“You are not nearly as happy as I mean you to be…”

A direct response to an attack....an act of faith, a gift.  Today was about a road trip to the Creation Science museum in Kentucky, listening to CS Lewis "the Last Battle" with the family. 

The book was about an ape who tried to coerce the other animals through pretending to speak for Aslan (a symbol of Jesus)....and how through faith those who were able to look at Aslan with love after a long and hard battle were brought into a new land to live with Him.  


 At the museum, we saw all sorts of dinosaurs, the flood, the planetarium, explanations for sorrow and suffering.  It ended with a wonderful movie about how the answers come from the one who died for us; not just to cover us with His blood as a sacrificial lamb, but also to redeem us. At every turn I saw the same verse that we read yesterday with the boys about heaven:

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev. 21:3-4

The last line that ended the “The last battle”, and the summarized the museum trip is this: “You are not nearly as happy as I mean you to be…” Aslan said to a broken one.

Thanks to my brothers who bring me this hope, over and over again.   Scott, Mark, Tony, Bill, Thunder Joe, Ryan, Ed, Garry and others...

Complete Unity: How do we get out of the boat?

Complete Unity?

The Kingdom of Heaven=Joy and Peace in the Holy Spirit... It cannot come when I am not one with the Holy Spirit.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:22-2

Tonight I went to the Metropolis location of Life church. A small snow blizzard and a Colts game led to a pretty small turnout. But Tony and Scott spoke with the same energy they would bring to an audience of several hundred.

Scott told the story about Peter, the water, getting out of the boat. At first Peter trusted, responded, but then lost his focus as he began to look at the waves around him. Fear is believing the worst possible outcome, instead of God's plan. Jesus caught Peter as he was going down: When we are drowning we are much more willing to submit to God. Here are a few questions Scott suggested that might get us out of the boat:

1) Where am I going? (Am I operating in my Gifts?)
2) What should I be doing (not WWJD, but responding to that personal dialogue with our Papa) . Are you doing the one thing that only YOU can do
3) Who are you relative to who you were a year ago?

He will not let us drown, but he wants us to trust (not imagine what could go wrong). btw, I went to Church instead of the Colts game, the first game I missed in two seasons. Tonight, their 23 game winning streak came to an end as they put in the 3rd string Quarterback. I didn't miss watching a contest, I played in one.

They will all be taught of God. Whoever....

Do you believe that God our father teaches you?....not just through people, sermons and books, but that he speaks to YOU.....and countless others, directly? I actually like the idea that he is not parochial, tribal, limited to a culture or a race or a small group, and his vision is so much more.

Have you cried with Him, laughed with Him, seen with Him in the process? I think He likes that too. :) He wants that and offers that to us all, lavishly.

God uses John Piper again (4 minutes....WOW)

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—" John 6:44-45

* “Whoever believes in him will have eternal life” (John 3:15).
* “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
* “Whoever believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:18).
* “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36).
* “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life” (John 5:24).
* “Whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
* “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).
* “Whoever believes has eternal life” (John 6:47).
* “Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever” (John 6:58).
* “Whoever believes in me, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38).
* “Whoever believes in me will not remain in darkness” (John 12:46).

the LORD make his face shine upon you (and RESTORE you)

The Light of your face (Misty Edwards)
http://www.divshare.com/download/9559225-49c

The LORD said to Moses,  "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
 ²⁴ " ' "The LORD bless you
       and keep you;
 ²⁵ the LORD make his face shine upon you
       and be gracious to you;
 ²⁶ the LORD turn his face toward you
       and give you peace." '
 ²⁷ "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."

I woke up this morning with the song from Numbers 6:23-27  on my mind....along with this is the idea that we were made to gaze upon Him.....Tonight I found myself unable to ask Him for anything, because all I could do was THANK him for being there, for holding out his hand, for smiling back at me, for being my friend, for giving so much......My children probably thought I had lost it.  I played this song while we ate dinner.....but this time it didn't even matter.  I wanted to thank Him.

At work today, I had to present something with absolutely no time to prepare.  I babbled, spoke about something I knew nothing about, even misread the slide on the screen in front of 40 people....nobody noticed.  Several people came up afterward and said GREAT JOB!  I knew it was nothing, absolutely nothing but GODs FAVOR. 

May his Face SHINE upon you too....and RESTORE you.  :)

 Restore us, O God;
       make your face shine upon us,
       that we may be saved.       ^{Psalm 80:3}

 Restore us, O God Almighty;
       make your face shine upon us,
       that we may be saved.    ^{Psalm 80:7}

 Restore us, O LORD God Almighty;
       make your face shine upon us,
       that we may be saved. <sup>Psalm 80:19

Selah</sup>

One month to live - Day 10

Lifechurch is going through the book "One month to Live", in October.  Its about learning to live each day as though you were dying.  Yesterday (day 10) I watched "Chasing" with the band of brothers,  where the story of the prodigal son is retold clearly as the son leaving his father as if his father was dead, and then being recieved back into welcoming arms upon his return.

Honestly, this helped me love my own children from God's perspective, even I got turned down again today. But I can't respond to their moves, I must be ready to present them with the forgiveness and love that God gives to us.  That's who He is, and who we are becoming as we are hidden in Him.

Dying is easier said than done. 

Great Challenges?

"There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet." Fleet Admiral William F. 'Bull' Halsey Jr.

