Give Me Faith

"Give Me Faith"

Elevation Worship

Our Unique Tree

 Six Unique Things About Our Christmas Tree

Instead of decorating our Christmas tree with expensive, delicate ornaments, we like to decorate with simple, fun and even goofy things.  The kids always get a kick out of it, and the tree just feels like home.

#1 - We have rock stars on our tree!

 

 #2 - Kissing Fish???

 

#3 - A monkey wearing shades and eating a banana

 

 #4 - Not sure if this is a self-portrait of my kids, 

or if they were trying to put Mick Jagger

on the tree. :-)

 

#5 - Electric Guitars on our tree

 

#6 - Shyaka, our sponsored child from Rwanda

Show Me Your Glory...

Show Me Your Glory

Kim Walker (Jesus Culture)

I Miss You

The cry of our Father's voice...

"I Miss You"

by Shane and Shane

May Waltz

May Waltz

-Brooke Fraser

I've got a mind to take you away.

To some white sand and a palm tree parade

I've got a mind to take you away.

I've got a mind to go.

I've got a smile that's only for you.

Exchanged in secret, the way lovers do.

I've got a smile that's only for you.

Baby, I've got a smile.

Morning sneaks up on us.

Shines on our sheets.

Waking me into my favorite dream.

My best imagining never implied, 

That you'd be the dawning that ended my night.

I've got the will to love you always

through the chilliest winter

to the hot summer haze.

I've got the will to love you always.

I've go the will to love.

Honey, I know it won't always be sweet

Loving a person is not a small feat.

Don't give up on me and I won't on you.

Pack your bags baby 'cause I'm taking you.

You're Not Alone

You're Not Alone

Meredith Andrews

Rwanda Smile

The smile tells the whole story! 
Shyaka, my sponsored child.  (Photo by Natalie Green)

Great Minds

"Great minds discuss ideas,

average minds discuss events,

small minds discuss people."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Update from Rwanda

Africa New Life Ministries (ANLM.org) is such a wonderful organization. It's been about 8 months since I started sponsoring this young man in Rwanda.  Shyaka is a precious example of the great need to sponsor children.  I wrote about Shyaka in a previous post (click here to read), so be sure to read that if you haven't already.

Natalie Green, with ANLM,  is leading two different missionary teams to Rwanda this month.  She was directly responsible for choosing Shyaka for me and my kids to sponsor.  She has become a dear friend over this last year, and has kept me up to date with so many different ways to help.  She has just arrived in Rwanda and will be there for about a month this time.

Natalie just sent me a message on facebook.  She said "Guess who I found assisting the leaders distribute new shoes at "Center Day" my first 10 minutes at our main property?! Healthy and joyful...and quite the leader--thanks to your sponsorship! He was promoted to grade SIX! I ran to him and gave him a giant hug. And I told him I would see him many times this month. He will be at the Kigali Sponsored Child Party this Wednesday and I will give him the gift y'all sent him then!"

Natalie Green and Shyaka

I'm so excited!  We sent several gifts for Shyaka with the team.  Things like a deflated soccer ball that the team can pump up, colored pencils, hot wheel cars, and a bit of candy too. :-)  Sounds like Wednesday they'll be having a special party for all the sponsored children, and will present gifts at that time.

It such a good feeling to know that people are actively touching and improving his life.  Not just his life, but thousands of other children as well.  If you'd like information on sponsoring a child, just let me know and I can get you in touch with Natalie and ANLM.

Pop Quiz

If I were to sum up the last 2-3 weeks, I would have to describe it as a time of testing.  God has been teaching me (or should I say correcting me) in so many different ways.  Almost daily I can see Him shining the light in areas of my life that need His help.  He has a gentle way of keeping me on the path that He has for me.  It seems that after He speaks, I am shortly presented with a "pop quiz" to really see if I learned the lesson.  Sadly, I fail more often than I pass.... I guess I'm not a very good student.  :-(   Thankfully God is a very patient and loving teacher.  His grace allows me to try again and again until I get it right.

For instance, God has been showing me that I need to be more active to reaching out to those in need.  He's been opening my eyes to the poor, and showing me that I need to change my attitude and judgmental thoughts.  He's been teaching me that everything comes from Him, and "my" finances are really "his".  He will fully fund me for anything He needs me to do.

