Reflecting A Year Later

Sitting here and drifting back. Drifting back to a year ago. This drifting back is best summarized by a post from then. So...here is the then drifting into the now...from March 11, 2009. Hope you enjoy.

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Blog? What blog? Man…it has been weeks since any post which has completely derailed all nurtured and constructed momentum. What happened? I’m unsure how to answer this question or if an answer even exists.

God has remained faithful…a promise that will thankfully never change. Cool news - I changed careers. Not just a lateral transition…but, a whole new venue. Not just additional opportunities…but, a melding of the passions God has placed upon my life. Not just happenstances…but, truly molded and prepared by the hand of God. Blessed does not even begin to express my gratitude to my Lord and Savior. I’m amazed and stand in awe…honored and humbled.

I’ve basically felt like a sponge the past week or so. I’m saturated and need a good ringing to continue absorbing. Praise God!

The timing although questioned by me throughout the past few years was perfect down to the day…down to the hour. And I chuckle as if this timing was ironic. God was closing and wrapping one chapter while another was and is being paved. I’d love to share the specifics with any and all. Just get in touch with me as the story truly is a cool one.

More than anything, the essence of the ordinary seems to ring loud. I’m a pretty ordinary guy and that’s ok. There are others with the same gifts and talents. Others with similar issues, praises, and questions. Others with similar stories. There are simply others. God makes me unique. An extraordinary God.

Lay aside the preconceived notions of self. Stop looking inward. Remember…there are simply others. Others looking, seeking, and searching for truth. On a global scale…we as followers of Christ need to transform from inward to outward. While programs for self may be noteworthy, they likely miss these others. If we miss…let’s not travel down this if as the corresponding then is quite sad.

Button those shirts. Lace those shoes. Cloth the ordinary and let loose. The extraordinary God from within will overflow and use the ordinary to do the extraordinary. What an honor to be a child and friend of God. All to His glory. Until next time. Jed.

Get After It My Friend

Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting for that is the end of all men and the living will take it to heart. Ecclesiates 7:2

Met a funeral procession this morning and this verse immediately flashed through my mind. Huh. Some somber thoughts from the wise counsel of King Solomon. Wouldn't you agree? I mean...what in the world. Better to mourn than to rejoice? Nuts I say!

Truthfully though...this reminder is priceless as today comes and today goes. One very short day. 24 hours or 1,440 minutes. The kicker...we're not promised a single one. This day will never be lived again or, who knows, may never be lived at all. Rather, this day will quietly fade into a forgotten yesterday.

After all, days quickly multiply into weeks, into months, and into years. Not just quickly but very quickly. Revealing your life as but a blip on the radar of history. Here and then gone. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4:14.

What a reminder. A reminder to run and run with endurance. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1. Run in such a way that you may obtain the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24.

Remember our last post? Let's not forget the who or the why...to seek and save the lost. So, get after it my friend. Together, we hold a miraculous miracle.

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory. 1 Corinthians 15:54&55.

This is why we, as believers, rejoice in mourning. And...the only way those outside our walls will ever rejoice with us is by living it out and speaking it up. So, once again, get after it my friend! Run and run with endurance. Until next time. Jed.

Permission To Pull The Plug

Why do we do what we do? Lately, this question has lodged and rattled within my mind...specifically in relation with my church. So, why do we do what we do?

Let's first start with yet another question - who do we exist for? After all, once we define the who we can then define the why. Luckily, we don't need to look far as Jesus already answered both of these questions.

For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:20.

Who - the lost. Why - seek and save.

Funny how questions we often complicate are really pretty simple. As such, the core question quickly becomes - does any given ministry bear the fruit of seeking and saving? A simple yes or no question. Flat out easy to assess with the one caveat of honesty. And sometimes honesty stings. But, if the answer is no, why continue on?

Don't get me wrong. It's not easy pulling the plug...although, sometimes necessary. And let's not forget...Jesus already gave permission. That's right! Your permission slip is already signed.

