Beating the Wind

I love the early morning. I love to wake up when it is still dark and still outside. I find that on most mornings I usually wake up around 2 minutes before my clock actually goes off. The first thing that I do as my feet hit the floor is to quickly survey the outside. In my bedroom there are three large sliding doors and I love to stare out into the darkness. I do this in anticipation of the prize. From my morning routine, I have realized that If the timing is right, I will have just enough time to grab my phone (for pictures) and a hot cup of coffee and head out to the docks to assume the position in my favorite and special spot. I have learned that on most mornings the opportunity cost of rising early pays spectacular benefits. So I patiently await the wonderful prize that I just know I am getting ready to receive. The anticipation is often palpable. I find my self waiting and wondering…sitting and thinking…praying and pondering. Some times my thoughts are just simply…will I be rewarded for my diligence? Living on the St. Johns river in North Florida is a wonderful experience, because most mornings I am not at all disappointed. I get to experience the splendor of God as He paints the sky with light. The Sun slowly rises on the eastern horizon and watching it rise…never gets old. I have taken thousands of pictures of the Florida Sunrise and some have ask me why. The reason is that people who are my friends on facebook from all over the world are counting on me…waiting for the picture, they are soldiers in Afghanistan, seminary students in North Carolina, sister’s in Tennessee, friends in California and Nevada. I try not to disappoint so I enjoy waiting and posting. But this is not the only reason that I do this…I love the morning…I believe that God is the greatest artist ever and as I watch Him paint the sky with light, I feel very close to Him. So enjoy the sunrise, I will continue posting and I hope and pray that you enjoy them. Peace!

Is Obama for real…this is a question being ask more and more by average Americans as we barrel down the path to his (Obama’s) supposed hope and change. As we approach the 2012 presidential election it is blatantly apparent that we as a nation need to turn back to God and to pray. We need reform and change if we are going to survive as a nation. Never before in the 235 year history of our great nation have as we been so politically polarized. Elected officials cannot work out differences, they are unwilling to work together for solutions, putting their political party and personal aspirations above that of the people of the great country that has elected them. One of the major problems is that we as a people have stopped demanding excellence and holding these people that we put into office accountable. We have become a nation of consumers…we build very little and the little that we do not ship overseas to be mass produced most Americans could not even fathom what it would be like to afford the purchase any way. We have also become a nation of rebellion and protest without cause. In the 60′s and 70′s when people protested, they could at least articulate the reason they were protesting. The occupy movement prevalent today has stirred up “the 99%” and most of these folks have no idea why or what they are even protesting. They some how feel oppressed because they cannot understand why some are wealthy and they are not. Can I suggest that the people that have made lots of money have been willing to work hard and spend the time that it takes to accomplish this. Most people today are unwilling to work and earn, they are upset because no one is willing to give them their part of the American dream. I know that many will most likely be upset by reading this blog and for this I am truly sorry. I believe that someone needs to say these things and my hope is to stimulate thought. We the people, still matter and our voice and vote still counts. We each have a vote which means we have a voice in the process. These occupier’s are looking to Obama to supply them with his hope and change. Obama’s hope and change comes at a huge cost and frankly he cannot and will not provide this. Face the facts, he does not know how to bring hope or change. Are the American people really ready to throw in the towel and accept his socialistic ideals? Are we ready to give up to him this country on a platter or are we going to continue allowing him to spend us into oblivion? It seems that his administration is out to destroy all the values that mean the most to the average American. Who are the average American, people who work hard, raise families and love this great country. It is simply amazing at how Obama’s actions have greatly affected our country. When will it stop? Can I encourage you to stop and pray…let us take our country back, let us rebel at the ballot box…I wish there were a way there were away to allow us to make a clean sweep and start from scratch. It is time that we hold these people accountable. I would love to see people in office who hold this country in deep regard, not some political hack who is not smart enough to make it in the real world. I would love to see the best and brightest in our country be encouraged and serve our great nation. I have the privilege of working with a very smart group of college students who have no desire to hold public office and this troubles me. We as a nation need to ask the hard questions…why are they not willing to serve? It is because the machine that has become government no longer looks to the good of country…it has become a series of failed programs and policies. We are broken and need to restore the values once held near and dear to our hearts. Hope and change can take place, but it is going to be at the ballot box. We are electing a President as well as key congressional and senate seats. These are up for grab in November. Get Active, get out and find out about the candidates, ask the tough questions, make demands…we can be many voices, let us take our great country back…I would love to hear from you. Let me know how you feel. Peace, let us strike back and Occupy America!

