God Bless Our Teachers

Today, teachers in Hillsborough County (Tampa, FL) go back to work.  They have been preparing their classrooms, preparing lesson plans, receiving training and getting ready for a new school year. Today, the students arrive!  In a few parts of the country this has already occurred; in other regions it is yet to come. In any case, these dedicated men and women prepare to face a new group of students under increasingly difficult situations.  Many are not paid as well as they should be. Some face budget crunches that force them to purchase many of their own supplies. They will encounter difficult students, difficult parents, difficult school boards...and local politicians who simply don't get it. The simple fact that so many of them return to their schools today to fight these battles should earn them our unending respect and admiration.

It should also earn them our prayers. Wherever you are, whether school has already begun or doesn't start for a few weeks yet, make today a day of prayer for the teachers you know.  Ask God to bless them, protect them, encourage them and inspire them. And then ask the teachers in your life what you can do to help them this year. We count on teachers to make a difference in the lives of our children. Let's use today as a springboard to make a difference in the lives of those teachers. To those of you who continue in this most noble profession- and I am blessed to call many of you, from all over this nation, my friends- may God grant you wisdom, energy, insight and serenity as you go through this school year. You are loved!

Because of Jesus,

A Day of Prayer

This- more than most- will be a day of prayer for me. There are 2 amazing women I know- both named Lisa- who are fighting cancer. One begins her battle as she undergoes surgery this afternoon; the other grows weary of the fight as her body turns against her. Another old friend continues her chemo treatments trying to chase that same demon from her body. There is a former student from one of my youth ministries who had an emergency C-section over the weekend, and her baby now faces surgery. My brother-in-law continues to slip away as Alzheimer's turns him into someone that even he can barely recognize. And there are so many others. So much need. It can make you feel helpless. So today is a day of prayer. Because some days there is nothing left to do but pray...

And sometimes miracles are exactly what we need. The truth is I have always been hesitant to ask out loud for specific healings. It feels a bit like asking God to play favorites in a word where so many hurt and suffer. But today, I pray for miracles. 

God, take away the cancer from Lisa, Lisa and Leigh Ann. Heal Missy and her baby. Restore the mind of Bill. For these and so many others I pray that you would indeed step in and do what we cannot- make the ones we love whole again. In the name of the One who healed the lepers, the blind man, the bleeding woman and who told the paralyzed man to get up and walk, AMEN.

Maybe such a prayer is selfish, but today at least, that is not what is important. Some days there is nothing left to do but ask God for miracles- and then believe they can happen. And today feels like such a day. Blessings to all.

Because of Jesus,

Saturday Shout Outs!

If you read this blog at all then you know that life has been kinda crazy these past few weeks. Life tends to be that way from time to time. There have been many posts about questions, doubts and frustrations- because those are the things on the tips of fingers when I write these days. But those things are fleeting, and will pass as we keep the faith and we keep praying. The things that are real- the things that are permanent- are things like God's love and the friendship, courage and support we can offer each other. And those things are plentiful in my life. They are the things we remember here today as we do our Saturday Shout Outs! So keep reading, and be encouraged. There is much to be thankful for...

• Marilyn and I are so thankful for all the thoughts and prayers sent our way since Conner's death and Will's departure for UCF. We miss them both very much. The house is very strange still, but we are adjusting. And we are used to that. Tomorrow marks 29 years of marriage. We KNOW how to adjust!
• Prayers continue for Lisa Moran, whose courage and spirit know no limits in her fight with pancreatic cancer, but whose body is struggling. We love you Lisa, and pray that you will be able to join us on...
• September 9th (good LORD willin' and the creek don't rise!) we head to Ocean Isle, NC for a gathering of some old friends for a few days at the beach. I'm not just excited to see Denise, Carl, Beth, Tammy, Steve, Rob and all the rest- I NEED this getaway. 
• In the past week I got sweet notes from Jay Osborne, Susan McBane Tuggle, Leigh Ann Venable, Marie Allen Duke, Cheryl Deal Meadows, Ashley Goad and Teresa Tysinger offering words of comfort and encouragement. I also got calls from Jan Koerner, Jennifer Kuramochi and our old buddy Lewis Farlow. Old friends ROCK!!!
• We have seen on Facebook where Jennifer (Gastler) Chan and Isabelle Davis Randolph are expecting! Prayers for both of these wonderful former youth as they go forward. And I SOOOO look forward to Debbie Davis being a grandmother!!!
• As if it was really needed, here's further proof that Taylor Swift is cooler than you...or me...or most anyone else...

• Speaking of great songs, Tammy Foster requested that I prepare a few Brown/Jones classics for the beach trip. Anything in particular, Tammy? The Parakeet Song? We've Got Gas? Roll Over Lucy? Cast your votes!!!
• While moving Will into his luxury accommodations last weekend we got to share whatever meal it is you have at 4 PM with the Hanbery clan! Great to see them and to know they are local to Will's new home. Jerry is already making plans. Oh. My. Goodness.  :)
• Speaking of Jerry...he ran an idea past me that I will now run past my other Kissimmee era friends. He was wondering - if we booked part of the Betsy B for a long weekend in the Fall of 2016 (perhaps right after Labor Day) could we get folks to commit to joining us? So...could we? Voice your opinion here! I know Brook Teoli is pushing for another reunion. We need input!
• I'm only gone for 21 years and the NC Yearly Meeting of Friends just falls apart. I knew they couldn't make it without me...
• Another reason to be jealous of my son's new college digs. He has a Bojangles close by. We in Tampa do not. This is just wrong!
• For those of us living in Tampa Bay, here's the big question. What's more likely to be a dud- Tropical Storm Erika or the 2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Right now it's even money.
• And finally...as many of you (over 400 of you read yesterday's post Maybe Chicken Little Was Right) know Lisa Jewett is having major surgery on Monday. So let's make tomorrow Prayers for Lisa Day! How do we participate, you ask? First of all- PRAY! Secondly, send her a message on Facebook, Twitter (@lisajewett18) or by leaving a comment here. Let her know that we are with her and God is for her. And finally, pray some more. We can be her support team on Monday by lifting her to God tomorrow. Prayer matters.

