Being Prepared

Praise God; healing has come!  I have to say that the last few days were pretty brutal.  I honestly think the last time I had a fever was back when I lived at home with my parent, over 10 years ago.  I knew that I was really sick yesterday when my wife was hot in a sleeveless dress and I was freezing in a hoodie and jeans.

I felt much better upon waking this morning but I felt pretty good when I woke up yesterday also.  So I was careful to ease myself into work and pay close attention to how my body reacted.  I tried to go to work yesterday after feeling a little better in the morning and ended up back home curled up on the couch in misery by lunch time.  The moment I knew that I truly was on the path of recovery was when I ate lunch and desired a second helping of chips!  I have not been able to even finish half a sandwich, much less the chips, for the past two days.  I always know that something is wrong when I am not hungry ;)

I have a lot to do at my job and one of the pressing tasks is mowing the lawn.  After the fourth warmest winter on record, our grass is growing like crazy much earlier than usual.  I decided to mow today particularly because the zero-turn mower we use can be operated without much strength.  I knew this would help me get a lot of what I need to get done without completely exhausting me.

As I mowed the front yard of my business's property, I praised God for the ability to be outside.  I was so thankful to be productive again and so thankful for a beautiful day to return to.  Another reason I decided to mow today is because it is suppose to rain tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday.  I knew that if I allowed the grass to wait until Monday, our property would start taking the shape of a wilderness over a well manicured lawn.

In our lives, there are times when we can see storms coming.  When this happens, we have a choice to prepare for the storm or ignore the storm.  By preparing for the storm, we can minimize much of the damage or problems it could cause.  Yet by ignoring it, we can end up with a much worse situation than we could've predicted.  Like mowing the grass.  If I had waited, I may have ended up with swampy areas due to high rain, fallen trees due to high wind, and much taller grass due to water and sunlight.

Different examples of upcoming storms in our lives that may be preventable are: house repairs, car repairs, marital trouble, job issues, and/or family issues.  Many times we are given signs that any number of these issues are going to get worse if not attended to now.  We as Christians have to be careful by being aware of how we are living our lives and what storms we may be causing or walking into by our actions.  People are paying attention to how we live our life, which includes how we prepare for a storm and how we handle a storm.

As we look in the Bible, we can see that there are a whole plethora of scriptures that speak to us preparing for the storms in our lives.  There are hundreds of scripture speaking to how to handle money, relationships, jobs, friendship, and who to trust in.  By following these scriptures, we help to weather proof our life or at least minimize the damage from the storms that are sure to come.  Are you prepared for the storms that may be coming in your life and do you know who to trust as you go through them?      

Blessings,

Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

A Battle Forseen

I've definitely had better days,  I'm not a pretty sight but it is what it is. ;)

There are times when you don't want to compete a task and then there are times that you can't.  Today was one of those times where I couldn't do anything today.  Literally.  I woke up in the middle of the night with difficulty breathing and finally got that under control after an hour or so.  Then I woke up with stomach flu/food poisoning like symptoms.  Let's just say that my day did not turn out at all like I had hoped it would.  As you read yesterday, I have an immense of amount of work that needs to be done both at home and work.

Well today, I was at the mercy of the sickness, which was waging a war with my body.  Though I believe my body will ultimately win, today was not that day.  It took me two hours before I had enough strength and stability to make it to the doctor.  Once I made it to the doctor, I had to wait three hours to be told I have a fever but not the flu or strep.  The gave me an antibiotic prescription and told me to go home, rest, and drink lots of liquids.  By the time I got home, I was hitting rock bottom physically.  I had not eaten or drank anything all day on top of the stomach flu like symptoms that ravaged my body in the morning.

After some much needed medicine and a small amount of food, I proceeded to spend the rest of my afternoon on the couch, praying for healing and a chance to work tomorrow.  Here I am still on the very same couch writing this blog now.  My body still aches, my stomach is only marginally cooperating, and I am trying to gauge whether I have the strength to attend one last Master Gardener class before our final test next week.

