the past few months, the key theme I've picked up on from each of them is the desire for battle. So many of us are unsatisfied with where we are in life. We don't feel that what we're doing is making an impact, and so many of us are just unmotivated, exhausted, and bored. It's true, and that isn't what God intended for men. Men were made for battle, we need a battle to fight.
We need healing, and we are healed so that we can head to the front lines. We were not made to sit idly by and watch; we were made to draw our swords, and add our shield to the phalanx. We need battle, it is an essential part of who we are as men, and it is for that reason that the enemy works so hard to keep us from the fight.
I have been working on this post for almost three weeks. Life, work, and school have been nuts, bringing one distraction after another. I've had a lot to process, and very little time to process it in. I've shared before how I feel like I finally have a direction in life, like I finally know what I'm supposed to do. I finally feel like I know what my main battle is, and all of these side things are popping up in the moment to try and discourage and distract me from that. Men need a battle to fight, and Eldredge points out, don't ask me where right now, but he points out that one of the tactics from the enemy to distract us is to bury us in battle. To keep us from the main fight we need to focus on, he sends all of these side battles to grab our attention.
Think about The Patriot, Mel Gibson's character leads a group of militia against General Cornwallis' army in the southern colonies. He is keeping the British busy with smaller raids and attacks so that they cannot fight the main army. If the enemy can distract us with enough small fights, be lose sight of the main goal, or simply grow tired of fighting all together, and we give up, never taking on the real fight.
The other side of this, is that he tries to keep us out of the fight completely, never even allowing us to get to the raids. When Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh for the first time, seeking the freedom for the Israelites, Pharaoh's response was not simply "No" but "No, and work more." Not only did they have to continue making bricks, but they had to gather the straw they needed for those bricks. He adds these words at the end of the order, "Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words." (Ex. 5.9). Pharaoh knew that a man is a powerful, and potentially dangerous, force. He doesn't want them to be able to engage in the fight, so he buries them in the mundane tasks of life. Nothing has changed.
Men, it's time to fight. It's time to get focused on the real goal, and go after it. I keep thinking of Leonidas and his Spartans at Thermopylae. They knew that they were there to fight the Persians, and so the went to the narrowest part of the pass, covered the secret pass, and focused on the enemy. Nothing else mattered except for holding the pass. The same can be said of all of the last stands, or defining victories of history. We were made to fight, and we need to engage in the battle. We cannot afford to get discouraged in the constant skirmishes, and we cannot allow ourselves to get distracted by the overwhelming aspects of everyday life. I'm not saying ignore either of those, you can't, but don't allow yourself to lose focus of the real battle you are called to fight.
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Stand firm, fight back, stay focused.
You are a warrior, that is who God made you to be. You can endure this. You can fight back.
So many Bible verses are on my mind right now. 1 Peter 5.1-11, Ephesians 6.10-18, James 4.7-8, Psalm 62.5-8, Proverbs 3.5-8; all of these deal with this, but perhaps the verse that is most applicable is the one that has really stood out to me about guiding boys, and awakening men, to stand as warriors.
2 Timothy 2.1-4
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
When God brings healing, He gives affirmation that we are His beloved sons. As He tests and trains us as cowboys, He reveals our strength. All of this is done to develop us as warriors. Soldiers of Christ, strong in His grace, discipling others, focused on the real battle, and faithfully serving His commander.
That is what a man was made for.
That is what the enemy does not want you to be.
You, my brothers, are warriors. "Warriors don't give up and they don't back down. Pick up your sword and shield and fight." You need a battle to fight. What is it? What makes your heart come alive? Go after it, every day. Get focused, and keep moving forward. Fulfill the responsibilities you have in life; go to work, take care of your family, but always keep fighting the battle. Don't live a life that leads to regret because you never engaged in the battle you were put here to fight.
God made you a warrior, and warriors need battle.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
As I've talked to my brothers over the past few months, the key theme I've picked up on from each of them is the desire for battle. So many of us are unsatisfied with where we are in life. We don't feel that what we're doing is making an impact, and so many of us are just unmotivated, exhausted, and bored. It's true, and that isn't what God intended for men. Men were made for battle, we need a battle to fight.
We need healing, and we are healed so that we can head to the front lines. We were not made to sit idly by and watch; we were made to draw our swords, and add our shield to the phalanx. We need battle, it is an essential part of who we are as men, and it is for that reason that the enemy works so hard to keep us from the fight.
