Hello all,
First let me apologise for the length of time between my posts. Although there really is no excuse I have not planned my time out properly and this has caught up with me. My internship at the Reading Hospital has ended until September I can't believe how busy I have been. Please know that as busy as I have been I believe that God is directly involved with every area of my life and I just want to make sure that I am walking on the path He put down and not one that I have created in my own mind.
God has been so good, I was able to preach on Saturday night last month. I did all the announcements this Saturday AND Sunday!! I know that won't mean a lot to some of you but it puts me in front of the congregation and allows more practice in presentation and public speaking.
The family is doing well, the two youngest girls are with Cindy's mom and should be home by the end of the week.
I trust all who are reading this is doing well. Leave me a comment if you would like I would appreciate hearing what is on your mind.
Blessings.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Happy father's day
WOW, how awesome it is to be a dad!!! I am blessed to have 4 incredible but different children all whom challenge me everyday in some way or another. As they age these challenges become more important and difficult. I remember the first time a glass of milk was spilled verses today we have to deal with the world issues that are brought against our kids everyday. I really appreciate the statement, "the good old days" , even for me, 10 years ago was easier then now.
I do know this though, I would not change a single thing! I have learned what being a man, a husband, a father and most importantly a man who walks with God as his leader is all about. Have I got it conquered? Of course not! If anyone who reads this think that they have PLEASE respond so we can meet. :)
I am so grateful for the blessings we as a family have received even the blessings that maybe did not look like blessings at the time. Lessons are sometimes difficult to learn and can not always be taught with soft hands. We serve a great God who never abandons us or forsakes us and for that we need to keep walking with our God with confidence and appreciation.
To all the dads, have a great day on Sunday, give those who love you love in return and take a moment to think and thank God for all that we have through His blessings and all that we effect with each word that comes out of our mouths and each hug we give.
Blessings to all.
I do know this though, I would not change a single thing! I have learned what being a man, a husband, a father and most importantly a man who walks with God as his leader is all about. Have I got it conquered? Of course not! If anyone who reads this think that they have PLEASE respond so we can meet. :)
I am so grateful for the blessings we as a family have received even the blessings that maybe did not look like blessings at the time. Lessons are sometimes difficult to learn and can not always be taught with soft hands. We serve a great God who never abandons us or forsakes us and for that we need to keep walking with our God with confidence and appreciation.
To all the dads, have a great day on Sunday, give those who love you love in return and take a moment to think and thank God for all that we have through His blessings and all that we effect with each word that comes out of our mouths and each hug we give.
Blessings to all.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Just checking in...
Hello all,
I wanted to make sure I touched base with you. It has been awhile since my last post. It has been a good month, I finished this semester of school, the next one starts in September and goes non-stop for 10 months. It will be a tough run but well worth the effort. Cindy had Carpal Tunnel surgery two weeks ago and is doing well. Although she does not know the instruction on rest and found out just how injured her wrist is. She is recovering well and will return to work in a few weeks. I have to admit I am enjoying being out of school for this little break. I still do night coverage (2 a month) just to make sure I don't loose my "edge".
Not a lot to pass on at this time but know that if you have responded to any of my posts I have you on my prayer list and pray for you often.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you have not left a comment please do so I can start praying for you as well.
Blessings to all.
Pastor Mike
I wanted to make sure I touched base with you. It has been awhile since my last post. It has been a good month, I finished this semester of school, the next one starts in September and goes non-stop for 10 months. It will be a tough run but well worth the effort. Cindy had Carpal Tunnel surgery two weeks ago and is doing well. Although she does not know the instruction on rest and found out just how injured her wrist is. She is recovering well and will return to work in a few weeks. I have to admit I am enjoying being out of school for this little break. I still do night coverage (2 a month) just to make sure I don't loose my "edge".
Not a lot to pass on at this time but know that if you have responded to any of my posts I have you on my prayer list and pray for you often.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you have not left a comment please do so I can start praying for you as well.
Blessings to all.
Pastor Mike
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Saying Good-Bye....
Don't freak out, I am not going anywhere. It has been one interesting month that had a lot of different good byes and I thought it might be worth sharing them.
If you read my last Blog, you read about one type of good bye, the mourning, grieving extreme loss good bye but I also said good bye to my classmates in the intern program at the hospital. This was a different type of good bye and one that I was not and still are not comfortable with. This good bye required me to think that once again a person or a group of people that I have become close to will be out of my life. Like I said, I don't handle this type of good bye well.
