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

I Love You With My Life

Bryan Duncan was one of my favorite Christian artists back in the day.  He was a regular on TBN's Real Video's show, and played so many concerts under-the-stars at Disneyland, Knotts, and Magic Mountain for Christian Music Nights.  I stumbled on this video and can't believe he sounds exactly the same as he did over 19 years ago when I first saw him in concert!  Most of his songs were very upbeat, fun and even silly at times; but, the lyrics of this song will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Passionate for Music

Everyone enjoys music, but for some reason I am passionate about it.  Music has been known to stop me in my tracks, bring me to tears, even drop me to my knees.  A song can completely change my outlook, my attitude, my day.  An old song can instantly bring back a memory that was hidden for twenty-years.  A new song coupled with an experience can engrave that day in my mind for years to come. 

As a child I played the piano, but was never satisfied with my ability.  I would pour over sheet music with frustration as I just couldn't perfect the sound.  Later I learned chords and would sit for hours creating basic melodies that I would play over and over again.  Simple wordless songs from the heart.  As a teenager, I played some very basic worship songs.  There was such a peace in this and I could easily lose track of time.

In my late teens and early twenties, I grew fond of the unique sounds of the saxophone.  I bought a sax and took lessons for a couple years.  Again, I was never satisfied, because I just couldn't seem to get the smooth sounds out of it like I had heard on the radio.  My greatest reward from the saxophone was merely a set of lungs that were exhausted, and never ending chapped lips.  Though I have long since parted with the sax, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

These experiences with musical instruments enriched my life, though I never mastered either.  I have such an appreciation for music and lyrics.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God uses music to reach out to me.  I've been known to catch just a word or two of a song on the radio, stop, and turn my entire attention back to Him.  During some of the loneliest nights of my life, two or three worship songs would carry me for hours into His presence.  Without fail, He would always bring me through the day with a specially placed song, like manna for my soul.

I will frequently post songs and lyrics to my journal, as music is such a part of me.  It doesn't take much to read my mood, as it seems there is a song for every feeling.  If you share a song with me, and we are able to connect on it, we build a bridge with each other that will always be remembered.

Pursued by Relentless Love

My Pastor, Bill Baldwin, mentioned this song in an open letter to our worship team on Friday night.  Since then I must have listened to it about 25 times.  I've thought about it so much and feel so blessed to be pursued by God's love.  This morning during worship, a smile crossed my face when our church band began to play the song.  The words led us into God's presence in such a special way.  In fact, it seemed as if the whole services was turned upside down as we all gathered around the altar on hands and knees seeking Him.

I post the song here in hopes that it will bless you in the same way I have been blessed....



Misty Edwards
You Won't Relent

You won't relent
Until You have it all
My heart is Yours

I'll set You as a seal upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love that is as strong as death
Jealousy demanding as the grave
And many waters cannot quench this love

Come be the fire inside of me
Come be the flame upon my heart
Come be the fire inside of me
Until You and I are one

Gotta Live Like We're Dying

I heard this song today, and it reminded me of a discussion that a friend and I were having earlier in the week.  Why do we wait till it's too late?  Why don't we tell the ones we love, how much they mean to us while we can?  Watch the video below and check out the lyrics.

We've only got 86,400 seconds in a day
to turn it all around or throw it all away.
We've got to tell them that we love them,
while we got the chance to say.
Gotta live like we're dying.




Kris Allen
Live Like We're Dying

Sometimes we fall down, can't get back up
We're hiding behind skin that's too tough
How come we don't say I love you enough
Till it's to late, it's not too late

Our hearts are hungry for a food that won't come
And we could make a feast from these crumbs
And we're all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you,
What would you wish you would've done

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

And if your plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbye
Should be so careful who we live out our lives
So when we long for absolution,
There'll no one on the line, yeah

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

You never know a good thing till it's gone
You never see a crash till it's head on
Why do we think we're right when we're dead wrong
You never know a good thing till it's gone

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

Like we're dying, oh, like we're dying

More than "Meats" the Eye

Benjamin Graham, my second of three children, turned eleven earlier this week, and we've been looking forward to going out for quite some time.  After much thought about where we should go for dinner, Ben finally chose one of our local steakhouses.

Yay! Alright now.. bring on the steaks! I was excited because we're finally past the "Chucky Cheese" stage and now we're dining at places that I can sink my teeth into!  Trust me, we've had our share of kid-friendly restaurants and play-places. My girls were equally excited, especially when they remembered they serve salted peanuts while you wait.

When we finally gathered around the table and the menus were passed out, my kids all decided on things we could have eaten at any fast food restaurant!  Pfffffff.  They could have ordered Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Baby Back Ribs, but instead chose Chicken Tenders, a Cheeseburger, and the other just had a side of Cheese Fries.  Then to top it off, after a few bites they all declared they were full and ready to go!  Ha!  Gotta love 'em!

Well this morning I was thinking about that and it reminds me of how I am sometimes with my Father... 

Why do I settle for the small stuff when God has provided so much more for me.  His word is full of His passion and promises for me.  His desire is for us to take all of Him... to Hunger and Thirst.. to Taste and See... to be sold out.  He desires to spend time with me.  He desires to give me His living waters and bread of life.  The days that I nibble and quickly turn away from Him are the days I settle for "peanuts" instead choice cuts of meat from His word.

Father forgive me for that!  I want it all!  I want all of You!  Forgive me for the times that I was satisfied to barely partake of You.  Forgive me for the times I was satisfied just to spend a few minutes in your presence.

My children chose the same old familiar, every day meal when I was willing to bless them with so much more.  We still had a great time together... they just don't realize what they missed out on.  By the time we made it home, they were already looking for a snack in the cupboard.    Oh! If you were wondering; I ordered a nice slice of Prime Rib, medium with a fully loaded baked potato.  Delicious!  :-)  Enough for dinner and left overs for the next day too!  Yum!

The Beginning

My Daddy is speaking.  Can you hear Him?

From the very beginning, He spoke with such simplicity and authority -- "Let there be light" and there was.  No question about it, when my Daddy speaks, things begin to happen!  In fact, He even says in Isaiah 55:11 "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will NOT return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

Oh how I desire for Him to speak good things into my life... knowing that they will be accomplished and will achieve his purpose.

The fact is, He is speaking to you constantly.  He still speaks with simplicity... so much so, that we often miss hearing his voice.  But rest assured, He's there whispering the words that you need to hear.

There's rarely a time when my mind is silent and lately thoughts have been constantly swirling and swirling.  Thoughts of words, ideas, concepts, quotes, scriptures, family, friends, love, hope and direction.  I often wake up in the middle of the night and I know my Father is near.  I'm beginning to discern his whisper, and I'm hearing his heart.  I decided that I would start this public journal as a way of sorting through and sharing the thoughts of my heart.

Thank you for stopping by.  This is only the beginning.