All In an Invitation...

I have learned over the years that even something we consider to be so simple is still designed with purpose by God and thru the simplicity of the situation, God will show Himself in a big way. (as if anything He ever does is small.)

This Thanksgiving was truly a blessing to me and my family and we truly enjoyed the day and days surrounding it. (and not just because of the ham I cooked on the pit, smoked with hickory wood for 2 hours....yea buddy!!) Thanksgiving is a day that we all gather around and remember what we are thankful for and all that God has done and is doing in our lives. It is a day we enjoy family, friends, fellowship, games, and that ham. (I'm just saying!! ) We reflect on the recent past and the journey that God has brought us through to get to this point. This year was no different and I can stand with my wife and say that God has been.....yes...He has been!! In the past year, we have lost family members, friends, and experienced the joys of becoming pregnant and the process of learning to deal with the fragility of a pregnancy and life. Put on bed rest only a couple months in, we understood that God has called us to a place to see Him in a way that was greater than our understanding. We were called to step down from ministry positions we held and pulled out to return to where He wanted us and we did just that. We understood early that God was at work and we did not want to miss what He had for us. In the end, what He had in that was a beautiful baby boy, born healthy and gifted named Isaiah. Moreover, in the midst of it all, we were able to gain so much more and that is just how God is. We had our home remodeled, made some large purchases that were needed. Not "wanted" but "needed." We made some adjustments in our life and were able to take on all that came our way and stand on the plan God has had for us. Friendships have strengthened, our marriage continues to grow in such an awesome way and God was just getting started.

On Thanksgiving, with the newness of our son, we were not able to travel but God plans it all right? (rhetorical question!!) We went over to my brothers home to celebrate with family who came in town and some family I have not seen in years. The joy of just seeing their faces made the day all it needed to be. My children had a good time hanging out and seeing their family again and, yes, enjoying that ham!! oh my!! After spending some time there, we loaded up and headed over to the next spot we received an invitation to weeks before. The location was the home of my ex wife and her boyfriend where they were celebrating with family and friends alike. We went over there and had a good time hanging out and talking with everyone and the kids enjoyed being able to spend this holiday of "Thanks" with both of their parents as oppose to one or the other. The blessing in this is greater then just spending time over there and being able to "get along" as most view situations like this. The blessing is the example we had the chance to take advantage of and did by showing my children, the family, friends, and ourselves that God is able in all things and thru all things He teaches. So often we look to make excuses as to why not "try" something or we just look for the bad in things and people to avoid making the step to start the "good" that God gives us freely. We spend so much time speaking negative in to each other's lives and exhaust ourselves trying to find examples of why NOT to take a step forward to something greater then ourselves. With all our efforts to do that, if we applied it in the other direction, we could achieve things we never imagined otherwise. God is always trying to show us, we just choose not to listen. As we sat there and talked, laughed, and shared stories, I had a moment where I just laughed to myself and God and said that there is nothing He can not do and even in something as simple as this may seem, He is teaching us something so much greater. To many, it may seem small and feel it should be that way. To those, I would say if you are divorced, with or without kids, call your ex and invite them over for the holidays with their family and see where it gets you. God will create the opportunity for us to do all things, we just have to be ready and make that move to take the challenge. As we left for the night, we hugged everyone good bye and loaded up. My ex wife and her boyfriend said separately, being in different places in the house, "Thanks for coming over and spending time." We responded to them both the same, saying "thanks for the invitation." It was not until the second response that I realized what God was saying and that He was effectively at work in us all at that moment. God always extends the invitation to us....the problem is, we don't always accept it. So as we reflected on the past year, we realized that God extended us an invitation to go on a specific journey with Him and trust Him thru it all. We did, and though we often wondered why the journey took some of the turns it did, we stayed on course to finish with Him. We endured some challenges and made it through because we knew He had us in mind in the end. It started with His invite and ended a year later with us finally understanding what it all meant with the simple remarks to one another as we left that evening. On this Thanksgiving, we were glad we accepted their invitation and enjoyed the time we spent over there. When the invitation is extended to you, will you accept it? Trust me when I say, it is worth saying "yes."

2010.....God's at work again.

The season is changing, we have set our clocks back one hour to gain some extra sleep but if your like me, you stayed up an extra hour or more knowing you would "get it back" somehow. The temperature is getting cooler for most and the stores are filling up with the "spirit" of the holidays. (though they started in July!!) What does all of this mean? The end of the year is approaching and soon we will close our eyes on 2009 and wake up in 2010, God say the same. What does all that mean?