Seen by some as the one to turn the tide of WW II in the Pacific through careful planning and strategy. Jimmy Cagney played the role well.


-- Typed on a phone, not responsible for spelling :)

Jeremiah 13 Open Your Eyes

Open up your eyes and see
the armies marching down from the north!
Where is your flock—
your beautiful flock—
that he gave you to care for?
21 What will you say when the Lord takes the allies you have cultivated
and appoints them as your rulers?

I was encouraged by a courageous brother to tend my flock. I hear Gods heart in that as I read this the very next day from the One-Year Bible. Who have you been given responsibility for? Have you been responsible? What lies ahead if you are not?

I want my answers to these questions to honor God more today, and for my eyes to be opened.



-- Typed on a phone, not responsible for spelling :)

Life

Someday

Day 6: Someday I a going to have that talk with my children to explain their parents. Someday I am going to go to Israel. Someday I am going to tell people at work what really gets me excited. Someday I am going to be on fire for God. Someday I will be free from the past.

I should follow God, but not mistake my fears and "needs" and approval of others as the voice of the Living God, who is in fact a life-to-the-full giver, and miracle maker. Our God is an awesome God who reigns from heaven above, He reigns in power and love...(Rich Mullens)



-- Posted from my tiny portable device
De

NFL Fans: Hold On....you won't believe this

The largest comeback in NFL history (playoff or regular season):

In 1993 during a playoff game starting at 3 to 35, the Buffalo Bills came back to beat Houston oilers in the final seconds of overtime 41-38.  In the NFL anything can happen. How much more with God...all things are possible.

It gets better: The game was a wild card game one week after the Oilers squashed the Bills 27-3.  During the game the Bills starting quarterback was injured and out for the rest of the season.Leaving Frank Reich to finish the game and the season.

It gets better: In 1984, the same quarterback, Frank Reich had been responsible for what was then (and remained for 22 years) the biggest comeback in the history of college football.

 It gets Better:  Jim Kelly, the injured quaterback,  had led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993, though the Bills LOST all four of them.

It Gets Better: Frank Reich is currently the Quarterbacks Coach for the Indianapolis Colts.!!!!

It gets Better:  Throughout Reich's NFL career, he remained a devout Christian. He is a motivational speaker utilizing the great comebacks and the importance of God as a main keynote of his speeches. He credits the song "In Christ Alone" by Michael English as his inspiration. He belongs to the Premier Speakers Bureau where his main topics are communication and teamwork. Frank attended the Charlotte Campus of Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina. There, he received a Seminary Degree and Master of Divinity. He served as the second president of Reformed Theological Seminaryfrom 2003-2006. Reich was also a pastor at Ballantyne Presbyterian until he moved to Indianapolis, Indiana.

To get something you never had, you have to...

Today my brother Garry forwarded me an email that catapulted my faith....I've known him for over two years, and he has never done this before.  He even said...I don't usually do this, but this one is "close to home".

Concentrate on this Sentence

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.'  When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.  Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'  Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear.

This is not a joke; someone will call you by phone or will speak to you about something that you were waiting to hear.  Do not break! 


Vicki sent a email early today, suggesting that I invite my wife to a Lifegroup meeting with several other couples.  Even though I've been part of the group for several weeks, its not something I would have seriously believed possible 5 years, 2 years or EVEN 2 days ago.In fact Paul prayed with me about this two weeks ago, and I thought, God would need to do a miracle. I replied to Vicki, "thanks for the sweet thought, a little short notice.  I will let my wife know that you cared." 


Then I got the note from Garry. 


God would not let me shake it off. Finally, with just an hour to spare,  I called Sherri. She said she would think about it.  When I got to Restoring Lives West, Hope Garrett told me all about four or five amazing things God had done in the last 24 hours for her, through her and for other people she knew.  It was like God was trying to remind me He was really in charge. 


One hour later my wife called back and said yes.  Brothers continued to pray.  


Tonight we opened with 1st Corinthians 2 about spiritual wisdom,  took a boat ride, then read and prayed from Isaiah 43 together, one verse at a time. Each verse matched the person in the room that read it! 


For those who know me, you understand what a significant event this is.  Keep praying. 


For those who are wondering what the big deal is....God responds to faith, even when it is the faith of our friends.  

"I led them with cords of human kindness..."

A few notes from the LifeChurch message this past Sunday by Tony Portell...

Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts;
      the incense of your offerings disgusts me!
   .......
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed.
      Defend the cause of orphans.
      Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:13,17

Jesus Elevated service as worship
...and the second is like it:"Love your neighbor as yourself"

• "Good deeds create good will, which opens the heart to the good news."
• "They won't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
• Love always takes the first step and reaches out  (harder than you think)
• "We have to find the back door to people's hearts because the front door is so heavily guarded."  Ravi Zacharias

We serve together because...
1) We accomplish more together (Eccl 4:9-10)
2) We create momentum when we work together...covering blind spots for each other
3) Unity demonstrates the Kingdom of God (Jn 17:20-21)

"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them."
Hosea 11:4


Next steps?
1) Prayer Walk: What are barriers to tear down
2) Ask God for His ideas and strategies
3) Start small and build faith (drive thru cards and acts of kindness)

2009 MEga Sports Camp

Front row: Darriyon, Kevin, Ethan, Eli, Jaylon, Andrece, Donovan
Back row: Gabe, Michael, Allicia, and me

A few notes from along the way

Tonight I got hugged by about 8 little ones all at once....what a rush, what a picture of absolute trust, passion and purity.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (*HEARING* it is even better)

(DJ Scott) The bible says we half to come to Jesus with child like faith. First graders would be no problem. I believe kids are the easist to except Christ. Brad you will have no problem with that. Just be youself. The kids will see Jesus reflecting from you

I am beginning to think maybe that's what God wants me to learn from this experience. Simplicity.