That's it for today. Have a great Saturday and keep smiling.

Because of Jesus,

Searching for Answers

"I would take no for an answer, just to know I heard You speak..."

Many of you know that over the past few weeks it's felt like the universe has been punching me in the gut on a regular basis. Lately I've been praying some pretty specific prayers about the things going on in my life and how God wants me to deal with them. The #NarrowRoad has become a little bit of an out-of-control roller coaster that is no longer simply exciting- it's making me nauseous. I'm praying to feel the leading of the Holy Spirit, to be open to how to deal with with all of these body blows. And to be completely honest, I'm just not getting any answers- that I'm aware of. Now I spent enough years teaching and preaching about prayer to know that God answers all prayers. I am fully aware of the sermons that teach us that there are 4 answers we may get. They all seem to follow this basic format:
1) NO- Sometimes God just says no, and we have to get over it and trust that God knows best.
2) SLOW- Sometimes God wants us to be patient and to wait on whatever it is we are asking for.
3) GROW- Sometimes God has areas of of our spiritual life that He wants to see mature before giving us what we ask for.
4) GO-  Sometimes God simply says YES!

It is entirely possible that I am getting the SLOW or GROW answer from God and that I just don't want to hear it. But what it feels like to me is that God is backed up with prayer requests and that mine is not getting past the secretary. Anyone else ever feel that way?  

"Now I'm not looking for burning bushes or some divine graffiti to appear..."

I know better than to expect God to spell it all out for me. Jesus' disciples never had a clue what the plan was for them- why should I be any different? God likes to make us search, because there is much to be learned in the process. It's just that sometimes in my life- like right now- I want answers. More specifically, I want God's answers. Sometimes I wish He was a CEO, so I could file a plan and He could accept it or reject it. Or maybe if I could just send God a text to make sure I'm going the right way. But that's not how it works. God wants me to discover what He has coming up next in my life, not file my plan with Him. And no matter how hard I search, I cannot find the home office. I know that Jesus is all the proof I should need that God loves me and will take care of me, but I struggle with wanting more. It's like Chris Rice wrote in his amazing song (all the quotes in this post are from it) Smell the Color 9:

"Cause I can sniff, I can see, and I can
count up pretty high; but these faculties
aren't getting me any closer to the sky,
but my heart of faith keeps poundin' so
I know I'm doin' fine but sometimes findin'
You is just like tryin to smell the color nine."

You know what? I lied. I do want a burning bush. I want a GPS and crystal clear road signs on the #NarrowRoad. I want to know God's will in my life, and I want to know it now. My friends and family with heath issues need answers. My friends who are lonely need answers. I want a return text message from God giving us life directions. But I'm not going to get it. There is a great mystery to following God and putting our lives in Jesus' hands. It is in many ways a trip into the unknown, one of the scariest places there is for human beings. That's why we call it faith- the evidence of things unseen. We want control and we try desperately to hang on to it. We want to fix things and we ask God to help us. But in fact, real prayer is about letting go of control and trusting God totally. So I'll keep praying, and trust that the answers will come. Until then, I'll just keep trying to smell the color 9... 

"Nine's not a color, and even if it were you can't smell a color.

No, that's my point exactly..."

Because of Jesus,

P.S. Happy birthday to Jillybean & Heather BBBB.  August 25th is forever etched in my brain because of you two!

God Bless Our Teachers

Last week teachers in Hillsborough County (Tampa, FL) went back to work. They were preparing their classrooms, preparing lesson plans, receiving training and getting ready for a new school year. The students arrive on Tuesday. In some parts of the country this has already occurred; in other regions it is still to come. In any case, these dedicated men and women prepare to face a new group of students under increasingly difficult situations. Many are not paid as well as they should be. Some face budget crunches that force them to purchase many of their own supplies. They are often forced to teach to testing rather than for the purpose of true education. They will encounter difficult students, difficult parents, difficult school boards...and local politicians who simply don't get it. The simple fact that so many of them return to their schools year after year to fight these battles should earn them our unending respect and admiration.

It should also earn them our prayers. Wherever you are, whether school has already begun or doesn't start for a few weeks yet, make today a day of prayer for the teachers you know. Ask God to bless them, protect them, encourage them and inspire them. And then ask the teachers in your life what you can do to help them this year. We count on teachers to make a difference in the lives of our children. Let's use today as a springboard to make a difference in the lives of those teachers. To those of you who continue in this most noble profession, may God grant you wisdom, energy, insight and serenity as you go through this school year. You are loved!

Because of Jesus,

Saturday Shout Outs!

Greetings and salutations, friends and neighbors! The middle month of summer is in full swing, so it's time to do July's Saturday Shout Outs! There's a lot going on in the coming days and lots of people who are on my mind. The next few weeks will bring visits with old friends and family, some Myrtle Beach time for Marilyn, her mom & sisters and I, and big doings in Will's life. Plus there lots more of my Beach Boys countdown still to come here on the blog. Exciting times for sure! So let's get on with the shouting!!!

