Gettin Real: October 2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009

"God's Waiting Room" by Jer

What are you waiting on right now? Is it a job, a Dr’s report, money to pay the bills, confirmation on a decision you’ve made, a loved one to come back from war? The other important question is what is God teaching you during this time? If you’re missing what God’s trying to teach us, then you’re missing one of the most important things.

Isaiah 40:11, 28-31 says, “God tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope (wait) in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

God is compassionate and extends grace to us more than we deserve. He provides while we wait on Him. Even though we may get tired, God does not and if we wait upon the Lord our strength will be renewed. What I have learned so far about waiting during this season. 1. Waiting is just important as the destination, and God has a bigger purpose in the wait then I can imagine. 2. Waiting is not always passive, but active and we need to constantly be seeking God as He honors persistent prayer. 3. Waiting has allowed me to see where my trust lies and God wants me to realize that I am not in control, which should bring freedom. 4. Waiting is allowing me to remember where my identity lies and that no matter what my job title is, nothing changes that I am a child of God. 5. Waiting can provide some of the sweetest moments with the Father and we need to find contentment with where we are at and enjoy our relationship with God. “Your greatest need is not for all your problems to go away. Your greatest need is for your heart to become calm before God so you can experience the peaceful presence of Christ in the midst of fearful situations.”-Unknown

Sunday, October 11, 2009

My best friends in Ohio celebrating Brad's Birthday, Happy 30th Bro!

The leaves were starting to change colors when we were out there last month

Playing in my parent's back field

"Fear" by Jer

I want to be like my son Graydon when I grow up! That may sound weird, but let me explain. I watch Graydon play and interact all day long and am amazed at how he throws himself into everything. Just last week I was with my family in Hilton Head, SC and watching Graydon run into the ocean full throttle amazed me. Here he is 32 inches short and 23 pounds and takes on this vast powerful ocean like it’s a puddle. Now I know he doesn’t understand exactly how powerful that ocean is and that it has been responsible for causing a lot of devastation since the beginning of time. However, my son enjoys life and isn’t afraid to live it. Graydon also knew that I was right by his side in that ocean and that I wasn’t going to let anything happen to him.

Are we really enjoying life or have we let fear prevent us from really living? As we get older we let disappointments, past pain, trials, circumstances and people dictate more about how we go about the day than we should. We lose the sense of being like little children in the hands of a powerful God who wants us to enjoy life with no fear. Exodus 14:13-14 says, “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still”. How incredible that our part is to remain still while God fights for His people! Ask God today what fears are holding you back from enjoying playing in the ocean of life.

(Enjoy the pics and videos of my son living life and how he allows us to enjoy it with him.) If grace were an ocean, we’re all sinking-John Mark McMillan

Toddler roller coaster, if they made this for adults I think I would get one:)

Bikin on the beach

Hilton Head, SC

We went to Hilton Head, SC for a family vacation and stayed at a great House that was just a couple of blocks away from the beach. Thanks family for a fun and relaxing week.

Graydon making Grandpa laugh

Graydon with his cousins

Ready to hit some waves

Momma making G laugh

Graydon playing on the beach the 1st day. He didn't get to really play in it until the next day.

Ahoy, my little niece London Grace, my sister's little girl

I had the honor to marry my friend John from High School and his new bride Kara

A beautiful reception, to check out more pics of the wedding go to my wife's blog at defininggracephoto.com or her facebook

The family keeps growing

Crusin

Sabrina, my parents and I had the opportunity to go to an Amish wedding when we were home. A unique experience and great food!

Graydon loves his playground slides

Graydon helping to take Cousin Summer to school

Graydon and Georgie

Excel Church Plant in Holly Springs, NC

We are really excited to be on staff with all of the families that are a part of Excel Church Ministries. We had over 50 visitors come on our first Sunday launch on September 13th and have enjoyed getting to know everyone.