Lost Opportunities

"I sold it last week".....

"I'm sorry, but we have offered the job to another candidate".....
"Its over, I want out of here".......

Regrets, Disappointments and Lost opportunities......

Sure there will be other opportunities in the future-
But this one is gone- Never to return.
If only I had.........
Said such and such-
Not said such and such-
Done this-
Not done that.

It's Okay

Our God is the Great Redeemer

of

All That was Lost.

Think of a boy who bragged to his brothers-

Was thrown into a pit-

Sold into slavery-

Was imprisoned falsely-

But in the end...............

Was redeemed by God to preserve a Nation.

Think of the Pharisee of Pharisees-

Holding the coats of men who stoned a martyr-

Struck blind on the road to persecute the Saints-

But in the end..............

Was redeemed by our Lord to spread a Great Gospel.

Think of the one who three times said-

I don't know the man-

I was not with Him-

I don't know Him-

But in the end..............

Was redeemed by Jesus to feed His Sheep.

It's Okay

Our God is the Great Redeemer

of

All That is Lost!

So as this year comes to an end-

With all it's Triumphs-

And all it's Lost Opportunities.......

Look evermore to the Great Redeemer....

And Know that He is always with you-

Even in all these wondrous things.
 

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this-

That He Who began a good work in you-

He will carry it on to Completion

Until the Day of Christ Jesus.

Father,

Give us rest and strength in the promise

of Your Great Love for us.

Hold us, Carry us and use all these things to

Unite our hearts to Your Great Heart of Love.

Amen

Choices- Living in Conflict

Chocolate or strawberry- This movie or that- Chinese or Mexican- The necklace or the ear rings- The Warm up suit or the Jeans today- To have your cake or to eat it-

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Why does life have to be so complicated? Wouldn't it be better if there were only one clear choice- Only One Right thing to do in every situation?

Easier, Yes-

Better-

I don't know.

What about the choice between Love and Truth- Now there's a tough one! You know what I mean don't you? Think of the classic question of every wife to her husband-

"Honey, tell me-

Do these pants make me look fat?"

Careful fellas!

Now think of the times when friends or family go wrong- Seriously wrong- Confrontation or Tolerance? Preserve Relationship or Stand for Holiness? Tough huh? It's so easy to take a stand for Holiness in the abstract- Or if I am talking about some distant relationship- Or when I am talking about someone else-

But what about when standing for Holiness-

Will jeapodize a close relationship-

Or bring on some persecution?

Is there a way to do both? Can we stand for Truth- Holiness- Yet still preserve relationship?

Can we have our cake and eat it too?

Maybe yes- Maybe no.

(How do you like that for decisiveness?)

Remember- Relationship is always a two party undertaking. I can not control another person's responses- Oh maybe I can try to manipulate to get what I want- But the other person will do what they will do. I wish I could tell you I have it all figured out- I wish I could come up with a magic formula to live by- One that always makes everything come out right- And not only come out right- But with no conflict in the process. I haven't found it. I do have some ideas- Some Maybes. Maybe I can try to speak Truth- In Love Maybe I can Love my enemies- That is- Treat them kindly- Be patient with them- Keep no record of wrongs- Bless them- Pray for them- Be Humble towards them- Maybe, because Jesus is in me I can treat those- Those who trample God's Holiness- As He has treated me- As I trample His Holiness- Maybe I can live out the Holiness of God- By pouring out His Grace- Even when I don't feel particularly Loving.

So what's it gonna be?

Hold to Truth-

People be damned

or

Cling to relationships-

While compromising Truth?

Choices, Choices, Choices- Oh, but wait a minute.......... What if Loving God by Loving people- Is Truth- And Conversely- Loving People by Loving God- Is also Truth. Please make no mistake in all this- My First and Last Loyalty is to God- To my Lord and Saviour Jesus- And the Holy Spirit Who has come to lead us. I am just coming to believe more and more- That Loyalty to Him- To the One and Only Triune God- Looks like loving people-

Matthew 5:44-45 Jesus said,

" Love your enemies-

Pray for them-

That you may be sons of your Father in Heaven.

He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good-

He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Father, Lord Jesus, Spirit of the Living God-

Be powerful in us today to choose You-

To look to You in all we think, say and do-

So that all may see Your Glory-

Your Great Love and Your Goodness

As You pour Yourself out through our lives-

The lives of those who Love You.

Amen

Today

So............Why did you get up this morning?

My son Matthew loves to sleep in- Me, I 'm a morning guy- So I really don't quite get it- This sleeping in business that is- It feels to me that if I sleep in I might be missing something.

If you think that sounds a bit neurotic- You're probably right.

Anyway-

This past Saturday after his usual semicomatose morning- I couldn't help but half jokingly ask the boy,

"Why did you bother to get up at all this morning?"

Albeit late morning- His response was interesting-

"Because I had to Dad"

I suppose he was referring to the fact that I woke him up. I mean somebody had to get his little butt on up and about the obligations of the day. Particularly, he had a Mixed Martial Arts lesson at 10:30 a.m. he needed to get ready for. Seeing as how his Mom and I pay for said lessons I feel it my obligation to make sure he goes- You know- so I can get my money's worth!

So then........ I ask again- What about you-

Why did you get up this morning?

Was it because.....................

You had to-

You were supposed to-

Someone else expected you to-

Maybe you were afraid of missing something-

Or maybe you had something to do- Some obligation-

Maybe you just got kicked out of bed-

Or maybe........ Just maybe

There was something you were really looking forward to-

Something that you anticipated-

Something Good-

Something Really, Really Good!