Spending years in the church and eventually changing my method of celebration bringing in the New Years from the clubs and various other spots to the church house, I have become familiar with the traditional, coined phrases Pastor's use to motivate the congregation going in to a New Year. I sit back and laugh at some of the stuff we come up with and how it all seems to be "right on time." I remember 1994...I'm gettin more. Or 1999, the year I get mine. 2003, God's blessings for me and 2006 simply titled, "this is it." So many more and I am sure the titles change with the various church's but none the less, we have all heard it at some point. As we gear up in those previous years and get all excited because it is was 2009, my year to shine and about 3 months in, reality hit hard and you wondered if God was even listening to you anymore. Some of us lost family, friends, jobs, homes, and we all know what the market did to our money. Or for others, 2008 didn't end so "great" so it blurred your vision going in to the new year and never seemed to look up. Oh sure there were moments of clear skies but the clouds seemed to quickly re-group and rain on your parade. For some, the years have proven to be that blessing they shouted about as they closed out the previous year. For those, they have pulled in a harvest and celebrated the blessings and have received what God had for them in that year. I know for me, for a few years, man...I felt like God forgot about me. I had different titles for the different years as they approached and it seemed my titles fit great. I went through my season(s) of struggle and endured some tremendous hardships. One season, 2005...was the year I fell so far behind. I had many other "names" for it but this is the cleanest one. As I went through those times, I was shut down by all that was going on around me and it wasn't until 2006 that I was able to receive a title that God gave to me for the year. It was not a title that a Pastor used or one that I created, God provided this one. The thing I love about God is He will keep it simple when we need it simple and He did so at that time. As the new year approached, He let me know that in 2006, I was "fixed." The year started out rough of course but it was due to the new legs I had to walk this walk and the new mind I had been provided to think through situations like He wanted me to. The new arms and hands to carry the load for my children and others the way God intended, and the new heart I had to get used to with the clear vision. 2006, I am fixed. Mid-way through the year I was concerned because nothing major happened and I didn't know if I was doing something wrong and was missing what God was trying to do but God came strong and told me to move church's and settle where He wanted me. I did right before the holidays and with my mind focused on what God was doing and nothing else I worked in my ministry and as I was doing all God had me to do, He brought me my wife, led my brother to Christ, put me in a new job, and restored my life to a better place then I was before. 2006, I am fixed. I was no longer struggling with my past. I no longer felt the pain of my errors but the joy of what God was doing. I didn't look for a title from any one else, God provided it for me through my testimony. I have never looked back and though seasons come and go, they are much different now because even when they get hard and most would give up, including myself...before, I am reminded that "I am fixed." See, once God gives you a title, He never takes it back and never changes His mind on it, it just is what it is and no one can change that. I am forever fixed and I have been restored. So in those season of hardships, I know that God is doing a work and I look for the lesson and wait on God's hand of Grace to pull me out.

As 2009 comes to an end and 2010 approaches, what is God saying to you? What title has He given to you to claim this year? Have you asked? Are you listening? For me, 2010 is simply titled, "again and again" and to me that means that God's blessings are still flowing and even when the storms come, the blessing is the joy I have in the midst and the growth I have in the end. Seek God for your title, don't get caught up on what others say it "should be" because that may not be where God has you at this moment and you don't want to miss out what God is doing in you. It may be a tough season ahead and you may already be in it. Just know that God has not forgotten about you at all, He is doing a great work in your right now. As the season progresses, look for the joy and hold on to it. The hardships will not last forever and when it is over, your life will never be the same and you will be better for it all. God doesn't bring you through storms to make you worse off then you were. Rain has never killed life on earth, it restores it, grows it, and provides life for others through it. Get you title.....get it from God!!

Rev. E. Thurman Walker, Pastor

After a battle with Cancer, the Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Rev. E. Thurman Walker has passed away early Monday morning leaving behind a legacy that will last for generations to come and a family who he loved greatly. San Antonio has lost a true leader among church's and communities alike and we were witness to a man who rather than complain like most, simply provided actions that brought about solutions.

Now I will not profess on any level to have had an intimate knowledge and relationship with Rev. Walker, nor will I say that he and I were friends that called each other and hung out. We were not and did not. What I will say is I have spent a good amount of time with him, working together in the city, talking together about church or more like me asking him questions to absorb the knowledge he had to become better in my own life on some level. I will say that when I first met him I was humbled by his efforts already and he was just getting started and I can truly say that whether he knew it or not, I considered him a mentor in many respects and am blessed to have shaken his hand, sat under his voice, and shared in the gospel with him. If Rev. Walker met you once, he knew your name the next time he saw you and that is a mark of a man who is serious about what God is doing in his life and Rev. Walker was very serious. I only wish that I could have known him that much more and learned from him, worked with him, and gained from him that much more. I wish I could have just shaken his hand one last time before he passed to say "thank you" for all you have done for me and more so for the city of San Antonio. When I heard of the news of his passing, I arose from my bed and walked to my kitchen, looked out my window at the cold, rainy weather and stood there for about 10 minutes. I stared outside watching the rain fall and I thought to myself that the angels are crying in joy because one of their own has come home. God has called one of His son's home after a journey of great works and love throughout the city in every community. What a journey it was, what a journey it was.

As I stared out the window I thought about this blog and what I wanted to say because I had to say something. A man of his accomplishments passing lit a fire under me to write for so many reasons. Watching the rain fall, all those reasons ran through my mind so fast I couldn't get them all in line and I realized I didn't have to speak on his works, they speak for themselves in a great way. I didn't have to spend a lot of time looking at the type of man he was in detail because it is obvious by all he did and stood for. What I realized is the questions we have all had I am sure at times when others pass away at a young age and who seem to be doing great works in life. Why would God take them now?

