The Steadfast!

I never did blog on Ty's last message of "The Forgotten Arts" series. "The Steadfast" was a great ending to a very needed teaching. To be steadfast is to be immovable, loyal and faithful. Ty talked about the story of Nehemiah and how he proceeded with the building of the walls even though he was threatened by the enemy. He knew where his vision had come from and nothing or no one would stop what God had planned. What a great testimony of standing on the promises of God. How easily do we give up? When opposition comes our way do we run or do we stand firm? If we truly know that God is for us, than who can be against us? In my opinion, to be steadfast is one of the most important character traits that we can possess. Too often we throw in the towel when the going gets tough. It is so easy to get a lawyer and sign a piece of paper to end a marriage. The only problem is that marriage is a spiritual contract as well. We give up on our calling because we are tired of dealing with difficult people. But when God calls you he will protect you from the fiery darts. Life is difficult and nobody promised us a bed of roses. But be committed to what you know God has put before you. Fight for what you love and who you love. Be steadfast! Don't be moved by the waves of this world. The word says that when you feel like you can't stand anymore STAND. God is with you and He will never let you go. Don't you let go either.

Fly Fishing!!

Great time with friends. The Tuttles' and the Beans' on the road. On Thursday morning we headed to Chama New Mexico. We stayed at the Chama Land and Cattle Company Resort. It was a dream place to visit. We had an incredible time and the fish were numerous. Our guide said it was ridiculous how many fish we were catching. We went to bed each night stuffed from the 5 course meal they served. If you know me, the food is one of the most important parts of any trip. I meant to say "the most" important. I can't tell you how much Ty and I needed this. It was one of those vacations that when you come home you actually feel rested. We got to be ourselves and relax. What a blessing! Thank you Larry and Nora for loving us just the way we are.

Looking Up!

Euphoria is something I experience more than the average person. I sit back and look at my life and I am just so humble. I thank God every day for how He has blessed me. But with that I must also be honest about something else. It is so easy for me to get focused on things that pull me down. I just finished looking at a complete strangers blog. This blog was created by a wife and a mother of 3. I just said to Ty that if we knew this couple I bet we would be friends. Her last entry was proclaiming that her little daughter's cancer is in remission. I read the detailed story of the miracle that they have experienced. I continued to view all of their pictures and with each photo the tears continued to come. I soon discovered that their oldest child has Downs Syndrome. But in their home they call it the Up Syndrome. The second child is another adorable boy. All three kids grinning from ear to ear. Not one moment did I see or read gloom and doom in this blog. How do they do this? It got me thinking about my own life. Sometimes it is the smallest things that can send me into my pit. And in that pit I gripe and complain about my situation. I see no way out at that very moment. I am embarrassed to admit this but I really want to change. They say that you are either born an optimist or you're not. I say , "with God all things are possible." I want to be an example of Faith. I want to see the good in all things. I want to trust in God when it looks impossible in the natural. Every day I am growing in the Lord. I don't have everything figured out but I know I am headed in the right direction. My attitude will set the tone for my home. It is so important that we each recognize the part we play in our family. Eyes are always on us and we have a huge responsibility. Each of us are so blessed in so many ways. Stuff is going to happen. We will each have many opportunities to get down. But through it all I am going to make a conscious effort to see the good. We all have a choice in this life. We choose our friends, we choose our attitude and we choose our actions. I choose to look UP! How about you?

The View from my Seat!

What a great night? Not only did worship ROCK, but the message was incredible. "The Forgive" was another message that we all need to hear. Forgiveness is something I think we all take for granted at one time or another. We have been given the greatest gift, God's forgiveness, but it can sometimes be so difficult for us to offer that same grace to someone else. Ty gave an illustration of a Great Dane being tied to a bench in front of a convenient store while his owner was inside getting a beverage. Something spooked him and he took off full force taking the bench with him. The damage he was causing behind him never seemed to phase his pace. Car after car were being damaged and no telling what else was in the path of destruction. On our journey through life, if we hold on to unforgiveness, we are a lot like this dog. We can destroy so many things in our life without even knowing it. This dog was clueless to the damage he was leaving behind him. When we are wrapped up in the hurts and pain from the past, it makes it so hard to be free and move on. I love to use the old phrase, "Let Go and Let God". God wants to restore your life and mend your broken heart. He just can't do what He wants to when we are chained to our past. Leave it all behind.