Wouldn't it be awesome if everyday could be like that-

I mean every morning-

As good as those nice warm covers feel-

As comfortable as that soft bed is-

As much as you know-

When you step out onto the floor......

It will be cold-

Or when you first crack open your eyelids.........

The bright light that floods in will be harsh-

All of that means nothing-

It simply fades away..........

Because there is one thing-

Something really, really good-

That consumes your thoughts as you rouse into consciousness-

Something you love so much-

Anticipate so much-

That you can hardly wait to get up!

Oh I know you have been there-

Think of Christmas morning as a child-

Think of the morning of your wedding day-

Think of the first day of vacation in some new and exotic venue-

Think of opening day of hunting season-

Think of spending the day with a friend you haven't seen in ages.......

How about thinking of getting up everyday

to spend that day with the God who created the Universe.

How about living in the reality that He-

(Yes this Incredible, Mysterious, Wondrous God)

Has something for you today.

Something He made just for you..........

Life!

1 Corinthians 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

Nor has any mind conceived

What God has prepared for those who love Him."

Today

Father in Heaven, help me to see the reality of even just a small bit of what You have for me each day. Move in me to launch out into every day expecting the best day of my life.

Amen

Vessels

Have you ever been really thirsty?
I mean tongue hanging out-
Parched to the bone...... Dry.
I try not to let myself get thirsty-
The cardinal rule in endurance exercise is-
Eat before you get hungry and Drink before you get thirsty.

I'm not always real good with rules.

Not too long ago I went on a bike ride but forgot to bring my water bottle-
After a ways into the ride I realized my plight-
I reached down to take hold of my water bottle and..............
Oops Nothing there.
No problem I thought-
This will be short ride-
I'll be fine.
Fast forward 30 minutes-
Arriving back at the house-
I was dying..............
Spent-
Dead on my feet.
Straight to the refrigerator I stumbled-
There..........
there it was as I opened the door-
 A tall cool bottle of Propel.
That bottle..............at that moment-
Lable glistening and cool to the touch-
Represented for me then and there-
Satisfaction............
and relief...............
and .......................... Life!

It was sooooooo good!

It's funny though-

As happy as I was to see the bottle-

It's what was in the bottle that really mattered.

I can't help but wonder now-
Wonder what I must look like-
To the tired and thirsty people God brings my way-
Every single day.
People who are hurting and isolated-
People who are in need of a drink-
People who are weary and heavy laden.

Does my life offer even the prospect of relief?

More importantly-
What am I filled with?
What am I carrying around in this vessel-
This vessel of my body and soul-
Is there anything in me that might bring Satisfaction...............
and relief..................
and ................Life.

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you,

and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions,

for the sake of His body, which is the church.

Truth-

Because Christ is in us-

Because we can live filled with His Spirit-

Not only can our packaging offer the prospect of Life-

But He can be poured out through us to bring Life-

As we share in His suffering-

For the people He brings our way. 

Father, move in me today to be a vessel

for Your Life to be poured out for the sake

of all the people You bring my way.
I pray that my life

become an expression of Your Love and Suffering.
Forgive me in every place I choose my own comfort
 over Your Love and suffering for

Your people.

Amen

Living from Faith

Christmas morning 1994- Or maybe 1995- Anyway- As she came down the stairs my daughter Rebecca was trembling with excitement-

I have never-

Before or since-

Seen such pure anticipation-

It was a beautiful thing...........

Overwhelming me even now as I draw it up from my recollections.

She rounded the corner that opened into our Great Room- The room where Santa had left her Christmas Gifts- Funny thing is, I don't even remember what the gifts were- Maybe some Barbie stuff- But it doesn't really matter- What matters- What I remember- Is Rebecca's wide eyed expression of Joy- Her unabashed proclamation-

"Santa must have thought I was a very good little girl"

A child's belief in Santa is an incredible thing to behold-

Matthew 11:25-26 At that time Jesus said,

“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned,

and revealed them to little children.

Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

It amazes me sometimes how much time I spend trying to figure God out-

Trying to make Him fit into this system or that system of theology.

I have wasted so much time in Academic Pursuit of God-

And the worst of it is-

I have missed it-

I have been jaded-

I have missed what my Daughter at 4 or 5 years old had such grip on.

When will I come 'round that corner again-

All cynicism gone-

All skepticism gone-

When will I ever see the wonders of God again-

Forget about trying to explain it all-

And simply say-

Wow!

Maybe today

Hopefully in even the next moments.

Father in Heaven-

Open the eyes of my heart -

Move in me to live by Faith-

To stand in awe at the wonder of who You are-

The One and Only True God-

Beyond....... Totally beyond........

my capacity.

All Praise, Honor and Glory be to You.

Amen

How Then Shall We Live?

I looked out over the crowd of men and saw some puzzled looks. Not many, but enough to notice. I was speaking to about 50 men and their sons at a Father/ Son Retreat- I had just made the statement,

"If you are doing something-

Anything-

And God is not in it-

If He is not somehow being considered-

Somehow placed at the center-

Then what you are doing is a waste of time."

Have you ever heard the expression,

"Don't become so Heavenly Minded-

That you are no Earthly Good"

I think I know what people mean when they say that- It's the idea that living with my head in the clouds will blind me- Blind me to what is going on around me- Things around me that could use my attention here....... Now...............Today. I suppose maybe there might be people like that- I guess I would label them as "Religious". Oh now there's a word I have a great distaste for- Religious- I won't go there today- Instead, I am wondering what it really means to be Heavenly Minded- Or maybe another way to say it is Eternally Minded.