• We need to continue to be in prayer for Leigh Ann Everhart Venable and Lisa Ramos Moran as they deal with treatments for cancer. I would ask for prayers for my mother-in-law Marie Steele as she deals with some of the hardships of advancing age and mobility issues. Marie Allen Duke continues on with her pregnancy and that is always a reason to pray. If you know folks who should be on my prayer list, please shoot me an e-mail at youthguy07@aol.com and let me know.
• Brook Teoli Phelps and her crew are going to be around Tampa on the 18th and we look forward to seeing her! If you know Brook and would like to piggyback on our visit gie me a holler and we'll see what we can do!
• Will turns 20 on July 16th. That should make some of you feel old. It makes me feel very old. He also graduates from St. Pete College with his AA on the 23rd and heads to the University of Central Florida in late August. We are sending him to Orlando to help Melissa Hanbery deal with Jerry.  :)
• I walk our dog Conner several times a day. He's 12 now, so it is often at a leisurely pace. On occasion he gets some pep in his step and breaks into a trot, and when he does I often called him Trotsky, as in "Slow down, Trotsky." One of our new neighbors overheard me say that the other day and looked confused, asking if that was really his name. I fully expect to be featured soon a a Fox News segments about the influx of communist dog walkers in our nation. (If you don't get the joke, see a history teacher- PRONTO!) 
• On July 27, Marilyn and I will head north to NC to visit her family and some old friends for a few days. We will be in Greensboro early in the week and Elkin for the weekend. Let me know if you'd like to try and catch up in this very small window of time. Then on August 3rd Marilyn, her mom, her sisters and I will head to Myrtle Beach for 5 days. Yay beach!!!
• While in NC it is also my plan to venture over to Durham and visit with Jason Huffman, my brother from another mother on Twitter whom I have never met in person. The Texan is at Duke taking some seminary classes in July. I'm so excited to finally get to meet Jason!
• FYI, I tried to burn down a parking garage in downtown Tampa yesterday, and in the process nearly electrocuted myself. But that's a story for another day. In the business we call that a TEASE...
• Traffic here on the blog continues to be crazy (over 1000 hits again yesterday!), with the first 2 posts in my series on The Beach Boys still setting records! If you enjoyed the first day of my countdown this past Thursday but were frustrated because you didn't know a lot of the songs, try it again by clicking HERE. Every song title is now a link to the song on YouTube, and the rest of countdown will feature that as well. Always glad to cater to the lazy people among us- I am your king!
• We're less than 2 months away from a second beach trip, this one to Ocean Isle with some of our favorite old (and OLD!) friends! I cannot wait to reunited with Steve, Carl, Beth, Denise, Tammy, Lisa, Rob, Tim and their spouses, as well as (hopefully) a few others we are still waiting to hear from. Sharks be damned- we're coming for you, Atlantic Ocean! 
• Is it just me, or is the Pizza Hot Dog thing seriously disturbing?
• Sometimes it is hard to tell a person how much you care about them. But sometimes it can be just as hard to restrain yourself from saying the very same things. Occasionally both are required of us.
• Is anyone else watching Under the Dome or Zoo this summer? I'm loving both shows. And while we're at it, I am thrilled that TBS is showing Rules of Engagement reruns early (6-7 am) weekday mornings. One of the most underrated sitcoms of the last decade.
• And finally...Marilyn, Lisa Jewett and I are off to see Minions this morning as our Big Movie Summer continues! I haven't seen anything I didn't like yet, so here's hoping the streak continues. And for those of you who have been wondering...I saw Love & Mercy 3 times before it left theaters here in Tampa this week. Once alone, once with Will and once with Marilyn. Be sure and catch it when it comes out on Blu-Ray.

So that's it for today. Have a great Saturday and remember to enjoy every moment you are given with the ones you love. Peace, my friends!

Because of Jesus,

A Prayer for Today

Today,  For what I am that I ought not to be,

Forgive me.

For what I am not that I ought to be,

Forgive me.

Be with my mouth in what it speaks.

Be with my hands in what they do.

Be with my mind in what it thinks.

Be with my heart in what it feels.

Work in me,

   Through me.

and in spite of me.

And I will give you the praise...

  

From the 1969 devotional God is No Fool by Lois Cheney.  Abingdon Press

Praying for Pastors

Often on Sunday mornings my prayer time includes asking God to watch over and bless those who are speaking on behalf of Jesus in churches all over the world. This morning God placed on my heart some specific names, which led to a few more names, which led to this post. Below are the names of some pastors and churches that I am personally connected to in some way. I encourage you to join me in praying for them. I also encourage you to add names in the comment section, that we may all be praying for your pastor as well, not just today but in the weeks to come. Prayer is a great privilege, and it comes with great power. So let us pray!

Wayne Cook, 1st UMC of Kissimmee, FL
Scott Wagoner, Deep River Friends Meeting, NC
Cathy Thacker, 1st UMC of Lake Alfred, FL
David Mercadante, Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting, NC
Terry Venable, Centre Friends Meeting, NC
Jerry Sweat, Beach UMC, FL
Ray Luther, Marlboro Friends Meeting, NC
Tom Nelson, 1st UMC Port Orange, FL
Frank Massey, Jamestown Friends Meeting, NC
Matthew Hartsfield, Van Dyke UMC (my current church)

Thank you LORD for your dear faithful servants and for the work that they do in the name of Jesus. Inspire them and fill them with your Spirit that they may lift his name today and inspire us to be more like Jesus in every way. We pray that Your protection, wisdom and mercy will cover them as they bring Your message this morning wherever they may be.

And all God's people said...

Through the Roof!

