Here's a new one...
When I was growing up in the six mile area of Blount County, my most favorite Holiday of the year was Christmas. Followed very closely by Thanksgiving. Both of these Holidays were spent at my Mamaw and Papaw Tipton's house. Christmas at my Grandparent's house was made wonderful because of the focus of everyone on the meaning of Christmas of course Jesus' birth. Now as a boy I would wait soooooooo anxiously, completely wired with anticipation. Quite often this inability to sit still and wait would become overwhelming and I would find myself in trouble yet again. The gathering didn't start until 6pm each Christmas eve, but I would walk to my Grandparent's house at about 3:30pm. That's all the patience I had. The thought of all my cousins and aunts and uncles together and oh the food...still like that part. And the presents, of course the presents. I would sit imagining all of us running around with our new toys. Then the singing of carols...real Christmas Carols that celebrate Jesus. Wow, I miss those Christmas eve's.
Here's the point. We as Christians are waiting for our Lord Jesus. But, where's the evidence that we are truly eager for Jesus to return. Are we waiting with overwhelming anticipation that causes us to move and demonstrate our eagerness? Are we sooooooo excited that our actions show it and we can't even contain ourselves? Don't allow yourself to be distracted and forget to be joyful and excited while waiting for our Lord's return. Let's wait on Jesus like a child waits on Christmas.
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Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Prize Egg
I haven't shared this story on the air as of yet, so you all are the first to here it. Here ya go.
When I was just a wee lad...yes I was once a wee lad. ...quick note...I almost began this story with Once upon a time, but that seems deceptive since it sounds specific, but it's so very vague.....anyway. We had annual easter egg hunts at my grandparent's house. I have a large extended family and so there were many of us candy crazed, wild eyed ankle biters running across the yard trying to be the one that found the most eggs, because, as we all know as a child that is a coveted title indeed. Well, each year there was one egg that was deemed the PRIZE EGG. This provided a glorious alternative for those of us who never found the most eggs, because even if you only found one egg and that one egg was the much sought after PRIZE EGG you would then be the envy of the hunt. For within the glorious and mysterious hull of the PRIZE EGG was most certainly money. Probably just a dollar, but a dollar when you're 5 is like a one hundred dollar bill when your 20 or 37...or older.
Jesus told us that if we seek we shall find. Now he didn't say specifically what we would find or what we should be seeking for, but of course that should be pretty clear based on who said it. There are so many things to run after or seek after these days. Many of them are very hard to find, but the one thing we should be seeking after is God and His will for our lives. THAT is the prize egg ladies and gentlemen...THAT is the one item we should be desperate to find...God's face. Seek after Him with all of your might and you will find him. Then you my friend will be the winner of the greatest hunt of all.
Join me each Saturday Night on 89.1FM or on line at www.love89.org.
When I was just a wee lad...yes I was once a wee lad. ...quick note...I almost began this story with Once upon a time, but that seems deceptive since it sounds specific, but it's so very vague.....anyway. We had annual easter egg hunts at my grandparent's house. I have a large extended family and so there were many of us candy crazed, wild eyed ankle biters running across the yard trying to be the one that found the most eggs, because, as we all know as a child that is a coveted title indeed. Well, each year there was one egg that was deemed the PRIZE EGG. This provided a glorious alternative for those of us who never found the most eggs, because even if you only found one egg and that one egg was the much sought after PRIZE EGG you would then be the envy of the hunt. For within the glorious and mysterious hull of the PRIZE EGG was most certainly money. Probably just a dollar, but a dollar when you're 5 is like a one hundred dollar bill when your 20 or 37...or older.
Jesus told us that if we seek we shall find. Now he didn't say specifically what we would find or what we should be seeking for, but of course that should be pretty clear based on who said it. There are so many things to run after or seek after these days. Many of them are very hard to find, but the one thing we should be seeking after is God and His will for our lives. THAT is the prize egg ladies and gentlemen...THAT is the one item we should be desperate to find...God's face. Seek after Him with all of your might and you will find him. Then you my friend will be the winner of the greatest hunt of all.
Join me each Saturday Night on 89.1FM or on line at www.love89.org.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Me and the Bull
Here's another story highlighting my lack of brain function during my awkward adolescence.
My neighbor, (who will remain un-named), and I used to walk across the road to my Grandfather's field. There was a bull that lived in that field and we would pick up large rocks and hurl them at the bull. ...for all of you animal protection folks out there, the bull was never harmed...there, now on with the story. We hurled rocks at the bull in an effort to make it mad enough to chase us. It worked. The bull would chase us as we ran toward the fence, laughing and waving our arms and we would leap over, through or under the fence just as the bull was upon us. ...there wasn't much to do in the rural area we lived in...don't judge me. Moving on...ultimately we would always wind up getting scratched up and bruised up, not from the bull, but from the fence. It seemed like a lot of fun at the time and we enjoyed an entire summer of running from the bull...until the bull suddenly disappeared...oddly enough we gained a whole lot of steaks and hamburger at that very same time...weird.