So after all this, He plants a homeless man on the curb right in front of my office!  Then for 2 weeks my business comes grinding to a halt for no reason at all -- slower than it had been in years!  And then a different man in need, knocks on my door asking for money and food two days in a row.  Oh my!  It's hard to explain just from typing, but these things combined with everything He's been teaching me have shown me that I still have so much more to learn about love, trust, giving and faith.

I wish I could report back good news about all of these things.  It would be nice to tell you how I reached out like Mother Teresa and met their needs.  But aside from offering some very trivial help, I pretty much failed.  My business has started picking up again, but only after much prayer and realizing that I still have trust and faith issues that need to be worked out.  I've got so much more to learn.  There's a lot of other things that God has been dealing with me about, but I won't bore you with all those details tonight. 

If you're not hearing God whispering into your life... He is.  Spend some time with Him everyday... read His word (Psalms or the book of Matthew are a good place to start).  Talk to him like a friend, worship, pray, and finally be still and listen.  Don't listen with your ears (unless you're Moses!)... listen with your heart.  He wants to spend time with you and don't be surprised if he starts smoothing out your rough spots too.

God Bless You Friends!
-Me

Who Will...

"Who will love me, for me"

What Love Really Means

JJ Heller

Forthcoming Love...

My Dearest Forthcoming Love...

Right now my Father is working on me.  He's working on my heart.  He's healing and restoring me.  He's teaching me how to trust again and how to love with an unbroken heart.  My Father's hand is steady and deliberate.  There is purpose in every motion that He creates in my life.

Though I don't know you yet, please wait patiently, because the day is coming when the timing will finally be right.  On that day, He will take you by the hand and lead you into my life and I'll forever be able to sing "God Gave Me You".  Until then, I will be patiently awaiting our day.

Divinely yours,
Stephen

Go! Touch! Tell! Love! Serve!

God's been placing so many thoughts in my heart lately.  My mind has been swirling with words, scriptures, ideas and concepts.  I know these are from my Father's heart, because many of these are come head-to-head against my own fears, limits and frustrations.   I feel He is drawing me into a new season and I cannot wait to see where all this leads.

I just want to journal a rough list of recent things on my heart.  Father let these be done in me...

• My plan is out-dated, old and obsolete.  His plan is the new strategy. 
• Nothing of this world will matter to me any more.
• I have died to myself, I am dying to my own dreams and goals.  I am only alive for the purposes of Christ.  In Him I live and breathe. 
• The book of my life is being rewritten.  Love is the plot, Faith is the binding and Hope is the pen with which I write.
• Fears are gone!  Fear of death, failure, loneliness, fear of growing old, fear of poor health, your notice has been served!  You have been broken!
• Money and finances are no longer the most important thing to me.  In fact, they are being moved to the most insignificant place.  I am fully funded to do what my Father asks.
• Simplify, Downsize, Eliminate, Lighten the load, Sell, Give, Live below my means.
• Cap my spending and income and give the rest.  
• My American dream robs from my Heavenly treasure.
• My earthly cost: persecution, suffering, misunderstood, hated, mocked
• My heavenly reward: priceless beyond measure
• Time to move from the checkbook to the street.  Go!  Touch!  Tell!  Love!  Serve!
• Fast, Pray, Discern, Listen, Hunger, Thirst, Seek
• Risk everything.  Go "all in".  Expect the unexpected.
• 6 billion people need my Father.
• Just Go... Make a difference... the world is waiting.

For Better or Worse

I had the privilege of being a witness of true love yesterday.  My son and I were fishing near the boat launch at the lake, when a small SUV pulled up with a pontoon boat attached.  An older gentleman stepped out of the car.  He was in his mid-50's with a long gray beard and was dressed just like a fisherman should be.

As he approached us, he started scoping out the boat ramp.  He was very friendly and began to tell me that his wife was handicapped and he was trying to figure out the best way to put the boat in the water.  "You see," he explained, "We love fishing and used to have a couple of  bass boats.  But ever since my wife's been handicapped we haven't been able to go out on the lake.  I just bought this pontoon boat and I built a special ramp so I can get her wheelchair from the dock to the boat."  He continued conversing with me while he was inspecting the ramp, and then when he was satisfied with his plan, he explained to me how he was going to do this.  I smiled, nodded, and realized I may have the help this guy a little.

