Science

I'm not a science guy.  I truly appreciate science, but as far as understanding all of the nuances and intricacies, I'm totally lost.  This past Saturday, Mary received an invitation to attend a birthday party at the NC Nature and Science Museum in downtown Raleigh.  It was my first trip there, so I was kinda excited to see all the sights and sounds.  After walking into the front door, all I could say, "Wow!"  Huge skeleton exhibits of all kinds of animals, a butterfly room where many of them would land on you, visual displays to foster imagination, and of course, live snakes BEHIND glass.  Just seeing a rather large rattlesnake behind glass still gives me the creeps.

At one point in the party, a worker brings out live animals to see up close and touch if you desired.  First was a bearded dragon lizard, creepy looking, but cool to see.  Then my heart dropped when she emerged with a small ball python wrapped around her arm.  I carefully located the nearest exit, just in case, but that would require my fast exit over the bodies of 12 young toddlers.  No sense in being a George Costanza here, so I buckled down and took one for the team.  I did touch the snake, but just lightly and for a few seconds (oh, OK just two seconds, but they were very long seconds).  Then a small alligator, that looked ready for his next meal, but she had a firm grip on him so the heart rate continued to decrease.  We stayed well after the party ended walking through the museum and touching many things.  All in all it was great afternoon, and we shall repeat especially during the winter season.

Shout out to my siblings: eldest sister who is a science teacher for high schoolers, and to my other sister who has her masters degree in nursing, and my brother is a nurse (he's a male nurse; funny if you have watched "Meet the Parents")...they all have the gift of knowing and understanding science, love to you all.

Painting

Recently I had the pleasure of doing some house maintenance and I am so thankful that my pastor/mentor Don Phillips was able to teach me the techniques of painting and staining years ago.  The first item of business was to have someone pressure wash the house, and with the capable leadership of my wife, that was accomplished on Thursday.  Next we made a trip to Sherwin Williams paint store to secure the paint for the rails on the front porch: accomplished.  At the store, Mary showed us a large book full of ideas on how to paint/decorate a room suitable for a little princess.  They had large adhesive images from most popular shows.  She was most impressed with all the Disney characters to choose from...her favorite (for today) was Ariel.

Then on Saturday morning, I kissed my beautiful wife and active 4 year old so long as they trekked to Statesville for family time.  Now to paint those handrails.  Quick overview: paint (check), brush (check), paint stirrers (check), rags (check), screwdriver (check).  All was in place, and then I noticed that two bushes were in the way.  Quickly I retrieved the pruning shears and did a little work, voila!  Now we are ready.  Well, almost.  I needed to get a small edger to aid in NOT painting the stained deck boards.  Check.  Now to pry open the sturdy can of pricey paint.  Can you believe that a gallon of paint cost $38????  And that was one of the cheapest available.

Once the can is open, I then proceed to stir the paint.  At first I think there is some mistake, the paint is thick.  Really thick.  But channeling my mentor and friend Don, I remember that this is normal.  So using some elbow grease, I start to make some progress in making it pliable.  Now to dip the brush into that magical white solution ever so gently…just like I was taught.  Then to apply that white liquid gold onto the painted wood hand rails…ah, just like Don taught me. 

Fast forward several hours, we are now complete with the assignment.  Now to clean the brush so I can use it again.  Obtain my soap, bucket, water, and rags…commence to cleaning.  It goes smoothly without any complications, and then back to look over the finished task.  Yes, I am most pleased with the results, and only notice a few glaring mistakes, but still very pleased.

My spiritual lesson from this: be patient.  Yes, patience is not always received enthusiastically, but nonetheless, it is ALWAYS a great tool to keep in your tool box.  Mistakes will be made, but God gives us rags and soap to correct those, so we can continue in hopes of completing the project.  Hang in there, the finish line is just in sight.  You can do it!

Laughter

Ah, the sound of laughter echoing down the halls that beckons a smile while bringing curious minds to follow the emanating trickles of joy.  I quickly paced down the hall in hopes of finding the reason for the joyous sounds, but I moved too slowly.  Upon my arrival, I glanced to find smiling faces burning with red due to the exhaustive and continuous laughter caused by someone (remaining anonymous) telling a humorous story about himself.  I later heard the strange tell that instantly brought smiles and laughter to my face, and I too laughed so hard my face turned red (it's still a secret, as promised).

I love to laugh.  Really, I do love to laugh.  Mostly at my own expense, but I still laugh.  In fact, I could be (and most often I am) accused of laughing at those moments that are NOT funny, but I still laugh.  My sense of humor is dry, often missed by those around me, but I still laugh.