Sometimes when we do not allow ourselves to rest and de-stress, God allows our body to demand rest for us.  I in no way enjoy sickness but maybe this is exactly what I need at this time.  Is it weird to think that maybe my sickness was necessary today for some reason.  Maybe I am exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I am, which is practically nothing except writing this blog.

I believe that God is sovereign in all areas of our life.  By making that statement, I have to include sickness also.  I in no way believe that this means you should never go to the doctor or take medicine.  I just believe that there is a purpose to my sickness.  John 9:1-7 brings this idea to light saying,

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. ² And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”³ Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. ⁴ We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.⁵ As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” ⁶ Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud ⁷ and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.  

This man's ailment existed that God might be displayed in him.  I don't know about you but I find this reality sobering.

We live in a world where sickness, handicaps, and malformations are see as sin, screw ups, and  genetic imperfections.  A few weeks ago Brandt Hansen from the staff of Air1 had the opportunity to go to Afghanistan and be apart of the ministry called Cure International.  He got to witness them healing a 15 year old girl named Nazar, who suffered from a cleft palate.  Through this ministry, this young woman will be able to go from an outcast to an accepted person in society.  Even more than that though, she, her family, and her village will be ministered to through the compassionate work of this Christian organization.

Next time you find yourself laid out on the couch suffering from a sickness or pass a person with some sort of disease, malformation, or condition, take the time to consider how God is using it or them to bring glory to Himself.  Maybe His glory will be shown through your love to them.  Maybe His glory will be shown through you seeking Him in your suffering.  Each day is a gift from God, whether through sickness or health.  How will you shine for Jesus today?

Blessings,

Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

The Battle Within

The highlight of my day.

Tonight, I am tired.  My wife and I have been working to redo our bedroom in the past few weeks.  Through this process, we moved everything out of the room and have been sleeping in the living room.  We try to work on our bedroom when we get a chance but honestly we are both exhausted when we get home.  I have been working on redoing and painting rooms at my job also, which makes it all the more difficult to want to do the same thing at home.

We both agree that we want the room to be done but do not want to rush back into our bedroom unfinished.  I don't know about you but when I feel overwhelmed with a task or tasks, I have a tendency to want to shut down.  I don't want to work anymore.  I want to get away from what is weighing heavy on me.

Well today was one of those days for me.  When I came into work this morning, I did not want to get started on the project I need to finish.  I didn't want to paint, trim, or tape the room I needed to work on.  There was a war within my heart against the very things I needed to do.  As I battled with the project before me, the Lord convicted me of why I needed to work anyways.  He laid on my heart that the job I do does not only affect people's perception of me but also Him.

I am to work for His honor and glory and sometimes that involves doing things that I may not want to do. I have to lean on His strength and endurance to push through the times I would rather collapse and give up.  I am not writing tonight that knowing this takes away all of my inner battles and struggles but knowing this does at least help me to do what is right despite those inner struggles.

I want my life to be a daily example of Jesus in me.  I want everything I do to be a reflection of His glory and power.  Though these last few weeks have been difficult and the growing pile of tasks I have before me will not be depleted soon, I will rest in my Lord's strength.  I will seek His peace.  And I will trust His Word.  The Bible says that Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:28-30).  The Bible says that in Christ I can do all things (Philippians 4:13).  The Bible also says that I should not be wearied by this world because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).  Lastly the Bible says that God will provide for all my needs through Jesus (Philippians 4:19).  In these scriptures, I will trust and through these scriptures, I will carry on.

Blessings,

Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

Sharing in a Wonderful Night

Last night, my wife and I had a wonderful time with the young adult small group that we lead.  Mel and I have been leading through the book Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge.  To me, it truly is a neat book where John takes the scriptures about Jesus and introduces them in light of the personality and character of Jesus.  Though I do not necessarily agree with all of the inferences John has made into the personality of Jesus in certain stories, I have to admit that what John has tried to accomplish through this book is fascination and exciting.

