I sit in a isolated room waiting for the opportunity to go home from my annual training. Yesterday as my plane got brought back to the ground and I was letting Jetona know of my current situation, she informed me that my father has to go back into surgery, yet again. It's his heart. Makes me question what is truly wrong with such a man. I sat in silence and held back my true emotions because I did not feel like being bothered by all those around me with questions of what is wrong? It'll be okays. Etc. I just wanted to sit in silence for a few moments.
As one of my earliest post explained my father is my hero. He was the one who helped shape me into the man I am today. While I sit 3,000 miles away I find out that he is not as well as he thinks. I feel helpless that I can not help him during this time in his life. I know that he wouldn't want it any other way as he would want me on the trip, etc.
Here Is My Life Lesson:
I view my dad as a wealthy man. He's rich. I do not measure my dad in terms of worldly possessions, the number of friends his has, the money in his bank account, etc. I measure my father's worth in the values and morals that he taught me, the numerous sacrifices that he made for me growing up, those father-son pep talks, the value of hard work, being a provider, etc. However, over the past few months I think he gave me the greatest gift of all. THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WORKING HARD ALL YOUR LIFE IS NOT WORTH IT. I value the hard work and dedication my father has put into his work and farms. No one can say that he isn't a hard worker. However, its that lesson that he has passed on to me that I cherish more than anything. I have realized that at the end of the day money, honors, rewards, etc do not amount to squat when at the end of the day you have worked yourself to death, FOR WHAT? To say that you have something someone else doesn't, to have to the new toy, to provide just a little more for your family. It is through this bout of struggles that I have found the truest meaning of the work/life balance. I once had a teacher tell me that he got into teaching not for the money but for the time.
After watching my father battle these last weeks and months I realize that time is the one thing we can never get any more of, we can't buy it, can't get more of it by wishing for it, etc. Time is elusive, it comes, it goes, sometime is passes fast, sometimes it passes slow, but when its gone, well its gone. My friends, my family, as time goes on it waits for no one. It does not care about what you have or haven't done, what you have or do not have. Time will continue to pass us by, tick tick tick. Old Father Time is taking moments off our lives daily. I have a task for you. Look at your life, what are you missing out on that you could be doing, places you could be going, or how about time you could be spending with that special someone(s) in your life. I task you to make some time for yourself this week, make sometime for someone in your life that means more to you than anything else in this world. Do not let time pass you by, because when its gone, its gone. Tick, Tick, Tick...
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Update on Dad
So it is Day 5. Still not sure what is going on. Might be thyroid, infection, heart, kidney, liver, and I am sure might be something else.
We are praying, stressed, worried, laughing, I am sure we are crying, what thoughts do you not have when you see a loved one in the hospital. Today has been the most trying one of all. Dad, went for fluid withdrawal and well his Blood Pressure bottomed out and he almost flat-lined. I was not there but had a fear come over me that was so strong it was difficult to deal with. Made it to the hospital and he was doing some what better. Most recent update he has been moved to ICU, so he can be monitored more closely.
The thing is, what does it all mean? I do not question the man upstairs. You know they always say God never puts more on you than you can handle. Agreed. I am sure there is some hidden meaning behind it all.
Here is the thing. I am not immune to hospital scares, close calls, etc. But when it becomes someone so near and dear to your heart, someone that you know would do anything for you at anytime if needed, who has provided love and comfort for so many years, etc it becomes difficult to be apart of it all. He was there for me when I was young and there for me now, but it is so difficult because he is my hero and right now I cannot help the hero get back up. He has fallen.. But there is one good thing about all those hero stories, they usually rise again. I know God will give him the strength he needs to get back up and conquer the world.
I do not want to appear as selfish because I know so many have lost loved ones as well. But I am slowly feeling the pain that you have, or have had. My thoughts are with you and your families as you have dealt with or dealing with the same struggles that face me and my family now. I have FAITH that GOD has a plan and he will watch over dad.
We love you dad.
We are praying, stressed, worried, laughing, I am sure we are crying, what thoughts do you not have when you see a loved one in the hospital. Today has been the most trying one of all. Dad, went for fluid withdrawal and well his Blood Pressure bottomed out and he almost flat-lined. I was not there but had a fear come over me that was so strong it was difficult to deal with. Made it to the hospital and he was doing some what better. Most recent update he has been moved to ICU, so he can be monitored more closely.
The thing is, what does it all mean? I do not question the man upstairs. You know they always say God never puts more on you than you can handle. Agreed. I am sure there is some hidden meaning behind it all.
Here is the thing. I am not immune to hospital scares, close calls, etc. But when it becomes someone so near and dear to your heart, someone that you know would do anything for you at anytime if needed, who has provided love and comfort for so many years, etc it becomes difficult to be apart of it all. He was there for me when I was young and there for me now, but it is so difficult because he is my hero and right now I cannot help the hero get back up. He has fallen.. But there is one good thing about all those hero stories, they usually rise again. I know God will give him the strength he needs to get back up and conquer the world.
I do not want to appear as selfish because I know so many have lost loved ones as well. But I am slowly feeling the pain that you have, or have had. My thoughts are with you and your families as you have dealt with or dealing with the same struggles that face me and my family now. I have FAITH that GOD has a plan and he will watch over dad.
We love you dad.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Mortal Man
I ask for your prayers as I blog with a heavy heart.
Tonight I finally witnessed the weakness of a man that I hold dear to my heart. At roughly 600pm I was contacted by Jetona as she let me know my father was being admitted to the hospital for the first time in his life. At this time there are no known problems just more precautionary measures being taken by the doctors.
As I drove home on I-65 the realization that my father is no immortal human being began to set in. I finally realized that the man I grew up looking up to, the man I longed to be, the man I placed above others, the man I thought was Superman, is nothing more than just that, a human being, he is a man in the truest form. While I have known for all my life that he bleeds, he cries, he gets mad, is happy, gets hurt, sick, etc today brought to the forefront of my mind that at anytime, no matter how powerful, how magical, how indestructible, how unbreakable, how strong, or how super, the truth is we all are prone to the elements of this world (psychologically, physically, emotionally, etc). My father is by no means perfect (I'll admit it), he is not indestructible, untouchable, he is not superhuman, but in my eyes he was/is. But while sitting there watching him in that hospital bedroom I realized that one day this will end up possibly being his final destination, as God calls one of his children home. I sat there and looked at a man who for my 28 years plus has never needed or asked anything from anyone, but I sat there and watched a man that I realized at some point is going to need someone. My father is 51 years old and I finally saw in his eyes a small bit of fear (though he would never admit to it). But through the fear, being the strong man that he is, he constantly told me and reassured me that it was going to be ok, that he was going to be fine. I sat there and wondered how can he be so sure, I found myself telling him the things I have only seen in movies, Dad we need you home, you got to battle through whatever this is, etc. For many of you who know me you know that I tend to have a big soft side, I tend to get somewhat emotional (ok really emotional). But tonight I finally realized that he is not invincible, but that he is MORTAL!
Tonight I finally witnessed the weakness of a man that I hold dear to my heart. At roughly 600pm I was contacted by Jetona as she let me know my father was being admitted to the hospital for the first time in his life. At this time there are no known problems just more precautionary measures being taken by the doctors.
