How willing am I to share my faith?

I was reading Mark Collier's blog this morning, he's the Associate Pastor at Destiny Church in Tulsa OK. I met him and his brother a couple of years ago when they made a visit to GCC to check out the weekend services. I've been checking his blog from time to time and he always has great stuff on there. When I first saw this link with Penn from Penn and Teller I didn't really think much of it, but something told me to watch it so I did.

Please watch this clip before reading on.

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Here's the thing, am I as willing to share my faith with a stranger as the guy he's talking about? I have to honestly say no. Why? If my mission is to help people find their potential and purpose in life then why am I so willing to keep the word to myself? Could it be because I'm afraid to come of as the guy standing on the street corner handing out tracks and yelling on a bull horn? If I'm holding the way to eternal life in my hands and don't share it, is that any better than scaring people with damnation? What do I need to do? I need to be as genuine and honest as the man he's talking about. Maybe handing out Bibles is a little much but the respectful way that he approached Penn speaks volumes.

Spammed

This blog was spammed a few days ago. I've had to change the way comments can be added to the posts. If you add a comment it may take a day or so for me to allow it to be shown. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I don't understand why some fanatics think they have the right to spread their propaganda anonymously on blogs that are posted to help people grow closer to Christ. I think it's cowardly to make these types of statements in the name of Christ and then hide behind the vastness of the Internet. This guy was apparently from Australia. I removed his comments right away, I'm sorry if you happened to see them before I could get them taken off.

Thanks for your comments and support! You guys are great!

Restore

1 Peter 5:8-11 The Message

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

Another Reminder

I've been reading a few pages a day from Streams of Living Water for a couple of months now. Just about every time I pick up this book something gets my attention. There are times especially at work when I get all wrapped up in what I'm doing so I forget that everything I do in this life should be for the Glory of God. But I get frustrated or things don't go my way, I get upset and caught up in my own problems. I forget that God is with me all the time. So when I read this prayer it really hit home.

"Help me, Lord, to remember that religion is not confined to the church, or closet, nor exercised only in prayer and meditation, but that everywhere I am in Thy presence. So may my every word and action have a moral content... May all the happenings of my life prove useful and beneficial to me. May all things instruct me and afford me an opportunity of exercising some virtue and daily learning and growing toward Thy likeness... Amen."

Susanna Wesley
Mother of John and Charles Wesley

Is everything I do for the Glory of God? Not always...but when I read something like this it reminds me that I'm human and I need His help in everything I do.

Sometimes I need to remember...

Proverbs 14:29

A patient man has great understanding,
but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

For the most part I'm pretty laid back and take things as they come but sometimes I just get ticked off, and when I do I need to remember this proverb.

The Bouquet of Thorns

I've been on call for work this past week and it seems like every time I'm on call the weather is either really cold or extremely hot. I've worked almost 80 hours durning the past week. Today is Thanksgiving and I had to go out on three calls this morning. One in Elkhart, one in Mishawaka and one in New Carlisle. I was listening to the radio on my way from Mishawaka to New Carlisle and the Revive Our Hearts Show with Nancy Leigh DeMoss came on. I don't normally listen to her show but I did today and I'm so thankful I did. I am very grateful to have a job even if it's not exactly what I'd like to be doing but it pays the bills and it's steady work. As I listened to the show my gratitude grew to another level. Follow the link, go to Thu. Nov 27 2008 and listen to the drama on the first 8:20 and let me know your thoughts.

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php

Have a very happy and grateful Thanksgiving

Be Strong Everyday!

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Blown away......

My 19 year old son Neil is an amazing young man. He is a computer whiz who builds extremely powerful and fast computers and also does repair work. He works evenings at Domino's in Granger. Since I work days we tend to pass each other as we come and go. When he gets home after work he stays up playing online video games with people from all other the world.

