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…