Hannah badgered us for days to go to the carnival down the street from the house.  She finally won with a statement made to Sonya, “When my daddy gets home from work, he’s going to take me to the fair.”  Needless to say, I came through for her or Sonya made me come through.

Last night was a momentous occasion for the Cheney household.  It is at the top of the list for greatest moments in history.  In 1969, the United States put a man on the moon.  In 2005, the Houston Astro’s went to the World Series (but lost).  In 2010, Sonya ate fish.  Yes, you heard it right.

To put that in context, she has been a vegetarian for years.  Just in the last couple of years has she started eating steak (well done like beef jerky).  On our second date, I took her to Taco Bell and she ordered two tacos with no meat.  Yes, I continued to date her anyway:)  All these years she has been a vegetables only person and her famous words were, “I will never eat fish.”  Well folks, miracles happen.  She ate fish.  Not a whole piece but she ate about 4 bites of fish.  The sky’s the limit!  Next step is to get her to eat Crawfish.

Here is Sunday’s message.  Part 6 of our Wisdom For Living Series.

As preachers, it is easy to get in the way of what God wants to do through us.  Our tendency is to go on our own strength instead of His.  To take credit for what God does, instead of walking in humility, when a sermon goes well or something good happens.

I have been journeying slowly through the book of II Corinthians this last week.  There are such great truths for us found in this book.  It seems that Paul is making a defense for his ministry, defending himself against accusations that are being made against him.  He can testify without any doubt that he didn’t get in the way of God moving through him.

As I read this morning in chapter 4, I was challenged to make sure that my heart remains right in my preaching and ministry. II Corinthians 4:5, “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servant’s for Jesus’ sake.”

In ministry do I promote myself or Christ?  Do I reflect more of my image or Christ’s? May God help me walk in humility and reflect Him.  May Christ be exalted!  May I decrease that He might increase. 

What do they call the 16th birthday for boys?  Is it still sweet 16?

Today Josh turns 16.  Besides feeling old, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for God giving us an incredible son.  We are blessed beyond measure to have a son who loves God and tries to honor Him with his life. 

Over the last 16 years we have watched him grow into a fine young man.  Honestly, there was never much doubt that Josh would turn out well.  He has been a pleasure to raise.  From the time he was a couple years old, we understood that he would be a well-behaved and respectful child. (the jury is still out for his sister)  He delivered his first sermon at 3, where he intermingled the Bible with shopping at JC Penney’s (blame his mother for that).  He preached again when he was nine, and did better that time.  It was all biblical, but he walked away not knowing if he wanted to preach again.  His nerves got the best of him.

He is now on the path to get an education after high school and pursue what God desires for His life.  Truthfully, he has considered running for public office after college.  His passion is to see America return to God and Josh feels that if we can have godly men in office maybe there would be some hope.  Whatever he decides to do, we know that he will honor God and be successful.

We love you son!  You are a joy to our lives.

I just stumbled across this photo of my pal, Phil and I with a rapper from Texas.

Dear God,

Why do I treat you as if you don’t exist
Even when the Spirit beckons me and persists

I hold you at arms length, ignoring you most the day
Doing my own thing, walking my own way

You call, I don’t answer
You speak, but I don’t seem to care

But then, I will need you, a problem will arise
Then and only then, do I look toward the sky

Are you still there? Have I run out of grace?
If you help me one more time, then I will will seek your face

One more request, another bailout for me
Could you do it again? Can you meet my need?

Oh thanks, I knew I could count on you!
I knew in your faithfulness you would come through

Alas, not far down the road, I slowly drift away
I go days on end with nothing to say

Will this cycle ever end?
Until, on you, I truly depend?

I’m tired of the roller coaster, one day, close then I back away
I have decided, with you and you alone I will stay.

Signed,
A Struggling Pray-er