life

Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
If I had a dollar from every time I heard this passage quoted, confessed and spoke on, I might be able to assist Obama in some bail out efforts. I wonder sometimes if we get it entirely. I know we need faith to match our struggles, I get that but I need to know what in the world was the apostle Paul saying.
We so live in a vacuum in this part of the world that loss or losing have never been palatable. We grew up hearing “succeed”, “Win”, “Victory all through life “. We parents have told our kids “get that education so you can be somebody and win in life”. I wonder if we preached the idea with a winning based out of our own desire and passion.
It is no wonder we so gravitate to concept of confessing “more than a conqueror”. It fits our DNA. It matches our culture and rearing of success and performance. Reading the context of Romans 8 makes me more understand that life in Christ is eternal and not governed by even “death” itself and nothing can separate me from Christ love.
But I don’t think Paul penned this passage to defend our need or wants in everything to come our way or win the next quest or challenge. You know, beat the bad guys to the prize as it were. See, I can’t even explain “more than a conqueror” in a temporal way? Like, “we really double won that one”?
A lady in scripture named Esther was submitting to a possible pending death sentence to make a request to the King on behalf of her people and she made this statement,” and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther was more than a conqueror, not because she was going to wax words of eloquence and so dominate the king with charm and charisma and gain freedom for her people and be lauded as the next diva. She found victory in having a devotion to Him over life itself. Our conquering is in a love and devotion of the ONE who GIVES us the victory, not the victory. Esther basically concluded, I may die but I can’t lose.
At the end of all our believing, struggles, and ups and downs this world offers……
Lets borrow a phrase from the movie Tombstone…”Looks like we win!”

From time to time I get some small reminder of what an incredible life I have been afforded and get jolted a bit to make the very most of this life God has given me. Not excluding the fact of having a great wife whom I love greatly and enjoy three fantastic kids I was able to live in a circle of friends who are the salt of the earth.
Here is what grabs my mind every now and then! I get this memory of a Josh Doss who loved God with a passion and commitment that was second to none. He would do anything for his friends except let them win in golf, ping pong, or whatever game was on. I think of a Barry Whatley who was large and in charge. He seized the moment of everyday and had a laugh that made you laugh and he made sure his fiends knew he was there for them. I think of a Ray Prestage who had a smile as big as his heart. He was as diverse as anyone you knew and could do most anything, especially sing! I think of Tony Brower who was the epitome of a fighter, musician, and cowboy. He had the ability to fill up a room whenever he entered the doors. Like, you never needed to ask, “Is Tony here?”
The common denominator of these four great men is they all were passed from this life way too early! They all seemed to have an uncanny ability to be passionate friends and be aggressive in their lives. They had infectious smiles and lived life at a high level that made you want to emulate some or all their traits. Ok, before we bring these four into sainthood we who knew them well knew they were not perfect but made life matter.
James 4:14
Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
Life is fragile and we do not have a lock on when we get to die. But we do have time now to impact friends, chase our passions, make someone smile, and prove life is worth living to fullest!
Some people die at 25 and aren't buried until 75.
Benjamin Franklin

Often when we discuss a book, an article or even a blog it often centers on the “author”. We put value into their work based on our appreciation of their former work and success. For example Shari pretty much buys (yard sales only) one or two authors. That’s it. Author’s, at least the good ones; tend to have the ability to shape our thinking and imagination. And some have even more profound influence and use their gift for posterity and legacy.
The dictionary defines it this way, “the writer of a book, article, or other text. One who practices writing as a profession. One who writes or constructs an electronic document or system, such as a website. An originator or creator, as of a theory or plan., Author God.”
I have often reflect on this passage Hebrews 12:2
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Author and perfecter? He who authored the earth, the heavens and creation had a specific plan and fulfilled it. I can get a bunch of hope when I know my destiny has been authored by a man who suffered and endured to fulfill a plan to reconcile me back to rightness with God. It gives us a sense of confidence that is unique that can come form only one AUTHOR!
Because it was His joy to author my hope book, I am fixing my eyes on Him. King James (it’s hard to replace the poetical verbiage King Jimmy gave us) put it this way, “looking unto Jesus”! Where are you looking today!

