Mark Beeson

Acorn Woodpecker / Melanerepes formicivoru

These birds are larder hoarders.  Gleaning off tree limbs this little guy will gather acorns and create a granary by drilling holes in a dead tree, or a dead branch.  He'll stuff it with acorns and guard it against potential cache robbers.  One such larder was discovered to contain 50,000 acorns.  I photographed this bird along a riparian corridor in a Pine/Oak forest in northern Arizona. 

It's interesting to note the greater portion of an Acorn Woodpecker's diet is insects.  Fly-catching and foraging is a canopy activity so bird watching is easy. Family groups hold territories, and young woodpeckers stay with their parents for several years, so once you find them...you've found them!

What are you saving? 
What are you gathering, valuing and protecting?

Sheila and I have decided to gather experiences.  We work to collect moments and memories.  We value family and friends. 

We are building memories and hoarding holy moments.

What are you hoarding?  Are you building a storehouse of meaningful memories or deep regrets? 

What you value you'll work for, and collect.  If you rate trusting friendships, loving community and true faith above other things, put some effort toward redeeming your moments with loved ones. 

Be intentional about your life.
  Your children will be home for a very brief time.
  Your parents will not be strong forever.  Bodies wear out; minds dim.
  Your church has opportunity today it won't have tomorrow.
  Your friendships don't keep; ignore them and you lose them.

It's easier to see this truth in some other person's life; what they value is obvious. They tend to hold territories of interest.  They pass on to their children their principles and ideals. Whole families can be seen pursuing the same goals and striving for similar victories.

You'll pass along your values.

Sobering isn't it?

James 3:18 says, "You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor."

Honor Your Father and Mother

Sheila's parents have never been to Goulding's Trading Post.  They've always wanted to go so we drove to Utah and woke up this morning to this view from our balcony.  It's no surprise my in-laws wanted to see Monument Valley.  They worship the creator of this beautiful scene - the Artist who painted it's splendor with a word.  They know Jesus, the One who expresses His will in beauty, creativity and love.

John wrote, "He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn’t make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."

It was a beautiful morning. 

What Are You Digging For?

Near the Ray Mine Sheila and I found this rock with traces of CHRYSOCOLLA.   A lot of money can be made if you’ll mine enough ore.  It requires a lot of digging but rewards lie on the other side of diligence and effort.

Job 28:1-12 and 23-28 suggests we may be better at mining the earth for ore than seeking God for wisdom.

People know how to mine silver and refine gold.  They know how to dig iron from the earth and smelt copper from stone.  They know how to put light into darkness and explore the farthest, darkest regions of the earth as they search for ore.  They sink a mine shaft into the earth far from where anyone lives. They descend on ropes, swinging back and forth.  Bread comes from the earth, but below the surface the earth is melted as by fire. People know how to find sapphires and gold dust— treasures that no bird of prey can see, no falcon’s eye observe— for they are deep within the mines. No wild animal has ever walked upon those treasures; no lion has set his paw there.  People know how to tear apart flinty rocks and overturn the roots of mountains.  They cut tunnels in the rocks and uncover precious stones.  They dam up the trickling streams and bring to light the hidden treasures.

But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?  No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living.

God surely knows where it can be found,  for he looks throughout the whole earth, under all the heavens.  He made the winds blow and determined how much rain should fall.  He made the laws of the rain and prepared a path for the lightning.  Then, when he had done all this, he saw wisdom and measured it. He established it and examined it thoroughly.  And this is what he says to all humanity: “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”

We're mining for real treasure at GCC.  Come join the dig.

Flowers Fade...Including Globemallow (Sphaeralcea munroana)

 

Listen!

I hear the voice of someone shouting, “Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God.  Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots.  Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!” 

A voice said, “Shout!” I asked, “What should I shout?” “Shout that people are like the grass that dies away. Their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of flowers in a field.  The grass withers, and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people.  The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Messenger of good news, shout to Zion from the mountaintops! Shout louder to Jerusalem—do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!”  Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in all his glorious power. He will rule with awesome strength. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.  He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
                                                               - Isaiah 40:3-11

God Opens the Season On Quail (Callipepla gambelii)

Now the Lord sent a wind that brought quail from the sea and let them fall into the camp and all around it! For many miles in every direction from the camp there were quail flying about three feet above the ground.  So the people went out and caught quail all that day and throughout the night and all the next day, too. No one gathered less than fifty bushels
                                                                    - Numbers 11:31-32

God’s word to GCC:
“I have provision you know not of, more than you can ask or imagine.”