Here is one of my old post about my fond memories of Christmastime on Bearwallow Road, Ashland City, Tennessee

Cold, brown, bleak…dampness

The smell of wet leaves, wood smoke, coal soot

Trees…the bare branches moving in the cool air

Frost on the windows…behind the windows soft lights from lamps on end tables

Warmth from a gas stove…warm socks on wood floors…a ten year old’s dream

Wonderful smells wafting from the kitchen…iron beds…mattresses to soft…wardrobes with secret drawers. A pocket knife, colored lights on a fresh cut cedar that does not fit well in the stand…simple ornaments, each one having a specific and special meaning…conjuring thoughts of Christmas’ past

The here and now…grand children…children…family and friends, a season of joy, a season of hope! A love for God and a love for people…memories that transport you back to a place and a season…Christmastime on Bearwallow…

One of the favorite things to do with my family is to spend time in the great out doors camping. My entire family loves to camp. We enjoy spending time with our grown daughters and their husbands and we really love having all the grandkids around. Because our family is growing and leaving home, my wife and I have developed several camping scenarios. Normally, for camping trips of less than three days we leave our Coachman travel trailer at the house and go old school by camping in our Coleman six man tent. Camping in tents can be fun and the major advantage is that tent camping is easier and cheaper. As my wife and I grow older with grace, we understand the importance of a good nights sleep…this is where my disappointment begins. We have accumulated a variety of camping equipment over the years and I look for bargains and quality gear. Over the years I have bought many air mattresses of various sizes. We learned early on in our camping experience, to steer clear of most store brand mattresses (Ozark Trail, etc..) because the quality is just not there and they will not hold up. I am normally a big fan of Coleman camping equipment but recent mattress failures have caused me to have to reconsider. I am disappointed because the last three Coleman air mattresses that I have purchased have failed prematurely. They have failed under gentle use. I take care of my equipment and use it in the way that it supposed to be used. LIke I said, I am a huge fan of Coleman equipment, but the new equipment being produced should not have (in my opinion) the great mans name on the goods. I have a Coleman Stove from 1960 that works wonderfully, I have a Coleman “Sunshine of the Night” Lantern from 1980 which is very high quality and has lit our family camp sites for years. I am disappointed in these air mattresses so I would not suggest that anyone purchase one because they will fail after gentle use. I am currently looking at the AeroBed and will probably make the purchase very soon. I did find a handy web site, that reviews different mattresses at this link. http://bestairmattressreviews.com/ Happy camping…:)

Let me know what your air mattress recommendations are or your air mattress failures…

Cultural Christianity…this is a term being thrown around a lot today as believers constantly search for significance in a digital world. And what truly is amazing to me about this term is that 20 years ago, this statement would have never been vocalized or discussed. It is almost as if the 21st century believer is trying to find ways to fit into modern culture. This is a difficult dilemma, because modern culture often is in stark contrast to what the church believes. The modern culture that I am writing about is very much anti Christian. The church many times struggles at finding ways that will allow them to better fit into their communities. When this happens they forget that scripture teaches that we are not to conform to the patterns of this world. The 21st century church needs to stop looking for the God they want and start seeking the God who is. Think about it, His word does not change. The Church has been set apart for the work of God. We are to seek His perfect will not acceptance from community. God demands our excellence. Anything less brings no honor to Him. He is God and He is sovereign. He still is in control and we need never forget this. Why do people join the church today? Is it for cultural reasons, I pray not. The Church is not a bed and breakfast; it is a hospital seeking those who desire a transformed life! The Church is an army that is equipping the current generation to share the life changing good news of Jesus Christ. I hope that you are ready for battle. I love you all.

