Glen Eyrie Retreat Photos

These are just a few examples of the fun and fellowship we enjoyed together at The Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Check This Out!

It was August of 1979, and I was 12 years old. Dad called home and asked Mom to bring Donnie, Brenda, and me to the American Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Base in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dad was in management for American, but on this summer day the attention of many was drawn to something very unusual outside. Throughout the offices people were calling family and friends saying, "You've gotta come to the airport and check this out!" You see, the Space Shuttle Enterprise and its 747 transport (formerly owned by American) had landed and was near the AA hangers. The Enterprise was the first Shuttle constructed and was used for test flights within the earth's atmosphere. So Mom loaded all of us up, and we made the short drive from Claremore to Tulsa and joined my dad. What I saw was incredible. In front of me was a real space ship sitting on the back of a huge airplane. For a young boy (and many adults) it was truly a sight to behold.

When was the last time the words, "Check this out," came out of your mouth? What was it about? Was it a book, a movie, maybe a new restaurant? Okay, now let me ask you this. Regarding your church, when was the last time you invited a friend or family member to check things out? One day Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman at a well which resulted in her going back to the people in her town and saying, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (John 4:29) Shouldn't it be the same today . . . you and me asking those around us to come and check out our church and discover more about our Savior?

That trip back in 1979 to "check out" the Space Shuttle remains in my memory as a fun time with my family in which I encountered something truly incredible . . . The Enterprise. But I thank God for Christian family and friends that offered an even greater invitation as through the years they guided me toward the Savior with a simple invitation to church saying, "Check this out!"

Will You Take Care of Our Pets?

Do you know how you can tell when someone trusts you? They ask you to take care of their family pets while they are away on vacation. On several occasions Kim and I have both asked and been asked by others to feed and water the pets during family trips. It is a blessing to have friends you can call on for help. It is also good to know that those around you trust you and feel close enough to ask for your assistance. Now before you non-pet owners start to laugh, think about all this request to care for the family pet encompasses. You are being asked to care for many of your friend's most valuable possessions. You are given the code to the neighborhood gate, a key to the home, the home security access log in, the responsibility of gathering the mail and newspapers, and if that is not enough, you also have the responsibility of feeding and watering animals that are really counting on you not to forget them.

God knew that we would need His help each and every day. So many years ago He gave His people an incredible promise. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3). Pardon, peace, provision, purpose...it all begins by calling on the One who is able to do so much more than we will ever ask or even imagine of Him (see Eph. 3:20-21). God never forgets to take care of us either. He promises, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). Today, be content with God and His provision for your life. He, alone, knows what is truly best for you anyway.

So as you read this today, maybe you too have been asked to feed and water a neighbor's pets. Now is probably a good time, while it is on your mind, to go and take care of them. And when you return to your home remember to spend some time with God. He has never forgotten you!

Dove Hunting

The first weekend of September Brayden and I were able to slip away for a few days together. Our stated purpose…dove hunting. Our destination…Wheeler, Texas. Now don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy dove hunting. But something even greater always occurs on these trips. I get to spend time with my son. Parenting is an awesome responsibility and privilege God gives us, and the time we have with them as children seems to speed by so fast. But when Brayden and I go hunting, it usually includes trips to Bass Pro Shop, packing our gear, drive time in the truck (18 hours roundtrip this time), sitting in a stand or some other hunting location, mealtimes, hanging out in the cabin between hunts, cleaning birds, and so forth. So as you can see, there is a lot of time we are “with” each other.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Mark 3:14. In it we read that Jesus “appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach.” Before Jesus ever sent these men out to preach He was simply with them. It has been said that some things are better caught than taught. We know that Jesus taught His disciples, but I’m convinced that His plan also included them “catching” His plan for evangelism through making disciples. These early followers would walk with Him, talk with Him, eat with Him, minister with Him, and on and on they would go just being “with Him.” When you look around in your life who is with you? Someone invested part of their life in you sharing the Gospel with you and teaching you the truths of God’s Word. God now expects the same from you and me (see Matt. 28:19-20). Let me encourage you to begin at home by praying daily for your children. Take time through the week to pray with them and read the Bible with them. This simple act will mean so much to both of you and will impact their lives for eternity. Next, prayerfully look around you to see who you could “disciple.” Sure there will be some biblical teaching you will need to share with this person, but also remember that time spent together is an opportunity for a growing believer to see how you act and react, applying God’s Word to various settings in life.

