I was thinking...

She gets it

2012-02-29T14:51:00.000-06:00

It was toward the end of the service. Communion was being served on this particular day and everyone was seated while we (the band) played a song to lead in to the taking of communion.

...and then I looked out from the stage and noticed it. It was one of those things that will forever be etched in my memory bank. Not caring who was around her and truly feeling God's spirit, my 13 year old daughter stood up in front of hundreds of people, reached out her hands and was worshipping God the way I imagine angels worship him. In her mind, it was just her and God at that moment. I can't prove it, but I'm quite sure that God was smiling down on her as a Father does when he is pleased with his children.

Here's the rest of the story though...there was 1 other person that was already standing in the midst of hundreds of people. My incredible wife, the one who has taught our children to unapologetically honor and worship their God, was already standing there with arms high and heart abandoned. My daughter was not only following her own heart and the Holy Spirit's prompting, but she was also remembering and following what she had seen her mom do countless times before. She had seen the Word lived out through someone and now she was doing the same in her own life.

That, my friends, is a game changer. It's a generation changer. It's a "She gets it, I want it, and how do I get more of it" kind of lesson for us all.

I'm thankful for a wife that "gets it" and passes it on to our daughters in a way that's not only going to change them, but will change the world. If that doesn't make you smile, then you need to go get your smiler checked out!

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6

Faith: Could vs. Would

2011-12-16T15:55:00.000-06:00

Today was one of those days when God worked something out fast for us...not just fast, but God fast. I'm talking super, 1.21 jiggawatts fast! It was truly amazing. What was it you ask? Well, frankly it's none of your business so stop asking. Seriously though, here's my point. I had faith that he could work fast but when it happened, I was both happy and shocked at the same time. So that brings up a question...I had faith that he COULD do something in my life, but did I have faith that he WOULD? Which brings up another question to me about our faith. Do you think that sometimes we just go through the motions in our prayer life, thinking that God is able to make changes in our lives but not really believing that he will? Think about the last time God did something supernatural in your life. Were you surprised a little? I think there's a difference with having "Awe" at what God does in your life through prayer and being surprised at what he does.

Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."-Mark 11:22-25.

Where could we be now in our walk with God if only in our past we believed that he could and would do certain things in our life? The better question is, where can we go in our future if we start practicing authentic faith today?

“Daddy, do you ever get frustrated with God?”

2011-12-11T12:14:00.000-06:00

Our dog died. Great way to start a post, huh? Well, you see, we surprised our girls a few weeks ago with a 7 week old beautiful chocolate labrador retriever. We named him Bentley. One evening, after we had him for about 2 weeks, he started acting real sluggish and not like a normal puppy should act. We took him to the vet where they quickly learned he had parvo. That was on a Tuesday. The doctor seemed optimistic about his chances but sometime during the 4 days of getting fluids, Bentley developed a secondary infection. He died on Friday afternoon.

We buried Bentley with tears streaming down our faces. That night, after saying prayers and tucking our kids into bed, our little Maddee looked up at me and asked the following question through her tears: “Daddy, do you ever get frustrated with God?” It broke my heart to hear her ask that, but I gave her an honest answer and one that I believe God was perfectly fine with. I told her yes. We had a little talk about how God sees the big picture of our lives and sometimes we don’t understand why things happen because we’re only seeing part of the story. I tried to explain it where a little girl’s mind could understand, but at the same time I think God wanted me to hear it as well. Think about that for a second. I believe God was giving me the words to say not only to my daughter, but he was also speaking to me, through me! That’s just how God works. There are frustrations and unanswered questions in my life right now, as I’m sure there are in the lives of some that are reading this. My point? Keep praying, keep listening, keep reading, and keep doing what you know is right. The true author of your story will soon let you turn the page and reveal to you the next chapter in your life. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”- Galatians 6:9. Reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Sounds pretty nice. Go ahead, tell God your frustrations. I can promise he wants you too. But then keep doing what is right and don’t quit. It’s almost time to turn your page.

I'm so busy...

2011-07-29T14:21:00.000-05:00

Busy, Busy, Busy. We're all busy...call 10 of your friends up and ask them what they've been up to and chances are a big percentage of them will say something like, "Oh you know, the usual...just real busy". Ugh...please, the next time you ask me what's up and I say I've just been busy, just punch me in the jugular. The truth? Yes, we're all busy...most of the time with good things but that doesn't necessarily mean they are God things.

I like what Craig Groeschel said in his latest book titled, 'Weird'. In the first chapter he talks about this very subject of being busy. He says that busy is "normal" for so many of us. We're trying to be normal and sometimes feel like that means we've got to cram in everything that we can so as to call ourselves worthy. Check out this quote from the book: "We're always rushed, always on the move, never having enough time. Almost everyone I know has little room for error in their schedule. Tragically, most people have little time for the things in life that they would say are the most important to them. When we overschedule ourselves in the belief that we can do everything, we stop being human and try to become godlike-not only impossible but also incredibly arrogant. Most of us are living at a pace that is not only unsustainable; it's also unbiblical." ('Weird', Craig Groeschel)

We're also so busy sometimes trying to "keep up with the Jones' ", but I'll have to put those thoughts in another blog because that's another hot button, punch me in the jugular, let me get on my soapbox kind of topic.

