Day 54 of Giving Thanks - 12/30/2010

Today I am thankful for being the father of possibly one of the cutest and most adorable creatures to walk the face of this planet. Yes I know I am biased and in this case I am proud to be biased.

Day 52 of Giving Thanks - 12/28/2010

What am I thankful for today. So far I am thankful that the bug that has gotten a hold of my wife and daughter this week has left me alone.

I am also thankful that it is a short work week.

Thoughts from Tacoma Drive - 12/27/2010

I drove to Tacoma today to deliver Dexter(an aging Dog) to Mandy's Mom's Dad. During the drive I had shut off the radio for some reason and my mind began to process and wander. The topic and results of the thinking process I am not sure of why or where they came from. No matter I am going to write a majority of them down in hopes to create something understandable and possibly logical and meaningful.

Both Mandy and I have often pondered why and what the purpose of us moving to Olympia was for. We had some ideas and inclinations about parts of the move(reducing living expenses and me going to school full-time) and some things we have found to be very important and impacting in our lives(the teaching at Living Water) as we have been here for this last year. Yes it has been over a year since we left Oregon and many of the comforts and safety nets we had found or created for ourselves(maybe this was a part of why we moved).

Today's thoughts narrowed in on a particular relationship between our 4 year old daughter Jillian and an neighbor who is a close friend to Mandy's Mom. When we moved here the relationship didn't seem to have much meaning or purpose. But that changed a few months ago when this dear sweet woman found out that she had a very serious and advanced form of cancer and was given less than a year to live (not sure of the cancer type or the exact length of time given). She has chosen to do Chemo and some other treatments which have had a tremendous affect on her health and life. Between treatments and bouts of illness she is still working and serving her church.

What my thoughts really targeted in on was what Jilly was bringing to this neighbor. When Jilly goes over to check on her, give her gifts of a craft or picture Jilly has made or just hang out with her by reading or watching a movie as much as her health and mood will allow she smiles. My little girl, to whom someday very soon we will be explaining that our neighbor has passed on to be with Jesus and she won't be able to see her anymore, brings a gift of love and joy to another life. Jilly doesn't desire anything more than a friendship out of this arrangement. I think however that in her friendship she is able to give more than she and maybe even us can understand.

I have heard a lot over the last couple of years about some studies done and how some medical groups are using animals as part of their treatment programs for people who have serious illnesses such as server depression, cancers and mental disabilities. They have also used animals in helping to raise the spirits of children in hospitals and elderly people in assisted living facilities. My thought is can my little girl and possibly other children have this same effect. Could my daughter spending time with a woman her grandmother's age help her in midst of a life threatening illness. Who else could my daughter touch just by being a child who desires nothing more than interaction and companionship? Could children have the same affect as pets?

The next question in my pondering about the effect of children on the elderly was not as pleasant. It was a realization that in our society we have largely taken a position of indifference towards the elderly. So many wind up in assisted living and retirement establishments and there they are essentially forgotten. Some have no one left to remember them, family and friends have all gone before them others have been abandoned by loved ones for what ever the reasons are. It doesn't matter how or why but they are there.

They have lived their lives, they have labored at their jobs, and they have made their homes. That is all behind them and in the past. But we have seemed to have forgotten that it was upon their lives that the very society that has forgotten them was built. It was these people who survived recessions and wars far greater than we have know in our life times. But they have done their deeds and can be discarded. I began to question the wisdom in that and realized something.

We have put more value in knowledge we can learn from a book, the internet or some expert who has spent years studying than we do in the wisdom(applied knowledge) of the people who have lived and experienced far more than us. When we have an issue with our relationships we turn to Oprah, Dr. Phil, Self Help books, Counselors, girlfriends, our parents and list just keeps going. I am not saying some of these sources are not a good place to go. There is an issue when the source has no experience to go with the advice they share. But the elderly man or woman who is sitting in that nursing home all alone after their spouse died 5 years ago after 50 years of marriage might be a better place to go. But they have outlasted their usefulness right? Heck they can't even use a cell phone and they don't even know what the internet is let alone facebook.

What wisdom can my little girl get by spending time with someone more experienced then her. Isn't that my job as a parent to share my knowledge and experience with her. Does my usefulness as a teacher and adviser end when she becomes a teen(she may think so), or after she graduates high school or college, or when I retire from working or when I am 80? I don't think so. I think as a nation we are destroying and losing a great asset each day we continue down this path of indifference. We need to reach out to those who are older than us, those who have experienced more life and have lived their lives. If we handicap ourselves and set ourselves up for many mistakes that could have been avoided if we would have sought wisdom from those who have lived life before us.

My thoughts ended on this question. Who would get more out of taking the time to relate with people like my neighbor? People who have lived, suffered, experienced and enjoyed more life than ourselves and are now only wanting some companionship, a chance to see life lived in ways they can no longer, and the joy of imparting themselves to those who come after them.

Two thoughts I leave with you and myself.
1) Is there a place in your life where you need wisdom and wise counsel?
2) Is there a life of some one beyond your years that is in need of companionship?

Proverbs 19:27 (New Living Translation)

If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge

Day 51 of Giving Thanks - 12/27/2010

My Family left today and made it home safely. A good thing to be thankful for. Not the leaving part, they hadn't becoming that much of a nuisance yet, but the making it home safely part.

I also was able to get Dexter back to Mandy's Grandpa who made it safely home from California today. Another good thing to be thankful for. This time the leaving part was a good thing. Dexter is an old dog and at times can be hard to care for.

Day 50 of Giving Thanks - 12/26/2010

Today was another good day. I got to spend most of my day with my Mom, sisters and nephew it was great until I had to go to work.

Work was extremely slow and I was able to leave early to spend more time with my family.

So today I am thankful for my time with them and all the fun we had.

Christmas Thanks - 12/25/2010

A house full of people an possibly the best turkey dinner I have made and one of the best Turkeys I have ever eaten. That is a great thing to be thankful for. Especially when everyone is in a agreement with me. Thank you God for gifting me in this way. I enjoy cooking and love to share it with others. It is always enjoyable to me to be able to host and have guests in our home. Yet another place where I am glad that God has gifted me.

Thank you family for blessing us with your time and gifts this Christmas season. We greatly appreciate all you have done for us and given us. More than anything we are thankful for the love and life that you share with us.

