SCRUB THE STINK OUT

 Today I was busy working most of the day. I was on the computer and my phone most of the day, as Michelle’s Mom was quick to point out. Michelle spent most of the day with her sister Tracy who lives next door to her Mom. We had dinner at Michelle’s Moms house. We had a Mexican soup. We later played cards again. I had to chuckle at a comment by Michelle’s Mom. She said “Grandpa Spencer put it best when he said that fish and company have something in common; after 4 days they both stink, and no offense Brian but you have been here for 4 days” We laughed and couldn’t help but to compare her to her mother, who she so much doesn’t want to be like. I thought, wow she has no filter … I later scrubbed the dinner dishes and wiped all the countertops and stove top down. Michelle’s Mom told me I had done enough. Being quick on my feet I quickly reverted with “I am only trying to scrub the stink out a little bit."

Football and steak

 Sunday night Hendrick made steak for dinner. Football was on and we watched the Packers beat the bears in the NFC championships. Later it was the Steelers over the Jets for the AFC championship. We discussed fixing Tracy’s flag pole, and what was the best way to replace the broken rope, 18 feet in the air. Fears of starring in the Darwin awards kept us from putting a ladder in the back of the tuck and balancing it on the flag pole. Michelle’s Mom was quick to point out I shouldn’t be the one to back the truck into place. Tracy and Hendrick like eating late so dinner was after 8PM. After a perfectly cooked steak dinner, we played a card game called screw your neighbor. 

Eaton Congressional Church

 Sunday we went to church at Eaton Congressional Church. The sermon was “A walk on the West side: Understanding God’s elusive will” This was part 3 of a 3 part series. 1 and 2 were Perspective and Price and today’s sermon was Revelation. It was really centered around service, serving those less fortunate. The basis of his sermon was Ephesians 5:5-17

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

   "Awake, O sleeper,

   and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you."

  Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

He also quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which I really enjoyed: 

 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

After church we stayed and talked with some that we only see at church. Michelle’s Aunt Lela was there. I said hello to her and she stopped to see who it was saying hello. Daryl, the guy carrying her oxygen tank, didn't stop, so when her face was jerked in his direction, I couldn't help but to chuckle. Luckily she too found it amusing. Michelle’s Aunt Tina and her husband Harlow were there. The saw the same accident we did the night before. They went to Denver for an annual Cowboy Poetry presentation. After Church we went to see Michelle’s cousin’s Barb and Barry‘s new house. It was still under construction so the yard was not landscaped yet and there was plastic all over the house. Their daughter Amy was mentally handicapped about 20 years ago after she stopped to help someone who had hit an electric pole. She was electrocuted and now needs 24/7 care. Barb and Barry are very patient and have been blessed to be able to build this more accommodating house. After a tour, we headed back to the house. As I was backing out of the driveway, I backed right over some large landscaping rocks. It will be years before I live that one down. 

Dinner with Rader then back to Nana's

 Saturday night we drove to Denver to meet old friends of ours, Joe and Tracy Rader. We met at a sports bar in a North Denver suburb. We were a little late because there was an accident on IH 25. Someone was hauling a pickup truck on an 18’ car hauler using a half ton Ram pickup. Common sense explains what happened there. The car hauler was wheels up and the cab of the pickup was crunched. On the way home we stopped by the Greeley Place, where Nana lives, to drop off some much needed Motrin. The arthritis in Nana’s jaw was bothering her. It was nice spending more time with Nana. She complained about moving soon. Her concerns were that she couldn’t find the address for the new place. I asked the name and she didn’t know it. “Point something or another” she said. I used my smart phone to not only find the name, but also the address of the new place. I told her the address and she said “Yea that’s it” I was surprised by this response because she led me to believe nobody would give her the address of the place. “I called the chamber of commerce” was her answer. We laughed and later figured out that her compulsive buying problem was probably the reason she wanted the address. She wanted the shopping magazines and things mailed to her. I told her how many beds the new place had and rattled off a few of the fun activities she could join in on. “How do you know all that stuff” she asked. “Well Michelle’s Mom Jeanene has a phone” Nana barked. Michelle’s mom promised a special phone call to me when Nana brings this up to her the next time she wants information on something. “My phone doesn’t have all these things” she will say.