Isn't it funny how we will often play around with the things that could cause us the most harm. It's true in our lives just as it was true for me and the bull. We play around with sin long enough and it's no surprise that we wind up with scratches and bruises on our lives. Signs of playing around with sin that can cause us the most harm. Fortunately my friend and I always made it to the fence in time before the bull caught us, but too often many of us aren't so fortunate and sin catches up with us and robs us of what God has for us. Don't play with the bull or next time you might not make it to the fence at all.
Join me each Saturday night from 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1FM. Or listen live at www.love89.org.
My neighbor, (who will remain un-named), and I used to walk across the road to my Grandfather's field. There was a bull that lived in that field and we would pick up large rocks and hurl them at the bull. ...for all of you animal protection folks out there, the bull was never harmed...there, now on with the story. We hurled rocks at the bull in an effort to make it mad enough to chase us. It worked. The bull would chase us as we ran toward the fence, laughing and waving our arms and we would leap over, through or under the fence just as the bull was upon us. ...there wasn't much to do in the rural area we lived in...don't judge me. Moving on...ultimately we would always wind up getting scratched up and bruised up, not from the bull, but from the fence. It seemed like a lot of fun at the time and we enjoyed an entire summer of running from the bull...until the bull suddenly disappeared...oddly enough we gained a whole lot of steaks and hamburger at that very same time...weird.
Isn't it funny how we will often play around with the things that could cause us the most harm. It's true in our lives just as it was true for me and the bull. We play around with sin long enough and it's no surprise that we wind up with scratches and bruises on our lives. Signs of playing around with sin that can cause us the most harm. Fortunately my friend and I always made it to the fence in time before the bull caught us, but too often many of us aren't so fortunate and sin catches up with us and robs us of what God has for us. Don't play with the bull or next time you might not make it to the fence at all.
Join me each Saturday night from 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1FM. Or listen live at www.love89.org.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Leaving Nashville part 2
Well, yes it's been a while, but I've been very busy with the mission trip and work in general. I'll blog about the mission trip tomorrow, but first I wanted to catch everyone up on the 2nd part of the leaving Nashville story. Here ya go.
After Sweetpea was released from the hospital I went across the street to the parking garage to get the car and take her to the hotel. When I started the car I heard a loud noise. I got our popped the hood and noticed a strange looking pulley laying on the side of the engine. I knew that this was bad because this was not there earlier. It was a tentioner pully for the belt. You know the belt that makes pretty much everything work. Sooooo, I went back and broke the news to my wife and called work and informed them that I would not be back the next day as planned. The neat thing is that Sweatpea and I were able to go to dinner that night at this really neat place near down town. It was a nice time together and the next morning we called road side assistance and asked them to send a tow truck and they did. Took me and the car to Firestone, they fixed the car and I headed back to Maryville.
Just another chapter in the book of Ron and Elizabeth.
Join me each Saturday night from 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1 FM or online at www.love89.org.
After Sweetpea was released from the hospital I went across the street to the parking garage to get the car and take her to the hotel. When I started the car I heard a loud noise. I got our popped the hood and noticed a strange looking pulley laying on the side of the engine. I knew that this was bad because this was not there earlier. It was a tentioner pully for the belt. You know the belt that makes pretty much everything work. Sooooo, I went back and broke the news to my wife and called work and informed them that I would not be back the next day as planned. The neat thing is that Sweatpea and I were able to go to dinner that night at this really neat place near down town. It was a nice time together and the next morning we called road side assistance and asked them to send a tow truck and they did. Took me and the car to Firestone, they fixed the car and I headed back to Maryville.
Just another chapter in the book of Ron and Elizabeth.
Join me each Saturday night from 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1 FM or online at www.love89.org.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Leaving Nashville part 1
O.K. it's been a while, and for those of you who read my blog, I'm sorry. But, the good news is I've had plenty of time to gather new experiences. Like the one for today. This will be a two parter with the conclusion tomorrow. Many of you may be able to relate to this one so feel free to email me with your particular story. ron@love89.org
Sweetpea, (my wife, Elizabeth), had gone on a training trip to Nashville. This is pretty common, so the week began just as any other week that she was away. Late morning I received a phone call from one of Sweetpea's training friends. She informed me that my wife had been having chest pains and numbness in her left arm and of course that alarmed me and I wanted to drive out there immediately, but she wouldn't let me just yet (that didn't stop me from researching flight info, which by the way doesn't exist...no flight leaves Knoxville and goes directly to Nashville). She told me later that she was fine, but she had been admitted to Baptist hospital in Nashville. When I further learned that she would be kept over night, I decided to drive out and be with her. I arrived at about 9:30 pm CST. She was doing very well and I stayed the night with her there in the hospital. The next morning they did a stress test and then we waited alllllllll day for the results. Apparently it takes a reeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaally long time to read the results from a stress test. I don't know for sure since I've never read one. But, it sounds like a pretty tough read. Ultimately they couldn't find anything wrong with her and ruled out her heart as a source for the problem and couldn't explain why it had happened at all. Weird... So, we waited some more and then they finally released her.
It's funny...because so many people including ourselves were praying for my wife. The prayer almost invariably was that the tests would show nothing wrong. No problems at all. Then, the first question we have after the tests come back showing no problems at all is well, what caused it? There must be something, because these things don't just happen. The tests are wrong, or you're looking in the wrong place we might say. ...or could it be that God just did exactly what we asked him to do? So many of our friends and family praying the same prayer and it doesn't automatically occur to us that maybe, just maybe God answered our prayers. Sometimes we just have to believe that God is faithful to his word. If we believe the prayer when we pray it then we shouldn't be surprised when God answers it.
Join me every Saturday night on Love 89.1 FM or online at http://www.love89.org/ and listen live.
Sweetpea, (my wife, Elizabeth), had gone on a training trip to Nashville. This is pretty common, so the week began just as any other week that she was away. Late morning I received a phone call from one of Sweetpea's training friends. She informed me that my wife had been having chest pains and numbness in her left arm and of course that alarmed me and I wanted to drive out there immediately, but she wouldn't let me just yet (that didn't stop me from researching flight info, which by the way doesn't exist...no flight leaves Knoxville and goes directly to Nashville). She told me later that she was fine, but she had been admitted to Baptist hospital in Nashville. When I further learned that she would be kept over night, I decided to drive out and be with her. I arrived at about 9:30 pm CST. She was doing very well and I stayed the night with her there in the hospital. The next morning they did a stress test and then we waited alllllllll day for the results. Apparently it takes a reeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaally long time to read the results from a stress test. I don't know for sure since I've never read one. But, it sounds like a pretty tough read. Ultimately they couldn't find anything wrong with her and ruled out her heart as a source for the problem and couldn't explain why it had happened at all. Weird... So, we waited some more and then they finally released her.
It's funny...because so many people including ourselves were praying for my wife. The prayer almost invariably was that the tests would show nothing wrong. No problems at all. Then, the first question we have after the tests come back showing no problems at all is well, what caused it? There must be something, because these things don't just happen. The tests are wrong, or you're looking in the wrong place we might say. ...or could it be that God just did exactly what we asked him to do? So many of our friends and family praying the same prayer and it doesn't automatically occur to us that maybe, just maybe God answered our prayers. Sometimes we just have to believe that God is faithful to his word. If we believe the prayer when we pray it then we shouldn't be surprised when God answers it.
Join me every Saturday night on Love 89.1 FM or online at http://www.love89.org/ and listen live.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Anniversary
I don't think I've shared this story on the air either, but it's kind of funny so here ya go.
The Story:
It was the night of our 5 year wedding anniversary. Sweetpea (Elizabeth) and I had decided to celebrate in a way that may seem strange to some, but for those that know us, it won't seem strange at all. We decided to go to the Drive in movies for our anniversary. It was great. We watched two movies and left around 2:30 am. Here's the funny part. When we pulled out onto the highway, I noticed a Maryville city patrol officer had pulled out behind me. I hadn't had a chance to speed yet, so I didn't think I had done anything wrong. He continued to follow for a while and soon I saw the ambient and festive glow of red and blue lights...there's some good news. I pulled over and the patrol officer approached our car and asked me to step out. Now, remember I still don't know why he pulled me over. He first mentioned that he didn't smell alcohol, which is not surprising because I don't drink. Then it crossed my mind that maybe my beloved wife had decided to have a prank pulled on me. That wasn't it either...apparently I was driving in a manner that made the officer think I was drunk. Again, I don't drink, so that was just a silly notion to me. After he and I agreed I was OK to drive and was just a little tired, we were on our way.
It's just like walking out your Christian life. Be mindful of how you behave (or drive) ...someone is always watching.
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1 FM or at www.love89.org and listen live!
The Story:
It was the night of our 5 year wedding anniversary. Sweetpea (Elizabeth) and I had decided to celebrate in a way that may seem strange to some, but for those that know us, it won't seem strange at all. We decided to go to the Drive in movies for our anniversary. It was great. We watched two movies and left around 2:30 am. Here's the funny part. When we pulled out onto the highway, I noticed a Maryville city patrol officer had pulled out behind me. I hadn't had a chance to speed yet, so I didn't think I had done anything wrong. He continued to follow for a while and soon I saw the ambient and festive glow of red and blue lights...there's some good news. I pulled over and the patrol officer approached our car and asked me to step out. Now, remember I still don't know why he pulled me over. He first mentioned that he didn't smell alcohol, which is not surprising because I don't drink. Then it crossed my mind that maybe my beloved wife had decided to have a prank pulled on me. That wasn't it either...apparently I was driving in a manner that made the officer think I was drunk. Again, I don't drink, so that was just a silly notion to me. After he and I agreed I was OK to drive and was just a little tired, we were on our way.
