Darlene will head to Nashville tomorrow in order to find a job, visit friends and perhaps look for a place to stay. We’ve tried to make Louisiana School system work for Caleb but he has been unsuccessful here so we’ve made the decision to be apart for the year so that Caleb can graduate. Praying for God to really show us what to do and how to make things work

There are lots of reasons why God shouldn’t use you.

A Spoken Word Poem

Message for me. Maybe for you too.

This is a sermon based on Pete Briscoe’s idea of a modern day understanding of the Biblical concept of the Bema.

I will sing of the loving-kindness of the Lord forever. I will make known with my mouth how faithful You are to all people. 2 For I said, “Loving-kindness will be built up forever. You will make known how faithful You are in the heavens.”

Thanking God that the song doesn’t end. Nothing can stop the rhythm and meter of this melody. Death, separation, doubt and despondency are no match for the strong and unchained  sound of God’s grace. It has passed through ages of war, pain, oppression, bondage and unthinkable holocaust and yet the sound is steady and strong. It is tall enough to reach the heavens and powerful enough to break the bounds of oppression. It was sung as a dirge on a cruel cross on a Friday but returned as a dawn-breaking, triumphant wakeup anthem on Sunday.  Thank You God that the song never ends.

He needs to eat, to be loved, and held closely.
He needs to be protected.
The little guy can really do nothing for himself.
He’s a high maintenance gift from God.
Such a miracle! Such an overwhelming revelation of God’s power and artistry!
But as you bathe him, provide for him, He’s going to need something from you.or advise on girls and cars.
This precious child needs something that will never fade.
It’s a gift that is found in the quiet times and lonely places of your life.
Eternity is in the balance. It is dependent upon this gift you’ll give him.
More than college funds, and clothes.
Even more than wise counsel, as important as that is.
He will need your consistent, passionate, powerful prayers.
That’s what he needs from you today, tomorrow and for every day you call him son.

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I came to God with fashion sense

And clothes I bought at great expense

I knew the drill

All things down pat.

God said, I never wanted that.

I huddled with my life long friends.

Talk to strangers? That depends.

I loved the show from where I sat.

God said, I never wanted that.

I knew each song

I’ve heard them all

Each choral piece and worship call

I cringed when someone’s song fell flat

God said, I never wanted that.

My i-pod has a thousand songs

Of worship stars before the throngs.

On Sundays I step up to bat.

God says I never wanted that.

He says, I want your heart to sing

and worship as me as rightful king

To come with sacrificial praise

To honor me in all your days

To drop your mask and foolish pride

for they’re not the reasons that I died

I conquered death to make you whole

Your LOVE has been my greatest goal

To vow your love and make it true.

Your love is what I want from you.

I have a confession to make. Love really hurts these days. It all began when my 14 year old got MMA lessons for his birthday. Often I come through the door of the house and somewhere lurking in the shadows is a 140 pound guy with the body fat of a coat hanger who will bring me into submission.  This was fun when he didn’t know Brazilian Jujitsu.  There’s a lot I didn’t know about MMA.  It would have been great if he would have told me that “tap out” is a mercy command. I would have tapped out the moment I caught a glimpse of his swan dive from the top of the stairs to the top of my head as I came through the foyer of our home.

I’ve learned a few terms over the past few weeks including…

[pullquote1 align=”right” variation=”orange”]I know there will come a day when he won’t be hiding around the corner to see if he’s stronger than his father. The connections we make together over the next four years will impact his life and mine for eternity. [/pullquote1]

The Armbar: a joint lock that hyperextends the elbow. Note: It causes pain. Tap out, Dad.

The Anaconda Choke:  consists of trapping one of your opponents arms with an under-hook and clasping hands on the other side of his neck, squeezing his neck and arm together to cut off air supply Note: Anytime anaconda and choke are used in the same sentence, I don’t want to be involved.

The Heel Hook:  A hold which is applied on the heel and then fully accomplished by twisting the knee at the joint. (I am limping this morning.)

The Twister: Involves facing your opponent’s feet while in half guard, putting your hand on your opponents knee and creating space to spin your foe into submission. (I prefer the Milton Bradley game version.)

There’s a lot of stress for my 9^th grader and if being his personal crash test dummy creates a bond between us, I’m in. I will recover from his pinch grip ties, arm bars, over-hooks, and leg locks. Caleb is a guy and like most guys we are programmed for battle. I’m even more proud that he realizes that there’s a spiritual battle out there and in here.
There’s a formidable foe and he has a strategy for both of us. We’re ready. And together with God the ultimate tap out is certain!