Modesty and Beauty

Great video about the evolution of swimsuits and issues of modesty. She is speaking specifically to females. However, I think modesty is something our whole culture needs to think about (including guys). Talking about modesty typically turns into judging one another and looking down on females for dressing a certain way. I do not think that is helpful. I like how she keeps the topic positive.   

"Modesty is not about hiding ourselves, it's about revealing our dignity. We were made beautiful in His image and likeness. The real question is: How will you use your beauty?"

Stuck in the Middle

Have you ever felt stuck? Have you ever felt the frustration of waiting? You're not where you were, but you're not where you want to be either. You're stuck in the middle and sometimes the "middle" feels like nowhere. For a variety of reasons, I have felt stuck lately. I feel anxious sometimes and I don't even know why. Don't get me wrong, my life is great. I have an amazing family and I'm doing ministry at a wonderful church. However, my heart feels restless. I'm guessing that God has something for us in the near future. In the mean time, I will use this middle time to trust and to wait...to pray and to seek. These words from Psalm 130 have been precious to me during this season and I hope they are an encouragement to you as well.

I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word...
for with the Lord there is unfailing love
and an overflowing supply of salvation.
-Psalm 130

Heavenly Father, it is for you that I wait, in you that I hope, and with you that I am. May your presence shine in the middle of it all. Give me strength and wisdom as I wait. Amen.

Getting That Plank Out Of My Eye

Why do we judge others? Why are we so critical of people? I hate that I do these things, but then somebody makes a different decision then I would and I criticize them. Somebody does something that annoys me and I judge them. In my desire to control and to be right, I fail to love well.

But I know God wants something different from me. He wants me to see people as he sees them. He wants me to extend the same grace and compassion he has shown me. He wants me to love others even when I don't agree with them.

I don't know how to love without being judgmental and critical, but I want to. Lord, have mercy.

Sticky Faith

What? Sticky Faith Parent Seminar (Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids)

Where? First United Methodist Church Crestview, Florida

When? Sunday, September 22nd (3pm)

Why? Research shows that almost half of graduating high school seniors struggle deeply with their faith. Based on research from the Fuller Youth Institute, we will identify ideas and practices that can set children and teenagers on a trajectory of lifelong faith and service. No matter the age of your kids, it's never too early or too late to build Sticky Faith.

No cost or registration needed. Just show up! Email fumcyouth.crestview@gmail.com if you have any questions!

A Different Kind of Power

The darkness and pain of this world seems overwhelming at times. It's hard to follow Jesus in a culture full of idols. Temptation is everywhere.

Do our young people even stand a chance? Do I stand a chance?

And yet, there is a love locked in our hearts waiting to empower us with strength beyond our imagining. We have the power to overcome evil with good. We can choose love over hate. We can choose peace over violence.

But most of us keep this amazing power locked away and we die having never dared to use it. I pray for a generation that dares to be different. I pray for a generation who dares to do more.

"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope!" Ephesians 3:20

Keeping Up With Kenzie -Final Post

Today we had a check up with Kenzie's neurologist. For those who do not know, our daughter was diagnosed with infantile spasms (a form of epilepsy) at 6 months old. The early prognosis was not good. However, they found a medicine that controlled her seizures. She has been seizure free for over 2 years! In addition, her EEG tests have progressively looked better each time.

Well, today she had another EEG and the results were perfect. This is a miracle considering the bad results of her first test. We will now slowly take Kenzie off her medicine and see if she has out grown the epilepsy. This rarely happens, but the doctor seemed very optimistic. So over the next few months we will wait and pray. If anything abnormal happens she will have to be placed on medicine again. Regardless, Kenzie's development is great and we are very fortunate. Hopefully this will be the last update on Kenzie. Thanks again for all your support and prayers! We have no idea where we would be without faith, family, and friends. If we've learned anything, it is to appreciate the small blessings and love those around you. Our kids are a blessing and you cannot give them too much love.

"The secret of the mystery is: God is always greater. No matter how great we think him to be, his love is always greater." -Brennan Manning

What Do You Want?

We spend much of our lives simply surviving the day at hand? We have things to get done, people to see, and places to go. By the end of the day, we are ready to watch T.V. or go to sleep. Our schedule leaves little time for reflection. However, we sometimes need to stop and ask the question:

"What do I want?"

We're running around all the time and spending a lot of energy...but for what? What are we hoping will be the end to all our toil? What are your deepest desires when it comes to your profession and to your personal life? Make your answer short and simple. Then think about whether the way you are living is consistent with those desires. What do these desires communicate about where God is leading you?

I can summarize what I want for my family and myself with one word: Overflowing.

I want to be overflowing with the spirit and presence of Christ. I want our family to overflow with love for one another and in our love for others. I want to be overflowing with things to do and places to go. I never want to be stuck or stagnant or comfortable. I want to live in a way that forces me to depend on Christ. I want to be full of life, hope, and grace.

...and for youth ministry: I want students and adults worshipping and serving together. I want to see students fall in love with Jesus. I want them to avoid the trappings of materialism and misplaced priorities. I want them to have high expectations of themselves and what God can do through them.

Am I living in a way that is consistent with those desires? Sometimes. Still a work in progress...

Waiting Stinks -Adoption Update

We've jumped through all the hoops, filled out all the paper work, and completed the medical tests and blood-work. We've been approved to adopt and now the hard part...waiting. Waiting stinks! Whether it is waiting in traffic or waiting in lines or waiting in a doctor's office, waiting is never fun. Waiting to adopt your child is even worse.

But maybe there is a purpose in waiting. In fact, the Bible tells us in several places to "Wait on the Lord." I've never fully understood what that meant. I am by nature a doer. I don't like to wait. I'm a patient person until my patience is tested...which means I'm not really patient.

Perhaps waiting is how God prepares our hearts for something special. Maybe waiting helps us to realize that everything is in God's timing, not ours. Waiting forces us to depend on God's strength and God's wisdom. Waiting is a reminder that we do not complete acts of faith in our own ability. We play a part, but God is the main participant. Waiting teaches us to trust. God is working in this world for good. God cares more about our future child than we do. God is love and he will bring our adoption to completion.

Don't get me wrong...waiting still stinks. But waiting does have a purpose.

"Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31