I'm Just Saying....

Imagine....

As I've already admitted, I'm a big fan of the show "Glee". It's a fun watch, but the music is the part that really hooks me. As I was watching this week's episode on my DVR, they had a part that moved me. Another local show choir came for a practice...but this group was from a school for the deaf. They signed to the song "Imagine" by John Lennon, as the group from "Glee" joined in. I've heard the song before, but the lyrics really touched me as I listened to it last night. Here's some of those words:

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

What a beautiful image...no hunger, no war, no division, no greed. It's a dream, to be sure, but one worth working toward, don't you think? Here's hoping we can all imagine a world like that, too....and that we can do our part to make it happen.

(Couldn't find a video clip of the performance...but here's the song....)

I'm Thankful 4....Kidney Failure

(This is the final post in my Thanksgiving series for this year. Click the numbers to read parts 1, 2, and 3.)

I'm sure that headline has got you wondering...."What does he mean, he's thankful for kidney failure?!" On the surface, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense....but bear with me.

As I've shared, finding out that I had IgA nephropathy in June really rocked my world. Knowing I would have to deal with this for the rest of my life really shook me up at first, but as time has gone by, there are so many things to be thankful for about it:

I learned full and total reliance on God. Laying on an operating table, covered by the blue shroud, waiting for the surgery to put in the permanent catheter in my neck that will be my lifeline in dialysis, I was beginning to freak out. As the worry and tension started to rise, a song filled my head. It was "Be Still And Know That I Am God". I sang that in my head, and it brought me a peace like I've never known. Even though my body may fail, I know that His love, acceptance, grace, strength, and forgiveness never will. Since that time, God has shown up in amazing ways to show me that everything is in His hands....and I'm OK with that.

I learned to let others help me. This is something I've always struggled with. I'll help anyone with anything, but I've always failed to let others help me, even when I needed it. Especially at first, when I was acutely anemic, I could barely climb a flight of stairs, let alone do any physical labor. My family and friends surrounded me and helped to take care of all those "little" things I did before. As much as I love to serve others, it's humbling and blessing to allow others to serve me...and I'm thankful for those that helped.

I learned to appreciate the gifts God's given all around me. The time with family and friends is more special to me than it was before. I don't take the time I have with those I love for granted anymore. Each day is a gift, and I intend to make the most of it. One of the side effects of dialysis is muscle cramping. I started walking at night to help me sleep. When I go out, it's amazing to see the beauty of His creation at night: the stars, the moon, nature, and animals...it's like He picks new things to show me every time I'm out...and I would have missed all this without this disease.

I learned to empathize with others more. I've always been healthy, and had never spent the night in the hospital before this summer. In fact, I hated even visiting, as it reminded me that someday I could get sick. That all changed after that first night there. I realized how hard it is and how much it can drain you. I understood how tough it can be to work in that field....and I understood how my attitude can affect everyone that comes in contact with me. Through this disease, I've had the chance to meet fellow patients and health care workers that I would have never known otherwise. I've had the chance to be "Jesus with skin on" to them, if only for a few minutes at a time, but I hope I've done Him justice. I've been able to build relationships and share how my faith is bringing me through this. There is alot of hopelessness at dialysis, and it seems like many have given up. I'm thankful God's given me a new mission field, and I intend to make the most of the opportunity.

I've learned many other things, too, and this experience has changed me, hopefully for the better. Now, don't get me wrong....I didn't wish for this, and often prayed at first for God to take it away...but His plans are greater than my plans, and this is the path He's chosen for me to walk along with Him, and I am truly thankful for the many lessons my kidney failure has taught me.

Most of us, at some point in our lives, will face trials and life-changing events. We've got the choice to let it consume and destroy us, or the choice to use it to grow and for His glory...but it's always our choice. Here's hoping that we can find things to be thankful for no matter what our station in life is today.

I'm Thankful 4...Friendship

(This is part 3 of my Thanksgiving series...Click on the numbers to read parts 1 and 2.)

Stepping onto campus at Taylor University my freshman year for early football practice was very scary and intimidating. I knew my future brother-in-law, but no one else. Going from school in a small town where you knew everyone to this brand new experience was hard, and I wondered if I'd meet even one person that could measure up to the friendships I had at home...then I met Adam & Matt.

These two were from Indianapolis, and friends from way back. Though we couldn't have been more different in looks and likes, they accepted me into their circle like I had always been there. From that connection, they introduced me to Tica, a friend from home. After a few weeks, she brought Alisa & Susan into the gang, and it continued to grow. Kim, Fred, John, Yvonne, and Lisa all became fast friends and soon the group was pretty large.