Its been a lot of fun so far, but not without difficulty. Really makes me wonder about what Jesus meant when he said "unless you come like little children, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God". My heart goes out to these little ones, pray that I would see them as Father does.

(Bill) I'd like to hear about what you learned recently....the hardest lessons are the ones that stay with us longer.

Good question Bill, Since you asked, here is what I learned...
1) I can't make miracles, I can only get out of the way and let God do what God does.
2) Less is more (words, activity)
3) Papa, I belong to you
4) Understanding the story makes all the difference... Read More
5) Admitting mistakes doesn't weaken a relationship, it strengthens one (ok, maybe I knew this already, but got a good reminder).

More From Scott Himes:
http://lifechange.typepad.com/lifechange/2009/06/lifekids-summer-camp-2009-video-pics.html

The Soloist: A story of true serving

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
      because he has anointed me
      to preach good news to the poor.
   He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
      and recovery of sight for the blind,
   to release the oppressed,
   to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."


Luke 4:18-19





I always loved this mission statement from Jesus, because it so clearly sets hope at the feet of the hopeless, and offers meaning to life.

The Soloist tells the story of Nathaniel, a musician from the Julliard school of music who was struck early in life with mental illness, and becomes homeless.   Through the movie a reporter takes interest in Nathaniel, first as a human interest story, but later as a person.

Int this movies the reporter learns just how difficult, but important it is to build trust.  He is deeply hurt when Nathaniel rejects his kindness, and refuses to be helped.  We learn several key points...

1) Sometimes our expectation of results is dashed, but that should only sharpen the motive to serve God, not draw our praise from men
2) Those we would serve may not appreciate, may not be able to ....
3) That sometimes the greatest change is upon those serving, not those served
4) Sometimes the message is not for those we serve but for us, for us to be transformed as we are touched by the kindness and grace of God.

Have you been disappointed by the response others have had toward your acts of kindness and sacrifice?    The only true answer has to be yes.  Now imagine Gods acts of kindess toward us, and our own disinterest.  Does seeing his perseverance, kindness and covenant commitment to you help you appreciate Him more.

It does, it should.

I can't actually recommend the movie, but understanding God's character and intent in the midst of disappointment is deeply endearing to say the least.

I will follow you

After a gut-wrenching week, up in the middle of the night battling spiritually again for my family and others.....my boys David, Sean and I had a God-given time together in Clifty Falls. It was perfect. We climbed mountains, ran trails and traveled the most beautiful roads in Indiana. We shared an adventure of uncertainty. They became brave.

The theme quickly centered around "don't drive, but follow and listen". This was for them, it was for me. When my impatience teaches them that the destination is more than the journey, it is the wrong message.

WE all learned the right message.

Frodo – “I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."

Gandalf - "So do all who come to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us.”

The song below is from a young man who married the daughter (Alex) of two dear friends. His name is Adam Dougherty, and he died of cancer, as he was serving God and writing this music. Their legacy teaches me to be a son and a father. I was given this music the day before our trip, after prayer from so many that night in our small group.

God is the creator of miracles, isn't he? :)

I will follow you

through the darkest night

I will follow you

through the coldest winters

I will follow you

through the fiercest storms

I will follow you

through the lowest valleys

Father take my hand

lead me on

nothing can compare

to being with the one I love

Nothing compares to being with you

When I feel surrounded

Wonder where you hide

I look up and I'm captivated

by the burning in your eyes

You are my strength

I have nothing left to give

you hold me close

and you cover me with your love

you cover me

you cover me

What you sacrificed

was more than enough for me

I'm seeing all again

as you cover me with your love

you cover me......oh yeah

When I feel surrounded

Wonder where you hide

I look up and I'm captivated

by the burning in your eyes

I will follow you

through the darkest night

I will follow you

though the coldest winters

I will follow you

through the fiercest storms

I will follow you

through the lowest of valleys

Father take take my hand

lead me on

nothing can compare

to being with the one I love

(If you don't see the music player click here)

And how can they believe in him....??

Hope,

Thanks for casting vision in your letter below for the next steps on the house, the dinner and concert, and the real work ahead with those who need it most. It's so encouraging I hope you don't mind me forwarding it to a few friends, in case they would like to join one or more of the opportunities (workday 9/19, rezoning needs-$525, and benefit dinner/concert 10/24).

For those who haven't seen the video, here is the RLW website:

http://www.restoringliveswest.org/Restoring-Lives-West-Video.html

Thanks for bringing the good news.
Brad

September 14, 2009

Greetings to all,
Labor Day has come and gone. Where did the summer go? We begin
a new season and with it will come the busiest time of the year. The
weather will begin to get colder and the nights longer and our young people
will begin to try and find a place to be. Every year it is the same. We
strive to store up what we need for the cold months and to finish all of the
projects we started in the spring. It is the same at my house. I had
several projects from the spring that I wanted to get finished this summer.
We spent all last weekend working on one of those projects and will
hopefully have it done in the next week or so.

