Forced Clusters or Life is Too Busy

Let me state right out front , I have nothing against small groups in Church . They can be very good and a solid way for a large church to connect but sometimes it seems to me that at times they are forced clusters of what the church should be anyway.

Just like in real life over the last 20 years or so , life has become so regulated . We have kids in everything , we work and work to have more things and between living so much like the world and occupying ourselves with its slavish lifestyle , it leaves little time for a natural time for friends to get together. So what does the Church do , regulate its time for people to get together.

Getting together for a men's group or women's group is good . We are made for fellowship and community . It is healthy and a needed thing for growth and building up as a believer. But at the same time , it sometimes does not allow for the normal building of relationships within the church. The groups become the "thing" and people put little effort as I have witnessed from my point of view in connecting outside of these cliques.

If the world is to see that we are different , should it not see how we invest in each other as being important that goes beyond a over structured and regulated system that in my minds eye , looks much like the worlds over regulated life's. Friendships should be a priority , to cultivate and build and maintain. Men to men and women to women. I'm going to say something that some may not like but here it is. In my observations between men and women in churches , women tend to be much more removed and cliquish than men . Not in all cases , but that has been my observations . Perhaps its because they trying to be too many things in this fast paced world but that is what I have witnessed.

For the last year I have deliberately took a step back to watch and unless one enters into the inner circle of small groups and assimilable within , your are a outsider.

Here is the rub with me . If your life is so busy , so over structured that unless you fit small groups into your schedule you would have no contacts with people outside of the church , then your life is too busy . I realize life happens , things do happen but if we cannot step back and cultivate friendships normally and have people smile back at you at church if you say hi , then perhaps , its the wrong church to be in . Nuff said.

Oh Is the Flesh Weak

I haven't blogged for the last couple of days because of either suffering from a kidney stone or something else that can cause much pain in the lower abdomen. I consider myself pretty tough when it comes to pain ( as my wife will verify ,I'm not your typical man,right hon ) but to try and concentrate and write anything , that is a whole other issue.

The one thing that I do know is how weak our flesh is. Its feeble really and can be laid low with something so small and simple. As I laid in pain I thought about the weakness of the disciples in the garden that fell asleep while Jesus was going through the most infinitely intense long night of soul. All Jesus asked was they wait,watch and be with Him but they couldn't . They fell asleep. Probably worn out and physically exhausted , they slept.

Man is a proud and arrogant being that rages against His creator. Think about how much we rely on our own strength , our own ability to do or be anything but in reality , we are as fragile as fine china. We put so much hope in the flesh , our bodies . But as I lay in pain , my thoughts started turning to the Lord and His promises to save us and raise us up incorruptible. The pain also reminded me of the wages of sin , death but I also rejoiced in the free gift of eternal life found in Jesus Christ.

So , yes I do not like pain ,nor do I like feeling tired and weak but it awakes me to the only hope I have is in God and Him alone , for my flesh is weak . But in Christ , even though we are wasting away on the outside , we are being renewed daily through Jesus . That is great news.

Digging in the Dirt

Over the last couple of weeks the elective that I have been involved co- facilitating called Is The Bible Reliable?led by Stephen B.Meyer, has been really fun. We have been examining the evidence that has been unearthed by digs in the middle east that even the hardest skeptic, has to admit , the Bible at the very least is reliable in its listing of cities and geographical areas that are mentioned. The same for the people mentioned .Moses is in Egypt ,not a mythical place like Asgard . Abraham lived the city of Ur , which we know existed.

It is so cool to challenge peoples perceptions that the Bible is removed from real life events. Anyone who reads the Old Testament ,has to be struck with the difference between its narratives and other religious mythologies at the time. One thing if you knew you were writing fiction , it would make real sense not to make references to real cities and people groups. Why? Because one can dig to see if what is written lines up with external evidences . Well we are 3 weeks in and guess what , we are seeing a very clear line of evidence that shows the Bible to be a amazing historical accurate document.

It may not convince a hardcore skeptic who understands , to say the word of God is true , it puts them under its moral and truth claims. But it can give us the inroad to present the gospel of Christ. To proclaim Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to awaken the dead to life.

So I love digging in the dirt , what about you?

Jason Gray "For the First Time Again" music and lyrics

Jason Gray is fast becoming one of my favourite artist. This song is a great reminder that we need the gospel everyday . That there is never a day we do not need Jesus and His cleansing fountain  that cleanses and renews.