Lastly and not the least I am thankful for the gift of God in the birth of His Son Jesus. This birth is the whole reason why we celebrate today. In all we have done we have tried to remember what God has done for us. All of the blessings, all of the provisions, all the friends and all the family which we have been given. These are all part of the gift that a birth over 2000 years ago have allowed us to more fully appreciate. The life of Jesus is a gift that never stops giving. From the restoration of man to God to the daily involvement in our lives through His provision. We have much to celebrate and much to be thankful for. I only hope our hearts will stay gracious and our eyes continually open to all God has and is doing in our lives.

Christmas Eve Thanks - 12/24/2010

Today I am glad to say and am very thankful for the glimpses of and the feelings of Christmas.

The last few years have been a struggle for me to catch the Christmas Spirit. Some of this I feel has to do with my current occupation which surrounds me and inundates me daily with the commercial and materialism of what Christmas has become.

This year has been particularly hard to find that spirit for both Mandy and I. But after a nice service at church, a day of wrapping presents and last minute preparations, Time spent with Mandy's dad and Jodi enjoying desert and presents, and being able to look forward to all that Christmas Day will bring. They Joy and Christmas Spirit has began to make its way into my heart this Christmas Eve.

So Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Kenton

Day 47 of Giving Thanks - 12/23/2010

I am thankful for surviving another season of Christmas at Fred Meyer. Lord willing it will be my last.

Retail can really put a damper on ones appreciation for the holidays. So me a favor and the next time you are in a retail store take a moment and appreciate what we do for you.

Day 45 of Giving Thanks - 12/21/2010

Today I am thankful for every moment I am able to spend with my daughter and my wife. The moments we all get to be together are often short and infrequent throughout the week. Thankfully we have Saturdays and most of Sunday together almost every week. But to often the weekends get filled with stuff to do and people to see so again time for us as a family can get scarce. But the moments we have are precious and needed. I am thankful for each moment.

Miracle

This post is a question and answer post. I am asking a question and hoping you my readers will answer it. I have been mulling over the subject of miracles after something I read recently. In preparation of a post regarding this subject I wanted to get some other peoples opinions.

Enough babble lets ask the questions and get your responses.

1) In your own words define what a miracle is?

2) Do you believe in miracles and do they occur in life today?

Please respond either as a comment or you can send me a email.

Day 44 a Prayer of Thanksgiving - 12/20/2010

Lord,

I am reminded tonight of many things I have to be thankful for. Just the reminder of those things is something to be thankful for. To me the reminders sometimes gentle like a soft breeze and other times they are like hitting a car a high speed. Either case the fact that you take the time to remind me of the things you have done and the blessing my family has received are testimony of your working in my life. Your working despite my fear, my reluctance at times and out right rebellion at others. You keep working and working. Thank you for being a God of patience and love. I know I would have given up on me a long time ago. Yet another good reason why you are God and I am not.

My family is to me the greatest of blessings and at times frustration. Even in the rough times I want to be thankful for the gift of family. Help me with that goal. I am very thankful for my three greatest blessings. My lovely wife, my adorable daughter and my soon coming son. God I thank you for them and all they have and will bring to my life. The miracle of my marriage to Mandy is another proof for me of your love and desire to interact in my life. Thanks for reminding me yet again of that.

We have been blessed with provision for our needs and have never as a family had to be with out shelter, food, clothing or any of the real necessities of life. Yes we have had to sacrifice some of our desires and wants. But you have always provided for the needs. Even in the times where our stewardship or hearts have not been in the right place you have provided. I can also gladly say you have allowed us at many points and times to be the tool of blessing in other peoples lives. If it has been through providing a place for a friend to crash or live or the ability to gift money to help provide food and gifts for less fortunate people we don't even know. Your provision has been great and I am truly thankful for Your working in our lives.

Thank You God for all you do. Especially when you do it when we come no where close to deserving it.

Kenton Mattos

Double Dose - 12/13/2010

This weekends sermon by Pastor Jon Cobler hit home yet again. I found his words striking my heart and mind again and again. It has been amazing how God has used Living Water and the pastor there to speak to my heart and Mandy's heart. We have been greatly blessed and challenged on a regular bases in our time and season here. Thank you Lord for that and please keep it going.

The message this time was about the good news of Jesus being the Savior who is Christ the Lord(Luke 2:11). Pastor Jon's message focused in on the fact that not only are we saved from eternal separation from God(hell) but from the power of sin in our lives here on earth. We are not just talking about things like murder, abuse, drunkenness, adultery and the big sins. This includes the sins that we often see as lesser and even at times don't see as sin at all. Here is a list from Timothy which Pastor Jon referenced.

2 Timothy 3:2-4 (New Living Translation)

² For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

Let me target in on the ones that registered on my radar. No self-control and love pleasure rather than God. Ever since service I have been pondering and mulling over this. I know there are many areas where I lack self-control and/or discipline. I had been working through my list and praying about them on Sunday. That was Sunday and today is Monday. God wasn't done with me or with this topic.

Early tonight, or last night as my blog writing has entered the next day, I picked up a book that I started a few months ago and haven't picked up in a while. You can probably guess where this is going. Yeah the chapter I read was about sin and how to overcome it. Again one sin registers on my radar that Dr. Swindoll mentions in Hand Me Another Brick. . . . Self-control.

What are some areas where you lack self-control in your life? Had you ever thought of it as a sin? Did you think that it could be impacting your life and those around you? I know I had to do some thinking about this. I know my life and my walk have definitely been and are being affected by my lack of self-control.

The good news like Pastor Jon said is that Jesus has provided us with a way to conquer sin. I am happy and encouraged to say I believe he is working in me right now. I am learning and seeking His solutions to overcoming the sins plaguing me. I hope that this battle and the victory will be an example to myself and others. So the journey and the adventure continues.

This is the path of the light side. It is the path of the God Follower. Changing and growing into something better and beyond what you have become.

PS More to come...

Day 36 of Giving Thanks - 12/12/2010

Today I am thankful that we had a weekend spent with people we love and care about. Even if the weekend didn't go as we had planned.

Thanks for coming and visiting us Rats.. We love you all very much. Thank you and thank God for you.

Star Wars Decorations - 12/10/2010

Mandy
Today there was a lot of ups and downs for the day. A lot of work and a little fun.