Simply? To remind us that it is not about them or the works, it is about God and what He purposed for them to do in those works. Rev. Walker realized his purpose a long time ago and took charge of that purpose and committed so many years to seeing that purpose and the vision God gave to Rev. Walker come to pass. With his passing, it begs the question of "what now" and I would submit that now, it is time for others who have been watching from the side lines for years to step up and take the lead to further the work Rev. Walker has started. The foundation is laid, now we have to build on top of that foundation. So often in life we want to gain the prize without doing any of the work. We have the opportunities to make impacts and bring about differences to the lives of so many people. The Apostle Paul wrote in his letters to the Corinth to "follow me as I follow Christ." In this passage Paul was simply saying that as he navigates thru life and deals with the obstacles and challenges he will face, to watch how he handles it and what his actions speak to. When he had to inform others of the Gospel or stand up for the Gospel in the face of adversity. When he had to make choices to further the Gospel that may not have had the vote of everyone around, he made the hard choice and impacted the lives of thousands. Rev. E. Thurman Walker walked liked Paul and those who followed saw a great example of how to act Christ like in the midst of constant challenges and nay say'ers. Rev. Walker made choices to further the work even when others didn't agree and by following God's instruction, those choices proved successful and impacted the lives of thousands. This example is the same example that we are to follow. God has instructed us all to go out and spread the Gospel to others. We get caught up on the basic meaning of that scripture and hesitate because we are too scared to go out and speak the word in to the lives of others. It is more than the words, it is your life, your examples. How you operate in life, the choices you make when it is a hard move and the way you handle it and handle others. Your life is the example of how the word is to be spread along with your voice. Rev. Walkers voice was heard all over and followed by the actions that reminded us how serious he was. Are you serious?

Rev. Walker often said "if the church is doing nothing to serve and minister to the community then we mine as well lock up the doors, close down and go home." The challenge is the church is us, not a building where you spend 4-6 hours a week in, we are the church. We are the ones he was referring to. What are we doing to carry the torch and minister to the community? Rev. Walker's passing tells us this....the time is now to step up and make a difference. Not tomorrow, now. As we watch our society become the most selfish it has been in our lifetime and as we watch our youth struggle to gain a future and the parents who forgot it is up to them to help their kids attain that future. We are in a state of emergency with our education, our youth, and our future and Rev. Walker has left us the tools to make the change happen now. Many will say he was a great man, he did a lot of great work, and many will say they will miss him. If you say this or hear someone say it and you or they really mean it, then pick up the torch and show him and God that you too, like Rev. E. Thurman Walker, are serious. Let's get going!!

He has not forgot.......

In the past two weeks have you cried, lost a loved one, lost your job, lost your house, heard some bad news about your health, been hurt by your spouse, been hurt by a loved one (family or friend), or just felt or feel like life is not going the way you thought or planned? Well, you need to read the following. See, your season is upon you right now and what you do in your season can determine how you walk out the rest of it. Simply put, God has not forgotten about you.

I heard a sermon preached this past weekend that was just amazing. I realized more than ever that even as a minister I have yet earned the right to be called a "preacher". I have more work to do to gain that right. The Pastor addressed topics that remind us that God is still and ALWAYS will be God, despite your situation or preferred outcome, He is still the creator, Author, and Finisher of all things. Sometimes in our lives we will go through all of the above mentioned situations and even more. Often, we will go through them more than once. Life hurts at times, relationships hurt. There are times when our hearts actually hurt to the point you feel lost and not sure as to which direction you should go. Much less if we will be able to go. We may sit in our rooms and just cry, trying to figure out what it is that you did and what it is that you need to change. There are also those times when the tears flow and the heart hurts so bad because you feel like you have done every thing you were suppose to do and yet you feel alone and you feel like life just isn't fair. I have spent many years paying the price for the actions I know I did and believe me, I paid a cost that I wouldn't wish on anyone. However, there are those times that I have done what was asked of me and still I fall. I feel like I have been faithful to all God has required and the storms still come. In these times of tribulations, we have to remember what God said. Nehemiah 8:10...The Joy of the Lord is your strength. John 14:27..Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you. And of course Jeremiah 29:11..for I know the plans I have for you." So what does all these mean? It means that in your storms and seasons where you are hurting...call on the joy of the Lord and you will make it thru. If you remember that the peace we are to receive is not ours but a gift from God, being faithful to Him will assure you that peace to know that the storm will end and you will not have to worry about losing it all in the storm and knowing God has a plan for you, reminds us that He will never leave His work unfinished. He completes everything He starts and it is all for the Good of those that love the Lord. These simple scriptures remind us that He is in control and never leaves us rather HE leaves us with reminders of who HE is. The preacher said that sometimes God will shut off the lights in your life to let you bump yourself and struggle. Then God will turn the lights back on to show you that you still made it and it was only to prepare you for the situation coming in your future. A situation that you would not have been ready for had HE not prepared you now. So in your season of the past two weeks, rather than fall down and ask "why me?" ask "whats next?" and know that you are being prepared for the next phase, the next journey. Never think that God has forgotten about you. As a parent, I will always teach my children everything that I can but at times they have to learn on their own. As much as it hurts inside and as much as I want to jump in, I know that it is crucial to their future and for their understanding and preparation. God is the same way, He loves us, He created us but His word says He will prepare us and mold us. He also said He would never leave us, nor forsake us. Not even in the past two weeks.

Be Blessed.

The 4th of July....do you have your OWN Independence?