Just like at home, we have started new projects here at
Restoring Lives West. We have begun the work on the house and have work
days scheduled. We have started working on the re-zoning, and have begun
fundraising for not only the house but also the ministry. Along with
working with the youth, makes for long days. It is a very exciting and full
time.

Saturday we will be having our next work day at the house. We
have several projects that need to be done. We need to clean out all of the
plaster that was knocked out last month. We also need to begin the process
of de-nailing woodwork that we will strip, re-finish, and re-use and there
is always yard work that needs to be done. We will be starting at 9:00.
Lunch at 11:45 and we will finish about 3:00p.m. It is only supposed to be
in the mid 70's so it should be a great day for working. If you are
planning to attend please let me know so we can get a good count for lunch.
hopie362002@yahoo.com

The re-zoning has begun. We have opted to do this ourselves as
a cost saving measure. We are very fortunate to have those around us who
have done this before to help guide us. It will require going before the
zoning board and I am not looking forward to doing this but will as it needs
to be done. (I strongly dislike speaking but I know I will have all of you
praying for me.) The procedure goes something like this.

• Fill out all of the paperwork and site plan.
• Take papers with $450.00 dollars to zoning board and file.
• Receive a list of persons to mail the petition to. Put sign in front of
• house. ($75.00 deposit)
• Go before the planning board and answer questions.
• Go before the zoning board and answer questions.
• Receive approval.

We are hoping to have the paperwork ready to go down by early next week. We
need to raise the money before then. If you can help with this specific
item please let me know. I do not want to have to wait to raise the money
as we can go no further on the house until this is done.

The last big thing going on in the next month is the benefit
concert on October 24th. Dinner will begin at 5:30 and the concert will
begin at 7:00. All of this is taking place at Lynhurst Baptist Church 1250
S. Lynhurst Dr. Both of these events are free. We will be taking up a free
will offering and hope to raise enough money that night to cover our budget
for the rest of the year. Dinner will include:
· Rice and Chicken casserole
· Vegetarian Baked Ziti
· California Blend Vegetables
· Green Beans
· Salad
· Rolls
· Dessert

The concert will feature Jason Patchett (www.jasonpatchett.com). I know
that you will be very blessed by his message. We still have a few slots
open for workers that evening. If you are interested in helping please let
me know. We need persons who can help with clean-up after dinner and
teardown after the concert. (hopie362002@yahoo.com) Reservations are also
being taken so we can plan the amount of food we need. If you are planning
to come just send us an e-mail.

I have a scripture that I want to encourage you all with:
Romans 10:14-15; But how can they call on him to save them unless they
believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard
about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And
how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is what the
Scriptures mean when they say, "How beautiful are the feet of those who
bring good news!"

I hope that we are all the feet of Jesus and that we will continue to spread
the good news.

Yours in Christ,

Hope Garrett

Marcos Resting Place

Our cocatiel Marco has a place where he can rest and watch us, or look out the Window.


-- Posted from my tiny portable device

Symphony: To be harmonious

Sunday at the Vineyard (LifeChurch)

Yesterday someone prayed for me...in person. The cool thing was that I had just met them, yet they were able to bring words of fresh hope and spirit and Life. Amazing God we serve.
Symphony (sumphoneo): To be harmonious, in accord, agree. That's what we do when we pray. Honesty beast eloquence, we need one another's prayer, especially if it is the Word of God (current, Rhema). 2 Sam 7:27 Shows the conviction and courage that results."so that your servant has found courage to off you this prayer".

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. (Acts 4:29-30)

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray." Samuel Chadwick

Homeless Ministry: Restoring Lives West Benefit Dinner and Concert Oct. 26th

Hi Everybody,

Thought you might want to save the date (10/24) for a special dinner and concert near the future site of the Restoration Zone (Restoring Lives West drop-in center for homeless and at-risk youth) .

You will be surprised to see how close this is to Lifechurch and other key outreach opportunities we have committed to as a church: LaGore Boys and Girls Club (site of Lifechurch MEGAsports Camp) and Adopt a Block (Mike Hooven and friends). Click this link for a map. It would be a fun night to meet others who share a heart for the lost, the hopeless and hear some great music too!

	NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Hope Garrett, 402-5101 Restoring Lives West Presents Dinner and Concert With Jason Patchett (Indianapolis, IN)—You are invited to a free dinner and concert featuring Christian singer/songwriter Jason Patchett. A free will offering will be collected to benefit Restoring Lives West, Inc. The dinner/concert will be held on October 24, 2009, at Lynhurst Baptist Church, 1250 S. Lynhurst Dr., Indianapolis. Reservations are required as seating for dinner is limited. Call 317-402-5101 or hopie362002@yahoo.com for a reservation. If you cannot attend this dinner and20concert, donations may be sent to Restoring Lives West, Inc., 709 S. Lynhurst Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241 Restoring Lives West, Inc. is a Christian ministry on the Westside of Indianapolis reaching out to homeless and at-risk young adults with the compassion of Christ in an environment of God’s love. Restoring Lives West, Inc. empowers youth by providing street outreach, a youth drop-in center and referral to social services, and educational/job training projects through community relationships. To learn more about Restoring Lives West, Inc., visit their website at www.restoringliveswest.org For more information on Jason Patchett, visit his website at http://www.jasonpatchett.com/home.html

Your friend
Brad

Breaking the yoke, and being filled

Which ones above received mercy? Have you?

