A Picture Perfect Day

What a great day this was! It's the day before the last day of February and spring made an early appearance, with temperatures in the 60's and sunshine that melted the frost away. As I drove around the area on a pleasure drive I noticed that the whole community seemed to come out of the woodwork to enjoy this day. Entire families hit the parks and others joined me on the roads with no agenda but to enjoy the weather. After I returned home I did some yardwork (I'm feeling a bit better today) and just took a deep breath. A much needed deep breath. I can't wait for spring.

Oh, this photo is not one of mine but it reminded me of a picture perfect day. I found it online.

I hope you had the chance to enjoy this day!

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Observations About Being Content

Just about everyone I know has battled with contentment at one point or another in their lives. We all seem to want more for ourselves, for our families, for our communities than what we currently experience. Have you fought this fight as well? Some people, like myself, seem to fight against contentment on a daily basis, choosing to be restless about where we are instead of choosing to stay put and let whatever happens happen.

I had a conversation with a co-worker the other day about this subject and the aftermath of our conversation led me where all great conversations lead — into the word of God. For years I've had this phrase stuck in my head: "be content in whatever circumstance you're in." I've repeated it to myself over and over in hopes that one day my head and my heart would reconcile it as truth and be OK with that. I knew the passage the phrase came from: Philippians 4:10-12ff ("ff" means "and following"). And I knew that Paul had been the one talking about contentment.

But this question came into my head: Is it wrong, then, to want something more for your life, your family, or your community, than is currently experienced? In other words, is it a sin to want to change your circumstances? For a long time I thought it might be. Let's look at what Paul says to the Philippians in 4:10-12ff:

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned [before], but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share [with me] in my affliction."

Paul was on the mission field and lived largely on the support he received from churches he had encountered. At times, he earned his own living through labor and business (Acts 18:1-3). His goal was not to be poor nor was it to be rich. Tough he desired that the churches play an active role supporting his work of ministry, he did not want to burden them with his support (1 Cor. 9:12-15). So Paul rejoiced when he had money coming in and learned to make do when he didn't. He didn't guilt his readers into supporting his ministry, for "God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7)." So it is clear that Paul did not receive a steady paycheck! He was, in today's language, a "consultant." An expert in his field who didn't just labor for one church or two, but many churches at many times. Some churches were big, like Ephesus, and could provide higher financial compensation. Others were small, like those in Galtaia, and most likely didn't provide huge support.

What does this have to do with being content in 21st Century America? I think it is this: Paul's secret was not in his ability to adapt to changing times nor in his ability to clip and use coupons. His "secret to being filled" is faith that God will be His strength in every circumstance. Paul's faith, just like his joy, was not dependent on what was happening to him or around him. His faith was in the one person who never changes: God. And his trust was in the unchanging truth of God's love and grace towards him: Paul.

One major note from this passage: I don't think Paul is giving a teaching on contentment for the churches and I don't think Paul's circumstances are the norm for believers. Paul was a single man who did not have children to feed, clothe and nurture, nor a business to keep open, nor a mortgage on a house. He didn't have $10,000 in credit card debt. Paul traveled from city to city, church to church, with a band of disciples (Timothy, Titus, Luke, Clement and the sort), so his lifestyle of contentment was not a model for all believers at all times. But the truth Paul unveils in this passage does transcend time and location: God should be the source of our strength in tough times as well as good times.

So it it wrong to want more for yourself, your family, or your community? Depends on the motive.

Are you seeking change for selfish reasons? To satisfy the ego, for example? If so, you're motives are very wrong. Paul (the same guy who both suffered and celebrated) wrote to the Romans: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you (Rom 12:3)." The sinful flesh is constantly calling all men to reject the good of others and build up themselves. It is pride, ego, arrogance... whatever you want to call it... and it is not good, right and holy. Change for ego's sake is not good change. Be content as a lesser and let God be the decider of if or when to elevate you to a higher position. If you're walking with Him in humility, He will exalt you to a higher place in His perfect timing (I highly suggest you read Philippians 2:1-11 for Paul's explanation).