Today is July 4th and I understand you many not read this on this day but it relates none the less to any day of your life. Today is the day we celebrate our Independence and rightfully so. We became a nation of those who believed in something greater than what they saw in their lives at the time and fought to become a nation that stood on the grounds of Faith and God's will. Many lost their lives and did so with us in mind though they would never meet us. This reminds me of someone else who gave HIS life for those who would come after, those He would never meet and did not know, though His Father did. He gave His life so that you and I can be saved and through our salvation, we may be set free. Now what does this look like to you and I is a question that when asked to 10 people, you may very well get 10 different answers and either one is right. Jesus gave His life and our freedom from where we are before salvation is wrapped up in a simple phrase of excepting Jesus in to your hearts and believe that He died for our sins. Now just this phrase alone will not do it, there is work to be done in the midst, but after this revelation, the work becomes easier. Not easier to do, but easier to bare. See, we are all trapped prisoners in a world of lust, hate, and greed and we don't realize it until we hear the word of God, so we don't think we have done or are doing anything wrong. We are trapped in our own understanding and that is a scary place to be. Once saved, your life becomes a journey of God's plan for you and your purpose being worked out. However, I have learned that even being saved and walking out this purpose God has put on my life, I can still become trapped by my own prison. Now I know some of you long term Christians have this thing figured out and don't have these issues, but some of us still struggle with the past, the present and the fear of the future. I trust God, I serve God everyday but believing God for all things is not something I can say I do everyday without hesitation. Can you? It is so easy to follow Him when blessing rain down and your life is so good that others just stare in awe! However, when the storms come and keep coming, and keep coming, and keep coming, can you still believe with the same amount of faith? Can you still walk in victory when you feel like you are losing everyday? Well, I would like to say I can, but I can't and I pray that one day I am able to say I do. I feel stronger everyday, but I struggle in the midst of my growing strength still and it gets hard to the point I am not sure if I can go on. I have walked in Faith enough to know the power of God is real and very present and I have seen His grace and mercy in my life directly and through my son. Even now I am witnessing God's endless mercy as He holds my unborn son and wife in His hands and guides them during this pregnancy. However, there are moments of weakness that the hurt takes a great toll on me and my life. Have you ever been there? Have you ever felt like God has put too much on you and you are running around trying to figure out why? How can you take this? What did you do to bring this on? Have you ever felt like God has left you alone and your prayers seem to go unanswered and your life has entered a season of hurricane strength storms? If you have, then you understand that your salvation was a gift, you did not earn it. You understand that with the promises God has given to you, you have to exercise your faith by works. If you have followed down this road, then you understand that your freedom, your real freedom, comes with a cost. To gain your freedom, you have to give up your own life, your own selfish wants and desires. You have to give up your own understanding of the why and hows to life and submit to God's understanding that He knows what we need better than we do. Your storms will come and go, God never leaves. Don't just celebrate when the blessings pour out, celebrate when the storms are raging. That is when God is doing His greatest work in you, molding you and setting you free from your past to a future that is filled with blessings that will overflow. Just remember this, when you have enjoyed the constant blessings for a season, if you think back a season before, you were sitting in the midst of a storm and wondering why and how. It was that storm that enhanced your true freedom and the fact you stood in the storm and made it through, you moved God to bless you like He has simply because He loves you that much. Gain your freedom, pray for God to give you unyielding faith and never give up until you achieve it, I haven't. Be Blessed.

Michael Jackson...."Thanks"

On June 25, 2009, the world lost a tremendously talented individual named Michael J. Jackson who died reportedly from a heart attack at the age of 50. Many of us all over stared in complete disbelief as the news reported that they have confirmed the passing of the king of pop. Some may have cried, screamed, sat in silence, shouted at the t.v. as it reported it while others text, emailed, facebook, myspace, and called friends, family, and others to share this news. I received a call from my friend while I was talking with my wife and I have to admit....it changed the whole mood of the moment. We quickly turned on the t.v. and watched what billions of others around the world are watching and hearing for the first time. What a moment in time, what an event to witness and it happened in the blink of an eye. Michael Jackson...dead. While many of us may have numerous thoughts, memories, and ideas about MJ and what type of person he was, we all have to agree that the impact he has had on the world will be felt for generations to come and if we are honest, in some way, he has directly impacted our lives and has had some influence on us in the past. I remember as a young boy, hearing MJ for the first time with the Jackson 5 with "I'll be there". I heard the song and was hooked and it only got better. I purchased the "thriller" cd like the millions of others that made it the best selling record of all time and listened to it over and over and over and over again. I watched the videos, practiced the moves, bought the clothes, the glasses, the glove. I practiced and perfected the moonwalk and would do it on Que. I had the jacket, watched him collect 13 grammy's, sang all the versus to the song "We are the World" and watched him on Mtv, BET, and other programs. I heard about the millions all over the world who loved him from countries we have never even heard of. This is a man who made music for everyone and was an icon before his time. If you knew MJ, you knew the music was made all by his voice, the songs had meaning, and the dances changed the whole picture and set up the pathway for the likes of every other musician whose has come along since to include Usher, Omarion, Beyonce, Ciara, Neo, and countless others before and after this group. the music...aww man...the music. Remember the times, Black or White, Beat it, BAD, JAM, Billy Jean, Rock Wit Ya, Thriller, Man in the Mirror, The Way you Make Me Feel, Dirty Diana, and on and on and on. We have all made jokes about him, laughed at him for all his crazy ways and actions. We talked about his skin tone, his surgeries, his monkey, oxygen bed, and the little kids. We said he "lost his blackness" but the music said otherwise..."man in the mirror". He employed more black dancers than MC Hammer ever could...and never went broke. (because of the dancers at least) Michael Jackson was our gift for our generation and he was a gift that we all enjoyed and deep down, no matter how crazy, we all loved and wanted to hear. Today, that gift is gone and we all sit and wonder why, how, what could he have done, what did he really do, and what do we do now. I am sad about the loss we have been handed and will miss the music he has yet to make but I have what he left. I also am sad because of a reality in the midst of this tragedy. For all the laughs at his expense for all the "odd" actions he has been a part of, I would say that the sadness is we will never know what was really going on inside of him. We will never know the pain, the sadness, the hurt, the scars he has had to endure throughout his life. Why is that important to us? Well, there is a lesson in it all like any other life we have ever learned from and the worse part of it is he has possibly never been healed from it all. The other reality of this tragedy is his family was Jehovah's Witness as was he as last reported. What does that mean? They do not believe the truth of the heaven God has for us and therefor is not, according to the belief, going to heaven. Pending any recent change he may have made and prayerfully so, MJ's permanent resting place will not be among the angels of God and God Himself in the place God would have wanted him. This is a sad place in my heart because a man with so many gifts that are of God and he may never have the chance to play it for God in front of God. That is the tragedy of it all. This does not make MJ a bad person by any means, it just makes him a person who missed the plan God had for him. Again, a lesson in the midst of his life for us all to learn from. God has a plan for us all to be in heaven and it is our choice to make the change to except that gift. It is a gift that comes with conditions, but a gift well worth the wait. It is my prayer that MJ made that choice and change and it is my prayer that all of you who read this, make that change as well. Except the gift and plans God has for you and make a difference. MJ will be missed greatly and is appreciated by all for what he has done, despite his faults, despite his errors in judgement, MJ's impact will be felt far more and far deeper in a positive light then any negative part he may have had to endure. Thank you MJ for the memories you have left us with, thank you for allowing us to be witnesses to your unbelievable gift, thank you for giving us all of you for so many years. Our prayers are with your family now, may they come to know the God of God's in a way like never before. R.I.P.