A faithful brother of mine, Scott Himes, spoke today at LifeChurch about fasting as an act of worship. Then the intent of worship grew broader to include any act of self denial that leads to finding our creator. When do we get to deny ourselves...? When the traffic is slow, when we have a plan, when we surrender our rights to give, when we break the "yoke of oppression" another carries, as we respond to God. Haven't we met the mercy of God, as others have done that for us?

This is, in fact, the ONLY fast that pleases God; a fast where we MEET our creator (Isaiah 58:6-8). One thought in particular touched me personally; how absurd would it be for something we create (a wood project, a computer program, a clay pot) to turn and tell us how we should proceed. Would it not be better for that pot to turn and ask "How shall I respond that I may be filled for your purpose?" or "Have your way Lord, I belong to you."





Romans 12
Heather Clark

I present myself as a living sacrifice
I present myself as a living sacrifice
I present myself as a living sacrifice
I present myself as a living sacrifice

I beseech you therefore brethren in view of the mercies of God
to present yourselves as a living sacrifice
I beseech you therefore brethren in view of the mercies of God
to present yourselves as a living sacrifice

This is my worship
This is my worship
This is my worship
This is my worship

(refrain)
This is my worship
I present myself as a living sacrifice

I will greet the day with love in my heart. (The Greatest Salesman)

After sharing with Bob at work a little about my life's passion, he gave me a book.   I thought the part below was worth passing along

"I will greet the day with love in my heart. 
And how will I do this?
Henceforth will I look on all things with love and I will be born again. 
I will love the sun for it warms my bones;
yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. 
I will love the light for it shows me the way;
yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars.
I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart;
yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. 
I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due;
yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.  "

The Scroll Marked II:
The Greatest Salesman in the world
Og Mandino

Restoring Lives West: They will Know we are Christians by our Love

All I knew is that I wasn't supposed to work with my hands, but to pick up drinks snacks and be available. Just before I left a hailstorm turned into a downpour, but we ended up having a wonderfully pleasant day together with the folks from Lynhurst Baptist Church (Dave, Hope, Don and Ben) and the 25 people from Connection Point in Brownsburg (Mike, Darrell and many other REALLY hard working folks). We even had a couple of other visitors from Bluff Creek Church from Greensburg IN, who plan to return on August 18 to bgin work on the house--removing the plaster walls and work on the Kitchen.

I was really struck by the deep desire of everyone to give from a thankful heart, and how we have it set deep in us to follow Jesus to serve others, as he set an example with His disciples.

(click on the picture to enlarge)

To explain the why Restoring Lives West exists, Hope began talking about the teens. She described how important it was just to have someone pick up the phone when they had no one else to turn to. This was really more important than the food, shelter, laundry, job referral and training. However it was was important to be able to take those pains out of the way, so that others could hear the message. Not in a "preachy way", but in response to a question like "How did you get this food Hope?" or "Why are you still here when we treat you so badly Hope?". These become the springboards for the good news that they need to hear, and can finally believe, because somebody showed them love in a way that they really needed. Something we take for granted everyday.

Dave from LBC told me a story about a relative who worked in the army driving tanks, owned several farms, including large farms he cultivated around what is Park 100 today.The fellow finally moved up to live the "good life" on a farm in Lebanon, and died when his tractor rolled off the bank into a pond and pinned him underwater. Ben reminded me of the story in Luke 13:12 about the man who built bigger and bigger barns, and then his life was taken away...all this makes me think about what really matters now that I am "not over the hill, but I can see it".

Today I felt we were all receiving, giving and loving God together.

Many more Pictures of all Project Work at Restoring Lives West
http://picasaweb.google.com/bluebird1996/RestoringLivesWest#

Restoring Lives West
http://www.restoringliveswest.org/

Participating Churches
http://www.lynhurstbaptist.org/
http://lifechurchindy.com/
http://www.bluffcreek.org/home.aspx?iid=102741
http://www.connectionpointechurch.org/

Who are you? Where are you going?

Who are you? Where are you going?

How would you answer these questions? Have you answered them recently?

One of my bosses at work asked, and laid out all the questions below in preparation for a team-builder event. I thought to myself: good questions! Then conviction hit, WOW, I wish I had been paying even more attention to the stuff I believe really matters.

The same STUFF came up in a conversation at training this week. We were practicing interview techniques, and asked one of my coworkers, "How would you define success?" She started saying "RESULTS", went on to tell about how her dad instilled the desire to set goals, then achieve them. My heart started to break, because I could see in her eyes a little girl trying to gain the approval of her father, for years. Later in the practice interview, she admitted to not having friends, or family, and that her whole life was about work. Hmmm....Maybe she/we should focus less on results, more about enjoying daddy.

This is a real Fortune 500 corporate questionnaire, with real answers I submitted today: Maybe I would have answered this survey differently about two years or even two weeks ago. How about you? Have your priorities changed? Should they? Should mine?

Who are you?