I have been working on this post for almost three weeks. Life, work, and school have been nuts, bringing one distraction after another. I've had a lot to process, and very little time to process it in. I've shared before how I feel like I finally have a direction in life, like I finally know what I'm supposed to do. I finally feel like I know what my main battle is, and all of these side things are popping up in the moment to try and discourage and distract me from that. Men need a battle to fight, and Eldredge points out, don't ask me where right now, but he points out that one of the tactics from the enemy to distract us is to bury us in battle. To keep us from the main fight we need to focus on, he sends all of these side battles to grab our attention.
Think about The Patriot, Mel Gibson's character leads a group of militia against General Cornwallis' army in the southern colonies. He is keeping the British busy with smaller raids and attacks so that they cannot fight the main army. If the enemy can distract us with enough small fights, be lose sight of the main goal, or simply grow tired of fighting all together, and we give up, never taking on the real fight.
The other side of this, is that he tries to keep us out of the fight completely, never even allowing us to get to the raids. When Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh for the first time, seeking the freedom for the Israelites, Pharaoh's response was not simply "No" but "No, and work more." Not only did they have to continue making bricks, but they had to gather the straw they needed for those bricks. He adds these words at the end of the order, "Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words." (Ex. 5.9). Pharaoh knew that a man is a powerful, and potentially dangerous, force. He doesn't want them to be able to engage in the fight, so he buries them in the mundane tasks of life. Nothing has changed.
Men, it's time to fight. It's time to get focused on the real goal, and go after it. I keep thinking of Leonidas and his Spartans at Thermopylae. They knew that they were there to fight the Persians, and so the went to the narrowest part of the pass, covered the secret pass, and focused on the enemy. Nothing else mattered except for holding the pass. The same can be said of all of the last stands, or defining victories of history. We were made to fight, and we need to engage in the battle. We cannot afford to get discouraged in the constant skirmishes, and we cannot allow ourselves to get distracted by the overwhelming aspects of everyday life. I'm not saying ignore either of those, you can't, but don't allow yourself to lose focus of the real battle you are called to fight.
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Stand firm, fight back, stay focused.
You are a warrior, that is who God made you to be. You can endure this. You can fight back.
So many Bible verses are on my mind right now. 1 Peter 5.1-11, Ephesians 6.10-18, James 4.7-8, Psalm 62.5-8, Proverbs 3.5-8; all of these deal with this, but perhaps the verse that is most applicable is the one that has really stood out to me about guiding boys, and awakening men, to stand as warriors.
2 Timothy 2.1-4
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
When God brings healing, He gives affirmation that we are His beloved sons. As He tests and trains us as cowboys, He reveals our strength. All of this is done to develop us as warriors. Soldiers of Christ, strong in His grace, discipling others, focused on the real battle, and faithfully serving His commander.
That is what a man was made for.
That is what the enemy does not want you to be.
You, my brothers, are warriors. "Warriors don't give up and they don't back down. Pick up your sword and shield and fight." You need a battle to fight. What is it? What makes your heart come alive? Go after it, every day. Get focused, and keep moving forward. Fulfill the responsibilities you have in life; go to work, take care of your family, but always keep fighting the battle. Don't live a life that leads to regret because you never engaged in the battle you were put here to fight.
God made you a warrior, and warriors need battle.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Is Heaven Going to be Like a Never Ending Church Service? by Aaron
I have been reading a book by John Eldredge titled “Journey of Desire”. The book basically discusses how many people, especially in the church, are killing our God given desires. He invites the readers to search their hearts to re-discover the desires God has placed on their hearts to carry out His will. These desires bring us closer to the Father, simply because He created us and He knows that those desires bring us joy. God can use those desires to reach our fellow brothers or to carry out His amazing plan.
In the chapter I was reading earlier this week, Eldredge asked the question “is heaven going to be like a never ending church service” and how does it make you (the reader) feel? This question hit me like a ton of bricks. I just started thinking in my head, are our modern day church services that we have every Sunday going to be similar to everyday life in Heaven? Will we worship God for 24 hours and then the next 24 hours listen to a sermon from Moses, King David, or even Jesus himself? Of course I’m being facetious, but this is something I have really struggled with.
So what are we going to do when we get to heaven? I have no idea what heaven is going to present as, but it won’t be us sitting in pews for the rest of eternity. Don't get me wrong I am not bashing church at all, because I think it is important to gather together as a believers. In Luke chapter 23 the author is describing when Jesus was on the cross, with the other two criminals crucified beside him. One of the criminals asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus goes into His kingdom. Luke 23: 43 “Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” When I hear the word paradise, so many thoughts flood my mind. I think about palm trees, going to the beach with my family, relaxing with no work to do, peacefulness, and the list goes on. My paradise also includes watching football (don’t judge me), playing with my son, taking my wife out to eat, and talking to the Father. Every person has a different version of paradise. Every person has different God given desires; that’s what makes creation so unique and beautiful. What does your paradise look like, and what desires has God given you?