I am thankful that I am capable of volunteering my time and skills. Today I was able to help install the big toy at my daughters preschool.

Today we also started our Christmas decorating and despite some rough moments and short tempers it was a good start.

It was good for me especially when my loving wife encouraged me to put out my star wars Christmas decorations which haven't been used since the last Christmas in our old house.

Beautiful,

Thank you for loving me and supporting me fanaticism. I am a blessed man and in moments like this loved and understood.

Love

Kenton

Day 32 of Giving Thanks - 12/09/2010

Thank you lord that tonight at this time I am now enjoying my weekend. I am looking forward to decorating and seeing some friends this weekend.

Day 32 of Giving Thanks - 12/08/2010

Today I am thankful for when I feel stimulated and provoked by something I read.

I am looking forward to a post I want to write.

Day 31 Of Giving Thanks - 12/07/2010

I have missed a few days of posting. But I am trying to get going again and I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for the changes that the future holds.

Day 27 Of Giving Thanks - 12/3/2010

Today was a hard day. However at the end of the day I can say I pressed forward and tried to keep my head up and moving forward. For this I am thankful.

Day 26 of Giving Thanks - 12/02/2010

Today I am thankful for my love of food and cooking. I am glad it is something I get to enjoy doing and experimenting.

Day 25 of Giving Thanks - 12/01/2010

I am thankful for the birth of my father who was born on this day many years ago. I am also very thankful for the his rebirth and awakening of his faith. This rebirth has allowed for a restoration of a father son relationship I am grateful for.

Day 24 Prayer of Thanksgiving - 11/30/2010

Today I am going to write a prayer of thanksgiving.

Lord,

I am thankful for the life you have given me. The Wife who I have and the daughter you have blessed us with. I am thankful for the blessing of new life we are being allowed to experience with the current pregnancy. I am glad and filled with gratitude that all of this has been done for me. Especially when I look at the vastness and magnitude of all your creation. The fact that you have done all this for me is at times unbelievable.

At times I think it is easier to believe that these great miracles in my life are just chance. But there is too much beyond my family for me to believe in random occurrences. You have saved me and brought me out of to much for there not to be a purpose. I again find myself thankful for all you do. The life you have brought me out of and saved me from. I am thankful for the family you have pulled from the hands of death, drugs and addictions. I have seen to much grace and mercy to believe that you are not there loving me.

Then why at times is it so hard to but faith in your love for me. To believe you have the best for me and that despite my humanity and frailty that you have a plan for me. To hope for the dreams I have had. My flesh and mind battle against my spirit which is telling me you do love, you do care, you are there for me and directing me. I am thankful for my spirit and the work you have been doing in my heart and mind over this last year in regards to my faith and hope.

I am truly thankful for all of the words that are being spoken into my life now. The lessons I am learning and the work you are doing on and in me. I am thankful that despite doubt, fear, pride and stubbornness your love for me has ended or hasn't ended me. Keep teaching and changing me.

Thank you Lord.

Day 23 Of Giving Thanks - 11/29/2010

Today I am thankful for the laughter of my beautiful, smart, and full of life daughter Jillian. I hope and pray you will always be able to laugh.

Day 22 Of Giving Thanks - 11/28/2010

I am thankful the opportunity that I had today to serve at Living Water. The opportunity to be a part of the testing of the virtual church.

Day 21 Of Giving Thanks - 11/27/2010

I would like to express my thanks to Uncle Jerry and Aunt Dode (Mandy's Aunt and Uncle). I want to thank you both for your love, support and prayers for us and all you family. In particular for today I want to thank you for opening up your home to your family, keyboard and rambunctious 4 year. For providing a great atmosphere and food to celebrate the holidays.

Your are great people that we love, value and are very thankful for.

Now if we could only see you more often..

Day 20 Of Giving Thanks - 11/26/2010

Despite what may have felt like a failed attempt to reach out and meet others. Since only one person who we already know showed up. I am thankful the we took the chance and invited people to our home. More importantly I am thankful that Mandy and I are both willing and wanting to give it another shot soon.

Day 19 Of Giving Thanks - 11/25/2010

Today was a good day. A day spent with family. A day where where being thankful is celebrated.

But more importantly today we sat down and did our budget. And once again we can see how God has provided and how in our learning and growing in our finances we are able to see the blessings, the provisions, and the Love of God.

We are growing and becoming stronger and that is a great thing be be thankful for.

A Thanksgiving Message - Day 18 - 11/24/2010

So tonight I had a powerful yet brief conversation with a Man I will call Fireman K. Who formally worked in Thurston County but is now a firefighter in Manson County. Here is just a brief cap of the conversation.

An Average Man in his late 40 or early 50 I am guessing came into the aisle I was working in this evening. I asked him if there was anything I could help him with. He asked if I had any recommendation for wrapping paper for a 10 year old boy. Through conversation regarding the boy who the present was for Fireman K told me he had drawn a name from a giving tree. I commented on how Mandy and I do it each year ourselves trying to find a girl and a boy to buy for. He said he just got a boy but decided to dive the boy one of his best Christmases buy not just buying one of the items the boy had asked for but all of them.

We continued conversing while he looked at wrapping paper and I worked. I was reminded of some lean Christmases as a kid where people where generous to us with food and gifts. I let fireman K know that he was doing a great thing and I know when some one did it for us it was impacting on my life. This is also one of the reasons we have done the angel tree for most of our married years because we have been blessed enough to do so. I started to talk about how we want Jillian to be raised knowing how to give to others and that we have started working towards paring down some of her stuff and talking to her about giving some to less fortunate than us.

I also told Fireman K that one of the parents of a classmate was a Fireman and that we had talked to him about donating some of Jilly's stuffed animals to the Fire department. This is how I found out that Fireman K was a Fireman. He said it was a great idea and that the stuffed animals are a very important tool in helping children. I found out that one of his responsibilities while he was a fireman in Thurston county was educating children from about three to seven years of age.

The way he talked you could tell this was something he loved and was passionate about. Sadly it sounds as if this is not one of his duties in Manson County. But he was hopeful that he could do it again someday. After our conversation was done and I was left to my own thoughts. My mind went to how giving this man was.

Not only did he give and serve the people of Thurston County in the past and Manson County now each day by putting his life on the line. By being there to help and save people. By having a heart to educate children in hopes of helping their fears of the fire suits, to training how to be safe and respond in emergencies. This man wanted to give a ten year old boy a Christmas he would always remember.