As I drove home on I-65 the realization that my father is no immortal human being began to set in. I finally realized that the man I grew up looking up to, the man I longed to be, the man I placed above others, the man I thought was Superman, is nothing more than just that, a human being, he is a man in the truest form. While I have known for all my life that he bleeds, he cries, he gets mad, is happy, gets hurt, sick, etc today brought to the forefront of my mind that at anytime, no matter how powerful, how magical, how indestructible, how unbreakable, how strong, or how super, the truth is we all are prone to the elements of this world (psychologically, physically, emotionally, etc). My father is by no means perfect (I'll admit it), he is not indestructible, untouchable, he is not superhuman, but in my eyes he was/is. But while sitting there watching him in that hospital bedroom I realized that one day this will end up possibly being his final destination, as God calls one of his children home. I sat there and looked at a man who for my 28 years plus has never needed or asked anything from anyone, but I sat there and watched a man that I realized at some point is going to need someone. My father is 51 years old and I finally saw in his eyes a small bit of fear (though he would never admit to it). But through the fear, being the strong man that he is, he constantly told me and reassured me that it was going to be ok, that he was going to be fine. I sat there and wondered how can he be so sure, I found myself telling him the things I have only seen in movies, Dad we need you home, you got to battle through whatever this is, etc. For many of you who know me you know that I tend to have a big soft side, I tend to get somewhat emotional (ok really emotional). But tonight I finally realized that he is not invincible, but that he is MORTAL!
I leave you with the following verse:
Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV / 113 helpful votes
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Making/Taking Vows
What is a vow?
In society most of us think of vows as what we do the day we stand up and make a commitment to get married. This is true. However, vows are more than just something we do at marriage time. Making a promise to do something, committing our time, talents, etc to a purpose is making a vow. So why do we break vows so often? In my case I tend to make a lot of promises: I'll do the dishes, take out the trash etc. I usually always put a clause in there but I'll do it in a minute. Sometimes that minute turns to 15 and sometimes it goes forgotten. Was it intentionally forgotten, No. I get side tracked, a lot. But the point is I committed to doing something so I should just do it. It's hard to change bad habits.
As we have been doing to devotion we came across a section called The Magnitude of Vows here are few things I would like to share with you about vows.
First Numbers 30:2 says When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.
So in layman's terms, your only as good as your word.
Second, a marriage perspective: we make commitments to our significant other. We say we are going to love, obey, cherish, etc. Some of us take that as a serious commitment and others see it as unfulfilled truths. But there is one person that takes those vows very serious, God.
Third, Gods word. If you look back over the Bible and know even just a little His word is not broken. He sent His son to die for us, Check. He said that Jesus would arise again, Check. He told Moses to go to Egypt and to set his people free and in doing so they would be rewarded with the Promise Land, Check. The Bible is filled with these promises/vows and well He has delivered on all of them. And these are no little promises might I remind you, these are HUGE.
So why is it that when we say we are going to do something, when we commit, when we vow. It is so easy to break promises. Every time we make a promise (to a loved one, to a friend, to work, to God) we are held accountable to those promises. So let your yes mean yes and your no mean no (Matt 5:37).
So I task that start by taking is slow and easy, build up our commitments and follow through on them. If you are married recommit yourself to honor, cherish, from this day on. If not married commit to yourself that when you say you are going to do it do it. Of course, this doesn't mean things will not happen or come up that requires you to tweak the circumstance. I look forward to hearing you success stories or difficulties that you might have. But together with God's assistance we can do this.
God Bless!
In society most of us think of vows as what we do the day we stand up and make a commitment to get married. This is true. However, vows are more than just something we do at marriage time. Making a promise to do something, committing our time, talents, etc to a purpose is making a vow. So why do we break vows so often? In my case I tend to make a lot of promises: I'll do the dishes, take out the trash etc. I usually always put a clause in there but I'll do it in a minute. Sometimes that minute turns to 15 and sometimes it goes forgotten. Was it intentionally forgotten, No. I get side tracked, a lot. But the point is I committed to doing something so I should just do it. It's hard to change bad habits.
As we have been doing to devotion we came across a section called The Magnitude of Vows here are few things I would like to share with you about vows.
First Numbers 30:2 says When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.
So in layman's terms, your only as good as your word.
Second, a marriage perspective: we make commitments to our significant other. We say we are going to love, obey, cherish, etc. Some of us take that as a serious commitment and others see it as unfulfilled truths. But there is one person that takes those vows very serious, God.
Third, Gods word. If you look back over the Bible and know even just a little His word is not broken. He sent His son to die for us, Check. He said that Jesus would arise again, Check. He told Moses to go to Egypt and to set his people free and in doing so they would be rewarded with the Promise Land, Check. The Bible is filled with these promises/vows and well He has delivered on all of them. And these are no little promises might I remind you, these are HUGE.
So why is it that when we say we are going to do something, when we commit, when we vow. It is so easy to break promises. Every time we make a promise (to a loved one, to a friend, to work, to God) we are held accountable to those promises. So let your yes mean yes and your no mean no (Matt 5:37).
So I task that start by taking is slow and easy, build up our commitments and follow through on them. If you are married recommit yourself to honor, cherish, from this day on. If not married commit to yourself that when you say you are going to do it do it. Of course, this doesn't mean things will not happen or come up that requires you to tweak the circumstance. I look forward to hearing you success stories or difficulties that you might have. But together with God's assistance we can do this.
God Bless!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Father's Day Part II
My friend Ron Chilton posted this the other day on his facebook page. I hope you enjoy. Dad/Father's remember that even on those days that you feel so tired, so worn out, like life is getting you down that we children are storing memories that mean more to us than you ever know.
here is the link to the video:
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I love you Dad.
here is the link to the video:
http://www.simpletruths.com/spp_TIMEoptin.html
In addition to the link I have posted photos of one of the best days of my life. It is my wedding day. I married my best friend that day but more importantly my dad stood up with me as my best man. I am not sure if he knows how much that meant to me but these photos are of us as he attempted to do a toast.
In addition to the link I have posted photos of one of the best days of my life. It is my wedding day. I married my best friend that day but more importantly my dad stood up with me as my best man. I am not sure if he knows how much that meant to me but these photos are of us as he attempted to do a toast.
I love you Dad. Happy Fathers Day
Hello Friends,
It has been awhile. I am sorry if you have missed reading my post. Recently, I started back to college, between college, work, life, etc I have neglected my blog. I will try to get better in the coming days.
However, today is a great day. Today is Father's Day. For all of us out there at some point and time in life we have been blessed to have a FATHER (still living, past on, estranged, etc). We have the Earthly one here and then the greatest of all in Heaven. So with it being Father's Day, it made me ponder what is a Father? According to Webster Dictionary
I am posting a piece by Paul Harvey.
What Is a Father?
A father is a person who is forced to endure
childbirth without an anesthetic. He growls
when he feels good and laughs very loud
when he is scared half-to-death.
A father never feels entirely worthy of the
worship in a child’s eyes. He is never quite
the hero his daughter thinks. Never quite the man
his son believes him to be. And this worries him
sometimes. (So he works too hard to try to
smooth the rough places in the road of those
of his own who will follow him.)
A father is a person who goes to war sometimes
…and would run the other way, except that war
is part of an important job in his life (which is
making the world better for his child than it has
been for him).
Fathers grow older faster than other people,
because they, in other wars, have to stand at the
train station and wave goodbye to the uniform that
climbs on board. And, while mothers cry where it
shows, fathers stand and beam … outside …
and die inside.
Fathers are men who give daughters away to other
men who aren’t nearly good enough, so that they
can have children that are smarter than anybody’s.
Fathers fight dragons almost daily. They hurry
away from the breakfast table off to the arena,
which is sometimes called an office or a workshop.
There they tackle the dragon with three heads —
Weariness, Work, and Monotony. And they never
quite win the fight, but they never give up.
Knights in shining armor; fathers in shiny trousers.
There’s little difference as they march away each
workday.