Whatever paradise comes to mind, think about the paradise God has for you? God loves us so much that He sent his own Son to die for all of us. God wants us to get to paradise, because he wants to be with us, and because He knows Heaven is awesome. I don’t know if we’ll be living in heaven or living on the New Earth, either way the place is going to be sweet. Whatever paradise comes to mind, Jesus’ paradise for you is ten times better. Jesus wants to build you an amazing home in paradise with Him, get to know Him better. I have so many questions about what life looks like after we leave this earth. What will I look like? What age will I be after I die? Will my wife on earth be my next door neighbor? What assignment or job will God have for me? Will we even have jobs? I could probably write hundreds of questions about this.
The thing that gives me the most joy, is knowing that I will be with the Lord. Eternity is not going to look like us sitting in church service for hours and hours upon hours. Eternity is going to include being in perfect harmony with the Lord. We are going to worship the Father the rest of our lives. That worship can include carrying out the assignment that God has for us. Maybe we will sing joyful songs to the Lord at appointed times (I’d love to hear the Angels version of a worship service). Maybe one of our assignments will be to get to know all of our brothers in heaven. Maybe Jesus will find the perfect tasks for you based on all the desires he has given you. I can’t tell you what life looks like we when leave here, but I can tell you that it includes the Father and that is enough for me. I have a feeling that we want be bored though!!
Peace and God bless!
In the chapter I was reading earlier this week, Eldredge asked the question “is heaven going to be like a never ending church service” and how does it make you (the reader) feel? This question hit me like a ton of bricks. I just started thinking in my head, are our modern day church services that we have every Sunday going to be similar to everyday life in Heaven? Will we worship God for 24 hours and then the next 24 hours listen to a sermon from Moses, King David, or even Jesus himself? Of course I’m being facetious, but this is something I have really struggled with.
So what are we going to do when we get to heaven? I have no idea what heaven is going to present as, but it won’t be us sitting in pews for the rest of eternity. Don't get me wrong I am not bashing church at all, because I think it is important to gather together as a believers. In Luke chapter 23 the author is describing when Jesus was on the cross, with the other two criminals crucified beside him. One of the criminals asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus goes into His kingdom. Luke 23: 43 “Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” When I hear the word paradise, so many thoughts flood my mind. I think about palm trees, going to the beach with my family, relaxing with no work to do, peacefulness, and the list goes on. My paradise also includes watching football (don’t judge me), playing with my son, taking my wife out to eat, and talking to the Father. Every person has a different version of paradise. Every person has different God given desires; that’s what makes creation so unique and beautiful. What does your paradise look like, and what desires has God given you?
Whatever paradise comes to mind, think about the paradise God has for you? God loves us so much that He sent his own Son to die for all of us. God wants us to get to paradise, because he wants to be with us, and because He knows Heaven is awesome. I don’t know if we’ll be living in heaven or living on the New Earth, either way the place is going to be sweet. Whatever paradise comes to mind, Jesus’ paradise for you is ten times better. Jesus wants to build you an amazing home in paradise with Him, get to know Him better. I have so many questions about what life looks like after we leave this earth. What will I look like? What age will I be after I die? Will my wife on earth be my next door neighbor? What assignment or job will God have for me? Will we even have jobs? I could probably write hundreds of questions about this.
The thing that gives me the most joy, is knowing that I will be with the Lord. Eternity is not going to look like us sitting in church service for hours and hours upon hours. Eternity is going to include being in perfect harmony with the Lord. We are going to worship the Father the rest of our lives. That worship can include carrying out the assignment that God has for us. Maybe we will sing joyful songs to the Lord at appointed times (I’d love to hear the Angels version of a worship service). Maybe one of our assignments will be to get to know all of our brothers in heaven. Maybe Jesus will find the perfect tasks for you based on all the desires he has given you. I can’t tell you what life looks like we when leave here, but I can tell you that it includes the Father and that is enough for me. I have a feeling that we want be bored though!!
Peace and God bless!
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Trying Something New, by Will
In my last post I talked about the need for healing. As part of my own search for healing I took a trip to Michigan, revisiting the church where I first worked after graduating. For nearly two years I have felt God leading me to go back and allow Him to do a healing work in my life, and things worked out for me to go this past Saturday.