Nana ... ornery? hahaha

 Saturday was the day we planned to help Nana clean her apartment. Michelle inherited some of Nana’s bells. She took several of her favorite bells and grabbed a bell for Jennifer as well. There was a really cool cast iron mechanical bank, but Michelle’s Aunt Tina put her dibs on that. We also saw a flag that had flown over the Capitol of the United States. Tina took the US flag also. This gave me the idea to see how I could obtain a flag for myself. After some online research I found that for a small fee to Texas Congresswoman Kay Bailey Hutchinson, we could purchase a flag and have it flown over the US Capitol on a day of our choice. We decided to buy one and have it flown on my birthday April 3^rd. After finishing up at Nana’s apartment we headed back to the house. It was entertaining to listen to the complaining about Nana’s disposition. Nana can have quite the ornery tone at times. I thought it was cute how Nana’s mood would always change when Michelle would talk to her and report how all the kids and grandkids are doing. Both Tina and Michelle’s Mom said “Shoot me if I ever get that way” Bang? Nah not just yet.

Denver to Eaton

 Michelle and I met at the airport in Denver. Michelle’s flight was delayed so we got there at the same time. We had a nice drive to Eaton Co. I drove because Michelle’s Mom was not in the mood to drive. I think I had more sweat dripping from me than a Sumo wrestler at an HVAC conference though. Michelle’s Mom had the heater in the car cranked up high and I was happy when we got to the house in Eaton. Friday we hung out with Family. Hendrick made an Indian dish that I enjoyed, but it was too hot for Michelle and her Mom. 

Spirit of St. Stevens Loaves and Fish

I flew in late Thursday after some meetings in Tampa. I spent the night at Mom and Dad’s house. I woke up to a busy Friday morning. My Mom was getting ready to go to the Loaves and Fishes headquarters. She was preparing the ingredients for the meatloaf which was the planned dinner for the homeless. Dad I left before Mom did and we went to Cosco to shop for the food for that night. We met Ed Flahavan (Flav) there. Flav is a retired priest who left his ordination. Long story better left for a future blog maybe. It was fun spending time with Flav and Dad. I found it amusing to watch them get their lunch from the sample carts set out by Cosco. My Dad would even return if there was a new person manning a station we had already visited. I may have embarrassed them by my outgoing nature, but Dad is used to that from me.

Dad and I went dropped off the groceries at the church, and then took off to get my sister’s daughter Kelly. Kelly wanted to come to put in some community service hours needed for the National Honors Society. We got half way to Kelly’s house and decided the traffic was too bad because of the snow and saw it best to head back to the church. We were glad we did, traffic was slower than the traffic on the most crooked road in San Francisco at the peak of the tourist season. Once at the church, we saw the homeless already lined up waiting for the free meal inside. Meatloaf was on the menu and this was much better than some nights, when there were peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I had fun mingling with the homeless and always enjoy hearing their stories. We were done after about 3 hours. My Dad left in one car and took a former homeless friend home to his house 20 or so miles south while Mom and I headed north to the house. The plan was to go to the lake that evening, but with all the snow and traffic we decided to wait. It was a fulfilling evening. 

Isaiah 58:7

Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

The Spirit of St. Stevens social justice outreach accomplished that on this snowy night. Their loaves and fishes ministry fed about 150 hungry people and kept them warm during a snowy evening in January, downtown Minneapolis. 

The International High School in Austin Texas

 

