I’ve been knee deep in hundreds of children and teenagers for a few weeks now…….and enjoying every minute of it.  Shocking, right?  That’s enough to drive most anyone crazy but it has brought me great joy.  Every year our denomination has three weeks of youth camp and, if possible, I always volunteer.  Church youth camp affected my life in invaluable ways.  Many of the lessons learned during those hot summers still influence the decisions I make in the present.  About midway through the festivities this year I found myself questioning why I loved it so much.  No doubt the extra-curricular activities were a fun way to pass the time but there was something more.  I found myself around people who were hungry for something only the Holy Spirit could provide.  I never had many true Christian friends to hang out with in school.  Most people my age were more interested in involving themselves in activities that only led to trouble.  At camp most everyone around me desired those same spiritual encounters with God that I did.  This year things took a different turn for me as it was the first time my daughter was old enough to attend.  I watched her all week long as she, even at the age of six, was learning to seek God.  I enjoyed watching as other adults around her began speaking into her life.  It was then I realized the word of God was being lived out right in front of my eyes.  It didn’t matter that she wasn’t their daughter.  They saw it as their duty to minister and teach her.

Solomon is attributed as being one of the wisest people to have ever walked this planet.  Strategically placed among the twenty-second chapter of Proverbs, a book Solomon wrote, you will find an important truth.  It simply states, “Train a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” {Prov 22:6]  I am a product of the many men and women God sent in my direction who chose to take the time to speak into my life.  The man everyone sees now is a direct result of the words of wisdom spoke into my life during youth camps, church services, and more.  I love the fact there are absolutely no stipulation placed in that verse.  Nothing requires you be related to the child or know him/her personally.  It’s our responsibility as Christian men and women to train, teach, and mentor the children and youth around us.  I’m grateful for the encouragement and truth’s spoken over me during my youth.  In many situations those words of wisdom gave me the strength to continue doing what I knew was right.  Look around you?  Who are the children and teenagers God has placed in your life–or even young Christians (I make no reference to age when speaking of young Christians as they come in all ages)?  Are you doing your part?  Not just the ones who seem to be on the right road but, specifically, the ones that tend to get on your nerves.  You know the kid I’m talking about.  Maybe he’s got a smart mouth and probably needs to be on a healthy dose of Ritalin.  Those children need God too—sometimes even more.  Those simple words of wisdom and encouragement could be the very thing that might keep that child out of Satan’s grasp.  Side note:  Make sure the biblical truths you are speaking to others are based on scripture in the context in which it is written.  Don’t use these moments to simply share your opinions.  The things you are teaching them are the methods of warfare they will, hopefully, learn to employ as they battle the darts of the enemy.  Study and know the word in it’s truest form, teach it, and remember—EVERY day is training day!