I am really seeing our young adults begin to look at Jesus in a new light and perspective.  Each week Jesus is becoming more real to them.  I can see how the Lord is working in them to deepen and grow their walks.  As I mentioned in my story, I have been in the church my whole life.  I attended all the sunday schools lessons, the mission trips, retreats, and any other programs at the church.  I have to admit that many times Jesus didn't feel real.  Sometimes we do Him a great injustice by forgetting to convey His humanity.  It can be so easy sometimes to miss how well He related to and attracted those around Him.  He must've been a very interesting guy, not just because He was God, but also because of His personality, words, and actions.

Last night, we covered the chapter called Disruptive Honesty.  John brought to light Jesus' ability to tell it like it is, exactly the way it needed to be told.  Sometimes Jesus spoke truth very harshly to people like when calling down the Pharisees.  Other times it was gently and carefully, understanding the delicate nature of the situation.  John pointed out throughout the gospels that you could always count on Jesus to shoot straight with you.  John went on to lament that many of us struggle with living in this kind of honesty today and I fully agree with Him.

Some of us are too truthful in cutting and hurting ways.  Some of us are to afraid of being truthful, fearing that someone might be hurt by your words.  Others of us don't care enough about the people around us to be truthful.  Then there are those few who are truthful, even to the point of hurting sometimes, and yet truthful in a way of only delivering the truth in the best way for the situation.  Those people are rare!  Maybe you know someone like that and depending on how well you take truth you may either love them or hate them.  I personally desire people like that around me.  I respect them.  I am so thankful for them.

After we finished our lesson, I decided to do something out of the ordinary with our group.  My wife and I took them out on a multi course dinner at multiple fast food restaurants.  We had a great time getting cheesy breadsticks at Pizza Hut, $2 meal deals at Taco Bell, and frosty's at Wendy's.  It was so wonderful to hang out and truly spend time getting to know our young adults.  My wife and I had so much fun talking about their interests, dreams, and lives.  I learned that my guys like paint ball, adventure weekends in the woods, and rc vehicles of all types.  I learned that my whole group loves amusement parks and learned about their favorite rides and why.  We talked about music, parenting, food, hobbies, our christian walks, and so much more.  It truly was a wonderful time and I feel like I learned more about our young adults last night than all the time we have spent with them in the last year.

Last night taught me about the importance of regular fellowship, not to take away from discipleship and teaching the Bible, but to help me understand each person I am teaching so I can better taylor my own lessons to what speaks to the situations and interests of their lives.  I am so thankful for the many blessing the Lord has placed in my life.  I am thankful for how much He is teaching and growing me each day.  Yesterday truly was wonderful and I hope to be able to share in many more days like it as the Lord continues to develop me into the man I am to be.

Blessings,

Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

A Piece of Me

At my job, we have chapel on Tuesdays for our clients and employees.  Today's chapel, was about our own stories that make up who we are.  The speaker did an activity where we wrote down one word descriptions of our story and linked them together.  It was so amazing to see how so many words written by others could apply to our own stories also.  By the end of the chapel, we had a multi-link chain of our life stories one word at a time.  The three words I used throughout the activity was grace, darkness, and redeemed.

My whole life has been covered by grace though I have to say there were times I wouldn't have been able to see it.  I am a preacher's kid.  I tell most people that I have been in the church since before I was born.  My family did a wonderful job of raising me with love, teaching me the Bible, who Jesus is, and how to live a life that honors Him.  I remember being at church every time the doors were open.  When I was a teenager, I would even run the sound for dad at some of the weddings and funerals performed at the church.

Though my parents did a wonderful job of raising me, they couldn't protect me from all of the temptations and sins of this world.  Many of the struggles I faced in my life were not due to a failure on their part but a lack of judgment and wisdom on my part.  There were just certain challenges I chose, pridefully, to face on my own.  I praise God that I never had any problems with alcohol or drugs but there were definitely areas I struggled with throughout my teenage years and beyond.  