Michelle and I had some money saved for the end of the year giving campaign. We were at The Austin Stone Community Church last weekend and they had a section in the bulletin for “Giving”. The International High School was listed as needing 140 food baskets. The original goal listed 3 weeks earlier was 150. Knowing this is where there was a definite need, Michelle and I started researching the opportunity. We quickly found why only 10 food baskets were filled; it was not an easy task to get the baskets filled. There was shopping involved, you could not donate money or give a gift card, you had to actually buy all the requested items. The list included: Items to feed a family of 5 to include a Turkey, Ham or vegan substitute, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, onions, celery, chicken stock, cranberry sauce, bread, fruit and dessert. I set out to do my best to fulfill the list on Monday. The folks at the local HEB thought I was crazy. There were plenty of sales and I was able to save a lot of money. As Michelle was sleeping (She works nights) I grabbed as much as I could and headed to the check out. After getting things loaded in boxes, I remembered that I drove the convertible, not the truck. Surprisingly we were able to get everything loaded with no room to spare. The International High School was close to the HEB I was at, which is why I shopped there. I left the parking lot to make the quick 5 mile trip, just off Oak Knoll. My GPS brought me right to the International School. I walked in and asked for the school counselor, the administrative assistant said “Nobody by that name works here” I soon found out I was looking for the International High School not the International School. I checked my Droid and got the address for the real International High School. 18 miles away, luckily I had some time, so I headed that way. 40 minutes later I arrived at what looked like Clint Middle School. I assumed the International High School was close by. Google searches are never wrong, right? WRONG. At this point I am getting irritated. The AISD police officer did not know where the school was, nor did anyone at Clint Middle School. Back to the droid and modify the search. I find a new address, type it into my GPS and head out. I called the International High School for the 10^th and final time and once again I got the answering machine. My phone rang when I was about 4 miles away from the destination on my GPS; it was the counselor from the International High School finally. I was greeted by 6 staff members when I arrived. They helped me unload the car and invited me in to get a quick tour of the school. I was amazed at the passion of the teachers and staff. I was told that out of 187 total students only 4 are NOT on free or reduced lunch. Most students struggle with English and some do not know how to add and subtract. All students are expected to keep the standards of the school district. Most 9^th grade students take Algebra, these students can’t add, imagine being expected to keep the same standards. I can’t lie; they made me feel like a rock star. I felt guilty taking the credit. The glory belongs to God not me. It did make me think of the need for so much, right under our noses; I wonder how many people know of this need? I didn’t.

WIKILEAKS AND SECRETS

 So my son approached me yesterday and asked what I thought about the recent wiki-leaks scandal that is going on. He asked if I thought that telling these secrets was good or bad. I explained that I thought the government should be able to keep secrets, it could save animosity if certain secrets were leaked. He seemed surprised and very irritated with my answer. He stormed away calling me a communist fool and promised to bring me a German swastika. I then wondered, what if wiki-leaks published something about him? An intimate secret perhaps? I remember his disambiguation when his sister invited one of his 2 girlfriends at the time, in on his secret double life he was living, courting both girls at the same time. I am sure this is one of many secrets he wished had not leaked. I then wondered, why is it not OK to share your secrets, but it is OK to hear others? In Mathew Chapter 12 it says "people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” I also found this in Hebrews Chapter 4;

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
This made me wonder, what are the thoughts and intentions of his heart? What untold secrets does he hold about the way he feels about me? You tell me, is it OK to tell secrets?

Inspiration, positive and negative

 I have been busy the past few weeks. I built a wood shed recently. It is not finished yet, I still need to put the shingles on it and touch up some painting but all in all it is completed. Now I can take my someone behind my woodshed to teach them who is boss. My spiritual life seems to be less active lately. Michelle and I have joined a Missional Community Group with some friends who live close by. We started going about 2 weeks ago. I think it has been great for Michelle, as well as me to get ourselves linking up with a smaller group to share His word. AlanMichael is on fire as usual. We had a sermon last week on The History of Redemption. It was an inspiring sermon as every word the pastor spoke came from the bible. AlanMichael is now determined to memorize this scriptural redemption and is doing quite well with it. He plans on memorizing it in 6 months. I was going through some books last night and have decided to start reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan again. It is an inspiring read, and I feel I need inspiration lately. Jennifer, Chris and the grandbabies came to The Austin Stone Community Church with us yesterday. I am not sure if they enjoyed it or not. I try not to ask, it usually stirs a debate. I remember asking my Dad once what he thought of a sermon. He said nothing positive about it except he was impressed someone could talk so long. Inspiration comes in so many ways, both positive and negative. I looked to the bible for inspiration and found this;

Psalm 42:5-6

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

NOTHING IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT GOD!

 So I had an interview today for a Dedicated Support Engineer. It would be a lateral move within the company. The interview went horrible. I don't think I answered one question correctly. It was a technical interview on technical items that I really should know. I knew I was having the interview this morning. I prayed on my knees a few nights ago for this position but not this interview. I should have given this up to the Lord. Trying to do things without His help is impossible. After the interview I prayed for compassion and forgiveness. I was embarrassed that I did not seek the Lord for help. Later on in the day I received a text from a friend of mine, Jesse Mathews. The text read;

Brian, I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to share this verse with you because the words are so true! Love you bro. (Funny how it is ok to say I love you, if you cut out the "I" and add a bro, lol)
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

Everything happens for a reason

 Michelle and I enjoyed our wonderful 8th wedding anniversary at Panama City Beach Florida. One of the favorite things to do was to watch the sunset disappear into the Gulf waters. After sitting uncomfortably on the hard rental recliners, we buy 2 chairs from the store and use them to watch the sunset on the beach. We only used them one time and thought we could return them. The next day, we returned the chairs to the store and the customer service representative asks, "Did you use them?"