It's just like walking out your Christian life. Be mindful of how you behave (or drive) ...someone is always watching.
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1 FM or at www.love89.org and listen live!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Me, a new deck and a snake
This story has never been shared on the air...maybe later, but for those of you who are snake lovers, you may want to defer from this particular story. I am not a snake lover and they aren't fans of mine either...as you'll see.
The Story:
Recently I built my first deck ever. It's true that I'm not the handiest fella in the world, but I pulled it off. While digging the post holes I discovered something. What I discovered is that some snakes live under ground. I guess most of them do, but I'm not exactly a snake expert, I'm just terrified of them. It's a completely unreasonable fear... no seriously. Anyway, I was digging the post hole and hit a snake. It was not a premeditated attack, just a simple accident. When I saw it, I pretty much went on auto-pilot. I know this because I could hear myself crying out to God and when I opened my eyes I had completely killed the snake... a lot. Don't judge me. This was not the time for rational thought. After I recovered I continued work on the deck and two days later it was completed, with some help from my dad. At the time it seemed like an isolated event and I went on with the work that had to be done.
Here's the thing. God will use some of the strangest things in our lives to teach us important lessons. God showed me that the deck was a representation of my life. Still under construction. It wasn't where I wanted it to be, but it wasn't where it was when I began either. Just like me. I'm not complete yet. However, sometimes during the process of God working on us, the enemy will show up. But, if we surrender to God and close our eyes and let him take over, He will rebuke the enemy for us.
Join me each Saturday Night on Love 89.1 FM at 6pm to 10pm or http://www.love89.org/ and listen live!
The Story:
Recently I built my first deck ever. It's true that I'm not the handiest fella in the world, but I pulled it off. While digging the post holes I discovered something. What I discovered is that some snakes live under ground. I guess most of them do, but I'm not exactly a snake expert, I'm just terrified of them. It's a completely unreasonable fear... no seriously. Anyway, I was digging the post hole and hit a snake. It was not a premeditated attack, just a simple accident. When I saw it, I pretty much went on auto-pilot. I know this because I could hear myself crying out to God and when I opened my eyes I had completely killed the snake... a lot. Don't judge me. This was not the time for rational thought. After I recovered I continued work on the deck and two days later it was completed, with some help from my dad. At the time it seemed like an isolated event and I went on with the work that had to be done.
Here's the thing. God will use some of the strangest things in our lives to teach us important lessons. God showed me that the deck was a representation of my life. Still under construction. It wasn't where I wanted it to be, but it wasn't where it was when I began either. Just like me. I'm not complete yet. However, sometimes during the process of God working on us, the enemy will show up. But, if we surrender to God and close our eyes and let him take over, He will rebuke the enemy for us.
Join me each Saturday Night on Love 89.1 FM at 6pm to 10pm or http://www.love89.org/ and listen live!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Harley and his babies
Today's story was first shared on the air quite some time ago. This was when we only had the cat, Harley. So here ya go.
The Story: Having a cat isn't as bad as I would have thought. I've never really been a cat person because they just always seemed sort of useless and completely uninvolved. Now, for all of you cat lovers out there spitting and sneering at me...calm down. I have developed a certain liking for our own Harley over the past couple of years. Anyway, Harley is a male cat, but he has a habit, that at first concerned us a little and still seems strange. Our youngest daughter, Sarah has a large collection of beanie babies. Hopefully you know what these are and I don't need to go into that. Harley treats these little stuffed animals as though they were his babies. He grooms them, carries them around and puts them into piles. Heaven help the poor soul that picks them up to put them away. Harley begins to wine and cry and chase you around as if you had in fact stolen one of his babies. We have counted as many as 43 of these things in a pile in the living room. He carries them one by one down the hall way from one end of the house to the other. That's right one at a time until there are no more to carry. It's strange to see, but I must admit he's diligent. He really loves those beanie babies. ...weird.
I guess maybe I should demonstrate that kind of diligence when I'm pursuing God's will. I don't always and maybe you do and I'm just a lone slacker. But, if you too struggle with persevering and being diligent in serving God then remember Harley and the beanie babies. He cares enough to carry them one by one no matter how long it takes. He just keeps moving forward. I'm gonna start putting that much care into the things I do for God and I'll bet we'll all stand amazed at what God will do.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1FM or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
The Story: Having a cat isn't as bad as I would have thought. I've never really been a cat person because they just always seemed sort of useless and completely uninvolved. Now, for all of you cat lovers out there spitting and sneering at me...calm down. I have developed a certain liking for our own Harley over the past couple of years. Anyway, Harley is a male cat, but he has a habit, that at first concerned us a little and still seems strange. Our youngest daughter, Sarah has a large collection of beanie babies. Hopefully you know what these are and I don't need to go into that. Harley treats these little stuffed animals as though they were his babies. He grooms them, carries them around and puts them into piles. Heaven help the poor soul that picks them up to put them away. Harley begins to wine and cry and chase you around as if you had in fact stolen one of his babies. We have counted as many as 43 of these things in a pile in the living room. He carries them one by one down the hall way from one end of the house to the other. That's right one at a time until there are no more to carry. It's strange to see, but I must admit he's diligent. He really loves those beanie babies. ...weird.
