My First Evaluation

I love my shepherds!! (Can you believe I'm writing this AFTER my evaluation??!!)
What an uplifting and inspiring time we had last night as they affirmed me and prayed for me. As an employee, I understand that they are paying me to do certain things, but I also expect them to be my shepherds and not just my bosses. They do not disappoint!!
These men care more about my spiritual, emotional, and financial well-being than they care about seeing "results." And that is a good thing, because "results" in my line of work are sometimes hard to measure!
Shepherds care for their sheep. They make sure they are fed and that they are safe. They want their sheep to have friends and get along with the rest of the flock. They want the best for their sheep...even sheep who they have hired to help minister to the flock.
Thank God for Larry Becker, Mike Eudy, LaVerne Haselwood, Dean Hamilton, Dean Howard and Burrel Beck.

On a side note...days don't get much better than today! A day off, 80 degrees in beautiful Omaha, Nebraska, morning spent playing outside with your son, an afternoon walk with the family by Lake Zorinsky followed by a picnic, and a quiet evening with my wife. (By the way, our FIVE year anniversary is coming on Friday!!)

Fun Pic from Orlando

Here's a pic of me chillin' with my buds in DinoWorld at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We had a blast soakin' up the sun and cruisin' the strip. I just wanna give a shout out to my homeys T-Dawg and Tricera-Dude!!

Happy Slapping

There is a disturbing new fad among world teenagers called "Happy Slapping." Contrary to its name, happy slapping is the filming of real-world violence.
Films have started to appear on U.S. websites that depict students beating on unsuspecting peers. I first saw one a few weeks ago of several teen GIRLS (seniors) kicking and punching a freshman girl.
What is it within human beings that makes us want to harm others?
Is it really cool to have the tape rolling while you pop somebody in the face or gang-rape a girl?
If you are a teenager, PLEASE RUN away from this idea. (Buy a punching bag, for crying out loud!)
If you are a parent, just be aware that this fad has made its way from Britain and France (where happy slapping was banned today) to the United States.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." - Jesus (from Matt. 5:9)

Happy While Hurting

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith builds perseverance." James 1:2-3


James is our topic of study in Senior High this quarter. He is SO practical it's scary!! Here are some thoughts about the above passage:

• How come some people face trials and make it through, while others fall away from their faith?? What makes some people stick it out and others run away?
  
• Why is it easier to be "joyful" about trials AFTER they happen and not DURING?!!
• Why is it SO hard for us to cope with difficult times in our lives? Is it our upbringing? Is it our country and culture? Is it a faith problem? (Well, I guess so, because not many people DEAL with their trials, and therefore are losing their faith and perseverance!!!)
• How can I help others be "joyful" in times of trial?
  
• I realize I cannot just tell people, "Cheer up!" when they are going through tough times. I think the only reason James could say it is because he had an incredibly deep relationship with them and because he spoke with great authority as one who LIVED OUT what he preached.
• Can you look back on anything in YOUR life that was painful at the time, but has produced greater perseverance? (I CAN!!)
• Is there something in your life NOW that is difficult and painful? If so, do you believe this verse, that you will gain perseverance in your faith if you stick it out with God?!
• Do you know someone who is in the middle of a trial and needs some JOY?

God, I pray for those who are "just getting by" today. Help them to stop just long enough to hear your gentle whisper in their lives. Help them to reach for you in their struggles and NOT TRY TO DO IN ON THEIR OWN. Help them to have JOY today!!
God, thank you for trials. Help us to praise you when we come through them unscathed and with deeper faith!! Amen!