You may think this post is a tad harsh. After all, aren't we called to care for the orphans and widows? Sure we are...but, why do we assume these orphans and widows are already believers?

More to follow along these lines at a later date. Until next time. Jed.

The Memorial Driven Life

Got lost with my six year old last night. Laughing and watching movies of her just a few months old. Chilling on the living room floor...surrounded by those baby toys. Crying at times. Trying to roll over without success.

As I said, we got lost. Bed time was long overdue. But...this time together was amazing. Made me stop and think. Sometimes, it's good to get lost.

Get lost in the memories. The memories of where we've been and where we're going.

This stone I have set up as a memorial pillar will mark this as a place where God lives. Genesis 28:22.

A memorial pillar. A place where God lives. These simple truths resonate with my six year old. Through the memories of movies. Reflecting how God has blessed and provided. No joke...this time together was the best sixty minutes over the past few months. And...all because we slowed down and got lost.

Good thoughts for church leaders. Getting lost that is. How about your staff? Your lay leaders? Even your congregation? Perhaps we should pause and point to the memorial pillar as a place where God lives. The memories of where we've been and where we're going. Providing the fuel of purpose.

Celebrate the life change. Build the memorial. Whether streaming online or broadcasting within, we must not overlook. You already know the people. Those changed and impacted by your ministries. They're flashing through your mind. So...go! Capture the life change. Build the memorial. Then...all will know this place is a place where God lives!

Here's the very next verse after the one above. Jacob set out again... Not stalled with the past. Rather...fueled by the past. The fuel of purpose.

Time for the practicals...

- Record some testimonies. Show them online and during gatherings.
- Create some tangibles. A picture and quote within handouts. Or, why not some standing banners.
- Spread some stories. People being asked, "Did you hear...?" They'll be contagious.

Now, go get em for Christ! Until next time. Jed.

Who's Your Target Audience

A few posts back...I noted target audience. As a church, do you know your target audience? Not the group. Rather, the specific. Knowing the specific will frame and shape nearly every decision. Just consider these statements and questions in relation to the specific.

I am...
My occupation is...
I would describe my family situation as...

I am originally from...
I spend my free time...
My life would be better if...
My favorite television show is...
My favorite radio station is...
I buy my cloths at...
I read...
The most important thing in my life is...
My dream is to...
My greatest practical need is...
I socialize with...
I think Christians and churches are...
I would attend church only if...
I would grow spiritually if...
My name is...

Huh. You may say... What's the point? Don't we exist to be all for all to all? But, I would challenge the opposite. Through honing and narrowing, you're actually broadening. Let's break that one down a bit...

Say your target audience is Sam. Sam is only ten years old and he loves your church. Why? Well...your church speaks his language. After all, your church knows his aspirations, dreams, favorites, and needs. Your ministries address and engage these areas. With Sam...his parents now come and sit during your messages. His grandparents come as well...so they can partner with a vision and impact their Sam and others like him. United with cause and purpose! Sam just grew across three generations and all by honing and narrowing upon him.

Once again, as leaders, close your doors and address these statements and questions. Who is your target audience. A ten year old girl? A thirty year old mom? A seventy year old grandfather?

The specific will guide and shape events, outreaches, and services. Why? Because you're now able to answer - what's your target audience hoping and seeking and how does your congregation rally around and reach out to your target audience. That's how you spell IMPACT!

Without the specific...hours and resources may be wasted and/or underutilized as the context of target audience is null and void. And...context is often the majority. Until next time. Jed.

My Life Plan

Recently, I was compelled and inspired by Michael Hyatt to tackle my life plan. I've never considered a life plan before. However, I guess one was loosely sketched within my mind. Love God, love my family, love my career, and stay alive. Pretty basic really...especially the whole stay alive thing. And...pretty obvious some "planning" was long overdue.

So, tackle I did. About 7 hours later...I emerged with 7 pages. An hour per page...which I have no idea if that's bad or good. But, I'm content and blown away from the process and result. Before digging any deeper...let me share portions of my plan with you.