This group was the first group of strangers that I became close to in a long time. Through this process I learned that it requires a lot of ourselves in order to get a close relationship but it also takes a lot of ourselves to let that go and trust that all will be okay in the universe. I know that it may sound funny but this was a great revelation for me. Why? It was not my practice to show my "soft" side or put ANYTHING on my sleeve. I have learned that sometimes it is good to do that even when you know that someday you might have to say good bye to that person you trusted it is better to have had that relationship for a short time then not to have had it all. I know you have all heard that before but it is different when you actually experience the emotions involved in this experience.
My finial thoughts are this, don't limit potentially great experiences just because of the fear of that experience ending.
Thanks to Bob, Heather and Sue who were the Interns I had the pleasure of serving with. May our God bless all of you with success, health and love.
If you read my last Blog, you read about one type of good bye, the mourning, grieving extreme loss good bye but I also said good bye to my classmates in the intern program at the hospital. This was a different type of good bye and one that I was not and still are not comfortable with. This good bye required me to think that once again a person or a group of people that I have become close to will be out of my life. Like I said, I don't handle this type of good bye well.
This group was the first group of strangers that I became close to in a long time. Through this process I learned that it requires a lot of ourselves in order to get a close relationship but it also takes a lot of ourselves to let that go and trust that all will be okay in the universe. I know that it may sound funny but this was a great revelation for me. Why? It was not my practice to show my "soft" side or put ANYTHING on my sleeve. I have learned that sometimes it is good to do that even when you know that someday you might have to say good bye to that person you trusted it is better to have had that relationship for a short time then not to have had it all. I know you have all heard that before but it is different when you actually experience the emotions involved in this experience.
My finial thoughts are this, don't limit potentially great experiences just because of the fear of that experience ending.
Thanks to Bob, Heather and Sue who were the Interns I had the pleasure of serving with. May our God bless all of you with success, health and love.
Monday, April 14, 2008
wow, WOW!!!!
That is the words I heard today as a father dealt with the death of his daughter's fiancee'.
What an opening line uh? Well that was the kind of day I had today. I spent 3 hours with a family that had to say good bye to their 22 year old son, brother, fiance', father, friend.
This was to date, the most emotional experience I have had as a Pastor or Chaplain.
The lessons? The need? I don't know yet, this is what I do know. Our God is perfect in ALL things, He is always on time, He is always loving, He is all knowing. I had to remind myself of that as I watched this beautiful 2o year old draped over the body of her fiancee' trying to make sense of it all, what she was going to do with rest of her life, to see her parents helpless as they watch her cry the cry you never want to see your child cry. That cry that you can't comfort, you can't stop, you can't make better.
As she cried out to her love telling him that they had so much more to do, that the house still needed to be brought, the wedding is almost here, the honeymoon is planned. The kids they had talked about and wanted so badly weren't here yet.
As she kisses his face again and again and wondering how she is ever going to be able to love again as she so desperately tries to understand what is happening you feel as helpless as I am sure those who watched our Lord be crucified must have felt. My heart broke for her, for her family, for all the things that might have been.
As this chapter closed and the families left the hospital, the body is taken away I leave and wonder what to do. I decided to go to the other side of the hospital, far away from the Emergency Department and I get a chocolate milk shake and try to find some comfort. I am walking through the hall and I turn the corner and there it is, a nurse pushing a bassinet with a few hour old baby, beautifully pink, wrapped so tight and securely in a pink blanket. Then I think wow, WOW what a beautiful God I serve.
Blessings to all and may all of you have peace, health and love.
Pastor Mike
What an opening line uh? Well that was the kind of day I had today. I spent 3 hours with a family that had to say good bye to their 22 year old son, brother, fiance', father, friend.
This was to date, the most emotional experience I have had as a Pastor or Chaplain.
The lessons? The need? I don't know yet, this is what I do know. Our God is perfect in ALL things, He is always on time, He is always loving, He is all knowing. I had to remind myself of that as I watched this beautiful 2o year old draped over the body of her fiancee' trying to make sense of it all, what she was going to do with rest of her life, to see her parents helpless as they watch her cry the cry you never want to see your child cry. That cry that you can't comfort, you can't stop, you can't make better.
As she cried out to her love telling him that they had so much more to do, that the house still needed to be brought, the wedding is almost here, the honeymoon is planned. The kids they had talked about and wanted so badly weren't here yet.
