Let Them Be Little

This tends to be the time of the year we all go a little stir crazy. It's too cold to play outside. The snow won't pack for snowballs or snowmen and we all feel cooped up. If you are the parents of little kids you are probably more aware of this than most folks. Little people don't lose their energy this time of year, they just don't have many outlets in which to blow it off. It is during these times, we as parents, hope for even one day above 32 degrees so we can send them outside. It looks like maybe Saturday and Sunday will bring some relief. But as a parent who has gone through many winters with little kids at home, let me assure you this season of your life won't last forever. For some of you, it feels as if you will always have an eight year old in your house. It isn't true. Before you know it, they will one by one, move on to date nights, evenings with friends, graduation and college. Cherish these days. Don't let them grow up too fast. They will do it fast enough on their own. As difficult as it may seem, let them be little.

Spring is Just 14 Days Away

I know that sounds a bit off for you calendar watchers but it's true. If you go to the Cub's website, you will notice the countdown to the time pitchers and catchers report. THAT my friends, is the first day of spring. As the snow piles up and the temperatures continue to try and bite my ears, cheeks and nose with frost, I thought I'd give you a respite from this awful time of the year.

When the Unthinkable Happens

Sadly, today I received word that Karsyn Bell, a sweet little girl who many have been praying for, went gently into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday after battling brain cancer for more than half of her four years. I know we as parents and grandparents get that knot in the pit of our stomachs at just the mention of this. So why would I tell anyone? It's because if you happen to know her parents, Anne and Brad, go and see them. I realize you will not know what to say. But your task at hand now is not to share sweet words or Biblical wisdom, but to just hold them and let them cry. The ache within them is almost impossible to bear. You needn't be strong. Go ahead and cry too.

What has just happened is not natural. We are to raise our kids and they are to bury us. But not this time. My hope today is if we keep them in our prayers, someday they will be able to function again; but only by the grace of God. Pray for their relationship. Pray for God to send the right person to come along side them individually and as a couple; someone who will be able to walk with them through the days of "why." Don't we all have a list of questions for God when we get to see Him face to face? This has to fall on that list.

So even if you don't know them personally, pray for them. They have said good bye to their little girl. They are tired and weary. Their worst fears have come to pass. Oh God please hold them in the palm of your hands...in Jesus' name, Amen.

Laminin/A Protein with a Story

Michelle Vaughn, the leader of the Prayer Ministry at my church, Living Stones Church, led our monthly meeting this past Saturday. One of the things we did was watch a video that came highly recommended by one of our members, Theresa Lauver. It was a message by Louie Giglio. During most of the talk he spent time sharing how great the expanse of the Heavens is. It was great stuff. He then spoke about the time a guy approached him after a meeting. The guy commences to tell him about Laminin, a very special protein, and what it does for our bodies. I have that part of the message here. Let me encourage you to take the eight minutes to watch it. If you are struggling about the personal aspect of God and if you really matter to him, you need to see this. You will be amazed and encouraged. I promise. So sit back and enjoy; we all did. Thanks Theresa.

A Barefoot Governor and Samaritan's Feet

South Bend tied a record yesterday of -19 degrees. Not a day to go barefoot. But down in Indianapolis, that's exactly what our Governor, Mitch Daniels did. He became the first governor to do so to promote the the cause of Samaritan's Feet. Samaritan's Feet is a Christian organization started by a man named Manny Ohonme, to put shoes on the impoverished children of the world. Indianapolis is going to be the central hub for the distribution of the shoes. They are also going to be one of the sites where hundreds of pairs of shoes will be given out this coming Monday, Martin Luther King Day. Manny and his group got its' big break when IUPUI's basketball coach Ron Hunter got involved and coached barefoot during a basketball game last year around Martin Luther King's birthday. Coach Hunter then gave a now famous interview on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike in the Morning show to explain his odd behavior that many heard and were changed for life. One of those was my son Patrick. Pat was listening to the radio and called me immediately to listen. The story centered around how Coach Hunter took some of his players to Lima Peru the summer before, where they went to a very poor village and sought out children to give them their first pair of shoes. That's right. These children had never had a pair of shoes. Ever. After sizing their feet, they sat them all down, and one by one each player began a process where they washed the child's feet, placed a new pair of socks on them and then reached around and placed a brand new pair of shoes on their feet. They spent a little time with each child and then moved on to the next one. So powerful an experience was this for the kids on his team, that Coach Hunter decided to bring awareness to the cause by coaching barefoot for a game. This year 300 coaches all over the country from Division 1 colleges to high school will be coaching barefoot this weekend. The goal is to bring in 1 million pairs of new shoes to distribute to kids, not just in Africa or South America, but here in the U.S. as well.