First though...check out this post from Michael Hyatt as this post covers the "how to" of a life plan. Without it...the following may be a bit confusing. So...don't say I didn't warn you.

Ok...back to portions of my life plan.

I used the same accounts as Mr. Hyatt notes. Not because I'm lazy. Rather...I simply agreed with them.

God
Self
Melissa
My Children
My Friends
My Career
My Finances
My Ministries

Here's the outcome (how I want to be remembered) for my children:

My safe refuge and resource for knowledge and love. A shoulder to cry on. My biggest fan. An encourager. A reliable constant in an ever changing world. He was simply my dad and he was simply the best.

I admit...it was a tad sombering writing this outcome. But...it was also refreshing and helped set the stage for the remainder of my plan. Also, it begs the question whether or not this outcome is currently fact or fiction. A tough but warranted question.

Here's my envisioned future for my children:

We share fears, laughs, tears, trials, and triumphs. We simply share life. We embrace and encourage. Love is spelled T-I-M-E...where we chat and share the daily dares and deepest dreams...while resting on and revolving around the crazy love of God.

Changing gears a bit...here are some of my specific commitments for self...under the heading of growth:

Dedicate and reserve the lunch hour to reading.

Use two applications (iPhone) to know current and relevant news and topics. Use three podcasts (iPod) to regularly engage others within life.

For television, I'll gravitate to education over entertainment.

Ok - don't give me a hard time about the education over entertainment bit. Sure sounds good on paper and when I fail...I'll simply blame my wife which will likely violate another commitment. Oh...I see a vicious cycle taking root.

Seriously though...this whole process of life plan has provided much fruit. In some areas of life, my tires were partially off pavement. But...now a sense of traction is taking grip. I've already implemented new relationships and revised basic daily habits. Improved accountability. Improved health. Improved ministry. And...all with fairly minor massages and tweaks.

I simply lacked a map - my plan - to take me from where I am to where I aspire.

I would highly recommend tackling your own...if you do, let me know the outcome. If you have any questions, just ask. Until next time. Jed.

An Author Or A Publisher

An author and a publisher walk into a bar. Sounds like a pathetic joke. So...let's not even attempt one and skip straight to the punchline.

You see...both play critical roles as neither exists without the other. The author feeding the publisher. The publisher feeding the author. Whether one in the same...each seems mutual enough. So, what's the defining difference? The timing of today versus tomorrow. The author authoring months and years prior. The publisher publishing months and years after.

The punchline? Recognizing these roles within your own life. Never forget. Today begs a publisher. Tomorrow begs an author. Still confused? No big deal...let's have another look.

Author your future.

Publish your past.

Your future has yet to be authored. So...get after it! Author a best seller or better yet a life changer. Short of sin...create for clients, lead for families, and win for souls.

Your past has already been published. So...use it! Bad, good, or indifferent. It compels and defines and easily resonates as a life changer. But, we often forget and neglect it. Rather...dust it off and shine it up.

Few more practical tips.

Don't worry about critics? Do you lack critics? Then, go create some! Cause without critics...you might as well forget best sellers and life changers. They too go hand in hand.

Lastly, never ever ever ever ever neglect the Chief Editor. Jesus Christ! Until next time. Jed.

The Reason Of Purpose

The new year no longer knocks at our doors. Rather, it rests within our recliners and demands our remotes. So, the past is just that...the past.

Makes me sit and think. And...wow...has this blog evolved. The intentions, goals, and purposes all shifted and transformed. But, the original sketches still haunt me. Silently singing a chorus of what if.

You see...theses original sketches loosely resembled online accountability. Kind of an online confessional. A place for people to reach out and share their struggles and trails. Perhaps the grip of pornography or the scar of sexual abuse.

Even with Facebook and Twitter...we seem to lack neutral ground. Ground where these struggles and trails may be aired and eventually healed. All connecting back to the local church. No names. No pressures. Just chances and opportunities.

