The Wood Carver

A wood carver takes a blank piece of wood and, through whittling away pieces of the whole, ends up with an amazingly beautiful creation. If you think about it, the end result was actually there all along. It's just that the carver eliminated the unwanted pieces to reveal his creation. God does the same with us.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you" - Jeremiah 1:5

God knows what we will become in our lives before we even live them. He also knows just what it is that He wants us to do for Him. Paul is an excellent example.

"Then I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’

‘Get up and go into Damascus,’ He told me. ‘There you will be told all that you have been appointed to do.’" - Acts 22:10

God created us to bring Him glory, praise, and honor. He shapes and carves us into who He wants us to be. He gives us certains gifts and abilities to accomplish His will for us. He refines us, tests us, and guides us with His Holy Spirit.

I design and install disc golf courses where I live. The process begins by examining existing terrain, trees, and waterways. Often, "my" fairways follow existing deer paths or areas where wind or ice storms have already damaged the trees.

One might consider ME a "wood carver," as I carve fairways through the woods. But who is the REAL course designer? Me, or the one who caused the trees to grow where they did in the first place? Who placed the rivers, lakes and hills to form these wooded areas?

I am not really the designer, God is. All I do is clean up the things He placed there years ago. To God be the glory!

To God Be The Glory

Keep Making Me

We all have our own ideas for who we want to be. That's fine and all, but who does GOD want us to be? That's the real question for the Christian, isn't it?

We can say we want to get married when we grow up and have 2.3 children, a good job and a nice, big house to live in . . . that's the American dream! But what if God has something else in mind? What if things don't turn out like we had hoped and our childhood dreams don't come true?

Let's stop right there. Look at our description of "the perfect life." Is that the life of a Christian? It's a self-centered description of a worldly life, is it not?

"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is." - 1 John 3:2

Aren't we supposed to be submitting to HIS will in our lives? How does the Lord's Prayer go? It's "THY will be done," not MY will. Where in the Bible does it say that God wants us to be happy? Nowhere. There are even verses that say the opposite.

"In this life you WILL have trouble." - John 16:33

Think about it. Shouldn't our prayer be for God to make us into who HE wants us to be?

We often ask kids, "What do YOU want to be when you grow up?" Instead, shouldn't we ask,  "Where is God leading you?" Or, at a graduation party, do we ask the graduate, "What is God's will for you now?"

I'm thinking our prayer should be for God to make us into who HE wants us to be. Our job is to figure out what that job is. And accomplish it. For Him.

Keep Making Me - Sidewalk Prophets

12 Years of Age

This past week was Vacation Bible School at our church. The daily fun and teaching is all over now, but not the lessons learned, by the kids, AND by the adults.

If you are a regular reader of these stories, you would have read about a girl named Kortney. She's the one who had a heart and double lung transplant. When I first met Kortney, she was 12 years old. The same age as our oldest kids in VBS.

When the surgeons removed Kortney's heart and lungs, she was literally dead, even if it was only for a moment. But then they installed the donor's heart and lungs and got them working, she came back to life!

I told the kids how God gives gifts to us and enables us to do some pretty amazing things sometimes - like Kortney's surgeons did for her. "That's a Wonder!" as we' said about Jesus in VBS this year.

As I told Kortney's story, they ALL were listening very intently. As I showed them her picture, I examined their faces. They were not only hearing the message, but they were also receiving it. And here's why. Part of the VBS teaching that day. Jesus did even MORE amazing things than Kortney's doctors did.

"While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴²And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement." - Mark 5:35-42

Children like to have fun and goof around. That's a given. But as teachers, it's our job to get them to listen. And, if at all possible, to get them to think. It's one thing to hear a story from the Bible. It's another thing to hear about the same thing happening to someone in real life. 'It hits different' as they say.

That's why our own testimony about how Jesus changed OUR lives is so important. Because is really happened to US, no one can argue against it.

How did God change you?

God Provides

"The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you:” - Exodus 31:1-6

That was God talking to Moses about building the tabernacle. But it is also evidence that God can instill in specific people amazing talent and knowledge and wisdom for His utlimate glory.

I was reminded of this story as I spoke to people yesterday about my friend Kortney's heart and double lung transplant that took place on January 1st. Everyone was amazed at the skills these surgeons and technicians have.

You can almost see them operating, maybe 6-8 of them seated around her. Each of them performing some amazingly difficult task.