Michelle and I both say "Nope". Were we in denial? Come on now, this was a blatant, flat out lie. I had a chance to fix it but chose not to. This lie, as minor it sounds, is a sin. 1 Peter 5:8-9 came to my mind after studying it this week in bible study:
1 Peter 5:8-9
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Here is how I see this verse fit in the above scenario; after this sin, the devil tried to put his hooks in me. We went to the airport the following day, ending a perfect anniversary trip to the Gulf of Mexico.
We left thinking we had plenty of time to get there and get on the plane. On the way, I realized I forgot to fill the rental car up with gas, so we turned around, filled the car up. We get to the airport with plenty of time to spare but this is when the drama begins.
I went to the rental car desk to return the key and waited behind some lady telling the rental car employee about her cats, her dogs, where she lives, alligators and who knows what else. 10 minutes it is finally my turn. The rental agreement was wrong, so this had to be fixed; I originally had the car reserved for 2 extra days, so this needed to be removed from my bill. My bill was printed and I on my way.
I head off to the Southwest ticket counter to meet Michelle who was already in line to get our boarding passes. With us we had a case of wine, 2 suitcases and a cooler with some freshly caught Red Snapper. We soon discovered the wine and the fish were not allowed to be in our baggage. The Southwest representative brought us aside to inspect our baggage. After some haggling and bargaining, she eventually sold us some bubble wrap for the wine then actually helped us repack it allowing us to legally check it through our baggage. "I'm a wine-o myself and would hate to see you lose those 12 bottles of wine" she said then suggested we try to carry on the fish. We were issued our tickets and off to our next obstacle ... security.
The TSA rent-a-cop spent more time checking our IDs than it takes you to finish one of Brian Luck's stories. I think she marked up almost every inch of your ticket (Just another delay). Shoes off ... check, belt off ... check, keys in the bin and cooler with the fish ready to go through the x-ray. With any luck we would be out of there and off to catch the plane with time to spare. I felt a light tap on my shoulder and heard, "Sir, please step over to our secure area here, you have been randomly selected to be screened" I saw Michelle and told her to go catch the flight, I will meet you there shortly. Michelle smiled and softly said, as soon as I get done with this body search. She always gets searched when she wears those skirts of hers. "Sir is this your cooler?" I hear another man say. I tell him it is and will help him go through it after I am frisked. After a quick inspection I figured I would lose my fish for sure this time, to an even bigger Dolphin that was in the Gulf (True but different story, no time to explain right now). The TSA guard found I had violated the liquids regulation. "Liquids need to be placed on the belt sir, I will need to run everything back through the x-ray again" he said with a slight grin. Our father, who art in heaven... The fish made it through without any hassle and soon I was on my way to the gate.
Hallowed be thy name ...Michelle finishes well before me and has already boarded the plane by the time I get to the gate.
"Hurry sir, they are about to shut the doors" was the last thing I heard before feeling the relief of boarding the plane. Not too unusual in today's times, the plane was close to capacity. I saw Michelle as I boarded and she said "no available seats next to each other, sorry" I asked the steward if there was any room in the overhead bins, he checked for me. We found some room, so I hiked up the cooler and was unsuccessful in my attempts to make it fit. The steward suggested removing the contents of a bulging pocket on the outside of the cooler.
Liking the idea, I unzipped the pocket on the cooler while it rested half in and half out of the bin. Little did I know the contents of the pocket had Michelle's panties in it. I grabbed the miscellaneous clothes from the pocket and out came the bright red lacy panties, which fell on the poor soul sitting below the bin I was working on. Being the last person on the plane and the only passenger still standing, all eyes were on me when this happened. The steward stared blankly at me then said, "Wow, we know what's under her skirt don't we!" The entire plane roared in laughter. Ready to sit down immediately, I looked for an open seat, I didn't see any. I noticed a middle seat not too far in front of me and headed to sit down as quickly as I could. The large man next to me thought he had ownership of his seat and half of mine. I eventually just leaned forward and spent about 70 minutes leaning on my tray table. By the time the flight landed in Houston for our short lay-over, my back was killing me. Sometimes we wonder why bad things happen to us, this was one case where I feel like I knew exactly why these things happened to us. This was a lesson learned for me. No matter how small the lie or fib is, it is still wrong. Ever hear the saying everything happens for a reason? This sure did.

