Christmas Time is all about Reconciliation

"Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled"

     Of all lyrics of the many christmas carols from Frosty to Rudolph to Grown up Christmas list this song really stood out to me this year. "Hark The Herald Angels Sing". The lyrics above are a pretty key line of what Christmas is truly about. Reconciliation. To re-do, to bring together what was seperate, to coexist in harmony. Restart, restore, unite, make compatable. Its what Christmas really is for.

Heres the short story.
     From the beginning of time when all was created  we as individuals were designed to be in unity and as one with out creator. Over the years that all changed as we have strayed far from that original plan and broke our unity with God. Every one of us at some time, somehow.  God saw this happening and didnt want the seperation between Himself and us so he came up with a plan to reconcile himself with his creation. To bring everything back into order. Even if we didnt deserve it, want it or know how much we needed it. Even if we continued to run away from Him. His plan was a gift. A baby. His son. God made into flesh. Sent to build a relationship with us first hand. Co-exist and be in harmony with us.

     The baby would grow up on earth and be the perfect being, being of God that would ultimately be the only living person who could be the perfect sacrafice to bridge the gap. A sacrafice that redeems mankind through His mercy and brings ultimate peace.  And we sing....."Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."

Ever thought about how reconciliation fits in to your life? or even what it means to you?

Thats my focus right now everyday. Reconciliation not only with God but in relationships in my life. I believe in reconciliation no matter how big the gap is. Its already been proven its possible. I want it. I need it. I pursue it daily and will continue to. I pray for it in my life. It can be done. We just have to  be open to it.

Reconcile.....restart, unite, co exist, to bring together again. God and us. You and Me.

Cure for Anxiety

So I keep hearing this verse again and again everywhere and its good because its a reminder I need to hear right now. Ive read it many times but still need to get it through my head.  We all do. We all have a lot of anxiety that happens in our lives daily whether we want to admint or not.  I wrote about this verse in my book "Sinking Deeper" and so just took the thought I wrote about and copied it into hear to share. This is the literal cure for anxiety. When everything is out of your control and all you can do is let it all go and let God do his thing. 
 ( If you havent yet... grab a copy of my book on Amazon today!)

“Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"



Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything? I only have two words in response to that phrase. “Yeah right.” Reality check. How in the world are we expected to ignore all anxiety and stress that comes our way? It doesn’t seem normal or even human to think anyone can just sit back relax believing that everything is just going to work out on its own. It’s just not right. It’s not how were wired. You would have to pretty abnormal to have a personality like that.


“What did you say? The checking account is way overdrawn again? Ah no worries. It will all balance out sometime.”

“Did you say you’re having some major heart problems again? Oh well nothing last forever, ya know?”

“I just got a phone call from the in-laws and they have to move in with us for the next couple years. This is going to be awesome!”

Anxiety happens to all of us. Ignoring it sounds practically impossible. However if we could only see the whole picture in advance then maybe it would be a little easier. You know like a private advanced screening of your own life story on the big screen with large buttered popcorn, a 32 ounce soda and a big box of Dots to go along with it. The bottom line is no matter what we think, we can’t make it through life without a little stress or anxiety. We also can’t deal with problems that come our way on our own. It’s not how we were created. It’s not the way we were designed. From my limited perspective I remain confused and overwhelmed about this even though my whole life I have been taught and told that God will work it all out, don’t worry. Just have a little faith. But every ounce of humanness is yelling out

“But I want to know how and I want to know now!”

“This is my life and I want to be in charge!”

You might be able to relate to this when reading this verse at first or if you have ever had to wait on God. Let’s break it down and think this through and I promise after we look at this closer you will understand how this verse can change your life. First of all, even though at first it doesn’t seem right, you have to realize that in these words there is a ton of wisdom, power and answers that you can only find once you really study it. Take a closer look at what it says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition and with thanksgiving present your requests to God". Ok I like that part. I have a lot of worry and stress and now at least I can present these concerns to God. That takes off some pressure. I don’t have to ignore the issues but I can know that I don’t have to deal with it all by myself. I can present them to God and I don’t have to freak out about it. In God I can find a peace as I bring these things before Him. But the phrase "with thanksgiving" is tricky. What does that mean? I have to be thankful for the situation I am presenting? Or is it maybe just being thankful for the ability to come before God and present it to Him? Here after considering the options I would have to vote for option number two. Once you really read the words written in this text it all starts to make complete sense. So "in prayer and petition" (meaning to ask or even beg) I come before God offering these things in thanksgiving to Him. So if you really think about it, no matter how bad the situation is, there is always something to be thankful for as you don’t have to deal with it yourself and can bring it before God Almighty. Even if it’s embarrassing or painful. It’s also good to have someone to spill your guts to. Someone safe where you can spill out your junk and re-fill back up with encouragement.

