I Hate Moving!

As you've noticed, I've been out for the week. Moving is such a hassle. Remind me to never do it again. Unless God says so of course.

The posts will be back to normal? next week.

Pls pray for the nephew and family. They're in San Antonio doing medical things for the week.

Until next week...

Friday Fodder

I had breakfast with a good friend today. In fact, we've had breakfast on most Fridays for a little over a year. It's always a good conversation. He challenges me. Hopefully I do the same for him. It's what I picture when I read of encouraging one another (1 Thes 5:11, Heb. 3:13). We eat, pray, and ask one another's advice. There are times we give advice, without being asked. I'm really going to miss our time together. Thanks friend!

Today, several people came over and shook hands or gave hugs saying, "I heard you were leaving. We're going to miss you. etc." After thinking about those relationships, I'm grateful for each. I'm thankful that many people have nice things to say. I'm thankful that God brought each one into my life.

Here's the dilemma life throws at us. When relationships change, there is some sadness. Anticipation of new challenges leads to anxiety and excitement. I could end with a cheesy cliche. But I won't put you through that. Life is ups and downs. God calls us to new places knowing the relationships built will change. And this is the way life is supposed to be.

Thoughts?

Priceless

It was SeaWorld San Antonio yesterday. I feel blessed that the kids had another chance to go before we moved. It was crowded in the morning but by 2ish, people started heading for the exits. After all, it was only about 102 and humid.

Ticket to SeaWorld San Antonio = $45.00
8 hours at the park at 102 degrees = a little sunburn and at least $130 in food
Seeing Christian's face see Shamu, touch a dolphin, and laugh = priceless

Friday Fodder

I was home Monday afternoon flipping through the channels and ran across Oprah. Because the last couple of years has been geared to what she calls "spirituality", I was interested in what the latest fad was. After all, yesterday she was deemed the most powerful celebrity.

It seems a female (born Tracy) had lost her mother at 12 and then began taking testosterone and living as a man (Chris). After marrying another female, Tracy/Chris and the "wife" decided to have a child. The "wife" couldn't carry the baby; therefore, Tracy/Chris decided to do so. Tracy/Chris said, "I don't believe pregnancy is a female thing or a male thing. It's a human thing." The couple had been through 10 other doctors, before finding one that was comfortable enough to provide her services. The two women had approached People Magazine, who then contacted the Oprah show. They just "had to tell (their) story."

I was discouraged about society in general, throughout the show. But what really set me off was Oprah saying, "The world may not be ready for this now. But this is exactly what we've been studying in Eckhart Tolle's The New Earth." According to the most powerful celebrity of our day, in 10 or 20 years, this will be commonplace.

Of course, Oprah doesn't know everything. But think of the influence she has on those who tune into the program. If even half of her viewership believes what she says, society is in a sad state of disarray. I'm with John, "Come quickly Lord Jesus!"

Salt and Light

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus deems His followers as the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world". The original Jewish readers would understand exactly why Matthew recorded the words of Jesus.

Salt was a preservative and would keep foods from spoiling. It was also used to counteract mold and things that caused disease. After the salt was used, it was thrown into the walkways of society, where it was nothing other than cheap ground cover. A Jew in the first century would understand Jesus to say, "Preserve that which is good. Because you're a preservative, don't lose your affect on that around you. Don't become insipid and worthless. Remember your purpose!"

Light was beneficial in the Ancient Near East. The bowl on a lampstand didn't produce much light. But place several lampstands together in strategic places and watch them affect an entire room, a city, a nation, the world. When a Jew heard his life described as light, it was understood light chases away darkness. Light illuminates that which is dark. It brings about transparency. Light is what was intended. After all, light was created first (Gen. 1:3).

It's important for us to understand what Jesus was saying. The metaphors of salt and light are chosen by God himself. We must constantly evaluate: God calls me salt. God tells me I'm light. Am I living up to what I am? Am I preserving that which is good? Am I illumnating that which is darkness?

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Kaitlyn and I had some time together yesterday. After going to Barnes and Noble and having lunch at Burger King, we went to the new Chronicles movie. It's one we had been wanting to see for awhile.