My daughter had a little accident at school the other day resulting in a sizable goose egg on her forehead.  For that reason I picked her up to keep an eye on her.  Because it happened in the middle of the work day it was necessary for me to take her back to work with me.  For a while she colored, played with my iPad, and a few other random activities.  Eventually she made her way over to where I was sitting working at my computer.  Her hands found mine on the keyboard and she gently held her hands on top as I typed and used the computers built-in mouse.  [the picture above was taken that day as I didn’t want to miss that moment – she was none the wiser].  It’s funny the things we remember from our childhood.  For instance, I remember my Papaw’s hands.  He has since long left us for his eternal home but I think of him often.  We visited this particular set of grandparents weekly because they lived so close.  On most any trip you would always find the same thing–Mamaw was in the kitchen and Papaw in his garage out back.  He was always working on a lawnmower or any number of items as my brother and I played around him.  Later in the day you could always find him slathering his hands with a citrus smelling product called ‘Go-Jo’ used to clean the oils from his hands.  I remember staring at those same hands and seeing them darkened from oil stains or paint, calloused, and sometimes bloody from manual labor.  It’s highly probable my hands will never look like that.  Not because I’m willing to work but I’m terrible when it comes to fixing things.  I didn’t inherit the same “handy” gene my brother did.  My Papaw’s hands were always a direct result of the time and labor put in to taking care of my grandmother and the rest of his family.  Even in his final years when his movements were restricted by the cord coming from his oxygen tank he still found a way busy himself. It left me wondering, what is my daughter seeing when she looks at my hands?  Even more importantly, what does my heart look like?  You see, to the naked eye my hands can be deceiving.  My job has me more involved with matters surrounding the heart……not necessarily physically but spiritually.  My hands may not be calloused but my heart has been through quite a bit.  Lately it has become my goal to end my life with my heart in terrible condition.  Not from bad eating or things of that nature rather calloused from the love and compassion I have extended to those around me.  Honestly, many days I roll out of bed simply wanting to return to the comfort of my pillow.  But I can’t.  God has entrusted me—and you—with a job to do for His kingdom.  We must begin each day with David’s prayer to, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”  [Ps. 51:10]  If we’re not about doing the Father’s business we’re wasting time and fall into the “lukewarm” thus becoming worthless.  Seeing my daughters hands placed on top of my own were a wake-up call to me.  She’s watching me.  Am I setting a worthy example for her….or anyone else who happens to be watching me?  I’m learning it’s not always what you’re doing with your hands that’s most valuable.  If we don’t die with callouses on our heart we’re not really living for Him.  Is your heart calloused?

The goal of this blog page has never been to degrade or demean.  I pray what you’re about to read isn’t viewed as such as it would completely undermine the entire message of this submission.  That being said, I can’t justify sitting back any longer without saying something to my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I find myself shaking my head in disappointment almost daily because of the things being said around me.  The conversations, my Facebook feed, the local news channels, and more are covered with hateful venom every single day.  The sad part is most of this same venom is coming from Christians.  Sometimes I just want to tell people to ‘shut-up.’  I know, I know—Momma said that isn’t a nice word but it sums up how I genuinely feel.  Here’s what bothers me most.  We can’t control how the world is going to act but, personally, I expect more from Christians.  My heart aches at the sad state of our world but what frustrates me more is the fact many feel their Christianity is something they can flaunt as a free pass to judge everyone else for their shortcomings.  When did it become okay for Christians to judge the unsaved……or anyone for that matter?  Let me give you an example.  Unless you’ve had no access to any form of media lately you’re aware a well-known gold medal winning male Olympian has made the decision to identify as a female.  I have sat back and watched as many have praised him while others have crucified him.  Again, much of the venom is coming from the mouths of Christians.  Do I agree with this man’s choice and/or lifestyle?  Absolutely not.  Does that mean I’m going to attempt to beat him over the head with the Bible?  Nope.  Putting myself in a place as judge and jury doesn’t make me any better than anyone else.  Many souls have been lost to hell because well-meaning Christian’s of today and yester-year couldn’t learn when to speak the truth in love and when to shut their mouths.  We can agree to disagree and still be respectful.  We can love without condoning.  The Bible never said, “Only love those whose lifestyles and opinions you agree with.”  We are told to, “…love our neighbor as ourselves.”  Never once did God place stipulations.

Matthew 7:1-3 [NIV] states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”  ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  We are flawed individuals and have to remind ourselves we too are sinners.  By being judgmental of others you too are sinning.  There are no differing levels of sin– sin is sin– except for the unforgivable blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.  It’s all the same in God’s eyes.  If not for the grace of God we too could be involving ourselves in many of the activities we find so repulsive of others.  No doubt some Christians already involve themselves in many of these same questionable activities– though that’s a blog for another day.  Those around us won’t be drawn to Christ because of legalism or brow-beating.  As Christians, we can’t prevent grown adults from making terrible decisions.  But we can choose to be waiting with open arms to help them pick up the pieces and point them to a loving, merciful, and gracious God.  None of us have the right to ‘cast stones.’  We are all sinners.  John 12:32 states, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”  NEWS FLASH:  God isn’t asking for our opinions on current events.  His word speaks for itself.  If he had the ability to create the universe simply by speaking, I think His word can speak for Him on current issues.  From one Christian to another, if you claim to be Christian — act like it.  If your actions and words are bringing more reproach than glory to His name it’s time to step back and deal with your own heart issues.  I hate to say it but, some Christians need to shut-up.

