It's Halloween. I don't know what your views on the holiday are, I tend to like it. Not because of the costumes or the fact that tonight I will walk with Barak to places I would rather not go. BUT FOR THE CANDY. It's the one day of the year I feel no guilt about eating as much candy as possible. In fact, after this posting I may run to CVS and get the party started early so when Misty get's home she will find me in a candy induced stupor instead of working on the lesson for Sunday.
Here is my question: If you have so much candy that it makes you throw up, is that so bad a thing? I mean, what it pleasurable about the candy is when it goes in the mouth. You savor it, relish in the taste of the chocolate. When it comes out, it moves pretty quick. Leaving more room to start the process all over again.
I'm not endorsing binging and purging. But just saying that if I end up throwing up a cocktail of tootsie rolls, sweet tarts, milky way's and snicker's, don't feel sorry for me. I'm just grateful I get to try it all over again.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Power of a Mentor
I have been blessed to have many men who are willing to play the role of mentor and coach to me in my life. The power of a mentor is vital if you really want to make a difference in any endeavor that you set out to accomplish. I find that a mentor can be the difference wandering aimlessly and being on mission to make a difference.
Here are a few men that have spoken in to my life in the past and are continuing to speak into my my life today:
Andy Stanley (pastor of North Point Community Church)
Steven Furtick (pastor of Elevation Church)
Craig Groeschel (pastor of Lifechurch.tv)
Bill Hybels (pastor of Willow Creek Community Church)
Jessie Simon (pastor of Ridge Community Church)
Jake Ledet (pastor of Merge Community Church)
Brandon McCain (student pastor of Summit Community Church)
Coach K (Duke Men's Basketball Coach)
John C. Maxwell (Leadership Expert)
Ron Geary (DAD)
These are just a few of the men that have helped me become who I am today and challenge me to stretch out and strive for a better tomorrow.
I am grateful and thankful for these men.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Here are a few men that have spoken in to my life in the past and are continuing to speak into my my life today:
Andy Stanley (pastor of North Point Community Church)
Steven Furtick (pastor of Elevation Church)
Craig Groeschel (pastor of Lifechurch.tv)
Bill Hybels (pastor of Willow Creek Community Church)
Jessie Simon (pastor of Ridge Community Church)
Jake Ledet (pastor of Merge Community Church)
Brandon McCain (student pastor of Summit Community Church)
Coach K (Duke Men's Basketball Coach)
John C. Maxwell (Leadership Expert)
Ron Geary (DAD)
These are just a few of the men that have helped me become who I am today and challenge me to stretch out and strive for a better tomorrow.
I am grateful and thankful for these men.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
10 Books I Highly Recommend...
I love reading books. I think one of the greatest ways to find knowledge is in the pages of books that stretch and inspire you. I usually find myself reading two kinds of books, 1. Leadership 2. Spiritual Growth.
Here is a list of 10 books I highly recommend:
Leadership
1. The Next Generation Leader--- Andy Stanley
2. The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership--- Stephen Sample
3. Courageous Leadership--- Bill Hybels
4. 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership--- John C. Maxwell
5. Good to Great--- Jim Collins
Spiritual Growth
1. It Came From Within--- Andy Stanley
2. Story--- Steven James
3. He Chose the Nails--- Max Lucado
4. Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God--- Larry Osborne
5. The Screwtape Letter's--- C.S. Lewis
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Here is a list of 10 books I highly recommend:
Leadership
1. The Next Generation Leader--- Andy Stanley
2. The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership--- Stephen Sample
3. Courageous Leadership--- Bill Hybels
4. 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership--- John C. Maxwell
5. Good to Great--- Jim Collins
Spiritual Growth
1. It Came From Within--- Andy Stanley
2. Story--- Steven James
3. He Chose the Nails--- Max Lucado
4. Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God--- Larry Osborne
5. The Screwtape Letter's--- C.S. Lewis
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Mr. Mom...