I struggled greatly with being a "two face," which for me was living for Jesus when I was at church and home and then living for the world when I was not.  I was greatly immersed in secular music, tv, and practices most behind my parents back through the homes of friends around me.  I learned to cuss on the bus in kindergarden.  We went to a school system that had all ages on the same bus.  I struggled greatly with the language, stories, and concepts I learned on the bus and in school for essentially my whole time in school.  I look back and shutter at the things I said, thought, and did during those years in grade school.  It took me many years of submitting all these things to Jesus and changing what I allowed to filled my head and mouth.  The phrase, "garbage in equals garbage out" is so true.

During a move to a new town when I was around ten years old, I was introduced to pornography.  I essentially became addicted to this horrifying realm of the devil for my full teenage life and well into my twenties.  It did not help that my generation was the first to fully interact with the computer and a new thing called the internet.  I grew up in a time when parental controls were nonexistent on the computer and content was infinitely accessible.  This served to feed my curiosity and drew me deeper into darkness and sin than I ever wanted to go.  I suffered greatly from this time in my life and looking back I can see the pain I caused to myself, my family, my friends, and my wife.  

During those teenage and college years I continued my 'two face' living of portraying the perfect preachers son who had it all together while sinking deeper and deeper into sin behind locked doors.  The devil had a firm grip on my life and yet I thought that I was okay.  I could answer any Biblical question you gave me and I knew who Jesus is and what He did for me.  I believed I was saved and had "rededicated" my life many times to make sure.  My heart was so deceived and the devil had me believing  I could live for two worlds without consequences.  

Well about five years ago, God brought me to a place where I met a man who I refer to now as my brother.  The two of us were much alike in the struggles with sin we faced and our desire to be free from them to fully honor and minister for Jesus.  We instantly became best friends and accountability partners.  Through prayer, accountability, and a fervent resolve to vanquish the sin that was destroying our lives, we were able to begin the difficult and painful walk to freedom.  God's grace redeemed us.  He utilized our friendship to provide encouragement and tough talks when needed.  He taught us how to walk in Him through our times hiking, biking, boating, and talking deeply about His word and how He was working on our hearts individually.  Through this time, Jesus taught us both how to passionately love Him and live for fully live for Him.

There is so much more to my story and the many ways that God has moved through it but what I am most proud of is to be able to say that Jesus has brought me freedom from the bondage I once endured.  For the longest time, I believed that certain temptations and addictions could not be broken but must be endured for the full length of my life.  I now can see that Philippians 4:13 is true!  Psalm 103:12 is absolutely true!  God's promises are true! 

I honestly don't know where your heart is tonight.  Maybe you are the one who is tired of hearing about God and Jesus because you have been running from Him so long.  Maybe you are like I was and have been in the church your whole life and yet secretly you are up to your eyeballs in sin and finally ready to acknowledge that you are far from Jesus and want to ask Him in your heart for real.  Maybe you have been missing something your whole life and have just never knew how to fill that void.  Maybe you feel that you are just to gone for Jesus to love you.  

I am here to say that you can never run to far away from Jesus for Him to reach you.  You can never fall to far down for Him to be able to pick you up.  You can never sin to much to be redeemed.  Jesus' salvation is offered not because of what right you've earned but what He has freely given (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Jesus is waiting for you to open your heart to Him today (Revelation 3:20).  Jesus will give you the Holy Spirit, which will be there to guide you, teach you, and help you walk the road back to purity in Him (John 14:15-31).        

I felt I needed to offer part of my own story tonight.  There are many parts of it I am ashamed of and yet through these times of darkness I have found my Savior, a brother, and a strength I have never known.  Jesus truly can redeem all things for good for those who walk in Him (Romans 8:28).  I know He has for me and I look forward to how He will continue to allow me to minister and reach our to the world for Him.  I pray that if you do not know Jesus, you would accept Him today.  I pray that if you know Jesus but are mired deeply in sin, you would seek His forgiveness and begin a right and real relationship with Him today.  Please know that I am always willing to talk, pray, or help in anyway I can. 

