8 pound Bible

I have been back in Washington for about a week now and I still haven't shared this story of my plane ride home. It was just like every other plane ride I have been on in the past; stuffy, too crammed, no leg room, slow people, weird smells, popping ears. But this ride started off a little different. Usually on planes I love to get out my Bible and read for a while. As the plane was filling up, a guy sat next to me and (i will be honest) immediately I was a little afraid to get out my Bible. That is called the "fear of man." I don't know why, but I chose to keep my Bible in my bag. As the plane took off, I looked over at the guy next to me and I watched as he unashamedly pulled out this, what seemed like an 8 pound Bible. He looked over at me and said, "Hey man, my name is Samuel, like the Samuel in the Bible." I felt like one of the biggest idiots in the world for ever being ashamed of my God. I immediately pulled out my Bible as well, almost giggling as it seemed as though God was teaching me something. Anyway, I was reading yesterday morning in 2 Timothy 6:12. It says, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." Here next to me was a man who truly had laid hold of his eternal life. He knew that his home wasn't here and because of that no fear of man could hold him back from getting to know his God. Conviction settled in so deep in my heart, but at the same time, a new passion to lay hold of my eternity has settled in my heart. I think all of us know that we have eternal life. But how many of us actually lay hold of our eternal life so deep that the only fear in us is the fear of God? I don't know about you, but I don't want to be known as the guy who was afraid... I want to be known like Samuel who laid hold of his eternity and lived so unashamed. Lay hold of your eternity and confess it before many. Don't ever let any man ever keep you from your God.

I haven't seen this video in awhile. Baby Got Book:

Back from Vacation...back to blogging

Well I am finally back from vacation from my home town San Antonio, Texas. Sorry that I didn't blog. My parents are wonderful, but haven't adapted their lifestyle to the wireless world just yet. But nonetheless, it was wonderful. I spent the majority of my trip in what I believe to be one of the greatest places in America. It is a little beach town called Port Aransas. It is full of locals who's skin looks like leather from the sun, and the beautiful and warm beach water. It is one of those overlooked and not really well known places, but I believe those kinds of cities are priceless. Anyway, I enjoyed the week by fishing with my dad and enjoying the hot sun and clean water. Although I miss the sun, I am glad to be back in the great Northwest. I am looking forward to the joys of blogging. More to come...

Here are some pics with my family

On the Road Again

Well today I am on the road again... well more like in the air again, seeing that I am flying. I am on my way to San Antonio Texas to see my family for two weeks. I don't know about you, but I love to travel. I love the excitement of traveling through all the fun airport elements, and love sitting in the airport seats watching people do what they do. One of my favorite comedians Brian Regan used to talk about funny people in airports and it is so true. People watching is one of the greatest things to do... never stare though... at least that is what my mom always said. Fun Times. Anyway, well I am about to board my plane to Ole Texas. More to come from my home city!!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN:

Greater things are yet to Come

This Sunday I was in a worship service in my church and we sang the song from Chris Tomlin, "God of this City." The powerful wordsdeclared to the Lord just filled my heart with a burden and passion for my city, Olympia. The song goes, "Greater things are yet to come, Greater things are still to be done in this city." This song was birthed out of a guys heart who was in great opposition with his city and people... sounds a lot like where I live... Anyway, but the power of those words really fill your heart with strength. There is no greater joy than to know that first Our God is God of our city and that greater things are yet to come. Sing to the Lord today, and know deep in inside that greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city.

Here is a little of the story behind the song:

Live your life

With our economy going the way it is going and the way our society is getting worse and worse, it seems as though no one is really living their life. It is as if people are just wanting to die happy. They are waiting for gas prices to go up so they can be happy with more money... they are waiting for the world to get easier before they make better choices... they are waiting to get older before they live as God calls us to live... they are letting life slip right by. I don't know where you stand, but our lives are short. Just think back for a sec...... Life goes by fast. But what are we waiting for? God is calling us out... He is waiting for us to stop waiting and take hold of this life of righteousness He has called us to. It is easy to make excuses in life why we don't live a certain way, or why we aren't where we want to be. But at the end of the day, we all have the same choice... to live your life worthy of the calling you have received(Eph 4:1) or wait like the rest of the world. We have a hope that goes way beyond momentary troubles or pleasures. Galatians 2:20b "Christ lives in me; and the LIFE which I now live in the flesh I LIVE by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Choose today to take hold of the hope and calling we have received...choose today to live for God no matter what.... pursue His calling for you and begin to truly LIVE YOUR LIFE!

Switchfoot's This is Your Life says it best:

Saving China with a Shirt

If you haven't heard about the tragic earthquake in China, it has been devastating. With well over 50,000 people that have died, it has left a country broken. I think it is easy to be genuinely sorry for a tragedy, but never use what you have to help. I am guilty as ever for this. Anyway, I know that I have been blessed with far more than I could ever want, and I want to help. I found this guy Steve who is trying to use what he has to make a difference. His goal is to make 50,000 shirts with a hope to make $20 per shirt, to ultimately raise $1,000,000. His website is fiftythousandshirts.com. Anyway, I bought a shirt, and it doesn't seem like much, but every piece matters. I encourage you to buy a shirt and be a part of helping China. How much more would it make a difference if people like us would not just give our money, but give a hope that lasts way beyond a shirt. This is a great reminder that we can make a difference in the lives of people... we just have to do it.

This is the video of China for fiftythousandshirts.com

Breathe into me

I was listening to one of my favorite songs from Israel Houghton today called Breathe into me. As I just sat singing the song to the Lord, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of His breathe and life into me. The song says, "only you take my breathe away." This week has been one of the busiest in a while, and I find myself letting stress and things take my breathe away. Truly only the Lord can take our breathe away. And as we let Him, He is always faithful to breathe new life into us. Be filled today with life and joy. Don't let the stresses of life take your breathe away. Let the Lord breathe into you.

Here is the song so you can worship a bit:

we offer devotion

Well I just got off the stage after preaching to the Junior Highers. I am so taken back by what the Lord is doing in our midst. When young people offer devotion to the Lord, He is always faithful to meet them. The word I gave was from John 10 when Jesus says that the sheep knows the Shepard's voice and he knows them and they follow him. My heart for our students is that they realize that the Lord knows them and desires for us to know His voice. It is like a little pupppy. They don't know your voice and that you are calling their name. But after it spends time in your presence and spends time at your feet, it knows your voice. The dog could be sleeping and will wake to your voice. After a while, it will even do what you say. It is the same with our relationship with God. I hear kids say all the time that it is hard to distinguish God's voice from our own. It is so true, but the more time you spend with God, the easier it is to hear His voice from yours. My desire is to see young people spend time with the creator of the universe, and learn to hear His voice. Learn to hear His voice today. Spend time in His presence, and watch Him speak.

Here is some footage from our service. So amazing!