New Year Thoughts....

A New Year Is Here....

I can't believe that I am writing the year "2012" on my checks and other documents.  Does anyone remember the "Y2K" scare?  It seems like it was just yesterday. 

This New Year brings several things to my mind:

1.  EXCITEMT - Excited for the new opportunities that are ahead.  I am continuing to take classes this spring at SAGU (Southwestern Assemblies of God University).  In fact, this is something that I had started several years ago but paused the process.  I took a couple of classes at NWACC this past fall and enjoyed most of it.  I am also excited because Krystal is starting her Graduate work at Harding University as well.  I am very proud of her.

2.  ANXIOUS - I know the Bible tells us not to be "anxious" about anything, but this anxious feeling isn't worrying but probably more of an anticipation of the unknown.  At least that sounds better.  Because of the two parents going to school, Ashlyn's basketball schedule and Mitchell's schedule, our schedules will need to be somewhat guarded.  This is not an easy task when your "work" involves being around and loving people. 

3.  REFLECTION - I am reflecting on how life is precious and we are not promised tomorrow.  This is something that I never want to forget.  We are not promised tomorrow.  The Bible clearly reminds us that our life is a "vapor".  While it is here, we must make the most of every opportunity and tell those close to us that we love them each and every day.

4.  DESIRE - I have a desire to grow.  I desire to grow in my Christian walk with Jesus.  I also want to grow as a husband and father.  Leadership growth isn't an option either as I desire to lead and pastor the great people God has entrusted me with.  Growth doesn't automatically happen.  Three things I have learned about growth.  First, growth is a process and takes times.  Second, when you stop learning is when you stop growing.  Third, growing takes work.

I don't know if I would categorize these thoughts as resolutions, but just some things that come to mind as this New Year begins.  New opportunities that will bring excitement, reflection and accomplishments. 

Christmas Traditions

Webster defines TRADITION as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.

As Christmas approaches again, we find ourselves doing our "inherited, established, customary pattern of thought, action or behavior".  It's fun to hear the different traditions that families have for Christmas.  I remember one of our traditions growing up in the Wheat home in Lonoke, AR.  Every night on Christmas Eve mom and dad would always let us open one gift.  It was always a new pair of pajamas.  I thought it was funny that we always got the same type of gift every Christmas Eve, but as I got older it made sense.  Mom wanted us to look good and also to be dressed in something besides gym shorts for the photos that would be taken on Christmas morning.  

Now, our family has an established or customary pattern, action and behavior we do every year (no, it's not new pajamas).  Before we open the gifts, we read the Christmas Story.  After the story has been read, we pray as a family.  Another "customary pattern and action" is done while opening our gifts.  We go around and let each person open their gifts one at a time so we all can enjoy their response.  Actually, Krystal and me watch the kids take turns and then we open our gifts.  

 

There are some other "actions and behaviors" that we have also begun such as assembling a Gingerbread House, buying for another family who needs help during Christmas, sponsoring a Christmas Basket at our church, going to see Christmas lights and several more.  

Putting up Christmas lights on our house and in the yard is another "established, customary pattern, action and behavior".  It was several years ago that we started putting lights up.  It started by putting clear lights on the house.  Today we have colored lights on the house, inflatables that include Frosty the Snowman, a Christmas Bear and Snoopy.  The decorations also include lighted trees, a horse and pony drinking from water, twinkling snowflakes in the trees, animated deer and the sidewalk lined with candy-canes and lights.  It has grown each year.  It's become a time when we work together and enjoy the light show during the Christmas season.  

2011 Light Show

I hope that one day when Ashlyn and Mitchell are older and posting their blogs (if blogs are still around), they will be able to write and share about our traditions and also some of their own.  

Traditions ~ an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.  I guess another definition would be "great memories". 

How Is Your "EGO"?

I was given a book today and began reading it while I was waiting on my appointment.  I really enjoy books on leadership and I really enjoy books on "spiritual leadership".  The book I was given is The Servant Leader by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges.  I haven't read it all but what I have been able to ready is worth passing on.  


One chapter deals with the difference in being a "servant leader" and a "self-serving leader".  In this short chapter it begins to speak of EGO.  We all have an ego but as I read how this book defines "Ego", it made me stop and think.  I'd like to pass this on to you. 


There are two acrostics of the word "EGO" this book uses:
              1.  Exalting God Only
              2.  Edging God Out


In this book, The Servant Leader, Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges shares how we Edge God Out.  Read it and see if your EGO needs adjusting.

How Do We Edge God Out?

When We Put Something Else In His Place as the Object of Worship ~
When you're making a leadership decision, what do you put in God's place as the object of your worship?  Power, recognition, appreciation, money - whatever it is, it's not worth it.

Philippians 3:3 (NLT) For we who worship God in the Spirit...put no confidence in human effort.  Instead we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us.