We are all Different!

This week Brady Bean is attending Art Camp. The moment he heard that he was going to attend, he was thrilled. He has always been an art lover. In fact, at his Pre-K graduation 2 weeks ago, he said that when he grew up he wanted to be an artist. Last year he wanted to be a donut shop owner but now it is an artist. We are really encouraging his love for art because he is really good at it. He has an incredible imagination and an eye for detail. When I picked him up yesterday at the Center for Arts, he was so excited to show me his work. They had done life size portraits and ocean themed water colors. After looking at his exceptional work (a little prejudice), I looked around at all the other students work. It was amazing at how each piece was so different. For instance, the ocean scene, I expected a lot of sharks and fish swimming in a sea of blue. Not at all! I saw octopus and swordfish along with seaweed and starfish splattered among a rainbow of colors. Each piece had its own flair. This got me to thinking. We are all so different. This class has 24 kids attending and they all share a common interest. They love art. But at the same time, they are each unique from one another. Their uniqueness is what makes art so interesting. I love to see a child's imagination come to life on paper. Why is it that as adults and in the context of life, we try to conform to the likeness of those around us? We don't embrace our differences but we try to mold our self into anothers image. God has called me to do and to be something incredible. God has called you to do and to be something incredible. We are all made in His image but we are all different in our purpose. It is time that we embrace our differences. Don't be moved by anothers talents or gifts. But be challenged to find what makes you, YOU! What makes you tick? What do you love and what do you dislike? Our differences are what make us stand out from the crowd. Just like art, it is boring to walk around and view a room of duplicates. I want to see originality. I'm sure God feels the same way. We are each a beautiful masterpiece that our Father has created. Allow his brush strokes to create something the world has never seen.

Watching Him Work!

Do you ever sit back and admire God's work? That is what I did Saturday night. I just sat back and said, "Wow." The Junction Christian Academy fundraiser was a huge success. We raised over $15,000.00 in one night. I love to see people get a vision, run with it at all cost and then watch what God does because of obedience. I am so proud of our church. We are not afraid to dream. We are not afraid to step out even when the world thinks we are crazy. When Cigi quit the school system to become CJC youth pastor, many thought she had lost it. You did what? Being a school teacher has great benefits and summers off. How could she leave all that and work for few benefits and very little time off? She knew God's voice!! She has not one doubt that she made the right decision and she is changing a generation. Crill Allen left the school system this year just shy of retirement. You want to talk about faith. I even had people try to tell me that I needed to talk her out of this decision. On paper it may not look sensible but paper will one day turn to ash. The steps Crill has taken today will make a difference in eternity. My friend Corrina stepped out and began her equine therapy ministry this year. She jumped out there with a dream and she has rallied the troops. Because of her following God's lead others are finding their calling. People realize that they "fit" and they can help make a difference. Charley Price, one of our ushers, followed a dream this year. He started his own business. Owning your own company is hard work and the responsibilities are huge. Charley knew what he wanted and he chased it. I spoke to him the other day about his company and he loves what he does. Many times following God is like being in the movies. As a movie goer, when Tom Cruise jumps off the skyscraper, it looks as if he is doomed to death. But for the ones on the inside, they saw the inflatable cushion and the green screen. When someone steps out and does what God has called them to do, it often looks like the end of them. But from the inside, God's safety net is in plain sight. That safety net is God's faithfulness. When he gives us dreams and when we follow his plan, he will never let us down. The journey may have lots of twists and turns. But if we keep our course, we will reach our destination. So if you have a dream or if God has given you a vision, GO FOR IT!!! Then sit back and watch Him work. It is so much fun!