Seriously....no really....Seriously....

Ok...so every now and then I have to voice some concerns I have about our society and lately, I have been overwhelmed with stories in the news I can not even find a place to start. I am blown away by the news that is put out and the topics that people in society create. I am also blown away by how foolish...or, can I just call it what it really is? (thanks) Absolutely ignorant and down right crazy mess!! I mean really, we have to do a better job at life and stop all this craziness. Now I know what your saying....you are saying that you are not one of these people and you may agree or disagree but it is like the old saying..."that happens to other people, not me" the problem with that is......you are the "other" person sometimes and therefor not exempt from issues and craziness. On the other hand, we may not contribute to it and that is true...but what are we doing to stop it? What are we doing to address the mess and help others see a better way? What are we doing to help society fix what is going to end up destroying us. After spending the week breezing over the news...here is some of the items we are facing...NFL suspends Stallworth indefinitely and people are so surprised and can not believe it. Saying that this is a harsh punishment handed down by the NFL. Really? Seriously? He killed a man while driving his car...drunk!! Again, he killed a man and only got 30 days in jail!!!! And we are so shocked the NFL was so harsh? Really? What is crazy is..Mike Vick served over a year and a half for killing or having a part in the killing of dogs. Again...dogs. So you can kill a man while driving drunk...which is also illegal...but do not kill a dog or have an association with those who do kill dogs...or you will be torn apart by protest and complaints. Where are the protests against the jail time for Stallworth? Also in the news...attacks against President Obama for killing a fly on T.V. and the complaint is he violated "bug rights". Seriously? Really? Come on...I am rolling my eyes as I type this. "Bug rights"...Really? But Cheney can hunt quail on a private farm that have been raised specifically for hunting. To quote a famous mind..."that's all I have to say about that." Next....Jon & Kate....'nuff said. Again...it is suppose to be news worthy. Also in the news, a convicted sex offender found guilty AGAIN of raping a 4 year old child gets 1 year in jail. One year? Really? Seriously? So..kill a man while you are drunk, rape a child when you have a record for that already....no big deal, max 1 year. Associate with people who killed some dogs or kill a fly...you are so unworthy to walk the earth? Really? Some other areas for concern with these....Take God out of school but make it legal for teachers to have sex with students as long as they are 18. (Washington state) It is unconstitutional to have a moment of silence in schools (Illinois) but after attending multiple graduations for the class of 2009, every single one started with a prayer and every single student thanked God for the journey they have endured and wish their classmates God's blessings. So who is crazy now? The students or the parents who complain and demand God to be moved out of school? Or better yet, us, the church for our lack of toughness on addressing these issues and bringing God back up in the schools and making our voice heard among the others in the world. We have let the competition take control and our God has commanded us to tell others about His word and address these issues. As I look over these stories and the many more like them, I have to sit back and be concerned about the direction we are headed. I also am thankful that I serve the God I serve who is able to lift me above the troubles, however He does not leave me to ignore the issues rather address them and give them a voice. Let your voice be heard, let your heart be filled with passion and motivation to speak the word of God to a dying world. The latest news clips are examples of the lost souls trying to find purpose. I would dare to say that their purpose is not chasing a President who kills a fly and not ignoring the needs of a child who has been raped. It is not finding justice in placing more value on a dogs life than that of a humans. God will judge our actions...so what actions have you taken?

Dad's Day......

