Dogs listen. Cats could care less what you have to say.
That's why dogs have a way of comforting and cats have a way of irritating. When I call the family dog with the "Let's go outside!"' he streaks to the door. The cat looks as if I just dissed him when I make the exact same offer to him.
Maybe it's just me, but I think our pooch is quite sensitive. He can tell when I am happy. I swear that he can sure tell when I am uneasy, stressed or just plain sad. Coco (Mama named him cause he is a bichon frise and looks like a girly dog)is to us what comfort food is midnight snack lover. He knows when to put the puppy eyes on and make you forget what troubles you. When the feline puts the cat eyes on me, that's NEVER a good thing!
Jesus said; "Blessed are the peacemakers"(Matthew 5:9). Life sometimes has its agitations and agitators. To be numbered among those who are passageways through troubled waters for those in the midst of tough times is a high compliment coming from the ultimate Peacemaker. Folks who have the ability and the want to calm when emotional, relational or financial storms are swirling all around, are at a premium. This kind of person, like a thoughtful bichon, are a rare breed.
Being a peacemaker is really about character, not about diplomacy. Experiencing peace should be pre-requisite for those attempting to engineer peace for people whose stomachs are being twisted into knots by circumstantial anxiety or relational agony. "Peace" is one of nine spiritually induced character qualities that is the result of a life that is being transformed by the God of the Bible. Peace is not cowardice, but it is a settled, confident rest that is the outcome of a life enjoying the Lordship of Jesus.
Are you embattled? You can experience real peace personally. You can initiate lasting peace relationally. You can grow in peace intentionally. Learn more at www.camdenbc.com. Go to the 40 Day Personal Growth Plan and take steps to experience the life you've always wanted in 2012.
Talk to your dog. He gets you. The cat? Don't waste your time.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Going for Broke
Todd Hoffman just went for it.
Something had to give. His aviation business was about to go bust, so chasing a dream he brought together a few unemployed buddies, outfitted for a gold mining operation, and headed for the Klondike. The American Dream combined with Todd's frontier spirit gave inspiration to sift out gold from them there hills in the Yukon.
Yes, I am one of those 5.5 million viewers that can't wait to get my Gold Rush fix every Sunday night. Todd and the gang can get it done! In spite of the odds, discouragement, breakdowns and frustrations, the Quartz Creek Crew hunkers down and forges toward the goal of the gold. They probably can skin Griz, too. Tough and determined, Todd is going after the dream that his father, Jack went for back in the 80's when he was mining in the Alaskian wilderness.
What is "gold" to you? What is so important to you that no obstacle will prevent you from pursuing your "gold"?
It may be because I have crested 50, but I can think of nothing more valuable than character. It's not the money that matters, but how a man makes it that does. It's not just the words a man speaks, but the content of those words that defines a man's heart. I want my young adult sons and daughter to have the capacity to be financially free and responsible, but I desire for them to be people of character, no matter their net worth. I want that for myself too, by the way! To me, spiritual character is the gold standard.
When Paul prays for his friends, he asks God for this in their behalf; "I pray that you be rooted and established in love. I pray that you may be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge." (Ephesians 3:17-19). The kind of love that the Bible speaks of and that Jesus fully revealed and demonstrated is totally selfless. It is the kind of love that willingly lays down self interest, ego and personal want, prefering that the needs of others be first addressed. Bible kind of love is devotedly sacrificial. It's just not human. It's supernatural.
Not only can you experience a God version of "love", you can live it. That is why Paul prayed for this kind of love to for his friends rather than an Escalade. When we realize how deeply we are loved by God, we understand that His affection for us is radically profound. He provides for us grace, at His own expense and as a gift of His kindness. Then His kind of love flows from us to others...even to those that we might not like so much!
God-like character grows over time as we cultivate our relationship with the God Who loves us. Visit www.camdenbc.com and take advantage of a 40 Day Personal Growth Plan that is designed to strengthen your spiritual life and character. Be as resolved as Todd! Do whatever it takes to develop the lasting character qualities that are character gold.