This morning he told me a story that blew me away. Yesterday morning he got a call from one of his online friends that has been having some personal problems. He said that she is recently divorced and is staying on the military base in Florida where her ex is stationed. She is really depressed and down and would have to move off the base in a few weeks. She is having finance problems on top of everything else. She called because she was having thoughts of suicide. He spent a good part of the day talking with her until her phone went dead. It was turned off due to past due balances on the account. He went to work and didn't hear from her all night. When he got home he decided to do some online research to see if he could get her address. He found what he was looking for and called the local police department in Florida. He told them what was going on asked if they would go by and check on her. Two hours later they called back and said that she was fine and her mother bought a ticket for her to fly back home to Maine. Then he said that he had a plan "B" if she didn't have a way to get home to Maine. He said that he was prepared to go to Florida and bring her here for a few days if she needed a place to stay.

Wow! I stood there as he told this story and I could hardly hold back the tears. My first comment was "That's awesome Neil, I don't know that I could have been willing to do what you did".

He acted as though it was nothing at all, just doing what he thought was right. Man if that's not the love of Jesus I don't know what is.

Rick Warren writes

I read this prayer in The Purpose Driven Life (day 16 pg 126) a couple of years ago and have made it a part of my daily prayers.

"God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people - because that's what life is all about. I don't want to waste this day."

I thought I'd share this because I feel this has been a great help with my walk.

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Meaning?

Ever read something that makes you ask yourself; What does this mean?

Proverbs 27:20
Death and Destruction are never satisfied,
and neither are the eyes of man.

I've thought about it for a while and have an idea of what it means to me but, I'm wondering what you guys think.

One of those songs........

Every once in a great while I have a bad day. Well maybe not a bad day but a patience testing day. I'm on call for work. I've only had a couple of calls to go out on today but they where tuff. I spent 3 hours on one and 3 1/2 on the other (should have been about an hour on each). So I was getting frustrated, tired, hungry, and not very happy. Until.... On my way home I stopped at Arby's. I was sitting in the drive-thru (which took forever too) scanning the radio and this song came on. There have been several times in my life that I've been down, depressed or frustrated and for some reason this song pops up one way or another. Coincidence?


Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
Styx
Written by Tommy Shaw

You see the world through your cynical eyes
You're a troubled young man I can tell
You got it all in the palm of your hand
But your hand's wet with sweat and your head needs a rest

And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it

Why must you be such an angry young man
When your future looks quite bright to me
How can there be such a sinister plan
That could hide such a lamb, such a caring young man

You're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're killing yourself, don't believe it

Get up, get back on your feet
You're the one they can't beat and you know it
Come on, let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it

You're fooling yourself if you don't believe it
You're killing yourself, don't believe it

Get up, get back on your feet
You're the one they can't beat and you know it
Come on, let's see what you've got
Just take your best shot and don't blow it.


Every time this happens it brings tears to my eyes. I know it's a reminder from God.

On Monday I was invited to start a Facebook account so I did. Tonight I have 25 friends, and adding more everyday. Look me up. Kinda cool.

C.S. Lewis writes

"The goal towards which [God] is beginning to guide you is absolute perfection; and no power in the whole universe, except you yourself, can prevent Him from taking you to that goal"

Continue.........

I just got home from the GCC 2008 Men's Retreat: Totus Porkus Going Whole Hog for Jesus. This event is one of the highlights of the year for me. This year over 220 men attended the 2 day event. Friday evening started off with a hog roast followed by worship and a sermon by Pastor Mark Beeson (you can get more detailed accounts of the event on his blog).

During the teaching on Friday he posed these questions;

"Where do you intend to be in 4 years?"

My ability to financially help others?
My ability to spiritually help others?
My ability to financially provide for myself?
My ability to spiritually feed myself?
Which of the 7 deadly sins do you least struggle?

These are very important questions. But for me to answer them I need to look at my past. Where was I 4 years ago? I was in a deep dark place. Depressed, broken, spiraling down into a pit that would eventually lead to death. 3 years ago I was found, saved, forgiven, baptised. 2 years ago I was in stride moving forward growing closer to God. 1 year ago at the retreat Mark challenged us to step up and make a move. He had each man write on a card what his move was going to be, then attach that card to the cross. When the retreat was over and everyone had packed up and gone I stayed around for a while and walked out to the lake. I had some alone time with God. I asked him to guide me, strengthen me, work through me. I had written on my card: "I want to help others find Christ." Within a few weeks the thoughts of going to school began. Now I'm enrolled in college, working on a degree and helping other people find their meaning to life.