Then comes the best part to me that just blew me away. Check this out, it says, "The peace of God that transcends all understanding". Wow! The peace of God. I can’t even begin to imagine what that’s like but it says if I bring these requests before Him, He will in return give me a glimpse of it. Think about that. A peace of God. A total satisfaction or resolve that is so great it transcends anything we can imagine. It is un-comprehendable. It’s unfathomable. Not only that but he also says it will "guard your heart and mind". Two major guarantees for just the asking! So what is being said here is just GIVE IT UP! Drop it at His feet. Offer it to him and He will provide complete peace and rest. Let it go and let God do what He is truly good at. Being God! God is always faithful to His word. God always is faithful to provide for His people who find rest in Him.

I tell you that after I read this verse again and again it started to make more sense and just what I needed to hear. Just like any other person on this planet I can only go so long without feeling like I’m going to snap when I’m under a lot of pressure. However, even if I don't know what is going to happen next or what tomorrow holds I at least can be at rest about it and not go crazy in the meantime. That’s my biggest concern. My sanity. Sanity is a good thing, Insanity, not so cool. We have enough of that in the world already. Sure I might be able to muddle through on my own somehow but if I find myself on the other end drooling profusely, twitching violently and shouting out random animal names at everyone who passes by I think it would be pretty obvious that something is definitely wrong. Trust in God brings peace. That in itself makes the world seem a little simpler. Replacing our anxiety with trust is difficult since we hold on to it so closely. That first step of faith can be a dozy but before you know it your jumping and dancing on it and it only becomes stronger.

These words were the perfect cure for my severe case of anxiety and I’m pretty sure it can bring peace to anyone who understands it and follows through. I took it and copied it and posted it in different places in my house. Now I can be reminded daily that I can find total peace in God if I just pray and not worry about what is in store. It’s walking by faith. No vision necessary. Just know for a fact that God is going to take care of you no matter what tomorrow holds or where you end up. I re-read this verse whenever I can to know that I still need to trust God and I know sooner or later He's going to pull through for me. When will that be? I don’t know. What does God have in store for me next? I have no clue. When will I understand his exact will and timing? Hopefully someday soon. Maybe never. How in the world can I find peace in a time of extreme pressure? Well it’s simple. Convert your worries and fears into a prayer. Give Him praise and all your anxiety will evaporate into thin air. Offer up your prayer request and let God take care of the rest. It beats having to go to the Doctor, it’s easier than taking medication, it’s less time consuming than going to therapist, it doesn’t leave you bloated or with a severe case of diarrhea, you get to keep your sanity and best of all its free.

I don’t have all the answers but I don’t have to be anxious for them. In this verse we are simply told how to find peace when we’re ready to break and if I follow through by bringing my concerns and worries before God I can find instant relief. In the meantime now that I better understand what this verse is saying I honestly keep finding more peace everyday. More peace everyday with faith leading the way. On top of that it takes your worship of Him to a whole new level that will be more powerful than ever.

Thankful.....in all circumstances

I started off my day on the treadmill again yesterday and spent that time thanking God for all I could think of. Again I was reminded that theres a lot to be thankful for even if Ive ever felt like there wasn't anything to be thankful for at all. My thankful prayer time started off by reading a daily verse from PrayFit.com with a thought that says it all. I Thessalonians 5:18

" in all circumstances...... give thanks".

In all circumstances. Meaning the good and bad, the fun and the challenging, the awesome and the ugly. Give thanks. Its what God wants of us, to focus on the positive. Theres always alot more of it than you imagine.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all we have in this country and all you have in your life.  No matter what is going on. I can speak to that personally as I have a lot of personal challenges in my life now that could overwhelm me and could lead to being ungrateful. But on the other side Im reminded by focusing on this verse that there is much to Be Thankful for and that is what I am. Thankful. Even for challenges in life. (Im also thankful for pumpkin pie and plan to get my fix of it today.)