Happy Birthday, Church! #Pentecost

Most of you are probably familiar with the story found in Luke 5:18-26 in which 4 friends carry a paralytic to see Jesus. Unable to get to him through any normal route, they cut a hole in the roof of the house and lower their friend down to Jesus. The story had many layers, including the divinity of Christ and the Pharisees complete lack of faith and understanding. But primarily this story is about the faith of a man and his 4 friends- and how that faith led to major moment in the Jesus Revolution. Today, as we pause for a time of worship and reflection, I invite you to spend some time with these two questions:

1. Who brought you into the presence of Christ?  This question is not so much about who preached the sermon or sang the song as it is about who dropped you through the roof to get you there. For me, it was my best friend from 8th grade on, Steve. And just like with the friends in the scripture, there were obstacles to overcome. He had invited me to go to summer camp with him and to attend his youth group, but I kept coming up with excuses. And he kept asking. He finally got through to me when I found out that the right girl would be at a youth group skating party. The mats our friends use to take us to Jesus can take many forms. I didn't know that Steve was changing my life forever- and I'm not sure he did either. But he did. He brought me into the presence of the Christ who would say to me over and over again in my life, "Get up!  Your sins are forgiven." And trust me, there are still plenty of Pharisees who scoff at that today.
2. Who is it in your life that you need to lower through the roof? I was taught a long time ago that it is important to have at least one specific person in your life that you are praying for in the hopes that they will come to know Jesus. In my youth groups we often spoke of praying for the Empty Chair- lifting up our friends who needed to be there and were not. And while the praying is important, I think sometimes we let ourselves off the hook too easily. Sometimes we need to physically bring them to the feet of the Savior. We need to invite them to church, or to a small group, or a concert, or dinner at our home- someplace where they will encounter the living Christ. We may need to put them on a mat, or in a car, or on a boat- whatever means necessary- to get them to Jesus. For the friends in Luke's gospel, it was about having their friend healed. It is no different for us. The healing may not be physical. It may be a relationship that needs help. It may be emotional. It is certainly spiritual. They need to see the Great Physician. They need to experience the Jesus Revolution in their lives. And it is our task as their friend to make sure they have that opportunity.

Take some time today to be still and think on these questions. Remember who it was (and it may be many people on more than one occasion) that brought you to see Jesus at a time when you desperately needed Him. And who is it that God is calling you to bring? Even if you need to go through the roof...

Because of Jesus,

Saturday Shout Outs!

The Ides of March are almost upon us, and that can only mean one thing- Julius Ceasar is going to die! But if it could mean two things, the second would be that it's time for a brand new edition of the Saturday Shout Outs! Spring has finally sprung in places that thought they might never see grass again, and here in Florida we're back into 80 degree days. Whatever your location and weather, I hope your faces are sunny and your days are bright! Now let's get busy and do some shouting...

•  Tomorrow is the 12th birthday of the one and only Conner the Dog. Although 12 is fairly old for a cocker spaniel, our favorite mutt continues to be pretty lively- and a VERY early riser! He has asked for a steak and an ice cream cake for his party. The jury is still out on that one.
•  Our prayers continue to be with the family of Wayne Gless (Springfield Friends Meeting) who passed away on March 3rd. Jane, Patsy, Ken, Gilly & Kaitlyn are on our hearts every day. When I wrote about Wayne last week (Remembering a Sweet, Sweet Spirit) I said that I didn't have any crazy stories about him. Marilyn reminded me that I was wrong. Once, during open worship at SFM, Wayne rose to speak about my work as the youth pastor and tell the congregation what a difference I was making in the lives of students. As part of the evidence he reported how Marilyn and I dealt with so many things, including middle of the night phone calls from troubled youth. Up until that Sunday we had rarely received such phone calls. After Wayne reported how well we handled the issue, they started pouring in! But that was classic Wayne- one of the most supportive church members we ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is missed.
• Lately I have been overwhelmed by the number of former youth who have asked for prayers for their families as they deal with separation and/or divorce. I will not list names, but if you are one of those who has been crying out please know God hears your hearts, and I and many others are praying for you. Peace be with you, my friends.
• I saw on Facebook where June Crotty (FUMC-Kissimmee) passed away this week. June and her husband Clyde were driving forces in that church for many years. They gave us use of their lake house one Sunday every summer for a Breakaway and we always enjoyed their company. Their grandsons Wayne and Kendall were active (and quite entertaining!) members of our youth family as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
• There was a rumor going around this week amidst all the crazy wheelings and dealings in the NFL that the New Orleans Saints might trade the incredible Drew Brees to my lowly Buccaneers. I know it won't happen. But please, just let me bask in the glow of that glorious rumor for a few days before shooting it down. Drew Brees is a great football player and a class act. The Bucs have very few of either these days...
• So this week we found out that the Walt Disney Company plans to rename the Disney Hollywood Studios (again); make a live action Dumbo movie (Did someone discover an actual flying elephant? If not, this is a DUMB idea!); and that Frozen 2 (the original has already taken over the them parks) has been given the green light. Suddenly being banned doesn't hurt quite so much!  LOL
• I'm currently reading the new book from my old friend Brent Bill (Quaker Lake & lots of other Quaker things!) and Jennie Isbell. It's called Finding God In The Verbs- Crafting a Fresh Language of Prayer and so far it absolutely wonderful! If your prayer life needs a swift kick in the butt, this book will supply the foot. Available on Amazon.
• 2o years ago I could have named the starting line-ups for every ACC team as they headed into the annual ACC basketball tournament. This year I cannot name a single player who doesn't play for UNC or Duke. I'm not watching at all. It's finally happened- I've become a full-fledged Floridian, more interested in Spring Training baseball and off-season football than college basketball at tournament time. I weep for myself. I do still hear news sometimes...so just let me say GO HEELS!
• And finally...most of you know that I was blessed with 2 wonderful parents. You also know that I was "raised" in jr. high and high school by a youth group family that made me so much of who I am today. We found out yesterday that a member of that family is very sick. For now I will leave this an anonymous request. We pray for healing and peace for my friend and their family. Please join me.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends. 