Being able to meet and talk to this average looking man showed me how not average he was. I am filled with thanks and gratitude that there are men and women like Fireman K in our city, counties, states, and nation.

So Fireman K if I never see you again or speak to you I am going to say thank you anyways.

Thank you for all you give.

Day 17 Of Giving Thanks - 11/23/2010

I am thankful for all my wife does and tries to do while working, being a mother and a preggo. She is often too hard on herself. So I just wanted to brag on her briefly.

Mandy Mattos is one of the greatest, most beautiful and loving woman in all of God's creation. Yes this is a bias statement and I am proud to make it.

Love you Beautiful.

If You Could See What I See

all of my life
i have dreamed
that somehow love would find me
now i can't believe you're standing here

If beauty is all
in the eye
of the beholder then i
wish you could see
the love for you that lives in me

(Chorus)
And you would know you have my heart
If you could see, what i see
that a treasure's what you are
if you could see, what i see
Created to be
the only one for me
If you could see, what i see

I know there are days
when you feel
so much less than ideal
wondering what i see in you

It's all of the light
and the grace
your belief in me drives me to say
that i promise you
a faithful love, forever true

(Chorus)

if you could see
then you'd understand
why i fall down to my knees
and i pray my love
will be worthy of
the one who gave his life
so our love could be

if you could see
what i see(x2)

You're created to be
The perfect one for me
If you could see
What i see

if beauty is all
in the eye
of the beholder then i
am beholding...
true beauty

Day 16 Of Giving Thanks - 11/22/2010

One of the things I am thankful for today is the beauty of Nature.

The pure beauty of freshly fallen snow.

The joy of hearing your unborn child's heartbeat.

Nature in it's own elements contain much beauty. Thank you God for nature.

Day 15 Of Giving Thanks - 11/21/2010

Woke up with a head ache, Stayed home from church but tried to watch the service from home and video feed froze. Missed what sounded like some good parts of the sermon. Had to work. When left work found that my front passenger window had been busted out so someone could steal my wife's bible which they probably thought was a purse.

HHHMMMMMM. . . What am I thankful for. All the things that didn't go wrong. Like the $80 dollar saw the cd changer and small lcd tv they could have taken from the trunk...

Words that struck a cord - 11/20/2010

Hebrews 11:3 (Amplified Bible)

³By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.

I read this verse in 'The Controversy: Roots of the Creation-Evolution Conflict'. It was one of two bible references that Dr. Chittick uses to establish the biblical support for God creating everything out of nothing. I am not sure of how many times I have read this verse or the opening verses in the Gospel of John which was Dr. Chittick's other reference. But today they reached something inside. Or we could say they stuck a cord.

Why did God take nothingness and create this world? This Galaxy? This Universe? Why did he create you or me or anybody and everybody else? I don't know but if I can't find anything else to be thankful about during this week that leads to one of the few truly American holidays I can be thankful that He did.

God I believe you created the universe and that includes me. So thank you for me. Help me to find a way to live life with joy and gratitude for me being me.

Just a side thought. If everything came from nothing through God. Then when we are feeling like nothings all we need is God to do his handy work. Then as always a nothing becomes a something.

Day 14 Of Giving Thanks - 11/20/2010

Life has its ups and downs. Sometimes in one day we will see multiple ups and multiple downs. Today I am thankful that there was more ups than downs. Secondly that the day thought starting on a series of downs ended higher than it began.

Day 13 Of Giving Thanks - 11/19/2010

Today I am thankful that despite the size of my fears, frustrations, hurts, or questions that God is teaching me that I can bring them to Him.

Day 12 of giving thanks - 11/18/2010

I am very thankful for this season. Even with as hard as it has been and and as much it feels far from where we want to be. This season has allowed me to experience my daughter in ways most fathers will never be able to. For this I am very blessed and very thankful.

Day 11 Of Giving Thanks - 11/17/2010

I am thankful for the blessing of family. Especially in the little unexpected things they do for each other.

Day 10 Of Giving Thanks - 11/16/2010

Today I say thanks to all of those people that have to deal with my attitudes when they are good or bad. Thanks for tolerating me and my imperfect attitudes.

Day 8 Of Giving Thanks - 11/14/2010

I found myself once again being touched and challenged by the words spoken from the pulpit at Living Water in Olympia, WA. Even when the words are a challenge or they are convicting I am thankful for the teaching and the church we have been graciously placed in at this time. My Thanks goes out to all that make this happen every weekend. It is because of your work and service that my family and many others are being touched in the Olympia area.

Just a side note. With all great teaching that we have been experiencing lately we fear Living Water may have ruined us for any other church.. ;)

Day 7 Of Giving Thanks - 11/13/2010

Sorry that this one is late. Was doing homework and forgot to post before bed.

Today I am thankful for my job. I find myself grumbling a lot about my job and the people I work with. I still am thankful for the provision and the needs that my job meets. So despite a grumbling and reluctant heart I am choosing to be thankful and express gratitude for my job.

But I am looking and needing something else and hop that I can be thankful for that provision soon.

Day 6 Of Giving Thanks - 11/12/2010

Today I am thankful for the compromise of time together. I got my shoulder to shoulder time with the wife and she got her CSI and Blue Blood watching in.

Day 5 Of Giving Thanks - 11/11/2010

Today I would like to start off that I am thankful for all the veterans who have served this country. I am thankful for the men and women who serve this nation to ensure we have the freedoms and liberties which our founding fathers wrote about, fought for and died for. In honor of these sacrifices and out of a hart of gratitude and thankfulness may we all learn to live worthy of the freedom we have. Not a freedom to live selfishly or a freedom to do whatever we want no matter who it hurts. But a freedom that is based in learning what true freedom is and how it is lived out by mature loving people.

It is because of this sacrifice I can be thankful for many things in my life. My right to worship and believe in God. My right to have a family and to pursue our dreams. My right to be a part of this nation and all it was founded on.

Thanks to our freedoms my family and I had a great day together. Enjoying one another and relaxing together.

Thank You.

Day 4 Of Giving Thanks - 11/10/2010

Today I am looking ahead to tomorrow for my thanks post. For tomorrow my wife daughter and I get to spend the day together from morning until night.