When We Rely On Other Sources For Our Security and Sufficiency ~ 
When we put our trust in something else other than the unconditional love of God, other than in His care for us, when we put our security in other things - it can be our intellect, our position, our business contacts, anything - we're counting on the temporal instead of the eternal. 

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

When We Put Others in His Place as Our Major Audience for Self-Worth ~ 
In Robert S. McGee's The Search for Significance, we learn that if the devil had a formula for self-worth that he would want you to buy into, it would be; Your self-worth is equal to your performance plus the opinion of others.  If you're constantly looking to make yourself feel good or worthwhile based on your performance or the opinions of others, you're constantly going to be chasing an elusive, frustrating fantasy. 

Psalm 118:8  It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.


When We Lose Intimacy with his Unconditional Love, We Fear Intimacy with Others ~ 
One of the greatest EGO factors that self-serving leaders driven by pride and fear have is the fear of intimacy with others.  Like the Wizard of Oz, they create scary false fronts and barriers between themselves and their people rather than admit that they don't know all the answers, that they may need help.  They fear if they are vulnerable with people, their leadership might be questioned.  The loneliness and isolation that result from fear of intimacy leaves the leader separated from the realities of what is going on and from the good ideas that others may have to offer.


So, how's your "EGO"?  I haven't finished the book but so far, it has been a reminder that as a "servant-leader", your EGO should be "Exalting God Only" and not "Edging God Out".


Thanks Bill for the great book!

Time To Act

It's been a while since my last blog.  In fact, I have been thinking, "What am I going to say?"  I thought about many things that I could blog about but today there was a brief thought that came to mind ~ "Actions Speak Louder Than Words".  We all have heard it and probably have even said it.  But do we really believe it? 

Here's my quick thought on the subject:

Our actions really do speak louder than we realize.  Jesus made it very clear, John 14:21 (TLB) The one who obeys me is the one who loves me..."  Stop and think about your actions.  Do they really speak of the love you have for Jesus?  Just a thought to ponder. 

May we, who say we love Jesus, obey His commands.  Jesus said there are really two commands that sum up the law ~ Love God and Love People.  Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Many people say "I love Jesus", but do their actions speak it?  So, are your actions really speaking louder than your words?

Publish Post

Healthy Heart ~ Healthy You

Last year Krystal shared with me that she had set a goal.  She was going to run a 5k.  I love my wife but this surprised me because she will tell you herself that shopping is something that she enjoys more than sweating.  As she began to train and run, I couldn't sit back and do nothing.  So, I decided I would get in shape to run a 5k as well.  After training, she did it.  On Labor Day of 2010, Krystal ran her first 5k in Rogers.  It was "Run For A Child".  I was out of town but we continued to run and train.  I ran my first 5k in Siloam Springs last October in the "Titus Task" 5k.  We both ran and finished the race.

Running is like other exercises in that you need the right equipment.  We bought running clothes, running shoes, and even water bottles that fit into your hand as you are running.  We downloaded apps to our phones and iPods to help us as well.  We had all the right equipment to help us exercise and do better at running.  We were set to keep the exercise going but after running in the Titus Task,  winter hit and the calendar became busier and we stopped.

One evening last week I went for a jog in our neighborhood.  As I was jogging, the thought kept coming to my head, "Why did you stop?  Exercise is good for you."  I began to come up with all the excuses and reasons.  Then my mind went to the following verse of scripture.


1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

I began to compare how I had all the tools and equipment to help me to be a better runner and to help me be more physically fit but I had stopped using them.  I allowed my calendar and the "rough weather" to keep me from doing what would help me keep in shape.  I started to apply this to our spiritual lives.  We have so many tools, resources, books, classes, retreats, conferences, and so much more to help us stay in "spiritual shape" and to continue to become healthier in our spiritual lives.  Unfortunately,  we allow our calendars and "rough weather" to keep us from continuing our "spiritual exercise" so we can become strong and healthy.
  
Now, I'm still not in the habit of running again, but I do need to get back into the habit of physical exercise that will help my body be in good health.  I have begun to watch what I eat and have actually dropped several pounds.  We need to also watch what we feed our spirit as well.

We all know that when we physically eat right and physically exercise we feel better and we live healthier lives.  I'm not suggesting such a strict diet that you can't enjoy life.  I believe that we all need some chocolate in our diet. ha!  What would happen if we also spiritually ate right and spiritually exercised?  I believe we would be healthier and grow stronger in our walk with the Lord.

What's keeping us from doing it?  Discipline is the answer.  It's not easy, but it is necessary.  Just like the physical exercise will help you have a physical healthy heart, spiritual exercise  will help you have a healthy spiritual heart.