At the end of this week, most will celebrate the "Dad's" in their lives and spend a few hours thanking them for all they do for the family and for being the infamous "#1 Dad" and millions of men will walk around in those shirts and hats that shout their #1 status to the world. Or at least the local McDonalds, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Autozones. As I reflect on this particular day being a dad of 2 and one on the way, I think about the status dad's have in society and it is so disappointing to know that in reality, we dad's are viewed in a more negative light then positive at times. Now there are some breakthroughs and some dad's who are talked about and boasted in the world and rightly so. However as our past has shown us, dad's are more absent in the lives of their children and the home. Single mothers have held this burden for so many years and it shows everyday. Look at a football game when the camera is on the players on the sidelines, they smile real big and say "Hi Mom!!" The card section at the stores for Mother's Day take up 2 full racks and Father's Day is a small section. When it comes to children at the school, Doctor's office, or any other place both parents could show up at, it is the mom they are talking to and the dad is the after thought. God called Adam to lead his home and when he surrendered that leadership out of order, they both fell from Grace. On Mother's Day, the malls are filled, stores are torn apart by family members trying to buy that special gift for Mom to let her know she is the greatest!! They prepare breakfast in bed, dinner at a nice restaurant, gifts, flowers, massages, and a favorite event. Even church's reference Mothers Day as a specific day that wayward members show up. They call these members C.M.E. members. Christmas, Mother's Day and Easter. Why? Cause on Father's Day...church is a normal day, and the family doesn't seem to flock to church for this "special day". Many of us will look back on our own fathers in sadness for the lack of leadership and guidance they provided, if they were even there. They always use the same excuse as well. "I just want you to be better then me." With the bar being set so low, we can not fail....can we? The Truth of the matter is this....families need dad's, and dad's need to step up and know their roll in the family. God called Adam to tend to the land God created and all that was in the land. The bible tells us that Eve was created as a "helpmate" to Adam. So what that tells me is Dad's are suppose to take care of all the needs of the home and family and the moms are suppose to be there as a helpmate. In other words, it is not the moms "duty" to clean, cook, do laundry, grocery shop, and take care of the kids with school, bathing, bed time, and all the many needs they will have. It is the dad's responsibility to take care of all that and mom is there to help. Statistics show that when fathers lead their family to church, over 90% of families are successful and follow in the church. When fathers lead families, daughters have an image of the type of man they should look for and sons see the type of man they should become. Wife's are encouraged and supportive and feel safe behind a man who leads them. When Fathers lead the home and do what God has called them to do, the home is blessed and becomes a blessing to others, doors are opened that would not otherwise be open. On this Father's Day, the challenge is out there to all father's. Are you doing what God has called you to do? Are the being the husband that God called you to be? Are you being the Father that God has called you to be? God has given us a tremendous example of how to be a father and so many tools to use to accomplish this. If we follow His examples...."He will never leave us, nor forsake us" "He loves us" "He will make a way out of no way". If we follow His example of unconditional love and guidance, our families would be set for a amazing future. On this Father's Day....take your positions as Father's and raise your children according to the word of God and provide for them, lead them, nurture them, and tell them you love them by words and action. If you do this...you will not look for a new T-shirt or tie. You will not get your hopes up for a set of new golf clubs, (though it would be great!!) you will not worry about a new set of tools or any other gift. Your reward comes from the love you receive from your wife and children everyday and the assurance of God's blessings on your home. Your reward is greater than any gift you could receive of monetary value. Father's Day should be a day that the whole family gets excited for because it is a day set aside specifically for dad, the man of the house, a man who should take joy in working hard to provide and secure his family, no matter the cost. If you do this, you will not need to wait on the "#1 Dad" T-shirt from your kids...you can go buy it yourself!! Happy Fathers Day.

I'm Still Here.....

Winds blow with the strength of 10 thousand breathes of God
causing mass devastation to all that stands in the path
breaking down others one by one causing each to fall in to a pit of no return
Water..
pouring down the streets of hopes and dreams
causing the efforts to drown in self revelation of plans that are lacking purpose
sending souls down dark streets
no light to shine on the paths that bring purpose to a destiny
hearts broken due to past pains and struggles that caused to turn in the direction of lost
Storms rage like that of the flood that ended the world in Biblical times
Storms that end the very life opportunities that stand in the plate of fulfilment
Particles left to shape and mold in to the very thing that was designed to set you free
I have stared at these storms face to face many times
standing in the midst of flooding waters all around
washing my opportunities away as I was slow to reach for a covering
As I stand in the storms.....
I am reminded of the thorn in the side of the Apostle Paul that God would not remove
Letting Paul know that some of his storms would follow him throughout the rest of his days
it is storms like this that make us who God calls us to be
It is storms like this that allow us to get soaked, down to the very core of our spirit
weak, tested and hurt
feeling like we are made to rubber with no strength to push forward and take the next step
It causes us to look around and feel like we are not where God wants us to be
However...
it is at that point in the storm when you are soft and full of pain and hurt
it is at that point in your life where you feel like you are not where you are....that God says He has you right where you need to be
As it storms, the water soaking you up, turning your spirit to puddy
God begins to finish His work in you as promised
He takes your broken spirit and tells you He loves you
He takes your closed up eyes and opens them to see a new plan...the vision He has that becomes your purpose
He lifts you up above the water and tells you just to have faith so that you can walk on top of the flooding waters
He lifts your head towards the grace He has always given to you
He opens your hands and take a hold of them
Quietly telling you as you begin to walk....that He will never let go of you
Storms continue to come from time to time
Your life is full of opportunity to be watered to grow
but in these new storms...you stand above the floods
and at times you may slip and get wet
but you look up and see that God
still.....has your hands.
I have been in storms and stand in the midst of one that caused me to get wet
but my hands are still held by my God
my strength is still supplied by His spirit
my heart...
still mended by his mercy
and as I walk above the floods....
covered by God's Grace
I smile and tell God
I'm still here..........