Over the last 7 days I have had several great reminders! Things (issues, life, trials and general stupidity) came along this week pointing me to look back (not often recommending- ask Lots wife). This looking back was gentle-well, “slap in the head” better stated, and allowed me to remind myself of good stuff. We are always told not to look back but always look ahead, but in our history there are points in time of God making sense in our lives and that produces hope for what is at hand today!
I grew up watching my dad make a daily list of details he wanted to be reminded of so his day would be effective! Now, since he was no longer able to work, his daily chore list may at times seemed trivial but it was important to him and it steered his day. In that light most of you know Shari my lovely, who has a challenged memory at times had a nice report this week. This phrase was a part of her doctor’s written report, “Patient has a grossly normal memory”. That grossly normal memory asked me to make her a list for her shopping later that day and the list contained ONE item! There you go! I think she remembers what she wants to remember.
The bottom line is this, we have those “sticky note” moments to remind us to manage our day and life with confidence knowing that He helped me then and He will see me through now! It is important to remind us of what we are to do, but it is crucial to be reminded of who we are and where we came from!

• 1 Corinthians 15:1 NIV
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.
• 2 Peter 1:12 NIV
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.
Peace and Love!

Read a book recently and all through the book the author used four words to support his point in creating an “essential” church. The book was killer number Uno. Since I have finished the book I daily reflect not just on “church”, I am using those four words for my own stuff as well. Thought I would share with you before I go “dark” in the cyber world this weekend (Cadence and co. coming in today).
Clarity- settle on what you are to do.
Alignment- make sure what you are doing is in agreement with what you are to become.
Movement- have a simple fluid action to get you to where you are to be.
Focus- Keep the prize in mind, don’t let mission drift or life’s circumstance pull you off task.
I am amazed how often we have a belief of what or who we are but we clutter up life with non-essentials and let our focus drift.
Let’s say you’re Nick Saban, coach of that school in Tuscaloosa Al. You have determined winning Championships is the end to the means. By the way I have not talked to Nick personally, but I have an idea that championships are sort of in his mind. So, you’re clear on the prize, now you align all the sequences around the end and set movement to achieve the clear goal. And lastly you maintain a focus as to not let stuff clutter the process.
Remember when Peter had a clear plan of walking on water to join up with Jesus? Clear goal in mind but he lost focus, he let the other things clutter his mind and trouble began.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
If you’re sinking, blaming the wind will not help; Re-align your life with your goal in mind and keep your eyes on the prize!
I say “ALA” You say “Bama” ----ALA (me) – BAMA (you) feel better don’t you! Be blessed and I hope your team wins unless you are pulling for the Kentucky Wildcats then I hope you come in second!

Tropical storm Claudette has hit the Santa Rosa Sound and the water is stirred a bit. Rain and wind tends to make this quite little area get rocky for sure. There is nothing like being in a cozy place while the storm passes by. The power of weather is incredible and can reshape a landscape in moments. To this day almost five years after Hurricane Ivan you can see its impact, trees still lean from the wind and surge, empty lots where houses and condos stood. But what is most amazing is people rebuild, make new business, and redo very quickly.
But what can be tough is navigating in the middle of these storms. In one minute the seas are calm and the next minute it is terrible. Just like in the natural it is the same in life; from time to time in life we all get stuck in a storm and we have to navigate through it. Life is calm, and then the storm hits, the water is tossed and contrary winds bring a challenge. It is here where we have to dig deep and we use every fiber of our being to make it to safe harbor.
We are promised in scripture difficult times will come, but we have an assurance of His abiding presence in and through all things.

Isaiah 42:16 NIV
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
"Smooth seas do not make a skillful sailor."