I trust that you will be able to honor your father,
either in person or as you share with others what’s
in your memory about your dad.
I hope you dads out there will be a blessing to
your families and that you will be blessed by
your families.
It has been awhile. I am sorry if you have missed reading my post. Recently, I started back to college, between college, work, life, etc I have neglected my blog. I will try to get better in the coming days.
However, today is a great day. Today is Father's Day. For all of us out there at some point and time in life we have been blessed to have a FATHER (still living, past on, estranged, etc). We have the Earthly one here and then the greatest of all in Heaven. So with it being Father's Day, it made me ponder what is a Father? According to Webster Dictionary
a : a man who has begotten a child; also : sire 3 b capitalized (1) : God1 (2) : the first person of the Trinity
Additional definitions:
- man who is parent: a man who is the parent of a human being, or a male animal that has produced offspring
- man acting as parent: a man who brings up and looks after a child as if he were its father
- man who is ancestor: a man who is an ancestor, especially the founder of a family or people
However, I do not feel that those definitions define a father. I have been blessed to have numerous father figures in my life. Ranging from my dad, both grandfathers, a father-in-law and many other men who have had a hand in molding me into the man I am today. Most people think of fathers as providers, they are suppose to be strong for their families, lend advice, be there when the world turns their back on you, teach you life lessons, etc. I believe a father is a person who should be there no matter what, be that person that you can depend on in a split second, offer encourging words, mold you into the person you shall become.
I am currently 28 years old and two of the most influential men in my life are my father and my grandfather from both I have learned many valuable lessons. From both of these men I have learned how to love, how to show compassion, how to work hard, how to stand up for what you believe in, how to provide for your family, how to share a encouraging word, the list goes on. From these men I have been molded into the man I am today and I thank the good Lord above that he placed me into their lives and most importantly me into theirs. I am proud to call both of you "father" in some form of the word.
I found this on a website that Paul Harvey had to say about Father's
In honor of Father’s Day this coming Sunday,I am posting a piece by Paul Harvey.
What Is a Father?
A father is a person who is forced to endure
childbirth without an anesthetic. He growls
when he feels good and laughs very loud
when he is scared half-to-death.
A father never feels entirely worthy of the
worship in a child’s eyes. He is never quite
the hero his daughter thinks. Never quite the man
his son believes him to be. And this worries him
sometimes. (So he works too hard to try to
smooth the rough places in the road of those
of his own who will follow him.)
A father is a person who goes to war sometimes
…and would run the other way, except that war
is part of an important job in his life (which is
making the world better for his child than it has
been for him).
Fathers grow older faster than other people,
because they, in other wars, have to stand at the
train station and wave goodbye to the uniform that
climbs on board. And, while mothers cry where it
shows, fathers stand and beam … outside …
and die inside.
Fathers are men who give daughters away to other
men who aren’t nearly good enough, so that they
can have children that are smarter than anybody’s.
Fathers fight dragons almost daily. They hurry
away from the breakfast table off to the arena,
which is sometimes called an office or a workshop.
There they tackle the dragon with three heads —
Weariness, Work, and Monotony. And they never
quite win the fight, but they never give up.
Knights in shining armor; fathers in shiny trousers.
There’s little difference as they march away each
workday.
I trust that you will be able to honor your father,
either in person or as you share with others what’s
in your memory about your dad.
I hope you dads out there will be a blessing to
your families and that you will be blessed by
your families.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Something Found on my Email
Something to Ponder,
Dear All,
PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THIS TO THE END, PREFERABLY WHEN YOU ARE LESS BUSY.
Dear All,
PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THIS TO THE END, PREFERABLY WHEN YOU ARE LESS BUSY.
I can only imagine...
Heaven as written by a 17 Year Old Boy
This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County.
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said.. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
Here is Brian's essay entitled:
" The Room.."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards...
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes.. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him.. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.
The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours?
Monday, May 9, 2011
Basics of Life
As a child growing up in the Milby household, Mom Linda would blare 4Him during here cleaning duties. This is just one of many songs that has stuck with me through my life. The Basics of Life.
Over the past few weeks I have been overwhelmed with many of the stressors life can place upon one's life, work, going back to college, trying to make career changes, etc. However, some where along the way I have started to try and take control out of God's hands. During my reading of Crazy Love Chan said worry implies we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience. So I guess I am stuck between the two of them.
I have never been a control freak, nor have a been the type of person that needs the here and now. But lately I am trying to get the here and now and not allowing for God to run His plan in my life and for that I am sorry. Getting back to the basics is my motto for the week.
As Mom Linda has always told me via
So I hope that if you are having a bad week, stressed about decisions, etc read this verse a few times over, watch the video. I hope that it can bring about some comfort to your current situation(s).
Blessings to all.
Feel free to post your thoughts, concerns etc.
Over the past few weeks I have been overwhelmed with many of the stressors life can place upon one's life, work, going back to college, trying to make career changes, etc. However, some where along the way I have started to try and take control out of God's hands. During my reading of Crazy Love Chan said worry implies we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience. So I guess I am stuck between the two of them.
I have never been a control freak, nor have a been the type of person that needs the here and now. But lately I am trying to get the here and now and not allowing for God to run His plan in my life and for that I am sorry. Getting back to the basics is my motto for the week.
As Mom Linda has always told me via
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
And then one verse that I came across
John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
My motivation for the week is to just give Him the burdens and let Him take care of the rest for He has a plan for me.So I hope that if you are having a bad week, stressed about decisions, etc read this verse a few times over, watch the video. I hope that it can bring about some comfort to your current situation(s).
Blessings to all.
Feel free to post your thoughts, concerns etc.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mothers Day
I would just like to take the time to say Happy Mothers Day to all the women around the world today. It is a great pleasure to say that as I have had so many GREAT women in my life. I will be the first to admit that they aren't perfect, but viewed through my perspective they are.
God knew exactly what He was doing when He placed women on Earth (and the Bible gives us many great references to just how important women are in our lives). He knew that we men needed to have a counterpart that would be nuturing, caring, Motherly, gentle, stearn, loving, compassionate, I could go on. So thank you God.
It brings me great honor to honor all the women (Jetona, Mom Kathy, Mom Linda, Mom Rhonda, Granny Sue, Aunt Karen, Jaime, Audrey Ashley, and those who have been called up yonder) in my life. Each of you have had some hand in shaping and molding me. I appreciate each of you and your numerous contributions you have made in my life. I can not repay any of you for all that you have done, so I will just express it here. THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU ALL. HAVE A GREAT AND BLESSED DAY.
God knew exactly what He was doing when He placed women on Earth (and the Bible gives us many great references to just how important women are in our lives). He knew that we men needed to have a counterpart that would be nuturing, caring, Motherly, gentle, stearn, loving, compassionate, I could go on. So thank you God.
It brings me great honor to honor all the women (Jetona, Mom Kathy, Mom Linda, Mom Rhonda, Granny Sue, Aunt Karen, Jaime, Audrey Ashley, and those who have been called up yonder) in my life. Each of you have had some hand in shaping and molding me. I appreciate each of you and your numerous contributions you have made in my life. I can not repay any of you for all that you have done, so I will just express it here. THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU ALL. HAVE A GREAT AND BLESSED DAY.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Inspiration of Rich Mullins
I am not sure if many of you know the story of Rich Mullins. But in Sept 1997 he was taken from this world in a vehicle accident when he lost control of the vehicle he and a friend were in. Both were ejected from the vehicle and Rich was thrown into an on coming semi tractor trailor.
