Lane Goodwin

Today my heart is heavy.  Earlier today I notice a photo of my mother and her co-workers giving a thumbs up sign.  My first thought was who is Lane?  Is it someone they work with?  Because I never heard her speak of Lane.  As I got home I started digging and to my surprise I found this young man who is battling cancer. 

Now I do not know Lane, but I have read a great deal about him, his family, and his struggle and my heart is saddened by the news/information that I have found about Lane.  However, in what might seem to be viewed as a negative by many, I see positives.  I hurt for his family, I get choked up as I see the picture of him and his brother lying there in the bed together.  I realize though that this young man has endured and suffered a lot, but from photos of him and stories, I gain that he is an individual who is very optimistic, upbeat, full of life, with even a larger personality and knows exactly where he is headed. 

As I said, I do not know Lane or his family but I feel attached, as it seems so many, feel the same way.  The outward support that the community, state, country have sent to this young man brings about rejoicing.  The simple act of building Facebook pages in support of Lane, to the Thumbs Up shows that we are still one of the greatest nations in the world.  It shows that we still care about our neighbors.  It shows there are many who still have compassion for others as they face adverse situations.  However, it is Lane's faith that has struck me to the core. 

In the face of such adversity Lane remains strong and courageous. He knows where he is going when God calls one of His chosen ones home. While this does not change the current events all those who have been touched can rest easy.  Because Lane knows where he is headed.  He is headed to a place of no suffering or pain. 

I have always wondered why a young person and family would ever have to face such situations but am reminded that God has a plan for each of our lives.  He knew us before we were born.  He created us, gave us as gifts to our families and friends and the world around us. 

What I take from Lane is this:   
We can take with us the fact that no matter what life throws at us, keep our eyes on God.  God has a plan for each of us.  God grants us life.  He gave us a life that we should cherish and embrace, living each day as its our last, because tomorrow is not promised.  God never said it would be easy.  God never said we would have all triumphs without trials.  Nor did He promise that we would achieve and accomplish everything without any disappointments.  In this one life, that now is touching many, we can see that God grants us a temporary home on Earth with an opportunity to make our everlasting home in Heaven.  Lane Goodwin is an "ANGEL" sent to us.  I am sure at his young age he would have never asked for cancer.  As I feel at his age he should be worrying with issue that all young teenagers should deal with like what shoes to buy, clothes to wear, high school crushes, etc.  However, God's plan is something different. 

I cannot say that I know how the family feels but I pray that through it all they continue to find comfort and that with each day that sting they feel will be lightened as they know where their son is going, knowing they will have a special Angel watching over them.  Remember, our place on Earth is only temporary and I hope that Lane's story inspires many to live their lives as Lane has lived his.    https://www.facebook.com/#!/garrett.milby

Curtis Martin Speech-Praise

“Out of all the things that I have achieved, one of the things that I have learned, is its not necessarily what you have achieved in life that matters most, but it’s who you become in the process of those achievements that really matters.” – Curtis Martin

If you have about 30 minutes to spare. I highly recommend watching this speech by NFL Hall of Famer Curtis Martin.  It truly is an inspiration. 

http://youtu.be/eCYpF1OsklA

He talks about his life growing up, the struggles and what caught me is that he never really liked football.  The speech gave me some great motivation and perspective on my life. 

I believe we all face a lot of adversity in our lives, lots of failures and disappointments, but instead of allowing those things to get us down and beat us up, lets try and find the positives. 

I want to take a moment and give praise for all the things in my life.  I am fortunate for everything I have been blessed with.  Last night as I stopped by my parent-in-laws house, I left saying that the life I have been given,  the struggles, the battles, the achievements, etc truly are all a part of God's plan.  Each and every day I wake up, I am reminded that God has a plan that is greater than anything I could ever imagine.  I feel so unworthy at times and I think we all lose sight of the many blessings that we can be thankful for. 

So if you have not done it lately or maybe never done it at all, take a moment and thank God for the position He has placed you in good or bad, because at the end of the day He knows what He is doing.  Do not make it generic and say Lord thank you, place a little authenticity to it.  Be specific.  List out the things you are thankful for: your family, job, home, etc.  Also, take the time to ask Him to assist those around us who might be going through things that we know nothing of. 

Remember when life is going great, its easy to praise Him for the things we have been blessed with.  Its even easier to forget the struggles we have faced at points in our life.  Still praise Him for that too.  Because as I said He has a plan for each of us.

Blessings to each of you on this Friday.   

 

  

Chick-fil-a Appreciation Day: Imagine what could happen if we took another stance

Mark 8:34         
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Today marked an interesting day in American Society.  Millions of individuals flocked to Chick-fil-a to show support for our 1st Amendment Rights.  Dan Cathy spoke out against homosexual relationships, but at no time did he express hatred towards homosexuals.  He simply stated that he believed marriage should be between a man and a woman.  The great thing about American is we each are entitled to our opinions.  Many people and groups have tried to turn this into a religious matter.  This was not a question of a religious matter as much as it was about people supporting their rights.  Don't get me wrong, I am sure some people went to eat there, taking a religious stance, but the main point was to defend our right to free speech. 

