Past, Present and Future

Honor the past - remember the successes and learn from the errors; take advantage of experience
Live in the present - take the risks required to achieve new heights and climb new mountains; live on the edge, advance
Look to the future - dream big and fill you heart with new hope and purpose; reach forward

The past gives us wisdom and experience.
The present offers us chances for innovation and adventure.
The future brings new understandings and successes.

Phil. 3:12-14
Put away what is behind.
Progress to what lies ahead.
Press toward the future.

Thoughts From an Almost 50 Year Old Man

Here are the only important things in life that really matter:

• My Lord Jesus Christ – how incredibly marvelous it is that God would love us so much that He gave His own life for us. Unbelievable!
• My dear wife – Beverly Ann, MyLadyMyLove… 25 years of faithfulness, service and love. You are the greatest treasure I have and the most incredible blessing I have ever received.
• My children – Cheree, John, Judah, Lance, Luke, Kelsy and Esperanza… seven blessings from the Lord that are making their own choices to follow God with all their hearts. This gives me an unbelievable felling of satisfaction and success.
• My friends – to name one would be to leave out several, so I'll go without any names. Friends are to share with and to confide in. Their presence is the greatest reward a man could ask for. Satisfaction and realization is the result.
• My testimony – that only good could be said of me, that God's name is always glorified when my name is mentioned. That's my purpose in life, my greatest call.

And looking towards the future:

• I do not pretend nor profess perfection; I must always continue forward in my faith and practice – Phil 3:12-14
• I will continue pursuing God and His fruit and gifts in my life. Maturity is a continuous growth process.
• I must always be strong and very courageous as I obey God's direction – Joshua 1:7
• I will not grow weary; the harvest will come – Gal. 6:9
• "Well done, good and faithful servant," are the words I want to hear – Matt. 25:21,23; 2 Tim 4:7

I want to finish what I've started. I want to finish well.

I Want More!

Since the beginning of the year and earlier we've been seeking for more of God. I'm not satisfied. I've not received what I'm looking for. I want more of God and His holy power. When Pastor Eddie from Nebraska shared at evening prayer in June he touched the area going to God's presence and staying there until you get a word and receive His power.

He shared that we must go to the high place, the place where God dwells and his presence is manifest. In Acts Jesus said go to Jerusalem and wait. Once in the presence of God we should wait there till he speaks and fills us with power. As we wait we must worship and serve the Lord with all our hearts. We must allow his holy presence to cleanse and purify our hearts. Who can believe that God will respond to an unrepentant heart? Who will go up the mountain of the Lord but those with clean hands (actions and lifestyle) and a pure heart (motives and attitudes)?

Once there don't move, until God says, "go." Saul got anxious and made sacrifice before Samuel arrived and began the process of doing things his way instead of God's way. If we wait until we have heard from God and then with quick and confident obedience we do what he said, His backing is certain and our success is sure. Too often, like Joshua, we are asking God to be on our side. When what he wants is for us to join his side and follow his leading.

Wait in Jerusalem until you have been filled with power, and you will be witnesses from you own neighborhood to the ends of the earth. Is that worth waiting for? Is that worth seeking God with all our hearts for?

Father, I want more. Help me be willing to pay the price and actively seek you face.

My Boy with My Guitar

Here is Luke in his first public appearance, playing my guitar. For a 10 year old and just 10 months of lessons he did an awesome job. He accompanied his children's church group on a song for Father's day.

Beauty Personified and Blessings From God

Here are two of the four most beautiful women in the whole world.

My Dearest Beverly and my youngest, Esperanza. Wow, I've been blessed.

Today is Lance's 13th birthday, now we have 3 teenage boys. Life is truly getting more and more exciting.