HUMANITY OR SPIRITUALITY?

 The question was posed to me this week "Humanity or Spirituality?" In talking with someone about my Shoulder the Cross ministry recently, they mentioned that a lot of people think they are doing the Lord's work and they are doing it in the name of Jesus. Some of these people are doing it to help the human spirit and are doing good for humanity. There is a fine line separating the difference. Definitely a line though. I would hope and pray that I am serving through my Shoulder the Cross ministry for all the right reasons. I believe helping solely to better humanity is not right. Living my life in and through Jesus is what I want to believe I do. I pray to God now that my help is not misinterpreted. I know I could do more and I am humbled by the little I do. James Chapter 13 brings this a little more into focus;

James 3:13
"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom."

TRULY RELIABLE FRIENDS

 So much has happened lately, seems I have made friends upset with me and I don't even know why. I turned to the word and without surprise I found answers. I looked up the word friends in my bible's index and found Proverbs Chapter 20

Proverbs 20:6
"Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?"
I received an email from this friend who was upset with me. He told me that he was upset because he thought I was not being a loyal friend. He explained that when I mentioned I went to his daughter's high school graduation, I made him feel inadequate as a father. He was also disappointed that I had not emailed him in several months. He mentioned to me that his internet access was scarce and it would be difficult for me to contact him, knowing this I did not email him for several months. I had no idea this would hurt him so badly. We have since seemed to work through our differences now, but not without damage. My thoughts of the situation seem to center around communication, which is key in any relationship. I wonder who is truly reliable if they fail to communicate?
I also started a bible reading plan today. I truly hope this is successful. I pray to God to help me read His word, so I can learn new things. Today I learned that the rains that flooded the earth for 40 days, started on my son, AlanMichael's birthday.
Genesis 7:11
When Noah was 600 years old, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the underground waters erupted from the earth, and the rain fell in mighty torrents from the sky.

THAT'S GOOD NEWS

 Another Southwest flight from Dallas to Austin. It has been a busy week at the customer site SuperPages. As I often do, I opened my bible for some tranquil reading. As I was reading my bible, the Stewardess looked over at me as said; "Hey, that’s a good book!" I replied "Yes it is, it is THE good book". She smile and went on to tell me a story about her mother. She was watching TV with her Mom and decided to put a tape called "JESUS" in the VCR. They watched the movie in it's entirety, when it was over her Mom smiled and said "Well that’s good news" The Stewardess replied with "That’s why they call it The Good News".

I opened my bible randomly to Isaiah 61, the Chapter is titled "Good News for the Oppressed". This is a great example of the Lord's work living in and through us all.
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
      for the Lord has anointed me
      to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
      and to proclaim that captives will be released
      and prisoners will be freed
This verse is very close to my heart and always has been. I need to memorize it!

WHO AM I TO JUDGE?

 I have been very disappointed in my younger sister lately. I question her motives and wonder about her selfishness. Just as I am questioning this, I start to wonder "Who and I to judge? Especially if I am quiet?" Jeremiah chapter 17 describes this dilemma using the human heart as an example;

Jeremiah 17:9-10
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
      and desperately wicked.
      Who really knows how bad it is?
 But I, the Lord, search all hearts
      and examine secret motives.
   I give all people their due rewards,
      according to what their actions deserve.”
I wondered then how my sister would react if she read that verse? Would she, like me, find blame in others? Do I have secret motives? Like most people, I would hope I do not have secret motives, but my heart too is human, I need to reach out to her and try too help. Do my best to weather the storm.
Jeremiah 17:7
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
 and have made the Lord their hope and confidence."

ARE YOU THE MESSIAH?