You may find out that you ARE the Gold Mine to others in search of the precious and the priceless.
Something had to give. His aviation business was about to go bust, so chasing a dream he brought together a few unemployed buddies, outfitted for a gold mining operation, and headed for the Klondike. The American Dream combined with Todd's frontier spirit gave inspiration to sift out gold from them there hills in the Yukon.
Yes, I am one of those 5.5 million viewers that can't wait to get my Gold Rush fix every Sunday night. Todd and the gang can get it done! In spite of the odds, discouragement, breakdowns and frustrations, the Quartz Creek Crew hunkers down and forges toward the goal of the gold. They probably can skin Griz, too. Tough and determined, Todd is going after the dream that his father, Jack went for back in the 80's when he was mining in the Alaskian wilderness.
What is "gold" to you? What is so important to you that no obstacle will prevent you from pursuing your "gold"?
It may be because I have crested 50, but I can think of nothing more valuable than character. It's not the money that matters, but how a man makes it that does. It's not just the words a man speaks, but the content of those words that defines a man's heart. I want my young adult sons and daughter to have the capacity to be financially free and responsible, but I desire for them to be people of character, no matter their net worth. I want that for myself too, by the way! To me, spiritual character is the gold standard.
When Paul prays for his friends, he asks God for this in their behalf; "I pray that you be rooted and established in love. I pray that you may be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge." (Ephesians 3:17-19). The kind of love that the Bible speaks of and that Jesus fully revealed and demonstrated is totally selfless. It is the kind of love that willingly lays down self interest, ego and personal want, prefering that the needs of others be first addressed. Bible kind of love is devotedly sacrificial. It's just not human. It's supernatural.
Not only can you experience a God version of "love", you can live it. That is why Paul prayed for this kind of love to for his friends rather than an Escalade. When we realize how deeply we are loved by God, we understand that His affection for us is radically profound. He provides for us grace, at His own expense and as a gift of His kindness. Then His kind of love flows from us to others...even to those that we might not like so much!
God-like character grows over time as we cultivate our relationship with the God Who loves us. Visit www.camdenbc.com and take advantage of a 40 Day Personal Growth Plan that is designed to strengthen your spiritual life and character. Be as resolved as Todd! Do whatever it takes to develop the lasting character qualities that are character gold.
You may find out that you ARE the Gold Mine to others in search of the precious and the priceless.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
World Peace
Ron Artest of the LA Lakers has, legally changed his name according to a recent Sports Illustrated editorial.
He is now "World Peace".
Good luck to the Play by Play guy who has to colorfully describe WP when he drives the lane for a dunk! "A Monster Dunk by World Peace!". Could be interesting, actually.
Artest wanted to change his brawler type image which has been his notorious basketball and life MO. What better way than to recast your reputation than to change your name, right? You really have to think about your next move when you are balling up your fist with the name "World Peace" on the back of your jersey.
What changes a person permanently for the good? I get Artest's motive. I sure have wanted to make some very necessary attitudinal and behavioral adjustments through the years. Keeping the same name and experiencing positive life change may be an even more powerful attention grabber. "Aren't you the guy who beat up a fan with his shoe in Detroit?". "Yeah, that WAS me. That's the person I USED to be.". That would have worked for me...but that's just my preference.
Sustaining a good guy image is too much for anyone. We all blow it sooner or later even when our will drives us to wanting to do the right thing. That's a job that is way too big for me. I need intervention. I need God. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Being a Christian is not being perfect. It is being perfected. That takes time, patience and inner life intervention. When God does that work, I experience real contentment and my actions are not forced, but supernaturally natural. I also give thanks to God for accomplishing what my will never could.
That is called 'Worship'.
I encourage you to let the God of the Bible transform you from the inside out. Believe me, your world will be full of peace then.