Rank the following things from 1 (most important to you) to 11 (least important to you)

1. Sense of belonging
2. Being trusted
3. Pleasant work environment
4. Interesting work
5. Loyalty from above
6. Job security
7. Recognition from above
8. Challenging work
9. Money
10. Opportunity for travel
11. Opportunity for promotion

Please answer the following questions about yourself

--What do you like to do in your spare time? Facebook, blogging, spend time with my sons, men's group

--Who are the most important people in your life right now and why? Church: They help me understand why I am here, and provide the venue for me to help others Family: They are a key part of my mission

--What are you most passionate about in your life? Finding God in the details of life and sharing that with others

--What are two of your biggest strengths? Empathy, storytelling

What are two things about yourself you are trying to improve? Move from Dissipation to boldness, relationship with daughters

--What are your favorite movie and your favorite book? The Guardian/Wild at Heart --What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months? Restoring a house for street outreach and student referral

--What is the one thing most people don’t know about you but you wish they did? I love to blog, build community

--What would you do if you didn’t have to worry about having a job to support yourself? Leading a long-term community service project that helped others discover God and find hope in the midst of the difficulty in their lives


Below is a message from Scott Himes about Your story,

Band of Brothers Wedding Celebration

Photos

The youngest among the Band of Brothers (Jeremiah) is getting married. To honor and help him, we got together last night to share some great Brats (thanks Bill), some stories, and finished up with some pool (9-ball) in the basement. We even watched a short video of Jeremiah sky-diving!

Each of the guys spent time asking God about the stories from their own life, and the life-lessons they learned. Most of the stories were intensely personal, but the life lessons below seemed that they deserved to be remembered, not just by Jeremiah, but anyone who is in a relationship with a spouse, or with God.

---

Brad C.

1. "New covenant....written on their hearts...remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:31-34 ....Its a covenant based on forgiveness.
2. "[God] calls things that are not as though they were." Romans 4:17 ....Seeing our spouse as God does
   
3. "Love never fails" 1 Cor 13:8 ....Love always wins, despite what you see.

---

Bill O.

1. "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth" Proverbs 5:18 Set a high value on your marriage and your wife. Everything you invest in marriage now will pay off dividends for the rest of your life.
2. "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife" Proverbs 21:19 I once heard that you can’t win an argument with your wife…cause even if you win…you still loose. Women react to the way we treat them and they become quarrelsome when they are not being treated well.
3. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. "Proverbs 27:6.... Stay in the company of people who will give you good advice and tell you what you need to hear rather then what you want to hear
4. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 ....Seek fellowship of other men who desire to grow in Christ, fight the good fight, win the race and help you stay on your current path in life.
5. "...may you rejoice in the wife of your youth" Proverbs 5:18

---

Bill G.

1. "...we are the salt of the earth" Matthew 5:13
2. "....Is tasteless food eaten without salt.... I refuse to touch it...such food makes me ill." Job 6:6
3. A chefs hat doesn't make a good chef. We season life, the seasoning the good Lord puts into you. Each flavor from the Holy Spirit ( salt, pepper, basil) helps the bland pot of stew.
4. Love her even when you don't like her. My dad said " soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate".

---

Garry C.

1. Communication: Prov 13 Real communication, stay connected.
2. Consideration: Helpful and forgiving and considerate of each other
3. Compromise: Honor and value one another
4. Conflict: Learn how to have conflict
5. Committment Malachai 2:16 God Hates Divorce, not many times God says he hates something
6. Christ: Takes Three to Tango Ecclesiastes , a chord of 3 strands is not easily broken.
   

Shared a song called Slow Fade

---

Ed B.

Learn how to breathe...not respond out of emotion, but in response to God. If you make a mistake, you can alway fall back on the fact you are a man....they usually accept that as a good reason :)

---

Joel C.

Let her shop, saving other thoughts for the next event.

---

Scott H.

I ask my wife to replace the word Love in 1 Cor 13 with his name everywhere the word Love appears, and asks her how he is doing on each of those measures.

1. Put toothpaste on her toothbrush
2. Call her another name, like "Beautiful", careful not to use it to be manipulative.
3. Recognize that as they draw near to God (picture three points on a triangle), they will draw near to each other.
   

---

Mike C.

From Brennan Manning (Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin's Path to God)

"Ruthless trust is choosing to be a homebody. As you exhale breath throughout the day, let AH be a simple reminder of your true domicile. My gracious Lord has shown me that the best way to strip fear of its awesome power is to be a homebody, to stay home in the palace of nowhere. Ruthless trust is an unerring sense, way deep down that beneath the surface agitation, boredom, and insecurity of life, it's gonna be all right. Ill winds may blow, more character defects, may surface, sickness may visit, and friends will surely die, but a stubborn, irrefutable certainty persists that God is with us and loves us in our struggle to be faithful. A nonrational, absolutely true intuition perdures that there is something unfathomably big in the universe (kabod), something that points to Someone who is filled with peace and power, love and undreamed of creativity--Someone who inevitable will reconcile all things to himself.

Why does our trust offer such immense pleasure to God? Because trust is the pre-eminent expression of love. Thus, it may mean more to Jesus when we say, 'I trust you,' than when we say, 'I love you.'

Where am I in all this? With you, clasping hands each morning and crying out in union, "Lord Jesus, I trust you, help my lack of trust."

Photos here

http://picasaweb.google.com/bluebird1996/2009BandOfBrothersWeddingCelebration#

Death, What are we to make?

6/23 Ed McMahon, 86
6/25 Farrah Fawcett, 62
6/25 Michael Jackson, 50
6/28 Billy Mayes, 50
7/1 Karl Madden, 97
7/4 Steve McNair, 36
7/6 Robert McNamera, 93

Death, What are we to make?
Very rarely do we see
the mighty fall so suddenly.
What are we to think, what are we to see?
If to them it happens, what dear Lord of me?