For Brayden and me some of our deepest, most open and honest discussions have occurred on these hunting trips. I thank God that we get to enjoy hobbies such as hunting together. But even more so, I thank God for my children and the opportunities my wife and I have to point them toward the One who wants us to be “with Him” for eternity!

A Prayer for the Day

A simple prayer I overheard - "God, today help me to become the kind of person my dog thinks I am."

Snake Proof Boots

A friend recently gave my son a pair of boots. However, these are not just ordinary boots. These are snake proof, water resistant hunting boots. My son Brayden enjoys hunting. I also enjoy hunting, but I especially enjoy being with him. Although we are relatively new to the sport, we feel that we are learning a lot as we go. After a few hunting trips which required us to walk through some heavy brush, I decided I needed some boots for myself. Knowing that my son's feet are still growing I rationalized the idea by saying, "I'll buy a pair of snake proof boots for me, and I'll be the one to walk out in the brush to retrieve any downed animal." Well this friend of mine, who by the way treats my son with kindness and respect, heard me talking about my new boots and asked if Brayden had boots. When I said "no," my friend informed me that he had a pair that might just fit my son. So the following week at church, guess what showed up. That's right...the boots. You should have seen the look on Brayden's face and the excitement over this pair of boots.

I am convinced that in our relationships we all need to be like my friend and pass out the equivalent of snake proof, water resistant boots for life. Most days involve people and problems that would like to harm us, and we frequently find ourselves wading through the difficult waters of life. But what if we had a friend that would come along side of us and encourage us, pray for us, pick us up, and even help by protecting us? Then again, what if we were a friend like that to someone? The words we speak or don't speak might be a great place to start. God's Word says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger" (Pro. 15:1). Sometimes it's not what we say but how we say it.

The Son of God is a friend that "sticks closer than a brother" (Pro. 18:24). People are very important to the Savior. He laid down His life because of His love for people. Ask yourself this question, "Today, where will I have the opportunity to think of others first and to somehow demonstrate to them the help and provision of Almighty God?" People all around us are in dangerous territory and sinking in problems and separation from God. How can you and I help?

Today, my son and I spoke briefly about our plans for the next hunt. I thank God for the times we have to hunt and more importantly just to be together. Brayden and I are also thankful for his new snake proof, water resistant boots, but even greater is our thankfulness to God for a friend whose words and actions bring blessing and encouragement into our lives.

Church List

During my sabbatical I had the opportunity to do something I don't normally have the time to do...visit other churches. My family and I enjoyed this unique time to worship together. The following is a list of churches I visited and/or met with a staff member:

Fellowship of The Woodlands - The Woodlands, Texas
Northwest Baptist Church - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Church of Christ - Quanah, Texas
North Park Trinity Baptist Church - Claremore, Oklahoma
First Baptist Church - Claremore, Oklahoma
Fellowship Church - Grapevine, Texas
Conroe Community Church - Conroe, Texas

I want to express my thanks, once again, to the staff and congregation of First Baptist Church of Conroe for allowing me to have this special time away. It has been awesome!

Family Concert in Claremore

On Wednesday, August 15, my family and I had the privilege of playing music at our home church North Park Trinity Baptist Church of Claremore, Oklahoma. God has used Pastor Scottie Titsworth, the church staff, and the entire congregation to reach people for Christ and to build disciples. We played about an hour of our favorites and some of our parents' favorite songs as well. The pastor concluded by sharing the Gospel with the crowd that was present and two teenagers received Christ. God blessed us with another great evening together as a family doing what He has enabled us to do.

Get Plugged In

Have you been thinking about your purpose in life and wondering if God has a place for you to serve and make a difference? Then click here for the "Get Plugged In" video and discover a few of the many ways you can help.