Blessings,

Greg  

 

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

My Beautiful Wife

You there is something inexpressibly beautiful about a pregnant wife.  There is a new glow and joy that I see in my wife daily as our little boy continues to grow inside of her.  I feel as though her confidence is raising and she is really coming into her own.  I am so excited to see how wonderful a mother my wife is going to be.  I just know that she is going to be truly amazing with our little boy!

I am so thankful for this wonderful blessing the Lord has given us.  We have truly had a lot of fun sharing in the ultrasounds, movements, and growth.  Each day I believe my wife becomes more beautiful in a new and radiant way.  Though I know I will get flack from my mother-in-law for this, I have to admit that if I had known all that we would share through this pregnancy process, I would've been willing to have a baby much sooner.  There truly is a magical transformation that happens as you realize that you were created for this.  That God has truly blessed us with the miracle of being able to create life.

There are so many things that I am looking forward to doing with my baby boy and yet so many ways I am scared out of my mind.  I am so grateful that I have come to a place where I can rest in the assurance that Jesus is going to give me the strength I need to be a good Father.  I am daily relying on Him to prepare me to be the man of Christ my children will need.  I know that there is still much work that needs to be done but am confident that the Lord will work it in me at the right time.  I know I have used this verse before but there isn't one that gives me more peace right now in Romans 8:28 saying, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Thank you, each one of you who support me and read this blog.  I ask that you pray for my wife, baby boy, and I as we continue this journey to become a family.  I am so excited to see the many new and special ways the Lord will enhance our walk, our marriage, and ability to live and minister for Jesus daily.

Blessings,

Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

Springing Forward to a New Day

I don't know about you, but there is only one part of daylight savings time I like.  I like fall forward and would be very happy for it to happen twice a year instead of having to endure spring back.  Though I know it is only one hour, it does seem to make a difference in the morning.  Last night, I must admit, my wife and I stayed up to late, 12:15.  As we began the ritual of preparing to go to sleep, it dawned on me that in reality I was going to bed at 1:15 and that I wouldn't even be able to get eight hours of sleep and make it to Sunday school.

Needless to say when 7:30 came around and my phone attempted to blare us awake, it met the swift finger of silence and nary a move did we make.  My wife was the first one to rise out of bed and by the time she got moving and looked at the clock it was 8:50.  Our Sunday school starts at 9:30 and we are not great at being ready in 30 minutes so we showed up about 15 minutes late.  I have to admit that i am proud that we still went, which speaks to how much we enjoy the class, because I am not typically fond of walking into a class late.

Even being 15 minutes late, we both enjoyed a wonderful lesson and time of fellowship in our Sunday school class.  I am so grateful for men and women of God who truly want to dive into and drink deeply of the Bible.  I am thankful that they welcome even the late comers to the class with graciousness and friendliness.  The sermon was also incredibly wonderful, biblically focused, and convicting.  I praise God for leaders in the church who are not afraid to speak the gospel boldly each week.  It has been so wonderful to get to know a group of people around our age in the new church we are attending.  My wife and I have needed a church like this for quite a while and we are so thankful we have finally found it.

After church was over we went out to Frisch's Big Boy, to enjoy the breakfast buffet that my wife has been craving.  While there, we ran into some members of the first church we attended in the area.  It was so wonderful to see them and catch up with them.  Though this church did not meet our needs for couples in our age and life stage at the time, we have many fond memories of being mentored and loved on by the older congregation who are faithful men and women of God.  God has blessed us, taught us, and grown us in a different and special way at each church we have attended since we have been married.

In the rest of my day, I took a nap that was too long, went to church, rented the movie In Time, and watched the tv show Once Upon A Time.  My whole day's focus has involved time or, more accurately, the lack of it.  Each day is an opportunity to spend your time wisely.  Solomon says this in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

How will you spend your time today?  I most certainly have learned a lot about time today and intend to begin using my time more wisely.