The reason I bring up Rich is because he was a simple man, called upon by God to do His will and way. Rich took a lot of heat because of his laid back demeanor, he was known for going on stage without shoes, unshaven, etc. You will see in a video I have shared below that he is nothing more than just a mere human being nothing flashy, nothing special but his love for God. He wrote several note worthy songs, Step by Step, Awesome God, etc Each has been covered by other Christian singers over the past 14 years. But here is what amazed me more than anything. (Rich even with all his success, never became as well knows as the likes of Michael W. Smith, Ray Boltz, etc.) He lived off a modest average mans salary about 24k a year. He actually didn't want to know how much he made so he never knew what he had. He had a group of cohorts who over saw his earnings and saw that everything was given away. That was their job, every penny he made outside of the annual 24k was sent to missions, charities, etc. That was the type of guy Rich was. Just watch him in the live video you can see the man in tears that was his love for God. Listen to his moment of testimony, Rich got it. Do you?
Makes you want to be something more doesn't it? This is a true inspiration to me.
It came at a time that I need it most. As I strive to be more, I some times get lost in the things the world has out there. The never ending carrot of corporate America, but there is something I will never have enough of money. I am fine with not having the money, but it is the time part that I am having the most trouble with accepting. In my pursuit of worldly possessions, being a provider, etc. I have sacraficed time in pursuit of the dollar. My vision, my purpose, has been clouded. But it is the new year that has brought about the value of time. I have been blessed with a job in which I see 1,000s of high school students on a yearly basis, I help those individuals aspire to go on and pursue college opportunities, but in some occassions its the kids I get to witness to that brings me great enjoyment. However, I am still governed by Corporate America, I am still saddened, still lost, uninspired, but I can no longer be managed by a clock working 40-80 hrs a week. I can no longer consider making money as my biggest motivator. I have found a new motivator, my purpose is to do His will and His way. Some will see it as radical but I see it as just putting it all out there, have faith, and let Him provide. At the same time making myself more available to those who need me most, family, friends etc. I have wasted and lost to many hours in my adult life and I will no longer lose that time. I do not want to be a flipvideo/youtube father one day. Now it is finding that equal balance between work and life that I must pursue. I have to become something more and get my time back. God has greatly blessed me and my family over the past few years and it is because of those many blessings that I want to continue to strive to do more for Him.
I ask that you pray for me as I continue my pursuit of finding a comfortable balance between work and life. But more importantly in my pursuit of Him.
I hope that you can find yourself striving to do more over the next couple of days and weeks. Blessings.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient and kind: love does not envy or boast: it is not arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice
at wrongdoings, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends....faith, hope, and love abide,
these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE..
In Crazy Love, Chan task us to replace love at the beginning and insert our names. I.E. Garrett is patient and kind...
Ponder:
After doing so just from the beginning how does it make you feel?
Are you truly patient and kind, do you not envy or boast, are you not arrogant or rude, etc. Maybe today we should strive to become those things.
Remember God loves us, he made us, but at the same time that means we are not perfect, we are human. We are going to mess up time after time, but we must learn from mistakes and seek to be better.
My mom has always told me that my Great Grandmother would always say. "Some of the best lesson are the bought ones." For a grandmother she was very insightful. So much in her saying, God feels the same way. We are going to fall short, but that doesn't mean we fall short and forget about it. We have to learn from it. We have to repent our sins, and keep on pushing forward to do better. Just remember we will never reach the place of perfection but we must strive to get as close to that level as possible, all while doing it the way that is pleasing to God.
My prayer for you today is to look at your current situtation and rise up from the ashes, dust yourself off and strive to live up to your potential.
Have a blessed day.
It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice
at wrongdoings, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends....faith, hope, and love abide,
these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE..
In Crazy Love, Chan task us to replace love at the beginning and insert our names. I.E. Garrett is patient and kind...
Ponder:
After doing so just from the beginning how does it make you feel?
Are you truly patient and kind, do you not envy or boast, are you not arrogant or rude, etc. Maybe today we should strive to become those things.
Remember God loves us, he made us, but at the same time that means we are not perfect, we are human. We are going to mess up time after time, but we must learn from mistakes and seek to be better.
My mom has always told me that my Great Grandmother would always say. "Some of the best lesson are the bought ones." For a grandmother she was very insightful. So much in her saying, God feels the same way. We are going to fall short, but that doesn't mean we fall short and forget about it. We have to learn from it. We have to repent our sins, and keep on pushing forward to do better. Just remember we will never reach the place of perfection but we must strive to get as close to that level as possible, all while doing it the way that is pleasing to God.
My prayer for you today is to look at your current situtation and rise up from the ashes, dust yourself off and strive to live up to your potential.
Have a blessed day.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Since I Have My Life Before Me
I have been reading a wonderful book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan (which will be paraphrased below). First I need to tell you all that I am not a reader, I have read more pages in the past two weeks than I probably read between high school and college combined, but God has placed a love for reading in my life. In addition, reading brings about knowledge. Crazy Love does a great job of combining life lessons along with mixing Gods Word in the book. So, not only am I getting the great knowledge and growing via one mans accounts I am also growing spirtually within Gods Word. As I continue to aspire to be more of what God planned for me, I have been in deep reflection. I have started to face down some of my own issues: guilt, pride, faith, trust, etc. All of which we all face at some point in our life.
Lately, I have been stressing (which I have found means I am not having faith in God) about time. Earlier in the week God laid on my heart the conviction of time. As I continue to explore my purpose for God, He has placed some great ideas for doing possible church sermons on me,time being one. So I have created a 3 part series starting with Are You Ready? I am one of those people who feel that if your there at 9 and the appointment was set for 9, your late. I believe that when your ready your ready. Jetona can confirm this because I leave out all the time and arrive places so early I could have spent more time with her or doing something else. But as I started to read Crazy Love I came across a subtitle: Are You Ready? Fitting? I think so.
However, it was the story I read about a girl named Brooke Bronkowski that has touched me greatly and I would like to share it with you. Brooke was fourteen years old, she was in love with Jesus, while in Jr High she started a Bible study. She spent her money on Bibles that she could distribute to unsaved friends (she gave unselfishly). Youth pastors heard about this and donated boxes of Bibles for her to give out. But it is the essay that she wrote at age twelve that has been stuck in my memory bank all week long. Read Below
"Since I Have My Life Before Me"
By Brooke Bronkowski
I'll live my life to the fullest. I'll be happy. I'll brighten up. I will be more joyful than I have ever been. I will be kind to others. I will loosen up. I will tell others about Christ. I will go on adventures and change the world. I will be bold and not change who I really am. I will have no troubles but instead help others with their troubles.
You see, I'll be one of those people who live to be history makers at a young age. Oh, I'll have moments, good and bad, but I will wipe away the bad and only remember the good. In facts that's all I remember, just good moments, nothing in between, just living my life to the fullest. I'll be one of those people who go somewhere with a mission, an awesome plan, a world-changing plan, and nothing will hold me back. I'll set an example for others, I will pray for direction.
I have my life before me. I will give others the joy I have and God will gime me more joy. I will do everything God tells me to do. I will follow the footsteps of God. I will do my best!!!
It was during Brooke's freshman year that she was involved in an accident while heading to the movies. Her life was ended, but her impact didn't. 1500 people showed up at her service, they shared poems she had written about her love for God. Everyone spoke of her example and her joy. Almost 200 people gave their life to God all because of this girl. In one day she brought more people to the Lord that most ever will.
It is hard to phathom that one girl, a teenager at that made such an impact on so many around her. My question to you is what are you doing with your time? Are you ready? I have 1 nephew, 4 neices, 1 cousin all under the age of 10 years old. I have always heard be careful what you do because kids will look to you and will pickup your habits etc, I pray that they can only see the good in me and that I can be like Brooke and inspire people to come to Christ.