Or are you seeking change for selfless reasons, for your wife and children, for your neighbors and friends, for the Church? This is where contentment and change cross paths. It is not wrong to seek change for the benefit of others. Paul told the Philippians that this is what Christ did, leaving His place in glory to take on flesh and blood (extreme change) and suffer for our benefit. Indeed, I dare say it is right to do anything selflessly, for it goes against the sinful flesh and the system of this fallen world.

Or maybe you're seeking to use your spiritual gifts to a fuller measure. The Apostle Peter said that each person should actively seek to use their gifts to serve others (1 Pet 4:10). It is not a sin to seek to use your gifts (assuming pure motive) for it honors the Lord and benefits the Church. What is a sin is to suppress or ignore the spiritual gifts of others. I personally believe that any shepherd of the church who seeks to keep his sheep "in their place" is no shepherd at all. This means that the person in charge is suppressing the gifts of the body for the sake of either keeping his own power or position or preventing change. Seek opportunity to use your spiritual gifts. Pray that places will open up where you are. If not, then, pray that, if the Lord wills, He open up places elsewhere for you to serve. Just remember your motive through all this. Keep it pure and it will be right.

Being content is not about having money or not having money. It's about keeping reliance on the Lord for your strength to endure whatever circumstance you find yourself in. I'm not going to tell you that you need a new job (if you have one) or a change of location. I'm not going to tell you to stay where you are and stop whining. Being content and seeking change for your circumstance depends on your motivation. If it is selfless, it is right. If it is selfish, it is wrong.

Be God's.


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The Strange Feeling of Relief

Have you ever had times when you're not quite sure how you feel? When your thoughts and emotions are just swimming around in some kind of subconscious sea of goo? Ever had those times?

Well, that's how I felt today. I had a strange sense of relief mixed with thankfulness mixed with fatigue mixed with concern. A strange concoction of emotion, no doubt. Here's why.

I got my diagnosis this morning from my neurologist. The great news is that I do not have a disease, such as multiple sclerosis or worse. My brain MRI showed no abnormalities (and confirmed I have a brain...). My nerve endings in my spine were also normal, which ruled out a neurological disorder. I was so relieved!

What isn't normal is my spine. I have scoliosis of the spine, a fact I've known since I was a boy. Got it from my father, assuming such a thing can be inherited. My scoliosis has led to various back pains through the years but the pains have always gone away. In recent times, though a few of my discs, gelatinous ares between the bone vertebrae, have become compacted and are now bulging out of position. One such disc is bulging into my spinal cord, causing my leg and arm weakness and other nerve issues. My doctor showed me the spinal MRI and even an untrained person like me could see the problem. My blood work further revealed that my level of vitamin B12 was a little low, which in 10-percent of people causes nerve tingling and numbness. I count myself among the 10-percent!

So the diagnosis of my bulging disc and vitamin deficiency problem was a huge relief for me. I had tried not to think of the worse possibilities for my symptoms but I must confess that they slipped into my consciousness from time to time. I knew that come whatever may, God would take care of me and I would seek to glorify Him in my circumstance. Yet, like any person of sound mind, I was concerned for my health. And I really don't like what's happening to my body!

Yet I'm mixed in emotion for some reason, treading water in the emotional goo of ambivalence. I'm relieved to know my condition is treatable. It may require surgery but I'll find out for certain later. I'm thankful to the Lord for a diagnosis and that the diagnosis was certain and specific. Yet I'm tired from watching my health deteriorate each week since before Christmas. But I'm also ready to start my back therapy and eat more chicken (for vitamin B12). So tonight I'm a bit mixed.

Ever had those times?

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers during this trial. I have a long recovery ahead that may require several major life changes. My spine needs work and I need to find a better way to work/rest that does not compress it. Thankfully, I have a plethora of friends around me to offer input, support and, occasionally, the name of a doctor they really like. They are making this trial so much easier to bear and I am eternally thankful.

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Here's to Being Real

Those who know me well know that I love the Discovery Channel show Deadliest Catch. In case you've been hiding on the other side of a big boulder or watching some crime-flavored drama, Deadliest Catch chronicles the plight of crab fishermen in Alaska's Bering Sea, one of the most violent bodies of water on the planet. The show, which is about to start its 7th season, I believe, follows four crab boat crews through the ups and downs of crab fishing — human drama, tragedy and triumph. One such crew manned the eight-man fishing vessel Cornelia Marie, captained by the crusty, crude and some folks think cuddly (hey, I needed a third C, okay?) Captain Phil Harris. Phil doesn't spare his opinion on anything. He's not afraid to challenge his crew, to the man, and he won't take flack from nobody.