As you can imagine, receiving the donated shoes is only about a third of the battle. Patrick has become a volunteer. He has met with Manny and the spokesman for SF Todd Melloh, and is one of those on the ground floor of this wonderful organization. But the need for help is great. Once the shoes are donated they have to be cataloged and sent to warehouses in California and Indy, and then to the locations where they are going to be distributed. This means they need help from communities and businesses throughout America to lend a hand to see to it that now, more than ever, our children don't go shoeless. I'm going to give you the website and see if it isn't something that God might be calling you to as well. It is www.samaritansfeet.org.

School? Today?!

I just got off the phone with the receptionist at the South Bend Community School Corporation. I called her to commend her boss, Dr Kapsa, for keeping the schools open today. Why? Because when I looked at the computer screen this morning and noticed that only South Bend kids were going to school I knew they were in for some screeching. And I was right. Actually at 4:00 PM when I called, I was the ONLY person who had called with a positive spin on this subject. Can you believe that? I don't think it ever would have entered the mind of the Superintendent when I went to school to close because it was 10 degrees outside; and we walked!

I am so disappointed in parents today. Instead of telling their children that it is cold outside this morning and we have to dress warm, they give their kids a lesson in quiting. Sometimes we learn more about ourselves from how we handle adversity; that is if we get the chance. Today many children didn't get the chance, and that's a shame. My fear is that we are raising a generation of cry babies, by cry babies. The parents in the name of "safety," though I believe in my heart it is more in the name of "convenience," are taking the pioneering spirit from our kids. That's right. How long do you think any of the parents who called in to the SBCSC would have lasted on the Mayflower. "OHHHHH! Please go back! The seas are getting really bumpy!" Paleeeese! I'm sure Lewis and Clark are spinning in their graves!

But the sad thing is that the poor lady had to take calls all day long from parents who probably never call the school to find out what the homework is for the next day. Complainers are just like that. So the rest of the story is that the dear lady was so excited to hear from me. I don't usually call downtown to the SBCSC unless I get the sense they have been beat up for one reason or another. I think it was last year for something similar. She told me how she treated everyone with respect and kindness...I'm not too sure she got the same treatment. But it just shows that it doesn't take much to make some one's day a little lighter. My guess is she was about to go home for the day, and got just the send off she needed. So let me encourage you to encourage someone else tomorrow. Call someone you don't know and tell them how well they do what they do. I guess it is kind of like opening your cage door a little. Someone needs you.

Wild Goose Chapter 4

Never too old and never too young to be used by God; That's what I got out of chapter 4.

Honestly, these words will be an encouragement to many. As Christ followers, they will continue their passionate walk with Jesus, fueled by the words in chapter 4. Some will read them, shake their heads unapprovingly and yearn to be left alone. They are more comfortable shaking your hand through their cage. "The pastor does all our ministry around here" they might say. Actually those who might just shake your hand probably won't read this book any way. I'm speaking of those, generally filled with religiosity, who believe the King James is the only Bible that has God's signature on it, anything other than organ music is of the devil, and have never met a carry-in they didn't like. Let me go one step further and really ruffle some feathers and say they won't try anything different in ministry style because people who don't look like them might show up. These dear saints also believe Sunday is feeding day. If they don't get fed then it was a wasted service. The sad thing is, God is trying to use them. Many times these people tend to be senior citizens who more often than not have a special way with the generation 2 steps behind them. Yep, you guessed it....teenagers. The blessing they could be is nothing short of a miracle. If only they could get past the music. Unfortunately they tend not to be able to get past it in worship and any place else. These 68+ year old people can speak the language of other seniors as well; those who are particularly difficult to share Christ with because they think because they lived this long without Jesus, they can live out their life without Him. Now that I've slapped them around let me send them a little encouragement. Please get off the sidelines. There are a couple of generations that could really use your wisdom and love. God's army needs you. Please notice when you read your Bible that the word retire is never mentioned. We need you.