This week’s post has found me experiencing emotions on two opposite sides of the spectrum.  I feel great sadness in my heart but there is an equal part of me that is rejoicing.  Let me explain.  After a time of prolonged illness I have just lost someone who was very dear to me.  He was only 56 years old.  It almost seems unfair that he would be taken so soon.  While my heart hurts that he is no longer with our family I find myself genuinely celebrating the life he lived.  I dare say he squeezed more life and excitement out of his short time here than most would in a hundred years.  You had to know him to understand what I’m really talking about.  To know Randy was to love him.  He lit up every room he walked in.  The party tended to follow him.  Truth be told, the fun didn’t really begin until he arrived—and the party ALWAYS started late because he was NEVER on time.  He was full of energy and had bellowing laugh that could be heard blocks away.  His bright blue eyes danced with excitement every time he came in contact with someone-stranger or loved one.  Though, he never really met a stranger.  Those very same eyes had a glint of mischief in them, like he was privy to information others weren’t.  You see, he had plenty to complain about.  He had more than his fair share of sickness, heartaches, and hardships.  But to the casual onlooker, you would never know it.  Every mannerism and character trait that was ‘Randy Rhodes’ had nothing to do with the world and everything to do with His Heavenly Father.  He was a little glimpse of heaven on earth…….overflowing with joy and happiness, love, acceptance regardless of your past or shortcomings, and so much more.  He never judged others for their life choices but always found a way to remind them of God’s love and the gift of eternal life.

Hebrews 9:27 tells us, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”  It’s not some big secret.  We will all meet our Maker at some point.  The question remains– what are you leaving behind?  I’m not talking about a tangible inheritance or millions of dollars–though I would appreciate someone adding my name to that list.  What are you leaving behind, spiritually speaking, that can serve as a benefit to others?  Your deeds will most likely be forgotten (and for those of us that make constant mistakes– I’ll be the first to admit I am thankful for that truth).  But the things of God never grow old or fade away.  A godly heritage is something that has the capability of reaching far beyond our lifetime and impacting our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so forth.  I encourage you today to, “lay aside ever weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us..” [Heb. 12:1]  You cannot predict when your race will be over but you can choose today to run that race to the best of your abilities leaving behind a Godly example for all you come in contact with.

A few months ago our family was preparing to let Randy go as every doctors report reminded us his time was up.  I find it somewhat comical that, in true “Randy” form, death came knocking but Randy was running late……..again.  He squeezed a little more love, laughter, and a message of hope to those he came in contact with.  I refuse to say goodbye.  Rather I choose to say, “See you soon!!!”  What are YOU leaving behind?

Dewey Randolph “Randy” Rhodes

November 1st, 1958 — May 31st, 2015

“I need some time with you,” she said.  My response was, “Ummmm, we live together.  Could you be a little more specific?”  I could see it in her eyes though I couldn’t figure out if it was fatigue, frustration, irritation or a combination of the three.  Life had gotten crazy.  We were burning the candle at both ends, chasing our children everywhere, running off to some practice or special event, and trying to control a thousand other things that demanded our immediate attention.  This was a red flag moment and I needed to pay attention.  When we were dating, and even earlier in our marriage, it was much easier.  A date night required a simple decision, a quick shower, and off we went.  Now that we have children there were more details involved.  There were babysitters to be scheduled and paid, bathing and feeding the kids, doing homework, and so much more.  We were disconnected.  It wasn’t purposeful but it had happened.  We had allowed other things to become higher priority.  The longer we put off spending those intimate moments with each other the more disconnected we became.  Sure, we were living in the same house and sleeping in the same bed….but our hearts cried for more.  We longed for moments of speaking to one another privately about everything and nothing– without having to get someone a snack, change a diaper, or trying to talk over another re-run of Barney.  She missed her time with me, and I with her.  Without those intimate moments our relationship was becoming, well, more of a living arrangement.  We were just existing.