Before we can truly start to make a difference though we need to do a self examination and see where we can do more, become more for Christ. I am not saying we have to become radicals, but is part of why we are here on Earth is to please Him. He created us to bring pleasure to Him. He created us in His imagine. He knew us before we were born. Most importantly He has a plan for us. So family, friends, strangers, if tomorrow doesn't happen, if today is your last chance to say goodbye, the last time you take a breathe, the last sunrise/sunset, the last time you ride/drive in a car, last time you hold that loved one(s) in your arms I ask respectfully ARE YOU READY? Remember when it comes to your time God does not discriminate, baby, child, teen, adult, mom, dad, brother, sister, etc. My hope and prayer is that when your clock has ran out, that you WERE READY.
Lately, I have been stressing (which I have found means I am not having faith in God) about time. Earlier in the week God laid on my heart the conviction of time. As I continue to explore my purpose for God, He has placed some great ideas for doing possible church sermons on me,time being one. So I have created a 3 part series starting with Are You Ready? I am one of those people who feel that if your there at 9 and the appointment was set for 9, your late. I believe that when your ready your ready. Jetona can confirm this because I leave out all the time and arrive places so early I could have spent more time with her or doing something else. But as I started to read Crazy Love I came across a subtitle: Are You Ready? Fitting? I think so.
However, it was the story I read about a girl named Brooke Bronkowski that has touched me greatly and I would like to share it with you. Brooke was fourteen years old, she was in love with Jesus, while in Jr High she started a Bible study. She spent her money on Bibles that she could distribute to unsaved friends (she gave unselfishly). Youth pastors heard about this and donated boxes of Bibles for her to give out. But it is the essay that she wrote at age twelve that has been stuck in my memory bank all week long. Read Below
"Since I Have My Life Before Me"
By Brooke Bronkowski
I'll live my life to the fullest. I'll be happy. I'll brighten up. I will be more joyful than I have ever been. I will be kind to others. I will loosen up. I will tell others about Christ. I will go on adventures and change the world. I will be bold and not change who I really am. I will have no troubles but instead help others with their troubles.
You see, I'll be one of those people who live to be history makers at a young age. Oh, I'll have moments, good and bad, but I will wipe away the bad and only remember the good. In facts that's all I remember, just good moments, nothing in between, just living my life to the fullest. I'll be one of those people who go somewhere with a mission, an awesome plan, a world-changing plan, and nothing will hold me back. I'll set an example for others, I will pray for direction.
I have my life before me. I will give others the joy I have and God will gime me more joy. I will do everything God tells me to do. I will follow the footsteps of God. I will do my best!!!
It was during Brooke's freshman year that she was involved in an accident while heading to the movies. Her life was ended, but her impact didn't. 1500 people showed up at her service, they shared poems she had written about her love for God. Everyone spoke of her example and her joy. Almost 200 people gave their life to God all because of this girl. In one day she brought more people to the Lord that most ever will.
It is hard to phathom that one girl, a teenager at that made such an impact on so many around her. My question to you is what are you doing with your time? Are you ready? I have 1 nephew, 4 neices, 1 cousin all under the age of 10 years old. I have always heard be careful what you do because kids will look to you and will pickup your habits etc, I pray that they can only see the good in me and that I can be like Brooke and inspire people to come to Christ.
Before we can truly start to make a difference though we need to do a self examination and see where we can do more, become more for Christ. I am not saying we have to become radicals, but is part of why we are here on Earth is to please Him. He created us to bring pleasure to Him. He created us in His imagine. He knew us before we were born. Most importantly He has a plan for us. So family, friends, strangers, if tomorrow doesn't happen, if today is your last chance to say goodbye, the last time you take a breathe, the last sunrise/sunset, the last time you ride/drive in a car, last time you hold that loved one(s) in your arms I ask respectfully ARE YOU READY? Remember when it comes to your time God does not discriminate, baby, child, teen, adult, mom, dad, brother, sister, etc. My hope and prayer is that when your clock has ran out, that you WERE READY.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Additional Thoughts
Pilate gave Jesus over to be crucified. If Jesus lived in during this time How many of us would stand up and speak on behalf of Jesus? How many would face the outcome that would face a believer, a follower? Think about this while Pilate was up there trying to work around having to give Jesus up for crucifiction he brought out a notorious prisoner Barabbas (revolutionary/murderer) he asked the crowd that was gathered who they wanted to see released, the crowd responded Barabbas. Pilate asked what should be done and they all responded Crucify, Crucify.
Can you believe that yet today there are still so many that are still blind to Jesus being the Son of God, still to this day people would rather have a criminal released back into the world than have a believe, a follower, etc released. Please continue to pray that those that are lost will be moved to the point that they will choose to follow.
Can you believe that yet today there are still so many that are still blind to Jesus being the Son of God, still to this day people would rather have a criminal released back into the world than have a believe, a follower, etc released. Please continue to pray that those that are lost will be moved to the point that they will choose to follow.
Just A Few Great Songs About Today
These are just a few of my favorite songs that go along with this moment in history. I hope that you will listen and that you will be blessed by what God did with his son. Thank you Father.
Easter Sunday
I hope that Easter finds you all doing well. Today is professed by many as one of the most historical moments in all mankind. Today is the day that Jesus arose from a tomb. Many will argue that Christ birth might be the most significant part of the story, but to me it is in the book of Matthew starting with Chapter 26 that we get the greatest love story ever told. God sent his one and only Son to die for all of us so that one day we can live in Heaven for enternity. If all things that we ever knew came to an end today, do you know where you will be tomorrow? Ponder on this for just a little while.
As Jesus prepared himself after the last supper: there are many accounts on which he questioned his purpose. I know that we are always questioning our purpose our place, what we are here for but just imagine what one would have to endure when they knew that their time was limited. As Jesus prayed, he was not questioning the plan of God, but reaffirming the plan by saying Yet not my will, but as you will. I am one person that can not imagine what he was going through during this time. He knew from birth that God had a plan for him, he knew his days were limited, and he carried the burden knowing he would be tasked to die for all sins.
In Matt 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleepings. "Could you mean not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter, 41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then he returned the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Moments later Judas arrived with armed men and turned Jesus over as Jesus had previously told him he would do. What was ahead has been dipicted in films and been repeated and told time and time again. We know the story.
As I was speaking with Jetona today I told her about my continued emotions that I have anytime I share my thoughts and beliefs with anyone. As I have moved closer and sought more from the word and decided to lay my life in his hands I have become more emotional, I am not afraid to say it I am an emotional Christian, I am proud of that. What makes me so emotional about it is God gave up his son to die for ME. I am not perfect, I am not without sin, yet he knew me before I was born and knew that one day I would pick up my cross for him, it was his knowing of this that he planned for his son to die for me. Moving? YES!
However, what gives my life most enjoyment is not the fact that he died for me (which I am forever grateful) what gives me assurance is the fact that he rose as he said he would and promised to come back again to take me home. Take me to that wonderful place of no more pain, no more sorrow, a place that is being prepared for me and my family not for how many good deeds I do here on Earth, not for how many I bring to him, but because I took his love that he gave years ago and ACCEPTED it. And upon my acceptance of that love all my imperfections were forgotten and I was cleansed.
I ask who of you out there have never accepted this unconditional love, who of you out there maybe once accepted but you have veered off the path, its not to late to come back to him. He is waiting with arms stretched open wide, he is waiting for you to come back home, there is nothing more joyous than this moment in life than now to hear is his calling and to say yes Lord, I will accepted your love.