The Gospel in Life

The gospel is preaching Jesus born of a virgin,living a sinless life (the God-man) and Him crucified for our sins and His resurrection on the third day showing what He did justifies.It is all those things and the responsibility of all to acknowledge ones sin before God,our need of Jesus ,repenting ,turning and trusting in the work of Christ.This work is of God alone but after it does not stop. What God has started , He will see it through in His people to the end . It has to to have an effect on ones world view  and life.

Granted at times we all feel its one step forward , three back but over a long stretch , one will and should see growth in how the gospel is shaping and conforming us to the image of Christ.

So as I was reading a news feeds today , I came across a story . A story that made me so sad , that it made stop and say to myself , this is a story that should make us so passionate with a heart that wants to share the gospel.

The story is gut wrenching sad . A little boy only 11 took his life thanks to being bullied. But the background fills in the details of why this young boy's heart was so hurting and lost that he felt he add no other recourse. First he lost his mom to cancer 3 years ago. Then just over a year ago was diagnosed with MS. So with  dealing with grief , now on top of that a disease that would rob him of much and eventually lead to a early death than a normal life span, was added to his plate . But the thing ,according to his dad that took the spark from his eye was the mugging at the hands of a punk in upper middle school. He had his Dad's i-phone , to listen to music and call home to see when supper was and stay in touch.This malcontent jumped him , plowed his face to the ground with force and broke his teeth. Then he was assigned a "protector" the rest of the year at his school  but was then called on to testify in a upcoming hearing against the young offender. Going back to school , his "protector" had moved on to high school and all the while this punks bodies began bullying him . Taunting and threatening him. Even the moron who did this evil cowardly  act , still had contact apparently (although he was under a restraining order -laugh now about this useless law). With the stress, the anxiety and the overwhelming battle with MS , this young boy put a bag around his head and suffocated himself in his bedroom. His Dad found him in the morning.

The gospel could have had life saving and real rubber hits the road impact in this sad tale. With all this young boy had gone through , what if the truth of Christ had impacted  this whole family's life. It could have caused a pause and a hope that simply does not exist apart from Christ and being reconciled to God.The gospel story would have brought good news in a dark place, light amid the storm clouds and an anchor amid the crushing waves that can sweep one away in this fallen world. Would the bullying still occur , yes , but in Jesus we have a great high priest that sympathizes with us. Jesus would understand this young boys struggle with being wrongly beaten , taunted and feeling forsaken.

But ultimately , the gospel could have pointed this whole situation to when everything sad will come untrue. The hope is not in this life or situations but on the hope that God is making all things new and will finish what He started when Jesus comes again. I'm not saying that life would have been easy or without  real ,profound struggles but the gospel changes how we see suffering,illness,pain,life and death.

The gospel has real , salt and earth implications . Its not just a pie in the sky thing but it gives feet to real living and real life situations. Its not some abstract thing that has no bearing on what happens even on a play ground.

So does this not fire your passion to share the good news . We should be , just so we can see people reconciled to God through Christ and escape the wrath to come. But in that great truth , real lives are changed and transformed. So my prayer for this Dad is that God will bring the gospel into his life and Jesus will become his Lord and Saviour . Bringing healing to a hurting heart. Even for the "punk" who played a huge role in this spiral down of this young boy , that he would be convicted of his sin and how he hurt in his evil act and repent before the day of judgement. The case is getting thrown out , and perhaps this young man is laughing or relieved but there is a higher court and unless he repents and trust in Christ , seeks forgiveness from this boys family , then he will not escape from this act.

But the gospel of Jesus Christ can do amazing things , for when God gets a hold of someone , the whole of life will be impacted for His glory .Nuff said.

For Better or Worse

There are certain times when statements are made by so called public leaders in the Christian world that get much press just because of who they are . Even though they would not in no way speak for the majority. Pat Robertson is one who has risen to prominence .Even though he is older and not as relevant as he once was, he has had a knack for saying some pretty outrageous in the past. Just Google him and you will know what I mean . But his latest blunder was so offensive , it made many truly righteously angry.

He basically said a man or woman could divorce a spouse if the other got Alzeimers once in was in its late stages. He rationalized it this way, since it is a type of living death , and the surviving spouse will be lonely and may need true companionship , divorce and remarriage would be allowed. Really , and this man calls himself a minister of the gospel.

