Surprises, I love them!

We get surprised when we least expect something to happen. It is a natural thing and sometimes we love those surprises and sometimes they can be difficult. The other day, my girlfriend Tricia returned from her business trip to Pensacola. When I came over to her house to see her, she said that she had a surprise waiting for me. I was like, what in the world could it be and what for? I guess there really doesn't have to be a reason to get a surprise from someone else but she told me that with my birthday coming up soon, and that it was time to get it started now. I was like, what? Now, my birthday's not for another week or so, and she said very sweetly, well you don't celebrate your birthday just for one day but also for days leading up to it. I was like, well, this is all right! Anyway, the surprise was a fried peach pie from Peach Park in Clanton. She had stopped and gotten 3 of them for me. This was awesome! I love those pies and I had no idea that Peach Park was still open. Funny thing was that I was going to ask her to stop and get some but then thought they would not be open so I didn't bother to ask. Surprise! It's sometimes the simple things in life that make me happy, but more importantly was the fact that she thought of me while on her way back and stopped to get them! This was huge to me and I appreciated her so much! Anyway, I don't know why I wanted to share that but just did. I think this might be the best birthday ever...guess we'll find out soon.

A New Season...

   Today is the first official day of Fall.  A time for new discoveries, new beginnings, and new revelation by God's gracious love.  I am excited about this Fall, as I plan to finish up on a few long blog posts I started previously; start blogging about a new book I'm beginning to read, and discovering more about God's direction for my life and His purpose.  I'm also challenging myself to find a new and more fitting look for my blog.  I've got one in mind but I am still working on getting it formatted.

    A new year usually begins for most on January 1st, but for me Fall is a time of renewal and rejuvenation usually with a lot of self-discovery.  I pray that God will set my path and set my pace as I look to Him for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  As I seek Him to know His will for my life; to learn more about how He desires for me to servant-lead in Life Group, Homeless ministry, my relationship with Tricia, and hopefully how I may become involved with OMPC's Missions Committee.  I pray also that God will lead me in becoming a better steward of His gifts; that He will instruct me by the way of His Word in realigning my budget and finances to more efficiently work towards being debt free. 

    Today is a new beginning and while I forsee many challenges along the way, I set forth my hope and my faith in Christ as He leads me; without retreat, without reservation, and without regret!  God, give me Your strength, passion, and patience - for without You, oh Lord I have none.

Ughhhh...why can't I just get it?

I am a selfish person. I don't easily admit this, but I am. It's just a fact. Some people may never see it, but the fact remains that I tend to want to have things go my way, in my timing, and on my terms, and with people I want to be included. Therefore this makes it difficult for me at times when an email or announcement is made where there are needs expressed that in some way or another infringe on my schedule, or rather maybe, my agenda. I wonder how many others struggle with this, or even realize it’s something they struggle with at all?


I find myself convicted of this today, because of my own judgment of others in this area. I was thinking over a situation going on in my life right now where I have had to put an announcement out asking for folks to help with an assortment of task, thinking or rather “expecting” a significant or maybe overwhelming response. I was wrong.

Not wrong because the response I expected didn’t come in, but wrong to expect period. Wrong to judge others and wrong to not consider what all other things that could be playing a role in someone not responding. I am not disappointed in the lack of response, it is what it is and that can’t be helped, but I am thankful that it has helped me to see a little more about myself and my own sin; My own sin of trying to take control of a situation and not simply leave it in God’s hands to handle. It’s amazing how I continue “to go back, over and over, like a dog to it’s own vomit” to just find out that “I” can’t do it anyway, and reminded that, my Lord above always does.

Maybe one day I’ll get it. I guess for now, I’m thankful that I have a God who loves me and forgives me in spite of the stupid things I think or sometimes do; a God who carries me when times are hard and a God that moves me when I need to be moved.

Thank You Lord, for Your unconditional love.