So here's the deal. Take an assessment of your busyness and do it soon. Remember, you're in control of your schedule. Cut out things that are taking a physical and spiritual toll on you and your family. Free up some time on your calendar and then sit back and watch God start using that time to reveal Himself more to you. Remember those dreams that you have? Those things that you feel God wants you to do as soon as you get time? Get un-busy and watch God make those dreams a reality. Let's kick "normal" to the curb and start living the life that God intended for us.

I'd like Jesus to say the last word on my blog today...kind of sums everything up:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Passion

2011-07-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning I was reading about the time that Jesus went into the Temple area and saw the merchants selling the cattle and sheep and the dealers exchanging money at the table, etc. He makes a whip from some ropes (Chuck Norris aint got nothing on Jesus), then proceeds to chase them all out of the Temple, all while scattering coins and turning over the tables. You can read all about it in the 2nd chapter of John.

When the disciples saw Jesus going Walker Texas Ranger on their tails, they remembered a prophecy that was foretold from scripture..."Passion for God's house will consume me".

Now let's bring things to present day. What is the hot topic that's got everyone worked up right now? The U.S. economy and the debt ceiling saga (insert evil laughter here). Believe me, I'm ticked about it just as much as anyone else because I can see the neglect and greed and whatever other word you want to throw in there to describe some of our leaders viewpoints. BUT are we getting so worked up and passionate about it that we are taking our eyes off of Jesus and the church and looking to Washington for answers? Let me make one thing clear...God does not work under a debt ceiling or economy, nor does he have any sort of limitations that will stop his will from being done. The answer to this current saga and any other future saga is the church. One person and one family at a time making a difference by being passionate about God, being passionate about the church, doing the things that we can do in our own family and finances to make a difference, and by praying for our leaders to get their head out of...you get the picture.

So what consumes us? Passion for ________will consume me. If God's house is not in that blank, then we need to look at our lives and priorities to figure out how to get it back in that blank. I said earlier that God doesn't have any limitations that will stop his will from being done. The things we have in those blanks could be a limitation...Read those last 2 sentences again. Bring your passions back home to where they should be, then watch as things somehow miraculously begin to fall into place.

Use it or lose it

2011-07-20T08:51:00.000-05:00

I was reading in Matthew 25 this morning about the parable of the 3 servants (Matt. 25:14-30). Jesus illustrates what the Kingdom of Heaven is like by telling the story of a master going on a long trip and entrusting 3 of his servants with his silver. The first servant he entrusted with five bags of silver, the second with two bags and the third with one bag. The first two homies invested the money and doubled what their master had. The third dude buried his in his backyard or somewhere and only gave his master back the same amount upon his return. The master praises the first two servants, then celebrates with them and entrusts them with even more responsibilities. The third servant is called lazy and wicked and all of his money was taken away and given to the first servant.

What was interesting in my reading was that it talked about how money back then was referred to as 'talents'. So although the passage is talking about money, the same principals of the parable can still be applied to the things you do well...the things God put in you to further his kingdom...the things you might call TALENTS. Don't be ashamed of your talents or think you are not good enough to use them for God. Invest those talents and watch God give you even more responsibilities. Don't be like the third servant and let your talents be buried one day with your body. What step do we need to take today to use our talents and further his kingdom?

Chew on this

2011-07-13T10:35:00.000-05:00

The aroma of spicy tilapia, corn on the cob and hushpuppies filled my nostrils as soon as I walked in the door from work yesterday. Mel had fixed another masterpiece for dinner and I was immediately ready to eat. I kept talking about how good it smelled and how I couldn't wait to dig in (I even managed to sneak away with 1 hushpuppy before dinner was served). Finally, it was time to sit down at the table and eat. I remember the first bite I took of the tilapia...my eyes closed as I chewed and savored the goodness that was now in my mouth. I had finally went from talking about it to actually fulfilling my hunger as I swallowed and it flowed to my belly. After 3 helpings, I was ready to push away from the table and see what else I needed to conquer before bedtime.

I'm sure you feel like you can conquer the day after that story, right? Like you now know that there is truly meaning to life as long as you have tilapia every now and then? Ok, so here's what was going on in my head after I got home yesterday and how my mind compared tilapia with God's word:

I was so hungry when I walked in the door yesterday and as I snuck that first hushpuppy, of 5 total, in my mouth and started chewing on it I thought how good it tasted. But I was still hungry. No matter how many times I chewed on it, or the fish, or the corn, etc., it wasn't going to satisfy my hunger until I actually swallowed it. Such is the case with God's word. We can talk to God all day (chew), but unless we are listening for God and reading His word (swallow), we will never be full. The Bible says in Matthew 11:28-30 to get away with God and he'll show you how to take a real rest (listening, swallowing). He wants to take your burdens (hunger) upon himself. Sometimes we do so much talking and complaining and wondering why certain things are happening the way they are, etc., etc., that we forget to swallow. Just as we need food and water everyday for physical survival, we need to listen to God everyday for spiritual survival. Now go and eat!