He returned to the SUV and I could hear him lovingly explaining to his wife how he was going to back the car up, tie off the boat, pull up the ramp to a nearby parking space and then help her onto the boat.  I didn't notice anything odd, and she was quiet so I figured she must be used to him taking time to explain and care like this.

After several attempts he was able to get the boat in the water.  I did offer my help and he was glad to have the extra hand to stabilize and secure the boat while he pulled the car and trailer up to the handicap parking spot.  He called out to me several times to express his thanks.

I wasn't prepared for what was about to take place.  As the gentleman opened his wife's car door and loving spoke to her, she squealed and shrieked uncontrollably and excitedly.  She was so loud that it startled me and my son.  We were some distance from their car, but I found myself looking around to see if anyone else noticed how odd this was.  His wife was not just physically handicapped and unable to stand without the use of a wheelchair, but there was a mental aspect involved as well.

It took him a few minutes to get her out of the SUV and into her wheelchair.  She was obviously very excited (and loud) about the boat as she kept squealing.  Once in a while, I could pick out a word or two she was saying, but he knew and understood her ever sound.  As he wheeled her down the pier he smiled and called out to me again.  "She's so excited!  You see?  She's just so excited about all this!"  He never  flinched or apologize for the strangeness.  He never realized how odd this was.  He didn't try to silence her, or even act like anything was wrong.  He was so happy to see her excitement and he couldn't wait to get her on the boat.

As he approached his "homemade" wheelchair ramp, she became scared and started to scream.  The ramp was about four feet long, but we had tied the boat so close to the pier, that she was really only going to pass over about 6 inches of water in the process.  But those 6 inches cause a great deal of fear for her, and her way of expressing it was screaming.  He stopped and talked with her.  He reassured her and calmed her and then he pushed her across the ramp an onto the boat.  Once on the boat, the excitement returned and she was obviously happy again.

I've been thinking about that couple several times throughout the day.  My mind was searching for answers to explain the level of care and attention that he was providing.  I wondered what could have caused the mental aspect of her handicapped.  I imagined how devastating that must have been on him and on their relationship; but then again -- it didn't even phase him.  He cared for her as if she was a child, but she was his wife.  Couples today are so quick to divorce over such petty issues, but here's a man that is committed "for better or worse".  And not only is he committed, he embraced it with a gentle, loving, kindness and excitement. There's so many lessons in what I saw today.... I know I'll remember that experience for years to come.

 

Your love sets me free

Addison Road

Hope Now

Everything rides on hope now

Everything rides on faith somehow

When the world has broken me down

Your love sets me free

You've become my hearts desire

I will sing Your praises higher

Cause Your love sets me free

This Love is Stronger

For several months I have been following the story of "Daisy Love" and praying for her as often as I can remember. Daisy Love Merrick is the precious daughter of Pastor Britt Merrick of Reality Church in California.  Daisy is just five years old and has been battling a rare form of cancer called "Wilms Tumor".  If you get a chance, please visit Daisy's web site called http://PrayForDaisy.com

A beautiful song was written for Daisy by Dominic Balli
Today I simply wanted to share this song with you, but if you'd like more information about Dominic Balli you can visit this page.

I hope you enjoy this song and please take time to pray for Daisy...

When that storm comes
Like a hurricane
And the sun seems far away

We will not fear the wind
We will not fear the waves
I can feel your calm within

When this life is shaken
By ragin’ seas
We are not gon’ be afraid

So if ya walk on waves and wind
Then hold my hand and I’ll walk again

Chorus:
This love is stronger than the blood that beats my heart
This love is deeper, than the pain of all these scars
This love goes farther than the hope in answer’s arms
This love is stronger
It’s strong enough for me

V.2
You lived our sorrows,
Befriended all our pain
All that we might rise again

You stole my sickness,
Rested in my disease
All that I might rest in thee

And you alone bring healing,
And for you I’ll wait
But we are not gon’ be afraid

Chorus:

Bridge:
We may be crushed but we are not ever forsaken
We may be struck down but we are not ever destroyed
Then when that fire comes to shine through me your glory
We are not gonna be afraid

The Thief

Brook Fraser has an amazing, poetic way with the lyrics in her songs.  Recently I listened to a couple of her albums and read the words as she sung.  I love her style and the deep meanings in her lyrics.

In this song I love the lines...

"It is as if, 

I knew you before we spoke

Do our hearts know something we don't?