As she kisses his face again and again and wondering how she is ever going to be able to love again as she so desperately tries to understand what is happening you feel as helpless as I am sure those who watched our Lord be crucified must have felt. My heart broke for her, for her family, for all the things that might have been.
As this chapter closed and the families left the hospital, the body is taken away I leave and wonder what to do. I decided to go to the other side of the hospital, far away from the Emergency Department and I get a chocolate milk shake and try to find some comfort. I am walking through the hall and I turn the corner and there it is, a nurse pushing a bassinet with a few hour old baby, beautifully pink, wrapped so tight and securely in a pink blanket. Then I think wow, WOW what a beautiful God I serve.
Blessings to all and may all of you have peace, health and love.
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
OH BOY.....
Well, it has happened.
I am officially an "old man", why?
My son, Michael just received his learners permit and is now driving!!!
I really never thought that I would get effected by this but now that it has happened it is a little odd. I never thought about getting old enough to actually be teaching one of my kids to drive.
This has not only made me think about my position as a father but also as a man old enough to have kids that drive. It also made me think that now my son is even in more of a position to get hurt or even killed as well as being in a position of responsibility and trust. I never really thought that so many different things would be going on in my head ( and heart) over something like getting a permit!!
Then I think, Jesus in a sense got His permit, when he rode into town on the donkey!! Its a stretch I know but if you think about it. That was a key time and change in Jesus' future as a leader, teacher and as Lord. I can't imagine how His family must have felt when they saw all that was happening to their "son" as I am about to watch my son change into a young man who I continually pray will learn what a man is to be and try to do all that he can to demonstrate God's love for him to all those who he loves and will come into contact with.
To all who read this, my prayers are with you and your families for health, happiness, peace and most of all love.
Blessings.
I am officially an "old man", why?
My son, Michael just received his learners permit and is now driving!!!
I really never thought that I would get effected by this but now that it has happened it is a little odd. I never thought about getting old enough to actually be teaching one of my kids to drive.
This has not only made me think about my position as a father but also as a man old enough to have kids that drive. It also made me think that now my son is even in more of a position to get hurt or even killed as well as being in a position of responsibility and trust. I never really thought that so many different things would be going on in my head ( and heart) over something like getting a permit!!
Then I think, Jesus in a sense got His permit, when he rode into town on the donkey!! Its a stretch I know but if you think about it. That was a key time and change in Jesus' future as a leader, teacher and as Lord. I can't imagine how His family must have felt when they saw all that was happening to their "son" as I am about to watch my son change into a young man who I continually pray will learn what a man is to be and try to do all that he can to demonstrate God's love for him to all those who he loves and will come into contact with.
To all who read this, my prayers are with you and your families for health, happiness, peace and most of all love.
Blessings.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Something new
Hello all,
I trust that all is well and that you are living a life that may not always be perfect but still with God's teachings as our guide.
I wanted to give you some instructions to a new element I have added to my blog.
As you can see to the left of your screen a logo "CALL ME". Well that means what it says.
If you click on the logo an area will ask for YOUR phone number that you would want to call from. Now, understand that your phone will ring and when you answer it there will be ringing on the other end and then it will connect to me. If I can't answer the call you will hear my voice mail. Leave a message and I will call or E-mail you back. This is a free call and it is safe to use. It uses my website and the internet instead of phone lines. You can call from any phone!!
It really is cool. Try it and see, be ready for my next blog, its coming soon.
Blessings to all with God's love and protection may you have a blessed day.
I trust that all is well and that you are living a life that may not always be perfect but still with God's teachings as our guide.
I wanted to give you some instructions to a new element I have added to my blog.
As you can see to the left of your screen a logo "CALL ME". Well that means what it says.
If you click on the logo an area will ask for YOUR phone number that you would want to call from. Now, understand that your phone will ring and when you answer it there will be ringing on the other end and then it will connect to me. If I can't answer the call you will hear my voice mail. Leave a message and I will call or E-mail you back. This is a free call and it is safe to use. It uses my website and the internet instead of phone lines. You can call from any phone!!
It really is cool. Try it and see, be ready for my next blog, its coming soon.
Blessings to all with God's love and protection may you have a blessed day.
Friday, March 21, 2008
"Good" Friday
I often wonder if this is a contradictory statement.
Really, what can be good about today. Our Lord gets hung on a cross after getting beaten for hours, spit at, hit by rocks, beaten at the hands of ruthless Roman guards. I mean REALLY how can this be "GOOD"???