I guess maybe I should demonstrate that kind of diligence when I'm pursuing God's will. I don't always and maybe you do and I'm just a lone slacker. But, if you too struggle with persevering and being diligent in serving God then remember Harley and the beanie babies. He cares enough to carry them one by one no matter how long it takes. He just keeps moving forward. I'm gonna start putting that much care into the things I do for God and I'll bet we'll all stand amazed at what God will do.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1FM or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Daniel and his tricked out skate board
Hello again and thank you for joining me on this here blog of mine. I hope the stories you find here are helpful and encouraging...maybe a little bit of humor too. Anyway, today's story was shared on the air back in Feb, 09. Here you are...
The Story: At one time my son Daniel was very much into skate boarding. So much that he used his own money and purchased a very expensive skate board. I especially liked the part about him using his own money...anyway, we were outside one day in the driveway. Caleb and I were shooting a little basketball and Daniel was doing his thing on his skate board. Over and over he would call out to me "Dad, watch this." He would try some trick, and forgive me for my ignorance, but I'm not well versed on the skating vocabulary. Each time the board would wind up on top of Daniel's feet. Again, I don't really know, but I don't think that's how it was supposed to end up. It didn't matter. Undaunted, he continued to call out to me and each time I would watch and enjoy. I was more than happy to offer my support and encourage him to keep trying.
Aren't we like this at times with God? Or maybe I'm out here all alone on this one. So often we get busy with ministry and we're calling out to God "Dad, watch this." We want so desperately for God to be pleased with us and like what we are doing. And that's o.k. don't stop calling out to Him. Because no matter how many times we may get it wrong, God is always there cheering us on and encouraging us to keep trying.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1FM or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
The Story: At one time my son Daniel was very much into skate boarding. So much that he used his own money and purchased a very expensive skate board. I especially liked the part about him using his own money...anyway, we were outside one day in the driveway. Caleb and I were shooting a little basketball and Daniel was doing his thing on his skate board. Over and over he would call out to me "Dad, watch this." He would try some trick, and forgive me for my ignorance, but I'm not well versed on the skating vocabulary. Each time the board would wind up on top of Daniel's feet. Again, I don't really know, but I don't think that's how it was supposed to end up. It didn't matter. Undaunted, he continued to call out to me and each time I would watch and enjoy. I was more than happy to offer my support and encourage him to keep trying.
Aren't we like this at times with God? Or maybe I'm out here all alone on this one. So often we get busy with ministry and we're calling out to God "Dad, watch this." We want so desperately for God to be pleased with us and like what we are doing. And that's o.k. don't stop calling out to Him. Because no matter how many times we may get it wrong, God is always there cheering us on and encouraging us to keep trying.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1FM or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wrestling not Dancing
As most of you know I usually tell stories on my blog. Today's will be a little different, because my love for a good story with a spiritual meaning is sometimes rivaled by my love for history with a spiritual meaning. So today's blog will be flavored with just a little Roman history.
Here ya go: The Roman Empire was ruled from AD161 to AD180 by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It is recorded in his personal notebook, known as The Meditations that he once said "The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing."
So often we forget that there can be no testimony without a test. In our Christian walk we must endure a great many adversities if we truly step out and make a stand for the Gospel in this world. God's word reminds us in Mark 13:13 KJV "...but he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved." The word endure is the focal point of that verse. Of course we aren't expected to suffer all of the time and sit around in mourning all of the time...ya know sack cloth and ashes and all that. We should be the most joyful of people because of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, but without resistance we will never grow stronger in the faith. As we move through each day, let's remember to thank God for the challenges we face and the tests that will strengthen us and make us even more effective in His service.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1 FM or online at http://www.love89.org/ and listen live!
Here ya go: The Roman Empire was ruled from AD161 to AD180 by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It is recorded in his personal notebook, known as The Meditations that he once said "The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing."
So often we forget that there can be no testimony without a test. In our Christian walk we must endure a great many adversities if we truly step out and make a stand for the Gospel in this world. God's word reminds us in Mark 13:13 KJV "...but he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved." The word endure is the focal point of that verse. Of course we aren't expected to suffer all of the time and sit around in mourning all of the time...ya know sack cloth and ashes and all that. We should be the most joyful of people because of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, but without resistance we will never grow stronger in the faith. As we move through each day, let's remember to thank God for the challenges we face and the tests that will strengthen us and make us even more effective in His service.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1 FM or online at http://www.love89.org/ and listen live!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Me and the Beagles
I've never shared this one on the air either. This will just be for my blog family.