Conspiring, converging without giving us any say"

and the lines...

"You're ruining me

With secrets and gestures and looks.

With sonnets from second-hand books

Playing the chords in me, nobody knew how to play"

Love it.. good stuff! :-)

Holding My Heart Out

Love, where is your fire?

by Brooke Fraser

Love, where is your fire?

I've been sitting here smoking away.

Making signals with sticks

and odd ends and bits, 

but still there's no sign of a flame.

Imposters have been passing,

offering a good-feeling glow.

But I'm holding out 

for what you are about

an inferno that burns to the bone.

Some urge me to be temperate.

Lukewarm will never do.

Cause I wanna blaze with you.

So I'm holding my heart out to you.

So I stand handing out torches,

speaking words that are lamps to their feet.

Till the time when you come

and I'm whole and we're one and

the fire in me is complete.

Then a doubt comes to lie

at the back of my mind

That I'll offer you me

and you'll politely decline.

So I hasten to mute it.

I'll shout and rebuke it "away!"

Cause I know I'll blaze with you.

Cause I'm holding my heart out to you.

Cure for Loneliness

The cure for loneliness...

"On that day,

you will realize that

I am in my Father, and

you are in me, and

I am in you"

-John 14:20

You and Me Alone God

You hedge me in

with skin

all around me.

I'm a garden enclosed.

Life takes place

behind the face

for it's You and me alone God

...

Come into Your garden

Come into Your garden

Cuts Like a Knife

Luke 22:47-51 says...

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them.  He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"


When Jesus' follower saw what was going to happen, they said "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.


But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him (immediately).

I speak with experience when I say "betrayal cuts like a knife."  Nothing that I have ever experienced has pierced so deeply and caused so much pain in my life.  Anxiety quickly set in, and depression lingered on and on.

My Father God was so faithful to rescue me.  For almost a year, He led me to specific scriptures that soothed my soul on a daily basis.  He put songs in my heart, and worship on my lips.  He taught me how to forgive, how to love, and how to move on.  He put friends and mentors in place with words of encouragement.  It's been a very long process, but today I am a new creation in Jesus, and my heart has been completely healed and set free.

Even after all of this, the process of healing still requires the hand of God in my life every day, and today was no exception.  In the middle of a perfect day, a simple, small reminder hit me like a brick wall.  Within seconds I could feel my blood boiling and my heart sinking.  It was like the devil had punched me right in the stomach and took the wind out of me.  Three minutes earlier life was great, now I was once again at the bottom of a pit looking up.

But Jesus is so faithful and He is so near...

Just like the scripture above, I could hear him say "No more of this!"  I could feel His hand reaching out to me, and swiftly healing me once again.  He lifted me and put my feet back on stable ground.  He reminded me of forgiveness and love, and he quickly restored my soul.  The whole experience from sinking to healing lasted about 10 minutes. 

God is so good, and so faithful!! 
Praise you Lord Jesus for your swift healing!!

I Yearn For You

Lord I want to yearn for You

I want to burn with passion

over You, and only You

Lord, I want to yearn.

-Shane and Shane

I can't do this alone

This morning, just after I dropped the kids off for school, this amazing song came on the radio.  I stopped in my driveway and just sat there wiping away tears from my eyes.  The message of the song seemed to capture my failures, my daily struggle of being a single dad, and the cry of my heart on a daily basis.  The heavy weight of all that's involved in carrying my family can be overwhelming.  On the outside it may all look perfect, but keeping it all together for my children is a struggle I face daily.  My only hope is in the Lord and I'm left whispering "Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone."

Lead Me

Sanctus Real

It's the story that EVERY husband and wife must face... keeping love alive while still "doing" life.  Matt from Sanctus Real explains the story behind this song and the struggles that he and his wife have faced.  Click Here to see the video of the story behind Lead Me.

I Told You So

Forgiving works best

when we permanently

remove the words 

"I told you so".

-SMK (me!)

Side With Love

If it's between love and losing

and to never have known the feeling,

I'd still side with love.

And if I end up lonely,

at least I will be there knowing,

I believe in love.

-Colbie Caillat, Fearless

While I'm Waiting

Losing love after 15 years of marriage was indescribably painful. My heart was torn in two to say the least.  My Heavenly Father has begun an incredible healing of my heart, and this process has been a long one.  To love again without God's full healing is pointless as He knows when the time is right.  To rush it along would be a mistake on my part.  I will trust in the Lord, listen to His voice and will follow His lead.  In the meantime, I am waiting....