I will tell you how, today Jesus lets us really see for the first time how much He loves us. This is the beginning of the greatest time in the world's history! Nothing will compare to this day... except His return. That's why this is GOOD Friday.
I know that if your understanding of Christianity is just beginning or if you are coming into a true understanding of Christianity from another religious belief this might be hard to understand. Try to think of it this way.
For those of us who have children, we try to teach our kids right and wrong. We would prefer that they listen to us instead of going and making the mistakes and having to suffer the results of their mistakes or bad judgements right? Well Jesus took that concept to the extreme. He loves us so much that he took the worst result of sin, death, for us BEFORE we even sinned to cover us against the result of sin.
It is impossible to understand that kind of love. That is because that kind of love can only come from our Lord. We can't return it in the same way it is given. We can only humbly accept it and to the best of our abilities, give the love we recieved to someone else. Today is a GREAT day, today Jesus started the process of total and complete surrender and His Battle over hatred, evil and death.
As you pray tonight, forgive someone who you have been holding bitterness for. Pray for someone that is against you. Pray for someone to come to a relationship with Christ.
I wish all of you a happy Easter weekend and may your time with family and friends be blessed.
Really, what can be good about today. Our Lord gets hung on a cross after getting beaten for hours, spit at, hit by rocks, beaten at the hands of ruthless Roman guards. I mean REALLY how can this be "GOOD"???
I will tell you how, today Jesus lets us really see for the first time how much He loves us. This is the beginning of the greatest time in the world's history! Nothing will compare to this day... except His return. That's why this is GOOD Friday.
I know that if your understanding of Christianity is just beginning or if you are coming into a true understanding of Christianity from another religious belief this might be hard to understand. Try to think of it this way.
For those of us who have children, we try to teach our kids right and wrong. We would prefer that they listen to us instead of going and making the mistakes and having to suffer the results of their mistakes or bad judgements right? Well Jesus took that concept to the extreme. He loves us so much that he took the worst result of sin, death, for us BEFORE we even sinned to cover us against the result of sin.
It is impossible to understand that kind of love. That is because that kind of love can only come from our Lord. We can't return it in the same way it is given. We can only humbly accept it and to the best of our abilities, give the love we recieved to someone else. Today is a GREAT day, today Jesus started the process of total and complete surrender and His Battle over hatred, evil and death.
As you pray tonight, forgive someone who you have been holding bitterness for. Pray for someone that is against you. Pray for someone to come to a relationship with Christ.
I wish all of you a happy Easter weekend and may your time with family and friends be blessed.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Whats your Mission Statment
Hello all,
Our meeting this week was enlightening.
I was studing and preparing to speak from a book I was reading on leadership and it spoke about the importance of a mission statement.
In our meeting while we were talking about what a mission statement that is written for us individually can be a very powerful tool.
I have included the notes that were handed out today for you to look at.
I would ask that you really think about a mission statement. What do you think your mission statement would look like, maybe even write one out and apply it to your life.
It would really be interesting to hear any of your statements if you would like to share.
Blessings to all.
Mission Conscious
What’s your “Big Picture”
Do you have a mission statement?
1. Why is a mission statement important?
a. It allows for a Goal
i. What do you want your life, marriage, business to be like?
b. It gives direction
i. It gives guidance in times of uncertainty.
c. It encourages in times of frustration
i. It gives hope when doubt fogs our vision
2. How does a mission statement help a team?
a. A mission allows the leader to lead
i. When the mission is clear the leading is easy because everyone is on the same page.
ii. A mission statement motivates when times get hard.
Joshua 22:3
For a long time now--to this very day--you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you.
iii. A mission allows the leader to have the vision and then take the vision and turn it in to reality
b. Selfishness does not exist in a mission.
i. Anyone will do whatever they have to do to make the mission a success. This includes actions not seen or acknowledged by others.
1 Sa 21:2
David answered Ahimelech the priest, "The king charged me with a certain matter and said to me, 'No one is to know anything about your mission and your instructions.'
ii. We have to give up our agendas, ideas or anything else that might hinder the mission.
3. How do we know if we have a mission?
a. Is your team going anywhere?
i. Do you have a mission statement
ii. Does everyone know it?
iii. And, do they believe in it?
1. Believing is more then just understanding the mission. (Reggie Jackson story on stealing bases)
2. Will the decision be made that is in the best interest of the team no matter what a PERSONAL gain might be?
Please feel free to ask me any questions or give me your comments. If this was helpful to you I would also appreciate your support, I would be more then happy to do this as much as possible.