The Story: When I was about 12 years old my dad and I raised beagles. These dogs were specifically for rabbit hunting. Now I know some of you may feel that hunting is wrong or that it's inhumane for various reasons, but none of that has anything to do with the point of this story. So, for the next few minutes put aside your humanitarian platform and just read the story. Moving on...We had about 5 beagles at the time and kept them in a pretty large kennel. It was on a Friday night and we had planned a big hunt the next day. There we were about to go to bed, it was pretty late and then we heard the dogs barking and by the sound we could tell they were trailing....which meant they were lose. This was bad since we intended to hunt the next day and we couldn't have them running all night and not hunting the next morning. It's significant to know that beagles will trail a deer most of the time just as quickly as they will a rabbit. It's even more significant to know that beagles will chase said deer until they just about die. Well, my dad thought it would be a great idea for me to go and get them. Keep in mind, that it is dark, we live in the woods at the foot of Chilhowee Mountain in Blount Co., and I'm 12. Fortunately, I was never scared of the woods since I spent most of my childhood playing in them. Anyway, these dogs were quickly making their way up the mountain. So, I grabbed a piece of corn bread off of the counter left over from dinner and headed out. I ran up the mountain just about all night, but I never caught the dogs. That wasn't surprising, but I didn't give up until I couldn't hear them anymore and had nothing to follow.
Sometimes we have to go out when we don't want to and do something we wish that we didn't have to do, but God often asks us to do the things that are undesired and uncomfortable. He's not interested in your comfort, just your obedience. When God calls you to something, do it with all of the passion you can muster out of your Love for Christ. Oh and no matter how hard it gets...never, ever give up. God will strengthen you even when you feel you can't go on.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1FM or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
The Story: When I was about 12 years old my dad and I raised beagles. These dogs were specifically for rabbit hunting. Now I know some of you may feel that hunting is wrong or that it's inhumane for various reasons, but none of that has anything to do with the point of this story. So, for the next few minutes put aside your humanitarian platform and just read the story. Moving on...We had about 5 beagles at the time and kept them in a pretty large kennel. It was on a Friday night and we had planned a big hunt the next day. There we were about to go to bed, it was pretty late and then we heard the dogs barking and by the sound we could tell they were trailing....which meant they were lose. This was bad since we intended to hunt the next day and we couldn't have them running all night and not hunting the next morning. It's significant to know that beagles will trail a deer most of the time just as quickly as they will a rabbit. It's even more significant to know that beagles will chase said deer until they just about die. Well, my dad thought it would be a great idea for me to go and get them. Keep in mind, that it is dark, we live in the woods at the foot of Chilhowee Mountain in Blount Co., and I'm 12. Fortunately, I was never scared of the woods since I spent most of my childhood playing in them. Anyway, these dogs were quickly making their way up the mountain. So, I grabbed a piece of corn bread off of the counter left over from dinner and headed out. I ran up the mountain just about all night, but I never caught the dogs. That wasn't surprising, but I didn't give up until I couldn't hear them anymore and had nothing to follow.
Sometimes we have to go out when we don't want to and do something we wish that we didn't have to do, but God often asks us to do the things that are undesired and uncomfortable. He's not interested in your comfort, just your obedience. When God calls you to something, do it with all of the passion you can muster out of your Love for Christ. Oh and no matter how hard it gets...never, ever give up. God will strengthen you even when you feel you can't go on.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night on Love 89.1FM or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Caleb and the long way home
I first shared this story on the air back in Jan. of 2009. It's a story about a boy and driving. Enjoy...
The story: Not too long ago my oldest son Caleb received his permit to drive. He now asks to drive at every opportunity and if I can't think of a good reason to say no, I let him. On one bright spring Sunday as we were walking out of church, Caleb asks the usual question "Dad, can I drive?" I looked longingly up into the blue sky hoping upon hope to see a rain cloud or some sign of inclement weather. Nope, clear as a bell. Therefore I was forced to say yes. While on the way home I saw our next turn coming up and wondered if Caleb recognized it. Up until now I had always told him where to turn, but this time I remained silent to see if he remembered the way home. He didn't...we drove right by the road we needed to take and after a few seconds Caleb remarked, "I should have turned back there." "Yes", I said "Now what?" He smiled and said no problem, I know I can still get home from here even though it will take a little longer and there are more curves this way. I reaffirmed his decision and replied "Yep, you can still get home from here, but it is the long way". We made it home sure enough, but Caleb will never miss that turn again.
It's interesting how many times God allows us to miss turns that we should take. Turns that would undoubtedly make our walk much smoother. When we miss these turns we wind up going through curves and maybe even hitting a few potholes that we could have avoided if we had just remembered the way (God's word) that we learned previously. But, the good news is that even when we miss a turn or two all is not lost. We can still make it home from here.
Your road map is found in the Bible. Follow Jesus Christ and trust him and you'll never be lost.
Until next time God bless,
Join me each Saturday Night on Love 89.1FM or online at http://www.love89.org/ and listen live!