While I'm waiting... I will serve you

While I'm waiting... I will worship

While I'm waiting... I will not faint

I'll be running the race... Even while I wait

Forgive

Bitterness cannot take root in a heart

that chooses to forgive.
-smk

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

Colossians 3:12-14

Father's Love Letter

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is… Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission
Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2010
www.FathersLoveLetter.com

You Are My Joy!

You Are My Joy

David Crowder Band

He set me on fire, and I am burning alive.
With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone.
And he set me on fire and I am burning alive.
With his breath in my lungs I am coming undone.

And I cannot hold it in and remain composed.
Love's taken over me
So I propose the letting myself go.
I am letting myself go.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

And He set me on fire, and I am burning alive.
With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone.
And He set me on fire, and I am burning alive.
With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone.
And I cannot hold it in and remain composed.
Love's taken over me and so I propose the letting myself go.
I am letting myself go.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

I need to catch my breath, I need to.
I need to catch my breath, give me a moment now.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

I'm laughing so hard
And I'm laughing so hard
And I'm laughing so hard

Catch My Breath

A Fresh View of the 23rd Psalm

(as taken from The Message Bible)

 

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

you let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through

Death Valley,

I'm not afraid

when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd's crook

makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner

right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me

every day of my life.

I'm back home in the house of God

for the rest of my life.

Heavenly Day

This song brings a smile to my face...

"Heavenly Day"

by Patty Griffin

He Woos

Woo...

     a) to seek the affection, favour or love of.
     b) to seek after zealously or hopefully.
     c) to court, to invite, to seek."

God has been wooing my heart all day long. He's been drawing me closer through words, verses, songs, and favor.  When I woke up, I could immediately feel His presence and felt Him saying "I miss you"  and "I'm with you".  I've been here before, and I knew that it was going to be a precious day.  I began seeking Him by praying while taking a shower, and calling out His name.  I could sense the heart of my Father drawing near.  His presence continued to beckon me throughout my day and I'm finally beginning the climb out of the heaviness that has been on my heart lately. His Grace empowers and His Love Never Fails.

He's relentless.  
     He pursues me.  
          He engulfs me.  
               He overwhelms me.
                    He chases.

He goes before me.
     He walks beside.
          His glory is my rear guard.
               He covers me.
                   He lifts and secures my step


He never gives up.  
     He comes like He promises.  
          He pours out His Spirit.  
               There's always more.  
                    There's always more.


He's unending.
     He opens up the heavens.
          He rains down.
               He reaches farther and farther.
                    And then He does it again.

How Long

how long
can i lament
with this depressed
heart and soul

how long
can i remain
a sad autumn
ever since my grief
has shed my leaves

the entire space
of my soul
is burning in agony

how long can i
hide the flames
wanting to rise
out of this fire

how long can one suffer
the pain of hatred
of another human
a friend behaving like an enemy

with a broken heart
how much more
can i take the message
from body to soul

i believe in love
i swear by love
believe me my love

how long
like a prisoner of grief
can i beg for mercy

you know i'm not
a piece of rock or steel
but hearing my story
even water will become
as tense as a stone

if i can only recount
the story of my life
right out of my body
flames will grow.

  

--by Poet Jalal ed-Din Rumi (1207-1273)

Over, Underneath, Inside and Between

Tenth Avenue North has a wonderful song called "Times". The song is about the times when God's love, forgiveness and grace reaches out to us. I can't even begin to comprehend the depths of His forgiveness... I'm just thankful that He promises to never forsake me.

Times

Tenth Avenue North

I'm there in your sorrow,

under the weight of your shame.

I'm there through your heartache,

I'm there in the storm.

My love I will keep you

by my power alone.

I don't care where you've fallen,

where you have been.

I'll never forsake you

My love never ends.

Is It Really Love?

Is It Really Love?

Here's the Test of Real Love... 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient

Love is kind

Love does not envy

Love does not boast

Love is not proud

Love is not rude

Love is not self-seeking

Love is not easily angered

Love keeps no record of wrongs

Love does not delight in evil

Love rejoices with the truth

Love always protects

Love always trusts

Love always hopes

Love always perseveres

Love never fails

Let Him Carry It

When your heart is so heavy
that only the Lord has the strength to carry it,
let Him...