Day 3 Of Giving Thanks - 11/09/2010

I am Thankful for a wife who is much better at communicating than myself. I am also thankful for her willingness to keep trying to get me to communicate back to her more often and more in depth. Thank You Mandy and Thank You God for paring me with her.

Day 2 Of Giving Thanks - 11/08/2010

I am thankful for the gift of children. For the ability to love on them and be their parents. Their is nothing else that I know to which I can compare it to. Thank you Lord for my Jillbacca and The Joshua to come.

Day 1 Of Giving Thanks - 11/07/2010

Today I am thankful for a church that has been spiritually feeding this family well.

Sunday's reflections - 11/08/10

I have two points of reflection for today the first was a conviction from the message this morning at Living Water presented by Pastor Tim. The second comes from our later than suppose to happen Budget Committee Meeting for the month of November. Lets start with more Positive of the two reflections thanks to Tim's message.

The message this morning when boiled down is that by living out a life of thanksgiving we give God the room to move Powerfully in and through our Prayers. The part that was truly convicting to me was how often I don't tell God or others how thankful I am. And the second part was how often my prayers to God are centered on my needs, my frustrations, my struggles, the needs of others, their issues and how I feel about them and it goes on and on. But the focus is always out of a need not out of a thankful heart. So I have been convicted and I am wanting to respond. My response will also give me a chance for a more frequent postings. My goal in response to the challenge of being thankful and expressing my thanks to God and those around me is this. I am going to make it a habit to post on this blog daily through the end of the year something I have seen, heard or experienced that day to be thankful for. By focusing my heart and soul to look and share something to be thankful for and then by using that thing as a place to start my conversations with God that day will be a great opportunity for growth. So please come back to see how it is going and if you want to join me on the Thankfulness challenge feel free to come back and post your words of thanksgiving as comments each day.

On the less positive at least for my pride and emotion was something that came out of our budget meeting as we look towards the holidays and the expenses that are associated with them (AKA Christmas Gifts). Some of the readers are more familiar with my past and some of you maybe more familiar with my wife's. Mandy and I came from two different economical backgrounds mine being much lower than hers. One of the things that has been a driving factor in my life has been to keep my family from knowing a life similar to mine as a child. One of those was a lack of money. Now I never went with for a holiday. But there were some very slim years and some of those where made better through the love and generosity of family and strangers.

The conversation we had today took me to a place where I felt like I was staring my past in the face and it was saying to me I am here . . . with a evil grin on his face. Now Mandy and I could disregard a lot of what we are learning and working through just so I could prevent the past from coming this Christmas. Hear me it is no where near what it has been for me but the abundance we have been able to use to treat more than our immediate family with gifts has always been there. But this year the financial responsibilities are making it more difficult than ever as we look at this season. When Mandy asked me if I thought we should not buy gifts for each other it was like a blow to the gut and there was that evil grin saying I am here. We have already done minimal for our anniversary and our birthdays. It is a hard one for me to face.

When all I want to do for my children is provide a life that was better than mine. A house we could call a home (we messed up that one), never needing or lacking the basics, always celebrating birthdays and holidays with parties and gifts, not having to worry about if the power or phone was going to be working. Those to me are things I think about. And Sometimes my fear of them not being done adequately drives me to overcompensate. Just ask Mandy about birthday parties for her and Jilly. It is hard for me to do them small. Sometimes I have a tendency to give Jilly special treats more than she needs and sometimes deserves because here that voice saying I am coming.

I have to remind myself that for Mandy and I to learn to live a more disciplined life is far better than anything we can buy our children. By showing them how to live and work towards something better even if it means sacrifice is more valuable than a new Video Game, Book, CD, DVD or any toy we could buy for each other. So we make decisions now for a better future while learning to be thankful for all we have been given.

A Dream in the waiting - November 3, 2010

I am not sure why I have been feeling the need to write about this particular topic but it has been on my heart since almost my last post. This sadly was nearly a month ago. Now on the day I turn 34 I write about a dream that is in waiting. Enough said let’s get on to the dream.

Some of you reading this post maybe familiar with my dream and others of you may have never heard me speak of it. But this is a chance for me to lay it out before anyone who dares to read my blog.

I love coffee, the smell, the taste. To me coffee is more than a drink it is a part of life. Coffee at its heart is meant to be an experience, an opportunity to bring people together and celebrate life. From childhood coffee was something I saw and experienced as a part of life it was present at every holiday and almost every celebration. It was a part of fishing, camping, hunting and early mornings. I drank it with my family and many of my greatest friends. It was in High school that my true passion for coffee started to be birthed with the discovery of espresso based drinks and coffee shops. There was now more to coffee than just a drink there was a complete experience. Now I am not talking a Starbucks, or a national chain coffee experience. Not that these places don't have their place and they have done a lot to change the way coffee is viewed in America. I am talking about the experience of walking into a small room with tables, chairs, books, games, and people slightly crowded around the Bar. Low music playing in the background as the sound and smells of fresh coffee beans grinding and being brewed into a variety of drinks. Even more pleasurable was walking into a shop that roasted fresh beans daily. Talk about scent memories and wonderful thoughts running through your head. If you have never experienced a coffee shop other than a Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Tully, or a Pete's Coffee you got to find a good local shop to visit. Now I have experienced a few in my nearly 20 years of visiting coffee shops that are dirty, slow, loud, unfriendly, and just plain bad places for coffee. But believe me if you find a real shop with the right environment you will not being frequenting anything else.

After the experience my passion and attitude towards coffee changed even more and my love began to develop into a dream. At first it was just a whim of a dream that it would be cool to open my own coffee shop. This dream just sat and festered without being touched or explored as I made it through and moved on into adulthood. Who had times for dreams anyways and as most of us know dreams never come true. Heck before and during the coffee shop dream I had dreamed I wanted to be a marine biologist and a pastor. But the love for coffee and the love for coffee shops was strong and growing as I continued through life. Then a opportunity arose through the church I was attending to help out and later run their espresso stand/Coffee bar ministry and the dream awoke.

