The house is emptying out slowly but surely. First, Spencer woke up and we talked while he dressed for school and made it to the bus stop. Next, Tate came into the living room, ready for action, and determined to ride the bus to school today for the first time. (He rode the bus home yesterday for the first time.) Colton is still asleep and will wake up at the very last minute possible to make it in time for his bus stop. Teenagers! Then Kim will take me to the airport and I will get back into this only-for-a-season routine that I've developed over the summer. I can't wait to get back home for good. While, I've seen wonderful results from traveling this summer and experienced some great things, there is no place like home. I miss the family. Kim has done so well with things in my absence. She is the rock of our family. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed some family time together last night. She is taking the day off today and catching up on some things around the house.
I am flying American airlines today back to Indianapolis going through St. Louis, and should arrive at 3:15 in the afternoon. I hope I make it on time since I have a rehearsal tonight. I'd better get to moving...
I made it from the curbside to the gate in 7 minutes thanks to my Fly Clear card that gets me through security lines without having to wait. I made it to St. Louis and enjoyed lunch at Chili's before boarding a very small jet headed for Indianapolis. A ginger ale and a bag of peanuts later, we landed safely in Indianapolis, where the pastor and his grandson picked me up. We drove straight to Lafayette, and I sit here now watching the local news and typing the blog. Technology is awesome... when everything works right! I am rehearsing tonight with the praise and worship team, choir, and an all-male quartet. How many churches have a quartet that sings on a regular basis?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Undeserving
Undeserving. That is what I am, when it comes to God's blessings in my life. It is an ongoing process, but I am learning that God honors faithfulness. He also greatly rewards those who are kingdom-minded and who see the big-picture. I try to do just that. I know God will bless me and my family for bringing honor and glory to Him.
I had several meetings yesterday and today that are helping define the future of my family. Looking back, I can hardly believe how God has been with us, remained our friend, and looked out for our well-being. He is so good to His children. Each of my meetings over the past two days have reminded me of just how blessed I am to have God leading my life. I've made mistakes. I've fallen short many times. I have disappointed many people, I am certain. I also know that God knows our hearts. He knows how we treat others. God knows our intentions, our insecurities, and our fears. He hears our prayes. He answers our call. God's masterplan for each of our lives has been in place for a very long time. Realizing that He knows the end from the beginning brings me a great amount of comfort. God is in control.
The most amazing thing happened to me at the doctor's office today. Since I was home, and in town for a couple of days, I thought it a good idea to visit my family physician. My bloodwork from yesterday morning came back and everything was perfect! Did you read what I just typed??? Perfect! Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not perfect by any means. But when it comes to my cholesterol, sugar, kidneys, and all the other 2,368 tests they run with bloodwork, I'd say that is good news. Such good news, that the doctor printed out the results and told me to go home and frame it to the wall! Could a positive outlook on life be connected to better health? Is happiness in life related to a healthier life? Living stress-free is the way to go. When I think of what used to weigh me down... what used to occupy my mind, and what used to challenge me at every opportunity... I just have to give God all the glory! No more shackles, no more chains... no more bondage, I am free! He is so amazing. I am still undeserving.
I had several meetings yesterday and today that are helping define the future of my family. Looking back, I can hardly believe how God has been with us, remained our friend, and looked out for our well-being. He is so good to His children. Each of my meetings over the past two days have reminded me of just how blessed I am to have God leading my life. I've made mistakes. I've fallen short many times. I have disappointed many people, I am certain. I also know that God knows our hearts. He knows how we treat others. God knows our intentions, our insecurities, and our fears. He hears our prayes. He answers our call. God's masterplan for each of our lives has been in place for a very long time. Realizing that He knows the end from the beginning brings me a great amount of comfort. God is in control.
The most amazing thing happened to me at the doctor's office today. Since I was home, and in town for a couple of days, I thought it a good idea to visit my family physician. My bloodwork from yesterday morning came back and everything was perfect! Did you read what I just typed??? Perfect! Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not perfect by any means. But when it comes to my cholesterol, sugar, kidneys, and all the other 2,368 tests they run with bloodwork, I'd say that is good news. Such good news, that the doctor printed out the results and told me to go home and frame it to the wall! Could a positive outlook on life be connected to better health? Is happiness in life related to a healthier life? Living stress-free is the way to go. When I think of what used to weigh me down... what used to occupy my mind, and what used to challenge me at every opportunity... I just have to give God all the glory! No more shackles, no more chains... no more bondage, I am free! He is so amazing. I am still undeserving.
GPS
This morning I took Tate to school and since he started classes while I was up north, he felt the need to give me turn-by-turn directions to his school. I was appreciative of his willingness to share, and even more impressed by his ability to remember all the turns to his new school. Even though I really knew where I was going, I found myself enjoying the ride so much that I began to slow down and cherish each moment we spent together. I absorbed every word he spoke, each facial expression, and thoroughly enjoyed holding hands while I drove. He is my baby. I love watching him grow. I love seeing him learn new things and overcome new challenges. I figured he would be scared to go to his new school. I somehow thought he might dread going to his new environment. Instead to my surprise, he welcomed the opportunity to attend a new school, make new friends, and take on new challenges. Maybe he knows that either Kim or myself will be there to pick him up afterward. Our children can teach us a lot if we will take the time to learn from them.