Never too young. That's right. I love anyone new to a job. They are so fired up to do something, they will try anything; especially if it has been tried and never worked. Many times they will find a way to make what ever it is they are trying, work. Why? Because they aren't beat up by failure. They don't know it can't work. That is the energy they bring to ministry. See, they serve a God who can do anything! To them, all things are possible with God. And you know what? They're right. We need to remember that. Many times our faith has been chipped away by seemingly unanswered prayers, dreams or visions. And you know what? That's wrong. My guess is we just weren't looking through the correct lens. Do they need leadership? Sure. But we can't let ourselves become stumbling blocks to their passion. Actually, hanging around them will be kind of a revival.

I'm not a particularly young man; middle 50's. I have told my wife she has permission to smack me if I ever get like some of the dear old saints I alluded to earlier. I want to be walking South Michigan Street for Jesus with a walker if necessary. I want to keep my testimony fresh as a weekly magazine, not a history lesson of 40 years ago. And that's how God wants us to be. Unless you wake up in Heaven one moment, you don't have the authority to take yourself out of the game. There are people God needs you to help find Jesus. There are teens who need direction because their mom and dad have split and they're mad as, well you know. The world needs Jesus and if we don't tell them, how will they ever know.

Wild Goose Chapter 3

I really like this chapter. I, for one can have seasons where I go too fast. Sometimes it is about trying to fit too many things into a day or week, while at other times it is just a case of being focused on a certain thing or project, and missing the other parts of life going on around me. Generally speaking though I am a seeker of divine appointments. I really try to see interruptions in my life as God ordained. So much so, that I have a couple of "checks" I use to determine if it is God or just something I ate. For instance, I look at every wrong number as a divine appointment. I believe anyone who calls me in error was sent to my phone by God. They may or may not have known Christ as their Savior at the beginning, and they might not have accepted Jesus by the end of our conversation, but somewhere in the middle, they heard why Christ is my Lord and that God is chasing them; even to the point of placing me in their path with a wrong number. If I meet someone face to face, I tend to inject spiritual lead-ins that are not so intrusive as to be uncomfortable or obvious, but just enough to see if the conversation might go in that direction. Many times God gives me a "check" by not allowing me to turn the conversation in that direction. I never, and I mean never go any further with that type of conversation. If I find that there is no smooth transition to things of God, then I back off. Many times however, He will send someone who needs an ear to listen, a shoulder on which to cry or a word of encouragement. I hope that I never get too caught up in my life that I don't have time for someone Else's. I know it happens but "hurry" is of the enemy; "busyness" is too.

Let me say one thing about routines. I believe they can be dangerous. I've known too many people that go crazy because their routine has been disrupted. I guess I prefer a little chaos because it makes life fresh and new. Routines can be helpful but taken to their end they can be boring and a hindrance to the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit. I think God knows who He can call on in a moments notice to do His bidding. I also believe he uses chaotic people in a pinch when He has tried to use a "routiner" in ministry. But because they don't have time or it is not in their comfort zone they choose not to respond. I'm not saying He is mad, or anything, but when God has a task at hand, He needs to know who He can send and who He can't.

Chapter 3 is a good read. The challenges are great. The rewards are heavenly.

Wild Goose Chapter Two

Let me add one comment on chapter two, Goose Bumps. Early on Batterson remarks about people who heard the call of God and they seemingly dropped what they were doing to pursue the still small voice. It sounded almost heroic. Without regard to family responsibility, folks took off to follow their passion; or at least that is how it sounded. I'm glad that later on in the chapter he mentioned that, though it would appear that things happened in the Bible almost instantly, most times there was much preparation made before the end result was seen, such as in the story of Nehemiah. And though those people who dropped everything to follow their passions seemingly did so at the drop of a hat, they had their education and prep work done to give them the option to do what God was calling them to do.

