We Remember

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12 years ago today was a day that we shall never forget.  Never in my lifetime had I seen such horrific events take place.  My heart was heavy for a nation that had lost so much in one day. As a nation, we felt violated. Our security was weakened and we realized that we were vulnerable to the worst of humanity’s sins.

Our hearts were heavy for months after those events. We clung to God in those days. We sought refuge in Him. And when no words could explain, we saw the goodness that came from people who laid down their lives for others. We saw the sacrifice of our firefighters and first respondents.  They are no less heroes today.

Our soldiers entered into a war on terror after 9/11. They have fought that war for years. The bravery of our armed forces is not matched anywhere in the world and we should be thankful that we have a nation, that although we are vulnerable, we remain strong.  The commitment of our men and women in uniform gives me pride in this great nation.

My heart was heavy on 9/11, 12 years ago and my heart is still heavy today.  For a nation that turned to God in crisis, we have turned away again.  We no longer seek His blessing on our land.  We want continued prosperity,  yet we do not want the hand of God. So on this 9/11 anniversary, I intercede for the greatest nation in the world. I stand in the gap for our leaders and ask God to give them wisdom and humility. I call on God to forgive America of her sins and believe Him to bring revival to this great land.

There is yet hope for America. There is a generation of people calling out to Him.  There are a people who are hungry for God to move in this nation.  I’m still clinging to God and so should we all!

God bless America!

Birthday Number Seven

20130910_192619Seven years ago, today we celebrated the birth of a precious little girl.  Hannah Elizabeth “Lou” changed our lives and has brought joy to our home.  She was indeed a miracle baby. Sonya wasn’t supposed to be able to have any more children.  The doctor deemed it impossible for her to carry a baby full-term.  But with God all things are possible.  We were blessed to have this girl who is so full of life and drama.  We ask ourselves often what it would have been like if we never had her.  Besides the usual answer: the house would be clean and quiet, we both agree that it would be awful boring and we would have missed out on so much.

In these seven years, I am amazed at her capacity to learn the Bible (JBQ, Sunday School and Kid’s Church) and her innocent love for God.  She is passionate about Christ and sings about Him all the time.  She loves church and Jesus!

She also adds a lot of illustrations for my sermons.  I couldn’t use Josh stories any more because he got too old and didn’t like me telling on him anymore.  Now I have Hannah who has given me endless supply of stories. 

I am thankful that God blessed us with her! Happy 7th birthday to my little princess (or now she likes to be called a pony)!

On another note, I ruined her birthday party last night.  We got her a new 20 inch bike for her bday.  She also got a helmet and new elbow and knee pads.  Before we went out to ride her new bike she asked if she had to wear her pads. She has an adventurous spirit like me and she didn’t want to where them.  So, I told her she didn’t have to.  Her mom said she needed to and I came back with a stupid statement.  “Honey, she knows how to ride a bike.  She’s seven now.  She doesn’t need pads.”

Well, about the third lap around the parking lot, Hannah spills out.  She screams in pain.  She got a nice scrape that covered her whole knee.  Its all fun and games until someone gets bloody.  Sonya says calmly to me. “Always listen to the mother.”

As we get into the car to go out to eat, Hannah blurts out, “Dad, you endanger my life.” I guess, she forgot that it was her idea not to wear them.  After an hour of her being mad at me, she settled down and forgave me.

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Thoughts For The Journey Release

TFTJ 4 Final copyFor months now I have been working on a new book called Thoughts For The Journey.  It is a devotional book that I wrote to encourage and challenge believers in their walk with Christ.  They are short writings that draw from every day life and motivate us to grow in our spiritual journey.

I have always enjoyed writing and since I was young it has been my dream to publish a book.  I’m excited about the release of Thoughts For The Journey which is now available as an e-book on Amazon.  In the next week or so, the book will also be available for purchase in print form as well.

It is hard for me to promote my own book. It almost feels prideful but I look at it as a way to be an encouragement to others and impact more lives for Jesus.

If you would be interested in a copy of Thoughts For The Journey in e-book form follow this link.

If you read Thoughts For The Journey, I would appreciate an honest review on Amazon.  It won’t hurt my feelings if you give an honest critique of the book:)

Stay tuned for updates on the printed edition.