Photo by Jeff Kamp

This year he called us out again; write on a card and attach it to the cross. I wrote: "Continue the quest you sent me on last year." After the retreat was over I went back out and stood in that same spot on the lake. Had some alone time with God, asked for more strength, more courage, more guidance and I thanked Him for the opportunity to help build His Kingdom in this way.

Where do I intened to be in 4 years?

4 times closer to being the man God wants me to be.

Frank C. Laubach

My friend Steve loaned me the book Streams of Living Water by Richard J. Foster. I try to read a few pages everyday but with work and so much reading for school it's going to take a while to finish. In the book there is a story about Frank C. Laubach, he was a missionary educator in the Philippines during the 1920's and 30's. While living on the island of Mindanao he worked along side the Maranao people but had little success in educating them. Every evening he would climb Signal Hill to have alone time with God. These are his words of what happened on a December night in 1929.

One evening I was sitting on Signal Hill looking over the province that had me beaten. Tip (his dog) had his nose under my arm trying to lick the tears off my cheeks. My lips began to move and it seemed to me that God was speaking.
"My child" my lips said "you have failed because you do not really love these Moros. You feel superior to them because you are white. If you can forget you are an American and think only how I love them, they will respond."
I answered back to the sunset, "God, I don't know whether you spoke to me through my lips, but if you did, it was the truth...Drive me out of myself and come and take possession of me and think Thy thoughts in my mind..."
My lips spoke to me again: "If you want the Moros to be fair to your religion, be fair to theirs. Study their Koran with them."

Laubach climbed down the hill and told some local priests that he wanted to study their Koran and the next day his little cottage crowded with people each with a Koran under his arm.

He goes on to say "After that night on Signal Hill when God killed my racial prejudice and made me color-blind, it seemed as though He were working miracles at every turn" From this watershed experience two great pioneering efforts emerged- one internal and the other external- both inextricably bound together. The first explored the growth of the soul under God. The second involved the development of a literacy movement that eventually reached an estimated sixty million people.

My point in sharing this is; when we turn to God, listen, and take action , great things will happen.

Bassman

I started playing music in the 5th grade in beginning band. I played trumpet. As I went through school I moved over to the tuba. I played the tuba in the marching band in high school for a couple of years. But I always wanted to play Bass Guitar. On February 10 1975 I bought a brand new Fender Precision Bass (pictured below) and a small amp. My dad loaned me the money and I got a part time job to pay him back. I got together with some guys from school and we formed a band. We would play at mostly kegger parties. I played in several bands until around 1989. Playing in bars and the heavy drinking got to be to much. When my first son was born I just stopped playing.



Fast forward to July 2004. It was my Dad's 70th birthday and we had a huge party for him. My younger brother Keith plays guitar and my Dad plays sax. So we decided to get together and play a few songs. Our cousin Charles is a drummer so we had a complete band. That was the first time we had ever played together as a family. Everyone really enjoyed the music and we had a great time. Shortly after that Keith asked if I wanted to get a band together and play a few gigs around to make a few bucks. We've been playing at biker bars and events since then. It's fun and we make a little money.



About six months after we got the band together I started going to GCC. The first time I went there I knew I needed to be a part of the worship team. I auditioned and was asked to join the team.



Here's the cool thing. After not even touching a bass in over 15 years God had a plan for me. Since I started playing again I've played the past 3 Christmas Eve Services which averaged around 11,000 people each, 2 Easter Services with a similar attendance. Over 40 weekend services averaging 6000 per weekend, Hundreds of Church leaders and Pastors at the Innovate Conferences, hundreds of children in the children's ministry, and several hundred bikers in the bars and kegger parties.



When I was a kid I had dreams of playing for thousands of people. By the grace of God now I do.