I Promise

A portion of the plan for my sabbatical includes reading and viewing resources that help in areas that are of utmost importance to me. I selected Dr. Gary Smalley's video curriculum "I Promise" to focus on guarding and growing our marriage.

Through the years Kim and I have always enjoyed Smalley's insight and practical approach to marriage enrichment. To this day we use concepts we learned 15+ years ago as newlyweds. The following quote is taken from the editor of the book:

"Great marriages are built on a foundation of trust, not behavioral skills. So, it's not enough to learn your partner's love language, become proficient in conflict resolution, or to even learn to control your emotions. If your spouse does not feel safe enough to open up their heart without fear of being judged, criticized, blamed, or rejected, nothing you do will be effective. It's only when couples feel emotionally "safe" that they can truly become one, as God intended. Smalley shares five heartfelt promises you can make to your mate that are guaranteed to build trust and help your spouse become the true soulmate, lover, and friend you desire."

This video is available for checkout through the church office. I would recommend that you watch it as a couple and would also encourage you to invite other couples over to view and discuss each weekly session. This material is biblical, fun, and extremely practical.

Please Read

Some friends recently blessed me by allowing me to spend a few days of my sabbatical at their bay house in Rockport. It is a great place with the water only a stone’s throw from their back door. The beautiful, unobstructed view of Little Bay is peaceful and truly amazing to behold.

Upon entering my friends’ bay house, I saw a notebook on the table with these words underlined on the cover: “Please Read.” This thoughtful little notebook contains checklists for staying in the home, important contact information, and details regarding things to do in the area. As you can imagine, this is a very helpful book for anyone who passes this way.

There is another Friend that has given all of us a very helpful book, and it, too, is beneficial to everyone passing through this earth. God gave us the Bible, and it would be a good idea for us to have our printing presses stamp each cover with the words, “Please Read.” When you and I open the pages of God’s Word we find checklists for our stay here, important contact information, and details regarding things to do. For example:

Checklist:
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)

Contact Information:
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Things to Do:
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20)

I thank God for my friends and that they have shared their special place on the bay with me. Their thoughtfulness and information has helped to make this personal retreat a special time. I am also grateful that our Heavenly Father has done so much to help us. His Word will provide us with everything we need for life if we will just take the time to “Please Read.”

Silos, Politics and Turf Wars

Patrick Lencioni’s book, Silos, Politics and Turf Wars is an enjoyable read that I would recommend for any organization. Written as a fable, Lencioni seeks to destroy “barriers that turn colleagues into competitors.” In one of the most critical, yet constructive, portions of the book (pg. 177), Lencioni writes, “If there is a place where the blame for silos and politics belongs, it is at the top of an organization. Every departmental silo in any company can ultimately be traced back to the leaders of those departments, who have failed to understand the interdependencies that must exist among the executive team, or who have failed to make those interdependencies clear to the people deeper in their own departments. Thankfully, there is a simple and powerful way for those leaders to create a common sense of purpose, and a context for interdependency: they must establish, for the executive team as well as the rest of the organization, a rallying cry. A thematic goal.” The author demonstrates how a “thematic goal,” supported by action points referred to as “defining objectives,” can break down barriers and move organizations forward within six to twelve months. For more information and other books by Lencioni visit http://www.tablegroup.com/.

The Best Question Ever

I just finished reading Andy Stanley’s The Best Question Ever and would highly recommend it to anyone. Having said that, I want to issue a warning. You might at first be a little disappointed by the simplicity of "the best question ever,” but I am convinced that its application to your life will prove more weighty than you first imagine. This may even be one of those books that you give to, or read through with, your teenager. Without giving too much of the book away, I want to share with you the concluding prayer from its pages which now means so much to me: “Heavenly Father, today I place myself under Your authority. I surrender all of me to You. As You demonstrated Your love for me through the death of Your Son, so I desire to demonstrate my love for You through a renewed mind and surrendered will. Thy will be done in me. I surrender all. In the name of my Savior [Jesus], I pray. Amen.”