What Choice Will You Make?....

1 Thessalonians 5:9 says, "for God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."

What a tough decision it is to make when you are faced with 2 options in life where one gives you instant satisfaction and an immediate resolve and the other one gives you life. We all may believe that when faced with this type of obstacle that we would all choose the right one but what is the right one? At the time of action, do we really know? Growing up I have spent more than half of my life fighting and going after others to fight for various reasons, none which are justifiable. When me and some friends get together, we often talk and laugh about the people we have "beat down" at clubs, parks, or the middle of the streets. As we talk about it, we all agree that in those days we felt like we could not be touched and we never got caught for fighting. We would always stop and blend in when the authorities came. As we have gotten older, and prayerfully wiser, we also agree that those days are gone. Now, if the need was really there, and we had no other option at that moment and needed to defend ourselves, well, it's like riding a bike, you never forget how. As life throws us options now, we have to be aware of some simple facts that make the situations a reality. One wrong move can change your whole life and the lives of those around you. None of us are perfect, only Jesus was perfect and even He faced some hard choices and obstacles and thank God He made the right ones. I have recently faced a moment of truth and had to make a very challenging choice. On one side, I could have chosen to satisfy my immediate "fix" and quenched an urge. On the other side, I could make a choice to walk in my salvation and have life. I made the choice to walk in my salvation and life. Why? That is the question I asked the whole night after it happened. Why? My past would have made a much different choice and the choice would have escalated across many others who were involved. However, I understand a few things about me and what I want out of life and I have enough failures that I don't need to help add to my failures when I have a clear cut choice in front of me. The situation that presented it self and put me in that moment of truth was a situation that caught me so off guard, I was not sure if it was real or a joke. However, I know the why? and all the reasons I made the choice of salvation. First and foremost, I am serious about God and my walk with Him. I have seen so many say that they are Christians and claim to be a follower of Christ, walking around saying that they will not others "block their blessing" all the while they are living in sin when they have the option to change it but don't and their actions create situations that cause harm to them and others around them. When I speak to others about Christ, I want to be sure that I am speaking what I am living. Leadership is being able to lead by example and show others it can be done. I also don't believe in others "blocking my blessing." Only I can block my own blessing by either my actions, or allowing others actions to do such. The other reason I did not jump at the chance to satisfy my own selfish need and get immediate satisfaction was because of my children. What example would I set for my kids if I engaged in actions that could potentially change the entire direction of both their lives? What good would it do to make a choice that could destroy every thing I have worked so hard to set up for them? The third reason is because of my wife who I can not imagine living without. If I made the choice to satisfy my urge, it could have possibly changed the direction God has us on in our marriage. There is a few other reasons that caused me to make the choice I did, but none are as important as God, my wife, and my family. Why are we so selfish that we will sacrifice the gifts that God has provided for us and risk losing everything we have, just to satisfy our own selfish needs? What ever that "Moment of Truth" is for you, what choice will you make? What options will you weigh in your mind and more importantly in your heart? What is greater to you? When me and my friends talk about the past and laugh about our actions and what we did before, we all agree 100% that God, our wives, and our families are never worth the risk to do what we used to. With those choices, the rewards are far greater then any action that may provide me with satisfying a selfish need or the need to run and tell others, "yea, I did that to him." I would much rather hear God say, "Yes, I have this for you."

So often in life we get to a place in our busy busy schedule that we tend to lose sight of just how much God will take care of. If I am alone on this, fine, I will take that, just put this in your pockets to hold on to as an "in case" situation, should you ever forget. See, we know what God can do, we talk about it all the time and have seen it in our lives. However, at times, frustration comes up when we get so busy and we forget who is always in control. (What are you talking about...I am sure you asked.) Good question.

2009 started out with huge plans and big goals ahead. My amazing wife went back to school to finish her Masters which I am so proud of her for doing, and after a 15 year vacation, with only a few months accounted for 12 years ago, I started school to get my degree. Now, not much it seems but my daughter is also playing Volleyball, my son plays basketball. My wife and I both work full time and work for our local church with children and youth. Now, if you married you know that takes work, kids, more work, sports with your kids...more, church involvement...more, career.....a lot....now add school for both parties. Whew!!!! When my wife and I sat down to talk about both of us going back to school, we talked about the time factor and how busy we would be and it would be a challenge till the end. We both prayed and agreed it would work. We could do it. Once it all kicked it, I remember laying in my bed thinking "what did I just get myself in to?" I have been out of school for a long time and the truth is I am probably the same age as many of my professors which can be a challenge with communication. It became so hectic I did not know if I made the right choice and if we were in trouble. It has been so busy and so challenging that sleep is hard to get and seeing the light seems too far away.

