the joy of mixed motives

"...The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Philippians 1:18 NIV

A fellow minister posted a comment on facebook today regarding the 'motives' of those doing ministry and the importance of keeping motives for minsitry 'pure.' Well-said and spoken from a heart for Christ. And set me thinking...

I know that over the years I've swung back and forth so many times on the motives continuum. (sometimes by the hour!)
And now I'm excited to be in a place where, even on the 'this is my job' days - I have a sense of His 'calling' being on me and Him working through His 'servant' to do His will with or without my motives being solid/great/pure.
(don't get me wrong I want to be pure-hearted - being made that way by time in His Word and in prayer surrendering my will to His!) I just appreciate that my Lord is bigger, greater, and more amazing than we often remember/think. And that He can use someone with mixed motives. (since that's me and everyone I know and love in ministry!!!)

He's awesome and since He can use (select one: bushes/donkeys/invading armies) to accomplish His will, I'm more than glad to be 'used' even when mixed or diluted motives are in play for my part. Hope that gives you hope again today to keep being 'His' and being used for His purposes!

it's almost here

Yep. Christmas. Again. Over 40 times have I breathed air on Christmas day. Half of those since being married with most focused on our children.
As it should be.
The focus in our home is seldom on adults. There are some wrappings the adults tear off and some stockings with their names on them. But... the focus is on the kids. Their wonder and joy and laughter.
Pretty sure that's like the first Christmas.
Focus on the kid.
Joy.
Awe.
Wonder.
May God bless us with that focus again this week.

always so much

so...
today i'm tired.
i know it.
but there are moments when you (i) feel like there's just 'always so much.'
today is one of those for me.
and so then what?
when you realize there's too much to do in the allotted hours...? then what?
when you know that the 'list' you made in your head is 'too much'...? then what?

in earlier years of life i freaked out, dug in and tried to do it all anyway. (still do at certain moments)
but now... thanks to an amazing and loving God and His gifts into my life, i am far more likely to pause and to pray.

"what's the most important piece? how can the 'things' on this list make the most impact on people and relationships?"

And then take just one more step. Whether that is pushing away from the list to walk and pray or tucking the list in your pocket to go read a book to your kids or realizing that buckling down for a bit longer is wisest or best... Make it one more step.

You'll find God walking alongside every one of those steps.
And when you wake up to that (or 're-awaken' to it - like i have to do hourly sometimes!!!), you realize that the 'always so much' can be a blessing and an invite to draw close to the Leader again.

i love my job

No, really.
I have the privilege of supporting my family while doing the thing I love so very much.
Plenty of tasks and challenges like anyone in any job.
But... I get to teach the Bible every week to a group of cool people who are genuinely interested in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ mixed with curious people who listen with respect and ask good questions in their search.
And so today. After a service of worship that included lots of laughing, prayer, music, and learning alongside each other, I am thankful.
For many things, really...
But especially in this moment...
For my 'job.'

Say it, for goodness' sake!!!

So, if you care about someone (whether that's your child, spouse, boss, employee, or lineman who keeps you safe in the pocket) - SAY SO!

Just took time this morning with a member of our church to brainstorm, pray, and be excited about next steps we can take to do that with our church - for new guests and recent visitors as well as those who are MIA.

And it reminded me to remind you (all 6 of you) to get out of your comfort zone and SAY aloud something valuable to those in your life that are... well... valuable to you.
Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." Somebody working for you or loving you or lifting you up? If it's real and important, it should be verbalized too.
Don't miss the shot. Pick up the phone, type the note, hand-write the thank you, or just walk across the room and SAY it.