It’s the same way in our relationship with God.  In the beginning things are new and fresh.  We don’t have to find time to spend in prayer and Bible reading, it’s an honor and necessity.  We CHOOSE to do those things.  Time passes, the relationship becomes stronger, we become a little more comfortable and then……..we start slipping a little.  Other things start becoming a bigger priority.  The cycle continues until we’ve pulled away from God and find ourselves drifting towards things that once made us uncomfortable.  We relax our convictions and pretend certain things don’t matter.  Before you know it you’ve almost completely forsaken a relationship that was once a priority.  A bond is formed in those intimate moments.  Transparency breeds trust.  Trust strengthens the foundations of a relationship.  Exodus 34:14 reminds us He’s a jealous God.  He LONGS to have that time with us.  But He’s also a gentleman and will not push Himself upon you.  He proved His love when He sent His Son to die for our filthy sins.  I encourage you to take an inventory of your life today.  Have you been pulling away?  Is your relationship drifting apart?  Is He saying, “I need some time with you.”?  If you can honestly read this and convince yourself everything is okay you have an even bigger issue than you realize.  He’s waiting for you to ignore everything else and choose Him again.  He’s not looking for a cheap Saturday night date.  He’s looking for a bride…….without spot or blemish.  Are you prostituting yourself out to everything and everyone else?  Do you genuinely want a stronger relationship?  Talk is cheap.  Prove it by doing something about it.

Today’s blog is by guest blogger, the beautiful and talented woman I get to call my wife, Jennifer Rhodes.

Fear of the unknown is paralyzing.  Common sense vehemently declares, “I do NOT want to fail!”  But every now and then we have a burst of bravery that courses through our veins.  We get ‘sick and tired of being sick and tired’ and just…..let go.  I found myself playing in the backyard with our children this past weekend and watched as my daughter had such a moment.  Being in an adventurous mood she decided to attempt going down the sliding board backwards.  May seem simple and of non-importance to an adult but, if you know my daughter, this was huge.  She had finally mustered up the confidence was poised to conquer her fear……..but was looking for a safety net.  She called me over just in case something went wrong.  I was proud of her as she was already positioned to face her fear…….a BIG step for someone with her personality type.  Her desire to try something new had overridden fear of the unknown.  I approached cautiously.  She knew I was there because she could hear my voice.  Her little hands were grasping the sides of the board tightly as she was deciding whether to let go.  I reassured her she would be fine and encouraged her to continue.  Then I reassured again…..and again….almost demanding by this point.

This little interaction reminded me of many Christians I know, myself included.  We cry out, “God, I’m out of my comfort zone…I want to let go…I know You’re there……but I’m afraid.”  If we will step back and survey the landscape we would realize fear is mostly based on falsities that mask themselves as reality.  Peter comes to mind as he begged Jesus to allow him to walk on the water.  His faith in Jesus pushed him to attempt the physically impossible.  Jesus called him out.  At that moment, what was fluid and unable to hold form became chemically solid.  Seconds later he lost focus and allowed his surroundings to dictate his reactions.  He began to sink.  I can’t help but wonder if Jesus was disappointed in him.  Peter had experienced miracles at the hands of Jesus yet he still allowed his fear to take center stage.  Spiritual experience teaches us God is there all along.  But, like Peter, we allow fear to creep in and paralyze us.  Then we go so far as to question the validity of our faith.  When will we learn God Almighty defies logic?  Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”   Scripture instructs us to employ faith when we can’t see ahead or behind.  Trust in the Father is a necessity.  The book of Hebrews also reminds us without faith we cannot please God.  The chapter continues on to describe account after account of men and women taking drastic measures (things most would consider crazy) because they sensed they had heard from God.  The aftermath of such circumstances will always serve as encouragement to those around us and building blocks in the foundation of our faith in the Father.