Photo from Summer's End Biker Fest 2007 Bristol IN

Innovate 08

I had the humbling honor and privilege of serving for the Innovate 2008 church conference at Granger Community Church. Innovate is a two day event where pastors and church leaders from all of the country come to attend seminars and workshops. This has been my third year in a row to serve and I wouldn't miss it for anything. For me it's a great way to meet new people, find out where they're from and hopefully build some new friendships. With the wonders of modern technology it's so easy.

Serving in this area is another way for me to help others. My mission is to "Help others find their potential and purpose in life by sharing my experience, strength, hope, and the love of Jesus" and the musical talents He's blessed me with.

During my morning readings on Thursday before the conference I read this scripture.

Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

Time Hog

Ok here's the deal, anyone who knows me knows that it really takes a lot to make me aggravated. But there is one thing that really irritates me. Time Hogs. A Time Hog is someone who talks all the time about things that they think are relevant to the topic but is so far off that by the time they're done you've forgotten what the topic was in the first place. There is a Time Hog in two out of my three classes. The worse thing is is that it is the same person. I try to sit there and listen contently and patiently but after a while I just zone out. As this person goes on and on about their job or kids or experiences I lose it. The instructor seems to be engaged in the conversation but I'm not. I bet this person wasted 10 minutes of class today telling us how to choose what area of Human Services we should or should not get into. It almost seems like the Time Hog wants to teach the class.

Am I being selfish or do I have a valid point? Do I say something to the instructor or not? What you think?

How Great is our God?

Last Saturday I went out to do my usual running around. I went to Menard's to get some supplies to paint my bedroom, Aldi for groceries, and Meijer to pick up a few things. When I got in my truck to leave Meijer the battery was dead. I sat there running all the scenarios through my head (who can I call, can a flag some one down to get a jump) and decided to just go back in and buy one of those handy jump starters. I stood there looking at the different models they carry and the cheapest one is $45. I looked at the batteries and they were $65. My budget is extremely tight. I had the money to buy one but that would leave me short on paying bills. I went ahead and got a new battery, took it out to the parking lot, jumped my truck and went home. All the way I was thinking about my bills and what was I going to do. When I got home I went to get the mail and there was a letter from my mortgage company. Now what? I opened it and enclosed was a check for $288.00, a refund for over payment into the escrow account. And to top it off the house payment went down $15 a month.

How great is our God?

Greater than our problems.

Back to School

Well today is my first day back to school. I started this new adventure during the summer semester and this place was a ghost town compared to today. Man there is people all over the place. I stopped by the bookstore last week to pick up my books and one of them had not came in yet. The lady told my to check back later. So I came in before class this morning and stood in line for 50 minutes only to find that it's still not in.

I am taking 7 credit hours (3classes) this semester, all my classes are on Tuesday so it makes for a long day. The cool thing is that 2 are hybrid so I'm only in the class room every other week. And the other weeks assignments are due online.

I am so excited to be here today. I feel this is exactly where God wants me to be.

OneThought.net

My friend and Pastor Dan Vukmirovich has started a new blog that is simple and to the point. Check it out. Awsome stuff man!

Be Still

I get a daily email from Joel Osteen Ministries titled Today's Word. I don't always read them due to time or just not in the mood, but I read today's and thought I'd pass it along. Just fits where I am today.


Be Still

Today's Scripture

"Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).


Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

In this day and age, our culture has become so accustomed to having constant activity going on; computers, cell phones, television, email, video games. And there’s nothing wrong with that stuff but sometimes, we have to stop and be still so we can focus on knowing God. This is especially true during the difficult times in life. When you are facing a challenge, it’s easy to want to run to a friend or talk about it with a neighbor, but at some point, you have to stop and say, “God, I rest in You. I know You have me in the palm of Your hand.” Remember, our battles are spiritual battles. The people in your life aren’t your enemy, the forces of darkness are. When you choose to be still and know that the Greater One lives on the inside of you, you are saying to the whole world, “I trust God. He is my Defender.” When you choose to believe in Him you will enter into His rest. Remember, the battle belongs to the Lord. As you are still before Him, You will see His hand of victory and blessing in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, I humbly come before You. I choose to be still before You. Speak to my heart so I can know You more. Fill me with Your peace as I put my trust in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

So with school starting next week and I have a lot of questions on my mind, I decided to take a ride up to Michigan City and walk out to the lighthouse. It's always been one of those places I go to have some alone time with God. A place to be still.

