Salt & Light

I had a funeral Sunday afternoon. I arrived about an hour beforehand to get everything ready. The assistant funeral director was there as well. We made some small talk and then he said, "My neighbor attends church here". I can't tell you how many times I've heard that in some form or other. It usually turns out to be someone that I've never seen. "Really" I questioned, "What's His name". "Hayward" was his reply. Hayward doesn't just attend - he is fully engaged and then some. A zephyr of God's encouragement to our battle weary fellowship. Then this elderly man told me that before the McKie family moved into their neighborhood he didn't know any of his neighbors. Now they have had a block party organized by Hayward. Then he told me that Hayward mows this elderly family's lawn for them.
What a deep encouragement to me as a Pastor. That man came into our church with a positive outlook because of his interaction with one of our members. Now that's a refreshing change...and its the way it is supposed to be.
I thank God for men like Hayward & I pray for more to follow in his footsteps.

GREAT BOOK!

Two thumbs WAY UP!!
My good friend & ministry partner, Jim Williams gave me this book for Christmas. He knows I am a huge Bucs fan. It is the one part of our Florida Expereince that we refused to let go of. We lived there & were Bucs fans when they were known as the Yucks! That all began to change when we hired the quiet devensive coordinator for the Minisota Vikings - Tony Dungy.
We lived so much of this book only now I had a behind the scenes tour of some great Tampa years. More than that this book is about excellence, integrity, consistency & how all these things can & should bring glory to God.
I couldn't put the book down & I finished it around 3 this morning. My son, Paul jr. is reading it now. I highly reccomend it.

A Kick in the Head

My living room looks like the North Pole threw up! Elizabeth somehow enjoys this part or is at least nostalgic about it. I haven't worked up to that yet. I'm just basically frustrated with it all. I did get a great lamp for behind my chair so now I can read much better. I really do love it.
Back to my rant though. Three days before Christmas I heard a relentless dripping in the "messy side" of the basement. I discovered that the ice maker had been leaking for some time & we had several inches of standing water in the basement. I turned off the water supply to the ice maker & that did "fix" it for now. I have to check the seal and try again. The boys really cleaned the basement & that was a plus. Then on Christmas Eve the Washing Machine died. It wouldn't spin. The church had one donated & it sat there for months. My Dad & brother picked it up but after installing it we discovered that it too didn't work! Now I have 2 machines that don't work and the dirty clothes are piling up along with the post Christmas mess!
Then Sam topped it all off by falling "Just Right" at Nana's house during Chrstmas lunch. I heard his head hit the corner of the wall. A sickening thud then no cry because he couldn't breathe. He does that when he's really hurt. Beth was up in a flash & scooped him up. after a bit Sam caught his breath & let out a loud scream. I rushed into the other room to see him & Elizabeth quite bloody. I know head wounds bleed profusely but when I finally found the cut I could tell right off that it was deep & wide.
Long story short - Off to the Doc, which was open - wow, three staples in his head & back to Nana's to open presents.
Then to top it all off, Paul Jr beat me in 'overtime' at trivial pursuit to win the Academy gift certificate - for the second year in a row! How do our kids get smarter than us & who cares what "C" stands for on the periodic table of elements!
All in all - This month & year has been a real kick in the head.

An Election Year Greeting to ALL my friends

I borrowed this from Pastor James McDonald. It gave me a laugh

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept, with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To All My Republican Friends:
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may God bless you and yours!

A Taste of Heaven

Tonight my Bride & I took my two brothers, David & Andy, Christmas shopping. It has become an annual tradition. One of Andy's favorite songs is Hallelujah Square because it reminds him that he will run one day. Andy was born with cerebral Palsy. He turned 50 this year & he is slowing down a bit. Andy still 'walks' with crutches but shopping has become a great adventure with the advent of the motorized shopping cart. Beth & I drew straws & she got David while I got Andy. Andy & I met with early success & he got all his gifts quickly. He sent me to the pharmacy to pick up one last thing. I was gone a whole 30 seconds. When I came back...no Andy. I don't usually panic because he normally can't get very far. The scooter adds a whole new twist. Long story short, I circled WalMart three times & then I started to panic. I sent David one way & I went the other. We met back at the jewelry counter & here comes Andy strolling down the middle aisle. I was relieved, amused, & warmed at the thought of Andy's mobility.
That's when it hit me...this is a taste of heaven. I don't expect to even see Andy for the first thousand years or so in heaven. He's going to be running everywhere enjoying perfect legs & magnificent mobility. I reckon he'll only stop to bow before the King of kings & LORD of lords & then in a beautiful act of worship he will rise on restored legs and dance before his maker. It makes me love Jesus all the more.
Yes, I lost my crippled brother in WalMart...and I loved it!