-- African proverb

If you have lived long enough you have seen the “Christmas Story” more than once and have favorite lines though out the story. Do remember the set where the kids are outside playing and Ralphie is challenged to stick his tongue to a frozen pole? Here was the challenge; “NOW it was serious. A double-dog-dare. What else was there but a "triple dare you"? And then, the coup de grace of all dares, the sinister triple-dog-dare.
I have never understood the weight or significance to a “double-dog dare” let alone a “triple-dog dare” and maybe someone can enlighten me on this type of challenge. But what I am familiar with is a dare or challenge.
I am not the most daring soul that ever lived, however I have taught three kids to drive, that ought to be in the single-dog category I think. I have never had the desire to sky dive, in fact when I visit someone’s condo on the 23rd floor there is little comfort standing by the patio rail.
But, I have learned in life if I don’t dare to fail I will never win. We all tend to find comfort zones and camp out and steer from daring life and new things.
“Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
What is the most daring thing you have ever done? When did you “roll the dice” and throw caution to the wind. You can sit right in your chair and lead a daring life. You can dare to trust, to forgive, and to believe again. You can dare to love again, and even live again!
Come on, I triple dog-dare you!

• Psalms 71:17 NIV
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
It is amazing to me how we can get an education though life. I know we often associate wisdom with years lived and rightly so. But only the ones paying attention to their surroundings know that “class is in session” and we can learn something today! Our new wisdom maybe about ourselves, or a relationship, or how we see God, but we are being taught daily.
I had a professor in college who made this statement many times,” a word to the wise is sufficient, and to the rest it does not matter”. Learning life comes easy for some and is a chore for others. I try to pay attention so not to repeat a class but there are some subjects I have had to redo.
Here are a few nuggets (sorry Ralph I borrowed your trademark expression) I got this weekend.
The responsibility to worship is on me not the mode or vehicle. The true leader of worship is within.
The older I get the more patient I need to be.
The Corp of Discovery (Lewis and Clark expedition) is a good read and reminds me to be bold and trust those around you.
Having a form of Godliness but denying the “power” is simply understood in the terms of knowing “of” God like stuff but not willing to change. It is odd how we think our knowing of something is the same as being shaped by something.
I learned Harry Potter’s writer has one imagination.
I learned never do a job without payment on completion.
And My mac-daddy nugget for the day is ……..”If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving is not for you.”
What did you learn this weekend!

You ever use the word perfection in describing your scrambled eggs , your mate, or the golf shot you just hit….”perfect”. We like the word because it suits or nature to have things like they are intended to be. But, if you have lived long enough you are pretty certain perfection is a sizeable task day in and day out.
Is there a state of perfection that is attainable? Can we become perfect or is it the carrot before our eyes pushing us to strive but never reaching? Since the boot out of the Garden have we lost the possibility to have perfection on this side.
• You know there was a group in Jesus day that focused on making their persona look seemingly perfect but in the end they were found lacking. In fact here is what Jesus had to say about their efforts……..Matthew 23:25 NIV
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
Ouch, that smarted! But you know what we can all get so “outside driven” in hopes of perception that we leave the inside a bit trashy. A way to describe it; when we have guest we just close Bo’s bedroom door and the house looks perfect!
• Here is our hope……Hebrews 7:19 NIV
(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
• Hebrews 10:14 NIV
because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Hard to grasp as we live in this world but that kid’s messy bedroom through Christ is perfect. No one tell Bo, he needs a little law right now! This grace thing he has down real good. His room looks like a freshmen dormitory.

There are times when the cares of this world weigh heavy on your shoulders and you must look forward to things that matter! COLLEGE FOOT BALL IN 88 DAYS!!!!!
Now that ought to get your day off to an excellent start! Now it may not, but do think about this one thing; we all need things to look forward to for balance in this crazy world! It may be an anniversary, birthday, dinner out, or whatever, but get that calendar marked with a few fun things to lighten the load!
I am looking forward to college football because it gives me a break from the other “life” stuff that can be heavy at times. What are you looking forward to?

ROLL TIDE!