Reflections In The Water...The Finale...

Just when you thought the hounds of hell have officially been unleashed and your only means of escape lies at the bottom of the sea, God reminds us what He’s really all about.

In the midst of mass chaos, an eerie silence sweeps over the people as the words of Moses echo throughout the camp.

“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. Which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14 - emphasis mine)

Stand still. Calm down. Hush! Trust Me. How easy we forget that the God of creation is also the God of deliverance. And if we trusted Him enough to follow Him and His chosen man called Moses out of the bonds of slavery, even though we stand at the shores of the Red Sea, the God who got us out will also get us through. He WILL NOT take us down a path that leads to destruction. We might choose a side road…a short-cut, but His way is everlasting. The God who led us out, has the answers. The God who led us out, has a plan. The God who led us out, WILL take care of us, IF we will get out His way and let Him do it. Let Him, do it. Not us. Not me. Him.

Let Him do it.

Stand still…

“Father, it’s so hard to simply stand still. I, want to take of things. I, want to do it. And to be honest Lord, I’m tired of trying…please help. I can’t wait to see you at work. Father I’m asking for nothing less than the hand of God at work in my life. Clear the way…part the sea. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

The wind has picked up…the waves are rising…yes, He IS right here with me…and yes, the bottom of the ocean floor is dry…

Reflections In The Water...Part #2...

The group was three million strong. With them, they brought every piece of their belongings, as little and as ragged as it may be. For generations, all they knew and understood was slavery. Their living conditions were nothing more than cardboard cells. For most, the mere concept of freedom existed only in someone else’s world…another place, another time. Torture and death were the norm. Peace had vanished. That place called the Promise Land seemed fictional. It was the best of times…it was the worst of times. And now, things just got even worse…

This man called Moses had led the children of Israel out of slavery and into a world that was unusual by any stretch of the imagination. Not having to submit to the impetuous conditions provided by the Egyptian army was a lifestyle the latter generations had never known. Freedom…really?

There they stood, staring into the waters of the Red Sea. And staring back at them were desperate faces seeking deliverance. The path to perpetual freedom had led them to what appeared to be, a watery grave. With grumblings spreading throughout the camp, an about-face seemed evident. Maybe the life of slavery wasn’t so bad after all. Crying out for answers, the ground beneath them began to tremble. What they thought was an answered prayer was actually their worst nightmare coming true. For in the distance, the cause of the rumblings began to appear. It wasn’t a redeemer, it was reality. The Egyptian army had sent it’s best warriors to amass the Israelites and return them back into slavery. Death was before them, riding in chariots.

Have you ever been, literally, between the devil and the Red Sea? You know, the proverbial ‘rock and a hard place’? Yes you have. And some of you may be there now. Desperate for answers…not knowing which way to turn, what to do, you cry out for help only to have your pleas slowly sink beneath the sea. There is rarely a more lonely feeling…forgotten…hopeless.

I understand. Knowing that the God who led you out of one place only to ‘seemingly’ abandon you at the corner of death and desperation, is now silent. The waters of the Red Sea splash on the shores and on your feet, only to remind you that time is drawing near. And if there has ever been a time in your life to depend on the Living God, it’s now. Yet, the heavens remain silent.

Shhhhhhh…the winds of hope are beginning to blow…


…to be continued.

Reflections In The Water...

There is rarely anything more soothing than the rippling sounds of water. Many of us can drift back in time when we've had an opportunity to walk on the shores of the sea. Those of us in the South are drawn to the beauty of The Gulf, while those on our two outer coastlines have miles and miles of beach that contain the splendor of the oceans. The waves crash...the breeze is in my face...the seagulls dart to and fro overhead...the sand is between my toes... There 's just something about the ambiance of the beach...

I've stood on the edge of both coasts. The temperature was always toasty on the East Coast and chilly on the West. I've watched the sun rise above the Atlantic and I've seen the sun set beyond the Pacific. In the distance, majestic ships sometimes appear motionless as they ever so slowly make their way to exotic places unknown. The earth shakes as the waves pound the shores, rearranging nature's landscape. And each time as my eyes seek to find the outer edge of the waters, fear overtakes me as a battle rages within.

For as much as I love the seas...the oceans, I fear them even more. A childhood incident provided the foundations of a fear that I suffer with to this day. Way beyond a phobia, my fear of water is unimaginable. Just the thought of being near a body of water...even a normal swimming pool...sends chills up my spine...my blood pressure skyrockets...my heart races...my skin crawls... Many have offered help...but the fear continues to say 'no'.