Sweet As Honey

 

How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
                                                                - Psalm 119:103-105

Sheila spotted this swarm of bees during our hike in Honeybee Canyon. (What a time for me to be without my telephoto lens!  I snapped this from crazy close but still survived...)

I thought, “How many of us would like to taste honey but don’t pay the price to harvest it?  Sure we’d like to 'taste and see' that the Lord is good; sure we’d thrill to the sweet taste of God’s words; sure we want understanding." 

Question is, “How many of us desire the sweetness of God’s guidance but don’t pay the price to harvest it?”

His words are available and they are sweeter than honey.  If we're willing we can have them. 

Matthew 6:28-30 Look at the Lilies...

Look at the lilies and how they grow.

They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you? 

(Jesus speaking in Matthew 6:28-30)

Matthew 6:26-27 Look at the Birds...

Look at the birds.

They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  Of course not. 

(Jesus speaking in Matthew 6:26-27)

The Easter Message Goes Viral

 

                                                                         Photo by Jeff Petersen / Canon EOS 20D

What if we changed?

What if "each one tell one" was no longer the goal?
     What if we went viral?
          What if "each one told everyone?"

Wouldn't the Good News travel faster? 
     Wouldn't that be a good thing?

What if everyone heard the Good News?
     They could trust Jesus and call to Him for help.
          Doesn't their ability to do that depend on our willingness
              to tell what we know?

Romans 10:13-15 (The Message) says, "Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help." But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it?

Jesus sent His followers out to preach Good News.
     I'm assuming that directive is for us.
          What do you think?

Saturday Night / Easter Weekend 2008

 

Ben Ngoma

 

Kristin Baker

 

Lisa Vukmirovich

 

Kim Stewart

 

Light Moments

All photos by Dustin Maust / Olympus E-3, 50-200 Zuiko f/2.8-3.5 ED 

Meleagris gallopavo / Easter Wild Turkey

It's Easter weekend and we're in the middle of a blizzard!

What do I see when I look out my window?  This male turkey scratching in the snow and leaves.  His beard indicates he's mature.  In a few weeks he'll breed as many hens as possible and we'll end up with little turkey poults running all over the place. 

If you have mature birds you'll soon have immature birds; that's the way it works.

Three days ago Rick Warren proffered this question for me to mull over. "What is the mature church?"

I knew immediately how I would respond.

"The 'mature church' is the church filled with immaturity."

Anywhere in the world, whether plant or animal, the clear delineation of "maturity" is the ability to reproduce.  Immature animals can't reproduce.  Immature plants can't replicate themselves.  The definition of maturity is "being fully ripe, fully aged" so the connotation of maturity is obvious.  Where you see maturity you'll observe new life, babies and immaturity all over the place.

Maturity desires reproduction.
Maturity tolerates juvenile behavior (from juveniles) while training its progeny for success in life.
Maturity means "little poults running all over the place."

If you attend a mature church, be prepared for immaturity.

Where you find mature Christians you'll find little "babes in Christ" running all over the place.  In fact, if you have been looking for a church where "everyone tithes" or "everyone serves" you're not looking for a mature church, you are looking for a dying church - aged, impotent and bereft of spiritual newborns because "everyone" is mature.

Few things are more disturbing than a flock of adult believers standing around complaining that "no one has come to Christ" while refusing to do something that might result in new life.

So when you bump into someone who acts "immature" at one of our Easter services, don't complain, and don't be surprised.  Instead, thank God the "mature in the Christ" are busy delivering newborn babies to the family of God.

Live Smart Young Friend! People Are Watching Us...

High in the mountains of New Mexico I glassed a herd of elk.  They never knew I was there.  They were oblivious. The herd bull chased younger rag-horn satellites. The old lead cow walked point as she pulled the others along. They were mere animals - creatures of habit and instinct.  What the elk did last year, and each year prior, they will do next year and in the years to come. Elk do what elk do.

Elk don't care whether you like what they did in the past, or value where they went in the past.  Elk don't worry that you're pleased about their previous associations or their past behaviors. 