Because of Jesus,

A Chat with Jesus

Want to really understand the Jesus Revolution? Take time today and have a heart to heart chat with Jesus. Sometimes we wonder if God hears us, or if Jesus has time for us. In fact, it's just the opposite. God is waiting to hear from YOU. Jesus is ready to be your friend. You just need to give him your time. Pray to be closer to him. Pray for wisdom and strength to let him be in control in a world that demands that you take the power. Understand that your relationship with Jesus is not based in anything you do, but in his grace and forgiveness. Be WIDE OPEN to not only talking to Jesus, but to listening for "the still, small voice of God" in the silence. Prayer is a conversation. It requires taking time to listen, which in this case means taking time to be quiet. Don't let your prayer time become something you do only at meals or bedtime. I'm guessing you set aside time for exercise, or reading, watching TV or shopping. Shouldn't we be setting aside time for prayer? If we want to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, we need to spend time in prayer. If we want to be part of the Jesus Revolution, we must be connected to Jesus. Not just in an "I go to church" way, but in a "Jesus is my best friend" way. Don't fall into the trap  I was in for a few years. I worked for a church, tried to lead people to Christ, tried to be a spiritual leader- but I lost touch with the Savior. Just like with any other relationship, growing closer with Jesus means spending time together. Go to him. Have a chat with Jesus. He's waiting for you. And be sure to praise God for the blessings you see in your life everyday!

Because of Jesus,

Giving Birth

Today I will come as close as I ever have to giving birth. Oh sure- I was there when Will was born (C-section) nearly 20 years ago and I saw what Marilyn went through. But this time the baby is all mine. It will be very different for me. The birth will be painless, as the pain has already occurred in the months of writing and rewriting. The event will not be messy, but the project certainly has been, with stops and starts, deleting whole storylines and getting rid of various characters. And no doctor will offer me drugs- but I may need a margarita anyway! After a year of work, today my novel, Even Better Than Before, is done. It has yet to be professionally edited, but the storytelling is done and the manuscript is complete. Nearly 20 of my friends will be e-mailed files today as they have volunteered to read it for me and give their honest reviews. I am excited, nervous and anxious to hear if it's good enough to consider actual publishing. Just like any parent, I want only the best for my baby.

I am generally an optimist and someone who embraces a good challenge. Writing this novel has been a wonderful experience; sharing it with others is pushing the limits even for me. I have many doubts. But today that is exactly what will happen, and over the course of this weekend and the weeks that follow I will impatiently await word from the "doctors" on the "health" of my baby. So please, if you are so inclined, say a prayer for my peace of mind. Pray for my patience, which needs help on the best of days. And if you would like to join the list of readers, shoot me an e-mail at Youthguy07@aol.com and I'll send you the file. No editing or proofreading required, just honest opinions on the storyline and the characters. It could be just the ticket you need to a little indoor entertainment on this holiday weekend. And if not, computer files are remarkably easy to delete. :)  

My 60,000 word baby goes out into the world today. It's time to celebrate! And maybe worry just a little bit. Have a blessed weekend, my friends!

Because of Jesus,

A Prayer of Hope & Submission

When Moses asked God who he should say sent him to save the people of Abraham, God responded tell them "I AM" sent you. Yahweh is the "I AM," the God who was and is and is to come; the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I am none of those things, and neither are you. We are but tiny parts of God's plan, like so many before us. When John the Baptist was asked if he was the promised Messiah, he replied, "I am NOT...but there is one who will come and reveal everything God has promised." We, like Moses and John and Peter and so many other giants of our faith, are NOT. But we know the great "I AM." As you go through your day, be WIDE OPEN to the fact that God is God...and you are NOT. Open your hearts that God might use you so His will can be accomplished on this earth. Submit yourself so that Jesus might have His way in you and you might quit trying to have your way with Him. Only then can His light shine its brightest. Only then can Jesus truly be the hope of the world. I hope you will join me in this prayer:

Loving God, today I turn my life over to You. My skills, my failures, my sin and my joys all belong to You. I recognize that my life is not about me, but it is all about You. I realize that I sometimes like to play god, but that I am NOT...You ARE! Help me to understand that Jesus did not die on the cross so I could accomplish some political agenda or achieve some lofty position on this earth. Jesus died for my sins, because I am a sinner. Jesus gives me grace so that I might offer love and forgiveness to others, especially to the "least of these brothers of mine" who are in need, and to the lost who think themselves to be beyond His grace. In the words of King David, himself a sinner of great magnitude,"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit with in me, so that I might serve You." Use me, and I will give you the glory. Remind me daily that I am NOT...but I know I AM, and that together we can offer hope to a hurting world.

In the name of the great I AM,

"God, thank you for my life..."

If you are a movie fan of a certain age then you are aware that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan were at one time romantic comedy royalty in Hollywood. They had big hits with Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and You've Got Mail (1998) during a period in which both of them became box office gold and the darlings of movie critics. What you may not remember- because so few people saw it- is that those films were preceded by the 1990 movie Joe Versus the Volcano. It happens to be my favorite of the Hanks/Ryan trilogy of films. The plot finds Joe, a simple man who is miserable in his work, his relationships and his life, being diagnosed with terminal illness- a "Brain Cloud." A wealthy friend (played by the great Lloyd Bridges) of his doctor offers Joe a lot of money to travel to a remote island and jump in a volcano to appease the natives (the Waponi Woo) so that he can continue to mine "bubaru," an element crucial to his business. Their volcano demands a yearly sacrifice and all of the Woo are too smart to jump. But Joe, a former fireman, is anxious to do something heroic before his life ends- so he agrees. Meg Ryan plays three different characters, the third being a daughter of the wealthy businessman. She is driving the boat that will take Joe to island of the Waponi Woo. It's a strange plot to be sure. But it gets very interesting.