Be thankful today as we celebrate it. Be thankful everyday even as you might not feel like it.

Thankfulness can change your perspective on everything.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

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Fall hike in Flag 2011

Hiking with the boys around the Peaks: Fall 2011

This by far was an awesome day seeing the Aspens and the sunset at the Peaks. Check out these pics and click the link below. They turned out amazing!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=9051612301105%3A2002851966

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Courageous- The Movie

    
Sunday I had the privelege of taking my boys to see "Courageous"  which was really awesome. Its another film made by The Sherwood Baptist Church (also known for "Facing the Giants"). This movie as I had already read about and knew, is about 4 men in different life situations trying to be better fathers. Like the rest of the movies put out by the Kendricks it has a message that is very clear and a call out to share the need of men stepping up to be more courageous in their families lives. Its definitely the best of all the films they have made up to this point.
     I took my boys to see it because I knew they'd like it but also because of the message that was through it in every scene. It's the same message Ive always tried to convey in my life to them. No dad is perfect but the importance of a fathers role in th lives of any children is important and this movie helps to illustrate that point.
I ironically not only have the opportunity to live this out in my life with my boys but also as a job as I focus on being a male role model and coach to many fatherless teens and children everyday in my position at Arizonas Children Association. I've been into over 30 homes while working there for the past two years now and over 90% have been homes that have no father figure or male role model whatsoever. Its a huge epidemic. Ive also been reading a book called "Fatherless Generation"  by John Sowers, director of the Mentoring project set up by my favorite author Donald Miller. It shares the same facts and info in the movie. I see this issue of fathers without courage everyday not only at my job but in the world around me as Im sure you may have noticed too.
     The movie is an encouragement for me,  reminder for some and a declration to all men to step it up and I highly agree with all the facts and information shared in this movie.
*Men should never be absent in the lives of their children.
*We as adults should not be willing to walk away from marriage due to problems but to fight for saving it at all costs.
*Fathers are how children find a lot of identity and security
The list goes on and on.
     The story line is great. Full of twists and surpises. The message is clear and one that we all need to hear.
Im not writing this as a review of the movie itself but to encourage anyone to watch it and take to heart the message that it portrays. One of my personal daily goals as anyone who knows me knows is to be a great father and its not an easy road. I will never quit that key role in my life or have it taken away for any reason.  Check this movie out. Take your kids if you think they are old enough to watch it. Me and the boys had  a great discussion for hours after we saw it. It definitely will change your way of looking at dad.

New Directions

"New Directions"

San Diego Vacation

Thursday
So Im sitting out on the patio at Shades Bistro, one of my favorite beach restaraunts in the San Diego area (pictured in the middle above) and I'm on vacation. I've done alot of travelling to tons of places this year but have not been on a vacation for me in forever. (most people reading this probably know the feeling) I decided it was something I had to do for myself. You know when your supervisor at work suggests using vacation time its time to go. On top of that Im blessed with a job where more vacation days actually acru each pay period. So I drove out of Flag and arrived in San Diego late Wednesday night. If you know me , you'll know I love the beach so my grand idea was to actually camp out at the beach and catch a cool sunrise (and yes I know the sun comes up in the east) Whatever the case Ive always wanted to do that so I ended up in the Mission Bay area and camped out checking out the surroundings when I woke up every hour or so. 5 am came, 6 am..... a little light, no sun. 7, 7:30 by now I'm thinking maybe Im just havingin a weird dream and try rewaking myself. No luck. No sun. its just gloomy. The weird weather previously coming through SoCal has obviously continued and its just another overcast day at the beach. So no worries. Im on vacation afterall. The fun is just beginning ya know?


If you know me you'll also know Im on this health kick this year since Ive crossed over into "middle age" so when I arose from my slumber in the "land of the missing sun", I went for a 3 mile walk around the bay area. Yes excersize on vacation. The pudge doesnt stop a shakin just because your on vacation. The first part of this walk was spent really trying to wake out of my stupor while imagining a giant nice hot cup of coffee. It was an adventure as the view of the bay and ocean was amazing not to mention that I seemed to be the only young male out there. I passed and got stuck behind my share of mothers with strollers, older couples, a lady with a walker, random dogs that kept appearingand eager bikers speeding by. And then again, theres me, the guy stumbling along with a dazed look in his eyes only wanting the sun to come out. Quite a different experience from the treadmill but it was good to be out. I'm on and adventure because I am on vacation. (Later I went to the beach at Point Loma just across from this restarant, set up camp and drifted off into a coma listening to the waves. Got a sweet nap in but was awakened by an angry seagull a few feet away when I sat up, who appeared to be screamin at the surfers. And now I have a new deep appreciation for the sound the alarm on my phone.)