Now the dream had grown and changed over the years to something very specific and at the time very unique. The name for the dream came from a failed start up business venture with some high school bodies selling Christian Themed t-shirts and clothing. But the name would be re-birthed with my new idea of what the coffee shop I wanted to open would look like. Crossed Out Cafe became my dream and a place where my mind has spent many hours wondering and wandering over the years. A dream that to me seems so far away from reality and impossible to accomplish. A dream which I fear that I have missed because of opportunities not taken. Still the dream is there and it has been awakened. Over the last year Crossed Out has become a frequent part of my pondering. It is my dream. Whenever I am asked one of those hypothetical questions about “if money wasn't a factor you could do anything?” or “if you were given a million dollars what would you do?” it is my answer. My fear is it will never be more than a dream in waiting.

So what is Crossed Out the dream? I want it to be a place where you can have one of those coffee shop experiences I talked about earlier. With all of the smells, sounds and character that you would find at the local coffee shop. But instead of the New Aged/Alternative environment that is often associated with these shops, Crossed out will have a family-friendly Christian-oriented environment with Christ inspired decor, background music and staff. I want Crossed out to be the place you bring your family and friends to enjoy life, food, drinks, and each other. Crossed Out to me is more than just another coffee shop but is a chance to reach out and minister to the church and the Christian community. By offering people a place to come where their faith can be edified and supported by the environment they walk into. A place where a bible studies group or prayer group is welcomed and encouraged to come. In bigger picture of my dream Crossed Out would have meeting rooms for these groups if needed. Crossed Out would be open late to give college students and others a place to hang out or study. Crossed Out would display and sell artwork for local Christian artist and have an area for local Christian bands to perform. It would be the total coffee house just with a Christ centered environment and focus. This is the Crossed Out I dream of and fear I will never have the joy of seeing come to life.

Duct Tape and Blades Part 2- 10/03/2010

If you have been waiting in great anticipation for the second part of this series and have almost given up on it coming I apologize, but with school work and the rest of life it can be hard to find time for some things.

In a recently viewed episode of "Mythbusters" they did a second special on Duct Tape. One of the segments involved the destruction of a car which was then put back together with only duct tape and then driven through a series of obstacle courses to see how well it would stay together. Amazingly the engine of the car actually gave out before the duct tape because of the abuse of the obstacle course. The value and purpose of Duct tape is in its ability to hold things together or in place. In a recent sermon by Pasotr Jon Cobler about staying seated next to Jesus in the Heavenlies he said "If you have to have a Duct Tape party. Bring your friends over and say listen I am struggling but you tape my arms and legs because I know deep down inside my flesh wants to wander but my spirit wants to stay put." Later in the sermon Pastor Jon talks about using the sword of the Spirit to sever the lures of the devil. It was here in this sermon my thoughts where spurred and my thinking started towards this post about duct tape and blades in regards to us and the community of followers around us.

On with my thoughts regarding Duct Tape and blades. I would like to move our thoughts from the duct tape to blades. Throughout history we have had a variety of blades for different uses. The commonality of all blades other than maybe wiper blades is that they are designed to cut. Some cutting can be useful and important and others can be used for damaged or destruction. It is the handler of the blade who truly determines if the blade will be useful or destructive. The saw blade that the woodworker cut himself on was designed and when used correctly is very useful in building things like cabinets. But when he stopped following safety protocols or using the proper safety procedures the saw blade becomes quiet destructive and could possibly become deadly. If you stop and think you can come up with many different blades and both their good and bad uses.

A sword was a very common blade in the times of the bible. It was used for battle, it became the symbol of strength for many empires and rulers both good and bad. We even see the sword becoming the illustration or symbol that represents God's Spirit and His Word.

Hebrews 4:12New International Version

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

This description of the Holy Spirit sounds very similar to how a surgeon uses a scalpel (another blade) during a surgery such as removing a damaged and so to be deadly appendix or a tumor which could be cancerous from the body. When was the last time you saw a surgeon doing this sort of operation on him self? Would you allow someone who did not have the training to use a scalpel on you for such a purpose or any purpose? Good thing there is no one better trained at the use of the Word than God. But God is not the only one carrying a sword (word).

Proverbs 12:18Young's Literal Translation

A rash speaker is like piercings of a sword, And the tongue of the wise is healing.

Our own tongue can be like a sword in the lives of others. In the book of James words are compared to a fire which like a sword, can be very beneficial or destructive depending on the use. We can either do damage or good with our words. We can either pierce and wound some one or be like a surgeon and use or words to bring healing. This is the context for which I wish to direct our thoughts in regards to blades, us and our community. I have seen many a person get hurt by the words of others. I have also seen many be healed by the words of others.

The specific area I felt my thoughts going was in the area of needing others to speak into our lives for the purpose of what is often called edification (beneficial moral or spiritual instruction). There is a line that can be easily crossed when humans try to edify one another. When we cross this line we go from edifying to judging or condemning. Our word are no longer beneficial or uplifting they become destructive. Does this mean we stop trying to speak into each others lives. A verse I commonly see in regards to 'judging' is sometimes know as the 'plank eye' verse or at least I like to call it that, which is found in chapter 7 of the Book of Mathew.

Matthew 7:5-6 NIV 1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

This is the part of the passage you will most often see quoted or referred to. I have seen this used many time personally by people arguing that we are not to judge each people. We should not tell people when they are doing something wrong or that they are living in sin. How does that work with our call to be a body of believers who are building each other up. Why don't we look at the last two verses and see if they help us to see something more.

Matthew 7:5-6 NIV

5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. 6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

To me that sounds a little more like edification. When a brother or sister is doing something wrong and they need words spoken into their lives we need to make sure we are in the right place with the right tools. For a little more insight into our role regarding the church I would challenge you to read 1 Corinthians 5. Basically there is an individual who is sinning and the believers in the church are doing nothing about it for whatever reasons they have. But they are told by Paul to judge him and cast him out. This was an extreme judgment and correction which I see as result of it not being dealt correctly. If it would have been dealt with in the beginning it would have likely been resolved with some edification by those around the brother who was beginning down a path to a server fall. A few friends with Duct Tape or a scalpel might have been all he needed.

James 5:19-20 NIV
19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Going back to the example of a surgery to remove a failing appendix we can see and know that the appendix needs to come out or the person could die. But to use a table saw in attempt to remove it would be just as deadly. We don't want to go through and try to remove a bad appendix using the wrong blade. So the key is not in ignoring the problem but in learning to remove our plank so to speak and in learning the purpose and proper use of our blades. Which require speaking the truth in love to our brothers and sisters in the faith and having open hearts to receive their words as well.

