The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Last Thanksgiving (November 2007), Diann's father died. Being the first of our parents to pass away, we have traveled through lots of emotions and lots of questions. As a pastor, I sit by many beds and pray with lots of people who are facing "the valley of the shadow of death."

This comes from Psalm 23...
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ...

This summer Tony Snow passed away on July 12, 2008. I discovered this article that he wrote about one year ago. Please take the time to read about facing death through the eyes of a man experiencing it. >> Tony Snow ARTICLE

I would love to read your comments on this.

Birthdays and apart for the first time

This week on July 14 (Diann's birthday) Catherine was away at Edge Camp and the boys are in Missouri. Diann and I had a great time together... but it has been a long time since we did her b'day without any kids.
Then on July 17 (boys birthday), Coby and Cory are away at Kanakuk working as counselors. I think this was the hardest change to swallow. We missed them and getting to really celebrate on the day they turn 21!
It worked out for them to call home briefly and Diann was able to talk with them both.
We will do a big birthday celebration in August when we all get back together.

I am so grateful for how God has worked in our children and keeps shaping them into his image. This is no greater joy than knowing and seeing your children walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

Journey with John 1.1

In a Thursday morning men's group that just started a few weeks ago... we are reading and observing what John wrote in his account of Jesus' life. John was Jesus' closest follower... the one we see sitting, walking and talking with Jesus in the most personal way.

Each week, I want to capture some of the thoughts and insights and applications that come from our group. Hope this helps you as it does me.

Some catch up notes...
John the "washer" (Baptizer) (not the writer of the book of John-- John the disciple of Jesus is the writer) is telling people to get ready for a new day... to make themselves ready for The Lord... to demonstrate their humility and their turning around in a new direction, he asked them to be "washed"... he stands in the river and "washes" each person... dipping them into the water. This was not the same, but similar to the purification ritual practiced at the temple.

People were lined up to be washed... and Jesus shows up. He comes to John to be washed also. John does not feel worthy to wash Jesus... but Jesus is washed to validate the work John is doing.
ACTION Q: Am I "washed" clean and ready to follow Christ today and each new day? I can be in two ways...
FIRST... I can physically be baptized (washed) to demonstrate to friends and family that I am a follower of Jesus. Many youth and adults get baptized when they understand what it means... even if as a baby their parents had them baptized. This spiritual marker of "washing," as an adult can be such a memorable event in the spiritual journey. Talk with someone about your baptism (washing).
SECOND... I can be spiritually washed by simply talking with God and agreeing with him about any mistake or wrong that I have done or even thought... "when we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness..." (1 John 1:9)
Each morning or any other spot in the day... I whisper to God... "I was wrong to say or think that... wash me clean in your forgiveness... thank you that you love me so much."

Only with this attitude am I ready for God's work in and through me.

So much more to discover in this journey with John...

I welcome your comments, insights and thoughts.

Fully Connected

For the next two weeks (July 13 and 20) I will be speaking on what it means to be "fully connected."
I am looking forward to this opportunity. I love to step back and observe the big picture. I hope to help those who hear these messages understand the value of connecting to other people in meaningful relationships.

Ask yourself ... Who's doing life with you? Who's cheering for you? Who's encouraging you to go for it and take that risk? Who's there to listen to you or pray with you about an important concern? Who's celebrating with you and who's crying with you? I hope you can name several close friends... but most people today cannot.

All of us need real friends that truly accept us, understand us and care about us. Pray that I will communicate accurately what God has established for all of us to understand about the value of being fully connected.

Parading on the 4th of July

This has always been an big day for our family. Diann and I have always enjoyed the parades and the fireworks. We sought out the celebrations wherever we lived. We took the kids, we acted like kids and made the most of the experience.
For the past eight years in The Woodlands we have been a part of the parade. The StoneBridge Band has played "oldies" and the crowds that line the street love clap and dance as we pass by. We hand out bottles of water to the crowds... and in the Texas heat, the crowds are so glad to see us come by.
Yesterday was such a day... but one block into the parade route, Rodney (age 14) was working hard to give water bottles to the crowds, when some kids began to run up to our water trailer from the street curb. In an effort to keep the kids back, Rodney's leg was caught under the trailer wheel. The large trailer was filled with water bottles and ice... very heavy. The driver stopped and backed up... Rodney was brused and scraped. We were all frightened as we pulled out of the parade while the EMT's examined his injuries. Before leaving for the hospital, Rodney stood up on his own... later the hospital xrays showed no breaks or internal injuries!

God protected Rodney and showed us all his watchful care! We will not soon forget this 4th of July. Rodney will be the first to receive a "Parade Purple Heart" awarded to those wounded while serving on the SB parade ministry team.

I continue to be amazed at the how God is at work around me... never a dull moment... but never left alone... God is good... all the time.