No Im not just in San Diego chillin by myself. Im here to visit an old college buddy. Dale is a one of a kind and we have had our share of crazy and bizzare stories over the years in places from coast to coast... literally. He lives here and I visit often as I can to relax and make new bizzare memories to share with anyone who's interested enough to listen and be amazed. After my day and after he got off work we caught up back at his place. I had arrived a half a day earlier than I originally told him so I shared my unique story of the overnite stay at the beach, the sun that never came up and my beach induced coma and he told me about the overcast, cold and abonormal weather they had been having. I informed him I was aware of that and asked if he had any other things we could talk about.

Evidently, I found out not just me, but both of us are on health kicks and counting calories and as we decided on a new place to eat and I somehow agreed to join him in walking there (as a way to actually burn off the amount of calories we were about to comsume) We left, we talked we walked through beautiful wooded areas, along businesses, by the highway on a trail and around a large parking lot which ended up being the Qualcomm Stadium. Better known as the San Diego Chargers Football field. As we were caught up in conversation and walking we suddenly realized the lot is literally fenced in. There is no way out. We were actually trapped in this massive lot and standing almost in the middle with no view of an exit. We made our way to where we were hoping to get out where we were greeted by 3 security guards who then questioned us on how we had actually gotten in. I pointed to the small opening in the fence way off in the distancewhere the trail had led us through and said just over there in that corner, uh..... (the opening nowhere in sight) and then just replied "Im with him" pointing at Dale. Dale then explained what happened. We apologized and then recognized why they were all concerned. After all its just a parking lot.... but just in front of us were dozens and dozens of cannisters (glancing at them possibly over a hundred) of explosives for a firework show that were being set up. Cannisters about three feet high and a foot thick full of of fireworks. The lady said ok this is what we'll have you do. (after recognizing we were just a couple of goofballs on a walk that got lost, given away by the dumb looks on our faces and water bottles in our hands). You see the guard on the other side of the gate? Come on through here and walk to him, tell him you're trying to get out of the lot and he'll show you how to get around. We agreed. Pointed out the opening we came through that she was worried about and passed through the cannisters through the gate to venture out. ( To me it was a bit odd and maybe more security breaching that we were literally asked to come through the cannisters while getting out rather than the fact that we had been walking through this supposedly secured area in the first place. At this point however I was only interested in getting the heck out of this maze and finally make it to dinner. We walked past the other security guard who after getting off his walkie, laughed, looked at us and said "busted" and pointed where to get out.


The walk continued..... and then some. What he had originally said was about two miles.... It was about 5. He clocked it on his phone. The steps taken, the calories burned the amount of time. We got to the place "Smash Burger" I had a plate of greasy fries and a barbequed chicken sandwich.

Arrived in San Diego, total of 8 miles walked, experienced a very cloudy morning on the beach, traumatized by a mad seagull, ate barbeque chicken and ended the day with soaking in a hot tub.

Day complete.

the great thing is........I loved every minute of it .

I'm on vacation.

Day 2 (Friday)
Today I slept in. Good stuff right there. Then went to Shades which is where this whole blog writing began.  Got to take a stroll down the strip off the beach there and crash some of the stores and shops, take alot of pics along the cliffs in Point Loma and walk the pier over the ocean. The pier there is the longest one on the western sea board. Great view and experience but still gloomy out. ITs also a great place to watch the surfers since I am presently not one myself. So I learn by watching and then imagine in my mind myself out there riding the waves. Some day this daydream will come true. I dont get here enough to try it and its really hard to practice in Flagstaff.

Im always amazed when I come here at all the intriging people you can find hanging out near the beach. Its like a big USA Network party, Characters welcome.(very similar to Flagstaff but here no little aliens , Martians that is). While on my walk and exploration of the coast I was entertained by everyone I ran into, tourists, hippies, homeless people,a few who seemed competely stoned, buff, tanned and then me. It just wouldnt be the same without the variety of characters and adds to the as I soaked up some ocean air and check out some new places here on the coast. 