Thanks to the show, Phil became a celebrity, with his "famous status" rising with the show's ratings. Everywhere he went he was hounded for autographs. Simple fishermen, Phil and his fellow boat captains were hesitant to accept their new public status at first but they have grown to enjoy their popularity.

On February 9th, Captain Phil died, the victim of a stroke brought on by many years of hard living. His boat was off-loading crab at a port when he suffered the attack. Ten days later he died, his sons and best friends at his side.

Mike Rowe is another Discovery Channel personality and show host. For the past six seasons, Mike has also been the narrator voice on Deadliest Catch, describing to viewers the ins and outs of fishing activity and fishing drama. In looking back on the life of Phil Harris, the best he knew, Mike blogged these words:

"I guess it comes down to this. The world is desperate for authenticity. In business and in real life. In work and play. We crave it I think, because it’s in such short supply. Consequently, when we see it, we’ll wait for it. We’ll watch it on TV. We’ll stand in line for a chance to be near it. Fans, fishermen, CEO’s – we know authenticity when we see it, even if we’re not looking for it. And Phil Harris had it in spades.
"I didn’t know Phil well enough to properly eulogize him. However, I knew him enough to like him, and more than enough to miss him. He was the real deal. Flawed, human, decent, kind, and totally authentic. And one h*** of a Captain."

What Mike observed is a truth that cannot be overstated. Authenticity stands out in this world of phonies and fakes. When people see authenticity, they are drawn to it, even if it is appalling to us. The world is desperate for authenticity because it is alien — foreign — to the world's own standards of life. Society loves to celebrate fakes but it is deeply drawn to what is real. Earthquake coverage in Haiti drew monstrous ratings for cable news networks, for example.

If the world is desperately looking for authenticity, what are we waiting for, Church of the Living God? Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16)." People were drawn to Captain Phil because they saw authenticity in him. If we were doing our part, as true followers of the Light, to live authentic, transparent lives in front of the world, imagine how great the impact would be!

Authenticity is a powerful tool we all need in our toolboxes of everyday life. Don't try to hide who you are. Be real! Be genuine. Be authentic. I think people will notice and pay attention.

Be God's!

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The Joy of Being Chosen

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure."

My young singles small group just started a study of First Peter last night and, two verses into the letter, my heart is already overwhelmed with joy. The saint who speaks his mind, Peter addressed his letter to Jewish Christians in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) who were, by their new faith in Christ, now even bigger "aliens" to their hometowns. It was tough enough being Jews in a Gentile world, but now they were Christians, which made them aliens (lit. "strangers") to both Jew and Gentile alike. How disheartening that would've been!

But they were not worthless because of their new faith. And in the midst of whatever persecution they faced, they were not forgotten by the God who saved them. No, they were special to God. And He was actively working in their lives.

I love the fact that Peter tells these young believers that they were "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." It was no accident or coincidence that the Gospel was preached to many of them in Jerusalem at Pentecost (see Acts 2:9-11). And it was no accident or coincidence that their hearts were receptive to the message. God looked, in His foreknowledge, upon them and chose them to become sons of God through faith in Christ. They were special to Him!

God considers you and I to be His special treasure, his beloved possession. Throughout Scripture, we see that God calls people to Himself out of His love for them with the intention of blessing them (see Deut. 7:6-9, Romans 9:17, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12). All of this brings Him glory by displaying His mercy and love. He chose us to be special — set apart by the power of the Holy Spirit — to grow in our obedience to the commands of Jesus and be continually cleansed from all sin and guilt (Heb. 10:22).

He chose us to be free from guilt! How awesome is that! Who doesn't want to have a clean conscience?

In the midst of our times of suffering, when we tend to feel the most alone, the most rejected, the most unloved, God has not rejected you and me. He chose US to be His special treasure, His beloved possession, free from the weight of sin and guilt, and with the intention of growing into a stronger relationship with Him.