Barak is a bit under the weather today so that means we are both at home. I don't know what all the fuss is about being responsible for kids who are sick. I sat him on the couch, turned on the home shopping network, put a bowl of grapes and a cup of orange juice in front of him, not knowing what is really making him sick I left an assortment of over the counter drugs for him to take a guess at. For lunch I gave him a knife to peel potatoes with and turned the oven on, I left the bleach out with the lid off in case he wants to do a little cleaning. If he gets really bored, the front door is open for him to play in the street.
I don't know why people say parenting is such a hard job. If my three year old can manage these things then surely yours can too.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I don't know why people say parenting is such a hard job. If my three year old can manage these things then surely yours can too.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, October 23, 2008
5 Reasons I Like The Cold Weather...
I felt my post yesterday was a bit on the heavy side so I decided today I would lighten it up.
5 reasons I like the cold weather:
1. I like my winter clothes more then my summer clothes.
2. I'm tired of having the same conversation, "When is it going to not be so hot?" Now we can change the subject, "I sure will be glad when it warms up." (Don't act like you are part of that vicious cycle.)
3. The colder it gets the better chance there is for an ice day. No work, no school, a day designated to sitting on your butt, watching t.v. and eating cookie dough. We never are surprised in June with "It's too hot to go to work day." (take that all you summer season lovers)
4. The cold weather makes the house cold, which in turn forces Misty to cuddle up next to me. It's true. Sometimes I intentionally try to freeze the house so she will snuggle up under my arm.
5. I like seeing my breath in the cold weather. It is a reminder that I am alive. I know that as long as I see the breath cloud coming from my mouth that I haven't passed away unaware of what happened. There are times in the summer I just don't know. The torment is horrible. I have to run to a freezer, just to see.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
p.s. Tomorrow I have a scheduled black out day. That means no electronics all day. I will spend time praying, thinking, dreaming and reading. So I might not blog again until Tuesday. You should use this new found time to cross-stitch something special for your mom.
5 reasons I like the cold weather:
1. I like my winter clothes more then my summer clothes.
2. I'm tired of having the same conversation, "When is it going to not be so hot?" Now we can change the subject, "I sure will be glad when it warms up." (Don't act like you are part of that vicious cycle.)
3. The colder it gets the better chance there is for an ice day. No work, no school, a day designated to sitting on your butt, watching t.v. and eating cookie dough. We never are surprised in June with "It's too hot to go to work day." (take that all you summer season lovers)
4. The cold weather makes the house cold, which in turn forces Misty to cuddle up next to me. It's true. Sometimes I intentionally try to freeze the house so she will snuggle up under my arm.
5. I like seeing my breath in the cold weather. It is a reminder that I am alive. I know that as long as I see the breath cloud coming from my mouth that I haven't passed away unaware of what happened. There are times in the summer I just don't know. The torment is horrible. I have to run to a freezer, just to see.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
p.s. Tomorrow I have a scheduled black out day. That means no electronics all day. I will spend time praying, thinking, dreaming and reading. So I might not blog again until Tuesday. You should use this new found time to cross-stitch something special for your mom.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Words to Chew On...
"We can not blame the darkness for being dark,
but must blame the light for not shining in the darkness."
--- Craig Gross
This goes at the root of an issue I believe we (the church) has suffered from for far to long. We hold people to Christian rules and commandments when they haven't signed up to play our game. We tell them what the Bible says, forgetting that the Bible is written to God's children. Topics like homosexuality are greatly attacked from the Christian front as attacks on marriage, when it would be even more shocking to realize just how many divorces come from Christian homes. Which attack is more damaging?
It seems we are more focused on people being transformed to the image of our comfort than the image of God. In scripture we see Jesus take a totally different approach than most of us do when it comes to interacting with people who don't have a relationship with God. We see an overload of grace and acceptance equaled with undeniable truth. In fact, His harshest words are reserved for the church and her willingness to miss the mark completely.