Today, I learned how important it is to have someone who gives us directions in our lives. Someone who has been down that particular road before. Someone who has traveled the same paths that we now find ourselves going down. Proper directions are important if you want to get where you need to go. Secondly, as we find ourselves going down new roads in life, we should remain confident that God will be with us all the way. And if by chance we begin to rely on our own abilities, eventually making a complete mess of things, that He is so kind and loving toward us, the He will help pick up the broken pieces of our lives and be waiting for us at the end. How wonderful it is to know that someone is waiting for us at the finish line.
I remember times in my life where I've asked God for direction and honestly, I couldn't hear His answer. I felt abandoned. I felt so alone and helpless. But continuing to do my best and remain faithful to His calling, I pressed on. Then direction for my life seemed to suddenly appear right before my eyes! Out of nowhere, I had answers to my questions. Now I don't have to worry about where I'm going. I simply need to allow His GPS (God's Perfect Solution) to work on my behalf. The old song says, "Ain't no need to worry..." I feel like singing!
Today, I learned how important it is to have someone who gives us directions in our lives. Someone who has been down that particular road before. Someone who has traveled the same paths that we now find ourselves going down. Proper directions are important if you want to get where you need to go. Secondly, as we find ourselves going down new roads in life, we should remain confident that God will be with us all the way. And if by chance we begin to rely on our own abilities, eventually making a complete mess of things, that He is so kind and loving toward us, the He will help pick up the broken pieces of our lives and be waiting for us at the end. How wonderful it is to know that someone is waiting for us at the finish line.
I remember times in my life where I've asked God for direction and honestly, I couldn't hear His answer. I felt abandoned. I felt so alone and helpless. But continuing to do my best and remain faithful to His calling, I pressed on. Then direction for my life seemed to suddenly appear right before my eyes! Out of nowhere, I had answers to my questions. Now I don't have to worry about where I'm going. I simply need to allow His GPS (God's Perfect Solution) to work on my behalf. The old song says, "Ain't no need to worry..." I feel like singing!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Not Just An Ordinary Day
Five o'clock AM came early this morning! But that was when I needed to leave for Indianapolis if I wanted to catch my early morning flight home to Florida. Instead of taking the interstate, we took every back road in Indiana and passed every corn field known to mankind while we drove in the early morning darkness. I felt like a rat in a maze. Sirius radio (channel 65 bluegrass) played over Bose speakers is the bomb. That will keep you awake for sure. I'll never understand how a plane's equipment has malfunctioned during the night!!! While it sits quietly in the night, something just goes wrong with a piece of equipment. Go figure. That is why my 8:15 flight didn't leave until 11:30 once another plane arrived from Detroit that we could use on down to Orlando. Believe me when I say that once Kim picked me up, it was worth every frustration I had experienced along the way! It feels good to be home for a few days... at least until Thursday morning. I already have so many meetings and things scheduled while I am here, I'm sure the time will pass too quickly.
Tonight we all went to dinner at Bayridge Sushi! The boys are little pigs when it comes to sushi. Even Tate enjoyed tonight's selections. Kim is slowly acquiring a taste for sushi, and that is saying a lot, especially if you know how much she loves Cracker Barrel. Tate wanted his usual ice cream cone from McDonald's on the way home. I have no idea where he had the room to put it. (Most of it is probably in the floorboard of my truck.)
It feels good to be home. The past few days I haven't had a good internet connection so I chose not to blog. Thursday's rehearsal went great (note: earlier blog), and Friday I washed clothes, did the Wal-Mart thing, and did some songwriting. Saturday my buddy picked me up at the Purdue airport and he flew me down to the Indianapolis airshow which was spectacular! He flies his plane better and smoother than I drive my truck. That is the honest truth. We had a great day watching the airshow and sampling the 1,000+ food vendors. I must admit the Texas-style brisket was worth walking down to Indianapolis for. After flying back to Lafayette, I met a friend for some Italian and slept like a baby! Sunday's services were anointed and powerful! It is great to have a game-plan, and even better when those leading the services are Spirit-led, sensitive to God's desire for that particular service, and willing to get out of the way so He can have His way in our lives. After a Sunday of services, multiple delays today, and only four hours of sleep last night, it is time to hit the pillow. I love Florida!
Tonight we all went to dinner at Bayridge Sushi! The boys are little pigs when it comes to sushi. Even Tate enjoyed tonight's selections. Kim is slowly acquiring a taste for sushi, and that is saying a lot, especially if you know how much she loves Cracker Barrel. Tate wanted his usual ice cream cone from McDonald's on the way home. I have no idea where he had the room to put it. (Most of it is probably in the floorboard of my truck.)
It feels good to be home. The past few days I haven't had a good internet connection so I chose not to blog. Thursday's rehearsal went great (note: earlier blog), and Friday I washed clothes, did the Wal-Mart thing, and did some songwriting. Saturday my buddy picked me up at the Purdue airport and he flew me down to the Indianapolis airshow which was spectacular! He flies his plane better and smoother than I drive my truck. That is the honest truth. We had a great day watching the airshow and sampling the 1,000+ food vendors. I must admit the Texas-style brisket was worth walking down to Indianapolis for. After flying back to Lafayette, I met a friend for some Italian and slept like a baby! Sunday's services were anointed and powerful! It is great to have a game-plan, and even better when those leading the services are Spirit-led, sensitive to God's desire for that particular service, and willing to get out of the way so He can have His way in our lives. After a Sunday of services, multiple delays today, and only four hours of sleep last night, it is time to hit the pillow. I love Florida!
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