The story: Not too long ago my oldest son Caleb received his permit to drive. He now asks to drive at every opportunity and if I can't think of a good reason to say no, I let him. On one bright spring Sunday as we were walking out of church, Caleb asks the usual question "Dad, can I drive?" I looked longingly up into the blue sky hoping upon hope to see a rain cloud or some sign of inclement weather. Nope, clear as a bell. Therefore I was forced to say yes. While on the way home I saw our next turn coming up and wondered if Caleb recognized it. Up until now I had always told him where to turn, but this time I remained silent to see if he remembered the way home. He didn't...we drove right by the road we needed to take and after a few seconds Caleb remarked, "I should have turned back there." "Yes", I said "Now what?" He smiled and said no problem, I know I can still get home from here even though it will take a little longer and there are more curves this way. I reaffirmed his decision and replied "Yep, you can still get home from here, but it is the long way". We made it home sure enough, but Caleb will never miss that turn again.
It's interesting how many times God allows us to miss turns that we should take. Turns that would undoubtedly make our walk much smoother. When we miss these turns we wind up going through curves and maybe even hitting a few potholes that we could have avoided if we had just remembered the way (God's word) that we learned previously. But, the good news is that even when we miss a turn or two all is not lost. We can still make it home from here.
Your road map is found in the Bible. Follow Jesus Christ and trust him and you'll never be lost.
Until next time God bless,
Join me each Saturday Night on Love 89.1FM or online at http://www.love89.org/ and listen live!
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Shinto Temple
I haven't shared this story on air either, but I have included it in the Love 89 news letter.
The Story: Every 20 years the Shinto temple at Ise, Japan is rebuilt. It is an exact copy of the one that has stood there for the last 20 years. One may ask, as I did, "Why would they do this every 20 years?" the 20 year cycle is an interesting one. It is just long enough for one generation to teach the next. Without knowing it they are implementing a biblical principle. In Matthew 28:19 we are commanded by Jesus Christ saying "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The word of God also tells us in Proverbs 22:6 to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it." Though out the Bible, and demonstrated by Jesus himself, we are told to pour ourselves into other people so that they will carry on the knowledge set forth in God's word. Decide this day to devote your self to making disciples equipped with the tools necessary to win souls to Christ. The best place to begin is in your own homes.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday Night from 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1. Or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
The Story: Every 20 years the Shinto temple at Ise, Japan is rebuilt. It is an exact copy of the one that has stood there for the last 20 years. One may ask, as I did, "Why would they do this every 20 years?" the 20 year cycle is an interesting one. It is just long enough for one generation to teach the next. Without knowing it they are implementing a biblical principle. In Matthew 28:19 we are commanded by Jesus Christ saying "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The word of God also tells us in Proverbs 22:6 to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it." Though out the Bible, and demonstrated by Jesus himself, we are told to pour ourselves into other people so that they will carry on the knowledge set forth in God's word. Decide this day to devote your self to making disciples equipped with the tools necessary to win souls to Christ. The best place to begin is in your own homes.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday Night from 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1. Or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Oreo and Harley
This story has never been shared on the air, but I may do that this Saturday night. Oreo is a 63 pound black lab mix, (not sure what he's mixed with), that runs through the house sounding more like a horse than a dog. He's also our first successful attempt at having a family dog. He minds pretty well unless you're trying to call him in the house. He loves to run free.
Harley is our cat. We don't know what kind of cat he is, but it's interesting because both the dog and the cat are black with a white strip down their chest. That makes them a matching set....pretty cool. Now for the fun part ...
Even thought it's been several months now Oreo and Harley just can't seem to get along except for rare moments when Oreo will groom Harley. At least I think he's grooming him...could be tasting him. Anyway, Oreo pretty much just pokes Harley with his nose and Harley freaks out and begins swatting Oreo's head feverishly with both paws flying. This is even funnier to see because Harley has no claws. Otherwise the blood shed would be ample. I think deep down they love each other and would be very sad if they were separated.
There's no spiritual meaning to this one. I just wanted to tell it.
Join me each Saturday night 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1FM or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
Harley is our cat. We don't know what kind of cat he is, but it's interesting because both the dog and the cat are black with a white strip down their chest. That makes them a matching set....pretty cool. Now for the fun part ...
Even thought it's been several months now Oreo and Harley just can't seem to get along except for rare moments when Oreo will groom Harley. At least I think he's grooming him...could be tasting him. Anyway, Oreo pretty much just pokes Harley with his nose and Harley freaks out and begins swatting Oreo's head feverishly with both paws flying. This is even funnier to see because Harley has no claws. Otherwise the blood shed would be ample. I think deep down they love each other and would be very sad if they were separated.
There's no spiritual meaning to this one. I just wanted to tell it.
Join me each Saturday night 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1FM or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sweetpea and the rings
This story was first shared on the air in January of 2009. I've some comments on this story as well. So, far these are all true. There may be some embellishment in later stories.