My issues is not about 1st Rights or religion.  My biggest issue with all of this is as follows:  If we can rally around a company who has religious faith and beliefs, or take a stance towards our rights then why can we not come together and express and take a stance about our faith and beliefs about God? 

As I sat in Chick-fil-a with my wife, mother-in-law and father-in-law, the discussion came up about what could happen in this country and in this world if people came together and took a stance towards their Christian beliefs and said enough is enough.  Imagine if millions of Christians came together and started to take a stance.  How would things change? They say change is slow and I am sure it would be slow.  Still we have to start some where.
In Mark 8:34 it says "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his[her] cross and follow me. 
Can you imagine what could/can be done if we started denying ourselves, stopped worrying about the backlash and criticism of the world and started to stand for what we believed in, what our founding fathers established the country upon.  I mean taking a strong stance not a so-so stance. 
Its obvious that in the world around us things are not what they once were.  The economy is slowly going into a stand still, jobs are being lost, homes going into foreclosure, families being ruined, shall I go on. 
The answer is simple, we started to allow people to remove God from not just a part of life but from every part of life and look where it has gotten us.  Go and read the Old Testament and you will find that when God was involved things went well, when God was removed the outcomes were different. 

So today could potentially lead into something more.  But it can only lead into something more if we stand united.  If we can take a strong stance for our 1st Amendment Rights then imagine what could happen if we came together and took a stance on placing God back into the world around us.  Just a thought to ponder.

The Closing of One Chapter, The Starting of a New One

March 7, 2012

As I take a day to reflect on my career in the educational world as an admissions officer/representative, today brings about a bittersweet moment.

In September of 2006 I was awarded a job as a High School Presenter with Louisville Technical Institute (now Sullivan College of Technology and Design). Who knew that it would be the beginning of a bright future. I sought the job (looking for part-time work while going to school full-time) as I was debating what career path I would take as a college student. I wanted to be a teacher. However, instead of doing student teaching to find out if I wanted to teach. I food a job that would pay me to stand in front of classrooms and deliver presentations to the masses about their futures and about career opportunities that were out there. As a young, ambitious, driven young man, my reward was a promotion into the admissions world (cubicle life). I must say that I loved doing presentations, following a script and bringing my personal flare to the position. I connected with the kids, I respected the kids, and I feel they respected me as well. However, the inside job force was totally different. It was structured, set hours of operation, etc. I learned a lot, developed a lot of relationships and most importantly I grew professionally. I will admit it I was green so I probably didn't do as well as I could have done. But it was preparation for my future.

Then in March 2008, a little over a year in the business I took a leap of faith, quit my job, moved to Campbellsville, Ky, got married.

Then in June of 2008 as I was still looking for employment in Campbellsville, the call came that changed everything. I was offered a job with Lincoln College of Technology out of Indianapolis, IN. It was a prayer answered because I had just told the wife that I was going to have to go back to Louisville to get a job because nothing was working out at home (Prayer Answered). So on June 23, 2008 with 3 strangers sitting in a room (2 of whom have become great friends of mine Brian and Gary) the journey started.

Being an outside admissions representative is no easy task, it’s a lot of building of relationships, and I think I have been in over half the counties in Kentucky. I had to build my territory one county at a time, one school at a time, one student and family at a time. The first year was rough, I was away from home (a lot many nights sleeping in hotels, staying at my sisters, etc). Being a newlywed this job almost became a burden (it's hard to divide time between work and marriage when you average 80 hours a week of drive time and work time). I thank God that he gave Jetona patience to deal with such demands of her husband over the past almost 4 years. I will never say it was easy but God had his helping hand in the matter.

Then the change came, the Rebirth time. In Jan 2011, the job lost some of the perks (financial), they were expecting more results, less pay. I am not going to complain about the pay because I have been blessed by my job, it provided a lot for us and for that I am thankful. However, in a way it was a blessing in disguise because I no longer was driven by money and the desire to work harder to obtain it. 2011 was my year of rediscovering what truly matters in life. Between a job that lost its appeal, two family heart surgeries, some other personal news, the decision to follow God closer, etc. I WAS REBORN.

In September my territory was changed and with that brought about new opportunities to meet new people, to help a new group of students, etc. It was a blessing because those nights of hotel living, not getting into the house until 1 a.m. is over. The hours got better, but the demands stayed the same.

After almost 6 months in my new territory, I finally decided to make a change for me and my family. I finally received a job opportunity that would make a difference in my life. A job that would allow me the opportunity to get home a decent hour every day, an opportunity to pursue other interest in life, an opportunity to be free and be flexible with my time.