And so it is with us today. Many of us have had callings on our lives that for whatever reason have not come to pass. Does that mean God can't use us where we are? Of course not. There are many women or men who work diligently in nursing homes as Aids, when their desire was to become a nurse. Maybe they couldn't afford school or maybe they didn't take the correct courses in high school to get into college. The point is they are still in a place where God can use them. But it does point to an issue we all need to be aware of. If we have a particular passion God lays on our hearts, it is important to do the things that will allow God to use us in that capacity. If you want to be a teacher, go to school and become one. Don't get tired and quit after two years and settle for being a day care provider. There's nothing wrong with being a day care provider, but don't quit before you have given God a chance to use you as an actual teacher. That means you have to do the tough work of preparation for God to use you the way you want him to. I know I wouldn't want a doctor treating me without an "MD" behind his name just because his passion was to be a doctor. If you want to be a missionary beyond a short term trip, you will need to make sure you have something to offer countries besides a strong back and the Gospel. Generally, they will let teachers or nurses into their nation to teach or work in hospitals. It is through the help you are providing their people that you will be able to share your Jesus with them. You don't want to be just another mouth to feed, and neither does God. Pray, plan, prepare and pursue and just see what God will do. But remember this. If you miss the mark; if you fall short of your goals; don't fret. Serving God is kind of like a GPS. If you make a wrong turn, a voice comes on and says "recalculating." You're not lost. You just have to adjust your journey. That's kind of how God is. He can still use you where you are.

Wild Goose Chase

I think I have said this once before, but I will say it again: I am not much of a reader of books. It's not that I don't like to read, I do. Two things come to mind that hinder my reading. First I have a hard time finding good books to read. Some are too deep, some are too "churchy" and some are by authors who write a book just to say they did it. Secondly, I have trouble making time to read. That all being said, when I do find a book I want to read I'll do it until it is done. Right now I have started Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. It reminds me at the start of a book cut from the same cloth as "If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get out of the Boat" by John Ortberg. I loved that book. I tend to like books that encourage me to live life dangerously for Christ. By that I mean that if I happen to do things for Jesus that I can do easily or without much fear of failure, then I am not living a life of faith. Let me give an example. When I was at Gospel Center I was a member of a men's prayer group. We had 8-10 men come together on a Thursday evening to pray for a variety of things. We also on Sunday morning during our worship service we had a man come up and pray from the platform for the service, offering and whatever the Lord laid on his heart. One Saturday morning I saw that there was a message on my phone that said "pastor would like you to pray on Sunday." You've got to be kidding! I can't do that! I couldn't speak in front of 500 people, much less pray in front of them. But you know what? I did it. I had a heart to heart with God and told Him that I would be working without a safety net on Sunday morning and that I needed Him to be exactly that for me. And He was. My faith grew in ways I had never seen. How cool to realize the God who created the universe took time to make sure I didn't look like a fool. My guess is He knew I could do that without His help.

So that's why I like these types of books. They challenge us all to take that step of faith and do things we couldn't do without God's help. When He is your only safety net then your faith is magnified beyond belief. I always say I want to live on the "miraculous end of the spectrum and not on the "flesh" end.

So that's the book I am reading. Maybe now and then I'll share some thoughts on it. I've started chapter 2 so I'll let you know how it is going.

Pray for Dana

As one of my former church pals once said, "Jim's kind of a private person." I guess that's a fair statement. I have a very small circle of men I would call close. So small I'm not sure it would make a circle; more like a triangle. So when I put something out for everyone, you know it must be urgent. I'd like all who read this to pray for my wife. Dana has for a number of months had an irritating tickle cough. Couple that cough with asthma symptoms and you have a lady that is in the midst of a physical struggle. Some days are better than others but today was not a good day. When the asthma begins to act up she gets tired and her breathing is labored; not labored enough to go to the hospital, just enough to mess up her day. For the last 6-8 weeks, she and her doctor, have been trying to find an inhaler that will make it easier to breathe as well as get rid of her cough. Right now the cough is becoming more and more difficult to tolerate because it has started to hurt her back and shoulders. This Friday she is going in for some pulmonary tests to see how strong her lungs really are. The x-rays she had earlier showed no lung trouble at all. So right now it is all a mystery. We have many people praying for God's healing and protection from the evil one, as well as wisdom for the doctors. I would ask all of you to pray for her as well, as the Lord leads you. It has been a frustrating time. Dana is a person who enjoys going outside for walks in the winter and this year she hasn't been able to hardly walk from the car to Target. Thanks for praying. We know God is going to move in her life...we just pray it is sooner than later. Please God, I love her so.

