My Psalm 23

God you alone are my provider

and you will give me all I need.

You make me long for more of you.

You speak words of promise to my soul.

You guide me through life and tell me your will,

May my actions be praise to you.

Lord, even though I walk through pain and confusion,

Your voice and your promises comfort me.

And I will fear nothing for you are with me!

Your promises will surely be fulfilled!

Your love is overwhelming,

Your peace consuming.

I will worship you all my days,

And I will live with you for all eternity.

~ adaptation by Sharon Hardwick

A Proverbs 31 Man

A man of true valor is hard to find

A man that seeks the Lord's heart and His ways.

His wife has full confidence in all he does.

She respects him for the man he is.

He works diligently but he is not a slave to his job.

His master is the creator and he serves Him by choice.

He takes care of his family's needs- body, mind and spirit.

He is the spiritual head of the home.

The town sees his passion for things that are not of this world.

He speaks godly wisdom.

He is clothed with strength and dignity.

He has the respect of the town but he does not need it.

He gets his identity from the Lord.

He laughs at days to come, knowing they are out of his control.

~ adaptation by Sharon Hardwick

Don't Assume You Know It All...

Wow, what a statement. I'm not one to assume, but I am one who makes mistakes. Sometimes those blunders are hurtful. I sit up late this evening thinking about pain I have needlessly caused and the hopes that I have not done irreparable damage. I love my family. With every ounce of my being. Unconditionally. Father gave me a trust, two fantastic kids and by marriage, I have inherited another. Yet, failure can drive wedges deep. I've seen it too often and in my zealous attempt to make sure that everyone is treated fairly, I have been the one to trip the lever.

Father led me to this scripture tonight.

Proverbs 3:1-12 (The Message)

Don't Assume You Know It All

Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.

Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.

Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!

Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.

But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.

May those I love so much forgive me for my human failures. May Father who loves us all help to heal wounds that I have caused.

SuperHero's UNITE!

Have you ever met a SuperHero? I have! Right on my own doorstep stood Superman! There wasn't anything in this world that he was afraid of! Of course, some days, he was a Ninja Turtle or Batman! Whatever the situation required that day! Soon, the days of masks and capes came off but they were replaced with baseball bats and golf clubs! Maybe a basketball if the situation was right.

These are the times that I recall having the most fun with my kids. Their imagination ran wild and they were out to conquer the world. Of course, the fact that they are no longer small and playing all the time does not mean that they have grown out of that. You see, they are still my SuperHero's.

When you are a SuperHero, nothing can change that. That's great news because I believe that is how our Father looks at us! I believe we have a Heavenly Father that looks down on us with delight and laughs with us as we take on our days fighting for Truth, Justice and the American way!

So, I'm going to leave you with this video. Another really cool SuperHero. There is no question his Dad is proud of him! There is no doubt that he is and forever will be loved by a Heavenly Father and that same Father cares the same for each of us. Go get 'em Batman!

His Promises

Remember what you said to me, your servant—
I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
Psalm 119:49

So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.
Hebrews 10:22

And this is your confirming sign, confirming that I, God, will do exactly what I have promised.
Isaiah 38:7

Think about this. Wrap your minds around it.
This is serious business, rebels. Take it to heart.
Remember your history,
your long and rich history.
I am God, the only God you've had or ever will have—
incomparable, irreplaceable—
From the very beginning
telling you what the ending will be,
All along letting you in
on what is going to happen,
Assuring you, 'I'm in this for the long haul,
I'll do exactly what I set out to do,'
Calling that eagle, Cyrus, out of the east,
from a far country the man I chose to help me.
I've said it, and I'll most certainly do it.
I've planned it, so it's as good as done.
Isaiah 46:8-11

Ahhh... Thanksgiving!

I hope that you had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. This year, for the first time in years, we traveled for the holiday. Several years ago, we began to host Thanksgiving dinner for both of our parents at our home in Temple.

Jan's parents, Kenneth and Betty, would come along with my parents and we would have a great time catching up on all kinds of things. We would always have a feast - more food than could be consumed in a month. Pies and candy (both of which Jan is exceptionally talented at making) would be sliced and tasted over lies and football! Dad and Kenneth would talk tractors or whatever else happened to cross their minds. The funny ones though were mom and Betty. As mom's dementia and Betty's alzheimer's progressed, they would have the same conversation multiple times during a meal - and enjoy it every time. So did we, by the way.