This "ground" is still just sketches. But, I like to think the chorus of what if has concluded. Ushered off the stage. Rather...what might be seems more appropriate.

If you're interested in defining or discussing these sketches, please let me know. Who knows where God may lead and what might be. Perhaps you have a solo. Until next time. Jed.

Meaning Of Meaning

Here I sit...staring blankly at my screen with a brief moment before me. A brief moment to post something. But...a simple question rattles within my head. Repeating again and again in relentless pursuit of an ever eluding answer.

My question --- post what? My answer --- don't know!

Reminds me of Solomon. Perhaps he wrestled with the same as he wrote the following, "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind, nothing was gained under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

Huh. Seems like meaning is frequently sought but rarely caught...even for a man such as Solomon. A meaningful career, day, experience, post, read, or relationship. So...perhaps it's good to sit and stare blankly. Remind, reflect, and never forget. Much is meaningless! In fact, all is meaningless except one.

"But an angel said to them, 'Don't be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.'" (Luke 2:10-11).

Good news and great joy. For all and born to you.

I could continue with God's grace and love. Leading to forgiveness and peace. Revealing and unfolding to true meaning. But...I won't as my soul tires of connecting these simple dots. So...I'll leave you with this...

Meaning will never appear absent a Savior! And, as the angel said, he is Christ the Lord. So...sit, stare blankly, and ponder the meaning of meaning. Until next time. Jed.

Am I Willing

Who wants to be used by God? Well...I do of course. I'm sure you're with me and we're likely an overwhelming majority. So, perhaps we're asking the wrong questions. What about - who does God use? What about me, our churches, our families, or you? Are we being used by God? Scripture offers some unique examples with often bizarre and wild twists. Here are just a few...

Think of Moses. A raging mob before him. A raging sea behind him. A raging army rapidly approaching. His response? Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. Exodus 14:13. Wow!

Or...Jonathan forging into the Philistines with his armor bearer close behind. Thousands upon thousands of Philistines. Only two swords in all of Israel. You got to be kidding me. Right?

Gideon is another. All inflated and prepared with 32,000 men. But...God quickly whittled them down to 10,000 and then again to 300. Now that's poor odds.

How about Joshua communicating the battle plans for Jericho? 1) Walk around the walls. 2) Walk around the walls a bit more. 3) Blow some horns really loud. What in the world? Seems nuts...at least to me and you.

What's the common thread throughout? A vast list of experiences and references from each? Not really. Rather, the qualifications narrow to only one. Willingness! People who were willing to be used by God. No matter how bizarre or wild. Just simply willing. And...through this willingness, the hand of God moved in BIG ways.

As Christmas approaches and New Years rests upon the horizon, it's a good time to remind. Remind ourselves and those God has placed around us. Despite the adversity and uncertainty of today, God still moves in BIG ways. He's looking for vehicles to use and the only requirement is willingness. So...perhaps we're asking the wrong question yet again. Shouldn't it be - are you willing?

Let's follow the example of Mary whose world was turned upside down one evening long ago.

Luke 1:34-38: "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. ---- For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

In the midst of her adversity and uncertainty, Mary proclaimed willingness. The result was the redemption of man! So...whether raging seas, two swords, 300 men, or blowing trumpets...may it also be with us.

Thanks to Wes Bell, the Lead Pastor of Harvest Chapel as this post was inspired from his recent message. Click here to see his blog. Good stuff!

Breaking The Piggy Bank

Dirty Water makes me smile. Last week, Parkview Christian Academy launched their Dirty Water Campaign. The kids are now little "water evangelists" as their zeal and zest have invaded their classrooms and homes. Daily...they stumble down the halls with dollars and dimes in hand.

Piggy banks have been plundered and hearts have been moved. Generosity defines the day. I love it!

Here's why Dirty Water makes me smile:

Instructing, teaching, and showing these kids how they will impact the world! Fairly plain and simple. Not through distant actions or stories or through checks their parents write. But...through their actions and sacrifices. What a great life lesson! Better yet...what a great truth from Scripture!