What would my life look like today

If I were to become consumed with..........

Eternity?

Now I do not mean sitting around dwelling on what is to come. No, what I mean is the notion of living today- Each and every moment- Like it somehow makes a difference for Eternity. I belive God created us to be living expressions of His Glory- Living, breathing, visible expressions of who He Is. And as we live in the reality of who He Is......... In us- As that touches every moment of our lives- We are somehow brought to Life-

All the rest is existence.

So what about it-

How are our lives reflecting Heavenly mindedness- Eternity mindedness- Even the Glory of God?How is it happening in my rising in the mornings? How is it reflected in having my coffee? How am I connecting to my Father as I do what I do-In my interacions with people all around me-In the class room- In my work-In the mundane- Washing dishes or Ironing pants- In my music or television or reading or writing-Are these things and all the rest being done with Eternity in sight?

These things matter...........

Somehow................

Even these things matter...........

As expressions of the Glory of God.

There in the crowd of men and their sons-

I see a nod, then another-

Someone gets it!

Thank You Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen-

but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary-

But what is unseen is Eternal.

Father be in me today so that everything I do becomes somehow an expression of Your Life and Goodness and Love to all those You bring my way. Forgive me for where I have and will forget You- For where I have and will become so earthly minded I become no good for anything.

Amen

Grace- A New Poem

Grace A gentle wind caresses the leaves Rising………. Falling………. Whispering, Somehow……. calling Again…….then again. I see it just now Your breath…….. Your Life...... Filling my beloved Even as she lay sleeping Her breast Rising…….. Then Falling……… Whispering, Somehow…….calling Again……then again The Spirit of the Living God pours over my soul Coming with a rush……. With power Like the laughter of children On some bright and joy filled day Rising…….. Then Falling……… Whispering, Somehow…….calling Again…...then again My heart bursts O’ my God, My Father Oh what have I done Oh what have I done? To witness such beauty- To receive such gifts...... Such gifts meant for a son. The sky lights in the distance...... It pushes the darkness back. My bride lies close to me In restful slumber no lack. Oh the wonder of it all That I……. Even I……. Could know………. Your Grace.

1 John 3:1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

Amen

I am Exhausted- What's Next?

Do you ever just feel overwhelmed?
You know, like........

No matter what you do-

It just isn't enough.

I get so tired. 

There never seems to be enough of me to go around.
Not that I am really all that in demand-
Or even that I really work that hard.
It's just that the needs all around me are so great-
Yet all my efforts seem so.......... inadequate.
Check that -
All my efforts are so inadequate.

Running to stand still-

And that is on a good day. 

I wrote the above a few days ago-
I was coming to the end of a long stretch of crazy busyness-
Exhausted.
Living on adrenaline-
I think I 'm a junkie.
It's funny to read all that now-
Just a few days later-
As the busyness begins to subside-
You see, even with all the fatigue and stress....

There is still a real part of me that says-

"What's Next?"

I have been living on an adrenaline high for so long-

I feel a little empty without it.

There is a part of me that loves living in the frenzy-
That craves the excitement.
I can't help but feel I am missing something when the pace slows-
When I'm not right on the edge.

Father forgive me for always chasing the next mountain top experience-
For living out of the lie that........
Life = Excitement and Edginess.
There is such a spirit of discontentment about it.
Yes I really want to live Life-
To experience all of it at it's best! I do!
But..........
Father help me to find it Your Way-
Living in You.
Living out real Love for the people You bring my way-
To value all these over all the excitement and drama.
Yes - I love the idea of Life as an adventure-
Even a Battle to take ground for Your Kingdom-
I am energized by these things.
But as I look at Jesus-
He never seemed to be in a hurry-
He never seemed to be caught up in the frenzy.

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest. 
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

For I am gentle and humble in heart,

And you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Holy Spirit , lead me deeper into Jesus today.

Amen.

Is God Proud.......of me?

Ah.... Saturday mornings- I know I have told you before, but....... I love 'em- The bike- the ride with friends- The rush of the wind in my face as I go downhill- Fast- Really, really fast. The beauty of the morning mist on the river- Incredible! Then there's Bojangles- Boberry biscuits- A bit of Heaven on earth- Sitting at the table with friends- Friends who are willing to be honest- Willing to get past talking about Sports and other people- Willing to share a bit of their own lives. Community is a beautiful thing.

"And He hadn't even done anything yet"

A friend responded when I mentioned the pride God showed

in His Son at His Baptism.

Such an epiphany for me. You have to understand-

There is a question I have never been able to put words to-

A question I have struggled with......

For a long, long time-

"Is God proud of me?"

I have known that God Loves me for as long as I can remember. Yet, somehow that Love has come across as a sense of pity- You know- Like you feel when you come across some poor stray- Not really worth saving- But rousing such sorrow in your heart- That you feel compelled to throw it a scrap of kindness. Oh, now don't misunderstand- I know about Grace- I believe in God's Grace- I know that there is nothing-Absolutely nothing- I have done or can do to merit salvation. Yet-

It is really just now sinking into my heart-

That the reality of His Grace-

Never has meant that I was worthless.

Deserving of salvation? Absolutely not. Yet valued by God- Even desired by God? Absolutely yes! But why? Why would He want this poor pitiful man? Maybe it is simply because He made me. Because I was His- Created for the expression of His Love and Glory- Part of His Creation- No............... More than that- Made in His Image.