We had some great times together. From late night runs to Steak & Shake, to laughing so hard we cried, this group was always together, and never a dull moment. We were always trying to one-up the others. One day, the girls put a dog in our room while we were home for the weekend. You can imagine what it did...but we had a plan. During the next open dorm, we cleaned out all their makeup and hair product and accessories out of their rooms and held it hostage until they begged for it back. We also did alot of pranks I'd probably be embarrassed to type here, but suffice it to say we had a lot of fun together during those four years.

We had fun, to be sure, but what made this group of friends special was the bond, the loyalty, the support, and the honesty. When one of us was hurting, the group was there to lift them up again. When one of us needed help, each of the others would offer the shirt off their backs. When one of us was doing something wrong, the others loved them enough to speak the truth in love, and though sometimes we got mad at each other, those moments only served to strengthen our bond. I remember pouring my heart out to them, and listening to their heartbreaks. I remember rejoicing with great news, and holding each other when the news broke us. We studied the Bible together and prayed together, and most of us spent a month together building a camp in the jungles of South America one January. God was very much a part of this group, too. I've never been as challenged and grown as much as I had with this band of brothers and sisters, and I'm a better man for the impact they have had on my life.

After graduation, many of us moved away from each other, and we haven't been as great at keeping in touch...but they were still there when I needed them. They've helped me through divorce, miscarriage, childbirth and rearing, and my current health situation. They have prayed, encouraged, visited, called, and wrote...and each contact was perfectly timed to lift my spirits when I needed it most. These guys and gals are my circle, my brotherhood, my extended family, and I am so thankful for each one of them.

Most of the group met together for dinner last night, and it was like 1992 again. We fell right back into that comfort zone, and talked and laughed as time ran away from us. One thing that was neat to see is how God is still a big part of our group. One is a pastor doing amazing things in Noblesville, but each of the rest of us are very involved in our churches whether it be teaching, outreach, or other ministries. Another is hoping to plant a church very soon. These friends that carried me through the good and bad and still impacting lives like they did mine...and that warms my heart so much. They are using those gifts to bring others to Jesus, and I'm so proud to call them my friends. It was hard to leave them...we hugged extra long and promised to do it again soon...and this time we meant it.

I'm thankful for these friends because so many people spend their whole lives searching for just one true friend...and I've got a bunch. I'm so blessed to have all these wonderful people God's put in my life, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Here's hoping that you're blessed with that kind of friendship today.

I'm Thankful 4....Perspective

(This is part 2 of a series...click to read Part 1, or to read the series from previous years.)

Perspective...Webster's defines it as this: the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance.

When the diagnosis that my kidneys had failed came down, it was a crushing blow. I had been hoping and praying that my condition could be medicated, and that my body would return to full health soon. When I learned long term dialysis amounting to 12 hours a week and a transplant were my only options, it was a difficult pill to swallow. It was easy to feel sorry for myself, and I did for a time...but gaining a little perspective went a long way.

My best friend's mom is suffering from cancer in her liver and serious lung problems. She's also been fight a throat condition for years that makes it hard for her to swallow. If anyone should be down about all of this, it's Juanita...but the other day I got a note in the mail from her. It was one of the most positive and encouraging notes I've ever received. She told me how much she loved me and that God has a plan for both our illnesses, even if we can't see it now. There is great power in shared experience, and the words she wrote resonated with me more so than from just about anyone else. Her perspective altered mine for the better.

I have another friend named Karen Ross. She is the mother of a good friend from high school, and her husband teaches our Sunday School class. Karen has struggled with health issues her whole adult life. She is allergic to many, many things and also deals with serious osteoporosis, leaving her in pain when she stands and walks. You wouldn't know it, though, because Karen has the most wonderful attitude. She is such an encourager, and last Sunday she gave me a little gift of a poem about how God will use me in the midst of this storm. It made me cry when I read it, because again, Karen has every reason to hate her situation...but she is using it to lift up others. Her perspective altered mine for the better.