While many of you long to have ocean-front property, I simply can't imagine living by the water. For you, it would be pleasure...for me, it would be pain.

Imagine being in this condition, and being forced into living on the shores of the sea. Imagine that your life...your world has been turned upside down and the future lies in the reflections on the water. Imagine what once was called normal...routine, has now vanished. Imagine what you once called home, no longer existed...yet you long to return. You relive the hardships and sufferings of the recent past and the memories of your nightmares are more inviting than what your future now holds...it seems....

...to be continued.

The Final Wrap-Up...

There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish for more hours in the day. 24 is somehow, not enough. I have taken, and taught, many time-management classes/seminars, and yet I still can't find enough time to do some of the things that I enjoy. Reading, is one of them, blogs, in particular. And with blogging becoming so popular, there are so many new blogs arriving each day, I'm running into that 'needing more hours in the day' thing, just to attempt to keep up. And I've come to realize, it's just not happening!

With that said, this will be my last 'Weekly Wrap-Up'. I will continue to post on my personal blog, but the wrap-ups have to come to a close. It's been a blast to give you my take on the local blog world. There is so much to learn about others through their blogs, and I strongly encourage you to continue reading in the local blog-world. And you have my personal invitation to continue to drop by here, for personal encouragement...stories...and just plain good coffee for the soul.

So here it is, the final wrap-up on the week that was, in no particular order...


Dean's post on a very tough topic, a third-party marriage, is a great read...Good job Dean, way to take a stand.

An absolute must read is over at K.T.'s. A silent world exists with few knowing the realities...a great personal expository on Down's Syndrome.

One of my favorite authors is Leonard Sweet, and Jeff gives us a very good review on Sweet's latest book.

Have an incredible week, and drop by often because the coffee is always fresh, and so is the conversation!

More Life...

It's time to stop trying to put more years in our lives,

and start putting more life in our years.

"I am come so that they may have life, and have it more abundantly."

~ Jesus

The Friday Wrap-Up...

Things have been kinda quiet this past week...the end of the school year, finals and graduation stuff is a time vacuum. Instead of listing any specific blogs for the week, I'd like to encourage you to read your favorites this weekend...and take time for yourself to post something new. If there is a blog out there that you would like for me to read and possibly make it on the Friday Wrap-Up, leave it in the comments...I'd love to read it. In the meantime, keep reading and writing, and have a great week.

The Friday Wrap-Up...

Great reading going on in the blogworld this week. There are several that caught my attention, but there were a couple that really deserve your's. Here it is, the week that was, in no particular order...

Jeff's blog gets a new face-lift...and a good one at that...and he asks us a point blank question, "What do you want from Jesus?"

T.J. says goodbye to a friend.

Mark give us a great post on 'fear' and an even better follow-up on 'no fear'. Great job Mark.

Jason looks at the 'why?' generation.

I wrap up my series on David with 'The Butler' ..... and 'The Beast Within'. Also, check out this prayer that was prayed in the Kansas Senate.

Pretty neat little firestorm over at ML concerning the name or naming of the Rough and Ready Festival. Should be interesting to follow.

Props to the heavy hitting Cotton Blossoms.

Have a great week...keep writing...

Are You Domesticated...

"Perhaps the tragedy of our time is that such an overwhelming number of us who declare Jesus as Lord have become domesticated-or, if you will, civilized. We have lost the simplicity of our early faith. Beyond that, we have lost the passion and power of that raw, untamed, and primal faith. Maybe John was alluding to that in the Apocalypse when he told the church of Ephesus that they had lost their first love (Revelation 2:1-4)."

Erwin Raphael McManus
'The Barbarian Way'

Singles Dart Tournament @ Dad's Place...

This Saturday, April 28, we will have a Singles Dart Tournament, beginning at approximately 12Noon immediately following the IDL Matches. Cost will be $5 per person with all of the entry fees being paid back out. It will be a BLIND DRAW tournament, which means you will DRAW for seeding placement. It will be a DOUBLE ELIMINATION tourney. And it will also be played SCRATCH...absolutely NO POINTS! Best 2 out of 3 wins. Everyone is invited to participate. Help spread the word!!!

Senate Prayer In Kansas...

I received this in an email this morning and thought it was worth sharing with you. Hope you enjoy...



Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"

The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India , Africa and Korea
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "one nation under God."

The Friday Wrap-Up...

In a week that will forevermore be etched in history...I would like to encourage each of us in the blogworld to pause and remember the blessings that God has poured out on us, and to pray for the families and students at Virginia Tech. May God cover you with His love.

I've found a couple of great posts over the past two weeks, but then I read what could possibly be, one of the most profound writings I've ever seen. It's so intense...yet so true. Keep up the great writing, but this week, please, grab a cup of coffee...drop by Dean's..and enjoy The Violinist's Song.

Have a great week...Go Hoakies ...

Reflections...

It saddens me so as I devour everything on the news channels to digest this horrific act of violence on the Virginia Tech campus. It seems as only yesterday that my family and I were caught in the middle of the school shooting that took place in Jonesboro. There are scenes of that tragedy that still play out in my mind, so I really can't grasp what many of these students and faculty are facing today at VT.

What's so ironic is my last post was a call to arms for todays Christians in the battle of good vs evil. And I wrote it only 24 hours prior to the first shots being fired. Here is another great post about Living in Enemy Territory. And a definite MUST READ is this Call To Prayer , concerning this dramatic situation from David James, Team Leader of the ABSC Collegiate Ministry.

Part #4...The Beast Within...

One of the most treacherous pieces of roadway in America is a stretch of interstate from Flagstaff to Phoenix, Arizona. Flagstaff itself, is located just off the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, which means the elevation is tremendous. This interstate, termed the ‘Black Canyon Freeway’, takes one from the highest elevations of the ominous canyon, down and around the mountains at grades almost unbelievable and, if you haven’t driven it yourself, it’s absolutely indescribable, into the majestic sands of the desert below...down into the valley of the sun. I’ve navigated this piece of highway on numerous occasions, and, even in the best of conditions, looms as a worthy adversary. Arrayed in the beauty of the mountains with it’s snow-covered peaks, towering pines and plush valleys, one has to look deep within the landscape…past the outer covering, to realize that something greater…more powerful, lies within.

So it was with this boy named David.

Beyond the simplicity…beyond the passion to serve, was a waiting warrior destined for greatness. A warrior whose spirit…whose courage was forged with an invincible armor. A warrior who knew no fear simply because the God he served was his protector…and he knew it. If only we could grasp this shroud of invincibility that covers a Christian’s very soul, then lives would be altered and kingdoms would be changed for eternity. We would soon realize that we are not POW’s of this world but instead champions for Christ that are willed to crash the very gates of hell whose sole purpose is to kill and to destroy. We are in a battle of biblical proportion. There is a massive call to arms that’s being screamed from our Commander-in-Chief, and it’s past time for us to lace up our boots, reach down deep into the depths of our soul and release this beast…release this warrior into the battleground that surrounds us.

Time and time again, we encounter giants of every shape, form and fashion that’s determined to bring about death and destruction into every nook and crevice around us. When we least expect it, we’re faced with such insurmountable odds that we cower with fear and tremble in the shadows that encase us. Yet, all the while, the warrior waits…

Who really knew what the real David looked like. Who knew that this young man who spent more time in his father’s fields than he did at his father’s table was a champion in the making. Who knew that inside this ruddy, teenage boy was a beast waiting to be unleashed. Who knew…David knew…God knew. David had the hand of God upon him…that, he also knew. He was invincible…he knew the God he served, the God of Israel, was unconquerable. What about us…what about me…

As the dawn breaks anew each day on the Black Canyon, all of nature’s best awakens to reveal it’s magnificent splendor. All is calm, it seems… As we wake each morning to face our day, and the person in the mirror stares back, the warrior inside waits…and all of hell trembles at the thought of it being unleashed…

Part #3...The Butler...

“Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.” ~ Marian Wright Edelman

Some people are born to serve…the gift of hospitality is the very essence of their being. They salivate at the very thought of being able to do something for someone…somewhere. No matter how big or small, they will always accept the task before them. Many times, I feel the people with this gift are so often taken for granted…and I’ve seen so many take advantage of those with this gift. All the while, there are others who simply serve…and then, there are those who desire to be served. I fall somewhere in the latter of the two categories…with the balance of the scales leaning closer to the last.

Young David’s life was a portrait of service. With each stroke of the brush, the canvas came alive with opportunities for service that brought brilliant color to an otherwise colorless existence. With each of these acts of kindness, the portrait became more three dimensional…the colors, more spectacular…the profile, lifelike.