Ah, but then tragedy-

Lost to Him.

His valued creation lost to Him.

His Good Creation lost to Him-

Hopeless -

Save for His own willingness to go to war to recover us.

Now there is a part of me that is not comfortable with saying God lost something. It feels like some kind of denial of His Omnipotence- And yet the scripture says it- "He came to seek and to save that which was lost" I have to think God was pleased with His Creation- Especially proud of humanity- Made in His very Image- The expression of His Love.

Could it be that I am-

That we are.............. really valuable to God?

Simply because we were His.

Could it be that when we come back to Him- Restored......... Made New in Christ- Raised to newness of life- Brought up out of the water- Brought up out of death and into Life in Him- He can say of us at that very moment-

This is my child.....

I am proud of him-

I am proud to call him Mine-

And we haven't even done anything yet.

God asked me recently- "Charles- Are you proud of your own children?" I have to confess- It took a bit of thought to answer that question. "Well yes Lord...........I am" "Why?" He shot back- "Well Lord.........they are mine" I had to answer. They are not always what I want them to be, but- They are mine.

"Charles, you are Mine-

And I am so proud to have you as Mine!"

And I haven't even done anything yet!

Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said,

"This is my Son, whom I love;

With Him I am well pleased."

Father thank You for those words of affirmation-

Thank You for making me Yours in Christ-

Thank You that You have restored me to a place

Where You can be proud of me-

Where I can rest in the Fact that I am Yours.

Amen

Suffering

Working out- Spending myself to physical exhaustion- Sweating- Gasping for air after a hard hill on the bike- Legs burning- Yet accepting the challenge of the hill- Pushing the limits- Testing the limits-

Suffering..........for the sake of my body

I hate it..... I love it-

All at the same time.

I know that my pain is producing in me a kind of life-

A growth that is not possible without the suffering.

That is not what I really had in mind to write today-

but it is something God brought that needed to be recorded.

Lord Jesus

Cultivate the truth in me today -

The truth about my sufferings in this world.

Remind me that in so many ways my suffering is bringing growth-

Bringing more of the Life I long for.

Amen

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy my brothers,

Whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

Not lacking anything.

Now for the real blog I had in mind today-

Well, maybe it can wait- Tomorrow.

Now Don't Settle for the Back of a Scrap

As my friend Todd came into the room he grabbed some paper from a stack by the door. The stack was a set of questionairres from the day before at a Men's Conference we were attending together. I asked him if he had not gotten the info the previous night and he said- "Oh yes-but I need some paper to take notes on for the coming session- The back of one of the leftover sheets will do nicely." Funny thing was, as he opened his pad to begin the session- Some fresh unused paper- Paper he had missed in the shuffle of other papers was right there.

Somehow he had missed it-

but what he needed-

It was right there all along!

That's the way it is with me and God sometimes-

I get busy and I miss Him.

I get worried and I don't see Him.

Life goes crazy and I look right past Him.

My friend was ready to settle for the back of a scrap-

Yet fresh clean paper was right there all the time-

Available.

When will I reach a point in my life that I see God-

All the time-

Available.

When will I stop settling for my own make shift answers-

And simply go to Him-

Ask Him for help.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him;

For he that cometh to God must believe He exists,

And He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Father rise up in my mind and heart all the time-

So that I will seek You-

So that I will put my trust in you

as my first line of thought.

Help me to never miss the reality that You are here with me-

All the time-

Available.

Amen

The Jet Ski Saga- Rebecca's Version

At Last- My Daughter Rebecca has joined me on a Blog Post!

I am so proud of her!

Now read on for Rebecca's story of how a Jet Ski ends up in a place no Jet Ski should end up.

It was a warm, sunny day and we were at my aunt and uncle’s house on Lake Oconee. Most of the day had been spent eating, riding on the boat, tubing, or just tethering floats to the dock and chilling out. Somewhere along the way, my dad got it in his head that he wanted to ride the jet ski and, as fate would have it, the jet ski happened to be in working order (finally).

Unfortunately, it was a racing jet ski that happened to be in working order.

You can just see what kind of fun this is leading to, right? You have no idea. On your standard family jet ski, you’d need to try incredibly hard to flip the thing. You will not go down without an effort. On a racing jet ski- The mechanics definitely favor speed over stability. Also, handling is virtually non-existent at low speeds – This will be important in a moment. Another somewhat random though important piece of information-

I’m very nearly blind without my glasses.

Moving on…...... Dad rode the jet ski without a hitch. It looked like fun! I wanted to give it a go and no one seemed to have a problem with it. Just one thing-

My Dad and Uncle Bill insisted that I leave my glasses with them-

Just in case I flipped-

I wouldn’t lose them in the water.

That was the first sign of trouble – As previously stated-

I can’t see-

And jet skis go very fast.

So, glasses off- Unable to see more than large, blurry shapes past about a foot- I was off. For some reason everybody kept yelling something about “Faster or you’ll flip” So.............

“I was off”

looked a little like something out of a 007 movie.

It was awesome!

That is until I realized I couldn’t see much-

Except the rapidly approaching shoreline…

and a dock…

Which happened to be about head height.

Not so awesome anymore.