Think what you will about an elk's history; they don't care one whit.

You and I are different. We know the truth; our past matters, and what people think about our past matters.

We are not merely animals.  We are made in the image of God and we understand. The steps we took yesterday brought us to the place we are today.

Our past marks us.  People have confidence in us because of what they've seen and heard.  Others depend on us after observing our honesty. We are trusted after we prove trustworthy.

Let's not be deceived.  Our behavior today will open, or close, the doors of future opportunity. Our sins will find us out.

Luke 8:17 says: "For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light."

Don't think you'll have no reactions to your actions.

Don't think others will miss that you are missing.

Don't believe your secrets are a secret.

What you do will be known.  Where you go will be reported.  What you say will be recorded.

Your choice of friends will serve as the measure of your ability to choose wisely. 

So I'll offer the following for my young friends.  These thoughts may help you make good choices today so you are positioned for success tomorrow.

1. Don't take your clothes off and take your picture. 
    If your clothes are off take a shower.
2. Don't write an email to your friends with the subject line,
    "For your eyes only."  If you write an email assume it will be seen
    by everyone everywhere forever.
3. Someone is taking your picture with their cell phone right now.
    Sit pretty.  Stand up straight. Don't slouch. Head up. Chin down.
    Smile, you're on candid camera.
4. If you want to win American Idol don't think flaunting your
    past as a male stripper will win you points with Simon.
    In fact, I suggest you avoid stripping altogether.
5. Someone will surprise you in the future with these words,
    "Hi. I've heard all about you."  Do what's right and you won't have
    to break into a free sweat while looking around for a quick exit.
    Your reputation always precedes you. You're under observation.
6. If you plan to be a state governor avoid affairs, cheating, lying and
    betrayal.  Sexual infidelity doesn't instill confidence.
7. People are watching you and your friends.
    Those on surveillance assume you make decisions based on your
    values. You'll be associated with your associates. Maxwell was
    correct. "The people around you determine your level of success."
    They also effect your electability.
8. It's a small planet.  We're not trying to get away from "bad" people.
    We're trying to bring "up there down here" for all people.
    People are watching to see if that is what you are doing.
    Their trust and confidence will be established by what they
    observe.  Live today so you'll have no regrets tomorrow.

If you've messed up, eroding your potential, don't despair.  Instead, read Acts 3:19, confess your sins, repent and turn your feet toward Christ.  Your next steps will enhance your credibility and increase your potential for consequential living.

Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

Easter Expectations...

Did you ever sit in a church service expecting too little?

Were you surprised by God?
     Ignited by His Love?
          Inspired by His Word?
               Encouraged by His Spirit?
                    Motivated for His Mission?

Were you ever amazed by Christ's glory and the power of the Holy Spirit?  Jesus brings "up there down here."  That changes everything. 

This picture is of our Palm Sunday service.  You've got six opportunities to gather and worship the Risen Savior on Easter. 

Jesus will be there.  Will you?

Palm Sunday - Turn Your Knees Toward Christ and Worship Only Him.

Jason inspired many this weekend; his heart beats fast for us so he candidly shares it and bares it.  He openly admits his heart is best guided by scripture.  God's Word is the backdrop for all we do; it is the foundation upon which we stand; it is the background for the masterpiece of God's redemption story.

I captured this moment of our 10:30 Palm Sunday service.  Much of the time scripture was in the background on the screen as Jason taught his message.

Do you remember the passages Jason read to us?  Can you recall the biblical reference to which Jason pointed?  Remember Jason's admonition to turn our knees in the direction of Christ - worshiping only Him?

Read again the scriptural backdrop for God's message (delivered this Palm Sunday by one of his children at GCC).  There is no other like our God.

Isaiah 40:12-31

Who has scooped up the ocean
   in his two hands,
   or measured the sky between his thumb and little finger,
Who has put all the earth's dirt in one of his baskets,
   weighed each mountain and hill?
Who could ever have told God what to do
   or taught him his business?
What expert would he have gone to for advice,
   what school would he attend to learn justice?
What god do you suppose might have taught him what he knows,
   showed him how things work?
Why, the nations are but a drop in a bucket,
   a mere smudge on a window.
Watch him sweep up the islands
   like so much dust off the floor!
There aren't enough trees in Lebanon
   nor enough animals in those vast forests
   to furnish adequate fuel and offerings for his worship.
All the nations add up to simply nothing before him—
  less than nothing is more like it. A minus.