I have tried to give all who read my blogs questions to ponder and challenges to accept. So in ending here is my challenge. Are you willing as a brother or sister in Christ to take up your roll of Duct Tap and your Blade and when the time arises to use them to the best of your ability? On the other side for your benefit and growth are you ready and willing for your family in Christ to use their Duct Tape and Blades in your life?

Duct Tape and Blades Part 1- 09/27/2010

When ever you are working with power tools or things with blades it is always a good idea to have a first-aide kit nearby. I am going to tell you a couple of stories and then apply that to life and see if we can find the significance to Duct Tape and Blades.

I remember hearing a story once when I was younger, now I don't know if it was true or not, and it went like this. A veteran woodworker was working in his shop one day using his table saw to cut some wood. When the thing that every woodworker dreads happened. Somehow his finger came to close to the moving blade and it cut deep into his finger. In my memory it had made it to the bone but had not cut all the way through. A wound this deep has a tendency to bleed. Now like every good woodworker does he had a well stocked first-aide kit near by, Not. He had to think quickly and grabbed a near by shop towel to keep from bleeding all over the place. But that wasn't doing enough so what did he do? He grabbed a roll of Duct Tape and taped and cut a section of towel to wrap around his finger and then wrapped the area with duct tape. It was a great first-aide move and he was then able to drive himself to the doctor where they fixed his finger up good.

In high school I did construction the summer after my sophomore year until the summer before my senior year. While doing a remodel on a house outside of the Salem area I had my own Duct Tape moment. Mine did not involve a saw but it did involve a gas powered framing nail gun that used 16 penny nails. I had been nailing angle cut 2 x 4 toenail style to the upright 2 x 4 of a section of wall. Somehow on this one board my aim was off or the nail hit something and curved right into my hand on the back side of the 2 boards I was nailing together. I will save the description of what it sounded like or felt like when I pulled my hand away as it was filled with the pain of the nail being thrust at high-speed into my hand. Of course being well prepared construction workers we had a first-aide kit. Well we did. . . . The problem was that it was kept in my bosses truck and he had left sometime before the accident to run some sort of errand. So there I was no first-aide kit bleeding quiet a bit. I didn't want to risk bleeding all over the floor in the customers house as I attempted to find band-aides in their home. So I went to my car in hopes that I could find something to at least clean up the blood and reduce its flow until my boss got back. Now I didn't find any shop towels but I did have some napkins from some fast food restaurant and upon further looking I found a roll of that multifunctional Duct Tape. I think it was left in my car from a repair of a rip in the back seat. So using the tools at my resources I completed first-aide on myself and was well enough to go back to work until the boss arrived and I could better bandage myself up.

Now My third story doesn't involve Duct Tape but it does involve a injury that needed first-aide in a place that is a little difficult to administer to yourself. A friend of mine and my wife's, she was only friends with my wife at this point because we had just meant. Had somehow stepped on a medal tent stake, we are not talking about one of the nice nail like ones with the plastic near the head but one of those cheap sheet metal ones that the roll up to a pointy tip, and it had ripped out a chunk of flesh on the bottom outside edge of her foot. If you have ever tried this is not an easy part of your body to try and administer first-aide to. Luckily for our friend I am well trained and experienced in first-aide. So using a first-aide kit I was able to clean and bandage her foot quite nicely.

Lets stop here and ponder a few questions. Have you ever done something in your life and after you where standing on the other end of the consequences of the action thought to yourself or asked 'Why didn't someone warn me?'? Or maybe some one did but they were persistent in their warning, or did it in an unloving way and again you end up on the other end of the choice again asking 'Why didn't they try harder?'? Now Maybe the woodworker and the saw wished he would have listened to those who told him to be careful with that saw. Or maybe I wished that there would have been some one there to see my aim was wrong and they could have warned me. Mistakes happen and bad choices occur sometimes with out warning and sometimes with a warning or two. Either case doesn't matter what does matter is that when they do happen that first-aide is needed even if it is just some Duct Tape. From my many experience with first-aide on both sides of the situation first-aide is always easier with the help of another. So that is my second thought is that when the choice is made even if the person ignored your warning we need to be there to help.

So this is the first part of what I believe will be a two part blog. Let me leave you with this from the wisdom of Solomon and my final thought 'How important is it to be a part of a community?'.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (New Living Translation)
9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. 11 And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

A delayed post - 09/23/2010

I have been wanting to write on my blog since last week and until today I haven't been able to muster what I needed to do so. I have been feeling very down over the past week and it has opened the door to some negative self talk and a lot of self doubt.

Friday the 17th was a very downer of a day. I was trying to get ready for a camping trip with our very close friends the Rats(The Ratliffs to most). Under the stress of packing and preparing for the weekend I had a few realization that added to the cauldron of things brewing a soup of despair in my heart. It was to this soup that my wife came home to find me near the point of anxiety attack if not in one. She lovingly helped me step back and out of my soupy mess.

So we loaded up the family(the Mats to the Rats) and headed for I-5. For a lot of people there are things that they do that or places they go to help discussion occur. It could be sitting down for a cup of coffee in the morning, going for a walk or maybe sitting in the backyard. The place where most of our family discussions occur, the meaningful and deep life type discussions, on I-5 somewhere between Olympia, WA and Salem, OR. Why those places and why I-5 well it has to do with Family and time spent going to and from visits with them. When you are on the road and it is just the two of you(pre-Jillbacca) and one of you most constantly be talking(just kidding it is not constantly but very consistent) conversations happen. When add the factor that one of you takes along time to process and converse it takes a long drive for those deep conversations to get done. So I-5 has been the perfect place for us to have these conversations to this day. We even lovingly refer to them as our I-5 talks.

We had a good I-5 talk on this trip. I found a lot of comfort and encouragement in the words of my wife and myself as we talked about what was overwhelming me that day, the future, the baby, the growth in us and our walks with God. I did find myself in one of the moments where Mandy was addressing some of the positives of who I am and what has been happening in my life lately. Going through 'The List' of who I am. We had to stop for a potty break(this time more frequent than normal, part of traveling with a pregnant woman) so I wrote down some of the thoughts while Mandy was away. . . . . . . .