Is my life the same today....
will I live for naught.
Did it mean anything?
What now I have I wrought?

At the end will others know
the better life ahead
If my life were over now,
If my body dead.

All that lies within me
Now quickens at the call,
"Live your life as though you died",
or live
not at all.

My hope is in you

Death be not proud (John Donne)
Death be not proud, though some have callèd thee
Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better than thy stroake; why swell'st thou then;
One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.

Restoring Lives West: July 4th

Woke up, fell out of bed
Dragged a comb across my head
Found my way downstairs and drank a cup
And looking up I noticed I was late
Found my coat and grabbed my hat
Made the bus in seconds flat

A day in the life
Beatles, 1967

Do your days run together, until you forgot why you were alive?  Today I had an adventure with my friend Garry with a weapon of war that was a lot like a Star Wars light-saber.  We spent the morning clearing brush a trash and yes, even tearing out an old fence (cost me a cracked rib).



We braved poison ivy, hidden danger in the weeds, but we triumphed together just before the rains came.  It was a good day to read a section from the Wild Goose Chase (Batterson),  "We have a primal longing to be un-caged.  And the cage opens when we realize that Jesus didn't die on the cross to make us safe. Jesus died to make us dangerous". Think about what he asked the rich young ruler to do.

Here is a quick list of the cages we allow ourselves into:
1) Cage of responsibility
2) Cage of routine
3) Cage of Assumptions
4) Cage of guilt
5) Cage of Failure
6) Cage of Fear

"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18
much more to learn about this.....stay tuned.   :) 

Our mission: Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done …..on earth as it is in heaven

The Kingdom of God is at the heart of Christianity; the goal and mission of Christians. The question “What is the Kingdom” is central to seekers for God’s highest purpose and pleasure. 

“Seek first his kingdom and righteousness”
Matt 6:33 

God compares his treasure to a pearl, a full net, and a harvest at the end of this age.  The King’s dominion (Kingdom) is when God’s rule, or sovereignty is established. Where is the Kingdom?  George Ladd explores this question with passion in “The Gospel of the Kingdom”.  What follows is a summary of insights of the book that show the Kingdom of heaven is coming, AND has come already.  The bible is used to explain it may not be what you think. 

I expect most people to stop reading before they get here. 

Life is too busy, and they are doing pretty good with God right now.  I don’t write this for you.  I write this to remind me of who I am, where I am going, and how we can get there. 
 
The Age to come
Once we thought heaven was simply a “place” far away in spiritual realms, in the sky.  And honestly, don’t most believers look to a future time; an inheritance when Christ Returns? The scriptures say “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt 25:24).  “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father” (Matt 13:43). In fact, Jesus told us “many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matt 8:11

Early in the book, the end times are laid out simply as “The age to come”  (described most completely in the book of Revelation),  the time ushered in by the first resurrection of the dead, only to be consummated by a 2nd resurrection after the millennial Kingdom. So, despite the rule of Christ and the saints during this 1000-year Kingdom, the power of death and sin will not be completely destroyed until after the millennial Kingdom is over.



Unfortunately, here is where most of the rest of you readers drop out...thinking all this Kingdom stuff is so far out that we just drop back, do the best we can, and wait.  Too bad!  Bear with us just a moment.  Let's lower unbiblical expectations about the “perfect” Christian Life. Not all problems we face will be resolved in this age (or even the millennial Kingdom).

Yet there is comfort in knowing that there is a kingdom on the way, and more importantly, that God has not abandoned us.  God is on a different schedule, and a different plan.  Don’t get caught waiting, for something that is already here.

Get ready to ride!   

The Kingdom is Today:
Christ gave himself that he might deliver us from this present evil age. (Gal 1:4)  This age is a time before that final deliverance, sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, envying murder, drunkenness etc. Those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  (Gal 1:19-21)  Gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature, following its desires and thoughts.  Like the rest, we were objects of wrath Eph. 2:3. But we will move into the kingdom “entering it violently” Luke 11:52,   “driving out demons” Matt 12:28.

Now we see the Kingdom as within, the personal “inner man”: The kingdom of God is a matter of ....

1. righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 12:17). 
2. We have been  “ delivered from the kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of His beloved son” Col 1:13.
3. Look neither here nor there for the Kingdom of God is within you  Luke 17:20-21.
4. Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.  (Mark 10:13)
5. "My Kingdom is not of this world."  Jn 18:36.

The Mystery of the Kingdom
“Blessed is he who takes no offense at me”. How could the Kingdom of God be here while sin and sinful institutions still existed?  Instead of destroying the human will, he attacked the sovereignty of satan.  The Kingdom does come with power, but only to those who receive it from a willing heart and a submissive will.  That is why there is nothing we can due to add to the potency of the seed, though we can soften our hearts, and choke it out with the pleasures of life.

The Life of the Kingdom:
The key idea here is that the future has already begun…, the Holy Spirit is in us as a down payment. "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you" Jn 17:3.  Knowing God involves responding to him, not just intellectually knowing about Him.  The Kingdom of God has come unto you, as he has placed his seal upon you, the seal of ownership , his Spirit in our hearts 2 Cor 1:22, the first-fruits of the Spirit (Rom 8:22-23).  Ladd reminds us this is more that a bible promise, it is an experience, a reality, a possession. 