Going to dialysis has also been an eye-opener. I hated it at first, because it just confirmed to me what I already knew: I'm sick, and I have to do this to live. That's a very humbling thing to make your peace with. At first, I kept to myself and didn't talk to anyone...but God opened doors to start to build friendships with other patients, and I found out that my situation wasn't as bad as I thought. Many people at my dialysis center have health issues so severe that they don't have the option of transplant. Some have lost limbs to poor circulation and severe diabetes. Some are made so sick by the treatments that they can't even walk out of the center, instead having to be wheeled out. Even yesterday, I spoke to Mrs. Klotz and she shared about having to get a knee replacement removed because of an infection, and she has been in 7 different hospitals over a year's span of time. Stories like these make me understand that there are many so much worse off than me, and that perspective alters mine for the better.

Some have complimented me for the way I've handled this illness...but I haven't done it alone. Many more people than the ones listed above have helped to alter my perspective for the better, and made a huge difference in my life...but the bottom line is this:

Everyday we have choices. Things will happen, both good and bad, that are out of our control. The only thing we can control is how we react and deal with them. True character only reveals itself when we are squeezed, and I try to remember that as I deal with the effects of my condition. Being bitter doesn't make anything better, and often makes it worse. I have chosen to look on the bright side, make the glass half-full, and to hope for the best. Here's hoping you can find the right perspective for you today.

I'm Thankful 4....Love

(This is my annual Thanksgiving series of posts about some things I'm thankful for. If you want to see the rest of the series, you can click here.)

This year has been interesting, to say the least.

The first half of the year was fairly uneventful, but in July I got some news that rocked my world. I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure, meaning that my kidneys have basically stopped working. I began a routine of 12 hours of dialysis a week, and started the search for a donor kidney. It's been a whirlwind of activity, and dealing with something like this could be overwhelming...but it hasn't been that for me......here's why:

Love.

Plain and simple...love has made all the difference in my attitude in dealing with this disease. I'm sure you're wondering how this is....so let me tell you: love comes in many forms and actions, and here a just a few of the ways I felt love through these last 4 months:

Love is my dad coming over once a week or more to mow our lawn, especially when I was still so weak from the anemia. With the many appointments, much more of our time is taken up now, and Dad's selfless act of service gave us many hours as a family we would have spent working in the yard.

Love is my daily phone call or text from my mom. I know often she felt like she was bothering me, but honestly, I really appreciated Mom's concern for me and how things were going. She always checked in, and always ended every conversation with "I love you". I know I'm 39...but there's something reassuring and peaceful about the love of a mother, isn't it?

Love is the changes at home. With 12 hours already scheduled for me each week, things really changed at home. From learning to cook according to my new required diet, to handling more responsibilities at work, to more time with the kids without me, my wife has really stood in the gap for me during this time, and I can't thank her enough.

Love is the support of friends. From my Sunday School class joining in my annoiting service to the notes, cards, calls, and visits, to touches from people I've never met...I've been so moved by the outpouring of support for me during this time. It never gets old to have someone say they are praying for me, and I'll take all of it I can get. I know most people don't give it a second thought, but just taking that moment to encourage me and others in my position can make a bad day good.

Love is a God that doesn't give up on me. During all of this I've spent alot of time wrestling with Him, He's never left me. In fact, during the hardest times I've felt the closest to Him, and when the worries come to consume me, His peace overwhelms me. I can't imagine going through something like this without Him.

Love takes many forms...from the examples above, to many things we experience every day. One thing this disease has taught me is to not be so caught up in life, work, and "stuff" that I miss experiencing the love. From a smile that brightens a room, to a kiss that makes your heart melt...from a hug that takes your breath away, to a note that fills your heart with joy and encourages you...that's the kind of stuff I didn't even know I was missing, until I finally slowed down enough to see it right in front of me. That kind of love, and all of the examples above...that's what gets me through what I'm dealing with.

Here's hoping you are able to see the love all around you, and that you remember what you're thankful for this week...

Funny Picture Friday: Snowman Edition!!

I know it's been away for a while, but seeing these pics over at Holy Taco made me laugh and I wanted to share them with you all....enjoy and get some ideas for when the white stuff falls where you live!!









And my favorite...



Poor Frosty....have a great weekend!

The Power Of Prayer...

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

(I Thessalonians 1:2-3, NIV)

The power of prayer.

I know we've all heard stories about the miraculous power of prayer...from the stories in the Bible to testimonies heard with our own ears, God's done amazing things when His people pray. I've had a chance to experience that first-hand these past 4 months, so let me share how that's impacted me.