I sat there for a long time watching and listening to the waves, I started to feel a little sorry for myself. And then a voice inside said "I didn't come here to get depressed! I came here to be energized, strengthened, set free!" WOW that was it! I stood up and looked out over this huge body of water. One of the largest lakes in the world and realized that maybe my dreams have been too small, I have work to do, I've been called to something much bigger than I've imagined. My questions have been answered. I am energized, strengthened, set free.

Be still indeed

Spiritual Gifts

Most of you know that I've been a quest to find my potential in life. I've spent a lot of time reading, researching, taking personality profile tests, strengths tests, etc... and I'm always open to try anything that is a help in finding out more about myself. A close friend asked me to go to a Spiritual Gifts class at Vineyard Community Church with him tonight. Before the class we where asked to take a Free Spiritual Gifts Analysis on Church Growth .org. This is another tool to help me in my quest, even though I know what my traits are. I recommend that everyone take a test like this or other personality profiles.

Here is how my analysis came out

Spiritual Gifts


Evangelism 15

Prophecy 11

Teaching 10

Exhortation 15

Pastor/Shepherd 21

Showing Mercy 18

Serving 13

Giving 10

Administration 13

Go to link above, click on the Free Spiritual Gifts Analysis on the right side of the page, then click on Individual users.

Post your gifts and let me know if your analysis came out the way you thought it would.

Should be fun!!!!

Bring the Rain

Bring The Rain
Mercy Me

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Psalm 116

For the past few days I've been a little off. Trevor went back to Orlando, money is tight, I'm in limbo waiting for the fall semester to start, a relationship has shifted, my employment is in question, just a lot of stuff going on right now. I haven't felt like this for a while, even a close friend said she could see it in my eyes, but I downplayed it.

I've been reading a Psalm a day for the last 4 months and today was Psalm 116. It's funny how God talks to us just when we need to hear from him most.

Psalm 116: 1-7

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD : "O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

I still feel off but this was a great reminder that God has been good to me. Feelings will come and go but God will be with me forever.

Man six weeks sure goes fast!

My 11 year old son Trevor went back to Orlando today where he lives with his mom. He's been here for six weeks and it's just gone way to fast. I had to work a lot while he was here and I didn't get to spend as much time with him as I wanted. The time we did spend together was fun. We went to Crooked Creek Ranch and road the horses one day (forgot the camera), went on a 125 mile motorcycle ride, watched WWE Monday Night RAW, Friday Night Smackdown and goofed around and wrestled a lot. Yesterday we road the South Shore Train to Chicago. We spent a good part of the day at the Shedd Aquarium, had lunch and walked to the Sears Tower. On our way we stopped at the Buckingham Fountain for a photo op. Before we got back on the train we grabbed a Chicago Dog. We had a really great time while he was here.

Alone Time With God

I had the day off today and spent the morning alone with God at Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty In. I try to get away once every three or four months, but it's been since last September. My normal routine in the morning is reading the Bible, a devotional and praying. But sometimes I just need to be alone. REALLY alone! Spud is one of a very few places I like to go to be alone. I really enjoy walking on trail #4, It goes through the woods, along the lake, and has some open meadow areas. About halfway around there is a bench, it's all by itself in a small clearing. Almost three years ago I sat on that bench and had a long talk with God. Today I did the same thing. It was so quite and peaceful. Three years ago I got a sign from God that showed me that everything was going to be alright. Today no sign, no apifiny, no obvious 2x4 to the head. But I just felt peaceful and content. Faith, courage, hope, love, understanding, wisdom, freedom, all these things are in my heart now that weren't back then.

I took a Bible and read passages about Freedom. I thought I'd share a couple with you.

