We have a five year old foster daughter who has been with us since December. When she came to our home she didn’t know anything about God. Tonight my wife Tracey heard her in bed praying and talking to God. She went in her room and our foster daughter began to tell Tracey all about the conversation she was having with God. She told her how God spoke to her and said he is always with her and his angels are all around her protecting her. She said that God is there even though he is invisible.

I think it’s little moments like this in life that an “invisible” God becomes very visible.

I am grateful tonight that God has given us the opportunity share teach our foster daughter and our children about who he is and his love for them. I am also very thankful that we have incredible children’s workers at Fusion Church who have been teaching our kids about prayer and talking to God. I want to say to all the children’s workers at Fusion, you are making a difference, my kids are evidence of that. Thank You for serving Jesus!

Ignite

It’s Valentines Day so I’ve listed just some of the reasons I love my Tracey. Here they are:

• She’s Beautiful- I married a girly girl.  She’s beautiful, she’s all woman, and I love that about her.

• She’s An Amazing Wife & Mother- She’s my lifetime companion, my help-mate, and an incredible mother to our children.

• She’s Fun-  She brings life to every party.  She likes to have fun and keeps my life fun.  She brings laughter and joy to my life.

• She’s Patient With Me- What can I say, she puts up with me.

• She Love’s God and Worships Him with Passion- There’s nothing more beautiful to me than seeing her go after God.

• She’s Kind & Compassionate-  She has a heart for the hurting and always puts others first.

• She Desires to Grow-  She’s never content where she is in her life.  She has a teachable spirit and always seeks to learn and grow as a person.

• She Encourages Me & Believes In Me- She’s always been my biggest cheer leader.

• She’s Thoughtful- She does things to make other people feel special.

• She’s My Best Friend- There’s no one I’d rather spend my time with.  No one compares to her.

 So in case “She” reads this I’m going to ask:                                                               TRACEY, WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he (Jesus) answered, “You give them something to eat.”                   (Mark 6:35-37)

He walked in the church with his cane in hand and we met for the first time.  His name was Rob and he was hungry.  Rob was traveling back from the seeing a doctor on the other side of the state when he ran into car trouble.  He had enough money to get his car fixed but nothing left for food.  Being a diabetic he had reached the point where he needed to eat something soon.  Rob asked my wife for something to eat and it just so happened we had a big bowl of chili in the fridge.  He ate and enjoyed a meal as we got acquainted.  We talked about our lives and our families.  He shared with me his broken heart and his deep concern for his daughter who is addicted to drugs.  Then he wanted to know if we were one of those churches that believed Jesus could heal people.  I was grateful that I know Jesus heals.  Rob never asked for money that night, instead he wanted a touch from Jesus.  He needed a miracle in his life and together we prayed and believed Jesus for it.

 When Jesus saw the hungry crowd he had compassion on them.  The disciples said, “send the people away.”  Jesus said, “YOU give them something.”  With over five thousand hungry people and only five loaves and two fish, the disciples didn’t see enough to help.  After trying to debate with Jesus about their in ability to help, they finally brought him what little they had.  Jesus gave thanks for what they had and with his blessing upon the little bit it became more than enough.

 I want to be a person who does what little I can do and trust Jesus to do what only he can do.  How about you?  The world is filled with Robs.  They are all around us with needs Jesus can meet through ordinary people that believe him.  When you come across the Robs of this world will you send them away, or will YOU give them something?

Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.                                                          (Acts 3:6)

It was two years ago that I met this special little boy for the first time.  His name means laughter, and he certainly has brought a lot of it into our lives.

Happy 2nd birthday to my son, Isaac!

Everyone needs it.  Without others, no one gets it.  Unfortunately too few people offer it.  It’s that four letter word that can change everything – LOVE.   It’s also often best expressed by another four-letter word – HELP

A couple months ago my morning plans changed.  I had planned to go about my usual routine, but instead my wife asked me to accompany her to exchange some McDonalds monopoly pieces in for some breakfast sandwiches.  Breakfast at McDonalds with a beautiful woman, I couldn’t say no.  After dropping the kids off at school, we were on our way.  The radio was on, we were talking, everything seemed to be going great, and then we noticed the little black car in the ditch.  Inside were a mom and her little baby girl.  We immediately flipped the car around and stopped to offer some help.  As we approached the car we found a very shook up mother and her crying baby girl.   The mom had hit a patch of gravel just off the side of the road and lost control of the car.  The car was banged up pretty good and almost hit a telephone pole.  Fortunately no one was hurt.  We helped the mother and baby out of the car and then I called 911.  When I called the operator informed me that someone else had already called the accident in.  I was amazed that someone had called because I didn’t see anyone else around.  Where did they go?  Why would they not stop?  How could someone keep driving and not help this mother and child?

