I was wondering how long before it would come down to this.  I just didn’t think it would get this serious:)

HT: Los

Today, Sonya and I are celebrating our 18th anniversary.  We have been on a great journey together and I am blessed to have such a godly wife.  I am thankful that God has given her to me and look forward to many more years of marriage.  We’ve come along way, baby!

Yesterday, Josh got his first deer.  It was Arkansas’ Youth Hunt and we headed down to Paris, Arkansas to hunt on Calico Mountain.  We were out there for less than an hour when Josh got him a spike.  He was pumped!

Sonya told Hannah that Josh got a deer and Hannah said, “Oh when they get home the deer can chase me around the back yard.”  I had to break the news to her that the deer would be coming home in small one to two pound packages.  Nonetheless when I got home, Hannah dressed up in my camo.

Josh on the other hand has had his passage into manhood.  There is something about that first deer that makes  you feel like more of a man.  I am proud for him, not to mention he made a perfect shot on the deer while the deer was on the run. 

To hear the doctor’s dreaded words
The heart gripped with fear
Not knowing where to turn
Your eyes become full of tears

With a voice barely able to mutter words
You cry out, “O God help me please”
But can barely muster the strength
to get down on your knees

All your hope has been lost
Your mind just races away
Afraid to express your doubts
You try to trust in faith

You know that God can do anything
You understand His Word
But sometimes when you ask
You wonder if your heard

The situation looks like there’s no way
You cannot see beyond the fear
It is hard to truly believe
But you know that God does care

Just continue to remind yourself
that for the body that’s wracked by disease
There’s the sun of righteousness,
Arising with healing in His wings

-Danny Cheney-

Just uploaded a new podcast at growthhelps.com.  Today’s topic is the SOAP devotional method.  Check it out here.

We also finished the resources section with a weekly devotional, recommended reading and online study helps.  Check these out here.

A couple of Sundays ago, Josh and I, went to hike our favorite trail.  Since moving last year, we have been able to hike a few trails, but our favorite is Shaddox Hollow.  It is a good rigorous hike with beautiful scenery.  It was absolutely incredible to see the changing of the colors out in the woods. 

We just uploaded the newest podcast at growthhelps.com.  Today’s topic is the challenges of prayer.  Namely it is a discussion of the condemnation we feel for not praying enough as well as some of the distractions we face when it comes to prayer.

Check it out here.  Let me know if these podcasts are helpful to you.

Yesterday we began a 7 day fast.  The focus of this fast is to seek God for His miraculous power.  “These things come by prayer and fasting”, Jesus said.  So on  day two of the fast I just wanted to share a few thoughts:

1.  Fasting helps you overcome your flesh in order to tune into the Spirit.

2.  I read a good thought today that said, “Fasting demonstrates my PHYSICAL connection to God… Love God with all your strength.”  It is being willing to lay down your physical needs and rely on Him for strength. 

3.  The first couple of days are the toughest in fasting.  It is hard to concentrate because you are used to the food and junk.  Your body is going through withdrawals and believe it or not food has a psychological effect on you as well.  We crave certain things and our mind tells us we need it.  The first few days are spent overcoming the feelings of giving in.

4.  You never know how much you eat or how bad you eat until you fast.  You notice how often you crave the food or in my case, the candy stash in my office.  Fasting helps bring discipline to your habits.

5.  We always say that time is flying by.  I must admit, if we want to slow down time, just fast, minutes seem like hours.

6.  Fasting is something we do to discipline ourselves and draw near to God.  If you break your fast, it is not a sin.  Too often we feel condemned if we couldn’t make it and snuck a cookie.  Do your best.  God’s grace will see you through.  It is not easy and if you falter, pick up where you left off.  Don’t think it has been in vain.

7.  If you are fasting from all food, drink lots of water, it will help you feel more full.

Happy Fasting!