COMFORTED OR COMFORTABLE?

This question has been rattling around in my mind for quite some time now:

Are we supposed to be comforted or comfortable?

Think about this question for a moment. When was the last time you went through something difficult? Loss of a loved one? Financial woes? Bad grade? Betrayal? If you prayed, did you pray for God to comfort you in your time of need, or did you pray for God to make you comfortable?

I know I tend to ask God to make me comfortable. When the money is tight I ask for him to put a job in my hands instead of asking him to help me be a better steward of the money and resources he has given me.

When I'm stressed out about not having enough time to get everything done I ask for him to give me a vacation instead of asking him to help me manage my precious time better.

See where I'm going with this? I would much rather be comfortable than comforted. That's on me, though. I cannot be entitled and spoiled and expect God to bless that type of attitude. Instead, I'm called to be like Jesus, who, even though he was God, thought nothing of himself, but served those around him (Phil. 2). If I learn to serve like Jesus did, and love like he does, then I won't ever think to ask to be comfortable because I'm busy being comforted by the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Phil. 4:7).

So, what do you want to be - comforted or comfortable?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

AND WE'RE OFF...

Like a herd o' turtles!


Okay, maybe not turtles. Maybe more like fledgling eagles learning to fly.


It's a new year and we have new opportunities to be the best whatever we are that we can be. Roo, Goo, and yours truly are zonked from the eleven-hour trip back to OKC, so we're headed to bed. However, we are bursting with anticipation of what God has in store for us. So, let's do this!

Are you ready?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

WHAT I GOT FOR CHRISTMAS

This has been one of the best Christmases I've ever had; not because of the presents I got or even because of the presents I gave. It was the best because I got to spend valuable time with my family, and there is only one greater gift that I know of - the gift of Jesus. Without that gift, there would be no point of Christmas. This song says it all:



I hope and pray your Christmas was even better than ours...which is very tough to pull off!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

What A Loser!

This is Sean.
He's a big loser.
He has lost over 115 pounds and he's still losing.

Because he is a real man, he lost his position on the Biggest Loser ranch.
Because he is a real man, he is about to be a father for the third time.
Because he is a real man, he is traveling around the country promoting healthy living.

He's one of my favorite people on the planet!

Pray for Sean and his family.
If you know him, show him some love.
If you don't know him, get to know him.

We love you, Sean!

Thank You

To all the single moms and dads who are trying to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, thank you for proving that it can be done.

To all the married couples who love their spouses as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, thank you for being an example to those in loveless relationships.

To the people who revolutionized the way the world communicates (internet, blogging, email, etc.), thank you for making life easier and so much more complicated all in one fell swoop.

To all the musicians who have influenced my life (from Aretha all the way to Zorro and so many in-between), thank you for fueling my passion for music.

To the people who doubted me and what God would do in me, thank you for giving me a reason to keep working and learning and improving (I'm bound and determined to prove you wrong!).

To all my friends with whom I've lost contact, thank you for always being there for me, even when we can't or don't talk anymore. My friends are my family.

To my family, thank you for allowing me to make mistakes so I could learn the value of striving for perfection, the goal I'll never reach on my own, especially in this life.

To my beautiful wife, Stephanie, and our little biscuit, Gabby, thank you for showing me what family love really means. I'm still learning, but aren't we all?

And finally, to the person who stole my iPod yesterday, thank you for reminding me that it's just stuff and that there's a reason the streets in Heaven are paved with gold (because the currency in Heaven is love). Jesus died for that, too.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

This Christmas

This Christmas is different for me than any other Christmas in my 32 years on this planet. Several reasons. First, it’s my first Christmas with my future (in one week!) in-laws. I never imagined being this close to marriage a year ago, but it’s something that God has done in my life and I’m thankful. Second, it’s my first Christmas outside of Texas (that I know of). It’s odd how traditions are so easily broken when there’s a good reason. I believe that if I had gone to Texas this Christmas, I’d come back to Tennessee more broke than I already am. Providence. Third, it’s my first Christmas in which I don’t get to see my Dad. I’ve always been able to see him on or around Christmas day, but I won’t get to see him until probably April (God willing) because of low fundage, wedding preparation, moving, and plenty of other reasons. I’ll admit. I was really upset when I first realized I wouldn’t see my Dad anymore this year, but I found hope. I found hope in the work I’ve been able to do with the church. Every year, the church where I work does a food / clothing / toy giveaway called “Christmas Blitz” and it was started several years ago by the late Tommy Gill. Shortly before he died, he told me, “Do good things for people and good things will happen for you.” Very similar to a Bible verse that says, “Give and it will be given to you.” That’s what Christmas Blitz is all about. We gather up food, clothing and toys, box it up, and deliver it to area families who are struggling. Some have a little food to get them through the holidays. Some have nothing at all. Steph and I met an elderly couple who is taking care of 2-year-old twin girls who were born prematurely and have had health problems all their lives. That’s got to be nightmarish at times. I can’t imagine being in that situation. But God is faithful. He brought them more than enough food to get through the holiday season, as well as some great toys and gifts for the girls. It reminds me to count my blessings daily. I may have gotten tons of stuff for Christmas. I may have gotten nothing material for Christmas. I’m not discussing that with people. What I will discuss, though, are the huge blessings I received from people who allowed us to give them hope for the holidays and a sense of joy and family. How many people do we know who have no hope or joy or peace or family? You might be surprised when you think about it. So, as we reflect on Christmas time, let’s reflect on the joy that comes from giving and from family. Let’s be in constant prayer for those who can’t be with family or loved ones this holiday season, especially our troops. Blessings to you all, and don’t forget…

ONE WEEK ‘TIL WE TIE THE KNOT!!!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Hope for the Holidays

Okay, Kids. This will be short and sweet, but extremely important, so please pay close attention.

I have a sister who is raising four kids by herself and is having a really hard time supporting herself and her kids. She, like the rest of my family, is very stubborn and even more proud. That means she doesn't like to ask for help. Ever! That's why I'm asking for help for her.

First, I ask that you pray for her. Her name is Rahnee (sounds like "Ronnie") and her kids range in age from 13 to 1 1/2. She needs as much prayer as you can muster, and prayer is free.

Second, she needs encouragement. My hat's off to all single mothers. I can't imagine the level of difficulty and commitment it takes to be a single mom. If you are a single mother, I ask God for a special blessing upon you and your children. My your blessings overflow from his gracious hand. If you want to give her and her daughters some encouragement, let me know and we'll work out the details.

Third, if you have the financial resources to reach out and help her, I know she would appreciate your help in that regard. She works two full-time jobs, but that simply isn't enough. She needs financial help. If you are able and willing to help in that way, let me know and we'll make it happen.

Finally, pray more. Prayer changes everything. God is faithful to his people when we seek him diligently. My sister needs your help. She needs your prayers and your support. She's too embarrassed to ask for help, and she would freak out if she knew I were writing this plea for help, but I refuse to let her suffer anymore, as long as I have anything to do with it. Do the right thing. Search your heart and give my family some hope for the holidays.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate