Tuesday, August 21, 2007

It's 2:00 am and I've been thrown up on 3 times

Not real sure this blog needs any other info added to it. These are the times you know you are truly a parent...

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Joy Comes In The Morning

I was just thinking about how we all go through "stuff" that makes us feel like things may not ever get any better than they are right now. As flaud and selfish individuals we often say things like, "why is this happening to me?". We all encounter seasons in our lifes where we think things can't get much worse, then inevitably they do. Famous last words, right...These are the valleys of life. Will things ever get any better than they are right now?
The opposite side of that is the mountain top experience. Life is great, everyone is your friend, you're getting good grades, you're pleasing your spouse, you're performing at work, your kid's look at you like you're Superman, your lawn is perfectly manicured, your parents think you are the greatest son (or daughter) ever and you have a dozen hallmark cards to prove it...just in general, life is great. And you thing, is it possible for life to ever get any better than this?
To speak to the first, the valley, I want to remind you...people always say that you have to go through the valley to appreciate the beauty of the mountain. But, I've also heard it said that you have to go through the valley to appreciate the beauty of the valley. This is profound because, again we must remind ourselves, we are not the only ones who go through valleys. The victory that you find in coming out of your valley could help to pull someone else out. Do we look for opportunities to encourage the discouraged and love the unlovely?
So, how about the mountain? Well, occasionally you're going to piss someone off (oh, can I say piss on here?), you're going to flunk an exam, you're going to forget to put your underwear in the dirty clothes hamper, you're going to be late to work, your kids will become embarassed by you, you'll get weeds in your yard, and you will forget to call your mom on her birthday.
The thing that struck me tonight though is...how do we respond to our God when we are in the "valley" or on the "mountain top"? Because you see, whatever you are getting is better than what you deserve. Have you ever given much thought to that? We all deserve an eternity seperated from the One good thing that is in this world...a loving Creator. I bet you didn't see this blog going to the "you're a scum bag" thing, huh? This is the truth though. We are so conditional. If life is all good, we are all good and singing the praises of our goodness. If life sucks, we are sour and not much fun to be around.
Aren't you glad God's love and favor is not as conditional as we are? He loves with an everlasting love.
Though your sorrow may last for the night...joy comes in the morning. Now, how will your face today. Will your circumstances dictate your attitude and love for people?

Thursday, August 9, 2007

SYATP '07 (See You At The...Printer)


We are calling a generation of 20 and 30 something's to pray at the community printer at their place of business on the 2nd Wednesday in October. This is an opportunity to see revival break loose in your office. We see this as the next big thing is corporate, community prayer.
So, mark your calendars, spread the word and I'll see you at the PRINTER!

See You At The Printer was co-founded by Marc McCartney (yea, Coach Bill's son) and Zach Snow (who?) at the office of BlueFish TV and The Rightnow Campaign in Richardson, TX in April of 2007.

I guess I should thank the Texas Rangers...


...for being so boring to watch. Let me qualify that. First, I'm a huge Rangers fan. I enter each new season with new hopes of things not ending the way they do every season. I'm tired of seeing the "September call-ups" in July. Secondly, regardless of how bad this baseball team is, I still watch every game I have the opportunity to watch. (By the way, the picture is of Rusty Greer taking a hit away from some poor soul that didn't know, just don't hit it to left field. Congratulations Rusty on your induction into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame)
Which takes be back a couple of weeks ago to a lazy night watching the Rangers getting blasted by whoever they were playing. It was a little after 9 and my 2 year old, Jacob was sitting in his mama's lap getting ready for bed. He climbed down and walked across the living room to me where I was stretched out on the couch in typical evening fashion. He climbed up there with me and scooted me over enough for him to lay down. Then it happened, one of those "Living The Dream" moments. My 2 year old fell asleep next to me on the couch watching a Rangers game in his Ranger's pj's. Seems like a small thing, but these are the moments that allow me to see the heart of God. Why would He be so good to me? Why would He give me a moment like that? An even greater question, how could He offer His son as a sacrifice to pay the eternal debt for a scum like me?