You are not rejected and alone. He is with you. He has chosen you by name. You are loved.

May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure!

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Of Mardi Gras, Lent, and Saint Athanasius

Well, today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Christian season of Lent. Have you bought your "Happy Ash Wednesday!" cards yet? Wrapped your presents and put them under the Lenten tree?

I'm just kidding about that.

Lent is one of the seasons of the traditional Church calendar that predates calendars — at least the modern Western calendar. In most denominations that observe Lent the period lasts 40 days, starting with Ash Wednesday and ending on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. The 40 days represent the time that Jesus spent in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan.

Ash Wednesday gets its name from a strange ritual performed at high churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, etc.) that involves the placing of ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of repentance. First, the priest will make a cross on his own forehead and then mark the congregants. Interesting, huh?

In more modern times, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday has become a wild and crazy holiday of vice called Mardi Gras. Don't be fooled. Mardi Gras is not meant to be harmless fun. It's a day to let loose and have as much uninhibited sinful fun as possible before the stroke of midnight. Why go party-wild before a holiday season? Well, here's the definition of Lent on Wikipedia:

"Lent, in Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Got it? Lent is a period of self-reflection and personal denial. It's a time to focus on the sinfulness of man (fresh in the minds of Mardi Gras revelers, no doubt) in preparation for remembering the sacrificial death of Christ and His glorious resurrection.

Historically, the origins of Lent are a mystery. We know through ancient church sources that there was some period of pre-Easter remembrance celebrated by churches as early as the AD 100's. But the length of the observance differed from group to group, as did the method of observance. It appears that some level of fasting was involved, whether complete fasting (total denial of food and water) or moderated fasting (water only or one small meal with water). The reason for fasting was purely spiritual: to deny the cravings of the body in order to focus on the sufficiency of Christ. Fasting was also sometimes accompanied by sexual abstinence, which added to the denial of bodily desire. Now can you understand the behavior of Mardi Gras celebrants? The day before they were to give up food and sex, they went hog wild to get their fill. Mardi Gras literally means "Fat Tuesday."

One such proponent of the 40-day fasting and abstinence festival was a personal hero of mine: St. Athanasius, who lived in the 300's. Athanasius was a devout man with a fire for holiness and truth. He is best known as a defender of traditional Christian doctrine in the face of the Arian heresy that resulted in the famed Council of Nicea. Well, in AD 331 Athanasius instructed his flock in Alexandria, Egypt, to observe the 40-day period of remembrance in preparation for Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday). At the time, it appears much of the Eastern Church was observing a form of Lent.

Still today the different denominations celebrate Lent differently. The Orthodox Church celebrates the 40 weekdays before Holy Week, leaving weekends to splurge on food as they celebrate Christ's death and resurrection. Other groups observe an 8-day Lent. And it's not just fasting and abstinence anymore. Some Protestant denominations (Methodist, Lutheran, Anglican) will allow a person to give up a specific vice of theirs, like chocolate, caffeine, or iPhones (just kidding!) in keeping with the spirit of Lent. It's kind of a cop-out, if you ask me, but better than missing meals!

So happy Lent, everyone! Or maybe I shouldn't say, "happy." May your heart be filled with thankfulness for the bountiful grace of God in Christ, who redeemed our sin-soiled lives and gave us a new and abundant life.

Be God's!

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Checking In

Figure skating came back on TV, so I "figure" I'll step away from the tube and blog about something. Something that's not figure skating.

A lot of you have been praying for my health lately and I just wanted to tell you how much that means to me. We serve an almighty God who has a reputation as the great healer. And I know that it is full well within His power to heal me, if He chooses. Even better, aside from the power and almightiness, He also arms Himself with tenderness. And He wants to hear from His children as they pour their concerns and desires as an offering before Him. So I appreciate your offering your requests for me before the Lord who hears.