This is my first attempt at filming/video editing. Click the link below, and let me know if you're interested in more videos.
https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=6XZ3YJ
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
This is my first attempt at filming/video editing. Click the link below, and let me know if you're interested in more videos.
https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=6XZ3YJ
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Monday, August 21, 2017
The Need for Healing, by Will
Let's start this out by owning a truth, everyone of us is wounded. We live in a fallen world, full of fallen people. Some intentionally wound others out of selfishness and malice. Others do it unintentionally, simply out of the fact that they are imperfect humans. No one makes it through this life without wounds, but there are those who make it through with no scars. Scars are a sign of healing, and sadly so many people are the walking wounded.
I personally lived like that for years, walking wounded. For me, the wound was shameful. I was supposed to be tough, invincible, that's what men are right? For me, I tried to cover the wound up, hoping that if I put enough bandages on it, it would take care of itself. Supposedly time heals all wounds right? While the body is an amazing thing, capable of mending itself, not all wounds can simply be left alone. Sometimes wounds are serious, and without the active intervention of a doctor, they never heal; they get worse and worse until they infect the whole body, and consume the life of the bearer.
Wounds can kill if they are not healed.
But wounds pose a threat to more than just the bearer. A wounded animal is the most dangerous kind. A lion is already dangerous, but wound that lion, and it becomes even more of a nightmare. When an animal is hurt, its only concern is to prevent itself from experiencing more pain. It becomes aggressive to protect itself, never letting anything or anyone close enough to it, even if they are just trying to help. Wounds can cause us to become guarded, pushing others away, and damaging relationships from those closest to us. Or they can even prevent us from having those closest to us to begin with.
Wounds can isolate us if they are not healed.
However, wounds can go even farther in their external impact. I have found that we most often wound others in our area of wounding. When we feel pain, part of us wants others to feel that same pain. When we feel pain, it can lead to resentment to those associated with our wounding. When we feel pain, we act on it, and seek to hurt others in the places we hurt.
Wounds can be repeated if they are not healed.
This has been my experience. My wounds have brought about death to my passions and dreams. My wounds, when seen as a source of shame, have caused me to keep others at arms length, not wanting to reveal them. My wounds have caused me to seek to hurt others in the same ways that I have been hurt.
We weren't designed to live with wounds, they are not of God. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10.10) The wounds we have are from Satan, even those given unintentionally by those who feel they are acting for what is right. The thief comes to steel our passion, kill our relationships, and destroy those around us. That is why he seeks to wound us, and that is why he seeks to keep us form seeking healing. But this is not what Jesus intended. Jesus never intended for there to be wounds, and before the fall, there weren't any. But because of the fall Jesus came and was wounded, and because of His wounding, our wounds are able to become scars, just as His have.
When we seek healing, we are pulling the three inch band-aid off of the twelve inch gash. We present it to Christ, and allow Him to get to work. It will involve some pain and discomfort, He has to go in and cut away the dead skin so it doesn't turn to gangrene, and unfortunately there is no local anesthetic for this healing work, but this is the only way to real healing. When he gets done cutting out all of the dead flesh, He begins stitching it up from the inside out, and once the wound has fully healed, He removes the stitches. What is left is a scar, a mark of a previous wound that has been healed. A story of the Healer's work. A story of pain that has been dealt with.
My own life has been on a journey of healing. It took quite a bit to get me to look under the blood soaked bandage, and even more to get me to peel it off. The process of cutting out the dead flesh has involved looking deeply at specific events, specific people, and working through the stories of what took place, and what hurt and why. The stitching has involved action, writing letters and sending them, face to face conversations when possible, traveling to significant places, I just took a trip this past weekend. Each of these stitches has been freeing, and healing, one step closer to the scar.
I'm not yet to the point of the stitches being removed yet, I'm not even done being stitched up if I'm honest, but I'm moving in that direction. When it's done I'll have a beautiful scar, with an amazing story of the life giving power of God's healing restoration. We all need healing, because all of us are wounded. The wounds we receive are bad, and bad things don't go away. The only cure is found in Christ. It is painful and it takes time. Writing out these narratives has been hard, spending hours in the car to travel to places from the past has given me some exhausting weekends, but the outcome has been worth it.
We all need healing, and the Healer is ready and willing to get to work. It will be painful, but it will result in life abundantly. This is the work that Christ came to do, turn ugly, destructive, wounds into beautiful, life giving scars, but He will not operate without your permission. Life is available in the healer if you are willing to let Him near your wound, and it is only through His healing that we can ever receive life abundantly.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
I personally lived like that for years, walking wounded. For me, the wound was shameful. I was supposed to be tough, invincible, that's what men are right? For me, I tried to cover the wound up, hoping that if I put enough bandages on it, it would take care of itself. Supposedly time heals all wounds right? While the body is an amazing thing, capable of mending itself, not all wounds can simply be left alone. Sometimes wounds are serious, and without the active intervention of a doctor, they never heal; they get worse and worse until they infect the whole body, and consume the life of the bearer.