Follow this link and get in on God and grow in your personal worship: http://www.camdenbc.com
He is now "World Peace".
Good luck to the Play by Play guy who has to colorfully describe WP when he drives the lane for a dunk! "A Monster Dunk by World Peace!". Could be interesting, actually.
Artest wanted to change his brawler type image which has been his notorious basketball and life MO. What better way than to recast your reputation than to change your name, right? You really have to think about your next move when you are balling up your fist with the name "World Peace" on the back of your jersey.
What changes a person permanently for the good? I get Artest's motive. I sure have wanted to make some very necessary attitudinal and behavioral adjustments through the years. Keeping the same name and experiencing positive life change may be an even more powerful attention grabber. "Aren't you the guy who beat up a fan with his shoe in Detroit?". "Yeah, that WAS me. That's the person I USED to be.". That would have worked for me...but that's just my preference.
Sustaining a good guy image is too much for anyone. We all blow it sooner or later even when our will drives us to wanting to do the right thing. That's a job that is way too big for me. I need intervention. I need God. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Being a Christian is not being perfect. It is being perfected. That takes time, patience and inner life intervention. When God does that work, I experience real contentment and my actions are not forced, but supernaturally natural. I also give thanks to God for accomplishing what my will never could.
That is called 'Worship'.
I encourage you to let the God of the Bible transform you from the inside out. Believe me, your world will be full of peace then.
Follow this link and get in on God and grow in your personal worship: http://www.camdenbc.com
Friday, January 20, 2012
Content
Contentment is a rare thing.
It's challenging not to always be on the reach for something more.
Nicholas Cage knows that first hand. Having made millions upon millions, Nick gobbled up European castles, a fleet of cars (including 9 Rolls Royces), four yachts, fifteen houses around the world, an island in the Bahamas and a Gulfstream jet. It has been reported that Cage owes the government in excess of 7 million as his homes are being sold at foreclosure auctions. His business manager warned him that he would need an annual income of $30 million just to maintain his holdings. After outbidding fellow actor, DiCaprio at a 2007 auction for a dinosaur skull at a quarter million dollar pop, Cage admitted, "I find ways of spending money that mystify everybody around me."
I like Cage as an actor. I think he's cool,(for the most part). I do wonder if my being entertained by him is more like enabling him to remain imprisoned in the Land of Discontent. I will have to remember that as I consider checking out his next flick, 'Ghost Rider'.
The Psalmist said, "I will praise the Lord at all times. His praise will continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 146:2) "At ALL times"? Really? Sometimes acquisitions seem so comforting, especially when I am wrestling with an internal emptiness or needing a release from the pressures of responsibility. I am discovering that WORSHIP is the key to contentment.
Contentment is in a Person. The Scripture calls Him 'Creator', "Redeemer', 'Sin Bearer', 'Grace Giver', 'Heavenly Father', 'Jesus Christ'. When I recognize Who God is, I have my fill. I am truly content. When I focus my attention of recalling His goodness, His grace, answered prayer, revealed truth, blessed relationships, financial provision, I realize that the God of the Bible is compassionate, kind, generous, just and loving. At that moment, I respond. I worship Him. At that moment, I am content beyond words, experiences or assets.
I want to invite you to dedicate these next 10 Days of Personal Growth to planning to worship the God Who loves you and provides for you. Read the Scripture references and enjoy a moment of His praise consuming you each day. Follow this link and plan to worship, grow and experience there joy of lasting contentment: http://www.camdenbc.com
It's challenging not to always be on the reach for something more.
Nicholas Cage knows that first hand. Having made millions upon millions, Nick gobbled up European castles, a fleet of cars (including 9 Rolls Royces), four yachts, fifteen houses around the world, an island in the Bahamas and a Gulfstream jet. It has been reported that Cage owes the government in excess of 7 million as his homes are being sold at foreclosure auctions. His business manager warned him that he would need an annual income of $30 million just to maintain his holdings. After outbidding fellow actor, DiCaprio at a 2007 auction for a dinosaur skull at a quarter million dollar pop, Cage admitted, "I find ways of spending money that mystify everybody around me."