Will you allow God to call you out into the unknown?  Peter’s faith building experience would be one that would teach millions about trust in God.  Is it possible he’s using YOUR experiences to minister to those around you?  He is standing there to catch should you fall.  Do you trust Him?  Prove it.  Just…….let go.

Most people my age and younger have absolutely no patience. We like INSTANT gratification. I recently came across some information and wanted to share it with you. There’s a plant called the Chinese bamboo tree. If you’re a patient person, this is the plant for you. Let me explain. The seed for the Chinese bamboo tree has to be planted in a specific type of soil. Once this is done you can begin watering and fertilizing it–thus the process begins. The next day you water it, and the next, and the next. Seems simple, right? Good!!! Get comfortable, folks. You must tend to and water this plant for nearly five years before you will ever see the slightest growth. That’s right…..FIVE YEARS!! For five years you get absolutely nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Then something amazing happens. At some point during its fifth year, no doubt way past the point of hope it will ever grow, you see a small glimmer of hope. A small green stem sprouts up. Cue the music….time for the happy dance!! Get this, within five to six weeks this plant will have grown anywhere from seventy five to ninety feet in height! Five years of nothing and then….WHAM…….almost overnight, this plant grows to nearly ninety feet. You could literally watch it grow right before your eyes. Seems impossible, but it’s true.

There are a few great lessons to be learned here. 1. Just because you can’t see God working in your situation doesn’t mean He’s not there. He said He would “work all things for the good” but never promised your answer would come overnight. If God promised it, it will come to pass but it’s highly probable it won’t happen on YOUR time table. 2. There are lessons to be learned during your waiting season. Maybe you feel like you’ll never see change or growth but sometimes it’s necessary to, “Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” [Ps. 27:14] Coincidence the author instructs us twice to ‘wait’? Probably not. No doubt you’re being taught patience, trusting in the process, and the necessity of faith to believe “it” (whatever your “it” is) will come to pass. 3. You must bloom where you are planted. We live in a society that encourages constant change. If you don’t like the way things are going, find something else that makes you happy. You wouldn’t take a cake out of the oven before it is ready so why uproot yourself because the pastor didn’t shake your hand or you don’t like the color of the carpet? Find the church God has for you and allow yourself to grow roots and establish a foundation. Transplanting the Chinese bamboo could slow or even stop the growth process prematurely. The same can be said of God’s promises in your life. 4. Faithfulness to the process is a necessity to experience growth or change. If the growers of the Chinese bamboo tree give up after four years they will never experience the pending growth that will come sometime in the next year. There is a process of growth that must take place for you to be able to wisely handle the blessings that will, no doubt, come your way. Your focus should be LESS on the promise and MORE on the process you undergo getting to your promise. Ask yourself, what is God teaching me during my waiting season?

If God promised it, it will happen. But you must remain faithful during your waiting period–no matter how long that may be. His word will NOT return void.

Ever had dinner with a prostitute?  Considered sitting down for a chat with an alcoholic?  Have you ever spent time getting to know a thief?  Had a cup of coffee with a murderer?  Seems like an odd question but I’m serious.  Have you ever considered partaking in ANY of these activities?  Why not?  I realize many of you think I’ve fallen and bumped my head…..but I haven’t.  I admit, in the past, there have been folks I have gone WAY out of my way to avoid interacting with or being around.  Why?  Simply because they made me uncomfortable in some way.  Maybe it was something they did/didn’t do, I didn’t agree with their lifestyle, they didn’t wear deodorant, I didn’t like the way they dressed, or any number of ridiculous reasons.  Justifiable right?  Nope—not even a little bit.  The ONLY time I try to convince myself I’m justified in my actions are those moments I’m NOT justified in my actions.  **Hanging my head in shame**  What makes me better than others around me?  Nothing.  Absolutely NOTHING!  We keep our distance from those who make us uncomfortable– almost as if they have some infectious disease.  ‘If I get too close I’ll catch something.’ 