Our meeting this week was enlightening.
I was studing and preparing to speak from a book I was reading on leadership and it spoke about the importance of a mission statement.
In our meeting while we were talking about what a mission statement that is written for us individually can be a very powerful tool.
I have included the notes that were handed out today for you to look at.
I would ask that you really think about a mission statement. What do you think your mission statement would look like, maybe even write one out and apply it to your life.
It would really be interesting to hear any of your statements if you would like to share.
Blessings to all.
Mission Conscious
What’s your “Big Picture”
Do you have a mission statement?
1. Why is a mission statement important?
a. It allows for a Goal
i. What do you want your life, marriage, business to be like?
b. It gives direction
i. It gives guidance in times of uncertainty.
c. It encourages in times of frustration
i. It gives hope when doubt fogs our vision
2. How does a mission statement help a team?
a. A mission allows the leader to lead
i. When the mission is clear the leading is easy because everyone is on the same page.
ii. A mission statement motivates when times get hard.
Joshua 22:3
For a long time now--to this very day--you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you.
iii. A mission allows the leader to have the vision and then take the vision and turn it in to reality
b. Selfishness does not exist in a mission.
i. Anyone will do whatever they have to do to make the mission a success. This includes actions not seen or acknowledged by others.
1 Sa 21:2
David answered Ahimelech the priest, "The king charged me with a certain matter and said to me, 'No one is to know anything about your mission and your instructions.'
ii. We have to give up our agendas, ideas or anything else that might hinder the mission.
3. How do we know if we have a mission?
a. Is your team going anywhere?
i. Do you have a mission statement
ii. Does everyone know it?
iii. And, do they believe in it?
1. Believing is more then just understanding the mission. (Reggie Jackson story on stealing bases)
2. Will the decision be made that is in the best interest of the team no matter what a PERSONAL gain might be?
Please feel free to ask me any questions or give me your comments. If this was helpful to you I would also appreciate your support, I would be more then happy to do this as much as possible.
Friday, February 15, 2008
What a great lesson this morning
You know what guys?
There is something that happens when a bunch of guys come together and truly allow themselves to trust those around them and share something about themselves that they are not proud of. This sharing not only effects the man who shares it but also speaks to the guy who could not share but wished he could. This sharing also brings out others who have already experienced the same thing and they share what they did about it. And that is whether it worked or not.
It is not easy for men to admit there weakness, faults or sins. I know this... when men are allowed to share in a safe place without fear of judgement or ridicual great things happen. Today we talked about being intentional and we had some great things shared. We learned that we need to concentrate on a few things and do them well instead of being a YES man and trying to do everything and not doing the job as well as we should. We learned that scheduling our goals and then sticking with that schedule because we assigned priorities to our goals help very much.
Probably the biggest thing is this. We all have been given a purpose and the gifts to achieve that purpose. The key is this. Take the time to communicate with God to identify what this purpose is and then concentrating on fulfilling that purpose with perfection.
Today, tell yourself that you want to lead a purpose driven life and that you want to identify your reason that God has you were you are. Once that is done commit to doing all that you can to achieve that purpose and start that path. Don't expect to complete this by Monday, take your time and enjoy this journey. Your connection with God and yourself will be one that you never expected or will ever forget.
Blessings to all of you and don't forget.
Pray, be still, listen and pray again.
Have a great weekend.
There is something that happens when a bunch of guys come together and truly allow themselves to trust those around them and share something about themselves that they are not proud of. This sharing not only effects the man who shares it but also speaks to the guy who could not share but wished he could. This sharing also brings out others who have already experienced the same thing and they share what they did about it. And that is whether it worked or not.
It is not easy for men to admit there weakness, faults or sins. I know this... when men are allowed to share in a safe place without fear of judgement or ridicual great things happen. Today we talked about being intentional and we had some great things shared. We learned that we need to concentrate on a few things and do them well instead of being a YES man and trying to do everything and not doing the job as well as we should. We learned that scheduling our goals and then sticking with that schedule because we assigned priorities to our goals help very much.
Probably the biggest thing is this. We all have been given a purpose and the gifts to achieve that purpose. The key is this. Take the time to communicate with God to identify what this purpose is and then concentrating on fulfilling that purpose with perfection.
Today, tell yourself that you want to lead a purpose driven life and that you want to identify your reason that God has you were you are. Once that is done commit to doing all that you can to achieve that purpose and start that path. Don't expect to complete this by Monday, take your time and enjoy this journey. Your connection with God and yourself will be one that you never expected or will ever forget.