Just this past week I had another strange encounter.  I was at a red light when I noticed a mini-van slowly driving right into the path of my car.  As the van got closer I was able to see inside the windshield, and I noticed that the driver was having some kind of seizure or medical emergency going on.  She was unable to respond and control her vehicle.  I quickly moved my car into the intersection and put on my hazard lights.  I ran up to the van and tried to get inside to help the woman, but it was locked.  I beat on her windows frantically hoping she would snap out of whatever was going on with her.  Meanwhile, I tried to motion another car at the intersection for help.  I attempted to get someone to call 911, but no one did.  Finally a fireman stopped and called for help.  The woman snapped out of whatever was going on with her and we were able to get the car stopped.  No one was hurt and the woman was taken to the hospital for treatment.  As I left the scene that day I was amazed that no one other than the fireman stopped to help.

In another part of the world not long ago, a two-year-old girl was hit by a truck in China.  There she lay in the road left for dead.  A surveillance camera captured footage of eighteen people walking by the little girl without stopping to help her.  The little girl was left for dead and that’s what happened.  She died, because no one would help.

Jesus told a story in Luke chapter ten about a man who was attacked by robbers, stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left half dead.  A priest walked by and kept going doing nothing to help.  Another man walked by and he too did nothing to help.  Finally a Samaritan man walked by and stopped to help the man in need.  He cleaned and bandaged the man’s wounds.  He then took him to get the care he needed.  When he found a place that could help man, the Samaritan paid for the wounded man’s treatment and on going care.  Jesus told this story to illustrate how the Samaritan truly loved his neighbor.  And Jesus encourages us to “go and do likewise.”

I am concerned about a culture in our world that seems to care so little for one another.  We need change.  We need to HELP.

You and I can be agents of change in our world.  We can change culture by noticing the needs of people around us and responding to those needs.  Don’t walk by the person who is in need and do nothing.  HELP.  Whatever the need, HELP.  Maybe you think there’s nothing you can do.  Don’t believe that.  Ask God what you can do.  Listen to his voice speaking to your heart. Notice the needs of people and respond to the nudges of God to help.  Depend on God to help you help others.  God may call on you to do something big that will make a big impact in somebody’s life.  Maybe it will be something simple like opening a door for someone and offering a smile.  You and I can make a difference in the lives of others and in our world when we obey the command of Jesus and “LOVE ONE ANOTHER”!

The other evening my almost two-year-old son Isaac woke up crying so mommy got up to get him.  After checking on him she decided to bring him into our room and lay him down with Daddy in bed.   She then proceeded to go back to sleep while Isaac wanted me to get up and play.  As I lay in bed with him he laughed, beat on my belly like it was a set of toy drums, and attempted to have a conversation with me.  I continued lying there in my almost comatose state and he continued to jabber on and on to me.  The thing is I had no idea what he was trying to say.  Somehow I doubt it was, “Daddy you deserve more rest and I’m sorry for keeping you awake.  Please go back to sleep and don’t worry about me.”  No, I don’t think that’s what was on his mind.  Still, I wondered what he was really thinking.   What was it he wanted me to know?  Does it bother him that I don’t understand what he is trying to say?  Does his little heart fill with frustration and does he think to himself, “nobody gets me; no one ever understands?”

How about you?   Do you ever feel like no one gets you?  Do you ever wish there was someone who understands?  There is; his name is Jesus.  He knows you better than you even know yourself even down to the number of hairs on your head.  He knows what makes you tic because he created you.  He sees your habits, your hang-ups, your hurts, but he sees even deeper into your heart.

The Bible tells a story in John chapter four about a woman who Jesus confronted about some things that weren’t right in her life.  She never had to tell Jesus about her issues because he already knew.  Still, her conversation with Jesus turned out to be life changing not only for her but also for others.  After her encounter with Jesus she went around saying,  “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”  The story goes on to reveal that “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did’.”