I don't mean to sound overly critical of the church. I love the church and what we stand for. I believe that we can turn this world upside down in love. I only want to be honest about our current state and not live in a fantasy world where all is not as it seems.
Our issue isn't that we live in a dark world.
Our issue is that we are not shining in love near enough.
We need to realize that our influence is best accepted when we have permission to speak truth into the hearts of willing people. Not shouting at them with the list of the things they are doing wrong. I believe that is the church we are called to be.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
but must blame the light for not shining in the darkness."
--- Craig Gross
This goes at the root of an issue I believe we (the church) has suffered from for far to long. We hold people to Christian rules and commandments when they haven't signed up to play our game. We tell them what the Bible says, forgetting that the Bible is written to God's children. Topics like homosexuality are greatly attacked from the Christian front as attacks on marriage, when it would be even more shocking to realize just how many divorces come from Christian homes. Which attack is more damaging?
It seems we are more focused on people being transformed to the image of our comfort than the image of God. In scripture we see Jesus take a totally different approach than most of us do when it comes to interacting with people who don't have a relationship with God. We see an overload of grace and acceptance equaled with undeniable truth. In fact, His harshest words are reserved for the church and her willingness to miss the mark completely.
I don't mean to sound overly critical of the church. I love the church and what we stand for. I believe that we can turn this world upside down in love. I only want to be honest about our current state and not live in a fantasy world where all is not as it seems.
Our issue isn't that we live in a dark world.
Our issue is that we are not shining in love near enough.
We need to realize that our influence is best accepted when we have permission to speak truth into the hearts of willing people. Not shouting at them with the list of the things they are doing wrong. I believe that is the church we are called to be.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Ecclesia Part One Lesson Recap
Last Sunday at Merge we started a series entitled "Ecclesia-what it means to be the church". Here are a few thoughts from that lesson.
Part One: A Love For God
-I believe the church is the hope of the world because it plays a role in helping people say "YES" to Jesus. This helps in not just eternal matters, but in the confusion of our everyday lives.
-A church can either be a powerful agent of change or just a group of people who spend a little time together on a weekly basis.
-If the aim of every Christian is to reflect Christ by living in love then the church should simply be a collection of those people.
-As a church we have to actively and intentionally focus on growing in our love for God, growing in our love for people who do not have a relationship with Jesus, and growing in our love for each other as a local and a global church.
-Lesson Passage: Revelation 2:1-5
-The friends you have should challenge you and when necessary kick your butt when you are allowing sin to become a regular habit in your life. If your friends are unwilling to confront you on matters like this, they have failed you. If you are unwilling to confront a friend on matters like this, you have failed them.
-v4 "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love."
-In their attempt to be the church they forgot to love God for who He is.
-One of the great dangers of the American Church is that we can spend so much time focused on producing results and creating momentum that we take God right out of the equation.
-Steps to returning to God:
Remember (a the times when your love for Him engulfed who you are)
Repent (many of us have lost our love for God because we have willingly chosen to act outside of His direction and our hearts have become accustomed to searching for love in all the wrong places.
Do (the things you did before you forsook that love)
-Some of us are in desperate need to spice up our love lives with God. Some of us are treating Him more like a room mate than a love. Some are asking Him to pay His part of the rent and stay out of your room.
-v5
-As a church Jesus allows our light to shine, not for our glory, but for the usefulness of His kingdom. When a church loses focus and operates forsaking a love for God and Christ, He says that He will come along and remove their lampstand. He will extinguish the light that comes from that church. The church will in exist but will be hidden in it's community.
-5 ways to fuel your love for God
engage in prayer
engulf yourself in His Word
pursue Godly adventures
practice generosity
let love navigate your course
-When in doubt choose the most loving action that comes to mind. The more we love the more we reflect Christ. The more we reflect Christ the closer we draw to God. Which in turn makes us even more loving.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Part One: A Love For God
-I believe the church is the hope of the world because it plays a role in helping people say "YES" to Jesus. This helps in not just eternal matters, but in the confusion of our everyday lives.