A Renaissance

A 'renaissance' is a rebirth or revival.
I've been part of a 'Madrigal Dinner' where we wore old-timey clothes and sang weird songs and had fun pretending to live in that era for a short while.
I've seen jokes and episodes of comedy tv making fun of renaissance fairs (faires?), but never been to one.
And this week, after a long season of 'floating' or 'coasting' or what some would call 'spiritual laziness' (including me), I've had the joy of a renaissance in my time with God.
Even during this mediocre season, I've been consistently having a quiet time and some of them have been really good and challenged me. I've worshiped and had some moments of worship that were awesome and I've been thankful for God's provision and prayed a lot and had prayer times with my kids at night and all that. And it mattered and it was good. And I encourage it in others.
But this week... today...
Something 'more.' A gift of greater clarity and actually being 'in' the Word rather than dipping only from the top layer.
I'm thankful. And praying for 'renaissance' in my family, church, and friends. Because it is quite worth it.
Have a good daye.

Growth spurts. We're pretty used to them in our house. Watching siblings pass each other in height, emotional growth, and wit. We're used to seeing them plateau at times, seeming to be 'stuck' at a certain height or struggling with a certain challenge. Then, without much notice, sprouting up and growing a lot all at once. Sometimes it seems a bit chaotic and crazy, but the results in the end are a full-grown person with the capacity for so much.

River Valley Community Church is an 18-month old 'kid,' with growth spurts and plateaus and huge capacity to honor Christ by our individual walks with Him and our church's impact together as a body.

It feels to me like we have spent a while at a plateau, learning to relate a bit more closely with those who are 'here' currently. I think that's a blessing - closer relationships and learning 'who' we are together. I'm enjoying seeing some friendships pop up and be pursued more fully. I'm enjoying the chance to see some people 'trade seats' around the church as we add more people to spots of helping with ministry and leading ministry.

I feel like there's a growth spurt coming quickly. It's a gut thing, so no certainty or details. Not making promises or trying to stir up something. I just think we all need to be aware, excited, and ready for moments when things are 'different' because we are growing - deeper and/or more of us.

When growth spurts happen in kids, things get 'different.' Childproofing, potty training, teaching lessons, discipline - all these are us responding to the growth of a kid. Some are soooo cool. Some are not necessarily 'fun.' But the joy of watching real GROWTH happen. Priceless.

great weekend

So my last full Boy Scout camporee was in the early 80's as a youth in Troop 287.
Until this weekend...
Along with other leaders and boys, Troop 380 of Fort Smith, Arkansas was one of many Troops at the Fall Camporee. And we had a fantastic time. (and we won the coveted 'spirit axe')
And I remember fully the joy of camping, learning, competing, and helping young men build 'timeless values' into their life.
So glad to be giving back to an organization and way of life that changed my own life years ago.

The Hitting - 'It is not so good'

The hitting - it is not so good.

I have children. A dollar per argument over who hit and how hard, etc would give us at least a really nice dinner out.

And other 'hitting' examples in language...
'hit the wall' - wore out or became fatigued
'hit the ceiling' - couldn't progress any further
'hit rewind' - needed to go back and repair or fix something

So the hitting in these instances is not so good.

(I know that there's baseball/cricket/basketball AND... 'hitting the target,' etc. - different post)

Before you 'hit' today - your sister, neighbor, or wall at home - think. Will it accomplish anything good? Will I get in trouble? Should I do it at all?
Because the hitting - it's not so good many times. Take it from someone who has scars on both hands from hitting stuff - glass, walls, etc.

the power of the sticky note

So... Sticky notes. There are literally a pair of them underneath these wrists right now as I type. Stuck on my laptop to remind me of stuff - a debit card number for an online purchase, a teaching series idea, and another creative possibility.

Earlier this morning I was in Dr. Brant Crisp's office for a cleaning and check-up on my teeth. A sticky note was the means of communication for my bite to be adjusted when he was available between patients.

There are a set of sticky notes in my Bible for 'light bulb' moments to make notes to myself. I have several pads of sticky notes in my office desk. Those things are pretty useful, really.

So... sticky notes. Where could you use one today? What little things do you need to do? Make an apology? Remember to buy milk? Floss more? Read your Bible? Call a friend?

However you do it, with or without sticky notes, do those things with purpose. Live intentionally. And don't forget...