Below, I want to encourage you to watch the video clip "What If Starbucks Marketed like a Church!"  It has both humor (at least to me), and a strong message to the church.  Laugh.  Smile.  Think.  That's right...think.  What are the implications for the church in the clip? 

In the county that I preside (Wake, NC), there are less than 20%  that claim to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Out of 627,000 only 109,000 claim to have a relationship with the creator of the universe.  Staggering.  Since NC is solidly placed in the "Bible Belt" this is furthering horrorfying.  What has happened to the church?  Where did we get sidetracked?  Why did we choose to ignore God's command to go and make disciples?

Good questions, but not necessarily needed.  What we must do now is to take God serious and what He has commanded us.  Thus, go and make disciples.  Does it really matter what style of music is played?  (Side note: remeber from "Blues Brother's" the scene where they go to Bob's Country Bunker to play a concert gig?  The lady behind the bar is asked by Elwood, "So what kind of music do they typically play here?"  She resonds, "Why both kinds: country and western!")  Does it really matter about parking lots, pews, carpets, hymn books, or clothing trends?  Too often we get distracted by what is most important in church life: making disciples.

Are you distracted?  Do you consider making disciples an important matter for the local church?  I pray that we, the local church, will get our act together and get serious in following God and His teaching concerning making disciples.  How about you?

Sharing Your Faith

Some people believe that sharing your faith is a daunting task that is reserved only for outgoing people not afraid of speaking in public.  They are wrong.  Very wrong.  It is very easy, and usually takes just a few minutes of time.  I have not engaged in a debate with someone over faith issues in years, but most would like to hear what you believe, and how they can get more information.  Hence the great addition to sharing your faith are handouts.  They come in various forms, shapes, sizes, and colors, but they are only profitable if they are handed out to others.  Some call them tracts, Bible studies, pamphlets, or brochures, but the bottom line is to share your faith.

The other night we were enjoying a nice dinner out and afterwards had some time to talk to our waiter Luke.  His plans are to enroll in the Air Force and leave in a few weeks.  I told him that I would pray for him during his training days, and he mentioned that he would be most appreciative.  This then led to a conversation about church, faith, and then Christ.  He was raised in church, and knew Christ as His Savior, but was still new to our area.  I quickly gave him a card about our church info and another website to aid him in his spiritual walk.  The conversation took place in less than 5 minutes.  Even if someone is not that receptive, most will take a card that points them to a website.  At least a seed is planted, and who knows what will happen at a later time.  Just remember to share your faith.  Share your story.

In the Scripture, we are commanded by God to do just that...share your faith.  It's not optional.
Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:10-17; 1 Corinthians 9:22; Isaiah 6:8 ;  Romans 1:16; Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 6:23; Matthew 9:37-38; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; Isaiah 45:22; Acts 2:1-47; John 3:16-17

Key leaders over the years have said this about sharing your faith.
We should not ask, "What is wrong with the world?" for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, "What has happened to the salt and light?" - John R. W. Stott
We are all missionaries...Wherever we go, we either bring people nearer to Christ, or we repel them from Christ. - Eric Liddell
Whatever you do, wherever you live, if you belong to Jesus Christ, the call from heaven has come to you to the highest honour a human being can experience. The Son of God is spreading His love, His lifestyle, and His life-saving message across this planet and you know what? He has summoned you to join Him in His glorious Administration. Don't settle for anything less. - Ron Hutchcraft
A missionary is one who never gets used to the sound of heathen footsteps on their way to a Christless eternity. - Anonymous
When God doesn't want me to do something, I definitely know it. When he wants me to do something, even if it means going outside my comfort zone, I know that too. I feel pushed in the direction I need to go... I try to stand up for my faith at school... It can be discouraging, but it can also be rewarding... I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It's the least I can do for Christ dying for me. - Cassie Rene Bernall
(A 17-year-old from Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, USA who died April 20, 1999)

Below is a funny look at evangelism, enjoy the video!

Being Courageous

Yesterday at church, we celebrated Homecoming, and we had a great time.  A former minister, Brian Faggart, came back home and delivered a great message about seeking rest from God.  Then we all enjoyed a delicious meal surrounded by friends and family.  It might have been a tad cool, but still a great time.  Then we, several from the church, went to see the movie "Courageous" in Cary.  Wow!  By far the best movie produced from the Sherwood's that moved you emotionally through a series of complicated scenes that had me second guessing, but in the end, making a decision to move closer in my faith to a living God.  I truly hope that you will take a moment very soon and go see this film.  Be ready to go through a full range of emotions with the climax culminating in making a decision about your relationship with God and your family.

Be a courageous dad, your family is depending on you, and God is commanding you.  What is your decision?

"Casting Crowns"