So who even comes close to being like God?
   To whom or what can you compare him?
Some no-god idol? Ridiculous!
   It's made in a workshop, cast in bronze,
Given a thin veneer of gold,
   and draped with silver filigree.
Or, perhaps someone will select a fine wood—
   olive wood, say—that won't rot,
Then hire a woodcarver to make a no-god,
   giving special care to its base so it won't tip over!

Have you not been paying attention?
   Have you not been listening?
Haven't you heard these stories all your life?
   Don't you understand the foundation of all things?
God sits high above the round ball of earth.
   The people look like mere ants.
He stretches out the skies like a canvas—
   yes, like a tent canvas to live under.
He ignores what all the princes say and do.
   The rulers of the earth count for nothing.
Princes and rulers don't amount to much.
   Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted,
They shrivel when God blows on them.
   Like flecks of chaff, they're gone with the wind.

"So—who is like me?
   Who holds a candle to me?" says The Holy.
Look at the night skies:
   Who do you think made all this?
Who marches this army of stars out each night,
   counts them off, calls each by name
—so magnificent! so powerful!—
   and never overlooks a single one?

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
   or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me.
   He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
   He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
   And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
   gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
   young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
   They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
   they walk and don't lag behind.

What Should You Know About Your Pastor?

I'm pondering the perceptions of people in the Church.

When faithful followers of Christ listen to their pastors, watch their lives and see their examples, they expose themselves to massive doses of spiritual radiation. The searing example emitted by our spiritual leaders transmits more than a tinge of fissionable material into our psyches.  Our leaders mark us.  

After watching your pastor for years, and listening to hundreds of heartfelt sermons, do you have a sense of your pastor's core values?  Have you gained a sense for your pastor's convictions?  Would you say you know the general direction your pastor is headed?

Such knowledge requires defacto context and background.  Freeze-frame any moment in time and we'll be incapacitated; we'll be unable to properly speak of that pastor's direction, velocity or momentum.  (Listening to one isolated sermon, on one weekend, makes it virtually impossible to adjudicate the pastor's beliefs, opinions or values.  Experiencing one message, in one moment, limits your understanding and is demonstrably inadequate for comprehensive assessment.)

Assuming you've listened to your pastor for years (whether you relate to your pastor on a personal level or not) do you have a sense of your pastor's principles, ethics and priorities?  Whether you agree or not, do you know your pastor's position on core issues?

The question is not, "Do you agree?" 
The question is, "Should you know?"

Every Christian will not agree with their pastor on every issue.  I'm sure many people at GCC disagree with me on a number of ancillary topics.  That's both positive and strengthening to our ministry. Complementary viewpoints enable congruency and alignment if we value each other enough to listen, learn and work together.

God created different members of One Body and every component Christian cooperates for the glory of God's story. 

We're not the same.

We collaborate with people holding divergent views and opinions.
We sometimes partner with leaders looking for consequences we don't prioritize.  We often gain ground as we learn from people holding different values, religious convictions and political positions.

We're better together.

Since the day God gave Adam and Eve a team and partnership, humanity has enjoyed the strength and progress enabled by complementary gifting.  Different roles and divergent views make rich the journey of life.  Differences offer opportunities unknown in the homogeneous puree of communities pounded into conformity.

We don't have to agree on everything to make progress on important things.

The question is, "Have you the requisite contextual information to know what your pastor thinks about important things?"  If not, hold your tongue.  You don't know enough to speak.

Salacious lies, spin, and scandalous innuendo may diminish more ministries and undermine more pastors than we imagine.  The rumormonger verbalizing snap judgments based on partial information is a bane on our existence and anathema in the Church. The scriptures condemn gossip.

Be judicious; think before you speak about someone, especially someone leading a church.

What do you think?

Can people learn the mission, vision and values of their pastor? 
How long does that take? 
Does it matter?
Do you care?

A pastor's direction and core values, manifest in their life-mission and evidenced in their ministry record, are important to me. 

How about you?

Be Ready. Play Your Part.

Late night. 

It's about that time when the horses turn into mice, and your carriage shrinks down to a pumpkin. 

