Ahhh! Wedded bliss

What exactly does "Romance" mean to you?

2009-02-11T11:29:00.001-08:00

Veronica and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary nearly five years ago by taking a second honeymoon to Niagara Falls. It was spectacular. It is definitely one of the places every married couple needs to visit. The whole experience was so "romantic." In preparing some information for an upcoming seminar I was given the topic of "romance in marriage". So my question naturally is "What is romantic?" After doing some research on the subject of romance I came to one startling conclusion: it depends.
You see, every person has their own definition of what is romantic. What is romantic to one person may be totally cheesy to another. What makes one woman swoon with passion will make another laugh her head off. Men are no exception. But really men are more simple because they tend to agree that anything that involves a sexy little outfit is romantic.
So for the sake of research here is what I am asking from you. E-mail me at lc162ht@gmail.com and let me know the top five things you think are absolutely romantic. Names will be kept confidential. Both men and women should respond. Thanks for helping to solve a real mystery!

Time apart

2008-11-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

Here I am in Israel standing next to an olive tree in a mock up village made to look as it did in the time of Jesus in Nazareth. Our trip to the Holy land was ten days long. It was a trip of a lifetime. It will takes months to process all we did and saw while there. Unfortunately my wife of 29 years couldn't come with me though I really wish she had. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think of her and how she was doing.

There are two sayings that come to mind about this situation: "Out of sight, out of mind" and "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." In our case I am glad to say that distance did indeed make our hearts grow fonder. It was kinda nice to come home and know how much she missed me and how much I missed her. Now I have been away on overseas trips before for the same length of time without my wife and each time the result has been the same. We realize just how much we mean to each other. How much we miss each other. How much we have become a part of each others lives. How there is something missing when the other is not present. Yet with all the longings of the heart I think that time apart is what we sometimes need because we can fall into a routine and begin to take each other for granted. We basically become an appendage and forget that we are each individuals and there was something special about each other that caused us to fall in love in the first place and distance and time apart can bring that back into focus. You see, it's not what she does for me but rather it is simply who she is and how she makes me feel when she is around. It's her smile, her laughter, her dark eyes that can see right through me. It's how she keeps me honest and grounded. It's how she makes my heart skip a beat and makes my head swim. I know it sounds like some sort of affliction but I think that is exactly what love is. I've been afflicted and I hope I never recover. It's so good to be home and for me home is wherever Veronica is.

Happy Anniversary!

2008-10-22T06:46:00.001-07:00

Well we did it! We celebrated 29 years of marriage on October 20th. They said we were too young. We needed to finish college. We needed to wait. We didn't know what we were getting into. Marriage was for more mature adults. It would never last. I was 19 and she was only 17.

But we proved them wrong. We were and are so in love. It was our love for each other and for the Lord that has brought us this far. No, we didn't just survive 29 years hanging on by a thread. We have enjoyed the journey. In fact we have thrived and our love has grown deeper.

For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do us part.

It's called making a commitment. Yes,we were young and didn't know much about anything but we were committed to making it work.

This year was different than other years. We stayed at home because Veronica had surgery so we celebrated by me giving her some pain pills and just holding hands quietly. I surprised her with a camera and she gave me some cologne. When she is better we will go out to Maggianos, Carrabbas or Perry's Grille and we'll celebrate with a scrumptious meal and stare deeply into each others eyes and still see that young foolish first love like in the spring of our lives together.

I am so glad and blessed to be growing old together with the love of my life and enjoying life one day at a time. My advice for young couples considering the plunge into wedded bliss?

For the men, make her fall in love with you again. Keep sweeping her off her feet. For the ladies, keep making him crazy in love with you. Believe in him and stand by him.

For both of you, always keep the Lord at the center of your lives.

How many years have you been married? How do you keep the flame burning?

Speak up!

2008-10-07T12:26:00.001-07:00

Look how sweet Burk and Noemi look? I know I am biased but both of my little girls, Noemi and Ester, looked so beautiful and all grown up on their wedding days. Almost makes me misty-eyed just thinking about it.

It is so important to tell people, especially our spouse, how or what we are feeling. Communication is vital to a strong and healthy marriage.

Now here's the deal. Most of us don't have a problem telling them exactly how we feel when we are angry or upset. In fact we probably need to learn to communicate a little less because we end up saying something that we'll be sorry for later.

But it is vitally important to tell them how we feel when all is right. When they are doing good and when they have done something nice. Let them know it. Don't keep those kinds of good things to yourself. In fact it would be a great thing if for every bad thing we say we could say at least five nice things.

Now Veronica and I after nearly 29 years of marriage don't have any arguments. However, the neighbors three houses down may have heard our lively discussions :)

Make it a point to express gratitude, love, joy, and appreciation to your life long love. It will go a long way to a healthy marriage and family.