-A church can either be a powerful agent of change or just a group of people who spend a little time together on a weekly basis.
-If the aim of every Christian is to reflect Christ by living in love then the church should simply be a collection of those people.
-As a church we have to actively and intentionally focus on growing in our love for God, growing in our love for people who do not have a relationship with Jesus, and growing in our love for each other as a local and a global church.
-Lesson Passage: Revelation 2:1-5
-The friends you have should challenge you and when necessary kick your butt when you are allowing sin to become a regular habit in your life. If your friends are unwilling to confront you on matters like this, they have failed you. If you are unwilling to confront a friend on matters like this, you have failed them.
-v4 "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love."
-In their attempt to be the church they forgot to love God for who He is.
-One of the great dangers of the American Church is that we can spend so much time focused on producing results and creating momentum that we take God right out of the equation.
-Steps to returning to God:
Remember (a the times when your love for Him engulfed who you are)
Repent (many of us have lost our love for God because we have willingly chosen to act outside of His direction and our hearts have become accustomed to searching for love in all the wrong places.
Do (the things you did before you forsook that love)
-Some of us are in desperate need to spice up our love lives with God. Some of us are treating Him more like a room mate than a love. Some are asking Him to pay His part of the rent and stay out of your room.
-v5
-As a church Jesus allows our light to shine, not for our glory, but for the usefulness of His kingdom. When a church loses focus and operates forsaking a love for God and Christ, He says that He will come along and remove their lampstand. He will extinguish the light that comes from that church. The church will in exist but will be hidden in it's community.
-5 ways to fuel your love for God
engage in prayer
engulf yourself in His Word
pursue Godly adventures
practice generosity
let love navigate your course
-When in doubt choose the most loving action that comes to mind. The more we love the more we reflect Christ. The more we reflect Christ the closer we draw to God. Which in turn makes us even more loving.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday Night Reflections
It was a good morning at Merge Community Church. We opened a series entitled "Ecclesia". We are going to be taking an honest look at what it means to be the church.
I pray that over the next few weeks we would draw closer to God by exploring our need to grow in our love for people who don't have a relationship with Jesus, our love for the church both local and global, and most important grow in our love for God.
We took our first of a few renovation offerings. I am so excited about the possibility of making the move to the Star Village suite. I believe that space can really give our church a chance to have a greater influence in our community. More on that later.
I love the people that I am journeying with at Merge. God is doing some really cool things around us and the next few chapters are going to be incredible.
Barak is going to be Scooby Doo for Halloween and the costume is really cool. He is a good boy and I love Him so much.
I'm really lazy and looking forward to going to sleep.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I pray that over the next few weeks we would draw closer to God by exploring our need to grow in our love for people who don't have a relationship with Jesus, our love for the church both local and global, and most important grow in our love for God.
We took our first of a few renovation offerings. I am so excited about the possibility of making the move to the Star Village suite. I believe that space can really give our church a chance to have a greater influence in our community. More on that later.
I love the people that I am journeying with at Merge. God is doing some really cool things around us and the next few chapters are going to be incredible.
Barak is going to be Scooby Doo for Halloween and the costume is really cool. He is a good boy and I love Him so much.
I'm really lazy and looking forward to going to sleep.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Words To Chew On...
There is an old Fransican Benediction that was prayed over me and a few other thousand people last year. It has surfaced in a few blogs and conversations I have had lately. I think it is an incredible prayer that I am praying for our church. If we can get hold of the power that comes in wearing this prayer then our world will be forever changed.