How weird I seem to have misplaced the list. I guess it is not important but the list mostly focused on the negatives in my life or the things that I and others would use to lessen my value of myself. I realized yet again that who I am is more than just the some of my past. Yes those are a part of how I have become me but I can't let it stay there otherwise I will never grow, mature or better myself. Imagine what would happen in a kindergartner decided that his time in kindergarten had made him who he was and he could never be more than that, or a high schooler, a bachelor, a college drop out, a drunk or an addict. Most people would look at the kindergartner and say you are too young to stop and same with the high schooler. But is it any different for the drop out or the drunk. There is always the chance for change as long as we are open to the changes.

Just to wrap up a little since I need to stop writing and go on with the day. My wife sent me this email the other day.

Love,
This is from a blog by the wife of one of the lead singer's of Selah. They had a tragedy in their family in 2008. Can't remember where I stumbled upon this blog from but this woman is very wise. I know you don't have the problem of looking back the way that I do, which is what today's post is about. But I still wanted to share it with you as an encouragement. I really spoke to my heart today.
Love you,
Beautiful

Pillar
I sat completely upright, eyes staring at him while I moved food around my plate nervously.

It was our first date and I had decided I was going to marry him. He ordered (delicious) soup for me and opened the car door when I got in and when I got out. I wanted to impress him but I choked on my words as I tried to come up with something less desperate than "Elope or have a wedding?"

Because that's not always a good first date plan.

His eyes lit up as he shared a story he had heard about a little girl at church who had drawn a picture, and he just knew I would get a kick out of it as well.

"So, you know Lot's wife?"

Clearly Lot was a friend I hadn't met yet. I put on my best, "I'm sure I do. Give me a minute..." face and nodded for him to continue.

Was that the guy in Sunday school? Was he on the retreat? Lot. No, I would remember meeting a guy named Lot.

"Well her teacher tells her to draw a picture of what happened to Lot's wife and she drew a salt shaker."

He started laughing.

I laughed too, and shook my head side to side. Those crazy kids.

"Oh, that is great! How funny." I bit my lip and tried to think of a good follow-up condiment story.

Nothing.

"So, Lot..." I just kind of threw it out there. I figured I would give him some room to fill me in on the backstory.

"Yeah, you know, from Genesis? The one who left Sodom and Gomorrah?"

Awesome. Thanks for clearing that up.

Note to self: find Precious Moments Bible that is somewhere in my apartment and find out who Sodom and Gomorrah are.

I nodded again, filling my mouth with pasta so I wouldn't have to drop any more pearls of wisdom before the second date.

A few hours later I found my little Bible and hunted down this Lot guy. He's umm, an interesting fellow, and reading about him next to images of Precious Moments figurines has got to be one of the strangest experiences a new believer can have. Seriously creeptastic.

With that said, I did find it pretty interesting. The gist of it is that Abraham is trying to save Sodom (Sodom and Gomorrah are places, not people. Also good to know for date number two) and kind of negotiates with God about it. This deserves a whole post of it's own, but let's come back to that some other day. Anyway, he works out a plan with God that if there are 10 righteous men in Sodom, God will not destroy it. Unfortunately, this isn't the case and God sends two angels to warn Abraham and his nephew Lot to get out of town before this happens. Lot tries to warn his sons-in-law but they thought he was joking and apparently didn't listen. It says in Genesis 19:16 that Lot hesitated, so the angels grabbed his and his wife's hands and led them out of the city.

As soon as they were safe, the angels said to them, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!" Lot tells them he wants to go to another town instead. And guess what? It isn't in the mountains, it's in the plains. God wants Lot to go to one place, and he believes his idea is better than God's. I read this and shake my head because that just sounds silly to me.

Well, as silly as it can sound to someone who does the same almost every day of her life.

So Lot and his bride head towards Zoar (which was called Bela before this incident), and as they do, Lot's wife makes a critical mistake.

She looks back.

She looks at back at the city filled with sin and wickedness, and as she pauses, God turns her into a pillar of salt (the salt shaker thing is way funnier now).

We don't ever learn her name, but her legacy is one of looking back. She has been rescued from death, from sin and depravity, and there is something that still haunts her enough to stop moving toward whatever is ahead.

Did she want to see if it would really be ruined? Maybe she wanted to see her things one more time. Was she longing for a person? Reflecting on the life she wanted to keep living?

I don't know, but I do know this.

God has been gracious with me for many years in my turning back. A glimpse of what could have been, a temptation that makes me question my faith. An earth-shattering loss that beckons me to believe that the mountain is too far and the valley will be just fine.

I have wandered to the closest city while I know He desires for me to climb, and I have settled there for longer than I care to remember. I have failed Him many times over, head and heart turned, and yet He urges me never to settle. I don't know what you are walking away from tonight, but as I have been praying about what to write the Lord has put this message on my heart so clearly that I had to share it. I want you to know I am praying for you as I write-asking the Lord to remind you tonight that there is a reason you have left that life behind.

It has been swallowed by grace, friend. And you need not miss what He has for you by believing there is something worth going back for. Leave it be. The Lord has told you where to go and it's time to walk. Eyes straight ahead, tangled in the spectacular love of a Savior Who wants nothing less for you than the summit. And as you stare at what might have been, you are immobilized, unable to bring Him the glory He deserves. And also, He might make you salt. Just saying.

It has been almost exactly ten years from the night I went out with Todd for the first time. October will mark a decade of falling in love with the man who has given me five daughters and many, many more dates. No matter how many times we sit together over a meal, I will never forget the first one. The heart-fluttering, life-altering, dream-come-true night when I learned about a woman who loved in the wrong direction.

I still get confused about Bible references. I am the farthest thing from a Bible scholar that could be possible. I can't tell you the Hebrew and Greek roots of words, nor every battle of the Bible or city mentioned in scripture. What I do feel confident saying is actually pretty simple.

He is Who He says He is, and He is whispering tonight if you care to listen...

"Flee, love. Flee and never look back..."

We often find ourselves looking back for very reasons or at various things. It is not a bad thing remember the past and to look at things that you have done and been through. The problem is when what we look back at is the very thing God has told us not to look at or if it is contrary to what he has said. Pray with me for a life focused on God, what He says and promises, on the future and on the possibilities and great things God wants to do in our lives. Pray with me and stand with me looking forward and not looking back.

If the option of being turned into the contents of a shaker interest you go ahead and look back. As for me I think Abraham's results are much more appealing.