 

He can do far more with it broken 

than you can do with it when it's whole.
 

 

---Wisdom from my friend Trent Lambert

Dads and Daughters

A Hallmark Greeting Card 

from my Girls today...

 

 

There was a Dad

who had a Daughter.

Swung her.

Spun her.

Chased her.

Caught her.

Hugged her.

Loved her.

Praised her.

Taught her.

Oh, what happiness

he brought her!

Happy Father's Day

from that Daughter.

Old Fashioned Letters

Old Fashioned Letters 

by Jason Reeves

You still write me old fashioned letters

put your perfume on the pages

with crossed out words that you took back

like "do you really miss me?"

But in my own way I take you everywhere I go

and it feels like home.

Cause I can hear you say "it's gonna be ok"

this waking life's a dream

Nights like this

Weeks like this...
     Days like this...
          Nights like this...
               ...are trying times for me

There's a feeling of sadness...
     of emptiness...
          of loneliness...
               ...that seems impossible to flee

My heart turns within my chest...
     bones ache with grief...
          thoughts grow dim...
               ...as doubt grips tight

Look up...
     hang on...
          hold tight...
               ...it's just a passing night.

Roller Skating Fun

Carolyn, Ben and Lindsey absolutely love to roller skate.  Hanging out and being silly with friends is one of the best parts of skating.  On a recent trip to the rink I tried to capture some of the fun and silliness on video.  Sadly, Ben was not with us during this trip, but Carolyn and Lindsey's friends Karter, Emily and Catelin were.  Hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

Catelin and Lindsey

Emily, Carolyn, Karter and her Step-Sister

My Hope Endures

My hope endures 

the worst of conditions.

My hope is unchanged.

Here in My Life

Where would I be without You here in my life?

The answer to that question has brought me to my knees so many times.  I can't even imagine life without my Jesus

Sinking in an Ocean of Grace

How He Loves
David Crowder Band

I love this song!!  (Lyrics are below the video)



He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

Yeah, He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And Heaven meets earth like an unforseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

When God Ran

This song has held a very special place in my heart ever since the first time I heard Benny Hester sing it.  Such a precious song.  Here's a video with Phillips, Craig & Dean singing it.  It will bless you so much.

What's Your Fragrance?

Anyone who has been around me for a while knows that I love Drakkar Noir cologne.  I've been wearing it since my high school years, and I never get tired of it.  Since then, there's been a ton of newer, fancy scents to come and go.  I've tried many of them, but Drakkar has always remained my favorite. It has become part of my daily routine... shower, shave, brush teeth, apply Drakkar, get dressed.

It has a distinct fragrance that is definitely manly... no question about it.  The Drakkar site describes it as "a blend of brisk, tangy top notes of verbena and lemon rind, a sensuous, herbal heart of coriander, lavender and juniper berries, and a woody base of patchouli, sandalwood and fir balsam."

All I know is it smells great and I like it!  It doesn't take much and a bottle lasts a very long time.

Throughout the years, I've received many compliments.  Several months ago it was someone in line at Wal-Mart.  A couple weeks ago it was the clerk at Lowes that was scanning the items in my cart.  I even bumped into an old friend online that I haven't seen in nearly 20 years. Shortly into our conversation she asked "Do you still wear Drakkar?"  Isn't it funny how a fragrance can define you and be remembered by others.

Well, the other night the kids and I stopped by McDonald's on the way to the movies.  While I was ordering our various meals I notice the lady taking our order had a goofy grin on her face.  She finally interrupted me and said "excuse me, but that cologne your wearing smells soooo good."  I smiled and simply said "thank you".  As she gathered the fries, and burgers she made several trips back to the counter.  Each time she'd say something else, and ask me more about it.  It was a bit awkward, but kind of funny at the same time.  Once the entire order was on the tray, she finally asked how Drakkar was spelled, and then ran and grabbed a pen and paper to write it down.  Apparently it made a very good impression, and it sounds like her boyfriend will soon be receiving a bottle as a gift!

Well this memory has been stirring in my mind for a couple days now and today my Father God reminded me of this wonderful verse in His word...


"Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life."  (2 Corinthians 2:14-15 Message Bible)

I love how my Father God uses real experiences in my life to "whisper" His love to me!