The Righteousness of the Kingdom
Forgiveness is the ultimate act of love.  You know that, right?  It is a reflection of a man’s heart, because  it is not really the outward behavior that God is most concerned with, but the innermost thoughts and disposition of a man. What you are is more important than what you do. There is an imperative for a pure heart, free from the  motive of personal vindication, revenge, legitimate rights and selfish concerns.  Love is not merely an emotion; it is a concern in action.  Forgiveness can only be an act of love, and we can only really forgive in response to being forgiven by God, and we are called to it (Matt 6:12).  This is HUGE!!

The Demand of the Kingdom
The Kingdom of God will come in power, though it has already come to do its work in secret.  Having tasted the powers of the age to come, how do we enter in?  Here is the "ouch" part for me personally…we must repent.  Some people go through life vacillating, wavering, unsure of themselves,  never able to say a distinct Yes or No.  These are people who never accomplish anything worthwhile for themselves or their fellow men, but who dissipate life and energy in inner conflict and indecision.   The Kingdom of God demands immediate urgent decision, like the rich young ruler, sell all you have and follow me.  David found his strength in “Him who strengthens me”.  We have to take up our cross, and crucify our desires for Christ to be Lord, for power and victory in LIFE. 

The Kingdom, Israel and the Church
Eclessia…the Body of the Church of Christ; "A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" 1 Pet 2:9.  Here is where the work of Christ is done, “violently” overthrowing demonic strongholds.  This is the purpose of the church, (Rev. 5:9-10), to reign on earth.  Men cannot build the kingdom, but God works in the world through the church to proclaim the kingdom, those who hear can chose to accept or reject it.  The redeemed are part of a kingdom because they will reign on earth.  The church is the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Mat 5:13-16). 

When will the Kingdom Come?
Our mission, the mission of the Gospel of the Kingdom,  is to hasten the coming of the Day of God (Pet 3:12)  The gospel of the Kingdom is the announcement of what God HAS done and WILL do: 

1. He has broken the power of death
2. He has defeated satan, and as a result,
3. He has overthrown the rule of sin. 

God has a reason for you and me, a purpose; to tell the message and so accomplish the mission, to set the captives free. Is our purpose merely to progress; or to run in cycles of advance and retreat?  Let us set aside our petty vision of insignificance and accept the bold purpose for which we were made: The Kingdom.

Is there a different way?

Turkey Run: Band of Brothers

Do you have questions?

Much of my life is a response to questions.  This past weekend, a few brothers and I tried to answer some questions, and get to learn each other's story along the way. Where are you?  Where are you going, and what stands in the way?

One of the questions that go the biggest response was around "How do you keep score?  And should you?"  One famous study from Yale in 1953 said that the 3% of Yale graduates
who had written goals had more wealth years later than the other 97% of
the class combined. As we looked at this from a spiritual perspective, the response was a delightful picture by Micheal Dean and a discussion around how critical that the real measure of success is only about being pointed toward, and moving toward God, and his desire for us.

          

Danger, battle, fellowship. It's all part of our journey, and we share it together as we learn each other stories.  We talked about our shame, about the lies we are prone to believe, about the hope we have been given, and not being the "weak link in the chain".  We read from Daniel 2 about the statue of gold, silver and clay, and about how the "treasure" of human design will be and should be completely destroyed by a rock that becomes a mountain, an everlasting Kingdom.  We saw a huge pile of nicely split firewood at the bottom of a creek, clearly a huge effort totally washed away by the water.  What a reminder.
 

I heard my own story, listening to others; deceived by pride I cannot diagnose, by loneliness, fear of man, reliance on the intellect, substance abuse.  We heard how we have allowed the heart to grow cold for lack of response to God, not turning to him and seeing suffering as a training program, and a failure to invest in real treasure so to lead the heart.   During the short time together, we learned to trust each other, as each one served in a special way; providing a plan, bringing the food, clearing the trash, or bringing a song.  The guitar music played into the night as we told our stories, each man careful to listen as if it was his own, because in a sense, it was.

As we were hiking John reminded me of his job as a roofer, "be careful where you place your foot, it could be your last step".  We saw the trees bend toward the light in most un-natural ways, and a tree that refused to  die, even though it had been uprooted.  Once in the water, we worked as teams to navigate the river.  Though the tiny kayak was faster, and easier to navigate, somehow the company of being in a canoe was more memorable, and rewarding.

Listen to the Songs
http://www.divshare.com/playlist/561627-b56

See the Pictures
http://picasaweb.google.com/bluebird1996/TurkeyRunBandOfBrosSummer2009?feat=directlink

Read the Questions
http://www.divshare.com/direct/7657180-043.pdf


"You awake to find yourself in the midst of a great and terrible war. It is, in fact, our most desperate
hour. Your King and dearest Friend calls you forth. Awake, come fully alive, your good heart set free and blazing for him and for those yet to be rescued. You have a glory that is needed. You are given a quest, a mission that will take you deep into the heart of the kingdom of darkness, to break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron so that your people might be set free from their bleak prisons. He asks that you heal them. Of course, you will face many dangers; you will be hunted.

Would you try and do this alone?

Something stronger than fate has chosen you. Evil will hunt you. And so a fellowship must protect you. Honestly, though he is a very brave and true hobbit, Frodo hasn’t a chance without Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. He has no real idea what dangers and trials lie ahead."
                                            Waking the Dead, John Elderidge