Quick experimenting told me that reduced speed did indeed equal reduced handling- Anyway- In my hurry to avoid being beheaded by a dock- I somehow ended up roughly fifty yards up a very wooded hill. Right about now someone's inevitably asking, "Why didn’t she just cut the engine?" Well I did, my helpful genius friends- But you don’t go from very fast to absolute standstill the second the engine cuts.

The time it took me to make it back to zero

Left me staring in horror as first stumps,

Then full-fledged trees flew past me-

Until finally I hit one.

It hurt.

I couldn’t breathe- Everything was spinning- I had hit my ribs and my cheekbone hard on impact- I have fifty yards of distance and a life vest to thank for neither being broken. I stumbled down to the water and yelled for help….... And yelled some more. The people whose dock I’d almost been splattered across proved unhelpful. Eventually, I did see saw a boat in the cove. I thought I heard my dad and uncle- So I started yelling again. It was them. I can honestly say I’ve never been so relieved to see either of them. Now- back to Charles

Nehemiah 9:31 But in Your great mercy

You did not put an end to them or abandon them,

for You are a Gracious and Merciful God.

Father in Heaven, You have indeed been merciful to me and my family in so many ways. Move our hearts and minds to continually remember Your Great Love and Mercy towards us and those we love.

Thank You Jesus.

Amen

On Butterflies and Courage

Warm Springs- Yes the pools at Warm Springs, GA- Talk about a misnamed place- Warm- Are you kidding me-

When I first stepped in that water I about froze my patooties off-

Please don't ask me what a patooty is.

Maybe it just seemed cold- Maybe because it was a cool morning- Maybe it was the stiff breeze blowing through the tree tops- Whatever it was- I did begin to adjust to the temperature as I lay back in the water- Determined to try my hand at simply floating for a while. As I lay back looking up into the deep blue sky- Something caught my eye- Some movement flitting about- High up in the strong air currents.

Have you ever noticed a Butterfly on a windy day?

This exquisite wonder of God's creation- Normally beautifully graceful in flight- This black and golden marvel- Moved with all the grace of a drunken sailor- Drunken, but in fast motion. The power of the elements first tossed my poor friend to the left- Then to the right- Then into some kind of awkward erratic corkscrew motion- Then up- Then down-

It was madness I tell you-

Simply madness in motion.

But wait- As I lay in what truly was becoming Warm Springs- After following this poor creature's path with my eyes a bit- I began to notice something-

Progress!

Amazing-

What once looked like a pitiful lightweight-

At the mercy of the elements-

Had now become a fighter!

This creature had a destination in mind- Maybe a flower to to gain nourishment from- Maybe just a search for calmer air- This wonder of creation was courageously moving forward- Refusing to surrender to the elements- Even in the craziness.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified;

do not be discouraged,

for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Father in Heaven-

I know that You are with me.

Help me to take hold of Your Love and Strength today-

Even as the elements beat against me.

Please move in me for Courage and Determination-

Courage and Dtermination and Love-

To live the life You have for me.

Amen

On Beauty, Grace and Splendor

I love Saturday mornings with my friends. I love being on the bicycle- Riding with a partner- There is such community in it-

Much Grace is given and much Grace is received.

There is the time we spend at Bojangles- Sharing Hope over a warm Bo-Berry biscuit- Meeting new folks like Mr Cummings and Joe Jackson- Two elderly black men who love Jesus- Men who bring a whole different set of life experiences to the table. Men who even with all they have been through- Growing up in the South in the 40's and 50's- Can sit at the table with a bunch of white guys- Sharing breakfast and the Love of Jesus.

God extends much Grace at that table-

Through these men's Grace towards us.

Ah, and then there is the sheer beauty of a fall morning on the river- The crystal blue sky- The water rushing over the rocks- Deer grazing as we ride the trail by the river. Seeing the families as they are out with their children for a morning walk- Even the dogs being walked seem to be smiling!

What is it about beauty that so captures us?

Is it some beckoning back to Eden-

Some longing for what we had so long ago-

A calling out from creation to the life of Jesus in us.

I met a young man on my ride this past Saturday- An Artist- I could not help but notice as he sat quietly at the Canal Headgate- His baby daughter asleep at his side- Todd Cass sat capturing the beauty of the Gatehouse- Capturing splendor with charcoal and a pad. The Artist was immersed in his work- Clearly captivated by the beauty- The beauty he was capturing on his pad.

I think that might be how it is with the beauty of God-

Maybe it's nature is such that we can't truly take hold of it-

Capture it for ourselves-

Until we are first captivated by it.

Job 37:14 and 22-24 Excerpts "Listen to this, Job-

Stop and consider God's wonders........

Out of the north He comes in golden splendor-

God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power...... Therefore, men revere Him

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Spirit of the Living God-

Slow me down a bit today-

Open the eyes of my heart to see-

To see Your Golden Splendor-

To see Your Grace toward me in all the gifts of the beauty of Your Creation.

Amen

By the by- the young artist Tood Cass did some amazing work even in the short time I visited with him. If any of you out there have any need for an original drawing or painting or Carpentry work, I got the feeling he could use the support with a young baby and a wife in the military. I have his contact info if any of you are interested let me know!

Mosh Pits and Community (Part 2)

"Dad-
The best thing about a hard core show-
(A particular musical and dance style-
That is shall we say.......a bit dangerous-
Dangerous-
In the sense that there are some pretty wild movements-
Movements that can lead to collisions on the dance floor)

Uh..... let me start over-

"Dad-

The best thing about a Hard Core show-

Is that you don't have to worry about hurting anyone-

About starting a fight................