Consider for a moment, what if Jesus ONLY interacted with those in His time who had the most money, influence, etc.  Those actions would have COMPLETELY undermined His purpose for coming and, most likely, His entire ministry on this earth.  He actually did the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of what we do.  He purposefully had conversations with the down-trodden and destitute, He defended the weak and helpless, gave respect and showed love to adulterers and prostitutes.  He offered them something that met their spiritual needs…..something that filled the void we all are looking to fill.  The company he kept consisted of those He was training to continue His ministry and those he was reaching out to help in some way.  He wasn’t hanging out with CEO’s and those with earthly importance.  Matthew 25:31-46 states, ““Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

Each interaction someone had with Jesus left them changed for the better. Can you say that about someone who has had a conversation with you? Are you even willing to HAVE a conversation with the “least of these”?  Realistically, people don’t need you.  They need the God IN you. Those involved in questionable lifestyles aren’t looking for our ‘preachy’ solutions to their issues. They’re fully aware of what they are doing and the shame that accompanies it. Many are simply looking for love. You don’t have to condone or agree with someone to love them.  I’m not encouraging you to hunt down cheaters and murderers. That could be dangerous. I simply encourage you to keep your eyes open for those God places in your path. There are hurting people all around you in need of a loving Savior. You may not have much to offer in regards to money, jobs, or tangible items……and that’s okay. You can offer them Jesus. The love of God and His message of hope are priceless gifts no one can afford to turn down. God could use that short conversation you have with someone as the turning point in their lives. Are you willing to have dinner with a prostitute?

The heat………good GRIEF……the HEAT!!  I thought I would pass out at times.  Okay, maybe it wasn’t THAT bad but in my young-dramatic-teenage mind it was 120 degrees outside.  It was always hot as we prepared our yearly garden.  My Dad, having grown up around farming, seemed to love having a garden.  Personally, I think he secretly enjoyed having my brother and I slave away in the heat even more, though he would probably never admit it.  I remember it vividly as it was always the same scenario.  First, I was sent a couple of streets over to retrieve and roll back my grandfather’s five thousand pound tiller (there goes that dramatic-teenage mind again, LOL).  From there it was jerking and shaking back and forth until it felt like my brain was about to fall out of my head (if you’ve ever use a garden tiller you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about).  Once the ground was prepared we set about planting the seeds/seedlings.  There was always a list of things to plant….cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, onions, the occasional okra, corn, or watermelon.  Days would turn into weeks.  Normally, within a few months we would begin seeing the first fruits of our labor.  For some seeds it took longer to produce a harvest and others produced very early on.  I don’t remember a year passing when we didn’t experience growth.  Without fail the seeds planted brought forth exactly what was expected.  There was a bountiful harvest of veggies throughout the summer months that fed our family through most of the fall and winter.