On the medical front, I still don't have a diagnosis of my condition, only a narrowing of possibilities. I don't want to say what they are, specifically, but I will say that I don't like any of them. My friend Sammy pointed out today that what I really need is a data port on my side that the doctor could plug into for a readout! Well, the best I could do today was turn in my MRI film to the neurologist's office and wait for him to start looking for answers. My condition hasn't improved in recent days, though I've tried a variety of home treatments. Just today I started taking vitamin B6, which purports to help the nervous and muscular system. We'll see in a few days if it helps, I guess. I do know that my arms and legs have started to tighten up on me a little. I don't know what causes this. But it feels like I just ran a marathon and cooled down. That type of feeling, but probably not as severe. So I'd appreciate it if you keep praying for me. I'm supposed to go back to the neurologist on March 3rd but I'm hoping to move that date up.

I'm sure all things will be all right at the end of this period of trial in my life. I just need to keep the faith and seek God's glory. When St. James said, "consider it all joy, brothers, when you encounter all kinds of trials..." it wasn't laughter he envisioned or a jolly demeanor. Joy in the face of suffering is not fun and games. Suffering is suffering and trials hurt. This "joy" James talks about is a joy in something you know, not something you feel. It's joy in knowing that whatever you face will gradually build endurance in you (if you choose to endure and not to sour). It's a joy in knowing that God is god and you are not and that He has promised to NOT forsake His children. He won't turn His back on you and me (even if we turn our backs on Him). This is grace. This is love. This is our God.

Be His.

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Snow Nice To See Ya

"He sends forth His command to the earth;
His word runs very swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
He scatters the frost like ashes.
He casts forth His ice as fragments;
Who can stand before His cold?"
— Psalm 147:15-17

I'm not sure if I've ever seen such an extended snowfall here in North Texas. It's been snowing consistently since 3 a.m., yielding about five inches of snow on outside objects. My roof is buried. It has been fun to stay inside today and watch the snow come down.

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My Afternoon in a Metal Tube

One thing I have concluded after spending a spiffy afternoon keeping still inside a noisy metal tube: I was not made for they and they were not made for me.

This afternoon I enjoyed tremendously (tongue in cheek here) a series of five MRI tests at a wonderful place here in Flower Mound. The place was nice, I must confess, and the people there were friendly and helpful, even when they chided me in the middle of my spinal exam, "Try to keep still as much as possible!" I had been in the metal MRI tube for 30 minutes and my shoulders, arms, backside, and neck were absolutely killing me.

Keeping still ain't easy. Especially when (confession time...) I'm not used to sleeping on my back. I'm a side sleeper. Always have been. if they had asked me to roll over on my side, I would've been good for hours. But on my back...? Can't stand it. But I had to. For five tests.

The technician and radiologist were swell folks and did their best to bear with me. I did my best to bear with them. Two and a half hours later, the radiologist informed me "we're all done!" After laying down for so long, I wondered if I could still walk. And if my insides would forgive me for violating their privacy. I can walk. But like a woman who didn't get flowers on Valentine's, my stomach's giving me the cold shoulder.

I've had seven tests done in the first three days of this week. Seen so many doctors, aides and techs, I'm starting to wonder if there's a convention somewhere around. Still no definitive answers on what is the cause of my arm and leg troubles. I'm really hoping the MRIs will shed light on what's going on at the brain and spine level. Those two areas seem to be the leading suspects in my case. Maybe it will be something less intimidating than the diseases mentioned. Maybe it will all go away one morning.

Maybe I just need to go somewhere where there's warm water, lots of sunshine, coconut trees, a hammock, and a cold glass of... iced tea. With sugar and a twist of lemon.

Can I get paid to do that?

Be God's!

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Testing... 1...2...3...4...5...

I imagine that even doctors would, if cornered, confess that the human body is still a mystery to them. The most complex living computers on earth, we are. And just like that pesky desktop computer that each of us has, our bodies sometimes behave in a frustrating manner that will drive a sane man mad. I know that mine is doing so at this moment, and I keep hearing insanity knocking on the door. Don't worry. I'm not answering my door... yet.

Next week I have five tests scheduled that I hope determine what's going on with my failing body. For those who don't know, over the past six months I have been gradually losing my grip in my hands — both of them. I've dropped countless things, from the mundane (a bowl of salsa) to the expensive (a digital camera). At first it was only an occasional drop, but the frequency grew over the months. I thought it was pure clumsiness at first. I tend to be that way by nature. But after Christmas it became epidemic. During these six months I also felt my strength leaving my arms. I could not lift the weights I used to lift. I found my arms growing tired after carrying something -- anything.