Seasonal Insanity

We've been observing the night of the giver for 11 years now. 12 years ago we had one of those material mayhem Christmas mornings. The kids were in the midst of a present opening frenzy. They didn't care what was in it & would throw it down & start tearing into another one. It was like watching a pride of lions tear apart their prey. Something in me just blew. I informed Elizabeth that there would be NO gifts next year. Christmas as we knew it would be canceled! As you can imagine, she was not hip to my patriarchal edict. She knew "Christmas Morning" was a problem but was not about to embrace such a radical solution. We have a great relationship & I can count on one hand the number of real "disagreements" we've had in nearly 20 years of marriage. This was one of them. We decided to table the discussion & pray about it for a week. We then sat down & rationally discussed the problem & what values we wanted to weave into the warp & woof of our children's souls. That was the key. We both agreed on the problem & on the values. First, we wanted to exalt Christ & give him the spotlight on Christmas morning. Second, we wanted our children to learn the joy of giving & to practically experience the joy of giving. Through our collaboration we crafted "The Night of the Giver". Each family member, just four of us then, would have a "Night" in which they would give their gift to each person. They were to plan the entire evening's events. There were to "catches". One: The Giver received no gift but the gift of giving to others. Two: The Giver had to pay for the gifts & the evening's events. We did help the children with extra jobs to help them earn their money.
Our new tradition worked marvelously! Our boys started in June by earning money and saving it for their "Night". Even that first year we saw massive improvement. The boys never once complained about not receiving a gift on their night. They were thrilled to give a meaningful gift to each family member & then to plan the meal & entertainment for the evening. One year my son Zachary, about 6 at the time, found a $100 brief case at the office supply store for $10. On his night he was so excited as he gave me my gift that he literally ran around me in circles. I still use that same brief case some 10 years later. Elizabeth & I are able to give our major gifts to the children & to each other on our nights & that way Christmas morning is reserved for Christ. We can sit around the tree, read the Advent account in scripture, sing carols & thank God for his indescribable gift in Christ.
One of the neat perks of the night of the giver is that we get to celebrate for 6 days now instead of just one. Elizabeth usually takes the family out for dinner & a Christmas movie. Then when we get home she'll give her gifts. This year my gift was a trip to the Creation Museum just outside of Cincinnati Ohio. We left at 4 am Saturday morning so we could get there in time. I can tell you that they loved it & were so surprised. Anna really has a heart for others & she will often bake cookies on the morning of her night & then we will go caroling to the shut ins in our church and give them cookies as part of her evening's activities. I still have a Popsicle stick pencil holder on my desk given to me by Paul Jr. on his first ever night of the giver. It means more to me than anything else on that desk.
The night of the giver has evolved over the years. We are now seeing gifts of time & or events rather than material things. Ellie took us all ice skating at the civic center one year for her gift. We are also seeing an outward focus on others. The Night of the Giver has truly met & exceeded our goals. Many other families over the years have adapted it & embraced the concept as their own. We are thrilled to see our children working to earn money ,falling in love with giving, and most importantly - giving Jesus the glory due his name.

Day Away

Beth & I had a wonderful day away this past Monday. Our dear friends, the Glaze's have a mountain get away in north Georgia. This picture is from last year. They have done a fantastic job of sprucing up the yard. We went up Sunday evening after we enjoyed lunch at the Sleeper family's home. We pulled in around 10:30pm Sunday night. Three fat does were in the side yard eating grass. My wife said, "that's more deer than you've seen all year while hunting." That was so uncalled for. She then was put out when I sped up & tried to run them down as they crossed the road.
Monday morning I took Beth to the Unicoi State Park Lodge. They have an impressive quilt display there. We also were able to see their Christmas tree display that filled the entire second floor. I decided to eat there as they have an excellent buffet. Monday was no exception. The London Broil was the best I've ever had. I got my plate and sat down waiting for Beth. I turned to see her talking to someone (not quite like my sweet quiet wife). It turned out to be Faye & James, the daughter of Miss Trellie Fudge, one of our dear shut in members. Faye & James were just married recently. They were both married for 38 & 40 years respectively. Both their spouses died & they were single for a few years. God brought them together & they were recently married. I was so impressed with James. A Godly man who has a quiet strength & a servant's heart. Faye told me that towards the end of the wedding, James washed her feet. I had met them a few days earlier as I was visiting Miss Fudge. Of all the place to run into them...half way up a mountain in the North Georgia Wilderness! We sat & fellowshipped with them around coffee & pie. What a treat. Then as we all got ready to leave, James took our check & bought lunch for us.
Suffice it to say, it was a blessed retreat. I drove Beth through the park & was saw a big buck walking down the road. I pulled right up to him & he just looked at us. Then when we pulled into Wildwood - two does ran accross the street before the lake. Six deer in two days! O well, humble pie is low-cal.