What skills has God given YOU? I write stories about God to give Him glory. That' just a small thing. Maybe you're a daycare teacher or a mom. Maybe you're a dad volunteering to coach his son's baseball team. The important thing is, does what we do glorify God?

You might wonder if the heart surgeons were really glorifying God or just doing their jobs. Well, they definitely posess God-given skills. They may or may not be believers. But what about the effected families?

Kortney's family and friends have been praying for months. Kortney and her husband are SO thankful for the prayers!

The point is that God gives people the ability to do things. What are we doing for Him? God provides for our every need out of love and grace. Do we extend love and grace on His behalf to those we meet on any given day?

Jesus told us to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Are we shining?

Same Difference

I am teaching a disc golf class this summer for area kids. One of the first things I teach them is a good life lesson for all of us.

Discs come in different colors, shapes and sizes. They all are basically the same. It's just that some of them do things a little differently.

The key to playing disc golf successfully is to know how each of your discs fly and when to use them.

You can see this lesson play out in us humans. It might be at work or at school. Maybe it's in line at the grocery store or at a restaurant. Or maybe it's just the way we live our lives, interacting with others.

We come in different colors, Each of us acts differently in certain situations. We come with different backgrounds and a variety of experiences. We also have different gifts and talents. How we use those gifts is really what defines us as humans.

Do we use our gifts for God's glory or for our own personal gain?

One of the joys I get from teaching kids disc golf is to watch their eyes light up when they learn something new. They always had a certain ability within themselves and when they discover they can actually DO something they didn't think they could, well, that's the joy of teaching.

I think that's one of the joys of becoming a Christian. We carry all of this baggage around with us. Maybe it's something we did in the past that we're not proud of. Perhaps it's an addiction to something or some deep, dark secret we carry around with us.

Jesus is that discovery! He gives us the ability to think and to reason. God gives us gifts and skills that allow us to earn a living or to play a game. But it is the discovery of Jesus that really makes us excel.

Soon after discovering Christ we find ourselves playing a different game. Life no longer is about US - our money, jobs or social status. Our lives become changed. WE use our gifts for God's glory, not our own. Life is not about OUR success, but about the love of others and helping THEM succeed.

We are all different but we are made by the same Creator. We all have different skills and gifts. But whatever we do we should use them to glorify God.

"Why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 30If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God - 33even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." - 1 Corinthians 10:29-33

The Stories Though

There are so many bad stories in the news these days. Are you ready for a really good one for a change? Okay. Well, how about five?

Cool Story #1 - The young man in this picture is a high school student from Kaukauna, WI named Nathan. He gets good grades in school and is active on the robotics team. A fine young man.

His dad Ron is an engineer at the company I retired from last spring - The McMahon Group, Inc of Neenah, WI. My friend, Nathan's dad, bought this Toyota Camry and he and Nathan fixed it up and were looking for a place to donate it. What a cool story about mentorship, community service and parenting, all rolled into one!

Cool Story #2 - The lady in this picture is a friend of mine named Mary. She works in the healthcare industry in Weyauwega, WI. Mary is a single mom with a one-year-old son. She works hard, is engaged to be married and loves The Lord.

Recently her car died. The same thing happened to her fiancé's car. She had to rely on family and friends for rides to and from work and wherever else she needed to go. I guess that's not really a cool story. Unless there is a Cool Story #3. And here it is.

While my wife and I were attending the company Christmas party this past January, Ron came up to me and asked if I knew of anyone who could use a car. At the time I wasn't aware of Mary's need but I knew that her fiancé's car had perished so I made a call. Indeed! There was a need! It turned out Mary's car had just died too!

Calls were exchanged, final tweaks were made to the car, and a meeting was arranged. This past Monday night all three cool stories merged into one. Ron and son Nathan gave the keys to the car to someone they had never met. Pretty cool!

There is a cool twist to these stories I have just told you. A fourth story. The lady who sold Ron the car was also a single mom. The car in the picture had just "died" for her so she decided to sell it. Someone had given HER a car so. And when Ron found that this lady's car was easily repairable, he offered it back to her. She said no, she already had that gifted car and maybe somebody else could use it.

Now that I think of it, there is a fifth Cool Story. I got to be the middle man between these fine men and the damsel in distress. I didn't really do anything at all. But I get to witness the cool things that God does in the world around me and then write a story about it.

All these stories testify to the greatness of God. These stories are a reminder of how God works. He creates in us hearts filled with compassion and a strong faith. He gives us special gifts that we all can use to glorify His name. In the end, everyone winds and He gets the glory. It was a joy to be able to stand by and watch these stories come together . . . for good.