James 1:22-25

22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

John 8:34-36

34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Summer Semester is Over

My summer semester finished last Tuesday. I found that I really enjoyed going back to school after all these years. It was a little tough to cram 16 weeks of work into 8 but I'm glad I didn't wait until fall to start. I checked my grades and I got an A. I feel really happy about that! Fall classes start on August 25th, I can hardly wait!

Strengths

Nearly two years ago I was talking with my good friend Danny V about finding my potential and purpose in life. He told me that I should read the Marcus Buckingham book "Now, Discover Your Strengths". So I went to Barnes and Noble and bought the book. This book is unique. Once you've read it you go online and take a test. From this test you'll find out your five signature themes. The test was compiled by the Gallup Corporation. They studied over two million people and found that there are thirty-four themes that where common to most people. From which each person's top five is revealed from the test.

This was very enlightening to me. I found out why I think, act, and feel certain ways. This opened a door for me, that I walked through very quickly. My life will never be the same. I say this because, before I spent a lot of time trying to fix my weakness. It seemed like more I tried the worse things got. Now I spend that time focusing on my strengths. By doing so the weakness will take care of themselves.

My Signature Themes

Connectedness: People strong in this theme have faith in the links between all things. They believe there are few coincidences and almost every event has a reason.

Adaptability: People strong in this theme prefer to "go with the flow". They tend to be "now" people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.

Empathy: People strong in this theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others' lives or other's situations.

Positivity: People strong in this theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.

Responsibility: People strong in this theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.

One of my assignments this semester was to take a Strengths Quest Analysis. Come to find out it is the exact same test I took before. I was excited and curious to see if anything had changed. Sure enough a couple things did change.

Adaptability, Responsibility and Empathy stayed the same but Connectedness and Positivity moved down, Strategic and Belief take their place.

Strategic: People strong in this theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues and come up with a plan "B".

Belief: People strong in this theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for life.

I think it's cool that I've have seven themes to work with. I can see all of them in myself. This will help me even more to proceed with my mission. To help people find their potential, and purpose in life.

Get the book, read it, take the test, open the door, live up to your potential and with purpose.

Now, Discover Your Strengths

(Do not buy this book used, it includes an access code for the online test.)

Term paper due in 2 weeks

The assignment for my term paper is to take a tour and conduct an interview with a social service organization. The Bridge @ Studeo 315 was my first thought. So I contacted my friend Aaron Dewinter the Director of Development and his wife Merri the Executive Director. I met with Aaron today and he was very helpful in providing the information I need to write my paper.

They are doing some great work there providing food, clothing, personal care items, and even housewares to low income families. All of the items are new or lightly used, that way the clients are receiving good things not just "garage sale stuff". The Bridge really wants to empower their clients, by providing them with nice clothes and new items for the home. They also provide life coaching and budget counseling.

Aaron told me around 2300 people came through the doors last month. They have been averaging 9 new clients a day. So they are in need of Monetary/Resources, Food, Personal Care Items and Volunteers.

So help out and donate your time and resources to a place that is really making a difference in peoples lives. And if you know of someone in need tell them about The Bridge!

"Introducing God's message of love, mercy, hope, and dignity through the provision of food, clothing, shelter and healthcare to those in need."

The Bridge @ Studeo 315

315 Lincolnway West

Mishawaka IN 46544

http://www.thebridgeatstudeo315.com/

Busy, Busy, Busy.......

3 weeks into school, 4 assignment, 4 A's......Very Happy about that.

4 extremely hot days, 46 hours of work in 4 days .....Not very happy about that, but can use the overtime money :)

Memorial Day Fun

Fred and Cindy invited Nancy and I to go Horse back riding with them today. We had a great time. Cindy owns and operates Crooked Creek Ranch near Wakarusa. Her ministry is to have kids from different organizations from around the area come to the ranch and ride the horses. It's a great way for kids to learn about animals and build their self esteem. All the kids love to go to the ranch.

A couple of months ago I was working at a horse ranch in Michigan that was for sale. The man that owned the ranch told me that he was looking for a good home for the two horses he had. I explained to him about Cindy and her ministry. He said that she could have them. I got his number and had Cindy call him right away. After a check up by the Vet she brought them home.

