Wednesday's Word

The Surface

The surface is so clear -

white sandy beaches come to mind.

Crystal clear blue skies,

people laughing, playing, soaking up the sun.

Swim away from the shallow

and the land becomes blurry.

The further out one goes

the less comfortable they become.

Deep below the surface is a whole new story -

one beyond comprehension.

Why am I inclined to stay on the surface?

Am I so wrapped up with my story

that I don't take time to explore others?

I desire to go beyond me.

To get out of the shallow and dive deep.

Sweet Salvation

Jesus is coming! He is coming to rescue His children and bring them home. No more pain. No more suffering. No more death. No more sin.

ALL JESUS - only Him. Oh, my soul longs.

I'll Fly Away

Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Spring Break Slide Show - Seattle

Turn up your speakers and enjoy!

Friday's Fotos

More photos from Seattle! Blog posts on the experience soon to follow along with a slideshow!

Wednesday's Word

Vacation: freedom or release from duty, business, or activity.

As many of you know I went to Seattle for Spring Break. It was an AMAZING experience. I am capturing all of my thoughts and will be posting much more on my trip very soon. Some highlights: Seeing Brenna Orr who goes to Seattle Pacific University, attending Mars Hill Men's Training Day on Saturday, navagating the city, Thai food, receiving overwhelming hospitality, and learning the many words there are for what we Arizonans call rain. I know many of you are itching to know what I thought of Mark Driscoll, but that will come later. I'll leave you with one picture. Look out for more in the coming days.

Wednesday's Word

Christians on Global Warming

This may be my only post on this issue and as you will see there is a very good reason for it. I have been hearing much news about Christian leaders and Christian groups jumping on two separate bandwagons when it comes to global warming. The first group is placing their money, support, and people behind an initiative to educate people about global warming; holding campaigns and events at churches and Christian colleges. The second group of people say that the jury is “not out yet” on global warming and are not endorsing any such global warming campaigns.

Where do I fall on this…
I personally pray that this matter is not one in which the church splits and begins to have “green” or “tree hugger” churches. I believe that God’s word is VERY clear on this issue and that those who are endorsing campaigns with time, energy, effort, and money need to take a moment to carefully read and understand HIS word. YES, we do need to take care and be responsible for the resources God has given us. We are only here for a short amount of time - Christians, earth is our temporary home and we need to take the time to enjoy God’s beautiful creation. We need to tend to our yards, we need to pick up litter, but first we must see that God has given us these things for our enjoyment and our comfort…what an amazing God we have!

I love what Pastor John MacArthur has to say on the issue of preserving the earth: “I’ve told environmentalists that if they think humanity is wrecking the planet, wait until they see what Jesus does to it. Peter says God is going to literally turn it in on itself in an atomic implosion so that the whole universe goes out of existence (2 Peter 3:7-13).”

Brian’s final thought: Don’t get so wrapped up with the here and now (the next buzzword or buzz topic). Satan’s goal is to get Christians so far off track that they are ineffective for God’s kingdom. Global Warming Initiatives: Another ploy by the adversary.