The New Community Town Hall Meeting is long done; tomorrow may be here before these artists consider heading home.

Weekend rehearsal is under way. 

These players are committed; they are resolved.  Practice will perfect their performance; they know that.  These are the hours when technical gurus, audiophiles and artists join forces.  On the platform, during this rehearsal while no one is watching, each artiste labors to offer their best personal performance.

Personal preparation got them here.  Collaboration lifts them higher.

No weak links.  No bad attitudes.  No prima donnas.

What you see here is great talent being disciplined for the glory of God. 
You see hard work.
You see devotion and cooperation.

Here you see an alliance of passion and flair that'll bring "up there down here" in our outreach services this weekend. 

These guys will be prepared to play their parts at our Palm Sunday services.

Will you be as prepared to play yours?

Bringing Up There Down Here

Seth and Justin are two guys I really admire. 

These guys have given their lives to serving Christ beside us here at GCC and they are awesome.  Manowe and 5-Star thrive under their leadership and influence.  I'm honored to stand with them in the service of our King.

Manowe and 5-Star are just a couple of the ministry efforts we're engaging together.  There is more you'll want to know.  But since I'm fairly new at this whole blog-thing I don't know what violates the unwritten rules of blog etiquette, so I'm going to try something.  It seems acceptable to me, so here goes.

Check out the stats on some of what we've been doing together for the last few weeks.  Tim Stevens has the news and I'm happily passing it along.

I sure hope that's OK... 

God's Hand in India

In Tamil Nadu there are tens of thousands like this child. Each matters to God.  Each is begotten of The Father on purpose, with a purpose and for a purpose. 

Your sacrifices give them a chance at the best life, the life of a Christ-follower. Your tithes and offerings fund training for their pastors and provide instruction in micro-enterprise.  Your offerings inject the promise of salvation through Christ into the redundant and recycled continuum of Karma.

Because of you there are many villages in India where people are saying the same thing folks in the village of Nain said two thousand years ago,  "We have seen the hand of God at work today." (Luke 7:16)

I took this picture overwhelmed with gratitude that Jesus holds every child in His Hands...

....and you are His Hands. 

Hold fast.

Financial Peace University

Tonight it began and here's the photographic evidence.

I set up my little digi-cam, asked everyone to wave, and photographed the opening session of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at GCC.  We launched with well over 400 registered attenders.  I had to get pictures of these heroes on my blog.

You are looking at people who have turned their feet in a good direction.  They are taking their next steps toward financial freedom. 

I couldn't be more proud!

Count the "YES" Votes.

Once upon a time a restaurateur noticed the cars driving past his restaurant. 

He had a prime location for his upscale refectory.  Few roads were as heavily traveled and few locations offered the ease of access he enjoyed. Transfixed by the sight as hundreds of cars cruised past his bistro window, he made a sad mistake. 

He failed to turn around to see what was going on inside his dining establishment. 

Tables were filled.  People were happy.  Reservations were booked for the entire evening. His patrons were poster-children of viral promotion:

“This place has the best food in town!”
“You’ll love the ambiance.”
“Great food!  Great service!  Great place!”

His parking lot was filled with cars.  His cash flow was positive and other merchants envied his success.

But he was unhappy. 

He couldn’t shift his attention from all the people passing by, driving their cars to different restaurants – and choosing other places to eat. Thousands were rejecting his restaurant every hour of the day!  It broke his heart.

Rather than count the “Yes” votes and turn his attention to those he was able to reach, he focused on the rejection of others and lost his joy. 

At GCC we count “Yes” votes. 

Most people will never attend GCC (there are more than 6 billion on the planet).  If we focus on the people who reject our ministry, and turn away from our service for Christ, we will lose our joy.  There will always be more people who turn away from our ministry than towards it. 

We must discipline ourselves to count the “Yes” votes. 

Let’s do well what we do best and thank God for every person He makes receptive to our efforts.  If we focus on doing what God is blessing we’ll increase our potential for success, job satisfaction and peace.

“Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” – Galatians 6:4.

Since the weekend I’ve been asked how many people didn’t decide to join us in funding Christ’s work with their tithe. 

“Mark, how many people were just not ready to make that commitment?”