And when I started waking up in the mornings with both of my arms numb and burning, I knew I was in trouble. I shook my arms awake every morning but couldn't stop the tingling. Matters got worse three weeks ago when my legs started to give out on me like rock turned to rubble. Now I struggle just to climb the same flight of stairs I bounded up two steps at a time before Christmas. Two weeks ago my hands started shaking subtly when I reached to pick up or touch something. So I saw a doctor and then a neurologist. After a pint of drawn blood on Thursday, I have five tests ahead of me next week. I'd appreciate your prayers. On Monday morning I have nerve and muscle testing at my neurologist's office in Grapevine. On Wednesday afternoon I have four, gulp, four MRI exams in one sitting. I know the brain and spine will be examined. Not sure where else. I report back to my neurologist on March 3 for his evaluation of all this testing.

To be honest, I'm really not scared of this predicament. Annoyed, maybe, but not scared. Oh sure there's some concern because my body has gone downhill so quickly since Christmas, but right now my faith is securely in the hands of the Great Physician, the maker of my complex and mysterious body. He knows every blood cell my bones have created and every nerve that now bugs me. He saw me in my mother's womb and gave me life there. He did the same for you, too! And I know that I've never slipped out of His divine peripheral vision. There are no blind spots with God.

So I see this whole period of time as an opportunity instead to glorify God in my trial. What I'm going through is nothing compared to the suffering seen around the world right now — and not even in my own neighborhood. So I will largely keep silent about it. But my humble prayer is that God is glorified in all this through my words, my conduct, and my faith. Would you pray for me that this happens? It's what my heart wants. And I think it's what God wants, too.

Be God's!

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Random Thoughts...

Scattershooting while intentionally not looking at an emotional Extreme Makeover: Home Edition episode (I mean it's about a dying mother for crying out loud!)...

-- Dropping your keys can get pretty darn annoying. Dropping a pencil, however, is the norm.

-- Having a friend who cares is worth more than gold. Especially so when he has clues to solving your mysteries.

-- Duct tape can fix almost anything... except an old desk chair that lowers a quarter inch every five minutes. Maybe it just needs more duct tape...

-- That six degrees of separation sometimes becomes two. I don't usually expect to hear about someone I know on the radio or television. I just don't run in those circles. But I found out this afternoon that the daughter of an old mentor died unexpectedly. Suicide, police think. Her husband was famous in these parts. My heart is very heavy for my friend and his family.

-- That haste makes waste in SO many ways. Especially when it involves my health.

-- I found out tonight I can cook fish. That's a first for me. Tilapia coated with seasoning salt, and cooked in butter with green onion and parsley. Still yet to be conquered: raw shrimp, lamb, and goat. Don't hold your breath for that last one...

-- A little note of encouragement can make a day. A Bible verse that ministers, even more.

-- That I like this format of blogging but I imagine it gets annoying to read...

-- That when God says "no," it's because He's in the know. I went to buy a camcorder the other day with some extra cash I'd saved but the store was all out of the camera model I wanted. Every store around was out of stock. Turns out I needed the money for a high utility bill and doctor's stuff. I was bummed at the store. I am blessed now.

Be God's!

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Love Words From... The Skit Guys

Gotta love The Skit Guys. They have a new Valentine's Day-themed video. Take a look. The link takes you to their website. Click on "Watch Preview."

Love Words « Videos « The Skit Guys


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Suffering Well

As some of you may know, a dynamic pastor in the Flower Mound area is going through a really difficult trial right now thanks to a brain tumor. Matt Chandler is senior pastor at The Village Church, a fellowship some 6,000 strong, and was diagnosed with the cancerous intruder last Thanksgiving. He's currently undergoing aggressive radiation. He's 35. One of our staff here at Crossroads Bible discovered this story on Yahoo about Matt's brave battle and I wanted to share it with you. It really moved me. Get your tissues out and join me in praying for the young man and his young family.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100131/ap_on_re/us_rel_the_pastor_s_cancer_1


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