 Pearl Harbor was bombed on this day, many years ago. We try to never forget the sacrifice the fallen soldiers gave us. This past weekend, Daryl Pickens joined me on my Saturday run for Shoulder the Cross. We talked about the Word while we were together. In our conversation, Daryl told me he was struggling with a lot right now. His eyes swelled with tears as I explained my passion of serving the poor. He then stared at me puzzled and said "Brian, why is there only 3 years of Jesus' life covered in the bible?" The question took me off guard. I later posed the question to my pastor at The Austin Stone Community Church, Matt Carter. Matt lead me to the last words in the Gospel of John;

John 21:25
"Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written."
Matt also spoke of John the baptist. While John was in prison waiting execution, he sent a friend to ask his cousin Jesus the question "Are you the Messaiah?" Upon hearing this question Jesus responded "Poor people are being fed with food and scripture"
Mathew 11:2-4
The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’”
At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’”

DISCIPLESHIP

 I am reading a book called "The Signature of Jesus" by Brennan Manning. I read a quote in this book that really spoke to me; "God loves you as you are, not as you think you should be" I decided to text this to several friends. Brian Monroe replied with looked like he took offense to me sending these words to him. I later learned that he was crying on his way home from work today. It was a personal time between he and God. He sent me the text to confirm my message was from God. He thanked me for sending him this text message.

Mathew 5:1-3
One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."
I believe God uses each of us to speak His truth to others. We are all disciples of Jesus in our spiritual walk with Him.

WORRY

 It is the start of a New Year and I have high hopes for 2009. I am on an airplane returning from an application installation for work. The septic field at my house has been overrun by tree roots, I was working to fix this issue when I got the call that I would be leaving town less than 16 hours later. Work has been scarce so I welcomed the opportunity, even though I knew there would be challenges. There was a definite language barrier, and the customer was offered and promised more than I was there to fulfill. If I had the capability to transfer the knowledge and had my flight not been booked already, I would have been more than happy to fulfill this request. As it turns out, I installed a different version of the application than the customer needed. I conducted the installation according to the sales order, but this is not the answer anyone wants to hear. My focus was on this and it was difficult for me to concentrate on anything else. I grabbed a small book I had called, "My little book of Promises". I found a section on worry. I read and reflected. Thirsty for more I read the section on strength. I looked up the quoted verses in my bible. I thumbed through "Prayer" and found solace. I read Mark Chapter 11

Mark 11:24-25
I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too
I read on and found Mathew Chapter 21 to be a very similar verse
Mathew 21:21-22
Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
After reading this, I thought of my mountain of troubles this week. -The customer was hard to understand -The customer was hard to work with -The customer didn't understand me. I have faith it will work out. I prayed for peace and tranquility. I believe in it's deliverance. My worries have faded and I trust that all will be fine. I read again "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours!"

Mary Magdalene

 I like the story of Mary Magdalene. I wonder if this too is my story of redemption? I too was called where I was in my life. I continue to grow in Christ and I am still immature spiritually. Where I would be without Christ? Who is with me on this one? Who is not listening to His call? Come as you are. Let your tears fall to the feet of Jesus the Savior. Wipe the tears from his feet with your hair. I wonder if I have not offered water to clean the dust from His feet? When I feel the Holy Spirit move through me, my eyes swell with tears. His Spirit moves me often and the feeling is inexplicable. Yet I question myself; Do I starve for others attention? Am I humble in my works? I am realizing, the more I learn, how much much more I have to learn and experience. I pray He will continue to fill my eyes with tears. Let my tears fall at the feet of Jesus. Humble me as I wash His feet with my tears.

Luke 7:36-50 (NLT)
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”
“That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?” And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

ED

 Ed is an outgoing and flamboyant man. He is thoughtful and outspoken. Ed has an addictive laugh and always makes you smile with his kind and respectful words. Ed is intelligent and is always willing to help someone in need. He is homeless yet humble, as I find most that are homeless are. Ed came to me on Saturday and said; "Brian, I just made some preacher man mad at me. He asked me to leave and get out of his face." he stood animated as he continued with his story; "I better not tell you, what I told him, because you too will be upset with me." I explained how I am slow to anger and encouraged him to continue with his story. Curious about what was said, I listened intently; "I told him I don't believe in God. I said I believe in Jesus Christ, just not God. Who would send their only son to die for my sins and not have the guts to send Himself? Why send your son when you could have easily sent yourself with the same message?" he continued. "God cannot exist because he would have sent himself to die, not his only son" I asked Ed what the impact on the world would have been if he sent Himself instead of His son? What would have a bigger impact.