How does this teaching harmonize with laying you life down for a friend , to be a servant , to love , to sacrifice and care for those who cannot care for themselves. At the heart of the gospel is the fact Jesus loves us even when we are weak,helpless and broken. He does not cast us off once He has gathered us into His flock. Sure we may at times be disciplined but His hand holds us firm . It is God that keeps the covenant of grace.

What about taking up your cross and following Jesus . How does casting off one who you made a covenant agreement to love and cherish , in health and sickness till death due you part, jive with the gospel call in your life. How can one , as a Husband sync this obscene teaching with Paul's command to husbands in Ephesians to love their wives as Christ love the Church and gave Himself for her .If we are to mirror that same kind of love in will cost us our all.

Why stop there. What about those who have been in accidents and have been severely handicapped or how about cancer that rob a person of so much . The statement made by Robertson was one of most anti-gospel statement ever out of his mouth.

The true gospel that takes hold of a persons life when faced with something like Alzeimers even though it will not be easy , will give us a chance to mirror the love of God , found only in Jesus Christ , to the person one may be called to serve and lay down ones life. Its not done out of duty but love and grace.

When I stood before the Lord almost 24 years ago and pledged to love my wife , no matter what , I mean't it . Love is more than a feeling , it is a action and walking away because one has a been afflicted by any disease is cowardly and shows one true heart. Nuff said.

Why I Love The Duke

I don't know where the Duke stood with the Lord but the fact in this little segment , on a huge national TV show he talks of teaching his little girl the Lord's prayer , the Psalms , to have respect for her country , honour the military who serve to protect ,shows how far we have come when Hollywood is dominated by liberal humanist or tree huggers who reject the Bible totally.I doubt this would ever happen today. Now all we get is Scientology wing nuts like Cruise and Will Smith . Who , in my humble opinion are not worthy to carry John's boots. Nuff said.

The Dangers of Wealth

[4] Do not toil to acquire wealth;
be discerning enough to desist.
[5] When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
for suddenly it sprouts wings,
flying like an eagle toward heaven.
(Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV)

Over the last couple of years with the financial collapse and many losing homes,jobs and in a instant , had there retirement stocks either nearly vanish or shrink before their eyes, the whole world has been in a economic whirlwind.

If one confesses Christ , this world and its possessions , its push to tell you must need this , get that and acquire this to be successful should be things we reject. Our contentment  ,our hope,our rock and future should be anchored in the riches He freely gives us in Christ. Money is a great gift from God and it is His , not ours. If we see money as His then how we handle it should reflect that.

We will give freely , not become obsessed with what we don't have and be thankful for what we do have. If we are blessed with more , we should serve God and our neighbour , with doing good. We come into the world naked and we live with nothing. Why hold and hoard. For as Solomon said , wealth and thinking your on your way can be gone in a second.

Bottom line , the only true riches one can ever have is the gift of God's grace in saving faith in Jesus Christ. He is the true treasure that cannot be taken away or diminished.

God is Faithful

Is it not amazing to know it is God that will complete the work He has started in us. Even when we stumble,doubt and go through the valley of the shadow of death , God is with us. Jesus promised He would not leave us nor forsake us. That the Holy Spirit is conforming us to the image of Christ , living in us . Amazing is it not.

Preacher Feature

The book he mentions called a Place For Weakness was originally called Too Good to be True. In it Horton deals with suffering,pain and the theology of the cross . Get it,read it and share it.

Surrounded By Job's So Called Friends

When Job was going through his whole ordeal . His friends were useless really. They assumed too much , they gave contradictory advice and in general were no real comfort to Job.In fact they made Job suffer even more thanks to their ill given and I would say unloving advice. Instead of just listening to him,praying with him ,weeping with him and just being there , they became a thorn in his side.

Now I'm no Job . I have had my share of suffering and tribulation . Some of my own making no question but why is it that people who really don't know you or your situation want to give you advice but have no real investment in your life. Being currently unemployed , it seems way too many people as of late are concerned that I need to find employment. Like I don't know that . I'm constantly on the job bank and yes ,have applied to no avail .

