It's Sunday

For some reason this morning, I am struck by the blessings of Sunday. I am thankful that my family will wake up, get dressed, and go to worship together. I am grateful that we will be surrounded by a body of believers who love us. I am grateful for the worship which will take place; and I am grateful to those who work hard during the week and behind the scenes so that I can be blessed today. I appreciate the effort in study and preparation by the preacher to bring us God's word. I love the fact my son will be in a Bible class he loves taught by teachers who love him.

I know there are several other "options" on how to spend a Sunday (sleeping in, at the lake, doing hard work, etc...). But I am grateful my family has a church home and a place in the body of Christ.

See you at worship
Scott

Some Pig!

If you recognize the reference in the title of this post then you are officially from the "Old School." The phrase "some pig", is a quote from the book and the animated movie titled Charolette's Web. The story, set in a Midwest barnyard, is about the friendship between Wilbur the pig, and Charolette, the grey spider. (I remember all of this because my 3 yr old is now watching the DVD of Charolette's Web)

Wilbur enjoys life with all of his friends in the barn until one day he learns that his fate is destined to end at the breakfast table, (right beside the scrambled eggs). So in his despair he turns to his friend Charolette for comfort. Charolette responds with a plan. Throughout the night she works on spinning a new web. When the sun comes up in the morning, the web proudly advertises the phrase "Some Pig." Once Mr. Zuckerman and all of the locals hear about the "miracle" they race to feast their eyes upon Wilbur.

What is amazing about this story is that Wilbur does not become anything special overnight. Instead he is viewed differently becomes someone dares to cast him in a new light. So I wonder what ways God calls me and each of us to be leaders by helping people to view each other in a new light or with fresh eyes.

This renewed visioning seems to be of the nature of Jesus. Numerous times in the gospels Jesus is altering the popular view of the down and out; woman at the well, woman caught in adultery, Legion, Zacheus, etc. May we have the courage to broadcast the best of someone.

Scott

Thanksgiving in June

I know the holiday of Thanksgiving is months away but in the middle of my hectic schedule I thought I would slow down long enough to count a few blessings. Here is a list of things I am grateful for...

• 3 Healthy kids
• 1 talented wife that is a great mom to our 3 kids
• A great church home
• Serving on the same ministry team with Scott and Matt
• The revival that is ongoing in our Sunday morning worship
• Our home
• My parents
• Memories of our time in the NICU seem long ago
• Sleepless nights because our kids are home with us
• The four years spent with the WHY class of 2005

This is not a complete list. But a reminder to me that God has truly blessed me beyond all complaints.

How about you? What is on your list?

Scott

Thanks Dad!

Photo of Dad & Mom taken this past Christmas.

This Father's Day I want to share a post of my appreciation to my dad. I am grateful to have a dad that has continually shown me both glimpses and long looks of what God the Father must be like.

This year as I have sorted through the memory box in my head two different pictures (memories) have leaped out at me. The first is a memory from spring break of my 7th grade year. Though we did not know it at the time I had developed full blown rheumatic fever. My symptoms included arthritis of the legs and knees. Simply I could not walk for two weeks. I was unable to even stand up. So from doctors visit to doctors visit my dad carried me. My dad was lugging around his 7th grade son, no complaints.

The second image that rushes out of my memories this year is one from my sophomore year in high school. I was in the marching band and played all of the Friday night football games. Early on my dad and I developed a habit of going out for a coke or ice cream after the game. As a independent minded 10th grader trying to establish my self in the world I did not comprehend the value of these Friday night treat runs. SO one Friday night as my friends, who now had drivers license, asked me to come hang out with them. I remember racing home to change out of my band uniform and seeing my dad sitting in the lawn glider in the front yard. He was waiting for me and our time together. I quickly told him I had made other plans and dashed on in the house.

Funny thing, I can not even remember what my friends and I did that night or even who I was with. But I do have a clear picture of my dad waving from the lawn glider as I drove away. He never told me he was sad or disappointed but looking back there had to be some grief that night.

So, on this Father's Day I am grateful to the dad who carried me when I was helpless and to the dad who is forever waiting on the front porch for his son to come home. I wonder where my dad got his ideas for fatherhood?

Love Ya Dad,
Scott