When we encounter the one who really knows us, we are changed and people around us might even be changed as well.  Jesus get’s you, understands you, and loves you.  Nothing is hidden from Him.  He knows and he cares.  When I was just a small child my parents taught me the Bible verse that says “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).”  Why not do that today. Talk to the one who cares.  Tell him what’s on your mind, the good, the bad, and the ugly.   It wont be gibberish jabber to Him.  He understands, He cares, and He desires to continually touch and change your life for good.

A great deal of what I do in a day consist of studying, writing, preparing messages to speak, meeting with people, planning, and reviewing various systems for the church I lead.  All these things can usually be done with my laptop, a table, and a good cup of coffee.  Therefore, I enjoy times when I can work away from the office at a coffee shop.  I love the environment coffee shops offer with the aroma of fresh ground coffee beans, baked goods, and intriguing art work and books hanging around.  I especially enjoy the opportunities to connect with many interesting people that I would never meet at my office.  A few weeks ago I endeavored to find a new spot to work at and I ended up at Friedrichs Coffee on 86^th Street in Urbandale, Iowa.   What a great place.  Good coffee, great people, and interesting art.  Even the restroom art was interesting.  And that’s what I am writing about today.

If you were to walk into the men’s restroom at Friedrichs this huge mirror would greet you.  It’s round, it’s artsy, and it takes up the whole wall.  It reveals you standing there, and forces to take a good look at yourself whether you want to or not.  It’s huge and I like it.  I said it is artsy because there are all sorts of interesting pictures and designs painted on the frame surrounding the mirror.  I particularly liked the caption at the bottom of the mirror that reads, “Hello Handsome.”  I stood there amused by the mirror and thought, “well that’s encouraging.”  I don’t particularly think of myself that way but I did enjoy a mirror that tried to encourage me.  As I walked out of that restroom I wondered how many people around me that day could use a little encouragement in their life.  How might a person’s day change if someone took the time to encourage them?  How might our day change if we looked for ways to encourage others?

I tend to think that such a seemingly small thing as an encouraging word or two might actually make a huge difference in another person’s day.  I even think when we encourage others we too are encouraged.  The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to “encourage one another and build each other up”, and Hebrews 3:13 instructs us to “encourage one another daily.”  Encouragement should be a part of our daily lives.  We all like to receive encouragement but we should also be giving it out.  Who doesn’t like to be encouraged?  When we change our hair, we like it when people notice. Hopefully they like it.  When we wear a new outfit, its good to hear someone say it looks nice.  When we receive recognition, we like to be congratulated.  When we do something well, it feels good to be affirmed. When we are down on ourselves, it’s good to have friends who let us know we’re really not as bad as we think we are.  When we feel like we can’t go on, we need people who will encourage us and spur us on.   Encouragement is a blessing that keeps us going in the midst of the sadness, disappointments, and struggles of life.  Encouragement brings hope into a heart that feels helpless and void of hope.  Encouragement tells us that things can change, all things are possible, and we shouldn’t give up.  Encouragement doesn’t hide reality, instead it sees the good that is and the greatness that can be.

So today I encourage you to be an encourager.  When you finish reading this article and are done with your cup of coffee, go find someone to encourage.  Don’t make up something.  Don’t lie.  But, find something honest and true that is positive and lay it on someone.  Tell them.  Build them up.  Encourage them.  Go ahead make their day!  You’ll be encouraged when you encourage someone else.

Last night was the first snowfall this year in my little corner of the world.  My kids were so happy when they went to bed last night as big flakes continued to fly.  Did I share their joy? – Not so much.  After falling to sleep with my bride on our comfy couch we eventually made our way upstairs to bed.  In the middle of the night I got up to use the bathroom and looked at the alarm clock on my way back to bed to check the time.  Problem, the clock wasn’t working.  Sometime in the night the power had gone out.  I went back to bed very tired and wondering if I would wake up early enough to get the kids off to school.  I now understand the importance of actually putting a battery in the alarm clock in spite of the fact it plugs into the wall.  I didn’t have any trouble getting up on time, because I was so concerned about over sleeping, I laid in bed awake for the rest of the night.  Morning came and it was interesting to say the least.  Shaving in the dark was an experience especially when all the smoke alarms started going off.  They are wired together so it was one big symphony of loud screeching noise from the basement to the upstairs.  And as I stood in a dark bathroom with a razor in my hand attempting to shave in the dark, my children started to freak out about the screeching noises coming from the ceiling above their beds (and to think I was worried about the alarm clock not going off and that they’d over sleep).  Good news, the house was not on fire, and I have no idea why the alarms went off. After that situation was worked out, I was in desperate need of some coffee.  I made my way downstairs and proceeded to make my self a cup of extra bold coffee in my awesome Keurig machine.  I pushed the start button to begin my brew and nothing happened.  Oh yeah, no power.  UHHH!!!  New plan, skip the coffee and go clean the snow off the driveway.  I went out to my garage and pressed the button to open it.  Oh yeah, no power. UHHH again! I opened the garage manually, cleaned the driveway, got the kids in the car, and we were soon on our way to school.  First stop, the elementary school.  Second stop, preschool.  Finally, I was on my way to the office where I could work with electricity, heat, and get some coffee.  I pulled into the lot, parked my car, opened my door, and as I did my assistant came outside and said, “We have no power.”  Seriously?!?!?!