A Dog's Life

This is our beloved family pet "Trigger". He just loves to sit & soak up the sun on a cool autumn afternoon. He also enjoys making a "nest" of the fallen leaves in which he curls up for a "dog nap". What a life! I guess its a trade off for having to eat dog food.

Through Zack's Eyes

Just when life trys to get a little normal & boring, Zack jumps in & keeps it all interesting. We were putting up the Christmas tree last night. Zack, in his "Zack world" got the idea to take some pics of the lights while shaking his camera. He also had to put it on a certain setting. Anyhow, above is the result plus several more.
They say that art imitates life. Well, this 'art' very well imitates our life with my creative, passionate, & humorous son Zack. I love that kid.

Scoping Integrity

I don't know if you read my "When Men Decorate" post a few weeks ago but this is "the rest of the story". After our fellowship meal was done & we were starting to close up the church, I asked my sons to start loading the truck with all the hunting equipment. Their friends, Ian & Seth, gladly lent a hand. A few minutes later, Ian came to me rather sheepishly and said, "I have a confession". He then told me that he dropped my rifle. "Is it ok?" I asked. He told me that it was leaing up against the truck and it fell over. I wasn't too concerned except that it may have knocked the scope out of alignment. Ian then offered to take it home & sight it in. They have a shooting range on their property - gotta love Georgia! The next day he called me to tell me that it was all set. Then he dropped the bomb on me. "I decided to buy a new scope & install it for you. It is all lined up, when can I drop it off?" "Now would be fine" was my shocked response. Long story short, the other scope was fine but he just wanted to honor his friend & pastor. It wasn't just any scope either. A Nikon Pro Staff 3x9x40 - Crystal clear!
Here's what blew me away beside the price tag, Ian is 17 & works part time for another brother in our church. I called his Dad, one of my best friends, to affirm that his character (Don has a deep, strong, & solid ethic) has taken root in his son. Don told Ian that he could drop his rifle too.
What makes a 17 year old young man that generous & honorable? A faithful set of parents thats who. A fella showed up at church one wednesday & Don asked him where he was staying. Long story short, he had been transfered from out west & was waiting for his house to sell. His hotel allowance was up in a few days. Don invited him to stay with them until things got worked out. I think it was about a month or so before his house sold & his family were able to come here. He stayed with Don & his family that whole time. It doesn't take a Nikon Pro Staff scope to see the integrity of the father showing up in the son.
The Church needs more parents like Don & Lisa & more sons like Ian.

Context is King

I'm reminded over & over just how dangerous the Bible is when interpreted IN context. Taken OUT of context it is down right lethal. When the text becomes bendable to our whims & fancies it is then that we have created "truth" (ie- a lie)in our own image. There is too much to lose and nothing to gain by employing a lazy hermeneutic to our Bible reading, study, & teaching. Yes, it is a lot more work to get it right but in light of the alternitive...do we really have a choice?
http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/posters.htm Check out this site for some humor at the expense of the "Emergent Church"

Sign of the Times?

One of the Families in our Fellowship have a mobile sign company. Jim designed & installed this fantastic new sign for our church. We had good services today. After church we had a couple of families over our house for lunch. God has allowed some families to leave & he has also brought in others. I'm glad He's in control.

Last Monday we had a sort of "field trip" to Fort Discovery in Augusta Ga. It was a massive "hands on" science center. The highlight was the crazy gyrosphere. Your weight being shifted caused the thing to move in every direction. It demonstrated the law of cause & effect & inertia. Bottom line: it was a blast! Sam had a great time even though he got his head stuck in the astronaut cut out. One of the neat displays was the 'virtual' volley ball. It was RJ & I against James & Roston. What a blast!
The Smith family was in an accident on the way - just a couple of miles from the place. They were ok but their vehicle wasn't. They had to wait for a rental but the showed up around lunch time. I was so impressed with Randy (the husband). He was in Macon working & when his wife called, he was calm with his only concern being the safety of his family. His attitude was spot on as they say. I could only imagine if my reaction would be so gracious.