This is a very special young lady…she is my oldest grandchild and is destined to be a superstar…

I found this on one of the blogs that I read this morning and could not help but share it with all of you. Remember, why we celebrate the season…

“Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9 (HCSB)

I believe that every moment of everyday people are searching for peace. There is so much strife, chaos and turmoil in the world. People are hurting and searching. They are looking for hope, they are looking for peace. If there was ever a time in the history of the modern church that Providential peace was required, I believe that the time we are experiencing now would qualify. So many are searching! This could be a great time of revival for the church if Christians would just take the opportunity to introduce the people to the God of peace. Jesus said, “blessed are the peacemakers”. Notice He did not say blessed are the peaceful. He was addressing a specific group of people. He was talking to those who are not only living in peace, but also those who are capable of bringing peace and harmony to others. As Christians, we are live in peace. We are to search out and seek ways to help and minister to others. We are to help people reconcile with each other. I believe today that real revival would take place in the 21st Century Church if true believers would genuinely reconcile with each other. In order to be a peacemaker, we have to be willing to forgive one another Are you a peacemaker? Jesus was. He was sent into this world to make peace between God and people. If you are searching for the peace of God today, you have to know the God of peace! In order to be called a son or daughter of God, we must be at peace with Him and those whom we come into contact with. My prayer for you today is that you will totally realize the peace of God! I love you all!

I took this picture with my phone the other morning. It was the kind of view, that required a moment of silence. God is an amazing artist.

“For what I have received may the Lord make me truly thankful. And more truly for what I have not received.”
Storm Jameson

During this season of Thanksgiving I want to encourage you to take some time and think about all of the things that you are truly thankful for. This exercise in counting your blessings might just surprise you. First, we need to remember the source of our thankfulness. What are you truly thankful for? For many people this may be a tough question to answer. So many people are struggling and dealing with real life issues. I have found in my own life, that when I am dealing with major life issues, my God is at work. These times of challenge many times allow me to realize my proximity to my Savior and often bring me closer to God. Many times our condition of thankfulness comes from the “stuff” that we own. The possessions that we accumulate are nice and we should be thankful for those things, but if you really think about it, we have so much more to be thankful for. If you are like me, I tend to take my real blessings for granted and totally miss the opportunity to give thanks for what really matters. So today, I am declaring an awareness of thankfulness. I am going to list the top 10 things that I am really thankful for…so here goes:
1. I am thankful that I am loved by a Holy God and that my life has been bought and paid for at a HUGE expense.
2. I am thankful…for every breath that He (God) allows me to take. I realize that His plan for my life is to Boldly Proclaim Him.
3. I am thankful for the Word of God…it truly is our instruction for life here on this earth and it brings me much peace, comfort and conviction.
4. I am thankful for a wonderful (Godly) wife that He gave to me. I could not have done this on my own…I am beyond blessed and I realize it more and more each day.
5. I am thankful for three beautiful daughters that love the Lord their God with all their hearts, minds and souls.
6. I am thankful for my grandchildren. They truly are a great blessing to me, and for this I will be forever thankful. I am looking forward to seeing how He is going to use them.
7. I am thankful for the irrevocable call to ministry that He has placed on my life…I could not imagine doing anything other than what He has called me to do and the people that He has called me to do it with.
8. I am thankful for family and friends…they bring value to my life and provide me the opportunity to minister and be ministered to.
9. I am thankful for His great creation, the serenity and power of the ocean, the grandeur and majesty of the mountains. Only God, could have built something so awesome and for the blessings of being able to enjoy His creation, I am thankful.
10. I am thankful for the wind…because it is a constant reminder that God is with me and that I am to stay clean and close.

What are you thankful for?