I don’t know exactly how many haven’t yet decided to tithe.  I know hundreds said they would!  So we’ll focus on what we can do with the tithes of those who said, “I will tithe.”  And we’ll thank God for every person who says, “Yes.”

How about you?  Are you happy so many tithe, or are you angry so many don’t?

Your attitude going forward will depend on where you look. 

Lynx rufus

I photographed this big male Bobcat in the wilds of the desert north of Tucson. His wary approach, honed by a hundred thousand generations of predation and instinct, is nearly impossible to detect. Cats are ferocious and deadly. Feline stealth ensures a cat's prey has no idea the cat is near - until escape is virtually impossible. 

Odds are, if you ever see a cat in the wild, it is either hunting something else, or it has already been stalking you.  If you don't see a cat until it's coming for you, it's already too late.

So be aware.

Don't forget you have a cat-like enemy.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith...  -  1 Peter 5:8-9

Don't let your enemy sneak up on you.  A casual attitude about your finances makes you vulnerable.  Pay attention.  Get a grip.

You don't have to be a victim.

You can keep your enemy at bay. 

Sign up.  Learn how.  Your future may depend on it.  

Lepomis macrochirus - Bluegill, Bream, Brim or Sunfish

Remember the story of the man catching fish?  He held up each one, estimated its size and tossed it back.  Asked why he was throwing all those impressive fish overboard he replied, "I've only got one 10 inch skillet."

When my kids were little I took them fishing.  You can see how Amber beamed when I said, "Well done!" as she held up this stringer of fish.

God made Bluegill for children. There are a zilion of them and they are easy to catch.  Kids don't get bored catching fish when the action is fast and furious. 

Children enjoy fishing when they are catching fish.

We're not so different. 

We want success.  We want impact.  We enjoy seeing good results from determined effort. We want Someone to say, "Well done!"

Jesus once said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men." 

Attend our GCC Town Hall Meeting at 7 o'clock Thursday night and I'll tell you where and how we're going to improve our tactics and increase our catch. 

We need more skillets!

Happy Birthday Son!

This is my son.  He is a great man.

I've thought about him a lot today.  On each of his birthdays I ponder the past and consider the future.  One more fleeting and transitory year has passed.  I find myself wading through the swirl of emotion.  I suppose every parent goes through the same scenario, giving thanks for every good step taken and praying for God's guidance in the days ahead. 

We're so proud of our children.  We all are, aren't we?   

They stand on firm foundations they built in their yesterdays.
In their tomorrows they'll stand on the foundations they build today.
How they build their lives matters - a lot.

The great challenge we face as parents is to help our kids build a firm foundation at each stage of their lives.  Proper parenting, at each phase, empowers our progeny for success in life. 

The successful life I'm referencing is the life of purpose and meaning that comes from serving Christ.  That is the life they were made for, and that is the fulfilled life we want them to enjoy.

Here is what I think I can do to help my three adult children at this juncture of their lives.

1.  I'll help them most by loving God with all my heart, soul,
     mind and strength.

2.  I'll offer assistance (greater than they can even comprehend)
    by faithfully loving Sheila.  That commitment - lived out -
     fortifies and inspires.  They need for me to love my wife.

3.  I can live passionately for Jesus - pouring out my life for
     the King of kings.  Whether my life is difficult or easy,
     during joy and sorrow, in solitude and in community,
     I can live for Christ and  encourage my kids to do the same.

We can help our children every single day. 

It begins with feeding them and carrying them everywhere we go.  Time passes. We come to a point where we help them most by living right, serving Jesus, and letting them go wherever God leads them.

What stage of parenting are you in?

Surnia ulula in Alaska

I photographed this Northern Hawk Owl during a Caribou hunt in Alaska. 

It's an interesting Hawk-like/Falcon-like owl, only about 16 inches long.  Weighing in at 12 ounces, these little guys are strictly diurnal. You usually see them hunting from a high vantage point during the day rather than night.  When voles, mice and lemmings aren't available, these owls resort to avian predation, and they get so focused on prey they seem oblivious to people.  This one showed no fear and I was able to get close.

As a person so easily distracted I find it necessary to sit on the front row, I'm always impressed by intense concentration. Those who pay attention gain an advantage.  Those easily sidetracked will struggle, missing much more than a lemming-lunch. 

That's why people like me need to get a stranglehold on disciplines that increase awareness.

