The Legend of LEON

I don't know if you have Leon living at your house or not, but apparently Leon lives here. Ever since Glenn was a little boy, Leon would come out at Christmas time and find Jan's prized NOEL Christmas Ornament and change it to his name and find a new place to rest. For the last several years, Leon has been fairly quiet. No one knows why for sure.

But this year, Leon has come out with a vengeance! He has been found in a variety of places around the house and I have documented this occurrence in hopes that this poor lost soul can maybe one day find his way home. As you can see below, I have found Leon above Jan's portrait, over her bed, in the window seal and among the decorations. And - most dastardly of all - he has found his way to settle in among Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus themselves.



For the most part, I have been able to find Leon and put him back in his rightful place before Jan stumbles across him. I have found the need to do this because she will either blame Sharon or I for this hideous activity. I know, that as unlikely as that sounds, Jan is certain that this phenomena could not be of supernatural origin. However, early this morning, I found him once again - and finally the explanation is clear. I found him... in Glenn's old room... at the foot of his bed.


Now, if isn't obvious by this time that there is no way that it could be Sharon or myself that made this happen, I don't know what is!!! It also, apparently, clears Glenn from any wrong doing so many years ago. I'm sorry that I doubted you son. The Legend of Leon continues and will go on I'm certain for many, many years. We must be ever vigilant to catch this evil perpetrator.

So, I warn all of my friends and family to keep your eyes open! Who knows what might be next???

Hey, Dad - Can I Borrow the Smite Button?

Dad, do you mind if I borrow the Smite Button for the day? It seems like you could use a little help in this category. Frankly, Dad, I'm a little disappointed. It's been 10 years since the terrorist attacked and, honestly, I thought there would be a whole lot more smiting going on. So, if you don't mind, just let me borrow it Sunday, 9/11.

Now, there are a few things I would like to know about this button before I use it. First, does it have a "Group Feature"? I mean, if it does, I'll just send a note to Leon Panetta and let him know to prepare to bring our troops home on the 12th. Because, given a few minutes and a push of a button, we won't lose another one of our own.

I know, before I hit the button, I'll be sure to offer up a prayer for them - I mean, you do say to love our enemies. I'll make sure I give them a couple of minutes to make a decision.

And if you don't mind, while I have the button, I think I'll do a little more clean-up for You. I'm thinking about those that exploit our kids. Use them in horrendous ways. Dad, you've been a little lax on this front. So, I'll offer up a prayer for them and then "SMITE"! Of course, by this time, you might want to let St. Pete know that there will be a few extra visitors on the 11th.

We have a little clean-up down south of us as well. I mean, we can't even get over the border to take Your Word down to those who really need to hear it because of these drug cartels and bullets flying. Dad, we really don't want to put our high school kids in the line of fire. I know You know that and, really, we trust you to do just about anything keeping us safe - but, you know, just one stray bullet and, well we just can't have our kids hurt spreading the gospel. You understand, I'm sure.

Of course Lord, I want to give You all the credit for this! Far be it for me to take the credit! I mean, when the world gets the news that the Smite Button has been dusted off, then I'm sure there's a bunch of folks that will fall back into the straight and narrow! I certainly want to give You all the Glory! I worship you! And you know I'm only thinking about You in doing this!

But, I have to ask a favor Dad. I mean, yes, all these groups could use a little smiting. But, I have a few personal ones that I want to use it for as well. I promise not to get slap happy and go around smiting everyone, but just a few. You know, there are a few people who have had some "not so" true statements to say about your kids down here. I mean, I really do love everyone - you told us to love You and love our neighbor. I really try to do that! Even at church, we put this sign on the marque and I know that is very inviting.

And really, who can drive by that church and not think they are welcome? And when they come in the door, we do everything we can to welcome them - that is if they look like they would belong. We sure wouldn't want to let the wrong crowd in, now would we Dad? So, if you don't mind, let me flip that switch to manual and I'll just pick off a few that believe we might be a little self-righteous.

Well, thanks Dad. I'll be looking for my answer. And here will be the sign. When I walk into my office Sunday morning before church to spend a little time with You, I'll see that little red button sitting on my desk.

Love ya Dad!!!

Your son,

David

Leadership 101

In our lives, there are times we look at things we don't understand and make assumptions. We typically choose to err on the side of things we know. If we choose to go down the path we have always traveled, it is safe, stable, secure. If we witness something going on that we don't understand, our first reaction is to hunker down. Pull up the armor and get into the bunker. Protect those around us and cast shadows around the intruder. Even when we send out scouts to check it out, and they come back with amazing stories of the "enemy", then we determine the scout must have been brainwashed and is therefore no longer a reliable source. We burn the bridges and set up the rear guard. No, we will not let the intruder in here.