It's sort of expected that people will crash into one another"

There are so many different directions I could run with that statement-
Many predictable-
I think I will run with the less predictable.

It is amazing to me how much Grace my son seems to

find in something as crazy as a Mosh Pit.

A question-
Do you have a place you can go where you can totally be yourself-
Where you can let down all the facades-
Where you can be honest-
About your fears-
Your doubts-
Your temptations-
Your............... sin?

Do you have a place where you can flail about wildly-
Sometimes rythmically-
Sometimes not so rythmically-
A place where you can collide with other Christians-
Without having to worry about offending-
Without having to worry about starting a fight?

Do you have a place where much Grace is given-
A place where much Grace is received?

We live in a dangerous world.
It seems we always have to be on gaurd-
On the defensive.

I don't know about you but,

I need a safe place.

A place where I know am loved........

No matter what.

I need a place where I can set aside theology-
A place where I confess the good and the bad-
A place where I don't have to work so hard.........
To look good.

I need a place where I can feel the arms of Jesus wrapped around me.
I need people who won't judge me.......
but will still challenge me.

I need a place where I feel Love of God........
Through the Love of His people.

Acts 4:32-33
All the believers were one in heart and mind.

No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,

but they shared everything they had.

With great power the apostles continued to testify

to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,

and much Grace was upon them all.

Heavenly Father-

Thank You for my close friends-

Thank You for how You use them in my life to show Your Great Love for me.

Father,
Help me more and more to come into Community with my brothers and sisters.
Help me to be an instrument of Your Grace to all those You bring my way.
Make us all into safe havens for one another-
Even as we collide in the Mosh Pit of this Life.

Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit-

Take even the pain of the collisions

and use them to spur us on to Love and good works.

Amen

Mosh Pits and Christianity

My son Matthew loves hard core dancing-
If you are not familiar with that style-
I think it essentially involves something called a mosh pit-
A mass of humanity strewn together-
Arms and legs flailing about wildly-
Some rythmically and some not so rythmically-
In such close proximity to one another-
There can not help but be some contact.....errr...collisions.
Matt came home from a hard core show (concert) recently and said to me,

"Dad,

I got kicked in the leg,

hit in the face,

a busted lip and

almost knocked out"

"It was great!"

Alrighty then........
More and more I am agreeing with the statement, "Youth is wasted on the young" :)
At any rate-
When Matt said this-
There was such a smile on his face-
Such a brightness about his eyes-
I couldn't help but think-

My son just gave the perfect description of the Christian Life-

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy,

my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds

Pure Joy-

Now that's bold in the face of trials.
Yet.........

What is it about a mosh pit that can inspire pure joy-
In the face of a busted lip and almost being knocked out?

I might be wrong-
But somehow I think in the case of the mosh pit-

(I have never experienced one)

There must be a sort of joy.......
In being lost in the moment.

There must be some sense........
That the pain fades into nothingness-
As the dancer is lost in his freedom of expression.

I wonder............

Can we get there in the Christian Life?

Can we get to a point where the trials fade into nothingness?

Can we get to a point where we are so consumed with Christ-

So lost in the expressions of the Glory of God in our lives-

So confident in His Grace towards us-

His Love for us...........

That we can live the life of freedom-

The life He has won for us-

The Life of abandon and boldness in Love?

No one would ever venture into a mosh pit out of a sense of duty-

No-
They go to dance-

They go for the freedom-

They go for the Life!

Father God,

Bring me into the Joy of Life today-

Your Life in me.

In the midst of the trials-

Rise up in us to be the expression of Your Glory-

To be the expression of Your Love.

Fill us Holy Spirit

to all these good ends.

Praise, Honor and Glory be to You.

Amen

My Beloved

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!! Today marks mine and Julie's 31st Anniversary and I thought maybe another attempt at poetry might be in order. Please bear with me, but this one is for my wife!

My Beloved

My beloved comes near

Smiling wistfully

Beautiful smiles

Smiles that drive away

All that I could ever fear

Oh Father in Heaven,

What is this You have done

To give me such a gift

The gift of my beloved one

My beloved , I am captured

Captured by your eyes

Eyes so deep and brown

I am lost in wonder and surprise

Oh Father in Heaven,

What is this You have done

To give me such a gift

The gift of my beloved one.

Mark 10:7-9 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother

and be united to his wife,

and the two will become one flesh.'

So they are no longer two, but one.

Therefore what God has joined together,

let man not separate."

All Praise, Honor and Glory be to the One who has joined me to Julie.

Amen

Jesus? Who is that?

Quick- When you hear the name Jesus- What comes to mind? Savior? Teacher? King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Nice Man? Healer? Miracle Worker? Baby in a manger? Peacemaker? Sucker Outer of all fun? Hero? Good Shepherd? Bread of Life? Wise man? Dreamer? Holy man? Lunatic? Avenger? A man on a cross......... Friend? What picture comes to mind? What do you feel when you hear the name? Whatever it is- I venture to guess it is rooted in some deep personal experiences. Maybe in Church- Maybe in a relationship- Maybe in some tragedy- Maybe in some beauty. Whatever we feel, think of or picture when we hear that name- I will also venture to guess- Is incomplete- A very good, but only partial truth. Maybe all the truth we can handle just now.

1 John 3:2 Dear friends, now we are children of God,

and what we will be has not yet been made known.

But we know that when He appears,

we shall be like Him,

for we shall see Him as He is.