Fruits of the Spirit

One of the other things that I have purposely placed high on my to do/be (Resolution) list this year, is to live by Galatians 5:22&23; The Fruits of the Spirit. I'm sure you all know them: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and that pesky Self Control. That is a list that we would all like to be known for. And many of you already are. I think most of us by our very gifting in Christ can do one or more of these most of the time.

But for me, it means I will have to be more in control in situations. By that I mean I will need to live my life being more aware. I have found that I get into trouble with Fruits when I allow the devil to sneak up on me. It might be in a business setting where I respond in a manner that may be disrespectful to someone, or with a clerk who I think may be trying to take advantage of me or Dana. I can and have tried to justify these encounters in my mind and called it "righteous indignation" but let's be honest here, it is anger toward someone who is doing what they have been trained to do and are undeserving of a verbal thrashing from me. That tends to happen when I am caught off guard by the enemy. And when I am done with the issue I feel badly and know I have just been had. I can almost hear Satan's laughter, as I just shake my head.

If we were to work on these on a daily basis, and I mean daily, this world would be a better place for one, but it would also make us a walking, talking, and living billboard for Christ. It will make people wonder, sometimes even out loud, what causes you to be like that. What a great opening to tell them about your best friend, Jesus. Be ready. It will happen. I'm asking God to help me this year. Why don't you too?

Pray More; Worry Less

It's true. Jesus told us in Scripture that we won't add one day to our life by worrying. So this year one of my resolutions is to place more in the lap of God by way of prayer and then leave it there. Instead of trying to fix everything myself, I am going to give, it, them, or illness to the Lord of my life and let Him deal with it. I am tired of fretting over things I think I can do myself, only to find I really can't affect the outcome I desire because I lack the power or influence I thought I had. So I'm going to do it God's way this year.

As men, our natural desire is to try and fix things that need fixing; whether it be the faucet, or a relationship. The faucet thing is fine. Relationships, not so fine. I resolve to be a better listener and a better prayer warrior. I realize that if I hear the issue better, I will be able to better bring it to God. I'm guessing that as a result of this new attitude, my relationship with God is going to grow deeper and my faith will become stronger. So I challenge any man out there who has become more self-reliant than need be, and believe me it sneaks up on you, to begin this journey of prayer and in certain seasons fasting with me. Write down in a journal what your needs, desires and issues are and let's just see what He will do. I'm excited about all of the possibilities. My guess He is too.

Freshen Up Your Testimony

This past year has been difficult for me from a church standpoint. I am still struggling with grace for some folks with whom I used to go to church. When some read this I'm sure they will say "get over it already." I will. Time heals you know. It's just that I saw the very ugly side of some church people I really loved and trusted; some who I believe will have some 'splaining to do when they meet Jesus face to face. The insults, and innuendos they threw at my great friend and pastor, were not just unwarranted but barely this side of evil. The reason? The only thing they can tell anyone Jesus did for them is that He saved them 40 years ago. Their testimony has become old and moldy. My contention is that if you can't tell me a little bit about what God is doing in your life today, then you'd better get off your butt and transition your story from a history lesson to one of current events. When you are on the front line of God's work you don't have time to throw darts at pastors.

This is the last time I am ever going to write about this. I am officially leaving this behind and moving forward. But let this just be a warning for those who are so tied up in church politics that they forget about the true meaning of the message of Jesus. He never came to be a Board member. He came to seek and save the lost. Ask yourself if what you are doing at your church is furthering the cause of Christ. There are so many people who need to not just hear the stories of Jesus, but to see them lived out fresh and new every day in front of them. Jesus has called us to love each other in the body of Christ first, so people will see us interact with each other with grace and compassion and be drawn to that love, and then to our communities so we can by our love, lead people to a living Jesus. If our lives in Christ aren't different from others, why would they want our Jesus? We can all begin by loving one another. Please, begin with your pastor.