Blessings,

Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

The Miracle of Life

Tonight, my wife and I had the opportunity to see the movie October Baby.  It was an incredible movie about a young woman who finds out she is adopted and not only that but that the physical complications she has are due to a failed abortion her mother had causing her to be born premature 24 weeks into the pregnancy.  The movie takes you on her journey to discover who she is, who her mother is, and how to deal with the circumstances of her life.  The movie is very well made and moving.  I highly recommend it to everyone.  It is well worth the money and time.

I have to admit that this movie profoundly affected me especially considering the fact that my wife is almost 24 weeks pregnant.  The shear evilness that would allow someone to take a moving, living, growing baby's life and destroy it with the belief that it is only a "bundle of tissues,"  is beyond what I can comprehend.  How arrogant we have to be to believe it is okay to take what God created and destroy it.  If this happens after the womb, we consider it tragic and call it murder but not in the womb because most of the world does not accept a fetus as life.

Throughout the time that my wife has been pregnant, I have been amazed by the glorious life that is growing within her.  My heart leaps with joy as I watch an ultrasound and see our little boy turning, moving, and bending in the womb.  My wife now feels him daily and even many times a day.  She is beginning to feel him respond in different ways to different situations and she is only 23 weeks along.

There is a human being inside her stomach.  All of his parts are formed and working and moving as they are intended.  He is swallowing amniotic fluid to practice his breathing.  I personally have seen his primary organs at work through the ultrasound.  I have seen his heart fluttering, the blood flowing to his little extremities and brain.  I marvel each day at the miracle God is performing in the belly of my wife.

I love how this movie's intention is healing both for the child, the mother, and the nurse of the abortion clinic.  I love how this movie even supports adoption as a way to provide a seemingly unwanted life with loving parents who both want and are so happy to welcome this life into their family.  This movie is about redemption, forgiveness, and restoration.  There is a part where the main character is speaking to a priest and he comments about Paul's words on being able to forgive because of the forgiveness Jesus has given us.  He was speaking of Colossians 3:13 saying, "bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."  


Abortion is, in my opinion, one of the most heinous acts humanity performs.  It perpetuates nothing but brokenness, selfishness, and a flagrant disrespect of God's creation.  I know that the right to choice and the right to life are still a hot topic in our country today but I hope that you will fight for life.  I in no way advocate the acts of violence many people have carried out in their hatred of abortion.  I believe that we should fight the atrocities of abortion through prayer, advocacy of truth, and petitions of our government.  It is our place to love people to change, healing, and understanding.  It is our place to lead people to healing, both those considering abortion and those who have had or performed an abortion, through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ.  


Please don't sit on the sideline another day on this issue.  Take the time to watch October Baby.  Take the time to check out their website and learn how you can get involved in the fight for life today.  


Blessings,


Greg 

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

Extravagant Beauty

I am so thankful for the intricate and extravagent beauty of the world we live in.  Each day I find myself being more and more amazed by the incredible complexity and connectivity of this world we live in.  In my Master Gardener class last night, I learned that there are 900 pounds of earthworms in just an acre of land.  That is incredible!  Our teacher made the comment that dirt is essentially living.  This comment was in reference to growing a vegetable garden and the many different types of organisms in the soil that all work together to help the plant grow and flourish.

An excerpt from Beautiful Outlaw articulates this so well saying

Imagine walking through a rain forest. Diving over a coral reef. Simply look through a microscope at a drop of pond water. Creation is pulsing with life. It is the life of Jesus, given generously for the life of all things. He is called “the author of life.” This is the life he offers us; this is the extravagance with which he offers it. Jesus doesn’t only give his life for mankind, he also gives his life to mankind. It is showered upon us daily like manna. 

Our God is so incredible!  He has lavished so much beauty upon us.  I look forward to the day of the new earth in glory.  There are so many wonderful things in this world and yet just think about how wonderful this earth will be when it is restored to it's pre-fall glory.  As spring is beginning to start, thank God for the many incredible sights and smells He will bring during the transformation from the death of winter to the new life of spring.