First let me tell you straight up I will not take just "anything" that doesn't make sense to take. My body is telling me certain types of labor are out. Busting my butt as a Custodian for almost 20 years took its toll. With my household and  Wife's career( yes she loves her jobs and if your a uber fundie go someplace else ) , certain shifts I will not take ie:backshifts . My wife cannot drive because of a seizure disorder. So if I take a job but it leads to her seizures returning at a higher rate and she has to leave her employment we are setback big time. If you don't like that , too bad. Third , I have not been on E.I constantly nor have I been on social assistance , neither do I beg ,bum from friends or family. My days are plenty full of things to do , even though I'm a man,imagine that. 4th , I have been looking and trying to network but guess what , all my friends are white collar and work in fields that I cannot . That should tell me something of what I should have done with myself years ago. Number 5 , I do think I'm a bit shell shocked when it comes to gong back into retail and dealing with the public. To the public , you are no fun to serve . Way too many are rude,impatient and a pain to serve. Right now I know I just do not have the will in me to take it over a non-significant item being sold. Plus the last place I worked ,the place was toxic . It worked itself into the whole environment . I was not guiltless but am weary of retail period.

Do I want to find work , yes but I'm sick and tired of settling. That's all I have done my whole life when it comes to work. Perhaps you might not like my decision but here is the thing , unless your paying our rent, getting me groceries and fixing my car , mind your own business. This is between me and my wife and family.

Too many of us offer advise without knowing the "real" situation . Too many of us assume things without knowing the bigger picture. Too many assume they know whats best but don't have the slightest clue as to what they are talking about. So unless you feeding me,clothing me and I'm bumming off of you , your 2 cents means absolutely nothing to me.

I think I would rather have no friends then to have a bunch of Job's friends . Which in reality they were not real friends at all. I'm truly thankful for the few true friends I have who are there to listen and support me . Offering advise that is helpful because they know me , the real me . Nuff said.

One of The Best Theologians Today

RC Sproul has the ability to explain doctrine and the Bible in a simple , applicable way. If one has not read any of his books , you need to . Start with the Holiness of God . A classic that should be in all libraries .

A Weighty Matter

If one writes in a blog then it is open for all . I have been complacent  with my weight for way too long. Its been something that for 20 years has just "been" there but as I near 50 I want to to be fit for fifty. I come from a long line of emotional eaters . When stressed , I would eat and before one knows it , the pounds , 60 plus to be exact , were added to my frame . So instead of running at a decent weight of 160-165  , I have been running 225 plus. Not good on my blood sugars or a myriad of other health related issues.

So my goal which I have jump started over the last month in a more serious fashion is to be fit and at 160-165 by the time I hit 50. The bottom line is the better shape one stays in one can be a better husband,friend and ultimately a more useful servant for the Lord.

So with only 2 months away from my 48th birthday , lets see what I will weigh in on my 48th and I will post it . In a large part , after seeing the dramatic change in one of my favourite apologist and theologians , Dr.James White really kick in to gear and shed almost 70 lbs , it made me go , I can do this and must .

So lets see what happens . Oh my wife has been more than kind to me over these years ( just though I would say that) but its time to reward her with a gladiators body . Well a let me dream ok.

10 Years and What Has Changed?

Much has now been written about what has changed in the world since 9/11 ten years ago . Yes certain things have changed but in many ways , the world is still the same. The US was made to feel very vulnerable on its home soil and that united the country , briefly . But when we look at the US today , much is the same as it was before 9/11. Sure security is tighter and maybe western countries are aware that terrorism can come quickly to do harm but as I look around the world , I'm sorry but to my eyes , it is still the same messed up place it was before.



The only real change is the amount of money that has been pumped into the war effort and has been part of the cause of the US economy stumbling but the world isn't any safer .

The fact is wars and horrible inhumanities against women,children and the weak continue to occur at a rate that makes me sick . Children daily die of disease and hunger that could be eliminated if the governments in many of those effected areas were not so corrupt and evil. In North America alone , more abortions were performed today and murdered the lives of those unborn children then were killed on 9/11. People still abuse each other by lying,stealing,killing . The gap between the rich and poor continues to widen quicker than any time in modern history. Corporations shift their operations to areas to exploit workers in countries that have little worker rights , leaving closers in western countries with a trail on broken lives. Foodbanks are busier than ever , with more of working poor forced to use them because of rent and the rising cost of everyday living. I could go one but tell me what has changed , we aren't all of a sudden grabbing our guitars,holding hands and singing Kumbaya. Its not happening.

The last 100 years has been perhaps the bloodiest in all the annals of human history. The world has seen 2 world wars , a Russian revolution , atrocities in Africa , famines, tsunamis but still the world does not change.