At one point on their journey a huge storm shipwrecks their boat and they are left floating at sea for days on end, kept alive by the really expensive luggage Joe purchased with the money he was paid. Patricia (Ryan) is unconscious. As they begin to run out of fresh drinking water, Joe finds himself thinking not of himself for the first time in years, but of Patricia. He cares for her, giving her sips of the water to keep her alive. Finally, as Joe is suffering from dehydration, he awakes one final time and has the following revelation:

I won't spoil the ending of the movie, because it's awesome and you WILL have to see it now...right? But my focus today is on Joe's simple, honest prayer. We do forget just how BIG our God is, don't we? No matter the weight of our circumstances, God is bigger. No matter the depth of our despair, God is bigger. Mo matter the pain in our relationships, God is bigger. No matter our sins, our doubts, our frustrations and our failures- GOD IS BIGGER! Joe figures that out, and eventually decides that life is indeed worth living.- after a few twists and a lot of orange soda. The Waponi Woo love them some orange soda...

My hope is that today you will join me in praying Joe's prayer. You may be like me and just have days where you feel overwhelmed by life, or like Joe and be unsure of who God is or if God could possibly care about you. Today put that aside and remember that God is BIG, that God loves you, and that you are here on this spinning orb we call earth to make a difference. "God, thank you for my life..."  Never give up hope.

One last thought- if you are ever diagnosed with a "Brain Cloud," get a second opinion...

Because of Jesus,

Saturday Shout Outs!

Is is just me, or is the world just totally out of whack these days (Just out of curiosity, what would mean if we said the world was "in whack?" Would that be better or worse? I have no idea...)? Every time we turn around there is more violence, more scandal, more sadness and more stuff that I could fix if people would just let me!  :)  So into the mess that is Planet Earth in 2014 I inject the peace, love and humor of my Saturday Shout Outs! Along with a complaint or two.. Here we go!

* This morning, perhaps even as you read this, Marilyn and I are having brunch with Jennifer Wood Jones (Springfield Friends Meeting) and her hubby Brian here in Tampa. They are leaving on a cruise from the local port later today and we are thrilled to get to see them. Jennifer was one of the first inductees into my Youth Group Hall of Fame and is famed in story and song as Woodhead - a shy teenage girl until the fateful day she beat Jamie Robinson over the head with a Bible at youth group and became a legend. It's been way too long since I have seen her, and I am excited beyond words to get a chance to visit with her and Brian this morning!

* I got to eat some pizza and have a nice long visit with Wayne & Janet Cook (FUMC-Kissimmee) on Thursday night after driving Will and company to a concert in Orlando. It s so exciting to hear the plans and dreams Pastor Wayne has for my old church, and my prayers are certainly with him (and Janet) as he faces the challenges and struggles of pastoring. We intend to head over soon and hear him preach- and see lots of other old friends as well.

* The box set featuring all nine seasons of How I Met Your Mother is being released this Tuesday, September 23rd. Many of you know of my fondness for the show, and while the set will not have all of the extras I asked for on this blog last Christmas (see The Ultimate Gift Set) I am still very excited about it. And my birthday is coming soon! I was a little disappointed to learn it will not be released on blu ray- it's dvd only- despite the fact that the entire series was shot in high definition. I tweeted the other morning asking if anyone knew the reason for this, and heard back directly from none other than Carter Bay, co-creator of the show and the man on whom the character of Ted was based. He was disappointed too, but pointed out it will still be in widescreen format so it should be fine. I got 4 tweets from him that morning. I just might be cooler that you...   :)

* It looks like I am going to be driving to Greensboro, North Carolina (by myself) October 8th and driving back on the 13th. I have a few plans, but I am trying to leave my schedule pretty wide open so I can see as many people as possible. If you would like to see me during my visit give me a shout. I can't wait to finally get in some visiting in the Tar Heel state!

* The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an embarrassment to their fans, their city, and everyone who ever wanted to be a pirate with their poor play on the field. The NFL in general is just an embarrassment. Period. Apparently the only people players are not allowed to hit are quarterbacks during games. The league is just a disaster- and Roger Goodell (at right) must go! And while I'm at at it- YO, Jameis Winston! Get your act together and please JUST. SHUT. UP.

* ICYMI, yesterday's blog featured a game of I Have Never in which one of the things I listed was a lie. Here's the truth...and please don't hate me. I have watched Dance Moms. Oh the humanity! The circumstances elude us both now, but my friend Lisa Jewett (Wesley Memorial UMC) somehow talked me into it. I feel great shame. Beware the power of Lisa!

* Lots of prayers going up these days for dear friends. I'm praying for Cyndi Reep Browning (FUMC-K) as she searches for a new job, and her sister Teresa Tysinger as she deals with the excitement and stress of having her hubby work on Broadway while she and Emma live in Texas. From that same group I remember Lisa Kraus Spires as she struggles potty training her daughter Abby; Lauren Carr Cacciatore & family as they start fresh with a move to Pennsylvania; and Jennifer Minnigan Kuramochi who had been dealing with a herd of sick family members! Jerry & Melissa Hanbery are remodeling their home, and apparently the port-a-potty in the front yard has worn out its welcome. Ashley Goad (Springfield) is off to South Africa and then back to Haiti for more mission work. Erin Moran Hill (Springfield) and Stephanie Potter (FUMC-K) have been on my mind as well. And my old friends Beth & Bob McGalliard are leaving soon for France! Pray with me, won't you?

* And finally...it looks like the people who were backing out of buying the house on our circle because I live in the neighborhood were convinced to purchase anyway. I'm happy for the sellers and glad they buyers listened to reason. Thanks for all of the warm thoughts so many of you shred with me as I struggled with another face smack from reality. God is good. ALL the time!

Have a blessed Saturday, dear readers. And remember, tomorrow is the International Day of Peace. Find peace in your hearts. Seek peace in broken relationships. Pray for peace in our world. Shalom, my friends,

Because of Jesus,

In the Middle

Today will be my last update on the status of my father-in-law, Posey Steele, unless there is dramatic news to share. It looks like there is a long and winding road ahead of him and his family and friends...