“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 

Blessings,

Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

The Voice

Tonight, we watched The Voice and I have to admit that when i watch programs like that I want to audition to be on the show.  I have sung and played music just about my whole life.  I have dreamed of making it big since I was a little boy.  Unfortunately, I seem to have one big thing in my way.  I am to afraid to tryout for something like The Voice.  I don't know what scares me more, succeeding or failing.  Honestly, part of the reason I would love to do something like that and win is to be validated.  I want to know I exist and that I matter.

In the world we live in, we are told that we must succeed, stand out, or become famous to matter.  If you aren't on TV, a boss, a manager, a politician, or rich, you don't seem to matter in this world.  Much of this world seems to have the perspective that you are only worth something if you have something to offer them.  I know this may be generalizing but at times this feels true.

As a Christian, I know that my validation shouldn't be dependent upon the world's view of me but who I am in Jesus.  I struggle with this at times because I want so much to be accepted by and matter in this world.  Though I know I am making a difference in the kingdom for Jesus, I want worldly gratification too.  I constantly have to give the reigns of my heart over to Jesus because I have a tendency to want to be in the drivers seat.


Paul says in Philippians 4:11-13, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13 is very familiar to most of us but did you know that it is tied to a passage about contentment?  Does knowing this change your perspective of Philippians 4:13?  It does for me.  I find such peace in knowing that through Christ, I can be content in all things.  He is the one that will give me the strength.  


Though I still hope to have the courage to try out for something like The Voice one day, it will be for the right reasons and not my own glory.  I want everything I do to be for Jesus' glory and not my own.  If I were able to get on The Voice, I would be comforted in knowing that his grace gave me the voice to make it.  Perspective truly is everything and you can only have the right perspective in Jesus.  No tv show, news program, competition, raise, job, amount of money, fame, person, book, or movie can give you more contentment than Jesus.  


Blessings,


Greg

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

Frozen Creek

Snow Angel on ice layer above creek

Walking along on a frozen creek

Proof of our time on the creek ;)

This winter has been the warmest on record in many places across the nation.  I have to say that I have greatly enjoyed the mild weather and low amount of snow and ice precipitation.  Financially this winter has been wonderful for heating bills and snow removal maintenance.  All in all it has been a pain free and quick winter but this is not usually the case for Central Indiana.

About four years ago, I remember a winter that stayed so cold for a long enough period of time that the large creek by our house froze solid to about 4-5 inches thick in most places.  My friend and I had a great time exploring the nature preserve near our houses where we were able to walk almost a mile on the solid ice of the creek.  It was so incredible that the ice stayed solid enough for us to do this.  It was so neat to see the moving water below the ice.  We truly had a "walking on water" experience that day.

This morning my pastor preached about faith and spoke of a winter where it was cold enough to snow mobile across lakes and even cold enough for small cars such as VW Beetles to drive on the ice.  He talked about this time in relation to faith.  Indeed standing, walking, or driving on ice requires a act of faith.  We have all heard many stories of people who fell through ice and died.  My pastor went on to say that there were two ways to cross the frozen lake.  The first was to cross the lake in fear and trepidation of falling through the ice and the second was to cross the lake in faith that the ice would hold and by doing so being able to enjoy the wonderful nature of the crossing you were doing.

I can relate to his story because there were times that I was the one who was worried about the ice when my friend and I walked a mile on the creek.  In the beginning of our adventure, I carefully analyzed the color of the ice, listened closely for cracking sound, and watched my friend carefully to make sure he was safe on the ice.  My friend on the other hand did not worry about the ice at all but in fact had fun dancing, sliding, jumping, and even making snow angels on the ice.  He was truly able to enjoy the adventure and blessings of such a strange weather anomaly in central Indiana.  As the trip went on I too was finally able to relax and enjoy our adventure.