Here it is, take some time today and write it out and meditate on what it means to you:
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers,
half truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice,
oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may work for justice,
freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for
those who suffer from pain, rejection,
starvation, and war, so that you may
reach out your hand to comfort them and
turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough
foolishness to believe that you can make
a difference in this world, so that you can
do what others claim cannot be done.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Here it is, take some time today and write it out and meditate on what it means to you:
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers,
half truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice,
oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may work for justice,
freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for
those who suffer from pain, rejection,
starvation, and war, so that you may
reach out your hand to comfort them and
turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough
foolishness to believe that you can make
a difference in this world, so that you can
do what others claim cannot be done.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
My Quote Wall...
Over the past 8 years I have made it a point to work hard at becoming a student of leadership. I read constantly to consume information because reading is a source of potency so I consider it to be a great asset in my development as a pastor and a Christ follower. Since making that decision I have collected many quotes that have ended up on post it notes, scratch paper that I carry around, typed into my iphone, taped on walls and written on marker boards.
I like to keep some of the quotes in front of me because they grab my attention and cause me to think deep about the words and their application. I don't know if you do this but I find it to be a great tool in keeping focused on the things that I claim to matter.
Sunday night I added one more addition to the quote wall. I made a desktop background picture on my laptop. This way every time I start my computer up I get to see these quotes. I will periodically switch quotes out but these are the four I am wrestling with today. (You can click on it and it will enlarge)
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I like to keep some of the quotes in front of me because they grab my attention and cause me to think deep about the words and their application. I don't know if you do this but I find it to be a great tool in keeping focused on the things that I claim to matter.
Sunday night I added one more addition to the quote wall. I made a desktop background picture on my laptop. This way every time I start my computer up I get to see these quotes. I will periodically switch quotes out but these are the four I am wrestling with today. (You can click on it and it will enlarge)
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I'm Keeping My Line Clear
It is hard to describe the things that happened last week while we were at Catalyst. It was an incredibly motivating and challenging time. I can say that I heard from God, felt the Holy Spirit and worshiped Jesus.
The time we spent together as a team was by far time that we will not soon forget. We laughed a lot and spoke openly about where we are as a church and as fellow believers. We even played a full contact game of Spoons. Yes, there were some biting, blood shed, something that looked like a choke hold and Misty elbowed me in the face. I love the people that were on this trip with me and am grateful that God would put them in my life for the current adventure.
However, all that could change in the next few days. With Tony Romo out for a few weeks with a broken finger I think Jerry Jones will be calling me shortly. Please don't call me, I'm keeping my line clear:)
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
The time we spent together as a team was by far time that we will not soon forget. We laughed a lot and spoke openly about where we are as a church and as fellow believers. We even played a full contact game of Spoons. Yes, there were some biting, blood shed, something that looked like a choke hold and Misty elbowed me in the face. I love the people that were on this trip with me and am grateful that God would put them in my life for the current adventure.
However, all that could change in the next few days. With Tony Romo out for a few weeks with a broken finger I think Jerry Jones will be calling me shortly. Please don't call me, I'm keeping my line clear:)
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Made It To Atlanta
My team and myself are spending a few days at the Catalyst conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This conference is very special to me. Last year while here God confirmed a lot of the whispers He had been speaking into my soul.
I am excited to be here with the momentum and clarity we have currently at Merge and can't wait to see what doors He blows off the next few days.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I am excited to be here with the momentum and clarity we have currently at Merge and can't wait to see what doors He blows off the next few days.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Monday, October 6, 2008
I Can't Believe I Agreed To This
Misty and I are going to be out of town the next few days so we decided to go see a movie with Barak tonight. His choice. Guess what he decided? Beverly Hills Chiuha (I can't even beging to try to spell it).
Needless to say I have found about an hour and a half of my time where I am literally praying for the theater to catch on fire (of course no one gets hurt).
2 thoughts are crossing my mind:
1. I really need to get Barak in on G.I. Joe.
2. If rich people really spend this kind of money on their dogs then I say I am all for a tax increase on the top 25%. We can call it a tax on stupidity.
