I love a great story. In fact I’ll admit it— I love a great love story. I have had a chance to watch a great love story unfold over the last forty-something years right in front of my eyes. The story of Terry and Kitty Todd is an amazing story. When I think of them I think of how they live out Romans 12:10.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
It’s a story full of devotion, trust, self-sacrifice, hard work, mutual respect, laughter and kindness. Today is a special day. Today is their 53rd wedding anniversary. Congratulations Mom and Dad you have shown us what real love looks like!
Today is the NFL Draft. I love the NFL Draft because it gives me hope that the Seattle Seahawks can get better for the upcoming season. However, this NFL draft is holding my attention like no other. I can’t help but think about what’s going through the mind of University of Washington’s quarterback, Jake Locker on a day like today. I know Jake on a limited basis. (He always greets me with a smile and I played little league football against his dad back in the day.) Today is the day (I’m trusting he gets drafted in the first round) that Jake will find out who wants him. It’s a good thing to feel wanted. It’s a great thing to feel wanted. I hope that Jake ends up in a Seahawks uniform, but I know wherever he goes he will do his best and always show integrity, character and leadership by example. Just like Jake, today I hope that you feel like you are wanted, because you are. God has drafted you to be on His team and I want to encourage you to live out that calling with integrity, character and lead by example for His glory and only His glory!
This week I celebrated my Birthday. I had a great day and I really enjoyed reflecting on the blessings that God has given me. I was so encouraged by all the birthday wishes by phone, card, email or facebook messages that it made me walk around that day with a little more pep in my step. Those words of encouragement really lifted my spirit and helped me have a wonderful birthday. I’m always amazed at how “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” So thank you for all your birthday wishes they made me feel….priceless.
We have a Burning Bush at our house. Not a burning bush like Moses experienced. Instead we have a plant called a Burning Bush. It is a beautiful bush. It turns brilliant shades of red and pink— it is really a healthy plant— actually too healthy! This plant is located on the side of our drive way and it has claimed a chunk of the entrance and the branches (that have no leaves at this time) are scratching our vehicles. Therefore a decision was made— the burning bush had to go! My plan was to snip a few branches and then dig around the base and yank it up by hand. However, to my great surprise after about an hour's work, I discovered that this thing wasn’t going anywhere. At least it wasn’t going anywhere without the use of a chain saw or a truck and chain. It reminded me of the song we sang last Sunday at church and how our spiritual roots make us strong;...The word of the Lord will stand
...His love will endure
...The joy of the Lord is strength
To my soul
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
I will not be shaken!
Like this plant, I’m convinced that our spiritual roots are much deeper than we know or could ever imagine.
This Friday is Opening day for the Seattle Mariners as they play their first game of the season at Safeco Field. It’s one of my favorite days of the whole year. Maybe not because I think the Mariners are going to the World Series, but for me it’s more about the sense of a renewal and a fresh start. I’m a baseball fan and more specifically I’m a die-hard (since 1977) Mariner fan… in other words I’m a “man of faith!” This season, however will be different. This season we will carry on without a very familiar, friendly voice. Hall of Fame Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus passed away this past winter and although his rich, deep voice of has been silenced, he has etched into my mind countless wonderful “My Oh My” memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. The Mariners will wear a patch (see on right) on their uniforms this season and I know every time I see it I will get this sense of sadness with a mixture of joy. Sometimes we just have to thank God for the people we miss and remember the incredible blessings that God so richly gave us through their lives.
It's raining (at least it is as I write this). It's nothing new for the hearty people of the Pacific Northwest. I happen to love the rain, but I'm pretty sure there are a lot of people who don't like the rain at all. The fact is, whether you like the rain or not-- you don't have a choice of what the weather is that you get. Pain is a lot like rain. It will fall on "the just and unjust" (Matt. 5:45), but what's most important is how we deal with it. If we choose to "bloom where we are planted" no matter what the circumstance, we can have the right perspective of the character that God is trying to build in our lives. Remember that nothing can grow without rain, so thank God for liquid sunshine.
As I am writing this weekly post, the sun is shining and I can't help thinking about playing softball and watching the Mariners struggle through another glorious baseball season. There is no doubt, however, that Easter season is upon us! And I find myself listening to some of my favorite Easter themed worship songs. Easter is a time of redemption and hope. And I hope that you will take some time over the next several weeks to reflect upon what that means to you during this time of year.
March madness is here! And so is the first addition of a weekly blog to you and the family of New Horizon! The purpose of these weekly posts is for me to communicate to you what is going on in the church and opportunities for connection and participation. Just like cheering on your favorite basketball team during this time of year, my hope is this weekly communication will bring excitement and enthusiasm to being part of the New Horizon family.
My heart is on fire for revival! Have a week where you see yourself through the eyes of God.