I Samuel Chapter 17 is a classic Bible story that has spanned the ages. For centuries, children have been told of the little boy who killed the giant with a sling and a rock. And we as adults, have allowed this one dimensional view of this passage of Scripture to define the battle of good vs evil in a climatic scene where evil appears destined win, only to have the obvious underdog stand victorious in the end. But I honestly feel that we fail to see a major characteristic that screams loudly in this character tour. David’s gift of service speaks volumes about the fabric that lines his very soul.

Picture this typical young boy, hurrying down the road to take bread, grain and cheese to the battle front where his two oldest brothers fight in the king’s army. And with haste…haste, David runs to follow his father’s direction. Haste! Where is this zeal in today’s society? We’ve fast become a ‘Me, Me, Me’ centered culture, instead of David’s classic ‘You, You, You’ civilization.

If only we would obey our Heavenly Father with as much haste as David did his earthly father…

...to be continued.

The Friday Wrap-Up...

Easter week has always brought about lots of activities. This is a huge opportunity for each of us to spend some extra quality time with our families. There were some really good reads in the blogs this week, I hope you enjoy each of these!

Pointless Debates are going on over at Dean's.

Head Scratching in the Lion's Den.

WMCJD.

The Mayor gets a report card. An incredible article...a definite must read.

Carolyn voted for Sanjaya.

And I've started a new series here at DP. You can read Part 1 and Part 2.

Check out Dinner & A Movie. An incredible way for a family outing to celebrate Easter.

Have an incredible week and remember, He IS Risen!

Part #2…Simplicity…

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ~ Confucius


David accepted the role of shepherd without question. To him, it was routine. I’m not sure I blame him for wanting to get away from the constant scrimmage that was taking place in his house. It seemed safer…it was certainly simpler.

These everyday adventures of this young man were honing his skills that he would someday need…some, sooner than later. I realize this is supposed to happen to all of us as we mature and gather our life skills, but in David, this young man accepted his responsibilities beyond a shadow of a doubt. He didn’t question or complain to his father for someone else to watch the sheep, or any other duty as far as that goes…he did it…HE did it. Even in the face of eminent death as he protected his father’s flock, David performed his daily duties and gathered immaculate skills of survival against worthy adversaries. Unlike David, we, have become a nation of whiners…we have made what God intended to be simple, complicated.

Can you imagine being out at night with David, the sheep beginning to settle in for the evening, the stars shining like fire in the sky, the night is calm except for the chill in the air brought on by a light breeze And in the distance, you hear Him whisper your name…calling out to you…waiting to spend time with you. One day, I want to ask David just how great his quiet times really were…

David’s childhood life was simple…whatever his Dad needed him to do, he did it. For a barely-teenage boy, that had to be a difficult task. In today’s society, many teenagers tell their parents what to do, not the other way around. Even though it was simplistic in nature, it was David’s early years that gave him the solid foundation needed for the missions that lay ahead…

…to be continued.

Less Is More...Part #1...

He was the youngest of eight brothers…he was the runt. But don’t be deceived by his stature…

I can’t imagine having siblings. I’m an ‘only child’ and proud of it. My Dad was the oldest of two, my Mom was the youngest of ‘a bunch’. I honestly can’t remember how many brothers and sisters she had, I can only remember that when her family got together, I had cousins, second cousins, third cousins, fourth cousins, (and well, you get the picture), AND their families would literally come ‘out of the wood-work!’ It seemed like an anthill going full tilt. It was those occasions that reinforced my belief that ‘less is more’.

I remember many times as a young boy that I would go to school with new clothes and the hoard of cousins that I went to school with, would always want to show me their ‘new clothes’…new to them…hand-me-downs from older siblings. Where I had my own bedroom, most of my relatives had to share bedroom space with at least two others. And sitting down at a meal with this multitude, words can’t describe the carnage.

I can picture this same scenario playing out at Jesse’s house. ‘Amen’ from table grace was the green light for scores of siblings to wreck and ravage the evening meal. And while all this pillage was taking place, young David methodically calculated every move to insure survival. Not-so-much the fact of getting a meal, but from ‘becoming’ the meal. David learned survival at a young age…

Being the youngest, David also received more than his fair share of family chores. Just as in today’s families, the smelliest of jobs seem to flow downhill. How critical it was, yet David didn’t seem to mind. He found himself being the shepherd for his father’s sheep, the loneliest job of the family. Surrounded by only the bleating cry of sheep, a boy became a man…how fitting for the boy who would be king!