I like Cage as an actor. I think he's cool,(for the most part). I do wonder if my being entertained by him is more like enabling him to remain imprisoned in the Land of Discontent. I will have to remember that as I consider checking out his next flick, 'Ghost Rider'.
The Psalmist said, "I will praise the Lord at all times. His praise will continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 146:2) "At ALL times"? Really? Sometimes acquisitions seem so comforting, especially when I am wrestling with an internal emptiness or needing a release from the pressures of responsibility. I am discovering that WORSHIP is the key to contentment.
Contentment is in a Person. The Scripture calls Him 'Creator', "Redeemer', 'Sin Bearer', 'Grace Giver', 'Heavenly Father', 'Jesus Christ'. When I recognize Who God is, I have my fill. I am truly content. When I focus my attention of recalling His goodness, His grace, answered prayer, revealed truth, blessed relationships, financial provision, I realize that the God of the Bible is compassionate, kind, generous, just and loving. At that moment, I respond. I worship Him. At that moment, I am content beyond words, experiences or assets.
I want to invite you to dedicate these next 10 Days of Personal Growth to planning to worship the God Who loves you and provides for you. Read the Scripture references and enjoy a moment of His praise consuming you each day. Follow this link and plan to worship, grow and experience there joy of lasting contentment: http://www.camdenbc.com
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Raising the Roof
There comes a time when you just have to make the call.
You can’t avoid the tough decision. You grimace and bite the bullet. Something has to go. Something has to stop. Something has to change. Something has to give. You got to draw the line, tighten up and hunker down. So much for ease!
It’s never a good thing to run out of money. Being short on cash can make your spending options pretty simple...unless your Credit Score (almost as an important a number as your ACT or SAT) will qualify you for the Platinum Card at Bank One. Then you can ‘charge it’ and run up a debt load via EBay or taking a vacation with Eskimos. If the load gets too heavy…ask your Creditor to raise your credit limit. Now, there’s a solution!
Maybe you heard about the guy who said that he loved his kids too much to leave them anything that might cause a sibling squabble when he departed from this life. To eliminate the infighting, he intended to leave them his indebtedness, instead. He felt that it would be the ‘gift that would keep on giving’. Actually, the guy was a comedian that I heard on Sirius. At first I thought he was a financial analyst for Bloomberg Radio.
Sad is the day when the politico is debating how much MORE to raise the national debt ceiling. The National Debt Clock says that each day our nation plunges 3.82 BILLION more dollars into debt. Us Baby Boomers may be able to dodge some of the crushing impact of the 14.3 TRILLON of existing US debt, but what about our kids and their kids? The Millennial Generation (born between 1980-2000) is about to get the hammer. One thing that the Boomer Generation owes big time to the Millennial Generation is an apology!
You might be surprised to learn that the Bible has quite a bit to say about money. It’s not bad counsel either. The fact is that God cares about our take, our attitude and our use of money. He loves us too much for our households to be turned upside down with debt. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). God is always more gracious than mortgage companies.
I am not a politician. I am a just a married guy with grown kids with a couple of grandsons who happens to be a Christian and a pastor. I have made my share of financial blunders in the past, and have regretted every one of them. I have witnessed marriages busting wide open because of an unnecessary family debt crisis. I have counseled my children and my churches to be grateful and wise stewards of their finances through the years, and to experience the freedom and the joy of knowing and loving God more than ‘mammon’ (Matthew 6:24).
Before we raise the debt ceiling, let’s raise the roof with prayer and intercession for our duly elected decision makers. These are critical days of making the tough call, getting it right and dealing with the yoke of our national debt.
Looks to me that we may need to revisit that currency motto imprinted on our coins and dollars; “In God We Trust”.