Change of Seasons

This morning felt like Fall.  As I stepped out on the patio and finished off my bowl of Cherios, the cool crisp air felt very refreshing.  Just a few weeks ago if I had stepped out on the back patio, my milk would have spoiled in a few moments because it was so hot & humid.  But that is why we have seasons.  Just a couple of months ago we had rains & floods.  This past month we have seen record breaking heat and drought.  Oh and how could anyone forget this past winter of record breaking lows and snow drifts that our dogs got lost in.  But then again....Change of Seasons.

There is a saying in this part of the country that goes like this: "If you don't like the weather, hang out for a little bit because it will change."  That is very true in our weather patterns but it is also true in life.  We all go through different "seasons in life".  We have "growing seasons", "holding pattern seasons", "learning seasons" and so many others.  There are seasons of life that we go through that we may not particularly really like.  (Just like the weather, some like the warm and others do not).  But then again, hold steady because there will be a "Change of Season". 

I have learned that things really do "come to pass".  That statement just means that there are things that I will go THROUGH and they are not my final destination.  We all go through "Change of Seasons".  Just remember that when you go through a season you don't like, just hang out for a little while and it will change.   Our life is a constant "Change of Seasons".

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) For everything there is a season a time for every activity under heaven.

A DECADE OF LIFE

When you think of the word "decade" what comes to your mind?  Children and even teenagers don't think in terms of decades.  They think in terms of "minutes".  In fact, 30 minutes seems like a "decade" to our 6 year old son Mitchell.  Ashlyn, our 15 year old daughter, probably thinks that a couple of days feel like a "decade".


Webster defines "Decade" as a period of 10 years.  We know that, but do we realize just how fast "a period of 10 years" go by?  Probably not until it has already gone by.  That's how it has been for me and Krystal these past 10 years of being the pastors at First Assembly of God in Siloam Springs, AR.


I remember the day we both stood in the kitchen of our home in Norman, OK and made the decision to take this new assignment from God.  At the time, we really didn't know if it was from God or not. You know what I mean ~ you know it is but there are still some apprehensions of starting over.  When you move your family to a new community, new school, new friends, etc, it can be a little overwhelming to say the least.

On the third Sunday of July, 2001, was our first Sunday at First Assembly of God.  The people in the church were very friendly and were very welcoming to our family.  The church itself had just been through a very difficult time and there was turmoil "in the camp".  The first few years weren't very easy but I don't want to look at the past except to say God was very good to us and the church came through a very difficult time.  One of the biggest lessons I learned in those first few years is that when you just love people, their hurts will mend and they will love you back.  I didn't have a lot of answers, but I did know that if we could love ourselves and others, we would be on the road to recovery.  We began to focus on others and what we could do together to make a difference.  


On July 24, 2011, we celebrated our 10 year Anniversary as pastors of this great church that has great people working together to advance the Kingdom of God.  The church honored us that Sunday evening with a surprise banquet in our CLC gym.  Everyone knew what was taking place but us.  They did an excellent job of keeping it a secret.  Everyone laughed and said it was a miracle that a church of over 400 people could keep a secret.  It was a night of "Toast & Roast" as our families and other people in the church shared stories.  There were times we laughed and then times we teared up from the stories that we heard.  

As the night came to an end, they ended it by giving us a trip to New York City.  Mitchell has this obsession with the Statue of Liberty and we had mentioned that we would have to make a trip to NYC so he could see it.  Ashlyn also would love to go and we as the parents would "have" to go as well.  The church board put together a plan to send our family to NYC for four days.  We were blown away!!!!  The trip has been booked and in a few weeks, we'll be on our way to The Big Apple.  


The surprise banquet, the trip to New York, and the kind words were enough to make us feel loved and appreciated but something else happened that night.  As each of us were saying our "thank yous" in front of everyone, the words of my daughter made me happier than anything else.  Ashlyn began to share her thanks of the outpouring of love that she had felt that night but also the outpouring of love she had felt over the past 10 years.  I could tell, by the shaking of her voice and the holding back of tears, that this church family had made a positive impact on her life.  She thanked them for pouring into her life and having a positive influence in her life.  To hear her share these things made this dad proud of the church.  One of my goals is to make sure I never hear our children make the following statement: "I wished my parents weren't in ministry" or "I wished my dad wasn't a preacher."  There are too many children & teenagers that feel this way because of the bad experiences they have been through.  I am so thankful that our kids have had a positive experience with the church.  I am also proud of our church for allowing our kids to be "kids".  For that, I will be forever grateful.

"A Period of 10 Years" goes by quickly.  We love our church family and I'm not saying that because they gave us an awesome trip.  We loved our church for who they allow us to be.  I don't know if I have ever felt so appreciated and loved as I did on Sunday, July 24, 2011.  It is an honor to pastor the great people of First Assembly of God in Siloam Springs.  There has been so much accomplished these past 10 years and I look forward to see what God has for us in the future!