When Men Decorate

The men of our Church provided the "flowers" for Sunday Worship last week. I really liked it! We've had a new family visiting for the past 2 weeks. Nate commented after their first visit that the sanctuary reminded him of a lodge. All that is missing is the deer head. This past Sunday he came in & said, "There it is!"
My sermon was on 'INVESTMENT' - the principle taught by Christ that your heart/love follows your investment/treasure & not the other way around. Our church finances are not near what they should be & I am so praying that God speaks to his children & captures their hearts for the Kingdom.
Everybody needs to invest where they are fed. It must start in the local church.
All the hunting paraphernalia was a big object lesson on your heart following your treasure. The reason I spend so many miserable mornings shivering in the woods is because my investment in hunting equipment is large. I think folks got the message - the offering was better. The proof is in the pudding as they say.

Check out this blog site guys...great gifts for Mom!

I Gave at the Swamp

Junior & I went hunting tonight in a swamp. We were set up in a sweet spot. Tons of deer & hog sign about a mile deep. It was our first time at the Beaver Dam WMA. Everything was great until I was setting up my climbing stand. Thats when the Swamp Vamps showed up. I think I gave at least a gallon tonight. The kicker was that I had a head net...back in the truck! Go figure! We found eachother right at dark & then got a little lost in the dark swamp. Junior recomended that we go back the way we came, retrace our steps in the blackness, find the oconee river and follow it out. Thank God one of has some sense. On our way around one particularly tight trail, we spooked a wild hog in the bushes. That really got our blood pumping! I could have ran on TOP of the Oconee all the way out. We also ran into some massive spiders & thier tree to tree webs. One was bright yellow & almost 2 inches in diameter. Oh the joys. I pulled several ticks off my legs when I got home. Had a great talk with my son on the hour drive home. He has far exceeded my parenting. A noble & honorable young man. Far more than what I deserve.

I Wonder

You know, there really is nothing new under the sun. Doubt has been renamed "Wonder" and as such is a virtue to be sought after. Does God agree? I wonder it. (some of you will never get that one) I am so lazy that I get frustrated with God that he hasn't made every issue plain black and white. And don't you dare judge me in that because you are probably worse than I am. I know that God is responding by telling me that I'm still not applying what IS black and white, right & wrong so why should he think I'd apply new revelation with any more mediocrity than I have already?

I suppose that is why we have the Holy Spirit - to lead us into all truth. (my apolgoies to the emergent crowd for using the "T" word) In the end, God has indeed said a lot of things. Taken in context, historical, grammatical, & scriptural, one can through the ministry of the Holy Spirit , come to some hard and fast conclusions. Then we're left with the real problem - now we are responsible to apply it. Ignorance is bliss and there are a lot of happy people out there. You know some times I "Wonder". How about you?

Emergent See

You knew it was coming. It didn't take a crystal ball or even very much foresight. The "love child" of the seeker sensitivity on steroids movement is the "Emergent Conversation" ('church' is now a 4 letter word). Imagine a 'church' where there were no rules except the rule that there are no rules, truth was relegated to evolving experience (IE- I get to create it for me & its OK as long as I don't 'force it' on you), and we finally get to be ourselves without judgement. Add in some very brilliant & affable charismatic leaders and a generation of disillusioned spoiled brats now grown to the age of adulthood and you have the emergent conversation. Here's the slick part of the movement though - it CONTAINS truth. The same words are used only the definitions are different. The motivation for it is altruistic and admirable. The result however is one of the most dangerous movements that the church has seen in decades, perhaps centuries.

The lesson to take away is that we had better stick to the Word of God alone. The old Reformers understood this even though many of them weren't able to pull it off. Sola Scriptura baby! The new battle cry for the 21st century reformation! I pray God will grant it.

Bow Season is Here!

I got to bow hunt tonight for the first time this year. I use a pop up blind very similar to this one. My little guy Sam came out to the yard this afternoon while I practiced shooting the "No No". That's what he calls our guns & bows because he know he is not to touch them. When I announced that I was going hunting, he ran and got his "hunting hat" on. He really thought he was coming. If it weren't for the warm weather which means ticks, mosquitos and snakes, I would have taken him.