Today I got to ride one of those horses, he was great. Cindy was riding the other one.

Nancy and I had a great time today. We road them in the woods, in the creek, down a dirt road, all over the place.

Thanks Fred and Cindy

Enemy Attack?

I've had asthma ever since I was 16 or 17 years old. I'm pretty sure it's a bi product of smoking pot. In 1987 I had to be taken to the emergency room 3 times with severe attacks. The third time resulted in three days on a respirator. Since then I've been able to keep it under control with a regiment of prevention prescriptions. Until Thursday night. I've had a nagging cough for the past couple of weeks and caught a cold over the weekend and that's what triggered this attack. I ended up going to an urgent care office Friday after work. They gave me a couple breathing treatments and a chest x-ray. The treatments broke up the attack pretty quickly and there wasn't anything on the x-ray for concern. The Doctor gave me prescriptions for Prednisone and an antibiotic and sent me on my way.

Here's the thing, after so many years of keeping it under control why did it pop up now? Now that I'm on this mission to make a deference in the world and carry out God's will for my life, could this have been an enemy attack?

We think of the enemy always poking and prodding our minds and thoughts but what about the physical? Does the enemy have that kind of power? I'm not a Biblical scholar and don't have the answer.

I did a lot of praying and rebuking the enemy on Thursday, it got me though the night. I want to thank God for modern medicine without it I would have been gone twenty years ago.

1st Day of School

Today was my first day of school

Ok let me see...

laptop.....check
notebooks.....check
pens & pencils.....check
backpack.....check
box of Kleenex.....check
Spiderman lunch box.....check
animal crackers for snack time.....check
small pillow for nappy time.....check
sneakers for recess.....check

Ok I'm ready!!!!!!!

Smooth Stone

I have the great privilege and honor of receiving a Smooth Stone Award from Granger Community Church. This award is given to volunteers that go above and beyond the call of duty. I wasn't going to post anything about this award. Even though I'm very proud to have received it I don't want people to think I'm boasting.

But last night I was with my friend Steve Miller. He pointed something out that I had not realized. He said with misty eyes, " It's really cool to see how God has taken a guy that has had so many huge boulders in his life and has changed them into one small smooth stone".

Wow! That blew me away.

The award and what it stands for as far as from the church is great, but it represents much more.

Thanks Steve.

Gaming Night

Last night was Gaming Night at GCC . As part of the "Get in the Game" series they set up the auditorium as a gamers dream. Halo 3 on the 40 foot screen, pizza and energy drinks. It was pretty cool to see the younger guys (and girls) playing Halo 3 on 8 man teams against each other on the big screens. Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero 2 where also getting a lot of attention on flat screen HD TV's. But you know for old guys like me the Wii Sports was more like it. Nancy and I played Tennis and Bowling and had a ball (no pun intended).

Thanks guys of giving the 20 somethings and a couple of 40 somethings something different to do on a Friday night. It was fun!

Red Letters

This past weekend I had the privilege of serving on the worship team at Granger Community Church. Even though I've served for Christmas and Easter Services and conferences I think this is one of the best performances I've been involved with. Seth and Trace were awesome and really struck a chord with many people. It is very humbling to know that God uses the talents he has given us to bring people closer to Him.

http://www.gccwired.com/mediaplayer/playeropener.asp?id=451

Financial Aid

I applied for Financial Aid a couple of weeks ago and received a letter from Ivy Tech stating they needed a copy of my 2006 taxes. After work I road down there to drop off a copy of my tax return. I talked with the FA advisor and she told me I qualified for some aid. Cool! It is going to cover all but $30 for the summer session plus book.

The blessings keep coming. Thank you Jesus!

Test Day

OK, I get off work a little early today so I can get to Ivy Tech before 5:30. I rush home grab a bite to eat and jump in the shower. Everything is going as planned. I leave the house at 4:40 and decide to take some "back roads" to avoid the rush hour traffic. As I turned a corner to take my shortcut I realized that a slow train was crossing. You know how it is every time you think your going to make good time something gets in the way? The train goes by and I get behind some people driving really slow. It seemed like it was taking forever to get there. I pulled into the parking lot and checked the time, 5:15. Not too bad after all.