God gave me the bird today.

2011-05-24T14:32:00.000-05:00

My favorite place to go at lunch time is a little shaded park close to my office. I will sit in my car with the windows down and either pray, take a nap, read the bible or a book, take a nap, write, take a nap, or just simply take a nap. Today was one of those typical days. As I was reading, and dozing, toward the end of my time there, I noticed a couple of birds right outside my window. They were hopping around the grass just looking for some food and it appeared that they were having some success. Then one of the birds walked over to a small puddle on the pavement that was left from the rains last night...he proceeded to hop in the water and refresh himself (or herself...I'm not a bird expert) a bit. The whole scene reminded me of the following passage in the Bible, "Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Matthew 6:26-27 ...BOOM, SLAM, IN YOUR FACE BRYAN. Yep, that was God giving me the bird today because he knows I've been worrying about things out of my control lately. What are you worried about today? May God give you the bird today.

Worried Christians~OxyMORONS

2010-11-17T23:00:00.000-06:00

Yep...that's the title of my book that I'm in the process of writing. I've wanted to do this for a long time and I actually started working on it a little bit last year but for whatever reason, I put it off. I'm attempting to continue the process again and have actually made some pretty big steps in that direction as of late. I've even met with a couple of people of whom I value their opinions to tell them what I'm doing and "interview" them to get their thoughts and input on the topic of the book. Speaking of the topic of the book, here it is:

For most of my life, I've been a worrier...a worrier over things within my control and a worrier over things completely out of my control. I'm also a Christian. That's where the OxyMORON (emphasis on Moron) comes in. Worry...Christian...The two are not supposed to go together. We get nowhere from worrying over things...God tells us to give everything over to him but sometimes, for whatever reason, there's a few of us knuckleheads that will worry over the stupidest of things instead of trusting that God is in control and will take care of us.

I've gotten a lot better over the years but I'm still not where I need to be on the subject and I know there's people out there that struggle with the same thing. So I'm writing this book to not only categorize and talk about different things that we worry about (i.e. doubting salvation, health, finances, marriage, etc.) but to also spend an equal amount of time in the book showing you what God says about the subject and giving you some practical help so that you can start to leave that old way of life behind and begin to develop a God given peace about things.

That's it in a nutshell...thanks for reading...I would love to hear any comments you have. Also, feel free to list anything that you think might be a good topic for the book. You can comment on my blog or message me on facebook or twitter. I'll keep you posted with the process!

Let's Do This

2010-09-26T19:54:00.000-05:00

Dreams. We all have them. I'm not talking necessarily about the dreams you have when you're asleep at night but more so about the visions we have of our life and the things we wish we were doing. Think for a moment about your dreams. Maybe it's something you've been dreaming about doing for a long time or maybe it's a new dream that you have recently started thinking about. Most of the time we think our dreams will never come true because of one or more of the following: money, education, lack of support, scared of what people will say/think, lack of resources, etc., etc. The list goes on and on. The truth is, unfortunately, most of us will never act on our dreams. We'll keep doing the same routine day in and day out not wanting to change anything for fear of it not working. Well, here's my tip of the day. First, you need to seek out God and make sure that this dream of yours is a God idea and not just a good idea. Second, DO IT. Here's the deal...if you determine that it is indeed a God idea, that doesn't mean that it's going to be easy. That's where you put your faith into overdrive and say Ok, God...I'm giving it over to you, show me what I need to do to make this a reality. God doesn't put dreams in our minds to make us crazy with disappointment knowing that they are never going to come true. He puts them in there because he made you for a purpose and that purpose includes expanding his kingdom using your talents and gifts that he has given you. So if you've been putting something off because you can't "see" it really happening, then I suggest you go outside and look up into the sky...I'm pretty sure that the one who created all of that can see it happening and is just waiting on you to say, "Let's Do This!"

Well, here I am...

2010-09-23T22:36:00.000-05:00

I did it...I started a blog. I figured I might as well stop talking about how much I love to write and just do it. So get ready...I'm afraid that I'm going to turn into a turbo blogger. Hopefully I'll write something some time that will be interesting to you...maybe something that will make you laugh, cry, think, or maybe something that will inspire you...or maybe after reading my blog you'll think, man...that guy's a goober and you'll feel better about yourself : ) Anyway, just an intro to say hello and to get the word out there that ole Ed is in blogger land. First real post soon...I know, the anticipation makes you want to chew your pinky toe off but you'll just have to wait until tomorrow.

Good Night!