I found a sweet spot where my oldest son, Paul jr. shot a nice doe last year. Its the elbow of a creek in a hardwoods bottom. I hope to take a picture from my blind this week to show you all. It is beautiful. Sure enough right before dark, a fat doe came down for a drink. In order to get a shot, I needed her to cross the stream which she never did. So I sat there until she left which meant a long walk back to the truck in the dark. Not a big deal except for the snakes. That's where faith comes in I guess. When I pulled in the driveway, Sam came running out half naked and yelled, "Daddy, you shoot a deer?!" He still doesen't realize that its called "Hunting" and not "Shooting" but it sure warmed my heart. I do love that kid. He'll make a great hunting buddy one day when Paul & Zachary are hunting with their own boys.

God is so good and I'm glad he made fat does and half naked little boys to cheer up this old Dad.

Sitting on the Fireplace

Sammy is learning self control...slowly. When he is just in a bad mood and being contrary, I give him one chance to "control himself". I get down on his lever and make eye contact. Then I tell him in a calm but firm voice, "Samuel Isaac, go sit on the fireplace until you're done crying." It usually takes about 15 - 30 seconds as he crys it out and then comes back to me and whispers, "Daddy, baby done crying." Then we celebrate his victory.
You know, my heavenly Father does the same thing with me. I've spent months "sitting on the fireplace" as it were. Pouting & fussing because I'm not getting my way. It still amazes me how long I tend to spend on the "fireplace". Finally, I figure out that God is bigger than me and that sitting on his lap, in intimate fellowship with him is far better than sitting, estranged from him, on the hard hearth. Finally I "come to my senses", the Bible defines this as Repentance, and I go to him and say, "Daddy, I'm done crying". Then we celebrate His victory in me. How great is my God!

Jesus' ipod?

What Would Jesus do? My big gift for my 40th from my wife & children was an ipod video. I enjoy it but I have a lot to learn. One of the negatives that dawned on me is how that this medium so highlights the individual and separates him/her from even those who are sitting next to him. I don't thing Jesus would have an ipod for several reasons:
1: He knows everything - why would he want to listen to a sermon or a song - he is the author of everything?
2: He lived in & for community with God the Father & with man. An ipod would have gotten in the way of that
3: Those ear buds hurt! But I guess compared to a rock for a pillow, they're not bad
4: He had an intimate relationship with the Father. A direct line...he had a Godpod!
If you read John 17, you will soon realize that we, chosen children of God have a Godpod too. Ipods are great for what they are but they can't hold a candle to a Godpod.
Don't settle for "good" when you've been given the "best".

Entrepeneur Days

Do you know who the #1 employer in the nation is? You guessed it - the government. The unstated goal of government education is to produce a new crop of employees. Funny thing is that this country was founded by entrepreneurs not employees. I desire for my sons to do much better financially than I have. That is why I am investing in their education this August by taking them to an event called "Entrepreneur Days" in Atlanta Georgia. Its a whole new world out there and I want my sons to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them now. There are 15 year olds making upwards of $20,000 a month on the Internet. I also am interested in seeing just what God may be moving me to do by way of example to my boys. College in not the guarantee to financial stability that it once was. In the past two days I have read two articles on the woes of college grads. One was entitled, "College Grads join the ranks of the uninsured" and the other was a story about college grads unable to find work and turning to technical schools to learn a trade - usually in one fourth of the time and cost.
It is time for God's people to fund the kingdom by being wise and working smart. I'd like you to check out this amazing opportunity for yourself. Copy the following link and it will take you to a site that will explain the conference to you. I hope to see you there.
http://www.entrepreneurdays.com/cmd.php?af=599060

Forgiveness & Healing

Today we celebrated communion with our church family. It was one of those beautiful services that far exceeded its planning. During the passing of the bread, we were instructed to exchange our element with someone else as a way of saying that I am praising God to be in relationship with you. My dear deacon friend and I about bumped into each other as we turned to head down the aisle to find someone to exchange our bread with. He then extended his bread to me and embraced me in a bear hug. I don't ever recall sensing such a deep emotion of brotherly agape love as I did this morning. As we then took the bread together I was keenly aware that my brother & I were only in relationship because of Jesus Christ's death for us. Deep gratitude. When it came time for the cup we were instructed to go to someone who we had offended and to exchange our cups and seek forgiveness. I have to stop here & confess that I had really let both of my older sons have it earlier that morning and we were NOT in fellowship. I was right but I was wrong too. I immediately found my son Zack, exchanged cups and hugged his neck and wept. I told him that I loved him through my tears. I then headed to the balcony where Paul Jr. was manning the sound system. There was a crowd of people in that narrow side aisle. When I finally navigated the sea of folks without spilling my cup I looked up to see my boy coming to me! He made his way down the stairs to make things right with his dad. The tears just kept on falling as forgiveness was exchanged and relationships mended. The amazing thing is that this was taking place all over the sanctuary! We wrapped it up by singing, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God..." Because of Jesus Christ's atoning death, the Church of the Wildwood experienced first hand forgiveness and healing. I've never been so thankful.