Here are five things I do to help myself focus:

1.  I put myself at the best vantage point.
     I perch where I can see the action. 
     I try to sit where I see what I'm supposed to see. 
     If I "look around a lot" I'm likely to lose concentration.

2.  I know sounds can distract me so I actually listen.
     If the sounds I'm hearing are important I actually focus on them.
     If I don't focus I'll hear every distracting hum, thud and echo.

3.  I remind myself of my goal.  I picture it. 
     I pray for it.  I long for it.
     When I know what I'm looking for I'm likely to see it.

4.  I don't let people distract me from my tasks.
     I don't let tasks distract me from my people.

5.  I maximize my opportunities during the daylight. 
     I see best when I can best see. 
     Why struggle in the darkness? 
     Wouldn't it be a good idea to use the light?

6.  I give my attention to the step God has placed before me.
     If I can't pursue the object of my desire,
     I ask God to give me a desire for the objective He's given.

So, how do you survive in a world of distractions, challenges and darkness? 

My New Mexico Elk is Finished!

Sheila went with me to pick up my Elk at Ron's Taxidermy.  She's planning to hang it over our fireplace.

She wanted a picture of me (with Ron and the Elk) so we got this photo just outside his shop.  Ron was certified Grand Master by the International Guild of Taxidermists and he does brilliant work. 

Now all we have to do is figure out the best strategy for affixing this fellow to the wall...

Those Who Wait...Will Find New Strength

Have you ever seen anyone wait?

As I was driving Dr. Hunter for the last two days I had opportunity to watch him wait.  I looked on as he waited for his turn.  I saw him wait to speak until he had heard everything his wife had to say.  I noted his patience during a television interview and appreciated his lack of complaint as we negotiated Chicago's traffic.  He waits well.

I learned a few things as I watched Dr. Hunter and his wife. He's my brother-in-law and she's my sister so I benefit by observing their manner.

1.  If you are prompt, and show up early for your appointments, you'll find yourself ready (and you'll also find yourself waiting).
2.  Even if you make the best of plans, airlines can cancel flights, layovers can be extended and all airline employees aren't looking for a way to help you get where you're going.  You may have to wait.
3.  It is less stressful to wait on others than to require others to wait on you.
4.  You can maximize the time as you wait; you can read, talk, think, pray, correspond, create, write, grow and dream; you can even sleep.

When I wait I sometimes feel like I'm wasting my life.  Sometimes I hate to wait.  I'd like to learn how to wait - especially on God's timing.  If I do, I'll be stronger.  If I do, the Bible says I'll be a better man.

O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.  - Isaiah 40:27-31

Vision

Every once in a while I realize I can't see very well.  I can't see ahead.  I can't see clearly.  I can't get focused on the details in my future.

That's when I stop trying to see so far ahead and I attend to the immediate problem.

Something is blocking my vision.

Right in front of me is an issue I need to address, a conversation I need to have or a problem I need to fix. I need to clean my windshield. 

I realize I'm not going to be able to move forward with confidence until the matter is resolved.  I won't be able to make significant progress if I don't pause and take care of it.  My long term success may be predicated on my determination in tackling the problem.

I need to deal with it. 

Having trouble figuring out how you can tithe?  Can't picture it in your future?
Fix your budget and manage your money.

Want to get a mental picture of healthy relationships? Can't see it ever happening in your life?
Fix your attitudes and expectations in trusted community.

Wish you knew how to help the poor?  No vision for it?
Immediately adjust your schedule.

Can't imagine how marriage works?  No clear picture of marital success, even though you have a wedding in your future?
Care enough to make your upcoming marriage muscular and strong.

Feel like you'd love knowing more about the Bible someday? Just can't see how you'll ever be able to make sense of the ancient scriptures and apply them to your life?
Change your Thursday evening routine.

Here's the deal friends... 

If you can't see the road ahead, it'll be difficult to stay on the road.  If you don't stop and clean your windshield you'll never make the progress you should.

I'm Dr. Hunter's Driver

One of the greatest pastors in America was in my car today.  I drove him to LeSea where he taped The Harvest Show.  He was brilliant - absolutely brilliant.