You can’t avoid the tough decision. You grimace and bite the bullet. Something has to go. Something has to stop. Something has to change. Something has to give. You got to draw the line, tighten up and hunker down. So much for ease!
It’s never a good thing to run out of money. Being short on cash can make your spending options pretty simple...unless your Credit Score (almost as an important a number as your ACT or SAT) will qualify you for the Platinum Card at Bank One. Then you can ‘charge it’ and run up a debt load via EBay or taking a vacation with Eskimos. If the load gets too heavy…ask your Creditor to raise your credit limit. Now, there’s a solution!
Maybe you heard about the guy who said that he loved his kids too much to leave them anything that might cause a sibling squabble when he departed from this life. To eliminate the infighting, he intended to leave them his indebtedness, instead. He felt that it would be the ‘gift that would keep on giving’. Actually, the guy was a comedian that I heard on Sirius. At first I thought he was a financial analyst for Bloomberg Radio.
Sad is the day when the politico is debating how much MORE to raise the national debt ceiling. The National Debt Clock says that each day our nation plunges 3.82 BILLION more dollars into debt. Us Baby Boomers may be able to dodge some of the crushing impact of the 14.3 TRILLON of existing US debt, but what about our kids and their kids? The Millennial Generation (born between 1980-2000) is about to get the hammer. One thing that the Boomer Generation owes big time to the Millennial Generation is an apology!
You might be surprised to learn that the Bible has quite a bit to say about money. It’s not bad counsel either. The fact is that God cares about our take, our attitude and our use of money. He loves us too much for our households to be turned upside down with debt. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). God is always more gracious than mortgage companies.
I am not a politician. I am a just a married guy with grown kids with a couple of grandsons who happens to be a Christian and a pastor. I have made my share of financial blunders in the past, and have regretted every one of them. I have witnessed marriages busting wide open because of an unnecessary family debt crisis. I have counseled my children and my churches to be grateful and wise stewards of their finances through the years, and to experience the freedom and the joy of knowing and loving God more than ‘mammon’ (Matthew 6:24).
Before we raise the debt ceiling, let’s raise the roof with prayer and intercession for our duly elected decision makers. These are critical days of making the tough call, getting it right and dealing with the yoke of our national debt.
Looks to me that we may need to revisit that currency motto imprinted on our coins and dollars; “In God We Trust”.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Battery Charge
I am power dependent.
The wife and I were so stoked about navigating the river for our extra day weekend, only to discover that our boat battery was dead just moments before our attempted launch from Ellis Landing.
A bummer but we were not bummed out. We have a charger at the house! We could charge our dead battery and be on the water in a couple of hours… that was our thinking, anyway. Just so you know, an Interstate Marine Battery usually need several hours to fully charge from a 5 volt slow charge. Most boaters probably already know that. New lesson for Team Weber, though.
We finally dropped in a bit late and ready to fish the banks of the river. As is our custom, we use the current and our trolling motor to navigate the boundaries of the picturesque Alabama waterway. Great plan, except for one thing…our trolling motor battery was dying! There was no possible way that I could position the boat for my angler spouse to catch the big one. After that, I WAS bummed out.
I had what I needed for both batteries to be fully charged, but had gotten used to launching out without first charging up.
You know what I’m talking about. You’ve been drained, too. You’ve been running on empty. You know what it’s like to keep charging on without being charged up. It’s an uncanny presumption that we sometimes fall prey to, the notion that more to do will rev us up when actually we are woefully left on empty. Someone, somewhere said it best; “You can’t sail today’s ship on yesterday’s wind.”
“Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19
This is just one power-packed segment of the Apostle Paul’s prayer request for his friends in Christ. If there is one thing that Redeemer God is all about, it’s being the power supply for those whose energy packs have been exhausted. Where do you go when you need some voltage in your amp? The Heavenly Father’s supply is all you really need. You may need more than a brief charge, so take the time to power up properly before you launch out on your day today.