God's Veto

This past winter, I took my semi-annual study break for a week. One of my deacons and dear friends gave me the keys to his mountain home. I was all set for a week of fasting, prayer, & solitude. The day before I was to leave, my wife came to me with a request. She almost never asks anything of me so I was excited to grant her wish...until she asked. She expressed concern for my son Zack. We didn't have his heart, I didn't have his heart. Beth wasn't sure she could handle him alone for a week. 14 and full of hormones and savage mood swings - not unlike his father at that age. Well that pretty much canned my idea for all of the above except prayer. I didn't figure Zack could go five hours without eating much less five days. I knew this was the will of God but I was disappointed. I was going away to make sure that God had my heart but God needed me to go to make sure that I had my son's heart. We laughed, shopped for food, played rummy till 3am. We did life together for 5 days. I learned how much I loved my son and he learned that too. No, I didn't have the mountain top experience with the Lord directly as I was planning. But Zack and I had a blast just doing life together. The change in Zack since that week has been astounding. He is respectful and is really trying to be honoring. His work ethic has sky rocketed. A contractor friend of mine hired him for two days of hard labor. The man told me later that he never met a young man that could keep up with him until he worked with Zack.

Thank you Father God for my son Zack in whom I am well pleased. Thank you for using your veto power over my plans only to exchange them for your blessings. May all the glory be reflected to your throne!

Sammy Boy in his "Hunting Hat"

A Wedding Done Right

What a Wedding! I had the extreme privilege to officiate the wedding of one of our fine young men and his betrothed last Saturday. So wonderful was their journey to the Marriage altar that I literally had to re-write the entire wedding ceremony. The first time they held hands, kissed, or embraced we were wittiness to on Saturday. Their first date was their honeymoon. The anticipation was nearly overwhelming as the groom beamed as his beloved made her way to him. I had the bride and her father stop at the base of the stage. I was able to declare to the hundreds in attendance that the Church has been in Egypt for too long. We have ceased being salt and light and are now being influenced by our culture - especially in the area of dating and relationships. We have drunk deeply from the well of worldly wisdom and we are reaping what we have sowed in the destruction of Christian families.
We then had the giving away of the bride AND the confirmation of the groom. I asked, "Who has prepared this man for the covenant of marriage and declares him qualified to take a wife?" The Groom's father, also the best man, replied, "I have". He then expressed his pride in his son's journey to this point and his joy at his son's character. Then the father told the groom, "Son, go get your bride." The groom literally bounded down the stairs! His father in law then joined their hands together for the first time and said, "We've had her for 19 years. I now transfer my authority and headship over her to you" He then prayed a beautiful blessing over them.
When they finally kissed it was amazing! Tender & respectful yet full of anticipation and wonder! The way it should be. There were two very successful business men in attendance who were associates of the Groom's father. They sought me out after the ceremony and had one burning question - "If this continues to happen, will it mean that there is a glimmer of hope for our nation?" These guys were heaven and hell serious. To look at two seasoned men who witnessed the power of a multi generational vision of faithfulness being lived out and now reproduced in the life of these families. With great confidence I assured them that our sons & daughters could be the beginning of hope for this fallen nation. These successful and worldly wise men were wiping away tears of hope as I shared the gospel with them.
How awesome is our God and his righteous plan for his children! To God be all the glory!

Boundaries & Bridges

Welcome to "Boundaries & Bridges" - The musings of a Husband, Father and Pastor. My title comes from a conversation with one of my best friends. We were talking about the need for boundaries in our own lives and in the lives of our families. We are responsible for daily "fence maintenance" in relation to what we allow in the life of our family. There are things that we want to keep in and those that we must keep out. Then there is the need to build bridges. As men, we need to be spanning the gaps of life and building bridges to needful places and people both for us and for our families. One of the key bridges that I am building is to our local church family. I need other good men to do life with and who will help me with both boundaries and bridges. We are so very fortunate to be a part of a household integrated fellowship that holds us men to account for being the Pastors of our respective homes. May the God of the Bible aid and strengthen you as you build your "Boundaries & Bridges"