I go to the testing room sign in and take a seat. The proctor goes over the procedure and gives us the go signal. Reading was up first, read the story, answer the questions, no problem. Next was writing. From the sample tests I had taken I thought I'd have tough time with this, but it went pretty well. Then it was time for math, Pre-algebra to be exact. The questions got harder as the test went on. It seemed like I was doing fairly well for awhile but once the Algebra kicked in I was toast.

When I was finished I taked to the proctor. I didn't realize it at first but he had been my 8th grade Science teacher. He remember my name but didn't recognize me either. I think the reason he remembered my name after all these years is because I used to get into a lot of trouble in his class. Anyway, as he went over the scores with me I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Reading: 87 Student appears to have college-level reading skills. No additional course required.
Writing: 98 College-level Freshman Composition ENG 111. Talk to your advisor.
Pre Algebra: 83 Student's computational skills are adequate. MAT 050 Basic Algebra.

I knew going in that I would do pretty well in reading and math but writing? I thought for sure I'd be in an introduction to college writing course.

Wow! I'm feeling pretty good about all of this!

Coincidence?...I think not

A little over a year ago Danny V told me about a book titled "Now, Discover Your Strengths". I read the book and took the profile test online. One of my Signature Themes is Connectedness. "People strong in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links between all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason."

Keep that in mind.

Every morning before I go to work or out for the day I read from "Still God's Man - A Daily Devotional Guide to Christlike Character". Starting Saturday and through the rest of the week the Bible reading has been Nehemiah. I carry a Bible in my work van and try to read on my lunch or between calls. I haven't read from it for a while until Monday. I opened my Bible at the bookmark and it marked the same passage I read earlier that morning. While driving to a call later in the afternoon I turned on the radio and Dr. Lester Sumrall was preaching about Nehemiah. He was talking about how Nehemiah a servant to the king became a Champion for God. A regular guy lifted to greatness.

Coincidence?

Nehemiah asked the king to go and do what God put on his heart, rebuild the the wall around Jerusalem. The king granted his request, and even sent soldiers to protect him. He rallied the people to rebuild the wall. Stood his ground to opposition, and reinstated the Law of Moses.

Will I be as great as Nehemiah? Probably not. But God has put something on my heart. If I can be as diligent, patient, wise, persistent, and courageous as Nehemiah. I will be a Champion for God too.

Nehemiah 13:31 ...Remember me with favor O my God

Compass Testing

I've been taking some sample tests and brushing up on my math, reading, and writing skills. Boy am I in trouble! HA HA. The Compass test is an assessment to assist in selection of appropriate courses. I do fairly well with math and reading but writing is where the real problem lies. In High School I skipped English class all the time and just barely got by, now I see the error of my ways. Oh well I guess it's better late than never.

Cheezborgor, Cheezeborgor, Cheezeborgor

Last Saturday Nancy and I road the South Shore Train from South Bend into Chicago. We didn't have any set plans, just to spend the day together. As we were walking up Michigan Ave. I saw a sign on a stairway to the lower street level for the Billy Goat Tavern and Grill. I told her that this was the place John Belushi modeled for the SNL skit. So we went in there for lunch. We had a ball. Belushi portrayed it perfectly. If you're ever in Chicago you have to see it for yourself.



By the way don't bother looking at the menu, you're getting a "doublecheez is the bess". Have fun!

Here I go !!!!!

Well I'm stepping out of the boat in a couple of different ways. First off I went to Ivy Tech Community College yesterday and applied to enroll in the Associate degree program in Applied Science in Human Services. So I'm very excited to go to school and study for a degree in a field that interests me. This is definitely a God thing, a few months ago I had no interest in going to school. He has blessed me in so many ways that I know in my heart that this is His will for me. Keep me in your prayers.

Second I decided to start this blog. Not sure what to post but I'll keep you informed as I head into this adventure.

Wow I must be crazy!

Kinda cool huh?