I wonder if we, as adults, forget this truth. Impacting lives through God's grace. Through our generosity. Through our actions and sacrifices. Not through hearing compelling stories. But...through authoring compelling stories.

The key? Find your catalyst. That's all these kids were looking for...a simple catalyst. Dirty Water is the catalyst for the instructing, teaching, and showing. The rally cry. Vision defined and realized. So...do you have a catalyst? Does your church or family?

Want to know more about Dirty Water? Click here or here. Thanks!

The Question Everyone Is Asking

Last weekend, my three year old riddled me with one pretty simple question. Here's a summary of our conversation.

Her: "Daddy? I can't see my heart...but, I want to see God. Where's God?"

Me: "Well sweetie...God is everywhere."

Oh boy, now I messed up. What's with my hippie answer? Such an idiot!

Her: "But, I've never seen Him. Where is He? I want to see Him."

Me: "Well...you see...it's kind of like...well...something like..."

Now, how do you explain God to a three year old. After all, this question has haunted and taunted me for decades and counting! I landed upon some wacky analogy involving fun fruits. I'll spare the details along with my embarrassment from this blog. But, I'd like to think it was earth shattering. :-)

So...where is God? This question begs an answer as my three year is not alone. We're all asking. Where is God in my ache, doubt, fear, hurt, pain, sorrow, and worry? Where is God in my everyday life?

"Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together." Jesus. Revelation 3:20.

Turns out...God is only one response away. Our response to invite Him in.

What now leaders and teachers? Simply put. Keep the main thing the main thing. Above all, carry the cross. Look past classes, events, outreaches, meetings, and programs. Let life change rule the day. Are people answering this knocking? Opening their doors?

Success must not rest on dimes and dollars. Success must rest on life change as we have the answer to the question everyone is asking. Where is God? Well...He's ready and waiting on you and me!

So, is life change active within your ministry? Until next time. Jed.

Questions For My Kids

I often wonder about the future and my kids...and how these two will inevitably interact and intertwine. What parent doesn't? Questions like: where is everything heading, how will my kids get there, and what in the world will it look like?

Funny thing about all of this wondering. It quickly becomes focused on me! Sound familiar? I can't help but think of the Israelites. Wandering around the wilderness. Asking these same questions. Where is everything heading? How will my kids get there? And...what in the world will it look like? Quickly focusing on themselves and forgetting a most important truth.

So, let's borrow a bit of wisdom from Don Miller's latest. Ready, set, go...

Don reminds us we're just a tree in a story about a forest. Or, simply put, life is bigger than me or you! And...let's not forget the story of the forest is greater than the story of the tree. Once again, life is bigger than me or you! But, here's the cool part. These trees are allowed to create within this forest. Brilliant color, growth, and even death. Continually bringing glory to the forest.

What does it all mean?

As far as the future is concerned...articles, blogs, interviews, news, and shows will continue to produce more questions than answers. These questions will be growing, reproducing, and thriving for me, my kids, and even my kids kids. But, by continually glorifying the Author of our story, we'll find peace in knowing these questions are better left unanswered. With answers...faith would be dead and useless. And that's a world I care not know.

O taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him. Psalm 34:8.

Innovate Arts Mash Up

The sessions from this year's Innovate Conference are up. Although, all are well worth your time. Don't miss this one. Needing a boost of innovative inspiration? This one is the ticket. Noted as the Arts Mash Up and highlighted by the folks at:

- Community Christian Church
- Relevant Church
- Crossover Church
- Liquid Church

Words cannot express the coolness and uniqueness of each. The simple wow factor of reaching their culture for Christ. Invest the time. Watch it and please let me know your thoughts.

A Million Miles In A Thousand Years

Today, the latest from Don Miller hits bookshelves everywhere. A Million Miles In A Thousand Years. It's a story about what else...stories. After all, don't we all love great stories? The guy to get the gal or the hero to help the helpless. We love to lose ourselves within these stories. And, along the way, we often forget and neglect the most important one. The one about you!