As my parents began to age, we started to find creative ways to get them to the house. When Mom first went in the nursing home, I would drive to Waco early to pick Dad up, most of all to make sure he would come! He never wanted to leave mom's side, especially on holidays. After Mom passed away, one of us continued to make the journey to pick Dad up to spend time with us. Dad passed away in 2007 and that has been one of the big things I have missed every year. It really didn't sink in how much he was missed until I could no longer go to pick him up.

This year, Betty's Alzheimer's has progressed to a point that the travel and crowds are difficult. Little stops us from finding some way to spent time together so Jan, Sharon and I made the trip to our nephews home in Cleburne. Seems like the destination changed, but the fun never ceased! This year, there was an addition - Ava's first Thanksgiving. I certainly hope she can grow up to enjoy this time of the year just like we have.

You see, it's not the food we eat, although it was wonderful. It was simply being able to spend time together, watching football, swapping stories, spending time throwing a ball and waiting for a Turkey to fry. It was witnessing a new life and sharing in a child's first Thanksgiving. It was spending time with loved ones that may not recall even having the meal. It is all about love and building and renewing of relationships.

My prayer for you is that each time you get together with those you love, you find more reasons to enjoy the time together than to find to spend apart. We were made for this purpose - the feast is special because we share it together!

Choices Made

I ended my last post with a statement "I make a choice every day, every breath, because I am free." What does that mean? What kind of choices? Fairly simple really...

• I choose to see the good in everyone I meet.
• I choose to love even at the risk of that love not being returned.
• I choose to expect the absolute best out of everyone I am associated with.
• I choose to give my absolute best in every situation.
• I choose to believe that no one is intentionally out to hurt me.
• I choose to believe that everyone has a story to tell and it is as unique as the story teller.
• I choose to believe that what is right for me may not be right for you - and it's ok!
• I choose to live my life today expecting that there will be no tomorrow.
• Everyone has flaws - that's a given. If I choose to live my life pointing them out, it would be a pretty miserable existence. You don't have to look far to get a glimpse of mine!
• I choose every day to love my wife and my family. It's a pretty easy choice. By making that choice, I also choose not to allow anything to come between us. Because I choose to have nothing come between us, I have an expectation of the same from each of them. Failure is not an option.
• I may get angry, I may get frustrated. I choose not to allow those emotions to rule my life. They are irrelevant.
• I choose to believe that the same Jesus who gave it all up for me, did so for everyone else and did so freely - that's what makes Him a Savior.
• I choose not to make choices for you - that is your choice, choose wisely.

Modern Day Pharisee?

I've grown up in the church. I've grown up in religion. I've grown up knowing the right things to say and the right things to do and the right ways to act. I've grown up knowing what to hide, and what to conceal behind my smile. I'm fine - how are you? Sound familiar?

Growing up, I don't recall a time when I missed Sunday morning, Sunday night or Wednesday evening services. It was a family thing. We did it - rain or shine, ice or snow. Check the box, we made it. Ever hear the statement "As long as you're under my roof?". Growing up, I did - not many times because I knew what it meant and I went. When I didn't go - it was easier to lie and say I was somewhere else than to say I sat at home and watched the Cowboys! Even after I got married, the Sunday morning call would come - really missed you at church this morning. Check that box!

I know everyone meant well! I know they loved church and loved family and were blessed to be where they were - and after we had kids, we began to do much of the same things. The question has never been did we show up - for me it is did we show up for the right reason? I've struggled - I have to admit it! I can't always say that my favorite time has been walking into the church building one more time. Finding a class to go to that I felt enriched and encouraged was a challenge. Is that what this is all about? There would times that I'd rather be in a dentist chair - in the 1800's!

Why is that? I'm sure many people feel the same way I have felt for years. It's fairly obvious. People are turned off by "religion". Going through the motions. Showing up just to say we have been there. And then there is the longing to do something different. Surely Father gets tired of 2 songs, a prayer... Heaven forbid if we change something. Can you imagine if you had been watching a rerun every week on television for years? Boy, can't wait to watch it again tonight! Wonder who will play the characters? But - we better not miss it - who knows what might happen?

Is Satan enjoying this one? I bet he is.