When I first found out my kidneys were failing, I prayed like you wouldn't believe. I prayed that they would be healed and function as normal again. I got anointed with my friends in my Sunday School class, and felt confident that God would hear and answer me. About a week later I got word that not only wasn't I healed, but that the damage done was irreversible, and I would need dialysis for the rest of my life unless I was able to find a kidney for donation. I have to admit...for a few days that broke me. I couldn't understand why He didn't answer my prayer...

Then, before I went in to have my permanent catheter put in for dialysis, it hit me. God did answer my prayer...just not the way I hoped. In not healing me, He wanted to show me His glory and power. I made my peace with that, and climbed up in His arms to have Him carry me, instead of me trying to lead Him. It was then that God really showed up...or maybe I just started noticing...

People came out of nowhere to encourage me. I've got churches I've never been to that have me on their weekly prayer list. I've even heard of people who live thousands of miles away that pray for me daily. It's the most amazing, yet humbling thing I've ever experienced. When time came to start the donation process, I hoped one or two would call in to see if they could match and donate. The donation coordinator finally told me to take the number down because she had more calls than she could process. That's amazing, humbling, and just God showing me how much He and others care for me. Also, at dialysis, it became easier to not focus on the fact I was sick and needed treatment, but to notice that God had blessed me with pretty good health in spite of this disease. There are so many there in much worse shape than I am.

Another important thing that has happened with God not healing me is the fact that I've been able to use the peace and good attitude He has given me (and believe me, it's all Him!) about this as a tool to share His love, acceptance, and forgiveness with others. It's opened doors and started conversations that I never would have imagined would've happened without it.

Do I still wish God would have healed me? Selfishly, yes...but I see His plan, and am fine with walking along that path with Him....and I know this only comes from the power of prayer from the many lifting me up daily in His presence.

Don't ever, EVER, underestimate the power of your prayers. Just a few moments of praying for someone can be life-changing for them. Here's hoping we each pray for someone today.

"The Picture On The Fridge Became Human"...

I've always loved "Ragamuffin Soul", the blog of Carlos Whittaker. He's an amazingly creative person, a great musician, and a soulful writer. (Yes, I am officially jealous.) He and his family sponsor a young girl from El Salvador through Compassion International, and his wife was able to make a trip there to meet their "little girl", and to share it with the family back home via Skype. Carlos edited the footage into a little video, and watching it made me cry. (Not a big stretch, I know....) I love how the whole family is invested in the life of this little girl halfway around the world, and I'm excited that our family has begun a similar journey ourselves.

Click here to read "The Picture on the Fridge Became Human", and be sure to watch the video...it'll touch your heart.

"The Journey"...

I was turned on to a great blog yesterday by my friend Todd Owens. It's called "The Journey" and it's written by a young lady named Katie Davis. She is a twenty-one year old who has chosen to give her life to serve others abroad. She is part of a group called Amazima that serves the underpriviledged and orphaned in Uganda. Katie not only provide medical care to many families and children, but she is a "house mother" to 14 young girls without a home.

Katie's blog is a good read not only for understanding how blessed we are here in America, but how much of a need there is all around us. She is providing for the physical needs of the people of Uganda, but deeper still she is being His hands and feet, showing His love through her actions to a people half a world away.

She doesn't blog that often, but when she does, it's worth your time. Click here to read "The Journey" and you can find a link permanently in the links section on the right side of my blog.

Using Our Falls To Lift Others Up...

“I admit that I didn’t always hold to this position. For a time I thought it was my duty to oppose this Jesus of Nazareth with all my might. Backed with the full authority of the high priests, I threw these believers—I had no idea they were God’s people!—into the Jerusalem jail right and left, and whenever it came to a vote, I voted for their execution. I stormed through their meeting places, bullying them into cursing Jesus, a one-man terror obsessed with obliterating these people. And then I started on the towns outside Jerusalem. “One day on my way to Damascus, armed as always with papers from the high priests authorizing my action, right in the middle of the day a blaze of light, light outshining the sun, poured out of the sky on me and my companions. Oh, King, it was so bright! We fell flat on our faces. Then I heard a voice in Hebrew: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me? Why do you insist on going against the grain?’

“I said, ‘Who are you, Master?’