I had a awesome experience about a month ago in the parking lot of a grocery store.  As I was walking to my car with my groceries, a man that I passed, turned to me and asked me if I was a preacher or a minister.  I stopped and talked with him for a bit.  He said that as soon as he saw me, he just felt like I was one who knew God.  Through our conversation I learned about some issued that he was dealing with.  I put my groceries in my car and asked if I could pray for him.  So right then and there in the parking lot, God reached out to him.  The sweet scent of God in my life was recognized by him... just as the scripture says! 

You know, just like Drakkar , my Jesus has been with me since I invited Him in during my high school years.  I never get tired of His presence in my life even after 25 years!  People have come and gone since then, but I must say that Jesus has remained with me.  He's become part of my daily routine!  And just like Drakkar, His presence in my life is an exquisite fragrance that others can breathe and sense in my life.  I'm thankful God is in my life.

So think about that the next time you leave your house.  People are breathing your exquisite fragrance of Christ.  Be prepared for those opportunities when someone will ask you about your sweet scent.

We Were Born To Love

Satisfied, by Jewel...

Did you say it? 

Did you mean it? 

Did you lay it on the line? 

Did you make it count?

Did you look them in the eye and 

Did they feel it? 

Did you say it in time? 

Did you say it out loud?

Cause if you did Hun,
Then you lived some.
And that feeling inside,
It’s called satisfied

WHAT IF

WHAT and IF...

Two non-threatening words that when put together can haunt you for the rest of your life.

-Quote from "Letters to Juliet".

Powerful Testimony

I love this song and I love the testimony of Shawn McDonald.  In 1999, Shawn hit the lowest point in his life when he was wanted on nine felony counts of possessing, growing and dealing drugs.  He picked up a bible and challenged God to show him the way.  The scripture was sharp and to the point and caused him to immediately take action in his life.  Then, with the help of a friend, and eventually a Christian roommate, God turned his life around and today he is a top Christian artist.

This song, "Open Me" is a prayer to open my eyes, my ears, my mind and my heart so I can know my Father's love.  Hope you enjoy the song (his testimony is further below)...

Shawn's testimony became the topic of a story on CNN.  You can check that out here...

Love Deeply

Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

(Romans 12:9-21 from the Message Bible)

Love Never Fails

Today I dropped a letter in the mail to my sponsored child in Rwanda, Africa.  I keep a picture of him on my refrigerator as a reminder of my responsibility, and the need to do more.  I thought I might share a bit more about my child, and the wonderful organization that is helping to make a difference in his life.

Shyaka is a young boy who is suffering due to the recent loss of his parents.  Though he now lives with his Uncle's family, he is extremely poor, hungry and was rarely able to attend school.  My friend Natalie, who works with Africa New Life Ministries, met Shyaka during her last visit to Rwanda in February 2010.  When I had expressed an interest in sponsoring a child, she immediately knew that Shyaka was the boy for us.  Natalie shared the following with me...

"Steve, 

Thank you so much for loving on Shyaka through ANLM.  I truly hope that one day you meet him face to face in Rwanda! 

I cannot get him off of my mind.  That child broke my heart.  I know that Shyaka's hurt was palpable and intense from the loss of his parents.  ANLM is committed to getting him trauma/grief counseling.  My heart broke for Shyaka....in fact, I left the room crying after I spent time with him the second time.  I had to compose myself and then go back into the room.  He was clearly hungry (I gave him food out of my bag that I bought at the market that day) and he had outgrown his shoes.  The closed toe ends of his shoes had been sliced open so his toes could poke out due to his growth.  It was truly heart breaking.  You can pray for his health/hunger, pray for emotional well-being/counseling....and pray that he would find GREAT HOPE for his future and comfort in our Lord Jesus."

Since then, I have had the privileged of learning so much more about the organization that Natalie works with.  Africa New Life Ministries started in 2001 with about 30 sponsored children, and since then it has grown to more than 2,000 sponsored children, a full primary school, five orphanages, two churches, and many other ministries.  Sponsorship provides for education, clothing, school supplies, basic health needs, social and spiritual development.

If you would like to learn more about sponsoring a child, I would strongly encourage you to contact Natalie or visit the Africa New Life Ministries web site.  Natalie not only manages the sponsorship of children, but she coordinates seasonal mission trips to Rwanda.

Here's her contact information...

     Natalie.E.Green@gmail.com
     http://www.anlm.org