While you’re plugging up the power supply to your Kindle, GPS, cell phone and laptop, pay attention to your spirit first. Running low can cost you more than a morning boat trip on the last day of your holiday weekend.
The wife and I were so stoked about navigating the river for our extra day weekend, only to discover that our boat battery was dead just moments before our attempted launch from Ellis Landing.
A bummer but we were not bummed out. We have a charger at the house! We could charge our dead battery and be on the water in a couple of hours… that was our thinking, anyway. Just so you know, an Interstate Marine Battery usually need several hours to fully charge from a 5 volt slow charge. Most boaters probably already know that. New lesson for Team Weber, though.
We finally dropped in a bit late and ready to fish the banks of the river. As is our custom, we use the current and our trolling motor to navigate the boundaries of the picturesque Alabama waterway. Great plan, except for one thing…our trolling motor battery was dying! There was no possible way that I could position the boat for my angler spouse to catch the big one. After that, I WAS bummed out.
I had what I needed for both batteries to be fully charged, but had gotten used to launching out without first charging up.
You know what I’m talking about. You’ve been drained, too. You’ve been running on empty. You know what it’s like to keep charging on without being charged up. It’s an uncanny presumption that we sometimes fall prey to, the notion that more to do will rev us up when actually we are woefully left on empty. Someone, somewhere said it best; “You can’t sail today’s ship on yesterday’s wind.”
“Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19
This is just one power-packed segment of the Apostle Paul’s prayer request for his friends in Christ. If there is one thing that Redeemer God is all about, it’s being the power supply for those whose energy packs have been exhausted. Where do you go when you need some voltage in your amp? The Heavenly Father’s supply is all you really need. You may need more than a brief charge, so take the time to power up properly before you launch out on your day today.
While you’re plugging up the power supply to your Kindle, GPS, cell phone and laptop, pay attention to your spirit first. Running low can cost you more than a morning boat trip on the last day of your holiday weekend.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
It’s all gone
The city of Phil Campbell, Alabama was just about blown off the map in Franklin County when the tornadoes came raging through on April 27th. Death and damage rocked this rural community as well as neighboring Hackelburg, just a bit to the west, but also in direct line of the storm path.
Pastor Sammy Taylor of Phil Campbell’s Mountain View Baptist Church and I became friends just yesterday. Because of relationship connections that extend from Camden to Phil Campbell shared by our church families, I wanted to speak to the pastor that I had read about to offer encouragement, intercessions and the assistance of the good folk here in the Camden Baptist Church.
Pastor Sammy and I became fast friends.
He told me of the 16 families within his church whose homes had been totally destroyed. He mentioned to me the 3 fatalities of those who were members of the Mountain View Baptist Church. He told me of the sad fact of 12 precious lives that perished just across where the MVBC gathers to worship. His heart was understandably saddened. My heart was overwhelmingly stunned to hear first-hand of such calamity.
Camden Baptist Church will respond in a direct partnership with Sammy and the Mountain View Church now that the recovery process has begun and is progressing. Next Tuesday, I and members of the CBC Mission Action Team will meet Pastor Sammy personally. We will take with us a trailer of items that he specifically mentioned are urgently needed. We will begin to develop an action plan that will assist our brothers and sisters in Christ and express the grace of Christ in the midst of such painful loss.
I am asking all CBC family and friends to rise to the challenge of living beyond ourselves once again. Pray for Pastor Sammy and the Mountain View Church Family. Assist by the contributions that you can make both financially and through provisions that are being asked for through the ITEM LIST that has been posted on our website.
“It’s all gone.” We cannot replace what has been lost, but we can express the heart of our Loving God and Redeeming Lord in the days, weeks and months to come to our new friends in Phil Campbell. ‘Faith without deeds is dead’ says the Word. At CBC, we will put shoe leather to our faith once again…this time in Franklin County, Alabama.
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