However, just when you feel you are digging that hole. Just when you feel that you have nothing left to go on. Like trying to keep up with the class work, perform at work, be a good husband, take care of your home, make plans for the youth of your church so they get the Good Word, and be a parent that your kids will want to be like when they get older and be there all the time for them, you can get a little caught up and stressed. This is when we have to remember who is in control. God will make a way. A few weeks ago, I had no idea if I was going to make it through and trying to figure out a way to balance the ship and make sure my wife was not stressing about any of this. I understand as a husband, I have taken the responsibility to do all I can to make my wife as stress free as possible and carry the burden for her. In the midst of it all, God stepped in. This past weekend was evident that God was telling me, as He tells us all, "Don't worry, I got you." See, this weekend, though it was a fury of things to do, we made it through and it was a great time. I got caught up on my school work and got ahead in my classes, got some work done around the house, and got my message prepared for the youth I was preaching to on Sunday. God had opened a door for me to speak at another church and we were bringing my youth group with us. So I got caught up, but that was nothing compared to what God did the rest of the weekend. On Saturday, my daughter had a volleyball tournament that lasted all day and my son had a basketball game in the middle of her tournament. At my son's game, after running up and down the court for 5 quarters, (they play 6) he got a pass from his teammate, turned around and made a great shot off the backboard for his first basket in a game. I was out on the floor coaching him along and lost focus, grabbed him and gave him a huge hug. He was so excited, jumping up and down all the way down the court. Once his game was done, he got a star for Offensive Player of the Game. We celebrated and rushed back over to my daughters tournament. They kept playing and at the end of the day, they finished in third place and won a medal. This is her first medal for sports and they all did a great job. We celebrated again for a great day. We ran home and had a surprise for the kids that evening. We got home, changed and took off to check out the Spurs game against the Hornets at the AT&T Center thanks to our Uncle who left us some tickets. The kids were so excited to see the game once we got there, talking away and just smiling. (by the end of the game however, little man was knocked out sleep) Sunday, God continued to be God. We loaded up the youth, headed over to the other church and spent the worship time with 115 youth. God gave me a word on Redemption to preach and at the end of service, 3 young people came back to Christ. God is so awesome. They all said they had a great time and were already planning the next visit.

So after all my concerns and sleepless moments, God still is God. The best part of the whole thing is my kids accomplishments and the youth walking with Christ. It just shows that it is not about us, not about what we can do and accomplish, it is about God and His plan and as parents, it is about our children. As a husband, it is about my family. Now that I am ahead on my studies and clear of stress, I can make sure that my wife stays stress free and knows that I am there to help her as well. Thank you God for always being there and always providing a way when I get lost. He will do the same for everyone, just ask.

34 years and rollin'.....

On 4 January 2009 I turned 34 years old. Now I am not like most when it comes to my age though I may joke around and say I am younger, it is not because I wish I was, however it is because it is how I feel. I am proud to be 34 because I feel like I am still 20 or younger. God has been that good to me. And if numbers are significant...and they are, then take a gander at the following.

3...represents the Trinity. (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
4...is the Trinity plus one...or 3+1=4. The 4 being Creation. The fourth verse in the bible is the creation of or separation of light and darkness with the sun, moon, and stars. When I think about the Stars, I think about the infinite possibilities those stars represent. So all in all, with the presence of the Trinity with #3 and the Creation and infinite possibilities with #4, I am getting ready for some great Blessings this year and some wonderful things to take place. In addition, 3+4=7...Completion, so now I am in to the year of new beginnings. God is awesome.

So what about 34? What do I have to be proud of at 34? This blog would be too long if I listed it all so here is a few....

God has redeemed me from my past trouble, and there was a lot. He has let me know that I am still His child and I still have a purpose. (tears STILL fill my eyes when I think about where He has brought me from...if you all only knew.)

I have the most amazing wife that God has granted me. I am not smart enough to ask or pray for someone as amazing as her. She has to be one of His greatest Angels and He saw fit for me to have her as my wife. Some may feel that this is a plug but it is merely the truth and a sign of how we all should appreciate and view our spouses because God can take them away when ever He desires. Every day I wake up and look in to her eyes, I see my reflection of God and it reminds me how blessed I am and what I am committed to in providing for her.

God has blessed me with two wonderful children. ME?!! As a father? Please...I never would have picked it or wanted me as a father, but God's Grace has made it so. They may not know in their young age, and may not ever fully comprehend it but despite the obstacles, despite the challenges, I will never fail them, never let them down, never throw my hands up, and am always, ALWAYS, praying and seeking a way to be an even better daddy than I was the day before. They are the Grace God gave to save me from the wrong path and the miracle that reminds me of who God is. For that, I am so grateful.

God has blessed me to be in a place to have more children down the road. To continue to pour His love in to others and share them with my wife forever. Wow, how God changes things from our past and makes you see how blessed we are. (inside thought...sorry)

My past is just that, my past and at 34, I have been fortunate to sit with wise counsel and learn, as well as sit under teaching to show me the right way. I have been blessed with a gift of writing and have been put in a place to try and impact the lives of others and tell them about this God who saved me. Some may call me wise, some may call me "deep", some wonder why I do what I do and what is the point. God. He is the point and the wisdom is merely God using my experience to help others. I had a conversation with my wife a couple weeks ago and we were talking about the titles the church gives us like Minister, etc.. I appreciate the calling God has put on my life and will walk in it, however I told my wife that it is my hope that it is not the title, the writings, or even the words I speak to others, but rather my life and how I live it that is the example people look at that brings them to Christ. Words can be poured out but if it is from an empty cup, they are only letters. And that is what I have to celebrate at 34....that I still have the chance to continue and live according to what God has and according to how He would want.

I hope your next birthday is celebrated the same way!! Happy Birthday to me...Happy Birthday to me....HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. JEFFREY....thank God I've been set free!!