I won't give the entire movie away (you need to see it for yourself). I will say it's much different than the first. In other words, don't feel like you have to see the first movie before seeing this one. There are a few times where the characters refer to what happened previously (in Narnia/the Wardrobe). However, those times seem to be able to "stand" on their own.

All in all, the movie was great. C.S. Lewis asks important questions: ie. Where is God in all this? Why doesn't He show up when we want Him to? etc. The responsibility of Christians (fighting the spiritual battle)is a theme throughout. Faith, courage, and God's faithfulness came up over and over again.

The movie is about two and a half hours long. It sure didn't seem long. It was inspirational. Kaitlyn and I can't wait for the third Chronicles movie.

For Prince Caspian: THUMBS UP! If you get a chance, go see it!

Ahhh...It's over!

The weekend was about six days long. At least, it seemed that way. Family visited(good). The food was great (good). People acted as if they liked each other (good). Christian made a killin' on B-day gifts (good).

Graduation on Saturday was only two hours (good). Ashley did it(good). I spent some quality time with the family for lunch etc. (good minus the shopping :)) The gradution party afterwards was well attended (good). Ashley received several gifts (good).

On Sunday, I was worn out. But God provided the energy (good). The leadership meeting went well after church (good). I slept good all weekend (good). God provides the rest when we need it. Sometimes, He chooses to uses a gradution weekend.

Please continue to pray for Ashley as she begins this new chapter in life.

PTL for a great weekend!

Friday Fodder

This is a BIG weekend. Family will be in. A birthday party for Christian is followed by a full day of graduation (and parties) tomorrow.

Ashley is graduating from Hutto High School. As I was at 18, she's not sure about what the future holds. But she's excited to get across the stage with the diploma in hand. I'm excited for her as well. I'm not so excited about the ceremony (300+ graduates).

Graduation is a milestone. It's an accomplishment while at the same time being a new beginning. Thinking about my own graduation (that was not so long ago, thank you), I've realized real life (and real learning) takes place after the ceremony. Because I have such an analytical mind, I'll be led to think, "What will he be? What will she do with her life?" etc. Did they just go to school because they had to?

And then I think about spiritual things. Progress through the spiritual life leads one on an incline. There are times when we seem to plateau. But staying satisfied with a level plane leads to stagnation. In other words, a spiritual graduation (ie. baptism, discipleship, etc.) is part of the incline.

What about your graduation/incline? Is it time to remember the importance of the spiritual diploma?

The New Superman

The race for President (that has seemed to last forever) moved into the final turn last night. After Montana and South Dakota voted in their respective Democratic primaries, Obama was deemed the winner. I don't know about you, but I was on pins and needles. I just wasn't sure who the media was supporting.

Okay. I'll stop with the sarcasm. ...or maybe not :) Drudge is reporting Obama called Clinton twice and received her voicemail. I'm sure he understands how busy she is. But couldn't she drop what she's doing to answer his call? She must give homage to the new Superman.

Happiness Is...

Years ago, Charles Schultz wrote "Happiness Is..." with the wisdom of Linus, Lucy, and Charlie Brown. For Linus, of course happiness was a blanket. For Lucy, happiness was basically anything to annoy Charlie Brown. For CB, happiness was ice cream.

When I reflect on the previous 3 years, I see some great things. The ministry here has been fruitful. We've seen God strengthen faith, allow us to celebrate conversions, and meet together with a common goal. I'm grateful to just have experienced the blessing of being a part of what God is doing at New Hope.

Most of you reading know I've resigned from New Hope and will be moving near the end of the month. Shae and I have accepted a call from our home church. Although we are really excited, we are saddened by leaving friends and those we consider family. We've been in this situation before. And it never gets easier.

Living life includes throwing everything you have into relationships. Shae and I have attempted to do that. If we hadn't come to Hutto, we would have never experienced those relationships. We've experienced life with people (good and bad). For that, I will always be grateful. Sure the relationships will change but the relationships built on a good foundation will last (even into eternity).

Happiness Mr. Schultz is relationships, close friends, and family!