One of my favorite teachers in high school taught history, and his name was John Brown. Seriously. We all kidded him that he was in the witness protection program because that couldn't be his real name. Mr. Brown was a short, stocky man with a tremendous sense of humor. He made history fun, and I count him high on the list of reasons I still love history today. His lectures were interesting, and he brought out facts that were not always obvious. And since this was back in the dark ages when teachers actually wrote their own tests, you were responsible for knowing everything he said. People would take notes like crazy when he spoke, because there was a test every Friday. I remember how distressed some of my classmates would get at the sheer volume of information he would spew each week. Those of us who were really paying attention to the situation knew such stress was unnecessary. Every Thursday Mr. Brown would spent the last 15 minutes of class reviewing, asking questions to give us examples of what would be on the test the next day. Most weeks those review questions were almost word for word the actual test questions. If you took notes on Thursday, you could spend the rest of the week enjoying the humor and adventure of his lectures. But so many people never noticed, and Mr. Brown played the "difficulty" of the tests for all it was worth. Every Thursday class ended with the same mini-lecture. "Big test tomorrow. You guys need to study hard tonight, but don't let it get you down. Some of you will do well and some of you won't. But here's something to take with you throughout your life- hope for the best, expect the worst, and be satisfied with something in the middle." That was some 37 years ago, and obviously it has stuck with me.

When my lovely wife Marilyn flew to NC on Saturday to see her father in the hospital, she went expecting the worst. We were both afraid that if she didn't go immediately she might not get a chance to say goodbye. The situation was that dire. The fall he took Friday night had done damage to his brain and there was a pooling of blood in his head. He was in a light coma. He was not expected to survive for very long. Marilyn arrived expecting the worst. And while there were a few positive signs, we knew that Posey was now in the hands of God and the doctors.

Then Sunday was a very good day. He was more alert, his eyes were open, he recognized some people and was speaking more. He ate a bit and just generally seemed to be improving. When I spoke with Marilyn there was a new hope in her voice. What had felt like it might be the end seemed to be turning into the beginning of a long road. A difficult road to be certain, but one that had hope. The prayers of our many friends were being lifted and we felt encouraged that God was at work in Posey Steele.

And then yesterday was a rough day. No details are needed; you just need to know that he was struggling and not as alert. There was more pain. Marilyn arrived home last night just as unsure of the future as when she had left on Saturday. There was permanent damage done by the fall. The extent is unknown. The ability of his 80+ year old body to recover is unknown. But he is still with us, and he is still fighting. His amazing wife Marie and daughter Carol are by his side. He has a wonderful church family that will support them all. So while we hope and pray for the best, we live with the knowledge that the worst is still a real possibility as well. The worst for us, anyway. I'm sure Posey would tell you that going to be with Jesus is not the worst thing that could happen! But in the meantime, here we are. In the middle. And given the events of the past few days, I'd have to say again that Mr. Brown got it right. We are thankful to be here. So we ask for your continued prayers for Posey, the family and the medical staff. Those prayers continue to make a difference. Our God can do miraculous things.

One more thing about Mr. Brown. Every test had a bonus question, and the question was always to predict the final score of some collegiate sporting event for the following day. You didn't have to get the score right to get the bonus points. All you had to do was pick his alma mater, Appalachian State University, to win. Even if they weren't playing. And many people never figured that out either. Life is so much easier when you pay attention. And when you understand that God is in control. Love you guys.

Because of Jesus,

A Chain of Prayer

A quick update on my father-in-law, Posey Steele. He is still in critical condition, and there are still many unknowns. But there are also positive signs. Marilyn reports that he has been speaking and showing signs that he recognizes people. His family had not left his side. We wait and see what today might bring.

I believe in the power of prayer. Back in my student ministry days we used to begin every summer with a Chain of Prayer. Usually a 12 hour event, we would have youth sign up to come to the church and pray for 30 minutes. They would pray for family and friends, for themselves, for our ministries and for our world. It was always a powerful time- 12 uninterrupted hours of speaking with God. It made a difference in both the prayer and for those for whom we prayed. Over the past 36 hours I have felt like I was once again involved in a Chain of Prayer, this time for Posey. Marilyn and I have gotten messages from so many people who have been praying and are continuing to pray for him and the family. Many of these friends do not know Posey, but they know us, and they are simply showing their love. Prayer puts us all with the family in that hospital room. We are a people who believe in God's healing power and that prayers are heard by the Almighty. The prayers are being felt in Winston-Salem, my friends. They lift and comfort a hurting family. They offer hope to a very sick man in a hospital bed. Your prayers are a direct link to hope. It feels like this chain has been unbroken since Posey fell, and no doubt it will continue. And for that I lift a prayer of thanksgiving.

One quick story. Last night I received a text from a friend on vacation who was asking for updates. A little while after we finished chatting, she texted one more time to ask the name of Marilyn's father. The reason? Her 5 year old daughter wanted to pray for him. Amazing to watch God at work, isn't it? Have a blessed Sunday- and keep praying, my friends!

Because of Jesus,

Prayers for Posey

Posey & Marilyn

Last night in Elkin, NC my father-in-law Posey Steele fell outside of one of his favorite places, Bojangles Chicken & Biscuits, and hit his head. A CT at the local hospital showed bleeding in his head and he was airlifted to Forsyth Hospital in Winston-Salem for surgery. After further testing they felt surgery was too dangerous, with only a 30% chance of survival. Posey drifted off into a light coma, where he remains this morning. His wife Marie and daughter Carol stayed with him last night, and Marilyn will be flying up a little later today to join the family at his side. If you've never met Posey, then you don't know what a unique and special man he is. If you have met him, I can guarantee you have a story to tell. He has been a great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will leave a legacy of faith, love and laughter when his Savior calls him home. Right now all there is to do is pray. Pray for the doctors. Pray for the family. Pray for Marilyn as she flies to NC. But most of all, pray for Posey. Pray for healing, of course. But pray also for peace and rest with whatever this situation may bring. We love you, Posey. There will be updates on Marilyn's Facebook and my Twitter as we learn anything. Thank you, dear friends.

