Joy from the Heart

The beginning of my week-long vacation seemed a lot like work. It was a good time to complete some projects. I mowed an area of grass in front of my house and put up some outdoor Christmas decorations last weekend. I fulfilled a birthday present about 7.5 months late by getting my Dad's truck washed and waxed. However, I didn't want the week to be all about work. 

I wanted to make some good memories and share joy with my 11-year-old. On Tuesday evening, we explored "Holiday in the Park" at Six Flags. It was chilly, but not freezing like last year. On Wednesday evening, we picked up her friend that usually goes with us to church on those nights. Without a service, I took them to Chick-fil-A for supper and explored "Magical Nights of Lights" at Lanier Islands. They took so many pictures, it made me smile!

Thursday found us at my sister's house for Thanksgiving and a rather lazy afternoon. I even took her for a some early shopping that day. By the end of the week, we'd put up and decorated the tree, then cooked another turkey dinner. I've lost count now of how many Hallmark Christmas Movies we've seen! Popcorn and oranges have been popular this week and both of us lamenting about returning to school tomorrow. The week has almost passed in a blur, but God has kept us busy with the joy residing in our hearts.

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor - this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. 

Run the Race

My son had a goal this year. He wanted to earn a varsity letter in cross country. He began running in June 2016 with the team. Every morning they were running by 6 a.m. and he ran every meet through the fall. He improved enough to get the last spot on the team headed to the state championship race. At the end of that season, he kept running and joined the track and field team to stay in shape. In June 2017, the 6 a.m. runs began again. By fall, he was getting a personal record in almost every 5K he ran. He was 3rd in the Regional JV race and again got to go to the state championship. From his first 5K to his most recent regional 5K, he has improved by about 3 minutes. His current personal record is 18 min, 22 sec.  That's a 5:55 min mile for 3.1 miles! 

On Tuesday, he received his varsity letter. He also received a patch for state and for Athlete Scholar because of his unweighted 3.95 GPA in High School. I'm just amazed at what he has been able to accomplish because of his unwavering focus to reach his goal.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We are to run the race that is set before us. Do you ever ask yourself what your race is and if you are running it with endurance, i.e. everything you've got? I do.

Mobile, AL

This week I spent 3 days in Mobile at a new-to-me conference. There were only 150 people in attendance and I knew only 3 people (who attended different sessions), so it was very easy to talk with new people because there was no other choice! The conference was very good and I learned a lot, but the thing I'll remember most was visiting a maritime museum.

Gulfquest is a hands-on maritime adventure that has only been open two years. It was 5 stories of things to try in the nautical arena, like tying sailor knots, piloting a mini sailboat, experiencing ocean winds, learning to use a sextant, playing navigation games, piloting simulators for diving, etc. Most impressive was the Ocean Planet Theater that allowed you to view a ton of oceanic maps on a suspended globe. The maps showed wind or water currents, turtle migration, volcano activity, wildfire activity, etc. It was simply amazing! 

I left the museum wanting to go back and enjoy more experiences. Then I got to thinking about all of the opportunities we miss because we are so busy with stuff that just doesn't matter. What would it be like to treat life like an adventure? 

Psalm 111:4a He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; 

Next

My church is on a journey that is fascinating. First, we are in the process of building a new worship center to house our growing congregation. Second, a new mission statement was unveiled and explained over the last few months. (To disciple one another to reach and raise the next generation to live out God's truth.).  And now, our pastor has revealed the direction to make an impact in our community. He quoted this:

"Another survey found that if a child is the first person in a household to become a Christian, there is a 3.5% probability everyone else in the household will follow. If the mother is the first to become a Christian, there is a 17% probability everyone else in the household will follow. However, when the father is first, there is a 93% probability everyone else in the household will follow.

Wow! The answer is staring us in the face. Reach the Dads to reach the family. As kids enter their teens, there are fewer and fewer who stay involved with the church. The boys I've observed who are still in church have a father who is very involved and leads their family by example. That's the Next Project and I'm excited to see the results!

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.