My prayer is that my salt and light has started to show to you. I hope that my witness continues to touch you. I continue to hope that my words continue to create a stirring in you that you can no longer resist. I am not here to bringing you to Christ as that is your CHOICE, but I am here to present his life to you, hopefully in a way that resonates within you that you can only want to serve him throughout your remaining days. My prayer is that one day when the trumpet sounds, and we are all called home that I can find you in Heaven and we can have one of the greatest homecomings ever. I love each of you, those who will read this that I know, those of you who might be out there that can see this that are strangers to me. But most importantly know that God loves us so much that years ago he became flesh in Jesus, put him on a cross, had him mocked, beat, broken, etc so that we can accept him and have enteral life with him forever.
I hope God blesses you and your family greatly and you can (if haven't already) accept all the greatness he has for you and yours.
As Jesus prepared himself after the last supper: there are many accounts on which he questioned his purpose. I know that we are always questioning our purpose our place, what we are here for but just imagine what one would have to endure when they knew that their time was limited. As Jesus prayed, he was not questioning the plan of God, but reaffirming the plan by saying Yet not my will, but as you will. I am one person that can not imagine what he was going through during this time. He knew from birth that God had a plan for him, he knew his days were limited, and he carried the burden knowing he would be tasked to die for all sins.
In Matt 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleepings. "Could you mean not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter, 41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then he returned the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Moments later Judas arrived with armed men and turned Jesus over as Jesus had previously told him he would do. What was ahead has been dipicted in films and been repeated and told time and time again. We know the story.
As I was speaking with Jetona today I told her about my continued emotions that I have anytime I share my thoughts and beliefs with anyone. As I have moved closer and sought more from the word and decided to lay my life in his hands I have become more emotional, I am not afraid to say it I am an emotional Christian, I am proud of that. What makes me so emotional about it is God gave up his son to die for ME. I am not perfect, I am not without sin, yet he knew me before I was born and knew that one day I would pick up my cross for him, it was his knowing of this that he planned for his son to die for me. Moving? YES!
However, what gives my life most enjoyment is not the fact that he died for me (which I am forever grateful) what gives me assurance is the fact that he rose as he said he would and promised to come back again to take me home. Take me to that wonderful place of no more pain, no more sorrow, a place that is being prepared for me and my family not for how many good deeds I do here on Earth, not for how many I bring to him, but because I took his love that he gave years ago and ACCEPTED it. And upon my acceptance of that love all my imperfections were forgotten and I was cleansed.
I ask who of you out there have never accepted this unconditional love, who of you out there maybe once accepted but you have veered off the path, its not to late to come back to him. He is waiting with arms stretched open wide, he is waiting for you to come back home, there is nothing more joyous than this moment in life than now to hear is his calling and to say yes Lord, I will accepted your love.
My prayer is that my salt and light has started to show to you. I hope that my witness continues to touch you. I continue to hope that my words continue to create a stirring in you that you can no longer resist. I am not here to bringing you to Christ as that is your CHOICE, but I am here to present his life to you, hopefully in a way that resonates within you that you can only want to serve him throughout your remaining days. My prayer is that one day when the trumpet sounds, and we are all called home that I can find you in Heaven and we can have one of the greatest homecomings ever. I love each of you, those who will read this that I know, those of you who might be out there that can see this that are strangers to me. But most importantly know that God loves us so much that years ago he became flesh in Jesus, put him on a cross, had him mocked, beat, broken, etc so that we can accept him and have enteral life with him forever.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What if time was limited? Movie Review: Reconciliation
What if you found out information today that would bring up the ghost of your past, that could possibly lead to continued nightmares in your future if not dealt with properly? Would you do something about it? Would you let the chance pass you by? What would you do?
On Saturday I stopped by the Christian Bookstore in Campbellsville, I am not sure why I truly stopped but it was a great visit and I actually felt as if I was being tugged to the store. While I only purchased a minor book I received their circular with my purchase. While looking over the items, I was stopped by a movie that was for sale. The movie Reconciliation. So today while passing through Bowling Green, I was needing something exchanged at the mall, well Jetona asked I exchage something for her so I obliged. The mall visit was a blessing for me. While there I stopped by Life Way Christian and picked up my movie. This evening we watched what is in my opinion one of the most moving movies I have seen in a while. Not to give away all the goodness of the movie it was about a boy and his father Reconciling after 25 years of differences. As the description calls it Reconcilition is a groundbreaking, provocative story about an estranged father and son struggling to overcome the heartbreaking consequences of their past... I highly recommend this movie for the family, checkout the bio of the movie and the trailer at the following http://reconciliationmovie.com/home.html .
One of the biggest things the movie stressed is the fact that we are all sinners, but God loved us enough that he gave his son for us so that we can live eternally with him John 3:16. Very fitting as we head into Easter weekend.
Most importantly though it also makes you think about are there things we need to reconcile with individuals in our lives. So, use this time to call someone up, visit someone, to make sure that your relationship is on solid ground, mend any broken fences.
If you get the chance to watch this movie I hope you enjoy the greatness as it deals with many issues that society faces or even some issues that we face within our own lives.
As I stated yesterday I have an issue that I will be addressing in the future and I now know why I had such a strong sense of needing to watch this movie. In a day that we need signs from the Lord on what our purpose is or for a sign that leads us in another directions in life, this movie was my sign that I am doing exactly at this time what I am suppose to be doing.
Thank you Lord, I understand.
On Saturday I stopped by the Christian Bookstore in Campbellsville, I am not sure why I truly stopped but it was a great visit and I actually felt as if I was being tugged to the store. While I only purchased a minor book I received their circular with my purchase. While looking over the items, I was stopped by a movie that was for sale. The movie Reconciliation. So today while passing through Bowling Green, I was needing something exchanged at the mall, well Jetona asked I exchage something for her so I obliged. The mall visit was a blessing for me. While there I stopped by Life Way Christian and picked up my movie. This evening we watched what is in my opinion one of the most moving movies I have seen in a while. Not to give away all the goodness of the movie it was about a boy and his father Reconciling after 25 years of differences. As the description calls it Reconcilition is a groundbreaking, provocative story about an estranged father and son struggling to overcome the heartbreaking consequences of their past... I highly recommend this movie for the family, checkout the bio of the movie and the trailer at the following http://reconciliationmovie.com/home.html .
One of the biggest things the movie stressed is the fact that we are all sinners, but God loved us enough that he gave his son for us so that we can live eternally with him John 3:16. Very fitting as we head into Easter weekend.
Most importantly though it also makes you think about are there things we need to reconcile with individuals in our lives. So, use this time to call someone up, visit someone, to make sure that your relationship is on solid ground, mend any broken fences.
If you get the chance to watch this movie I hope you enjoy the greatness as it deals with many issues that society faces or even some issues that we face within our own lives.
As I stated yesterday I have an issue that I will be addressing in the future and I now know why I had such a strong sense of needing to watch this movie. In a day that we need signs from the Lord on what our purpose is or for a sign that leads us in another directions in life, this movie was my sign that I am doing exactly at this time what I am suppose to be doing.
Thank you Lord, I understand.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Maximum Impact
In January while sitting in the back of the church Bro Gary delivered a message on "Maximum Impact", he spoke from the 1 Samuel 1-16. This is the story of Hannah and her praying to the Lord to bless her with a son, as part of her prayer she also stated that she would give him over to the Lord. In Old Testament times women who were unable to conceive children were consider failures. However as you progress through the chapter you will see that Hannah was blessed with a child, Samuel. Hannah kept her promise and after Samuel was weaned she presented him to the Lord.