Isn't that really what a lot of this life is all about-

Coming more and more to see Him as He is-

In all His fullness-

And as we do-

Being drawn up into Him-

To be united to Him-

Spirit, Soul and Body-

Heart, Mind and Will.

Faith grows and becomes stronger by being challenged-

Is our view of Jesus-

Of God-

Being challenged just now?

It is a good thing- A great blessing- Let's lean into the challenge- He will appear- He will show Himself- He is Faithful like that. Let's look for Him in ways we may not be accustomed to. Let's take hold of all God is revealing about Himself - Even as our pictures of Him are challenged.

Lord Jesus,

Open the eyes of my heart-

Open the essence of my spirit-

To see you in all Your Glory-

And as I see You-

To be transformed more and more into Your Likeness.

Amen

I am still hopeful that part 3 of the Jet Ski adventure will happen sometime next week!

On Jet Skis and Strange Joy (Part 2)

As we eased around the last bend in the cove- Bill called out over the sound of the boat motor- "Charles, it's getting too shallow to go much farther". Just then, a sudden loud grinding sound caught my attention followed by immediate silence. "We just broke the prop on a tree stump" Bill said with more than a hint of concern in his voice.

"Reeebecccccaaaa" I called out over and over again.

It had been more than 15 minutes now since I had last seen my baby zoom off on the Jet-Ski into the long deep cove and dissappear. Now, at last I could see the end of the narrowing, tree stump infested cove- Still no Rebecca. The last words I had called to her now played over and over in my mind-

"Faster, Faster"

I yelled as she had sped away from the dock-

"If you slow down the Jet-Ski will fall over and you'll be stuck."

What had I done?

There were houses on one side of the steep bank of the cove-

On the opposite side only woods-

Thick woods on a bank that was not quite so steep.

Daaaaaaaad-

Over here!

My baby girl- I heard her-

I know I heard her.

But where was she?

Was it really her?

Could it have just been some haunting, hopeful echo in my mind?

No, It had to be her-

But where was she?

Daaaaaaad-

I heard her again!

But it made no sense-

The sound was coming from............

Well as hard as it was to grasp-

It was coming from the Woods.

She had been on a Jet- Ski-

In the Lake-

How could she be in the woods?

Just then I saw some movement on the bank-

Could it be-

Yesssssssssss!

She was there-

Making her way down through the trees and brush toward the shore line.

Thank You Jesus!

Joy shows up in the strangest places-

A little girl walking down out of the woods-

A little girl I expected to find on a Jet-Ski in the lake.

Matthew 4:18-19 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "And I will make you fishers of men"

Joy shows up in the strangest places-

A man walking along beside a lake-

A man who calls out, "Come, Follow Me"-

Follow Me into the Life you were meant to Live.

Where will our invitation to Joy come from today?

Lord Jesus-

Open the eyes of our hearts today so that we do not miss Your invitations to Joy. Invitations that come from strange, unexpected places.

Kisses blown to us from heaven-

The smile of a friend-

The feel of a breeze on my face.

Lord Jesus in this hard, hard world-

Lead us into Joy-

Lead us into You!

Amen

Part 3 coming soon- I think- maybe.

On Jet- Skis and Shared Suffering (Part One)

2003- A beautiful summer day on Lake Oconee- My sister and her husband had invited our family to their home on the lake for a day of fun and sun. There was swimming off the dock, there was eating- There was boat riding, there was eating- There was tubing, and well there was more eating- I tell you it's like a mini vacation anytime we can steal away and visit these wonderful people. The sky was blue, the sun was hot and the water had just the right tinge of coolness to bring delightful sensations of bliss as we drifted on floats off the end of the dock. Then there was the Jet-Ski. I had never ridden a jet ski before- The thought of zipping around the lake- A cool breeze in my face was....... Well........... I just had to try it. The ride was everything I imagined- There was the speed- A pure adrenaline rush- There was the sense of flying- Freedom and Danger all rolled into one-

It was a blast!

Our daughter Rebecca, who was 13 at the time- After seeing her dad cut the fool on that Jet- Ski contraption- Just had to give it a go for herself.

Didn't I do a blog before on how it was dangerous to follow Dad?

Anyway, after some brief instructions- Far too brief- She hopped on and away she went- Heading into a deep long cove- The intention was that she turn quickly back toward the main body of the lake- The turn never happened- And so she quickly dissappeared around a sharp bend in the cove. We could hear the engine of the jet-ski for only another moment or so before even that sound faded into silence. After another minute or so- Still no Rebecca- No Jet Ski sound- Nothing. How can I describe the feeling that came slowly at first- But more and more quickly washed over me in those moments.

She was gone-

My baby was gone-

Disappeared-

She should have been out of that cove by now-

Why had I ever let her- Where was she? What if.......... Panic, Fear and Dread sprang to life in my heart. Bill (my brother-in law) and I quickly jumped into his boat and began to ease back into the cove to find my lost daughter. He tried to reassure me- "The engine probably just cut out Charles" - Yes- that's what must have happened- The engine had just cut out- Rebecca would be there waiting for us around the next bend- Yes- the engine just cut out I told myself. By now every foot we crept forward in that narrowing cove- Not seeing my beautiful, precious daughter- Just made the fear grow in my gut- Like some sort of slow but powerful poison.

She had to be alright- We would find her-

She had to be alright.

Hebrews 2:14-18 (Excerpts) Since the children have flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity............ He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God............Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

I wonder now-

If as Jesus was suffering on that agonizing cross-

He not only carried the pain of my sin-

But He also carried the Suffering of that day-

And so many other days like it-

For so much suffering humanity.