"28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

All Things - Covenant Worship

That Burning Desire

Deep within every human heart there is a hidden place where a secret identity lies. It waits, patiently, in a semi-dormant state until it is awakened by an unseen force. Few ever see its full potential, choosing instead to follow some other way of life - denying that burning desire within.

Our passion can sometimes be found in the simplest of questions.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

We seldom turn into the hero we want to be - an astronaut, a rock star, or a quarterback on a Superbowl-winning team. We often settle for much less. Dreams fade and get replaced by responsibilities . . . and ruts. It's time we asked ourselves some deep questions - about our future, about our purpose and about our calling.

"If you could be anything you wanted to be and money was no object, what would you be? What would you do?"

My friend at work has a deep desire to help young women. It eats at her. Her compassion for helping struggling young women is a deep, consuming desire within her. Where does that burning desire come from? Was she born with it? Did it develop over time through life's experiences? Or was it gifted to her from above?

I believe that each of us has something sleeping deep within us. Sometimes the desire surfaces and we find a job where we can release that passion. But otherwise it sits there inside us, undisturbed and unused.

Would you believe me if I told you that there is a way to access your hidden talents and live the life you've always dreamed? Go get your Bible and open it to the Book of 1st Corinthians, the 12th chapter.

^"4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. ⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

God's Holy Spirit enhances our God-given gifts. When we place our faith in Christ and we receive His Holy Spirit, those divine seeds in us begin to grow. It's like a super power in many ways. A normal inclination towards something becomes manifested into something special - a burning desire to use that gift.

What is YOUR special gift? Are you using it? Have you received God's promised Holy Spirit? These are critical questions we all should know the answers to. We need to find what gifts God has hidden in us . . . and use them!

Are you willing to try something. It might work. It might not. There is a link to some music below. Click on it and close your eyes. Think about God and what you think He has gifted you with. In your minds eye, can you see yourself using that gift? Can you see yourself glorifying God with it? What do you see yourself doing? Are you doing that now in your current life? If not, why not? What are you waiting for? God gave you that gift for a reason. Shouldn't we be using it . . . for Him.

These Honored Dead - Luke Richards

My Abortion

Today's story is NOT about what the title might indicate. It's about our natural tendency to remain motionless when it seems rather obvious to us that God wants us to be moving.

My friend and I were having a discussion the other day about the evil of abortion. We had both just listened to a radio interview of an author who had written a book about Dr. Kermit Gosnell - Americas Most Prolific Serial Killer. Graphic descriptions of abortion procedures were portrayed and, in the end I felt a new sense of conviction in my heart about this murderous procedure. How could ANYONE have an abortion!?! I was about to find out . . . that I had already had one.

The following day I was listening to a message by Chuck Swindoll. It was about applying what we learn in the Bible to the living out of our daily lives. It was a fairly convicting message about obedience and faithfulness. Pastor Swindoll gave the following quote which he attributed to Howard George Hendrick - his professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. It was a slap in the face to me. A wake up call.

"If you observe and interpret and correlate the scriptures, but fail to apply the scriptures, you have committed an abortion."

Well, that's a fairly shocking statement. But as I began to examine my life and my decisions, my failure to act or to speak in certain situations, I began to understand what Mr. Hendrick meant.

You have heard it said that God has a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). You have also heard it said that God gives us gifts to be used for His glory (1 Peter 4:10). And you have also heard it said that God gives us new life in Him (Ephesians 2)

If we have been born again, with new life, and we have been given gifts, specifically for bringing God glory through their use, what if we don't use them? What if we ignore the gifts that God gives us and refuse to act. Aren't we in effect, killing the very thing God created in us? Aren't we aborting God's plan for us?

We are all good at something. Our challenge is to figure out what we can do to glorify God using the gifts that we have been given. It's not all that hard to figure out. What's difficult is getting off our butts to do it. We get overly comfortable with the lives we live. But guess what . . . "comfortable" is not where God is.

I spoke earlier about MY "abortion". . . my not acting by not using my gifts at times. For example, I have been given the gift of compassion and mercy by God. I don't use those gifts as often or as intentionally as I should. I allow other things to get in the way. That is a sin to me. God created me to do those things and when I don't do them, the person God created me to be in that moment dies. Oh Lord, may I be ever watchful and ever mindful of situations where my gifts could be used for your glory.