It will not change because no matter how brief a moment we may become sentimental , our hearts are a sin filled melting pot of total depravity . We are selfish,lovers of ourselves,we worship ourselves and  if it was not for God's common grace , restraining sin and evil , the world would be much worse. The world needs the gospel , plain and simple .

If I did not believe in the one true God of the Bible and the amazing truth that through Jesus Christ,  all things will be made right , I think one would have to live a very delusional life to lie to themselves just to have a false hope for this world.

But the true changer of this world was 2000 years ago when God's plan from all eternity sent the Son and with that miracle birth in Bethlehem and later at the empty tomb , real hope has risen. At the cross we see all things in a different light . For it gives us an understanding of the ugliness of sin , therefore events like 9/11 should not surprise us , but it also shows us a love that changes hearts and souls . For it is in faith in Christ alone , real change should start .

Finally , there is a day coming when all the calamities and wars that have happened seem like childs play. That is the great and terrible day of the Lord . When Jesus comes again with judgement. Now that will usher in a holy change and the question for us all , are we ready?

Our God Is In Control

On the eve of September 11th as the world stops and reflects on those days events , no matter what we may not understand , God is in control. Just within the last week many tragedies , some large and reported and others unknown to the larger world and news coverage but  just as painful have occurred. So my prayers and hope is those who have not embraced the gospel, repented of their sin and called out to Jesus Christ will do so and receive peace that surpasses all understanding and be right before God .

Preacher Feature

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.
Charles Spurgeon

Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do.
Charles Spurgeon

Many of those who once were so passionately in love with Christ now run about pursuing their own interests. They're burdened down with stress and problems, chasing after riches and the things of this world.
Charles Spurgeon

Without God , It Is What It Is

For those who try to find meaning apart from any real ,concrete idea of God , at the end of the day all they are left with is , it is what it is. No matter what the tragedy , be it big or small , in the scheme of things it matters not. As one famous rock band said in one of their songs , why does it happen , because it happens , roll the bones. Once one reduces life to nothing more than a materialistic, naturalistic view of life  than suffering, plane crashes , death by drugs or alcohol , it is just what it is . Life is nothing more than a random bunch of played out events that we put significance to but really mean nothing. All our love,hopes,dreams,grief, sense of loss are nothing more than chemicals firing in our brain to produce emotions that we should find a way to eliminate. They are truly burdensome if life has no meaning ultimately. Its wasted time and energy.

But no one truly lives like that. We care,we love,we hope,we grieve and we feel. These emotions are remnants of being created by a God in whoms image we are made. We may try to suppress it , to deny it and rage against it but when tragedy strikes we cry out . With why would a good God allow this to happen  and others will cry ,Oh Lord  help . Both are cries of people who grasp even if they mock God , that there is more to this life than we can see.

The Bible tells us all of creation is groaning , waiting for that great day of redemption when God makes all things new when Jesus Christ comes again. The Bible also says that all things are under God's sovereign and providential control. Even calamities are not random , they serve a purpose in God's economy. We may not grasp this or want to , but we see in a mirror dimly. We cannot understand the mind of a infinite ,holy, righteous God. So often we are so caught up in the trivial . Talking about things that really have no eternal importance but when one hears of a tragedy or death or sickness calls , it takes our focus off the mundane and our brains and hearts glimpse into eternity.

What should we then say to those who do not believe when a heart breaking event occurs? We need to show bold compassionate love and point those hurting to the great healer and peace maker , Jesus Christ. It is not a time to shrink into the shadows .If we truly hold that hell is real apart from faith in Jesus Christ , at these times it should almost magnify our hunger to share the gospel and not shrink back. We will not have all the answers to those hurting or those in deep shock but we know in whom we have believed to forgive sin , reconcile us to God and  give us peace amid a sin  stained world .

As CS Lewis said , pain and suffering are God's wake up call to the brevity of life and our longing for purpose amid the world we live. We need to say , it is not what it is and say for God so loved  , you finish the rest.Nuff said.

Be Mindful If You Teach

This Sunday at my home Church I will partner with my fellow brother in the Lord , John Delong and begin to co-facilitate  a study concerning the reliability of the Bible. It has been almost 4 years since I have returned to Church and the faith . Needless to say I have taken my time considering if I ever should be involved at this level  ever again and have prayed that God would lead me in what path I should go.

So after being approached to help in this study program by Focus on the Family called True-U , I agreed . But one thing to all who decide to venture into any teaching call at the local Church level , know you will be held more accountable .