Don Miller digs deep and wrestles with this concept. What's your story? What about the characters? What about the climaxes? What about the valleys? More importantly, what about the author?

Here's my biggest takeaway (kind of a sucker punch...right to my gut...leaving me gasping for breath). Is my story engaging? Not only for me...but, for the ones I love. My wife? My daughters? If not, who's the author of their story? Now, that's an eye opening concept!

A Million Miles In A Thousand Years will leave you compelled. Compelled to ensure your story is engaging. Don Miller writes with a style only he seems able to pull off. Nothing too direct...yet straight to the point. Nothing too profound...yet rattling and shaking your world.

So, here are my simple recommendations...

1) Get it.
2) Read it.
3) Live it.

Don't forget. One life...or, perhaps I should say one story...is all the Lord has gifted. Let's make sure it's engaging!

The Perception Of Hurdles

So...I recently jumped aboard a local organization. This organization has a few hurdles to overcome. Not hurdles down the road. Rather, these hurdles are directly in front. The kind you either clear now or fall face first, with all eyes on you. Then, before you know it, you've gone viral. Kind of like this one.

These hurdles revolve around perception. The perception of both insiders and outsiders. I'm not sure who coined it. But, it sure does ring true. Perception is everything.

Let's head back to Exodus 14. Israel is finally freed of their captors. Not only freed...but, they plundered them and headed out with high fives and loot in hand. But, before long, they heard chariot wheels and hoof beats.

Then they said to Moses, "Have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?" Exodus 14:11. Wow! Their perception has taken a large swing in little time.

The response from Moses is priceless! "Don't be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:13-14.

This response must be the mantra of the organization noted above. Standing still and waiting to see the salvation of the Lord. Sure...there may be chariot wheels and hoof beats. Perhaps the Red Sea is directly in front. But, without these things, there would be no need for God. This fact alone excites me!

The same applies to our personal lives. Whatever hurdles need to be cleared. Cling to the simple principles of Moses.

1. Don't be afraid.
2. Stand still.
3. The Lord will fight for you.
4. You shall hold your peace.

These principles are awesome! These principles greatly impact perception. Go and live them out, as God is currently crafting your testimony. And...this testimony will rock lives! Yours included!

Just An Ordinary Case

Well...my engaging concept (aka, my case for my iPhone) has vanished. If you ask me, my wife is guilty. After all, she hated this concept. Perhaps she feed it to the dog or flushed it down the toilet. Either way, she better repent as I'd hate my case to disrupt her relationship with God. :-)

In turn, I recently headed to the Apple Store and walked out with a new case (see picture below). No fancy flare. Just an ordinary case. And...I'm ok with ordinary. As silly as it sounds, ordinary defines life.

You see...what we do with ordinary will determine whether we ever experience extraordinary. Hmmm. Come again? What we do with ordinary will determine whether we ever experience extraordinary. Doesn't the Bible speak the same truth?

You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things (Matthew 25:21). The underlying principle? Be faithful with what God has placed within your hand and He will grant you the desires of your heart.

Makes me think of Moses. When he was throwing forth concerns, doubts, excuses, and fears. Here...God breaks it down with a really simple question. What is that in your hand (Exodus 4:2)? I envision Moses scratching his head. Probably thinking what a dumb question. You're God! You obviously know what's in my hand. Is this question a trick? But...after some sinking in...God revealed to Moses the same principle as noted above. Be faithful with what I've placed within your hand. The rest will come. For now, just be ordinary!

So, ordinary is ok. Ordinary is good. Ordinary transforms life. People come to Christ through ordinary circumstances and conversations. Whether within grocey ailses or hospital rooms, people are impacted and reached by you living out your ordinary life...grasping and gripping what God has placed within your hand. Holding on tight as the desires of your heart are just around the corner.

Don't forget. What you do with ordinary will determine whether you ever experience extraordinary! What's in your hand? Until next time. Jed.

Can You Hear Me Now

Once upon a time, I was just about to dream and...a nudge. It was my wife. I'm sure out of love and respect.

