Saturday, May 29, 2010

Summer Time!


Yesterday, the boys stacked a large pile of moving blankets in the front yard. Then, they took turns running and flipping onto the pile.

While watching them do this well into the night, I realized why I enjoy summer so much. Summer allows margin back into my life. No homework to finish, no endless activities…we can slow down and enjoy life.

Not that we shouldn’t be doing that everyday, but I think summer is a natural break in our routine that allows for adjustment, rest and refreshing that I so desperately need. Enjoy!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

I Don't Know What to Do!


While reading my Bible today, I came across 2 Chronicles 20. I love this chapter where Jehoshaphat is outnumbered while facing his enemies.

In verse 2, we’re told that a vast army was coming against Judah. The Bible actually says, they were coming for him! 

Do you ever feel that you’re completely outnumbered when it comes to accomplishing what God has called you to do? Look at how Jehoshaphat responds to his dilemma.

“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

Jehoshaphat acknowledged that he had no power to fight.

He even went one step further and told God that he did not know what to do. (This must have instilled great confidence in those under his leadership).

But our eyes are on You. Jehoshaphat trusted God and looked for God to guide him through the challenge.

Over the years, I’ve found myself praying this same little prayer:

Help! I have no strength left. I don’t know what to do. Yet, I trust You to guide me through. 

Monday, May 17, 2010

Parenthood


Yesterday, we began a new series, Parenthood. I think parenthood is by far the most difficult job you can have. Funny thing, is you get this job without any experience and you often encounter situations that you feel completely inadequate to handle (especially if you have teenagers!)

As parents, the most important thing we can do is lead our family into a relationship with God. Gregg talked about the importance of loving your God and leading your family. He asked parents to consider what their family would look like if they invested the same tenacity in the spiritual development of their children that they did towards the physical protection of them. (Here’s an example).

Children get their understanding of God by their relationship with their parents and it’s the parents who have the most potential to influence their children.

Having a relationship with God should be a priority as parents. By making your relationship with God your highest priority, you then have the potential to influence the lives of your children and those who are closest to you.

Gregg closed his message by offering three questions parents can ask: 1. What do I want my children to become? Imagine the end result for which you’re aiming. 2. Where are they right now? Ask some your children some honest questions. 3. How can I help them take the next step? Be available to them.

You can listen to the entire message here

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Friday, May 7, 2010

Prayin' for Nashville

Last weekend, the Cumberland River crested at its highest level in over 80 years. For those of you not familiar with Nashville, the Cumberland River runs right through downtown. Nashville recorded its highest rainfall totals since records began. Many people are saying this is the single largest disaster to hit Middle Tennessee since the Civil War.

It was surreal for me to watch the video footage of our old neighborhood of Franklin. I even saw footage from our 
old subdivision of people being rescued in boats. Many of our friends were forced to evacuate; some lost so much. 


With all of the destruction, some boys managed to make the best of their situation by 
wakeboarding in a parking lot! (Unfortunately, it didn’t end up too well for them. Come on, were the handcuffs really necessary?)


Bethel World Outreach, our sister church in Nashville, is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse to assist in the relief and recovery efforts. You can learn more about this 
here