John 3:16
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
Read more on Ed at my other blog site at http://shoulderthecross.typepad.com/blog_main/2008/12/ed-on-god.html

THANKFUL

 Thanksgiving was last week and this time of year always makes me realize I have a lot to be thankful for. My Thanksgiving day started out giving grace to God by feeding the poor a warm Thanksgiving meal. Scott Mangum and his family came along to help. Nate, the drummer at the Vista Community Church, and his friend Melissa were there to help us as well. It was humbling and satisfying watching my friends on the street eat and share their home cooked Thanksgiving meal. Our family enjoyed a Thanksgiving Lunch. Michelle's Mom Jeneane was there. My Daughter Brandy brought my grandsons. My Sons Chris, Stephan and AlanMichael were all there to eat this festive meal together. Wayne Harlow sent me a text, thanking me for being his friend. He went on to say he could count his friends on one hand and was thankful I was one of them. This text made me think, I too could count on one hand, my few friends. Who was #1 on the list you might ask? God of course.

Romans 5:11
"So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God."

Depressed

 I was down and depressed recently. I wrestled with a bout of food poisoning after eating a bad chicken sandwich at the airport. I don't remember feeling so sick, since I had my appendix removed when I was 10. I was in South Carolina on a 3 day application installation for Sun Belt rentals. I showed up at the client site sick and disoriented. Luckily they were not prepared for the install so this game me a chance to go back to the hotel and get some rest. I slept for about 21 hours, waking only once trying to explain to my project manager why I was not at the customer site. I sounded drunk and incoherent and had not control over that, even though I remember slurring my words. The following day I arrived at the client site a little late, still feeling the ill affects of the food poisoning but much better than the previous day. While doing the install, I overheard the customer call me "incompetent". I have been called a lot of things in my life, but this was a new low for me. Depressed and feeling down, I turned to the Lord. I read Isaiah chapter 37.

Isaiah 37:3
"Today is a day of trouble, insults, and disgrace. It is like when a child is ready to be born, but the mother has no strength to deliver the baby."
How can I question my faith when the Lord delivers a message like the above verse? For the Lord my God seems to answer me ALWAYS. Praise His name.

Godincidence

 I found myseld reading 1 John Chapter 4 on the plane ride home last week. I was reading the book "Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning and read a section with this verse in it:

1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
I opened my bible and searched for this verse. Soon after some study in 1 John Chapter 4 I landed in Austin. Flying in earlier than expected, I was able to make it to Youth Group, where I was a small group leader before I started traveling for work. Mark, the youth pastor, was teaching as usual. Toward the end of his teachings this evening, he started to cry. He explained to the students how difficult it is to understand  how God is a loving and forgiving God. God is not angry or disciplinary, he taught. God is Love, Mark said with great excitement. I met with Mark after the session and told him how I was studying 1 John chapter 4 on the plane ride home that day. I quoted verse 16 to him.
1 John 4:16
"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them."
Mark read verses 16-21 then passed the bible back to me. Tearful yet smiling he calmly said "Oh, it's just a coincidence that you read that just today" His blatant sarcasm stirred the reply in me of "You mean Godincidence"

Moralitry

 I am flying home today. I have made a habit out of reading my bible on the plane. I recently observed that when I read the bible people avoid looking my way. There is open seating on Southwest airlines and the middle seat next to me frequently stays empty. I have heard it said to not talk about politics and religion, which is sad because it hinders spreading the Gospel message.

Today I opened my bible to Isaiah it reads:


Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor"


I have been praying recently for my "Shoulder the Cross" ministry. This verse really puts things in perspective for me. I questioned my own morality this week with some gift cards. Verse 8 says


Isaiah 61:8
"For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them."


This verse speaks to immorality. When the devil places impure thoughts in my head, it is verses like this that help keep me strong minded and moral.

Answered Prayer

 Sleeping soundly, I suddenly imagine myself at a Soccer game in Manchester England. Finally realizing it is my Manchester United Calypso ring tone, alerting me of a text from my wife, I opened my eyes and glanced at my phone hoping the text would not be bad news. My wife never bothers me this late, I feared the worst. The text was brief, it read "Are you awake? Can you call me?" My fears climaxed as I dialed the number to the house. "All your fish are dead" she reported. The 15 inch Oscar named Prozac was floating along with about 15 other large aggressive tropical fish. I ran through the fish names in my head, shadow, Jerry, Blue Stallion. My wife then reports that one fish survived the obvious lack of oxygen in the 125 gallon tank. I love my fish and reports they are dead really has me down. I have a hard time getting back to sleep that night. I turned to the Lord … "Our Father, who art in heaven" I prayed. Giving up on a losing battle, I turn the light on and open my bible. I turned to Psalm 120

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
What a perfect message for this time in my life. Last Sunday I took my troubles to the Lord. I applied for a different role and I felt almost black listed. My phone calls for follow-up were ignored and emails I sent were not responded to. I felt like this was a personality problem on my part. I read on in Psalm 120 and see more and more how this fits in my life at this time:
Rescue me, O Lord, from liars and from all deceitful people. deceptive tongue, what will God do to you?
I am thankful to my Lord for His answered prays in my troubled times.