So here I sit, at the local coffee shop reflecting on my morning and I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  So today I am choosing to have joy in spite of circumstances. I WILL have joy. I WILL give thanks.

I am thankful for a hot dark shower.  I am thankful that I have hands, arms, and enough strength to open my garage manually.  I am thankful for my snow blower that has an electric start, but also has a great pull start for those days when the power is out.  I am thankful that although I don’t need coffee I am able to drive a few minutes from my office and get some at a nice coffee shop with lights, heat, and power outlets to plug in my laptop that I am using to type these words right now.  As I think more about my morning, I find myself wanting to laugh.  I find myself with a heart of joy, and grateful that not every morning will be like this one.  I could have a complaining heart today, but I’m going to choose to have a thankful heart.

Today, I choose to be joyful, to pray, to give thanks, and to live out the will of God for my life.  How about you?

There’s a story about two twin boys.  They were seven going on eight.  One of the two boys was the most optimistic and excitable kid you’d ever meet.  Life was always great for this boy and it was always getting better.  The second of the two twins was more depressed and pessimistic.  Nothing was ever fair to this boy.  Life was bad and always getting worse.  The extreme difference in the two boys really bothered the parents.  The one son was off the charts excited and the other was off the charts depressed.  The parents saw both extremes as being unhealthy so they came up with a plan to balance the boys out.  On their eighth birthday, the parents filled their depressed son’s room from top to bottom with toys.  They then decided to bring their other son down a few notches by filling his room from top to bottom with horse manure.   They thought their plan would surely work.  When the depressed son went to his room he was still depressed and cried, “This isn’t fair.  I didn’t want all these toys, and some of them are broken.”  Meanwhile the son that was always excited went to his room full of manure.  When his parents opened the door to check on him, they couldn’t find him anywhere.  A few seconds later his head came bursting through the top of manure pile and he had a huge smile on his face.  The parents asked their son why he was so happy, to which their son replied by thanking his mom and dad.  He said this is the greatest!  Again, his parents asked him “why are you so happy?”  The boy then replied, “With all this manure, there’s got to be a pony in here somewhere!”

How do you look at the situations of your life?  Are you the optimist or the pessimist?  Are you the person whose glass is half full or is it half empty.  The truth is life isn’t always easy.  There will be days that the sun doesn’t shine, the skies are gray, and the heavy rain will come.  Still, if it were not for the rain the flowers would not grow.  If it were not for the storms, the rainbows would never be seen.  If you never had bad days, you would never appreciate the good days.  So the choice is ours.  You can choose to see a pile of manure or start looking for the pony in the manure.  What you focus on will determine how you see the situations and moments in life.  And what you choose to see will directly impact the amount of joy you experience in life.

The Apostle Paul puts forth the challenge in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  You can choose to think about all the bad stuff, and there will always be plenty of bad stuff.  You can also choose to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossian 3:2).  You can elevate your level of thinking and change your perspective.  In the Bible, the book of Philippians is often associated with the subject of joy.  Before Paul concluded this book he gave this exhortation, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”(Philippians 4:8). Essentially he’s saying, loose the negativity.  Stop focusing on and thinking about all the bad stuff.  Start seeing the good things in life and set your mind on those things.

Do you need more joy in your life?  If you do, then you can do something about it.  Renew your mind.  Think on the good things.   Change your focus.  Get a new perspective; look for the pony in the manure.