Because of Jesus,

Saturday Shout Outs!

It's almost May- can you believe it? Seems like just yesterday I was trying to #SaveThanksgiving!  But 2014 rolls along, with lots of exciting news and lots of good reasons for another edition of my Saturday Shout Outs!  If fact there is so much shouting to do today I may be hoarse when I'm done. So let's get the ball rolling- and remember, if you have news to share, a prayer request or a cause to lift up, let me know. My blog readers are family to me, even if I've never met ya!

• So many of us from the FUMC-Kissimmee were saddened this week by the passing of Beth McKenna, wife of Mark and mother to Brooks and Nolan. Mark was part of the best dang youth ministry team ever during my years at First Church, and Beth was always a huge support to me as well. I saw them last year at the reunion and knew she had been fighting illness, but she was in great spirits and seemed to be getting stronger. Her passing was rather sudden. A memorial service will be held May 3rd, 2 PM at the church. Mark shared on Facebook that Beth had always said she wanted no one to wear black at a celebration of her life; the more bright colors the better! I think Hawaiian shirts would bring a big smile to Beth's face...I'm just sayin! Our prayers go out to the family and the many lives she impacted. Beth will be missed.
• Our friend Karen Chester (Springfield Friends Meeting) discovered an old picture of her family, the Lori Cox family and our family at WDW in 1994 last week. It was a reminder of the many great times we shared with so many wonderful people at the Disney parks over the years. Karen and Lori, (and Jimmy & Jeff!) we miss you guys!
• Had a great lunch on Wednesday with my good friend Todd Willis (FUMC-K). Always great to catch up with Todd and share a little bit of our hopes and dreams with each other. And I can't wait to see his lovely wife Kristin so we can get serious about her take on all things How I Met Your Mother! She's another big fan...
• Please keep Susan McBane Tuggle (Quaker Lake Camp) and her family in your prayers. Her mother fell and broke her ankle last weekend and is having a hard time with recovery.
• Does anyone on all of Facebook post cuter pictures of her kids than Meagan Hill Halquist (FUMC-K)? Seriously, almost every day there is an "awwwwww" worthy picture!
• Continued prayers for Ashley Goad (Springfield Friends) who is once again working with a team bringing fresh water wells to Haiti. 
• Many of you know that Teresa Reep Tysinger (FUMC-K) is one of my favorite people in the world...but for right now, she is only the 2nd coolest person in her family! Her husband Eric, a stage manager, is currently working on rehearsals for a new musical on Broadway called The Last Ship- and currently he is in the same room as STING (who wrote the music for the show) almost every day! How awesome is that! And while we're talking about Reeps (and you can never talk about "too many Reeps") Teresa's sister Cyndi Reep Browning and her family moved into a new home this week, even as Cyndi is nursing a badly sprained ankle. No unpacking for her- good work, Reep! But seriously, keep Cyndi in your prayers.
• My little sis from Twitter, Jenn Ganley, is going to be at WDW next week and it looks like I am going to finally get to met Jenn and her family. So stoked to start seeing some of my Twitter friends face-to-face in the months ahead!
• Almost every week I hear from a former youth who remembers something we did as part of a youth ministry, and those stories often end with "I can't believe we did that!" This weeks memory- playing Centipede and having shopping cart races in the K-Mart parking lot at 2 am during a Rec Around the Clock. Yep...these are my people!
• I'm thinking about a Springfield Friends youth ministry reunion (1986-1994) in August. Anyone interested?
• Some of you may have heard that Jennifer Minnigan Kuramochi (FUMC-K) and her husband Jun will be closing their sushi restaurant in Clearwater after tonight. While disappointed, they are bouncing back in a hurry and ready to try life with actual weekends and nights off! Please keep them in your prayers and they face a new and exciting future together. And Jun...Rays game. Soon! :)
• Thanks to prodding from my dear friend Denise, I have been toying around with writing a novel based on the adventures of the group of friends I had in NC back in my late teens an early 20's and the incredible bonds we shared- and in some ways still share. I'm thinking of calling it Amazing Stories of the Society of Secret Shriners. What do you think, gang? "Coy... dadblame it this here is Bubba!" It's time to break out your fez...
• I am so proud of so many of my former youth for the way they live their lives, raise their families and serve God. But I am continuously amazed by all that Kelly Jeck Trace (FUMC-K) does for her church, her friends and her community.
• Had a long talk with my "seasoned (but never old!)" friend Donna Haynes Myers (Quaker Lake Camp, New Garden Friends, Guilford College...geez we had a lot of connections!) yesterday. I think we reached three conclusions- we had a lot of great friends back in the day, QLC was an amazing place, and while we remember facts from the old days, the dates are lost forever the dark misty corners of all our minds! Thanks for a great visit, Donna!
• Marilyn and I noticed last week while looking at a few old pictures that Ann Saunders Hale (Springfield Friends) looks about the same now as she did in the early 90's. We are happy FOR Ann. We are not happy ABOUT it!  Show off! :)
• I am starting to get serious about planning a couple of big trips to cross more than one bridge at a time. Still not sure when or where. However, I am currently accepting bribes to add YOU to my short list!

So that's all for now. Have a blessed weekend, and remember- Easter didn't end last Sunday. We are a resurrection people every day!

Because of Jesus,