Blessings to all of you and don't forget.
Pray, be still, listen and pray again.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
CALLING ALL MEN!!!!
Okay, here it is.
This is to the men out there that are sitting home on Saturday night or Sundays instead of going to a place of worship and developing a relationship with God.
Now I already have heard several statements that I catorgerize as "excuses" or "cop outs". The most used one;
"I don't need to go to church to have a relatationship with God."
"I have not found a church that fits my needs."
"Church is for the women."
"If the church called me for something I would help out as much as I could."
"I don't like the music.", "I already know God, what am I going to be taught?"
ENOUGH ALREADY!!
Let me ask you a question, the statements all refer to who? Thats correct. it is all about the "I". God is never about Himself, He is about YOU! All He asks is that you develope a knowledge or relationship with Him.
Now I know that word "relationship" can be hard for some men to get a hold of. How can I get a "personal relationship" with someone I can only read about? How can I talk to someone I can't see?
These are all the answers to why you need to go to church. This is not even touching the idea of what God is asking us to "BE" as men of God.
Here is the deal. I will begin to pray for a response to these next few blogs and if God brings men to this page I will begin to post weekly studies and/or teachings that will be directly pointed towards men and a new relationship with God and other men.
Men were and are still appointed to very important roles in the world, our communities and our families which include THE CHURCH. It is time for us to take our positions as leaders and start doing what God asks us to do and start reclaiming this world for God, our families and all those we effect.
Blessings to all of you and PLEASE it starts with you. It starts with you understanding how important this is and respond with a comment to this letter.
I am looking forward to hearing from you and starting the walk on this path we are now on.
Have a great and blessed day.
Pastor Mike
This is to the men out there that are sitting home on Saturday night or Sundays instead of going to a place of worship and developing a relationship with God.
Now I already have heard several statements that I catorgerize as "excuses" or "cop outs". The most used one;
"I don't need to go to church to have a relatationship with God."
"I have not found a church that fits my needs."
"Church is for the women."
"If the church called me for something I would help out as much as I could."
"I don't like the music.", "I already know God, what am I going to be taught?"
ENOUGH ALREADY!!
Let me ask you a question, the statements all refer to who? Thats correct. it is all about the "I". God is never about Himself, He is about YOU! All He asks is that you develope a knowledge or relationship with Him.
Now I know that word "relationship" can be hard for some men to get a hold of. How can I get a "personal relationship" with someone I can only read about? How can I talk to someone I can't see?
These are all the answers to why you need to go to church. This is not even touching the idea of what God is asking us to "BE" as men of God.
Here is the deal. I will begin to pray for a response to these next few blogs and if God brings men to this page I will begin to post weekly studies and/or teachings that will be directly pointed towards men and a new relationship with God and other men.
Men were and are still appointed to very important roles in the world, our communities and our families which include THE CHURCH. It is time for us to take our positions as leaders and start doing what God asks us to do and start reclaiming this world for God, our families and all those we effect.
Blessings to all of you and PLEASE it starts with you. It starts with you understanding how important this is and respond with a comment to this letter.
I am looking forward to hearing from you and starting the walk on this path we are now on.
Have a great and blessed day.
Pastor Mike
Monday, January 28, 2008
Nothing like going to North Carolina!!!
Hello all.
The family and I just returned from a visit to North Carolina. This is where my family lives which includes my 93 year old grandmother who still goes to her garden and picks her own flowers. She truly is amazing.
It was a great visit and it never fails to amaze me the difference in culture from up here compared to the south. It is so nice to go to the local market and have almost everyone say hello or giving a warm smile or wave. It really reminds me of how nice it is to feel safe and comfortable where you live. We have that same ability to make a place like that no matter where we live. I know not all of us are able just to say hello to perfect strangers but we can certainly smile, we can certainly hold a door open for someone. Those random acts of kindness are so addictive and so easy to do. All we have to do is look for the opportunities and when they present themselves JUST DO IT!
God wants us to do things for others without being applauded for or publicly rewarded. He sees what we do, that is all that really matters. I would much rather be told of the opportunities I took advantage of by God then told of all the ones I MISSED by God. Just a thought. Leave me a comment on some experiences you may have when someone did something for you that you did not expect. These stories make such great testimonies and memories.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Have a great and blessed week.
The family and I just returned from a visit to North Carolina. This is where my family lives which includes my 93 year old grandmother who still goes to her garden and picks her own flowers. She truly is amazing.