(Samuel is considered to be one of the greatest Old Testament Prophets to be and the world has ever known)
I guess sometimes you have to be careful for what you pray and ask for, because sometimes you will be held accountable and God will take you up on that promise. Its hard to phathom that someone (Hannah) would want a child so much that they would offer their unborn child up to the Lord so that they could only have the opportunity to be blessed.
Per the Life Application Bible Samuel was called like many before him, but God worked through Samuel because Samuel was willing to be one thing, God's Servant.
So I ask of you know are you willing to be God's Servant?
During the message I took away numerous points I would like to share with you:
1. Cry for the miraculous, wants more out life that just getting along.
2. Let the Devil know we are a FORCE to be reckon with
3. Perfecting of the saints, be more than just a believer.
God:
Equipped us to do much more than what we are doing.
How many people are you impacting with your life?
It was on this day that I left out of church convicted that I had not done anything to make an IMPACT. I have not impacted the world around, my family, my neighborhood, my church. Nothing!
As I sat in the car that day and me and Jetona drove off, I sat in silence letting everything soak in. Now I will be the first to tell you silence is not my thing. So after pondering Maximum Impact and what I could do, I asked Jetona what was her Maximum Impact? She responding what she thought her impact was. Then of course she asked me, and my simple response was this, Do I even have to tell you? She knew what I was talking about. Thats the great thing about marriage as I speak in short broken sentences Jetona knows exactly how to fill in the gaps. I spent the rest of the day pondering my impact and what I could do more to impact others. This blog is just one part of that step to provide an impact.
In coming post I will start to share a life altering moment that has haunted me some 15 years after the fact, and now I am starting to have the strength to face that moment and set it behind me as I move forward.
God Bless!
(Samuel is considered to be one of the greatest Old Testament Prophets to be and the world has ever known)
I guess sometimes you have to be careful for what you pray and ask for, because sometimes you will be held accountable and God will take you up on that promise. Its hard to phathom that someone (Hannah) would want a child so much that they would offer their unborn child up to the Lord so that they could only have the opportunity to be blessed.
Per the Life Application Bible Samuel was called like many before him, but God worked through Samuel because Samuel was willing to be one thing, God's Servant.
So I ask of you know are you willing to be God's Servant?
During the message I took away numerous points I would like to share with you:
1. Cry for the miraculous, wants more out life that just getting along.
2. Let the Devil know we are a FORCE to be reckon with
3. Perfecting of the saints, be more than just a believer.
God:
Equipped us to do much more than what we are doing.
How many people are you impacting with your life?
It was on this day that I left out of church convicted that I had not done anything to make an IMPACT. I have not impacted the world around, my family, my neighborhood, my church. Nothing!
As I sat in the car that day and me and Jetona drove off, I sat in silence letting everything soak in. Now I will be the first to tell you silence is not my thing. So after pondering Maximum Impact and what I could do, I asked Jetona what was her Maximum Impact? She responding what she thought her impact was. Then of course she asked me, and my simple response was this, Do I even have to tell you? She knew what I was talking about. Thats the great thing about marriage as I speak in short broken sentences Jetona knows exactly how to fill in the gaps. I spent the rest of the day pondering my impact and what I could do more to impact others. This blog is just one part of that step to provide an impact.
In coming post I will start to share a life altering moment that has haunted me some 15 years after the fact, and now I am starting to have the strength to face that moment and set it behind me as I move forward.
God Bless!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Who Am I: By Casting Crowns
Who Am I? I really like this song. It really puts life into perspective. When all else is against use just remember we are HIS. Enjoy.
A Brief Introduction
Hello All:
I hope that this finds you well. Over the past several months I have found conviction from the Lord to do something more for him. That conviction has grown more and more every week as I begin to strive for all the many blessings I know he has in store for me, my family, and the world around me. But before I start to blog about my journey I want to give you a little background about me. I am not striving for worldly possessions or to gain some type of nationwide prestigious opportunity by blogging about my journey. What I am trying to do is through my expressions of my walk help someone, somebody, or help you strengthen your walk as well.
While reading the introduction (my cleansing process as I like to call it) there will be a few things that come out that might sound like your life, they may upset/hurt some people, but at the same time you have to understand that I am trying to put myself out there for the better good. Its much like when you go to accept Christ as your personal savior, we must be humble in our approach. 1 Peter 5:6 says Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, also feel free to use this site http://www.openbible.info/topics/being_humble as it has several scriptures about being humble. This is also away for me to cleanse myself and deal with several of the demons from my past. I have never been an expressive person through spoken expression, written expression has always been my outlet. So as you read through my blogs in the future, I will be using several self reflections as I am doing internal therapy on myself to overcome my past and move forward with my future.
As you will notice the title of my blog is I Am A Salesman. I thought it to be catchy because I am indeed a salesman. I have been in professional sales of education since 2006. I have started to realize that this is just part of God's plan. He placed me in sales, because he is going to use my talents (being a people person, liking to talk, leadership, etc) for him to assist in bringing people to him and helping others who have left and are ready to come back home.
Now for the background:
My name is Garrett Milby, I am 28 years old, I am a son/son-in-law, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle and husband to some very amazing people in my life. I grew up in rural Kentucky, Greensburg, KY that is. Its a great little place, one of those places that everybody knows everybody. Its the type of place people (outsiders) like to make fun of but at the same time its a great place to grow up in. I am going to fast forward through all the genology stuff. I will spare you. However, I will bring you into to my world of about the age of 7. My parents were divorced, my maternal grandfather had cancer, my paternal grandmother was suffering from rheumatory arthritis (RA), I moved from in with my father, this list goes on. I suppose this is about the time that I first faced adversity in my life. Moving forward at the age of 10 my dad started dating and later remarried, I inherited a stepmother, and two step sisters. More adversity, more on that later. 10-16, things were good, I was blessed with a baby brother, my faith in Christ started to grow, things seemed good. At the great age of 16-21 I found myself lost, I felt as if I didn't belong anywhere in the world, I was all alone. So, like most teenagers I sought acceptance in places that I had no place belonging. I got my first set of wheels and started to rebell a little (nothing to major) just doing things that teenage boys do. My one release throughout high school was football, I was always the type of person who held all my emotions inside, I never spoke about what was bothering me, I just kept to myself and once my emotional cup filled up I would have those moments of unleash to empty the cup only to fill it up again. It was football though that let me unleash my anger, hatered, disappointments etc. On the football field the meaner you were, the harder you hit, the more acceptance and praise you received. After high school was over and dealing with bouts of minor depression over lost ones, the fact that it was over, failed relationships (puppy love), family moving away etc. I enlisted into the military, was it a good decision I am not sure, but in reflection it was away to run away from all the things of my life, to get out of that small town and start a new. I found out though that you can't run from everything. That life has away of going with you, and that God will find you no matter where you travel too. During my first stint in the military I found that being far, far away from home was not the place for me. I found that I loved my family more than anything, I also found that being accountable, well I didn't have accountability. It was through an error by my recruiter that I found my loophole to get out, or was it because God had another plan for me. I was released and came home in Feb 2002. Now, the real stuff began. I moved to Louisville, KY, I got a job and started on the process of going to college. That fall I started to community college with no purpose, I had a job working 40+ hours a week, I got back in with some of the friends of my past. Needless to say accountability still was not my strong point. I was placed on Academic Probation, my thought was who needs college anyway. I am smarter than most people who are there. Plus, working, making money was much more important. What a mindset to have. I was still lost. It wasn't until the Spring of 2003 that things really started to look up for me. It was in the Spring of 2003 that I started talking with my wife. We were friends from back in high school, she asked me to go to Prom with her as her date had backed out on here. Well I had nothing going on anyway so I accepted the invite. After Prom we didn't talk and later on that fall we started dating and have been together ever since (accountability maybe). It wasn't always easy, but now almost 8 years later it was the best blessing that I have had in my early adult years. In 2004 I reenlisted into the military after dealing with the way I left the military to begin with. I had been dealing with the internal conflict that I had let my country down, it was getting to the point that I could no longer look at myself in the mirror, I felt like a failure (accountability maybe) But it was all part of Gods plans, if I had never been released then I would have never met Jetona. Also, if it wasn't for rejoining the military I would have never realized my true educational potential and never went back to college. So, as you can see he has a plan for us all. In 2008 I was married to Jetona, we moved back to our hometown and have been here ever since. Any one who says marriage is easy is a bold face liar, dating is one thing but marriage is another. But I wouldn't change it for the world. I started attending Jetona's home church of Bethlehem Baptist it was a little different considering I grew up in the Nazarene Church. But I have always been one that said I do not follow a denomination I am a Christian. But it is here at Bethlehem Baptist that I have started to find my way, it is here that I have started to tap into my potential and God's true calling for my life. In 2010 during the Heaven's Gates/Hells Flames play on a Sunday evening is when things changed for me, I rededicated myself to him. It has been since that day that I have started to long for his guidance, his will and way, it is there that I found my ACCOUNTABILITY. Fast forward and it is 2011 and thanks to Bro Gary, I have now found part of my truest calling, to become A Salesman For Christ.