Sometimes one pair beats another pair

Spending some time working this morning at a coffee shop. Downloading some stuff for our church's 'next step' classes.
Heard a pair of people speaking together. They spent the majority of their conversation talking about key relationships and spoke openly about Jesus Christ and their love for His Word. They left with an embrace and a prayer together.
Heard another pair of people speaking together. Similar age, same gender, different conversation. Their focus was shoes, makeup, skin care, current films, fashion standards, and such.
Matthew 10:32-33 speaks of us 'acknowledging' Christ to people. On that count, one 'pair' today beat the other 'pair' in the content of their conversations.
Now... to be fair, overhearing a random pair of strangers twice in a morning does NOT speak directly of their character. It just reminds me of the need for all those who call the name of Christ as their Lord to be willing at any moment in any setting to acknowledge Him - to name Him aloud as their leader, healer, and Savior.
Next time you're in a coffee shop (or awake anywhere), acknowledge Him. And expect a smile on His face and a joy in your own heart.

Being Lost vs. Knowing We're Lost

Several times in a short period we've been aware of a child in our neighborhood being lost.
When word gets around that a child is lost, wheels set in motion. Police search, Amber alerts go out, parents worry, people pray more earnestly, and friends and family go looking in every nook and cranny.
Sometimes the 'lost' don't realize they are. A child who ran off to play with friends may have no awareness of their 'lostness.' While worrying and praying and searching are happening they may be carefree and enjoying their play time.
So many are spiritually lost in our neighborhoods, school hallways, and workplaces. Are we praying? Are we searching them out? Are we keeping the light on for them? Are we leading them home?
They may be laughing, playing it up, and unaware of their lostness. And lostness itself is not sin, so our attitude should be a loving search, not a condemnation of the condition. Let's go looking and keep at it until some more are 'home.'
(check out Romans 10:13-14)

"Shut up!"
"You ruthless insignificant morons!"
"Will you marry me?"
"You're fired."
(do I have your attention?!)
Words mean things. And how we use them matters.
I use too many words most days. (when you're finished laughing, feel free to continue reading)
And in my life experiences I notice that the words people say to each other can create some massive impact - for good or evil, joy or harm. Look at the phrases above. How would hearing those today affect you?

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth..." (do not LET - we have some control)
"...but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs..." (not only are we to measure/choose our words, but through the filter of meeting needs of others!)
"...that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29 in the Bible)

What words will you let loose today? For what reason? I dare you to choose well.

Located in Fort Smith, AR, River Valley exists to lead people to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Founded in April, 2008 we have found a ‘home’ in Chaffee Crossing, an area previously used by the U.S. Army, now in redevelopment for business, residential, and industrial use.

Our website is www.rivervalleycommunitychurch.net and there you can find out more about us and get directions to visit and worship together with other families attending River Valley.

You’ll find modern music and styles and classic Christian teaching and experiences.

My family

I am a man strongly influenced and shaped by my family.

They are each beautifully unique and talented. Some were born to Theresa and I. Others chosen with just as much love. And our 'family genetics' - the heart and 'vibe' of who we are - is shared regardless of dna sources. We are followers of Jesus Christ. We love creating music together. Laughter is normal. Meals at the table are regular and highly valued.

Each person in my family has changed me for the better. Thanksgiving. Creativity. Sacrifical love. These are just a few of the qualities that I've adopted and still work to develop because they naturally occur in my wife and children. Being transformed in relationship is a core value of my life - spiritually, morally, socially. And I am thankful for the ways my family influences and shapes my character and behavior.

And so it begins...

I remember hearing the word ‘blog.’ As father of young children, my first thought was something like… “blue + frog = blog.” Just sayin’…

Then I remember trolling through some blogs. Some were amazing and helpful. Others were harsh, caustic, and showed need of counseling.

Now I have a blog. Why? Mixed motives, I’m sure. I like tossing around thoughts. I enjoy wordsmithing stuff. I hope it will be a good platform for sharing thoughts with our church and other friends about following Jesus Christ more fully and authentically.

Lots of uncertainty. Couple of sure things. My posts will be short. My posts will be varied. They will range from short inspirational, Christ-focused bursts to excited spots of fun and idiocy observed.

We’ll see. And so it begins…