A New Year, New Opportunities and Challenges

What a difference a year makes.

I remember as a child a year seemed like such a long time, and the difference in who I had become was often amazing. The year between 5 and 6 was pretty amazing, from being home all the time to going to school each day to not being able to wait till summer break so I could be home all the time. Life was filled with those years that made such a difference. From 12 to 13, adding that word teen seemed so important. From 15 to 16 and getting a license and a car, from 18 to 19 and no more high school. 20 to 21 and being a husband and soon to be father, what a difference that was.

Somehow as I "grew up" the difference a year made seemed to get less and less significant. Maybe a pound or two heavier, a little more money, a few more bills. But life isn't supposed to be that way when God is directing it.

That's been my experience, He makes life exciting and new. The year I got saved was radically different than the year before. But time passed and life got busy with family and work obligations. I settled in to what has been described by some as American Christianity and as I now look back on it, I fell into a rut. And quite honestly there were far more years where my life in Christ went along without much difference than there were with.

But this past year.... was different, it was amazing. God took me out of the world of comfort and placed me right smack dab in His hands. I'm not going lie to you and say I always saw it that way or that it was all a wonderfully pleasurable time. Way too much of the time I was kicking and screaming like a child on his first roller coaster ride at the amusement park. There was a lot of heartache, I saw a lot of people that I care deeply for hurt. But as that child at the amusement park I find myself excited and hardly able to wait for the next ride, for this year. God has shown Himself faithful through it all and He has worked wonders in my life. And now, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Well, as I look ahead to this next year I can't wait to see what He is going to do. With last year as a promise of His faithfulness comforting me as I face whatever He has, I trust this year is going to be incredible and wouldn't want it any other way.

And honestly, I'm tired of living the same old "comfortable" life and I'm looking forward to some faith walking this year. I think God is going to lead me headlong right into some of my greatest fears. Maybe even a triple loop coaster that hangs me upside down. I'm a little nervous when I think about it, but It's going to be amazing. He is AMAZING! Am I ready for this? I would not have said yes a year ago, but look where we are now. So I have to say yes, lead on Lord.

till next time...Rick

It's been a while since my last post, but I think it's time to start back.

Sitting here on a Wednesday morning with lot's going through my mind.  The outreach at the Fannin County Fair, LINK Tonight, trip to Arkansas to fish with my buddies.  There's a lot going on in my mind, but in my heart, there's Linda and her back pain, she had three injections yesterday and we are waiting on relief.  She desperately needs to "feel better".  What a woman, Mother, Grammie, and what a wife.

The sermon series we are in is also in my heart today.  I am enjoying the first epistle of John greatly and God is teaching me deeply through this study.  It's amazing how "opening" the Word, opens our hearts.  I have found comfort as well as instruction that has strengthened my resolve for Him.

God has blessed us as a church greatly, and He's not even finished with us yet ;-)

Rick

Chasing Lions .... Again

I had the opportunity to speak to our men's group last Wednesday, and it was challenging to say the least. I really felt God impressing me to speak on 2 Samuel 23 and the story of Benaiah.

I love the story and learned tremendously the last time I study through the material. But this time God was going to take it a little deeper into my life than last time. He had more He wanted to show me and have me experience. Man I really enjoyed the preparation.

Now it becomes time to take the principles He teaches through His word and allow it to take root in our lives and produce. Facing fears, taking risks, and being willing to look foolish to the world while being so God conscious we forget all our inhibitions.

Gotta go, got a lion to catch.

Rick

Encouragement

Wow! Encouragement is such a powerful weapon.

Weapon? Yep, to defeat the enemy! And I have to include it in my arsenal. It must become a weapon of choice. It is powerful to protect my fellow soldiers in the battle.

He is "seeking who he may devour" and that puts a target on the back of every christian. Even non believers. He would destroy all if he could. How powerful a word of encouragement is to a worn or weak brother or sister engaged in the battle. I know there have been times in my life when I felt defeated, and someone encouraged me. It renewed my spirit, caused hope to begin to spring up inside me, and gave me strength to continue.

So as I go through my day, I want to be an encouragement to others. I need to be an encouragement. I MUST be an encouragement. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) I'm going to find ways to encourage others (Ephesians 4:29). Pointing them to the ONE who offers hope for the hopeless, help for the helpless, and rest for the restless.

Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith! (Hebrews 12:2)

Day 8 Kick Start

Living Life At Full Throtle - I like the sound of that.

Day 7

Frozen dreams - Cool thought ;-)

Man, I thawed my dream a few years ago, and I'm living it out now!

I'll catch you later, gotta go live some more of my dreams. What a great life.

Rick

Day 6 Monkey Bars and Letting Go

Monkey bars are for children, every great playground has some. I watched my grandchildren this weekend climb higher and reach farther on the monkey bars on the playground than I have stretched myself in a long time. In fact the monkey bars were the busiest piece of playground equipment. Children were stretching the limits and reaching for bars they barely could make.

There is another aspect of the monkey bars, moms and dads. Moms and dads strategically placed all throughout the monkey bars in order to catch their precious adventurers in case the went too far and couldn't get back. Some children, had no problem letting go and trusting they would be caught. But one little boy I say wouldn't even let go when his dad had a tight hold on him. His dad had to actually pull him down forcefully with the boy screaming in fear.

I think that might be me. Trying desperately to hold on to something I can't accomplish even though God is telling me to let go and trust Him. At times I am even screaming to the top of my lungs about how upset I am that I am having to do this thing, that I don't have the time, or the resources, but not willing to let go. There have been times I became paralyzed because I wouldn't let go. All other tasks became non existent because I was consumed with the idea that I couldn't make progress in a specific area and I stayed they as a child stuck on a monkey bar while other children ran to other areas and played with other pieces of equipment.

Lord help me let go and trust you, the one who loves and cares for me, in all areas of life. I know you will work for my good and you have promised to care for me.

Rick