"There's a cricket," she says. "Do you hear him?"

Internally, "What in the world. I'm sleeping over here." Externally, "No sweetie." Rolling over. Drifting and longing to dream...another nudge.

"Not inside. The little sucker is outside. Go get him!"

For a moment - a very brief moment - I considered arguing, disagreeing, and flat out refusing. Rather - after coming to my senses - I headed out with flashlight in hand. Now, pinpointing one cricket is basically an impossibility. So, combined with lots and lots of Raid, I reverted to scare tactics (aka loud noises). Somehow, I conquered and tamed the midnight beast. Dumb luck I guess.

Peripheral noise. Sometimes cricket like and other times giant like. A sleep robber nonetheless and often times for more than just one. Sending some out into the darkness while others fear and fret. Paralyzing. Debilitating. Conquering the directives, goals, and objectives of life. Leaving you drained, exhausted, and tired. Leaving you one and only one option. Simple surrender!

Perhaps peripheral noise is better noted as persistent noise. Either way, this noise is annoying and distracting. Only masking the real disease. The fatal disease of misguiding and unraveling.

What persistent noise is annoying and distracting you? Leading to misguiding and unraveling your life? Time to get out the Raid! Don't rely on dumb luck. After all...dumb luck is just that...dumb. Until next time. Jed.

The Destiny Of Death

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

The destiny of death provokes emotions, fears, thoughts, and questions. Such as the why, where, when, and what if. However, this handful quickly fades and slips from within our grip. No matter the perseverance or strength. Only fading and slipping with the passing second, minute, hour, and day. So, all fairly irrelevant. Right? But, let's not underestimate the what if. This one only drops and falls. Dropping and falling. Breaking and shattering. Why? Because we simply let go!

What if I continually run from God's calling and leading?
What if I never healed or mended the relationship?
What if I never said I love you or I'm sorry?
What if I was wrong?

My wife's aunt passed away this past Saturday. Wrestling, struggling, and losing to cancer. The why, where, and when fading and slipping from within her grip. But, the what if firmly within her grip. She had the what if nailed. You see...she never let go. She trusted Christ with her life.

Perhaps you're thinking...so what? You're not alone. I know some family thinking the same. This thinking does not change the reality of Hebrews 9:27. Your destiny of death. Your judgment. Your reality. So...forget the why, where, or when. But, let's never let go. Let's nail the what if. Not tomorrow or even later today. Rather, right now! Before the sun sets and the what if becomes a has been.

Nostalgia - Memories, Moments, & Smiles

Nostalgia. A sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time. We all have at least one. One memory. One moment. One smile. So, here's some nostalgia from my childhood...a little trip down memory lane.

• Within the parking lot of McDonald's. Sitting alongside my grandpa. In his old truck. Eating a fish sandwich after an afternoon of fishing. Laughing and smiling.
• Watching the nightly show of flickering fireflies. A masterpiece.
• Resting against a fence post. Looking across the snow covered fields. Falling in love with the amazing beauty of creation.
• Soaking in the warmth of a radiator. Lying on the kitchen floor. Listening to the old farm house creak and clank.
• Playing hide and seek with Scottie, my dog. (Side note. I was an only child.)
• Listening to the sounds of holiday prep. Blenders, buzzers, pots, and pans. Basking in the glow of holiday lights.
• Enjoying a Mars Bar after golf lessons. Thanks dad!

These memories, moments, and smiles have defined and molded the person before you today. The person sitting opposite your monitor. Blogging and typing away my nostalgia.

What's your nostalgia? How has this nostalgia defined and molded you?

Just as important. This nostalgia plugs into the local church. Into your church. The hugs, laughs, lessons, ministries, prayers, sermons, and tears of yesteryear. Defining and molding. Thus, here's the important point. Ready? Get your notepad and pen. And...go.

The only way for a church to move forward is to look back. Paradoxically, change can come only when the good past is guarded with passion. (pg. 69 of Transforming Church by Kevin Ford)