So, maybe I should tell you that I've had an attitude shift. I now can't wait to be in His presence. I long for an opportunity to spend time in worship. I get up in the mornings to go for a walk just to spend some time in prayer before the day and to be blessed by the presence of the Spirit. Why now - why not before? Surely nothing has changed that dramatically that I would now say that "finally, something is provided that I can participate in and fulfill me". See, I believe it is simply the Spirit being active in my life. The Spirit penetrating me to a point that I can say "I want more - I need more, fill me Lord". And He responds, anxious to love me as much as I love Him.

You see, religion is not the key to success, neither is a name on a building or a check in a box. We began to accept the lie! We started believing that religion was more important than relationship, our knowledge more important than grace. We started buying into the lie that our own human reasoning would win out over walking in faith, that our programs were more important in reaching the lost than following the will of the Holy Spirit. We cherish the musical tradition more than worship of the Father. Yes, we put laws ahead of love. If we put the traditions we keep up against the scripture we read - which one will win?

I don't have any answers. Half the time, I don't even know what the question is. I do know that I'm tired of going up against and being the modern day Pharisee. I now refuse to concede. I will never again lose ground. I no longer worry. I make a choice every day, every breath, because I am free. I am a warrior! I am willing to fight for that freedom - it's a really cool thing. Join me! Let's go to battle together!

Thank you, Jesus.

Come and See!

Soar Like Eagles!

As I stood out last night, surrounded by the family of God under the magnificent starry sky of His creation, soaking in His very presence through the voices of those that love Him, my heart looked back to see where we were just a few short years ago. There were those at that time, praying for revival, praying for deliverance, seeking Father to awaken the Spirit within the body and rekindle the fire that had long been quenched. Some believing that Father had lost track of us. Then, one by one, hearts returned to Father in a powerful way. His very Spirit rekindled within us. Our brothers and sisters wanting what the Spirit had put on our hearts.

What started out with a single individual going to a retreat that no one had heard of - dragged off kicking and screaming, looking for any means of escape, now has traction. Looking around and seeing the fruit of that first step, that step of faith - even though it was difficult - we are witnesses to the bounty that Father has shared with us. Looking into the eyes of that first participant, through her tears of joy, the Lord's blessings poured out on us.

Below is a passage from Isaiah that has been on my heart today. May you be blessed as you taste its fruit.

Isaiah 40:27-31

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying,

"God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me"?

Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?

God doesn't come and go. God lasts.

He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.

He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.

And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.

For even young people tire and drop out,

young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.

They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.

Come and See!

I Believe

I believe the divine came and lived on Earth by choice with no other motive than to love us and save us.

I believe everything shows the glory of Father.

I believe He works His glory in everything that has happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen.

I believe if I'm not living for Him life isn't worth living.

I believe the Lord that spoke the world into existence still speaks to us everyday. But we have to listen.

I believe Father loves me just as much in my sin as He does when I have it all together.

I believe the absurdity of Father's plan gives it validity. Just watch Him put all the pieces together.

One touch of His robe healed. He still heals. Sometimes He heals physically. But I think mostly He longs to heal our hearts, to bring us into a deeper relationship with Him.

I believe Father hates religion. Hates our pathetic attempt to put rules in the place of Him. Hates that we put rules ahead of relationship.

I believe Jesus came to give us freedom. But we have to trust Him with our hearts.

I believe once you really, truly meet Jesus you'll never be the same again. Something inside of you changes and nothing will satisfy you but Him.

I believe in His promises. I believe in the promises He has made to all of His people and the promises He has made to me as an individual.

I believe nothing is worth believing in but Him.

Sharon Hardwick, October, 2010

A Real Breakfast!

What a morning we had out on the deck overlooking a fog covered lake. The first really brisk morning. Thirty-Nine degrees, a lot of moisture on tables and in chairs. A fire-pit to warm your backside and some of the best friends anyone could ever hope for.

Next time - be there! You will be blessed!

Inspiration...

Inspiration... it comes in all forms. To watch something spectacular and to be caught up in the moment. To enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or the sound of rain. To watch someone perform a craft with so little effort and to realize the expertise that the "simple task" requires. What could possibly be more inspiring than to celebrate a championship?