“The voice answered, ‘I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down like an animal. But now, up on your feet—I have a job for you. I’ve handpicked you to be a servant and witness to what’s happened today, and to what I am going to show you. “‘I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’

(Acts 26:9-18, MSG)

This is a portion of Paul's speech defending himself to Festus and King Agrippa in the highest court in the land. The king asked Paul to tell his story, sharing his background with them so they could really get a feel for who he was. Paul had a choice to make: to tell the honest truth, no matter what light it painted him in, or to cover up his past and just let everyone think he's perfect. The easy choice is to cover it up, to not share things that may paint us in a less than flattering light...but Paul didn't do that. He was brutally honest about his past and his mistakes to show that God can use anyone, even someone that put Christians to death. Paul's testimony showed that God can forgive and redeem anyone and use them for His glory.

I think the same holds true for us today. It's so easy to varnish over those times in our lives when we've made bad choices and have fallen from the path we started on. In doing so, we can seal those bad memories away for good, and never have to deal with them again. Problem is, those times we are so embarrassed of can be what reaches and touches someone's heart, letting them know that the person they see as being "perfect" is no better than they are. When we are vulnerable to let people into our "story", there is a chance we will get hurt...but there is a great chance for something amazing to happen.

Here's hoping we can be honest about our failures today.

A New Addition To Our Family...

I teased this post a week or two ago, and I got a bunch of comments about it, so before I go any further, I need to clear two things up:

1. We aren't expecting a child. (Just the thought of one makes me shudder....)
2. We didn't get a new pet. (I didn't want the one we have already...)

Kris and I had been talking about sponsoring a child for a while, and a few weeks ago we went to the Casting Crowns concert. Right before intermission, Mark Hall shared about sponsorships through World Vision. This was one of the groups I had done research on, noting that over 90% of the funds brought in go directly to help children in need. For those of you unfamiliar with this concept, here's a short synopsis:

A HopeChild is a child living in a community affected by AIDS. As a HopeChild sponsor, you are connected with one special child who will know your name, write to you, and feel your tender love and prayers. Your monthly sponsorship gift can help turn the tide of the HIV and AIDS pandemic! You can provide things such as:

Clean water
Nutritious food
Health care, including AIDS prevention
Educational opportunities
Spiritual nurturing
Care for sick or dying parent
HIV and AIDS counseling

When Mark was finished, he and the band passed out cards with children on them. Kris got one, and here's our new addition:

His name is Bernardo. He's six years old, just about six months younger than our daughter. He is from Mozambique, and he enjoys playing soccer and going to school. He likes to help out at home by sweeping the floors. (I didn't include his picture, as World Vision wants to respect the privacy of the children and asks that we not post it here.) We just entered into the process so we don't know too much more about him yet, but should be receiving a full informational packet very soon. Once we receive this, we will be able to write to Bernardo and he can write back. I was excited about this opportunity to help...but what really blew me away was the response from our kids.

When we told the kids what we were doing, they were very excited. They can't wait to be able to write him and send pictures of them. As we talked with the kids about Bernardo, we were able to share some about how things are different for him there in Africa, and how blessed we are to be healthy, have food, and be able to go to school. The kids really got into it, and have committed a weekly portion of the money they earn doing chores around the house to be sent to Bernardo. What really touches my heart is to hear them pray for this young boy they've never met every night in their prayers. They pray that he is healthy. They pray that he is safe. They pray that he isn't hungry any more. As a dad, seeing the compassion my kids had for Bernardo and that they wanted to be a part of it just made my heart swell, and I also look forward to being a small part of Bernardo's life.

If this is something you may be interested in, I've found two organizations I fully support and believe in: World Vision and Compassion. Prayerfully consider taking a tiny bit of what you're blessed with and use it to change a child's life forever.

Welcome to the family, Bernardo!

"Torn To Pieces.."

"Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.

Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”

(Hosea 6:1,3 NIV)

This passage seemed pretty harsh the first time I read through it. "He has torn us to pieces....He has has injured us"? Sounds like a vengeful God, ready to smite us at a moment's notice, right? Well, if you think about it from Hosea's perspective, everything changes. Remember that God told him to marry a prostitute as an example to the people of Israel...and remember how badly that went for Hosea. Not only was she unfaithful, but she went back to her old way of business, forcing him to essentially "buy" her from her handlers.

Let's not mince words here....that had to hurt. Hosea had to have felt that he was "torn to pieces" and "injured" by just obeying God. He could have walked away from his wife and threw in the towel and no one would have blamed him. Instead, Hosea chose to persevere and keep fighting the good fight and finally won her, and many converts to the cause of Christ, in the end.

Sometimes, when life beats us up and leaves us bleeding, we feel like Hosea and want to just give up and walk away from it all....but as the second verse reminds us, pressing on and working through that pain, anger, or guilt will be worth it in the end. Grace, patience, and strength will be there at the end, just as He promised.

Here's hoping when you're "torn to pieces" that you'll allow Him to put you back together.

Casting Crowns: Concert & Meeting The Band...

A week ago Saturday night, my wife and I got to go to see Casting Crowns in concert at the Morris Center in South Bend. We had wanted to go, but didn't think that it was the best time to buy tickets. A few days before the show, I was reading the tweets of people I follow while at dialysis. I came upon Mark Hall's feed and saw that he was giving out tickets and a chance to meet the band if you tweet him back. I did so as soon as I saw it, and he sent me two tickets for the show and passes to go back and meet them. Needless to say, I was pretty stoked!

They brought us and the others that won into a ballroom next to the stage and we waited for the band to come out. I was expecting them just to come in and wave, then go on their way, but I was surprised to see each of them greet us individually and took the time to make real conversation with us. They couldn't have been more pleasant and friendly. When I met Mark, the lead singer and guy with the goatee in the middle of the picture above, I was able to tell him how much his book "Your Own Jesus" impacted me, and he was very gracious in sharing why he wrote it. This was my first meet & greet, but I was very impressed with them just as people...but then it was time for the concert!

We walked down to our seats and Mark had put us in the 3rd row. It was an incredible show. Matt Redman opened up for the Crowns, and he got the crowd into it. It really was like a three hour worship service, and I mean that as a compliment. Casting Crowns was amazing to watch, and I sang along with each song, and learned some new ones off the album due in just a few weeks. Musically, they were lights out...but Mark also took some time to share a little. I didn't know that the entire band all work with youth groups, and three of them are youth pastors, including Mark. They tour Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but are home for church on Sunday and youth on Wednesday. That's pretty cool. My favorites were "East To West" and "Praise You In This Storm", which struck me in a whole new way hearing it in concert, given my condition.

In all, it was a great night and I had a blast. Thanks so much to Mark Hall and Casting Crowns for making it an amazing night full of memories I'll never forget.

Thanks, guys....I needed that.

Set Apart...

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

(Acts 13:2-3, NIV)

Set apart...I like that phrase. While praying, God sent down word that Barnabas & Saul (or Paul) were to be "set apart" to go and tell the good news to Cyprus and beyond. God specifically called them to move away from the comfort zone of their friends, family, and church. He took them from the safety of home and placed them, essentially, into a war zone. Paul and Barnabas were willing to follow, and through their obedience, God used them in a mighty way to bring many to His glory.

I think each of us that are Christ-Follwers have been "set apart", too. I think there is a place for each of us to be serving Him. It may be something that you like and are already passionate about, but for many of us, being "set apart" involves stepping out of our comfort zone and familiarity to touch others with His love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Here's hoping we answer the call to be "set apart" as Paul did.

I've Got A Lot Of Stuff To Talk About...

Just noticed I hadn't written anything here in a week. It's been kinda crazy...and this has just slipped down on my priority list. That doesn't mean that I don't have anything to say....just haven't had time to say it. So, as I get back in the swing of things, here's some stuff I'm going to talk about...

Going to the Casting Crowns concert and meeting Mark Hall and the band...

A new addition to our family...

My amazing time at the "Story" conference...

How cool Youth Sunday was at my church...

How much I hate the Yankees...

...and that's for starters. Thanks for hanging with this random mess during the recent dry spell...I promise I'll do better.

Rescue Society vs. Yacht Club...

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.

Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

(Acts 11:19-24, NIV)

The church of Acts got it.

They weren't concerned about music.
They didn't argue about what to wear.
They didn't watch the clock hoping for the pastor to finish.
They didn't focus on programming, hoping to make the presentation as "shiny" as possible.

They just did it. They told people about God's love, acceptance, and forgiveness. They encouraged each other. They took care of those less fortunate then they were.

Seems simple...but we are so bad at putting this into practice. I think too often we look at church as something for us...an hour to enjoy and be encouraged. That's not terrible, but it's so missing the point. Ed Young talked about the church at "Story", and he made a great analogy. The church in Acts was a "rescue society", a group who's sole focus was to reach the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ. Over time, we've lost that direction and have become a "yacht club", a group just content to stay on shore and enjoy themselves while the whole world is drowning around them.

Understand when I say this, I'm guilty, too. It's too easy to focus on myself and turn a blind eye to those close to me going down under the crashing waves for the last time. Here's hoping I drop my membership in the "yacht club" and get back into the "rescue society".