I look forward to having you as a follower and to start a wonderful spiritual journey together. I am not going to say it is going to happen overnight but I hope through my words, thoughts and sharing that I can help you along the journey.
Have a blessed day.
Garrett
I hope that this finds you well. Over the past several months I have found conviction from the Lord to do something more for him. That conviction has grown more and more every week as I begin to strive for all the many blessings I know he has in store for me, my family, and the world around me. But before I start to blog about my journey I want to give you a little background about me. I am not striving for worldly possessions or to gain some type of nationwide prestigious opportunity by blogging about my journey. What I am trying to do is through my expressions of my walk help someone, somebody, or help you strengthen your walk as well.
While reading the introduction (my cleansing process as I like to call it) there will be a few things that come out that might sound like your life, they may upset/hurt some people, but at the same time you have to understand that I am trying to put myself out there for the better good. Its much like when you go to accept Christ as your personal savior, we must be humble in our approach. 1 Peter 5:6 says Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, also feel free to use this site http://www.openbible.info/topics/being_humble as it has several scriptures about being humble. This is also away for me to cleanse myself and deal with several of the demons from my past. I have never been an expressive person through spoken expression, written expression has always been my outlet. So as you read through my blogs in the future, I will be using several self reflections as I am doing internal therapy on myself to overcome my past and move forward with my future.
As you will notice the title of my blog is I Am A Salesman. I thought it to be catchy because I am indeed a salesman. I have been in professional sales of education since 2006. I have started to realize that this is just part of God's plan. He placed me in sales, because he is going to use my talents (being a people person, liking to talk, leadership, etc) for him to assist in bringing people to him and helping others who have left and are ready to come back home.
Now for the background:
My name is Garrett Milby, I am 28 years old, I am a son/son-in-law, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle and husband to some very amazing people in my life. I grew up in rural Kentucky, Greensburg, KY that is. Its a great little place, one of those places that everybody knows everybody. Its the type of place people (outsiders) like to make fun of but at the same time its a great place to grow up in. I am going to fast forward through all the genology stuff. I will spare you. However, I will bring you into to my world of about the age of 7. My parents were divorced, my maternal grandfather had cancer, my paternal grandmother was suffering from rheumatory arthritis (RA), I moved from in with my father, this list goes on. I suppose this is about the time that I first faced adversity in my life. Moving forward at the age of 10 my dad started dating and later remarried, I inherited a stepmother, and two step sisters. More adversity, more on that later. 10-16, things were good, I was blessed with a baby brother, my faith in Christ started to grow, things seemed good. At the great age of 16-21 I found myself lost, I felt as if I didn't belong anywhere in the world, I was all alone. So, like most teenagers I sought acceptance in places that I had no place belonging. I got my first set of wheels and started to rebell a little (nothing to major) just doing things that teenage boys do. My one release throughout high school was football, I was always the type of person who held all my emotions inside, I never spoke about what was bothering me, I just kept to myself and once my emotional cup filled up I would have those moments of unleash to empty the cup only to fill it up again. It was football though that let me unleash my anger, hatered, disappointments etc. On the football field the meaner you were, the harder you hit, the more acceptance and praise you received. After high school was over and dealing with bouts of minor depression over lost ones, the fact that it was over, failed relationships (puppy love), family moving away etc. I enlisted into the military, was it a good decision I am not sure, but in reflection it was away to run away from all the things of my life, to get out of that small town and start a new. I found out though that you can't run from everything. That life has away of going with you, and that God will find you no matter where you travel too. During my first stint in the military I found that being far, far away from home was not the place for me. I found that I loved my family more than anything, I also found that being accountable, well I didn't have accountability. It was through an error by my recruiter that I found my loophole to get out, or was it because God had another plan for me. I was released and came home in Feb 2002. Now, the real stuff began. I moved to Louisville, KY, I got a job and started on the process of going to college. That fall I started to community college with no purpose, I had a job working 40+ hours a week, I got back in with some of the friends of my past. Needless to say accountability still was not my strong point. I was placed on Academic Probation, my thought was who needs college anyway. I am smarter than most people who are there. Plus, working, making money was much more important. What a mindset to have. I was still lost. It wasn't until the Spring of 2003 that things really started to look up for me. It was in the Spring of 2003 that I started talking with my wife. We were friends from back in high school, she asked me to go to Prom with her as her date had backed out on here. Well I had nothing going on anyway so I accepted the invite. After Prom we didn't talk and later on that fall we started dating and have been together ever since (accountability maybe). It wasn't always easy, but now almost 8 years later it was the best blessing that I have had in my early adult years. In 2004 I reenlisted into the military after dealing with the way I left the military to begin with. I had been dealing with the internal conflict that I had let my country down, it was getting to the point that I could no longer look at myself in the mirror, I felt like a failure (accountability maybe) But it was all part of Gods plans, if I had never been released then I would have never met Jetona. Also, if it wasn't for rejoining the military I would have never realized my true educational potential and never went back to college. So, as you can see he has a plan for us all. In 2008 I was married to Jetona, we moved back to our hometown and have been here ever since. Any one who says marriage is easy is a bold face liar, dating is one thing but marriage is another. But I wouldn't change it for the world. I started attending Jetona's home church of Bethlehem Baptist it was a little different considering I grew up in the Nazarene Church. But I have always been one that said I do not follow a denomination I am a Christian. But it is here at Bethlehem Baptist that I have started to find my way, it is here that I have started to tap into my potential and God's true calling for my life. In 2010 during the Heaven's Gates/Hells Flames play on a Sunday evening is when things changed for me, I rededicated myself to him. It has been since that day that I have started to long for his guidance, his will and way, it is there that I found my ACCOUNTABILITY. Fast forward and it is 2011 and thanks to Bro Gary, I have now found part of my truest calling, to become A Salesman For Christ.
I look forward to having you as a follower and to start a wonderful spiritual journey together. I am not going to say it is going to happen overnight but I hope through my words, thoughts and sharing that I can help you along the journey.
Have a blessed day.
Garrett
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