I have been inspired to do many things in my life and can say that several of those things I would never have tried had I not seen or been prompted to by someone who already does it well. That is the case with this blog. For the past several months, I have been reading and keeping up with a blog written by my daughter in law. Kerbi is a "master blogger". It's something she really enjoys.

There are other things that Kerbi enjoys. She is a marvelous cook. One of the reasons I keep up with her blog is that she post some of these recipes and takes pictures of them... They all look so good. I especially like the little caption in the corner of the photo... "Kerbi's Kitchen". Kerbi also shares her insight on her life with my son - another guy I'm particularly fond of and another proud Ranger fan.

I am also inspired by those who return from Quest and Heart Quest, their stories of how Father has impacted their lives - a night-and-day difference! If you need a little inspiration today, dwell on this passage in 1 Peter 2:1-10:

So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.

Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. The Scriptures provide precedent:

Look! I'm setting a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone in the place of honor.
Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation
will never have cause to regret it.

To you who trust him, he's a Stone to be proud of, but to those who refuse to trust him,

The stone the workmen threw out
is now the chief foundation stone.

For the untrusting it's
.. . a stone to trip over,
a boulder blocking the way.

They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted.

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.

I am blessed beyond measure with family and friends. Father has placed inspiration all around me. May I never take that for granted.

Come and see...

"Well" Wishers

Five times - count them! Five times these men have come to my door and uttered these words - "I divorce you, I divorce you, I divorce you". So, I am here simply to set the record straight! First of all, I am not a prostitute. I've tried - I really have. Let's also understand that most of these guys have not been prize winners themselves! So, I know you're asking. If you are not a prostitute, why are you living with guy number 6? The answer to that is very simple - I like to eat. I like to sleep with a roof over my head. I have learned to endure a lot but I really have no desire to sit at the gates and beg for food or sleep under a tree somewhere.

I am what you call an "Outcast". Do you know what it's like being an outcast? Well try this one. I'm an outcast from a society of outcasts. I am a Samaritan. I am a woman. Can't get much lower on the pole than that one. It has gotten so bad that I no longer associate with anyone if I can avoid them. I wait until midday to go and draw my water. Why - because I don't have to endure the not so subtleties of the other "ladies" at the well. Oh, believe me, they have their secrets. It's just easier when I'm around to avoid their own problems and focus on mine for a while.

So it was, on one of those days around noon that I needed to go to the well to draw water. Wouldn't you know it. A Jew. Sitting at the well. Not to worry - he will leave. If he doesn't, he'll never look me in the eye or acknowledge my existence. But, that's where I was wrong. Not only did he speak to me, he knew everything about me. He knew the hurts and the rejection. He was more than a prophet. Could it be?

Well, when he brought up the question about my husband - I can tell you that's the last thing I wanted to discuss. So, I tried to change the subject - Worship! That's a good one. You say it's this, we say it's that... He would have none of it. He told me we were all wrong. That since God was Spirit, the only way to worship Him is with our Spirit. Well, I certainly didn't know about that - but I do know the Messiah is coming and when He comes - then He will have the answers.

You know what he said? He said - "I AM HE"... I AM... O my. I got so excited, I left my jar at the well. I went into town and spoke to people who I haven't talked to in years! I said, "There is a man at the well who told me everything I ever knew about myself - Could this be the Messiah"? Then everyone came to see - and they believed - and He stayed 2 more days. Praise God!

Come and See - powerful words, compelling words. Something you should know about this little group of Christians who have experienced Quest and Heart Quest. We are disciples. We are not disciples of Fellowship of the Sword. We are not disciples of Quest or Heart Quest. We are disciples of Jesus Christ. We are seekers of His will for our lives. We seek relationship over religion. We seek hearts that are willing to be molded and transformed into the likeness of Christ.

May Father bless each of you this week as you seek to serve Him in a world of "Well" Wishers.

Welcome!

This page is dedicated to the individuals who have been and who are going to Quest or HeartQuest retreats sponsored by Fellowship of the Sword from the Central Texas Area. Since the Hardwick family return, God has blessed us so much with a freedom that we have never experienced before. This blog's sole purpose is to honor Father and to be a continued blessing to those who have taken on the challenge of Quest and HeartQuest along with other events sponsored by FTS.

In the coming months, you will read stories of faith and inspiration of those who have made this journey and how their lives have been enriched because of it.

May Father continue to bless our lives together!