It was a great visit and it never fails to amaze me the difference in culture from up here compared to the south. It is so nice to go to the local market and have almost everyone say hello or giving a warm smile or wave. It really reminds me of how nice it is to feel safe and comfortable where you live. We have that same ability to make a place like that no matter where we live. I know not all of us are able just to say hello to perfect strangers but we can certainly smile, we can certainly hold a door open for someone. Those random acts of kindness are so addictive and so easy to do. All we have to do is look for the opportunities and when they present themselves JUST DO IT!
God wants us to do things for others without being applauded for or publicly rewarded. He sees what we do, that is all that really matters. I would much rather be told of the opportunities I took advantage of by God then told of all the ones I MISSED by God. Just a thought. Leave me a comment on some experiences you may have when someone did something for you that you did not expect. These stories make such great testimonies and memories.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Have a great and blessed week.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Leadership...Does it really matter?
Hello all,
As we continue our Daniel fast we have started a study into leadership and have already addressed several areas that are needed to be effective and trusted leaders. Our leadership skills go far beyond our professional lives but dive into who we are as fathers, mothers, parents and people involved in our community. As we go ahead in this study I ask for your feedback concerning what we are learning. I will start a review of the topic or topics that we cover and include comments that were made by the class. I hope that this will become a tool of review and a resource you can use if you should miss a class.
I also wanted to update you on my New Years resolutions to date. I continue to be successful with my prayer life but have still had trouble with my time management but I am working on it.
Continue to pray everyday to strengthen your relationship with God and learn to be still and listen for His direction and encouragement.
Blessings.
As we continue our Daniel fast we have started a study into leadership and have already addressed several areas that are needed to be effective and trusted leaders. Our leadership skills go far beyond our professional lives but dive into who we are as fathers, mothers, parents and people involved in our community. As we go ahead in this study I ask for your feedback concerning what we are learning. I will start a review of the topic or topics that we cover and include comments that were made by the class. I hope that this will become a tool of review and a resource you can use if you should miss a class.
I also wanted to update you on my New Years resolutions to date. I continue to be successful with my prayer life but have still had trouble with my time management but I am working on it.
Continue to pray everyday to strengthen your relationship with God and learn to be still and listen for His direction and encouragement.
Blessings.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Week Two...
Well,
Here we are going into the 2nd full week of the Daniel fast. How have you been doing? I would love to hear how God is moving and what areas have been opened to you. It would also be fun to hear about your struggles and those "moments" like I had the other day when my kids wanted to go to Burger King!!! I forgot how good it was going to smell when I walked in and smelled and say the french fries, milkshakes and HAMBURGERS!!!!
I have to say it was kinda funny and then it got kinda tough. I was lucky to have my kids as my accountability partners and let me tell you, I think they really enjoyed it!!
God is moving in many ways in my life. My vision for where I want to go is slowly being shown to me but probably the biggest revelation is the increased prayer life my wife and I are experiencing while on this fast. My individual prayer life has increased as well and I am more aware of people I need to pray for. The time I am spending in prayer at this point is becoming the most intimate then I have ever imagined it could be. This is what I want for all of you, to get intimate with God and see how He can really change your out look and your entire life. Trust in Him, take a step out of your comfort zone and allow God to show you what He is all about.
Let me know your thoughts and experiences even if you are not doing the fast let me know what it going on in your lives.
Blessings to all and have a great week.
Here we are going into the 2nd full week of the Daniel fast. How have you been doing? I would love to hear how God is moving and what areas have been opened to you. It would also be fun to hear about your struggles and those "moments" like I had the other day when my kids wanted to go to Burger King!!! I forgot how good it was going to smell when I walked in and smelled and say the french fries, milkshakes and HAMBURGERS!!!!
I have to say it was kinda funny and then it got kinda tough. I was lucky to have my kids as my accountability partners and let me tell you, I think they really enjoyed it!!
God is moving in many ways in my life. My vision for where I want to go is slowly being shown to me but probably the biggest revelation is the increased prayer life my wife and I are experiencing while on this fast. My individual prayer life has increased as well and I am more aware of people I need to pray for. The time I am spending in prayer at this point is becoming the most intimate then I have ever imagined it could be. This is what I want for all of you, to get intimate with God and see how He can really change your out look and your entire life. Trust in Him, take a step out of your comfort zone and allow God to show you what He is all about.
