Like many others, I have not posted in a loooooong time.  Well, here's a mundane post and a spiritual one....

Mundane:  Today I went to Montauk, NY (Long Island area) to pick up a table and hutch that Judy won in an EBay auction.  I got my wife doing Ebay!  Woo Hoo!  The whole set (Hutch, table and 6 chairs) for $150.  Not bad huh?

Spiritual:  I spoke at our Rescue Mission church this morning.  I had a service planned, but scrapped most of it and felt compelled by the Spirit to focus on the message.  I spoke from Hebrews 12:1-3 "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easliy entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the Father.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose faith."

I basically asked for a "Few Good Men (and women)" who were willing to become like the "great cloud of witnesses".   I first had people respond to a salvation appeal and 5 people responded.  Then 15 people responded genuinely to a felt "call of God"  It was so cool.  I really sensed God's presecence.  He is SO Cool!

I LOVE MY JOB AND MINISTRY.  I am often on the verge of tears as I look over the congregation because I have such a strong sense of loving concern. 

A little funny thing happened...the first 4 rows of seats are generally saved for guys in our program.  The homeless visitors usually sit toward the back.  I asked a homeless guy sitting in row 2 if he would be willing to move back a couple of rows.  He responded, "It's OK, I'm schizophrenic.  I can sit in both places."   And he was serious!  So I just moved on...

Currently Reading TrueFaced: Trust God and Others With Who You Really Are By Bill Thrall, John Lynch, Bruce McNicol see related

Is it possible that a book can change your life completely?  I think so. 

I am reading "TrueFaced" by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol and John Lynch.  In a nutshell, the reader is asked, "Do you want to please God or trust God?"

I wasn't sure at first, but I realize that all of my attempts to please God have always fallen short. 

Living in a deep trust of God makes all the difference!

I will live my life trusting God from now on. 

How are you living your life?  Trusting God or trying to please Him?

Currently Reading The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die By John Piper see related

Yesterday I had a meeting with someone who wanted to start a homeless shelter in a nearby town, (Irvington, NJ).  When we got together, it was obvious that she had no clue about starting a mission, but it was equally obvious that she had a very tender heart for the homeless.  Her name is Barbara and she has been sober for 4 years.  She is 53 and has had a tough life.  As the conversation went on, I sensed that I should steer the conversation to spiritual things.  She is an ex-Catholic and although she prays, she is uncertain about the whole God thing.  Well, to make a long story short, I explained that all of us are screwed up, but that God still loves us and wants to enjoy a relationship with us though His Son, Jesus.  We even discussed the "Romans Road"; Rom. 3:23, 6:23 and 10:9,10.  Anyway, I asked her if she wanted to enter into a relationship with Jesus and she said yes!  So we prayed and Barbara asked Jesus to come into her life and take control.  It was so cool!

I got her address and then I wrote her a note to encourage her and then to recommend a great church in Scotch Plains, NJ.  (I spoke for 5 minutes during the service at this church a few weeks ago and shared about our homeless mission.  They gave an offering of over $4500!)

Anyway, pray for Barbara that she grows in the grace and knowledge of our Lord!

Be happy, you are loved...

Last night Julee and I went to see Jars of Clay concert in Poughkeepsie, NY at a church I attended about 35 years ago, Faith A/G.

The concert was great but there were 2 special highlights for me:

1.  Spending an evening with Julee, my delightfully engaging daughter.  She is hilarious and serious all at the same time.  She is a deep thinker but makes me laugh hilariously with her "chubby face routine"

2.  Talking to Charlie Lowell, Steve ? Matt Odmark and Dan Haseltine, from Jars. 

 My talk with Dan was the best.  Julee had a plan to stick around until everyone else was gone.  Her idea was incredible.  She said that we should not rush to get autographs, but wait.  If they left before we talked to them, then it meant that someone else got to see them instead of us, which was OK with Julee, (What a servant's heart!)  And if they stayed, then we would have a longer time with them because just about everyone else would be gone.

Well, the idea worked great.  I talked to Dan about his writing for Relevant magazine, my FAVORITE magazine   We also talked about the Blood Water Mission, that is addressing the issue of AIDS in Africa.  (Jars is very involved in the project to provide 1000 safe water wells.)  I was in Kenya and Uganda several yaers ago and in Uganda, the #1 industry was coffin making because of AIDS.  Sad, huh?

Anyway, it was so much fun doing my favorite things: spending time with one of my kids, listening to great music, and focusing on world poverty and need.  What could be better?

Currently Reading The Best Christian Writing 2000 By John Wilson see related

My new picture is me in 5th or 6th grade.  I remember that I loved this shirt! 

Since I moved back to the Northeast, I have had an opportunity to look back over my life.  History is so important.  New York is rich in history as it relates to the founding of our country.  My personal history is also heavily influenced by New York.  I think I got some "chutzpah" by growing up here, and I hope my kids get a little of it too.

The Bible has important history lessons as well.  It is so important that we learn from the mistakes of others mentioned in the Bible.

What have you learned by your mistakes?

Recently, I was reminded that I need to be a little less emotional and more cerebral.  I want to be guided by my heart, but with my brain fully engaged.