…to be continued.

The Friday Wrap-Up...

Spring Break is nearing a close, and it's obvious in BlogWorld. I can imagine we will have lots to say in our blogs next week... can't wait. Enjoy your weekend! Here it is, the week that was, in no particular order...

Jeff gives us a great read on 'Creating Community'.

Life's a gamble...read about it at Robert's.

Jason's been on a tear...he has 3 great posts...you can read them here ..... here ..... and here.

There's a new blog in town...drop by and say hello to Ryan.

See ya next week...

Truth...

Truth…is a four-letter word…

I am not an educated person. Never have been…never will be…nor will I profess to be. Even though I graduated with top honors at my high school, spent some six years toddling about on a college campus chasing a double major and currently take off-campus seminary classes, I’m constantly reminded, daily, that I am drastically un-educated. However, the life that I’ve accepted…the life I’ve been called to, is a breeding ground for knowledge…and wisdom. One thing I have learned, is, that the absorption of knowledge and wisdom is a choice we each will make. As for me, just call me a sponge.

One thing that I am becoming increasingly concerned about, is truth. Ask a hundred people the question, “What is truth?”, and you could receive up to a hundred different answers. And to each person, their answer is the correct answer.

The concept of truth, is changing. The application of truth is disappearing. As I observe my world around me, it’s becoming distinctively clear that the definition of truth is changing daily. We seem to define truth as it best fits our needs. What once was a world…a society where black and white defined our every move, now has become redecorated with shades of grey…and the boldness of black and white are quickly fading into oblivion.

Politicians, today, are prime examples of this. The political ‘houses’ they are building, are nothing more than a snap-shot of suburbia where all the houses are constructed using the same masterplan with bland shades of grey used for every sheet of wallpaper and trim, down to the lack-luster granite of the counter-tops. But the exteriors are another story….boldly fashioned with vibrant colors, sure to excite our mind’s eyes. What’s on the outside, isn’t always…I’ll let you finish the sentence.

There’s another neighborhood being built however, just across life’s interstate that has the potential of being the homestead of many strangers who are longing to relocate. Home sites have been cleared and foundations poured that appear to be the strongest around. Highway billboards and websites point to the excitement as these new homes are being built at a rapid pace. A Master Carpenter has been selected…the blueprints have been approved…and Phase I is nearing completion. The new subdivision is filled with pulsating colors and children’s voices echo throughout the streets. But secretly meeting in one of the unfinished homes is a group of laborers who are planning a coo against the Master Carpenter. “He doesn’t know what’s best for us,” they say, “We know how to do things better…and cheaper.” And look, the new homes have added a new dimension, they've added steeples.

So for the most part, the Master Carpenter has been asked to leave and a new hierarchy of leadership has taken over. With tears in his eyes, He walks away heart broken, knowing what His plans were for the neighborhood will no longer see reality…unless something changes.

The new leadership starts out strong, trying to maintain the status quo...with one huge exception. Now, the new occupants are allowed to choose the paint scheme for their new homes. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem. But after a great deal of inspection, the new homes have taken on an eerie resemblance of another neighborhood just a few exits away. Now it's become hard to tell one neighborhood from the other.

The Master Carpenter stands in the distance…longing…yearning, while the occupants are busy making painstaking trips back and forth to the paint store where they are overstocked in multiple shades of grey.

Truth is a four letter word...I'll let you fill in the blanks...and it's not found in a paint store.

The Friday Wrap-Up...

The pollen is falling and Spring Break is here. I'm sure that each of us have a great week planned. We're off to Ohio on Saturday morning, returning on Tuesday night. DP will reopen on Wednesday morning @ 7:00am. Enjoy reading, the blogs have been busy all week. Here it is, the week that was, in no particular order...

Amanda's 21 years of wisdom.

Dean thinks he's a car...wait, so does James.

The Germans had nothing to do with it...just ask Jason.

Jeff is still monkeying around with his twitter...too funny! Pic of the Week!

Take a look at Mark's big board.

T.J. has narrowed it down to 5 American Idols.

Can you say "FIRE" or "CATFIGHT"! Check it out, only on ML!

And I'd like to invite you to put a little color back into your life.

Have a great week...