Let me know your thoughts and experiences even if you are not doing the fast let me know what it going on in your lives.
Blessings to all and have a great week.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Its a NEW YEAR!!
Happy New Year!!!
It is now 2008!! WOW 2007 went so fast for me. As I look back I see so many areas that I would have liked to have done something different, made a different decision, spent more time doing a certain things, made more visits, ANSWERED E-MAILS FASTER:)
So many people use today to start something new or do something better... I am no different. That is why I am posting my New Year resolutions on my blogs so that I can't say I forgot and that those of you who wish to hold me accountable can. I am not sure if this is a good idea yet but if it back fires I only have a year to suffer through right?
Well here it is, my New Year resolutions;
1- I am going to commit myself to a new dedication to my personal prayer life. This will include a daily devotion WITH my wife! I am looking very forward to this. This resolution will also include a personal daily Bible study for me.
2- I have suffered in my follow up in my communications via voice mail and E-mails. I am going to commit myself that all messages are returned with an e-mail or phone call within 48 hours of my receipt of the message. This might not sound all that great to some of you but this is an area that is very busy for me. This includes all the prayer requests I receive online and the assignments I receive on Fellowship One.
3-As my school starts again, I have to commit myself to daily time to study and to complete papers and research assignments EARLY. This for me will relieve a lot of stress to try to complete these assignments in the lat minute. My school commitment this year will be my heaviest in a long time so I would appreciate prayer in this area. The rewards will be great but it will be a tough road to get there.
4- This is the most important area of all my resolutions. As you have read above there are a lot of areas that will take my time this upcoming year. With that in mind, I resolve to find time for my kids and my wife EVERYDAY that is not interfered with by my computer or the phone. This may be my most difficult resolution to date. Why? I am addicted to my computer, I use it for everything and I do allow it to take the place of other things and I have seen the results of this and it is not good. With that in mind I will commit to putting this box down and when it is down it STAYS down!!
Well that's it, it is only 4 but for me they will be enough to keep me focused for the next year. I will pray that all of you will set your own resolutions and I would love to hear them so please take a minute and let me know what your doing to improve your relationships, your prayer life and your commitment to areas of your life that you want to improve.
May God bless you and your family with great success, health and happiness for the upcoming year and may it be filled with experiences with God and the Holy Spirit that will forever change your life.
Happy New Year,
Mike
It is now 2008!! WOW 2007 went so fast for me. As I look back I see so many areas that I would have liked to have done something different, made a different decision, spent more time doing a certain things, made more visits, ANSWERED E-MAILS FASTER:)
So many people use today to start something new or do something better... I am no different. That is why I am posting my New Year resolutions on my blogs so that I can't say I forgot and that those of you who wish to hold me accountable can. I am not sure if this is a good idea yet but if it back fires I only have a year to suffer through right?
Well here it is, my New Year resolutions;
1- I am going to commit myself to a new dedication to my personal prayer life. This will include a daily devotion WITH my wife! I am looking very forward to this. This resolution will also include a personal daily Bible study for me.
2- I have suffered in my follow up in my communications via voice mail and E-mails. I am going to commit myself that all messages are returned with an e-mail or phone call within 48 hours of my receipt of the message. This might not sound all that great to some of you but this is an area that is very busy for me. This includes all the prayer requests I receive online and the assignments I receive on Fellowship One.
3-As my school starts again, I have to commit myself to daily time to study and to complete papers and research assignments EARLY. This for me will relieve a lot of stress to try to complete these assignments in the lat minute. My school commitment this year will be my heaviest in a long time so I would appreciate prayer in this area. The rewards will be great but it will be a tough road to get there.
4- This is the most important area of all my resolutions. As you have read above there are a lot of areas that will take my time this upcoming year. With that in mind, I resolve to find time for my kids and my wife EVERYDAY that is not interfered with by my computer or the phone. This may be my most difficult resolution to date. Why? I am addicted to my computer, I use it for everything and I do allow it to take the place of other things and I have seen the results of this and it is not good. With that in mind I will commit to putting this box down and when it is down it STAYS down!!
Well that's it, it is only 4 but for me they will be enough to keep me focused for the next year. I will pray that all of you will set your own resolutions and I would love to hear them so please take a minute and let me know what your doing to improve your relationships, your prayer life and your commitment to areas of your life that you want to improve.
May God bless you and your family with great success, health and happiness for the upcoming year and may it be filled with experiences with God and the Holy Spirit that will forever change your life.
Happy New Year,
Mike
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