The same can be said in life.  If a seed is planted, it will bring forth a harvest–and we both know I’m not referring to food any longer.  Whether the harvest is good or bad relies solely on the seed being placed in the ground.  I can’t speak for anyone else but I’ve learned this lesson the hard way on numerous occasions.  Galations 6:7-9 reminds us, “⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  ⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  ⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  It’s not always easy to do the right thing.  If we’re being honest it’s easier NOT to do the right thing when facing a dilemma.  In the heat of the moment our instinct is to cut corners and take the easy way out.  We all have those thoughts though it doesn’t make it right or permissible.  Take a look at your life right now.  Are you happy with the way things are going?  Now, reflect on the choices you have made over the past weeks, months, or even years.  Is it possible you’re reaping what you’ve sown?  I realize there are some things in life that can’t be avoided and aren’t necessarily a reflection of the seeds we have planted (i.e. sicknesses and such).  Life simply happens sometimes.  But I find it interesting we blame everything on the devil rather than pointing the finger at ourselves.  For the record, he isn’t powerful enough to do half of what we blame him for.  He may have offered the negative thought/seed but WE choose whether to reject or nurture it.  Be reminded, there are consequences attached to our actions.  I encourage you to become more aware of the seeds you are planting.  Take an inventory of your life.  If you’ve been planting bad seeds—STOP!  If things aren’t going how you would like, change it.  Plant good seed.  The next time you consider taking a short cut, just don’t.  The next time you consider making a bad decision you don’t anticipate negative repercussions from–think again!  Sooner or later your garden will grow and produce a harvest.  The harvest you reap is reliant upon the seeds sown.  And as the scripture above encourages, don’t grow weary in well doing.  Stay strong, my friends!  Doing things the right way isn’t always the easiest but it produces a harvest you will appreciate more.  So, what does your garden look like?

A seven year old wakes on his grandparents couch.  Around him he finds those closest to him crying uncontrollably in anguish.  Why?  Because his mother had just been killed in a car accident.

A twenty-four year old goes to the doctor after experiencing awkward symptoms he can’t explain.  He leaves with a diagnosis that brings fear and questions he struggles to find the answers to.

A twenty-eight year old, in the prime of his life, hears the doctor tell he and his wife, “I’m sorry, but you can’t have children.”

What do they all have in common?  They are me.  I was the seven year old, the twenty-four year old, twenty-eight year old.  They are all me.  I dare say these three instances go down as some of the darkest moments of my life.  They may seem minimal to some but to me they were earth-shattering.  Uncontrollable situations that sprung to life and left me momentarily wandering, oblivious as to my next move.  In each situation I felt alone.  The darkness threatened to swallow me and was more than I could bear.  The hand I had been dealt, well, sucked.  It sounds crude but it’s true.  Life had dealt me an impossible hand and I was left wondering what my next move would be.  Early in each situation I decided to keep my eyes forward and concentrate on the task at hand.  The road wasn’t easy but I pressed forward.  Win or lose, I was in this.  I could run away or I could finish what had been started regardless the outcome.

Life changing events are bound to take place and will affect you, many times, in negative ways.  Sometimes we experience warnings.  Yet at other times the storm comes out of nowhere and threatens to bring your hopes and dreams crashing down with them.  But there’s hope and I found it in the oddest of scriptures.  Genesis 9:28 states, “After the flood Noah lived….”  He lived!  He encountered, literally, the greatest storm of his lifetime and he made it through!  He had to endure death and loss all around him but he lived and rebuilt his life.   Simply put-there IS life after the storm.  Back to my personal stories from earlier.  What was the outcome of every situation I endured, you ask?  I was an overcomer!!!  Not by my own doing but with the help of God.  God took my ashes and made them into something beautiful and priceless.  In each instance, had it not been for a loving wife, family, and friends I don’t know what I would have done.  Even more importantly, had it not been for an all-sufficient, loving, and merciful God I would have most definitely crumbled.  In every instance it felt like the end.  In those dark moments all I could see was the terrible situation in front of me.  Surprisingly, each dark moment was actually a beginning.  At the very moment I was at my weakest, God was made strong.  Every time I thought I was at the end of my rope God gave me the strength to hold on a little longer.  Every time I was ready to place a period at the end of a sentence, God took the pencil and placed a comma instead.  How will you choose to move forward in the face of adversity today?  Here’s a good start: “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:14 (NLT)  The choice is yours.  But be aware, God always has an ‘ace up his sleeve.’  He’s prepared to step in at the exact moment you think you’re going under.  Take a deep breath and press on, my friends.  You’re not in this alone.  Just keep pressing forward!!!  There IS life after the storm!!!