James 3:1 "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. "

Which is the way it should be. Too many take on roles without understanding the gravity of opening ones mouth to teach or lead . For what comes out of the mouth can build up,tear down or confuse. It can have eternal consequences . That doesn't mean one will have it all together or be perfect , but one should be sound in doctrine and able to articulate the gospel and defend the faith. 

So with a humble heart and a trembling soul , my prayer is simply that God will use these sessions to glorify Himself and Jesus Christ be exulted .

Into The Story

People in general love great stories. Sure some may be more epic than others but in general look at some of the best selling tales . Many of the great ones that last have a grand narrative. Plus woven into most that have lasting power are stories of redemption,forgiveness, reconciliation,good over evil,justice prevailing. Sure it may cost the hero his life or a great sacrifice but we applaud . We cheer to see things put right.

Even the most  popular movies at the boxoffice in general are those that reflect these grand themes. Even Avatar with all its pantheism , it resonated because many long for a better world , a place of peace and harmony. In the Lord of the Rings , when the ring is destroyed and Sauron is destroyed we cheer because evil has been vanquished.Why? It has been said that ever since Adam and Eve sinned and they were banished from Eden , that man has tried to get back . But the problem is , we are dead in our sins. We may know something is wrong and these stories speak to us , but instead of turning back to God , we try to write our own story and build a tower of Babel.

These stories resonate because we know deep down this world is broken.It is full of hate,evil,suffering and pain. But the good news is , God is the master of this story and it is that story He is writing us into through His Son's life,death and resurrection.

When we see or read of epic battles , we connect with the purpose that the story is conveying. Any the most strident atheist tries to find a way to make up a story to make life make sense or have some meaning.We all do this  in one way or another. So why not pick up and read the epic true story of God's writing the narrative of creation,fall, redemption and consummation. We are all involved , for He is our Creator and we owe Him everything. The question is at the end will one be the villain ,or part of army of the coming king Jesus that destroys once and for all sin,death and the devil. We are into the story , and the good news Christ has done it all so we do not have to continue to try and write our own story that really is no story at all.

Start the Week With a Chuckle

Anyone near 50 and older remember this Comedy Sketch show called Rowan and Martins Laugh In. Goldie Hawn was always one of favourites on the show. Enjoy.

Glorious Day

Are you looking ,longing for that day when our Lord returns to make all things right. No more pain.no death,no sin . But even more glorious is to be in the presence of our great God and Savior forever. Amen.

Preacher Feature

It may be you have prayed, and cried, and resolved, and vowed, but all without success, as you suppose; sin has broken through all: however, if you give not over, you shall prevail at last; you know not at what time God will come in with his grace, and Christ will manifest his love unto you as unto the poor woman [Matt. 15:22-28], after many a rebuke. It may be, after all, he will do it this day; and if not, he may do it another: do not despond. Take that word of Christ himself for your encouragement, Prov. 8:34, “Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” If you hear him, and wait, though you have not yet admission, but are kept at the gates and posts of the doors, yet in the issue you shall be blessed.


John Owen 

Two Events

September is a month that I love and hate . First I love this month because I will celebrate two very important birthdays . The first I'll mention is my wifes on the 26th . She will turn 45 and I must say , she looks amazing. I think she is drinking the same water Dick Clark drinks from.So we will look forward to that . Then of course because of her birthday , my youngest son ,Jordan will turn 18. Quickly turning into a fine young man. So these two events will be fun times of celebrating the lives of them both that God has been so graciously to allow me to be a part of . For the record I love being  Dad to Jordan and a husband to Kathy.

The thing that I hate about this month is the date of Sept 6th. On that day my Mom died due to the cancer ravaging her body. It will be 19 years this year and I can still remember hearing those words , Mom is gone. I recall my reaction , my pain and my grief. I'm so grateful for the love and support of my wife through one of the darkest days on my life.I still vividly recall my oldest son , Jacob , who wasn't much than 2 and a half years of age ,giving me a hug. It meant the world to me .

So every September since , it has been a time when I become reflective and as I get older , its a time to just take stock of the blessings of  God and try not to take each day for granted. Which we tend to do way too often. It is so sad that it takes the loss of someone we love to shock us into what is important and to value those things in life that are truly of lasting worth.

Final thought. Even though Mom succumbed to cancer , death did not win the day . Through her ordeal she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. So yes I still hate the day she died but it was a birthday in way for her , for she passed from life , to life in the presence of the Lord . Nuff said.