Caught Dale again about 5 and he insisted on showing me his mini grass farm. Yes grass. Green grass. Legal. Just grass. Grown for the sake of a juice he enjoys making that is good for your health. Supposedly the best juice in the world for the human body. Thats the claim anyway. He walked me through the process on his deck and as I was watching out of the blue a humming bird came down and flew fluttering its tiny wings and hung there about two feet in front of my face. I stood there staring at him and he just stared at me. My first thought was it was radio controlled as this isnt something that has normally happened to me before. Kind of glanced around and quietly mentioned to Dale to check this out. He brought to my attention that I was just standing in front of his feeder. Im a dork. I slowly backed up and he came in. Im still amazed at hummingbirds and watched him flutter and drink while Dale continued farming the grass. Legal grass. I think he just still has a lot of Indiana left in him and needs a hobby.

We finished off the night with dinner and a movie. HIt up a new place called Pei Wei. Yes, Chinese. Awesome place where I was introduced to digital soda dispensors. 100 drink combinations with the push of a large touch screen menu. Im very much out of the high tech loop. Just stood there and pushed buttons and read the combinations. Caused a traffic jam in the line. Pretty amazed I guess. I felt like a little kid. Dale came to get me and pull me slowly away from the machine. I refilled my glass several times. Im now looking for an app for it on my phone. That would be really sweet.

Day 3 (Saturday)
Just when I thought the excersize was over we started off Saturday by heading to the gymn. We attempted to do a Yoga class Dale is a part of but came in late so we just did the cardiovascular rounds. I havent been in a gymn for years. I do all my excersize at home. However I did my rounds and felt it working, walked across the street for a brunch at a bakery and then came back to do my 3 miles on the treadmill. Again the fat doesnt just stop just because you're on vacation. Neither does the eating. I've been to a new place each day and feel I've grown a few pounds even tho Ive been working out non stop since I got into town.

After the gymn we cleaned up and headed over to church. Dale's part of the small groups ministry team there and the afternoon and early evening was spent there at Shadow Mountain. I love the services there. Been in and out of the place several times. Helped him set up booths in the info tent and then crashed the worship team's practice time. Shadow Mountain is the only place it seems in the world that actually has free complimentary Starbucks Coffee. Yes no kidding. I always make sure to get my fix. Sat there enjoying the practice with my Starbucks. Definitely the best part of the day. and if it wasnt for the caffeine I would have drifted off under the seats as the early morning workout was slowly taking its toll on me.
Services started at 5 and after worship heard a good message on unity and community by Dr. David Jeremiah. I often listen to his radio program turning point throughout the week after work in the evenings and always love hearing what he has to say. Its amazing how this 70 year old guy still has a passion and a vision not only for his church but for helping to direct people. Saw him pass by after service as I was helping man the booths in the small groups ministry fair tent. Just wanted to say thanks for all he does. Great evening at Shadow Mountain. Left to head back to Dales before dinner and on the way saw an amazing firework show that was at least 45 minutes long. Saw it all the way back. Had to keep my eyes on the road even tho it was a pretty amazing show. Its something they supposedly do every year evidently right from the parking lot of the place we got stuck in just a night before. THe Chargers Stadium. All of the cannisters we walked through to get out of the trap at the Qualcomm Stadium was now an amazing light show hanging over the highway. Breathtaking.
Tonights dinner was the Burger Lounge in a totally new part of town for me. Good burgers. the best chocolate shakes in the world and then back home for another round in the hot tub. We always have good man chat time in the hot tub. Life, relationships, future, past, our adventures in college, our misery in college, personal goals, ambitions and of course our twisted views on the world at large.   Dale and I have been friends for 22 years now and its obvious thats not going to change. Theres alot to talk about with 22 years of stuff to think through. and when it comes down to it were just as young at heart and insane as we were 22 years ago.
So Im realizing as Im writing this that tomorrow will most likely be the last day as I have to head back. Just trying to blog everything as its always an adventure worth sharing. Bed time. Thinking of the great yet odd time its been and just was called to come watch as one of their cats here is literally sharpening his teeth on the plastic blades of the fan blowing in their room.