And yet, we look around and some more of our number are starting to peak over the wall and see the sun rising and the "enemy" actually enjoying themselves. Maybe they are not so bad after all. Some decide to crawl over the wall and they are labeled as traitors and our mentality begins to evade all logical reasoning. We have to make excuses or present evidence as to why the enemy is the enemy. Before long, we look around at our miserable selves and finally decide... It really was Father just calling us home.

I am amazed at the story in Acts 11. Stephen has been stoned, people of "The Way" had been scattered all around the known part of the world. Some landed in Antioch. Eventually, they began talking to the Greeks. Wait a minute - why would they do that? They are not Jews. But, instead of the bunker mentality, the leaders in Jerusalem sent one named Barnabas to see what was going on. Instead of returning with news of an enemy, he found that God was with everything that was going on there and threw himself into the middle of it.

We could sure learn a lot from this little story. I hope it impacts you the way it does me.

Acts 11:19:24

Those who had been scattered by the persecution triggered by Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they were still only speaking and dealing with their fellow Jews. Then some of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene who had come to Antioch started talking to Greeks, giving them the Message of the Master Jesus. God was pleased with what they were doing and put his stamp of approval on it—quite a number of the Greeks believed and turned to the Master.

When the church in Jerusalem got wind of this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to check on things. As soon as he arrived, he saw that God was behind and in it all. He threw himself in with them, got behind them, urging them to stay with it the rest of their lives. He was a good man that way, enthusiastic and confident in the Holy Spirit's ways. The community grew large and strong in the Master.

If the Good Samaritan Were Told Today

Somewhere in hypothetical church land...

One one occasion, the senior pastor of a large church stood among the leaders in a specially called meeting and asked Jesus - “what must one do to inherit eternal life”.

Jesus answered, you know the scripture – what does the bible say. The senior pastor replied “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself.”

“You have answered correctly”, Jesus said. “Go and do likewise and you will live”

But, wishing to drive his point home and prepare for this weeks sermon, the senior pastor pressed the question. “Then Jesus, tell me, who is my neighbor”?

Jesus replied. There was a certain man that had beaten down by life. His family had left him, he resorted to alcohol, pornography and drugs. His life was in shambles. Yet something kept him returning to church. Each time the church met, he would come in late, sit at the back and stare into the distance. Many times, he would exit the auditorium, especially during a passionate song and just sit in the foyer asking himself, does anyone even care.

An elder would come into the foyer and, seeing him sitting by himself asked “How are you today”? After receiving the expected response of “Fine, just fine”, he would walk away saying “Now there's a good man” and proceed to check on those that were counting the contribution.

A deacon would show up in that same foyer, and knowing the individual personally, and knowing the mess he made of his life would say to himself, “I can't believe he still shows up after what he did to his family and friends. I need to tell Sally that he's at it again. Boy, what a loser.”

But a sinner in the midst saw him and loved him. He came along side of him and asked “How can I help?” He stayed with him and fed him and promised to come by and check on him. He ministered to him on a daily basis showing the love of the Father in everything he did, provided him with everything he needed to show him someone cared.

Which of these 3 do you believe showed the love of the Father by showing mercy to his neighbor?

BLog Redefined!

Well, it's been a long time. I mean, it's not like I have run out of things to say, I've just not posted anything in a long time. You see, when I originally began this blog posting, it was my intent that it be a forum for anyone who within our group who wanted to share something with others, particularly those that had the shared experience of going to Quest or HeartQuest. What I determined is that a shared blog is called Facebook. Go figure. So, from this moment forward, this would be called "my blog". Now, I may feel free to post something of yours if you would like me to, but for now, expect to hear my heart.

Father has given me a direction that He wants me to share. So, over the next few weeks, I will unwrap some things on my mind. You are welcome to read them or not. You are welcome to comment or not. If your thoughts are positive and uplifting, I will leave them up. If not... I own the delete key!

So, I'm signing off for now. Blessings as you journey along the road that Father has laid out for you today. Enjoy the scenery. The purpose is the journey - the reward begins along the way.

sin vs GRACE!!!

While the following may be a revelation to some, I wonder how many of us really believe it? How many of us are consumed with the day to day law-breaker mentality? If we choose to live every day thinking about what we may have done to "cross the line" - what kind of freedom is that? I choose today to be consumed with the grace of God! I choose freedom, not bondage! I choose life!

^20-21All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that's the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end. (Romans 5:20-21, The Message)

Live large and live free!

Live BIG!

2 Corinthians 6

Staying at Our Post

Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us,

I heard your call in the nick of time;
The day you needed me, I was there to help.

Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!

Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way:

"I'll live in them, move into them;
I'll be their God and they'll be my people.
So leave the corruption and compromise;
leave it for good," says God.
"Don't link up with those who will pollute you.
I want you all for myself.
I'll be a Father to you;
you'll be sons and daughters to me."

The Word of the Master, God.

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.