The story: Well, Sweetpea, (my wife Elizabeth), had misplaced her wedding rings. Not cool. Clearly this was cause for alarm and she became a crazy woman. Obsessed with finding the rings she began ripping the house apart and ranting incoherently to whom ever would listen. I think she actually spoke a couple of different languages during her search and recovery mission. Anyway, it didn't matter what the item was it became an obstacle and she removed each one until finally she found them. And of course they were exactly where she had left them. Ha, ha. Moving on...when she found the rings she was so relieved and it was clear that she felt light as a feather. Then began the inevitable clean up.
Sweetpea was willing to do what ever it took to find those rings, because they meant something to her. We should seek after the presence of God in our lives with that kind of fervor. Everything is an obstacle and must be removed because nothing like knowing the presence of God and his will for our lives. Seek after Christ today with all of the passion you have. Nothing else matters except finding Jesus. He'll revolutionize your world and then you can revolutionize someoneelses.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night from 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1 or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
The story: Well, Sweetpea, (my wife Elizabeth), had misplaced her wedding rings. Not cool. Clearly this was cause for alarm and she became a crazy woman. Obsessed with finding the rings she began ripping the house apart and ranting incoherently to whom ever would listen. I think she actually spoke a couple of different languages during her search and recovery mission. Anyway, it didn't matter what the item was it became an obstacle and she removed each one until finally she found them. And of course they were exactly where she had left them. Ha, ha. Moving on...when she found the rings she was so relieved and it was clear that she felt light as a feather. Then began the inevitable clean up.
Sweetpea was willing to do what ever it took to find those rings, because they meant something to her. We should seek after the presence of God in our lives with that kind of fervor. Everything is an obstacle and must be removed because nothing like knowing the presence of God and his will for our lives. Seek after Christ today with all of the passion you have. Nothing else matters except finding Jesus. He'll revolutionize your world and then you can revolutionize someoneelses.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday night from 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1 or online at www.love89.org and listen live!
Fishing with Dad
I first told this story on my Saturday night show back in December of 2008 and have had many requests to hear it again. So, I'll include it on my blog for your reading amusement.
The story: When I was anywhere from 10 to 13 years of age my dad would wake me up every Saturday morning during the summer very early and make me go fishing. Now, don't misunderstand, I loved spending time with my dad, I just didn't like fishing. I loved hunting, but not fishing. But, it became a chore for him because he had purchased a brand new bate caster rod and reel for me to use. This particular type of reel was not easy to use. When you cast it you must be prepared and skilled enough to stop the reel from spinning at just the right moment so it didn't continue spinning and create a mess. Well, you guessed it. I was neither prepared or skilled enough to stop the reel and a mess was created several times. Each time it happened I would spend a little time trying to fix it myself, but soon realized I couldn't do it. So, I would hand the reel to my dad and he would fix the mess for me and then hand it back to me. This happened so often that I thought he would get angry with me if it happened again, but each time he would fix the mess and hand it back to me.
That's kind of how it is with God. We try very hard to do it right, but we make a mess and then try and fix it ourselves. Some of us never realize that all we have to do is just hand it over to God and let him fix the mess. That's called surrender. None of what we have is our own. It's all God's anyway. So, the next time you find yourself in a mess and trying despirately to fix it yourself, remember just hand it over to God and allow him to fix it for you. Surrender will change your life forever. Trusting in Jesus Christ today will change your life forever.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday Night 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1FM or online at http://www.love89.org/ and listen live!
The story: When I was anywhere from 10 to 13 years of age my dad would wake me up every Saturday morning during the summer very early and make me go fishing. Now, don't misunderstand, I loved spending time with my dad, I just didn't like fishing. I loved hunting, but not fishing. But, it became a chore for him because he had purchased a brand new bate caster rod and reel for me to use. This particular type of reel was not easy to use. When you cast it you must be prepared and skilled enough to stop the reel from spinning at just the right moment so it didn't continue spinning and create a mess. Well, you guessed it. I was neither prepared or skilled enough to stop the reel and a mess was created several times. Each time it happened I would spend a little time trying to fix it myself, but soon realized I couldn't do it. So, I would hand the reel to my dad and he would fix the mess for me and then hand it back to me. This happened so often that I thought he would get angry with me if it happened again, but each time he would fix the mess and hand it back to me.
That's kind of how it is with God. We try very hard to do it right, but we make a mess and then try and fix it ourselves. Some of us never realize that all we have to do is just hand it over to God and let him fix the mess. That's called surrender. None of what we have is our own. It's all God's anyway. So, the next time you find yourself in a mess and trying despirately to fix it yourself, remember just hand it over to God and allow him to fix it for you. Surrender will change your life forever. Trusting in Jesus Christ today will change your life forever.
God bless,
Join me each Saturday Night 6pm to 10pm on Love 89.1FM or online at http://www.love89.org/ and listen live!
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