CRASH

 Funny you should ask.  This is worth reading and is a true story.

The alarm went off at 6AM, it was time to get AlanMichael up and let him get ready for school.  I had a scheduled appointment at 7AM with a Prayer group (Bow down) for the youth that I help lead, so I got up and made a pot of coffee and decided to start my day.  I was enjoying my coffee sitting in my recliner when I heard a loud crashing sound.  It startled me as the house was quieter than the 6AM prayer at the local Monastery.  I ran to where the sound originated, my room, and saw Michelle's sleepy and startled eyes.  "I'll check it out" I said confidently as I ran to the restroom. This is when I noticed that the shower curtain rod had fell.  Somehow the spring inside lost it's tension and no longer was able to stay up.  So much for my morning shower I thought.  I guess I would have to show up stinky to Bow down.  I comforted Michelle and reassured her I would stop by Target on my way home that morning.
Things went well at Bow down. We had the largest showing I could ever remember.  I came home, curtain rod in hand and darn proud of my accomplishments of course.  Michelle rolled her eyes at me an said "Good job babe, now I will go put it up so you can shower"  My chest was instantly deflated.
This being the first day of Stephan's new job at Pok-e-Joes BBQ, I warmly greeted him and softly welcomed him to the morning life of the working.  Stephan soon bartered with me and Michelle eventually getting his way by us allowing him to drive the GrandAm to work, rather than the previous suggested walking.  
Soon Stephan saw his way off to work and Michelle and I were once again alone in a quiet and soothing living room.  Both of us deep into our work as we so often find ourselves at this point in the morning.
Suddenly we hear an muffled explosion then a split second later the electricity turned off.  Wow I thought, that is some curtain rod!!  Michelle looked over at me and lit only by the screen of her computer she said, "What the hell was that?"  Seldom hearing Michelle use this language, I immediately sensed she was not only slightly startled but somewhat scared too.  
I thought, I can handle this one.  I felt my chest once again raise as I told Michelle, "let me go check it out"  I immediately jumped up from my leather perch, after lowering the ottoman of course.  I looked out the front windows to see if neighbors had lost electricity too.  Unable to determine this, I went into the garage.  This is when I noticed Stephan in a fiery and piles of rock on the hood of the GrandAm.  "I had no brakes" Stephan cried out, "I had it in neutral and could not stop the car!"  Seeing that he had a choice of hitting my motorcycle or the garage I immediately thought, wow … I could have gotten a new Harley out of this; instead I have a hole in my garage wall.  
I went out to assess the damage.  I could find no other words to say except "You broke my house Stephan". I walked away calmly and decided to consider my options in silence.  Like a lost puppy dog, Stephan was just steps behind me saying "There were no brakes … it was your bike or the garage, so I thought the damage would be less to the garage"  I turned to him and politely asked if I could have some alone time.  Very scared and somewhat in shock, Stephan granted my wishes and left me alone.  
Stephan made it to work that day but was soon sent home.  He was found getting sick with stress and anxiety and management felt it was better for him to clear his head and return the next day.  Too scared to come home, Stephan went to a friends house and was able to calm himself down.  
Stephan's aim was perfect.  He squarely hit the conduit pipe that holds the main electrical wire that goes to the house.  The impact was so great that the conduit buckled and actually pulled the cable from the pole at the street.  I saw that the main breaker at the street had been stripped from the poles inside the box at the street.  I opened up the meter box that sits above the damaged breaker box and disconnected the electricity at the meter.  It was then safe to work on the shutoff breaker.  I bent the leads back into place and put the breaker back in place.  I prayed as I turned the breaker back on and was delighted when the electricity was restored without incident.  
My electrician came out later on that day to inspect my handy work and signed off this was a safe, but temporary solution.  The home owners insurance agent met with me this morning.  I will be the General contractor for the reconstruction, which hopefully will save the $2600 deductible.  All in all, it had to be one of the most exciting days of the year.