Wounds can kill if they are not healed.
But wounds pose a threat to more than just the bearer. A wounded animal is the most dangerous kind. A lion is already dangerous, but wound that lion, and it becomes even more of a nightmare. When an animal is hurt, its only concern is to prevent itself from experiencing more pain. It becomes aggressive to protect itself, never letting anything or anyone close enough to it, even if they are just trying to help. Wounds can cause us to become guarded, pushing others away, and damaging relationships from those closest to us. Or they can even prevent us from having those closest to us to begin with.
Wounds can isolate us if they are not healed.
However, wounds can go even farther in their external impact. I have found that we most often wound others in our area of wounding. When we feel pain, part of us wants others to feel that same pain. When we feel pain, it can lead to resentment to those associated with our wounding. When we feel pain, we act on it, and seek to hurt others in the places we hurt.
Wounds can be repeated if they are not healed.
This has been my experience. My wounds have brought about death to my passions and dreams. My wounds, when seen as a source of shame, have caused me to keep others at arms length, not wanting to reveal them. My wounds have caused me to seek to hurt others in the same ways that I have been hurt.
We weren't designed to live with wounds, they are not of God. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10.10) The wounds we have are from Satan, even those given unintentionally by those who feel they are acting for what is right. The thief comes to steel our passion, kill our relationships, and destroy those around us. That is why he seeks to wound us, and that is why he seeks to keep us form seeking healing. But this is not what Jesus intended. Jesus never intended for there to be wounds, and before the fall, there weren't any. But because of the fall Jesus came and was wounded, and because of His wounding, our wounds are able to become scars, just as His have.
When we seek healing, we are pulling the three inch band-aid off of the twelve inch gash. We present it to Christ, and allow Him to get to work. It will involve some pain and discomfort, He has to go in and cut away the dead skin so it doesn't turn to gangrene, and unfortunately there is no local anesthetic for this healing work, but this is the only way to real healing. When he gets done cutting out all of the dead flesh, He begins stitching it up from the inside out, and once the wound has fully healed, He removes the stitches. What is left is a scar, a mark of a previous wound that has been healed. A story of the Healer's work. A story of pain that has been dealt with.
My own life has been on a journey of healing. It took quite a bit to get me to look under the blood soaked bandage, and even more to get me to peel it off. The process of cutting out the dead flesh has involved looking deeply at specific events, specific people, and working through the stories of what took place, and what hurt and why. The stitching has involved action, writing letters and sending them, face to face conversations when possible, traveling to significant places, I just took a trip this past weekend. Each of these stitches has been freeing, and healing, one step closer to the scar.
I'm not yet to the point of the stitches being removed yet, I'm not even done being stitched up if I'm honest, but I'm moving in that direction. When it's done I'll have a beautiful scar, with an amazing story of the life giving power of God's healing restoration. We all need healing, because all of us are wounded. The wounds we receive are bad, and bad things don't go away. The only cure is found in Christ. It is painful and it takes time. Writing out these narratives has been hard, spending hours in the car to travel to places from the past has given me some exhausting weekends, but the outcome has been worth it.
We all need healing, and the Healer is ready and willing to get to work. It will be painful, but it will result in life abundantly. This is the work that Christ came to do, turn ugly, destructive, wounds into beautiful, life giving scars, but He will not operate without your permission. Life is available in the healer if you are willing to let Him near your wound, and it is only through His healing that we can ever receive life abundantly.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Request, by Will
So this might be breaking the rules for the blog, but I'm going to do it anyway. Jacob and his wife are seeking God's direction for their future ministry. They have the opportunity to participate in a sort of training and assessment workshop that will help them discover more clearly what God has for them.
Please consider helping them reach this goal by following the link below to their go fund me page. The blog IS NOT going to turn into a platform where we seek money. This is a cause I believe in and support, and I am excited about the future potential that this opportunity will open for them.
If you have any questions you can email us at the address below.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
https://www.gofundme.com/jacob-and-ariel-next-level-journey
Please consider helping them reach this goal by following the link below to their go fund me page. The blog IS NOT going to turn into a platform where we seek money. This is a cause I believe in and support, and I am excited about the future potential that this opportunity will open for them.
If you have any questions you can email us at the address below.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
https://www.gofundme.com/jacob-and-ariel-next-level-journey
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