Oh, and it doesn't hurt to say, "I'm sorry" once in a while too!

p.s. Look for a guest writer coming soon to this blog!

Growing closer in the storms of life

2008-10-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

In the vows most of us exchanged on our wedding day we probably said the words, "for better or for worse, in sickness or in health, for richer or for poorer."

Of course we all hope for only the "better, richer and health" part but unfortunately life tends to deal us plenty of "worse, sickness and poorer."

In the gulf coast region we recently were dealt a heavy blow by hurricane Ike. Many have lost much and it's going to be a long road to recovery as we deal with insurance adjusters, FEMA, and other hardships.

It is during these trying times that some marriages that are already strained can suddenly snap under the pressure. Others will grow stronger and closer as they face adversity together.

How can you tell what the outcome will be? How can we make our marriage stronger during these times of very high stress. How can we grow closer together and not further apart?

Veronica and I have gone through some rough times and we have a few pointers to share. Whenever tensions were high Veronica and I would regroup and remind ourselves of several things.

#1. People are not the enemy. That means that Veronica is not my enemy and I am not hers. The kids are not our enemies. The church people are not our enemies.

#2. Recognize that there is a spiritual adversary that would love nothing more than to disrupt and destroy our marriage and family. Use spiritual weapons to fight him.

#3. Remember that we (our marriage and our family) are on the same team and we want the same things although we may want them in different ways.

#4. If we believe in each other we can face anything together with more strength than we can alone. We need each other especially during difficult times.

#5. Be patient with each other. Stress makes you say and do stupid things. Remember that and let your spouse express frustration without criticizing and judging each other. We are only human and we all make mistakes. It's ok. We are gonna make it through this.

This is by no means an all inclusive list but simply my two cents on the subject. I have much more to say but I will leave that to you my faithful readers to interject your pointers as we could certainly use them all.

Allow the storms of life to make you stronger and to bring you closer together. Somehow it seems that when we lose a lot of stuff we end up realizing what is truly important in our lives.

After the big day

2008-09-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

Sam & Ester Puente on their big day! Look at Ester's big smile. One of my little girls. Sam has the deer in the headlights look.

What about after the big day? You know when we wake up next to someone with no makeup. When we find out that they snore really loud and scary like. When we find out they drool, alot!

There are many surprises after the big day and it's all a part of the process of becoming one. Most times we simply become unglued!

The day before she was dressed in an expensive dress and tiara now she has her hair up in rollers, no makeup, no mascara, no perfume! Then the contacts come out. What? You mean your eyes are really not blue? Then the mud mask goes on.

Then he starts to leave his socks, shoes, and practically every other item of clothing right where he took them off. This ain't his momma's house!

And so the marriage begins....

I've been traumatized! How about you? How did it go with you the first few days after the wedding?

You've Got Mail!

2008-09-08T06:53:00.001-07:00

Ahhh! L'amour, L'amour.

Gabriel and Jacqueline Terrel sealing the deal with a kiss. What a beautiful couple.

If you haven't seen "Shop Around the Corner" you've probably seen "You've Got Mail" which is a remake with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

The excitement and anticipation of receiving an e-mail from someone they can really identify with and feel connected to can be powerful. There was a time when we wrote letters, you know, stamps, envelopes. Now referred to as "snail mail." Veronica actually has several of the letters I wrote to her when we were dating and some that I wrote to her after we were married. It's kind of fun to re-read them. They are so corny. Just because you are in love you don't all of sudden begin to write like Shakespeare.

The very first note I received was in third grade from my very first girlfriend. The note read, "Do you want to go steady? Check yes or no." There was a small box next to yes and a box next to no. Wow! Third grade and I was already a heart-throb! Of course I checked yes! That's all it took and we were officially boyfriend and girlfriend. That was about it. Nothing ever happened after that day. We were in grade school and that's as far as it got in grade school. But the memory of that note still lingers after all these years.

Say, I have an idea! How about we actually get out some pen and paper and write one of those snail mails to our spouse, put a stamp on it, maybe a little perfume and actually mail it? I bet it will make their day.

Growing Old Together

2008-09-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ed and Mandy Huff celebrated their nuptials here at Faith. They make a handsome couple. Mandy's dress is beautiful.

There are a few lines in most wedding vows that go something like this: "For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

With the divorce rate being as high as 50% of all marriages even among evangelicals we have to ask ourselves if maybe we really don't understand exactly what we are promising each other on that special day.

One movie that I really enjoy and in fact I just saw it again last week (we have the video) is called "Shop Around The Corner" with a young Jimmy Stewart. In this movie the boss and owner of the shop discovers his wife is having an affair. When he learns of it from a private investigator he is shocked and he says, "I guess she just didn't want to grow old with me." It is a moving scene and a moving line. When we get married we hope and pray that the person we are marrying will be the person who will "grow old" with us. The person who will be there through thick and thin (hopefully more thick than thin). The person who will look after us when we are sick. The person who will split the last sandwich when money is scarce.