Life is the same as these two stories.  We can choose to walk through this life in fear of what will happen to us next or we can put our complete faith in God that He will will protect and guide us.  I understand that all the realist reading this post are saying that there is a difference between faith and ignorance and I would agree.  We have to be very careful though in our thinking on faith and ignorance because though we do understand that certain ice situations are very dangerous and should never be attempted faith or not, we have to be extremely careful not to put God in a box of what is possible in this world for our lives.  Do not forget as it says in Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think." 

Our God will never steer us into a place of danger without a purpose.  He will always be with us and we can always rest assure that there is peace in being in the center of His will.  Also at church today our pastor spoke of a man who lost his life in Iraq on thursday.  He had been teaching at a private Christian school in Iraq for the last seven years when a student came in with a gun and killed him this past week.  Though it is easy to hear this story and think of the tragedy of the story, let's not forget that this man chose to go into danger by teaching in Iraq because he felt called there by the Lord.  This man was able to minister to and teach over 500 kids in the time he was there.  A memorial was done for this man in a mosque in Iraq, which is the first time in known history that a foreigner non-muslim was given a memorial in a mosque in Iraq.  Also many of his students changed their Facebook profile picture to this man's picture as a tribute.


I think it can be said that this man's impact will continue well past his death and that possibly through his death many more will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  For all of these things to happen, complete faith was required from this man.  We have to remember that our lives are to be lived for God's glory and not our own.  We are living for eternal things and not the finite things of this world.  I hope today that you will choose to live boldly, filled with faith and assurance, for Jesus today.


Blessings, 


Greg   

My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry.  We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field.  I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link.  I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser.  Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=3437&url=roadtofreedomforproclaimingchrist

Trail of Devastation

Me examining and trying to find anything worth saving in my sister's car, which I owned first, after a devastating F4 tornado tore through Union University in Jackson, Tennessee in February 2008.

Having a sister that survived a F4 tornado four years ago, I ask that you pray for all those affected by the tornadoes in these last few days.  You cannot imagine the devastation, the power, or the life changing turmoil created by these massive funnels of catastrophe, until you have lived through one.  I only partially understand the suffering the people who encountered tornados today may be experiencing, through eyes and stories of my sister.

I arrived at her campus just one day after the tornado tore through the town of Jackson Tennessee.  I have never seen cars crushed and smashed in such a way.  I have never seen walls splintered to pieces, roofs gone, and debris so scattered before. As we waited to get the few items my sister owned not destroyed by the storm, I looked at all the stone-faced and shocked people grouped together.  Most of the people I saw that day were numb and just trying to process whether the events of the last 24 hours were real or just a dream.

I praise God each day that He chose to spare my sister and the 1000+ others who were on the campus that day.  I have developed a greater love, appreciation, and closeness with my sister because of that event just four years ago.  She is so precious to me and through that event I learned to never take life for granted especially with the ones you love.  I have a small glimpse into what the people who lived through the tornado events today are going through and yet I know so little about how they truly feel.

Please pray for peace and comfort tonight for each person who experienced a tornado or is a friend or family member to someone who experienced a tornado in the last few days.  Please pray for provision for them.  Pray for loving support to surround them.  Pray that they would be able to find peace that passes understanding in their souls after experiencing something so incredibly frightening.

Blessings,

Greg

He Refreshes my Soul

My day was long and, at times, frustrating.  I find that I am not quite as cheerful or patient when I am sick.  I do not seem to have very much tolerance for things not going as I expected and I don't handle multiple tasks very well.  By the grace of God, I was able to survive this day though I probably could've benefitted from another day resting and healing in bed.  As I prepare for bed tonight, I think of Psalm 23 and it gives me peace.  The Lord is with me always no matter how I feel and is watching over me.  Indeed tonight I am going to let Him lead me by still waters and refresh my soul.  I hope you all have a blessed and safe day tomorrow.  I leave you with the 23rd Psalm saying,

 ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

 ⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

Blessings,

Greg