His interview went all over the world: 46 million homes in America, 73 million homes in Israel and fifteen surrounding nations, 4.3 billion people in Asia, Australia, all of Europe and Africa, 78 million homes in Europe and 8 million homes in Argentina.

If you missed it, you must be on another planet 'cause we've apparently got this one covered.

 

In His Steps...

My wife left early this morning.  Before the sun was up she was on her way.  She was happy. 

Her path will take her to the inner-city. Her steps are ordered by God.  She is doing His work bringing "up there down here."

She'll be giving away food (that you packed in boxes) at our Community Center (which you purchased) in a warm and safe facility (which you restored and renovated) to hundreds of hunger people (whom you love).

When God's people practice Kingdom living in this fallen world, the Church makes the invisible Kingdom visible.  Christianity is not just a guide to successful living.  We don't do what we do to participate in some noble cause or because we want to leverage political influence.  We act because we believe, as Chuck Colson said, "...as God's holy people, we are called both to end systemic evil and reform cultural attitudes."

Sheila is on a mission; she's determined to help some people who matter to God. 

What are you doing today?

New Blog Parameters

Oops.

Sheila has informed me there will be no more talk about sagging behinds on my blog.

Make a note of it.

Flannel Graph Jesus and Spandex

After a weekend immersed in the world of Spandex what's left to say? 

   "Don't wear Spandex."

   "If you do wear Spandex, don't wear it in public."

   "You'll never catch Flannel-Graph Jesus in Spandex."

In addition to those ruminations I'll add three more.

1. Spandex can stretch more than 500%.  Imagine how God wants to stretch our faith, extend our reach, broaden our thinking and enlarge our grasp for His Kingdom.

2.  Spandex can be repeatedly stretched and will always return to its original shape without bagging or sagging.  This is not true of our physical bodies.  I've noticed my skin both "bags" and "sags" when it is stretched to encompass a greater volume only to be diminished in like fashion. 

We don't want our faith to be stretched only to have it "sag" and return to its previous size.  Since the righteous live by faith, the kind of life we live will reflect the kind of faith we have.  So let's live by faith and leave the "sagging" behind.  (Note to self: a NordicTrack could help me leave my sagging behind.)

3.  Spandex is abrasion resistant and will not create static.  Our faith is analogous; it is not easily offended.  Paul wrote, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love."  The last thing this 'ol world needs is more static.

Next weekend we'll be stretching our faith to new dimensions.

Why? 

Simple.  We don't want to stand before Jesus with "sagging" faith.

When Jesus says, "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first," we'll want to hear Him saying that to us.

Are We Kidding Ourselves?

Maybe I'm bamboozled,flummoxed and confused.  I can't be certain because, by definition, if I was certain I wouldn't be confused.  I freely admit my bewilderment. 

I'm sobered by our remarkable capacity for self-deception. We can hear clear teaching from Jesus and say, "We don't get it."  Really?  How is that?  Is His instruction too complicated?

     What about "Love the Lord your God" don't we understand?

     What about "Love your neighbor" can't we grasp?

     What about "Come, follow me and I will make you
               fishers of men" escapes our comprehension?

Are the fundamental teachings of Jesus imprecise and vague?  Was Jesus too ambiguous? Do we simultaneously comprehend and disdain his instruction?  (Mark Twain admitted to more scriptural understanding than he preferred when he said, "It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.")

What if we discover our protests about Jesus' direction have more to do with rebellion than ignorance?  What if we ascertain our remonstration is birthed in selfish ambition rather than feigned longing for greater clarity?

What if Jesus meant what he said?  What if we know precisely what Jesus meant when Jesus said what he said? 

What if we just don't like what Jesus said? 

What then?

Prepare to Make Progress

See these cleats?  In preparation for our walks together Sheila and I strap them on our boots.  We wore them this morning. They grip the ice and help us stay on our feet (which is important since we're trying to make progress).

This weekend at GCC thousands of us will stride forward.  We're preparing to get a grip on our finances.

More than a hundred of us have already registered for Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.  We're strapping on new commitments.  We're going to get a grip on our money and take steps away from the slippery slope of debilitating debt.  We plan to do something great for God.

Come to one of the services this weekend. Get on your feet. 

Come prepared to take a step with me 'cause that's what we do...

Odocoileus Virginianus On the Loose!

Here's another look at the deer I photographed yesterday.

I think he saw me...