Did I mention that all this happened after the fact that I decided to follow God and his plan.
As Jeremiah 29: 11 says For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NEW LIFE VERSE)

I stopped trying to control the situation in my life, I stopped chasing money (if you haven't realized it yet we will never get enough of it). I realized that following God was more important and He has yet to fail me. It all happened in a two day period February 4-5, while driving in my vehicle. After I finally decided that money was no longer my obsession, finally decided that YES LORD I WILL FOLLOW YOU! I know that it was God's plan, not mine that I have received the rewards and blessings that have happened in the last month or so.

I will close with saying that yes today is a sad day in my life, I leave behind great friendships, amazing students and families, but today is also a dream come true as I thought it would never be possible to find an opportunity that would make a difference in my life and eventually the lives of those so close to me. As one chapter closes another one is being opened.

Closing to Feb 26

Today was a wonderful day.  I was able to deliver my second sermon to Greasy Creek Baptist Church.  Trust was the subject of the day.  I felt as if it was truly a message laid upon me from God above.  The more I speak the more I am assured that I am doing right by the Lord.  
A few highlights of this mornings sermon:
1.  Faith and Trust are closely related however Faith is believing in something, Trust is knowing and as one put it Trust is putting faith in action.
2.  We say we trust God, but do we trust him without hesitation and know that he will provide for us. 
3.  Are you ready to trust Him and let Him take control of your life? 
4.  Its easy to trust when all is going well, but can you still trust when life is a living hell. 
5.  God never said it would be easy, but if we trust in Him all things are possible. 

In related news, my wife is starting to slowly recover and feel better.  Thank you Lord.  I ask that you continue to pray for her as I know God is in control over this situation and will heal her and put her back to herself soon. 

Lastly, I would like to wish a early Happy Birthday to my grandmother Sue Price.  I have been fortunate to call you mine for so long.  I love you and I am grateful that God placed you in my life and me in yours.  I couldn't have asked for a better woman to be labeled Granny. 

Sunday Morning Sermon-Trust

One foggy night, the captain of a large ship saw what appeared to be another ship's lights approaching in the distance.  This other ship was on a course that would mean a head-on collision.  Quickly, the captain signaled to the approaching ship: "Please change your course 10 degrees west."  The reply came blinking back through the thick fog:  "You change your course 10 degree east."
Indignantly, the captain pulled rank and shot a message back to the other ship: I am a sea captain with 35 years experience. Change your course 10 degrees west!"
Without hesitation, the signal flashed back: "I am a seaman, fourth class.  You change your course 10 degrees east!"
Enraged, the captain realized they were approaching each other quickly and would crash within minutes.  So he blazed his final warning: "I am a 50,000 ton freighter.  Change your course 10 degrees west!" 
A simple message winked back: "I am a lighthouse.  You change your course!"

Sometimes in life we need to change course when we are faced with the TRUTH.  
Hope to see  ya Sunday. 

Challenge

Last night 2/19/2012. 
While we attended Greensburg Church of the Nazerene in rural Kentucky, Bro Greenway made an everlasting impression on me and Jetona.  While going through his on struggles with a death in the family he God used this man and spoke to the crowd there.  Finally, I understand all of that reading in Exodus about the tabernacle they build, so that was a teaching moment for me.  However, it was what he said about following God that struck me the most.   A week prior I delivered a message about The Race and Running With God.  What Bro. Greenway said was to praise God all the day long.  Not just in the morning, not just in the afternoon, not at night before bed.  But ALL DAY LONG!!!! 
So as we were driving home last night I laid the challenge out, to PRAISE GOD ALL DAY.   I told Jetona when she woke up out of bed that I wanted her to shout to the Lord and praise him, I let her know that due to the fact that I can sleep through anything this would not bother me.  In return when I wake up I will not do it unless she is already awake, because she has a tough time returning to sleep.  Well morning has come and I heard it.  It made me smile. 
Folks I am not hear to tell you what to do, when to do it, how to do it, etc.  But I offer a challenge to each of you.  Let's start praising the Lord daily, lets dive into the Bible and start to digest it more than just In the beginning God created (Gen 1:1), or the stories about Arks, Ten Commandments, The Birth, The Death, The Resurrection, etc.  Don't get me wrong its great to know all of these stories, but it's what we do with these stories. 
So how many of you will jump on the challenge with me and my family?

The Race: I Am Not A Runner

Please feel free to watch my first sermon I gave at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Greensburg, KY on Feb 12.  God works in mysterious ways and I have never been closer.  Keeping my faith and trust in Him.
For over 28 years I have been running and finally in year 29 I have started to see the light.  The time my fellow brothers and sisters is now. Its upon us to find what our purpose is and not be like Jonah and run from our calling and purpose. 
http://www.bbcstar.org/media/sermons/?p=641

God Bless and have a wonderful weekend.