I know that somehow He was with me that day-

Not just for comfort-

But also in my very suffering-

Agonizing there with me -In me

Maybe this is the key for us in enduring those brutal times-

Somehow, to draw on the Life of Jesus-

That Life now in us-

And so somehow to live out His Trust in the Father-

Even to the point of death.

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for identifying with not only my sin, but also my pain and fear.

Thank You for living through that time with me-

Thank You for carrying me in it.

Lord God Almighty help me to always come to my Jesus for all the Life I need.

Amen

Don't be such a Whiner or Striver or Whiner or Striver or............

My life is not as I would arrange it. My story is not as I would write it. I do not have the perfect job. My children don't follow my script for their lives. I don't have enough money to do what I want. My wife does not always cooperate with plans. I do not have the physical prowess or the body I would like to have. I do not have the status my ego craves.

Whine, Whine, Whine...............

What a whining little egocentrical fool I can be- Sometimes I whine so much I become disgusted with myself. Why can't I have more of a positive attitude?

Whoa...... Isn't that amazing-

I can even whine about what a Whiner I am!

So what am I to do? What is the cure for my condition? Maybe I should settle for discontentment- After all, It is what it is............Right? Maybe I should just resign myself to never having all I want. Or............ Maybe I should fight it- Maybe I should make my plans- Do everything in my power to manipulate them into being. You know the mentality don't you? I can do anything- I am the Master of my domain- If I can believe it, I can achieve it- How about shifting from......

Whine, Whine, Whine....................

to Strive Strive, Strive...........

Truthfully........

I've spent alottttttttt of time in my life striving-

And while it is definitely more productive than whining-

In the end-

All my striving has only led to a different sort of misery-

Certainly not the Life Jesus won for me-

The Life God meant for us.

Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples,

"If anyone would come after Me,

he must deny himself

and take up his cross and follow Me.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,

but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.

It's time for a new way of Life-

Away with the whining and striving-

Away with all the complaining and manipulation.

It's time to take hold of the Great Paradox-

It's time to forget trying to write my own story-

It's time to forget trying to take His place as the center of the story.

It's time to die into Christ-

It's time to let His Life and Love be lived out through me.

More and more I am coming to see-

Little by little-

Bit by bit-

This is where I can find the life I long for.

Holy Spirit lead me deeper into Jesus today-

Lead me deeper into Life.

Amen

On Love, Lust and Desire

It was a beautiful truck. The first time I saw it I was riding down Hwy 80 out of Statesboro toward Savannah. Midnight blue with the perfect striping package and Moon Roof- It sat right up front at the roadside Used Car Dealership- The figure $9,999.00 was painted right there on the tinted windshield. Four Wheel Drive- Tires so big I swear the thing could have floated if I had wanted it to double as a fishing boat. This Red Neck's dream sat up so high off the ground I think my poor wife would have needed a ladder to make it into the passenger seat.

I was in lust!

I drooled over that truck- It consumed me........... As much or more than I had ever let any woman capture my imagination. From the moment I saw it I had to have it- That truck was the answer- Everything in my world would be right- If I could just have it as my own. Blinded to anything but my own desire- My own sense of urgency- My devious little mind immediately went to work- Scheming- How could I convince my sweet wife Julie that this was just what we needed?

Mishandled Desire is a dangerous thing.

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord

and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Ah....... Delight yourself in the Lord.

Enjoy Him.

Live in the reality of His Goodness.

Embrace His tender mercies.

Unite to His Heart in His Love for people-

The people He brings around us....... even today.

Relax in His care.

Take in the fullness of His creation-

The wonder of Crystal Blue Sky -

The Power of a Thunderstorm.

Take joy in the touch of a friend.

Yes....... Delight yourself in the Lord- Today!

Lust blinds-

It creates a sort of tunnel vision-

It narrows our world-

Shrinks our world-

I miss so much when I am in lust.

Love -

Love for God-

It opens vision.

It is a strange paradox-

The more I am consumed with Christ-

Delighting in Him-

The more my vision seems to open to all He has made me for.

In all this-

This delight in my Creator-

Somehow the desires of my heart seem to find their fulfillment.

Lord Jesus, Father in Heaven, Holy Spirit

Lead me into the way of delighting in You today.

Lead me into a deeper Love and Appreciation for Who You are and what You are doing in and around my life today.

Lead me into a deeper appreciation for Your Grace and Beauty.

Help me more and more to take hold of the life that is truely Life.

Amen

Oh, by the way-

In case you're wondering-

Julie said no to the truck.

A Poem

I have only ever written a couple of poems in my life- This is one of them- A Fearful Calling Oh this thing in me- Bandying about my heart- Longing for Eternity- Reaching for Light in the dark. What is it? This desperate desire- What is it? Some fearsome fire. Light calls out to me- Consuming, pure light- Just now- I am but the moth Fluttering to it’s height. What is it? This call to the Light- What is it? This beckoning to what’s bright. Look! It is my Father, The one whose image I bear- Look! It is Abba Father Waiting…………. Calling ……... Just there. He beckons quietly- Come home my son- Come now- Die into Me- And we will be one. What is it? This desperate desire- What is it? This Great Consuming Fire. Come Home my son.............. Come Home.

Revelation 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock-

If anyone hears My voice and opens the door-

I will come into him

and sup with him

and he with Me.

Thank You Great Father for Your calling to our hearts and you promise of Life.

Amen