"The Gathering"

I've had the honor to be a part of the music at the Gathering down in Prescott over the past year now on Sundays. Ive been helping out doing the worship there over the past month or so.  Here is a pic of my long time partner in crime Jay Reeder ( the official leader) myself and some of the guys that help out each week. Pretty awesome to see how God does His thing each week and uses a simple message and a coffeehouse church setting to reach lost people right off the streets of downtown Prescott.

Dependence

I got to meet up for lunch today with one of my great friends here in Flagstaff. We had a lot to catch up on and with crazy different situations going on hadnt had the opportunity to meet up in over 3 weeks.  He shared all that he'd been up to and some twists and turns that had happened over the last week. Part of the conversation was about winning over his dad to Christ in a conversation while his dad continues to suffer with cancer. I then updated him on how things were going for me and the crazy journey I've been on.

The question came up later as we ate and hung out there that Ive been thinking through for many weeks.
"Do you really believe God is in control right now in all this?

I didnt really have to hesitate to answer because it had been on my mind and I said "Yes I do. I at least hope he is because no one else seems to be including me."

Whether we want to believe it or not, whether we live it or not, no matter how you look at it, whether you want to accept it or not God is actually in control.  Even when it doesnt seem like it at all. Ive been reminded of this daily for a while now. For me its a time of total dependence on God and going along for the ride no matter where it takes me. Ultimately God's plan is better than anything I could imagine even if it is not an easy way out. I even know as I make this dependence on God my ultimate goal that I will be tested and probably stretched in a way Im not even expecting at this moment. Im ready tho. Ive really got nothing to lose if God is really in control. Thats the absolute truth.

Detour

I noticed the other day I havent blogged in a while and ironically have a lot to share that I should have blogged about for quite some time. I always write when there seems to be major events going on and unique things in life that are worth sharing about. For some reason however this past 3-4 weeks has thrown me off. Well actually I know the reason.... its because the last 3 weeks have led me to and through the biggest detour Ive ever had in my life ever.

Everyone is familiar with life detours. You know how it works. Out of the blue, all of the sudden change occurs and you have to adjust in some major way to what you know as "normal".  It can alter everything and throw off every aspect of everything in every way and that is exactly what happened. Im not going to go into detail about my personal "detour" situation on here. It wouldnt be appropriate or a good positive step right now but I know it was totally unexpected, not all good, dramatized immensely and could have been handled in a 100% different way. The good thing that brings me the most peace through it is that I know the absolute truth and God knows the final outcome. With that I find great comfort. Even tho it took me a while to be reminded of that again, accept it and commit to that fact.

For me its all about taking the time in the detour to learn how to totally depend on God, build a relationship with him and take advantage of the closeness God is wanting in times like these. As pastor David Jeremiah says  its not asking why is this happening? But "I know God You've allowed this in my life and Im going to learn from it".  I picked up a copy of a book just after my new "bend in the road" called "Sun Stand Still". Love this. I had heard about it and knew it would be the perfect fit for me. Its about the prayer prayed in time of need where an army led by Joshua needed more daylight to win their battle and the sun actually stood still in the sky for a whole extra day. Crazy. I also found a new CD I wanted to get by Sanctus Real called "Pieces of a Real Heart". I have been a fan of this band forever but this latest CD with the songs I had already heard from it was hitting home with alot of things I was dealing with. The CD is full of songs that are perfect and a Godsend in this time of change and waiting and its been playing in my car now over and over for weeks.

 Between these things and a lot of great awesome support I have in Flag and friends I have been able to take advantage of this period of time when I know in most cases I  would crack, crash , burn and be angry at the world. I have enjoyed it again more than many other times in my life and its been a huge marker in my life. That's because I have made it that way and made effort to in the midst of what normally is intended for bad. God makes good out of what Evil meant to harm. Do I have confidence that God will handle it and turn it in to a huge blessing? Absolutely! I just have to patiently wait and continue searching and knowing Him better in the meantime.
Not easy in any way but its the only way and definitely worth it.

Please pray.....

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Love this Ap from CCC in Vegas!

So a while ago I discovered a sweet new app for my phone. No its not Angry Birds. Its not even a game. Its the app for Central Christian Church.(one of the top three largest Christian Churches in the US and located just outside of Las Vegas). I thought Id share it as its been pretty awesome and a great way to get in on the messages at an awesome church. Thats the best part about it. All weekly messages are on it in video and audio form so I plug it in my system at home when im working out or my car while driving around and listen. This isnt a new thing as there are several churches that have this feature now days and I love it. I appreciate the work of Central and have met Pastor Jud before. I actually follow him via tweet as well and today just saw this link to his blog. I dont normally forward on other peoples blog links but I loved what he wrote about here. A very cool story about two of my favorite actors and a concept that really hits home. Check it out!

http://www.judwilhite.com/2012/uncategorized/youve-hugged-the-cactus-long-enough/

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Spring Break 2012

For me it was a typical work week. For my boys and Flag schools here this past week was spring break. The whole week was amazing weather wise with blue skies, sunny, warm and in the 60s.Today just when we thought spring break was coming to an end they have declared a snow day tomorrow ,Monday, the  first day back after getting a foot last night and possibly up to another foot here tonite. I remember spring break as a kid. I dont remember ever goin on any amazing trips but it was always great to get out and of course not be in school. Call me crazy but I think spring break should be part of the official schedule for adults too. Anyone out there agree? Cool thing is over break I did a lot of great stuff. Took an incredible bike ride in our awesome ponderosa pine forest here, hiked down in Sedona through the red rocks and also had a great day on the peaks snowboarding. I am ready for spring. Bring on the warm weather!


Click here to view our Sedona pics
http://pix.kg/p/4552019241105%3A1515731576/scl

Snowboarding pics
http://pix.kg/p/1652019241105%3A410896546/scl

My Latest Playlist

I have a list of about a dozen songs right now that are my top favs on my playlist. The ones below are my top 3. Ive listened to these everyday as they have have had a huge impact on my life over the past year or more and been encouraging in my present life circumstance. The music is sweet but even better the lyrics are simple and awesome reminders that I always love to hear. I wanted to put them on here to share with you as I'm sure there's many others who need to hear them too..

3."You Are More"  a great lyric from Tenth Avenue North about God's mercy and grace on our lives no matter who we are, what we've done or what were going through.

2."Strong Enough" by Matthew West  is one of my all time favs.  The words say it all.

1."Always" is a powerful tune just with the simple thought that God is our ultimate help and will not delay in coming to our rescue.

Take a moment and check them out!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Pivotal Praying

I've been reading through this awesome book called "Pivotal Praying" by John Hull & Tim Elmore for a while now. In my present situation in life I've realized more and more that I am seriously blessed to have some awesome friends and family. No matter if they are close logistically or far away they always have been and will be a big part of my daily life. Their counsel and prayers have led me to seriously believe the words of this prayer in this book. This is the prayer I've been praying and believe in. Check it out for yourself. It's perfect and true.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4