Can you please call in a bomb threat or pull a fire alarm?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Needless to say I have found about an hour and a half of my time where I am literally praying for the theater to catch on fire (of course no one gets hurt).
2 thoughts are crossing my mind:
1. I really need to get Barak in on G.I. Joe.
2. If rich people really spend this kind of money on their dogs then I say I am all for a tax increase on the top 25%. We can call it a tax on stupidity.
Can you please call in a bomb threat or pull a fire alarm?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Sunday, October 5, 2008
A Prayer...
Father God,
Open our eyes and hearts to see You work in our lives. Wake us up from our slumber and ignite inside our souls a passion to speak Your good news to a world that is desperately searching for the answer found in Your Son.
Soften our hearts to Your leadings.
Break our hearts for our sins.
Strenghten our hearts to face the adventures we are on.
You are magnificent. To know You for even a second is more fulfilling than a lifetime without You.
Help us be the church You are daring us to become.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Open our eyes and hearts to see You work in our lives. Wake us up from our slumber and ignite inside our souls a passion to speak Your good news to a world that is desperately searching for the answer found in Your Son.
Soften our hearts to Your leadings.
Break our hearts for our sins.
Strenghten our hearts to face the adventures we are on.
You are magnificent. To know You for even a second is more fulfilling than a lifetime without You.
Help us be the church You are daring us to become.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Friday, October 3, 2008
One Drink Everyone Needs To Have At My Funeral
It's Friday and so let's talk about something light..my funeral.
I only have a few requests:
1. No suits
2. No stupid flowers, you guys need to be creative and come up with a technological scene with video screens and light shows.
3. A few of my favorite songs.
4. A few words from a few great men.
5. Everyone wearing spandex (I would like to bring the Angel's a chuckle as I enter Heaven).
6. Someone doing the moonwalk.
7. Swine reading a poem about how cool I am to him (which we all know he thinks).
8. A round of Chocolate Javakula's for everyone who shows up. This may be my favorite drink of all time.
If Seattle's Best closes before I die then I see no need to have a funeral in the first place since I would have already died on the inside from a broken heart.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I only have a few requests:
1. No suits
2. No stupid flowers, you guys need to be creative and come up with a technological scene with video screens and light shows.
3. A few of my favorite songs.
4. A few words from a few great men.
5. Everyone wearing spandex (I would like to bring the Angel's a chuckle as I enter Heaven).
6. Someone doing the moonwalk.
7. Swine reading a poem about how cool I am to him (which we all know he thinks).
8. A round of Chocolate Javakula's for everyone who shows up. This may be my favorite drink of all time.
If Seattle's Best closes before I die then I see no need to have a funeral in the first place since I would have already died on the inside from a broken heart.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, October 2, 2008
When I Am Afraid, I Will Trust In You...
When Barak is supposed to be going to sleep he usually finds multiple reasons as to why he needs to stay up. He wants to read, he's not tired, he has to go to the bathroom, there is too much light in the room, it's too dark, he forgot to give mom and dad a hug and a kiss, he wants to give mom and dad another kiss, whatever. He knows that he is delaying the inevitable but every night he gives it a fighting chance.
Last night as Misty was about to leave his room after tucking him in he said, "I'm scared, I want my dad." I was already reading in bed and had no plans to get back up but when Misty told me that bit of information I couldn't just do nothing. SuperDad had to do something. I got up and went into his room. He was laying there and when he saw me he sprung up as if I were helping him escape from prison. I grabbed him and laid him back on the bed. The conversation went something like this:
BAG- "I heard you were scared."
BARAK- "Yeah" he replies.
BAG- "What are you scared of?"
BARAK- "The sounds in my room."
BAG- "Barak, there is nothing in this room that will hurt you while you are sleeping, when I am afraid I like to talk to Jesus. Have you asked Him to keep protecting you?"