We all need to follow where God leads us. Sometimes it can be a bit scary to do so. But if we follow where God leads us we can actually be the Pro-Life Christians we claim to be. Let us not get comfortable in our faith but follow where God leads us. May we be obedient to our calling and glorify HIS Name above ALL names.

Don't Get Comfortable - Brandon Heath
The Parable Of The Talents

The Parable of The Hungry Martian

My wife and I just got done watching The Martian - a film starring Matt Damon who's character got left behind on Mars. Without spoiling TOO much of the movie, he survived on Mars for nearly two years by eating potatoes. Actually, it wasn't the potatoes that saved him as much as it was his ingenuity. He was botanist!

Do you like figuring out how to do stuff? I absolutely LOVE to do that. I think that's kind of a guy thing. My wife doesn't like figuring out how to do things herself. It's easier for her to just have ME do it. Although I seldom do things according to her time schedule.

Where does the ability to do things come from? These days a lot of it comes from YouTube. Last weekend I wanted to make an omelet so I watched a YouTube video. Seemed simple enough to make so I tried it. Worst . . . omelet . . . ever.

Why are we good at some stuff and not good at other things. Even though we went to the same classes in school, some of us are just better at some things than others. Teachers call people that can do stuff "gifted" or "talented."

I think our "gifts" are given to us by God.

Are you gifted in some way? Is there something you can really do well? I'm not super good at anything. I like to write and I enjoy building stuff . . . and figuring things out. Did God give you the ability to earn money through something you can do? Did He give you a gift that has yet to be discovered? I think He did.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is The Little Drummer Boy. Why? Because the little drummer boy didn't have any physical gift to give the baby, Jesus. But he gave his ability to play the drum - something God had previously given him.

I think that's what God wants us to do. To use the gifts God has given us to glorify Him. What better way to honor the One who saved us by living our lives for Him with the gifts He gave us. Let us live our lives in such a way that we honor God. That, I think, is the ultimate form of worship.

^"10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 4:10-11

Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix
The Martian Trailer

Year

This past Saturday was my one year anniversary of writing this blog. I was going to wow you by telling you all of the readers I have, but I don't really have that many. If you are reading this you are one of the few, the proud, the . . . well, I appreciate you and your taking the time to read these stories. It means a lot.

There are ways I could have chosen to bolster my readership. I could have written about things that the world is REALLY interested in. For instance, I could have written about something "extreme" using the latest web technology and graphics for my blog page. Or I could have chosen to write one of those warm and fuzzy, self-esteem boosting type of blogs. People would love my writing because I would be so positive and uplifting. Maybe I should have had a gossip blog where I spread rumors about everyone I know. That would probably draw a crowd . . . all carrying torches and one of those do-it-yourself tar and feather kits.

I suppose I could have given away stuff. "A free iPod with every hundred reads!" But that would mean I'd actually have to go out and buy and iPod and give it away. Yeah . . . that's not going to be happening.

The purpose of this blog, at its core, has always been to spread the Gospel. Oh, occasionally I have strayed from my "prime directive" but not too far. I've tried to be funny, encouraging, discerning . . . and hey, I've even called out a few churches and/or denominations when ever I notice they have strayed from God's Word. I get very protective when people start twisting God's words to suit their own particular agenda.

To date I have posted 140 posts (stories). They have been read in 78 countries around the world. Russia, Germany, The United Kingdom, France, China . . . I think it's so cool that all these countries have stumbled across my blog. But I get a special thrill when I see that people from Jordan, Turkey and even Iran have read some of my stories. I pray for them. If they are truly seeking I know that they will find Him.

I just enjoy writing and sharing stories of how I have seen God working in my life and the lives of those around me. He never ceases to amaze me with His wide variety of means and methods. He is amazing to watch as he orchestrates situations and circumstances.

Like my recent trip to the emergency room. After two hours of analysis, the ER doctor simply advised that I see my regular physician for further information. My "regular doctor" is a busy boy. Making an appointment to see him usually comes with at least a four week lead time. However, I had already been scheduled for an appointment. Today. The first possible day after my emergency room visit, all scheduled months ahead of time.

God gives us all certain abilities or talents. How we use them is up to us. But I would challenge you today to look at your life and find one thing you are currently doing for yourself that you COULD be doing for God. Then do it. It's easier than you think. And you will be blessed for it, as God has blessed me for writing stories for His gain and not my own. Thank you.

"31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31