BARAK- "Yes, I did. Will you ask Him for me too?"
What an incredible opportunity I had with my son. He took my hand and closed his eyes as I prayed that Jesus would help Barak feel His protection and keep him safe. I prayed that Jesus would send an extra angel just so Barak wouldn't worry and I thanked Jesus for caring when we are scared. The prayer wasn't very congregationally inspiring but it may have been the most powerful prayer I have prayed in weeks.
I am reminded of a verse 3 in Psalm 56 "When I am afraid, I will trust in You."
Truth is Barak isn't the only one in our house that gets scared from time to time. The uncertainty of life can stop you in your tracks and cause you to assume the worst about your opportunities and the people around you. I don't imagine I am alone in this either.
What if, when you were afraid from the sounds in your head, you made the decision to stop and pray to God through Jesus like a 3 year old would?
Barak went to sleep last night knowing that he has a Savior that loves him and wants to protect him from even his own made up fears. So do I. So do you.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Last night as Misty was about to leave his room after tucking him in he said, "I'm scared, I want my dad." I was already reading in bed and had no plans to get back up but when Misty told me that bit of information I couldn't just do nothing. SuperDad had to do something. I got up and went into his room. He was laying there and when he saw me he sprung up as if I were helping him escape from prison. I grabbed him and laid him back on the bed. The conversation went something like this:
BAG- "I heard you were scared."
BARAK- "Yeah" he replies.
BAG- "What are you scared of?"
BARAK- "The sounds in my room."
BAG- "Barak, there is nothing in this room that will hurt you while you are sleeping, when I am afraid I like to talk to Jesus. Have you asked Him to keep protecting you?"
BARAK- "Yes, I did. Will you ask Him for me too?"
What an incredible opportunity I had with my son. He took my hand and closed his eyes as I prayed that Jesus would help Barak feel His protection and keep him safe. I prayed that Jesus would send an extra angel just so Barak wouldn't worry and I thanked Jesus for caring when we are scared. The prayer wasn't very congregationally inspiring but it may have been the most powerful prayer I have prayed in weeks.
I am reminded of a verse 3 in Psalm 56 "When I am afraid, I will trust in You."
Truth is Barak isn't the only one in our house that gets scared from time to time. The uncertainty of life can stop you in your tracks and cause you to assume the worst about your opportunities and the people around you. I don't imagine I am alone in this either.
What if, when you were afraid from the sounds in your head, you made the decision to stop and pray to God through Jesus like a 3 year old would?
Barak went to sleep last night knowing that he has a Savior that loves him and wants to protect him from even his own made up fears. So do I. So do you.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
My Back Hurts But It Is So Worth It...
Barak is a strange little boy. It's true. He is at the point now where he wakes up by himself and can get out of his room and can do whatever he wants without his parents knowing nothing about it. Misty and I are usually still asleep when he gets up. However, he gets up, heads straight into our room and if it is still to early Misty will put him in our bed where he falls back asleep for about and hour. It never fails, he cuddles up right behind me keeping me in a state of no comfort and fear that I will roll on top of him somehow crushing him.
This leaves me in some awkward positions and when I finally get up my back is tight and sore for the better part of the morning. I complain and whine and may even produce a tear. But you want to know a secret????? I LOVE IT.
I love the fact that Barak feels comfortable enough and safe enough to curl up right under my arm. I love the fact that he, if even for a few minutes, wants to be close to his dad.
I wonder if God has the same feelings when we draw close to Him?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
This leaves me in some awkward positions and when I finally get up my back is tight and sore for the better part of the morning. I complain and whine and may even produce a tear. But you want to know a secret????? I LOVE IT.
I love the fact that Barak feels comfortable enough and safe enough to curl up right under my arm. I love the fact that he, if even for a few minutes, wants to be close to his dad.
I wonder if God has the same feelings when we draw close to Him?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
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