I truly believe that this is exactly what God had in mind. We don't need to lower our standards just because our society has come to expect much less of marriage. Mostly we simply expect them to make us happy and when they don't we go looking for someone who will.

The true joy of marriage is in sharing the journey of life with all of its ups and downs together with our soul mate. Growing old together is just what God had in mind.

Self-Care

2008-09-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

It was good to see our friends Frank & Lana Centonze pictured here and also meet Gerard, Lana's brother and their friend, Winston all visiting from New York.

Self-care is so important it is actually part of the commandments Jesus summarized.

Love the Lord you God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.

Too many of us don't even like ourselves. We don't like who we have become so it becomes difficult to love anyone else.

One of the major causes of depression in women if not the number one reason is low self-esteem. Men also suffer from a negative self-image usually acquired during the formative years.

Too many marriages suffer from one or both spouses carrying this low self-image into the marriage. It usually starts with the thought that maybe this person I'm marrying will make me happy. That is too much pressure for anyone to carry. We give them the tremendous task of being responsible for our happiness.

The key is to see ourselves through the eyes of the Lord. To begin to love ourselves as he loves us. True self-care does not begin with a manicure or a round of golf with the boys but rather it begins in our minds with what we are telling ourselves. How we see ourselves makes a powerful impact on how others see us.

Here are a few things to help us on the road to a good self-image.

1. Read what God thinks about you in the New Testament. The list is extensive. John 3:16; Romans 8, etc.

2. Learn to forgive yourself. If I have asked God to forgive me then I also need to forgive myself.

3. Give yourself room and permission to make mistakes, it's human.

4. Accept yourself with all your idiosyncrasies. You are unique and special. There is no one like you.

5. Realize that you are on a journey of becoming conformed into the image of Christ. It does not happen overnight. It is a process.

6. Enjoy the journey and where you are now knowing that you are growing in Christ.

7. Don't take yourself too seriously, learn to laugh at yourself. Laugh more, laugh often, enjoy life.

As we begin to have a better self-image we also begin to think better of others, are more forgiving, more patient with them and we take away the burden of expecting them to make us happy. We find we are only truly happy in Christ.

When we love ourselves as God loves us then we are able to truly love others especially our spouse.

The Kiss

2008-08-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

Lupe and Olga Sanchez makin' out under a tree. Sometimes you just need to grab her and kiss her real good and hard. Way to go Lupe!

We got some good advice from everyone. If you missed it you can still read the blog and the comments.

One thing that is often overlooked in talking about marriage is the importance of self-care.

We can certainly go to either extreme when it comes to this subject. On one side we have husbands and wives who seem to only think about themselves. The weekend comes and they are off with their fishing, hunting or bowling buddies or just hanging out with the girls, shopping of course and leaving their poor spouses to fend for themselves. This is definitely not healthy for the marriage and it leaves the door open for the enemy to send someone else along who wants to spend time with that person.

Then of course you have the person who loses themselves in their spouse until they have no identity of their own. Some lose themselves in their kids and completely shut out the spouse.

There is of course a balance and that is what we must strive for. I want to focus on just one aspect and later we can look at the other side of the coin.

Personally I need time for myself. I definitely got married because I didn't like being alone. I enjoy spending as much time with Veronica as possible. However, I recognize that I need to get off by myself to do so serious fishing or play a round of golf or just go shopping for tools at Home Depot or Lowes. I also know that Veronica needs to go catch a movie with her girls or go shopping.

It helps us get a fresh perspective. What ends up happening is that we then look forward to our time together.

There is a lot more to this issue of self-care and I'll share some more later. For now I would like to know how you spend some time just for you.

2008-08-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

Jenny and Eric Ellard having their cake and eating it too! They look so young.

One thing I really don't care for too much is the horrible custom, in my opinion, of shoving the piece of cake into each others mouths. They look so romantic with their arms laced together as they seemingly are going to share a small piece of cake, which by the way someone probably paid a hefty price for, and then out of nowhere, WHAM! they try to suddenly shove the piece down each other's throats!

Who thought this idea up? "Let's start them off by instigating a brawl so we can see how they are going to handle unexpected crisis."

Was it the mother in law who told her little boy, 'Now, son, when it comes to giving her a piece of cake you just cram it in her face. That's what she gets for stealing by baby!'?

Or maybe was it the father of the bride who told his little girl to smack him in the face so he knows what he's gotten into?

All I know is what was a beautifully romantic moment turned into the Three Stooges. Oh, well so much for dumb wedding customs.

I have a whole list of this stuff. Sad isn't it? Married life is like that sometimes. Everything is going beautifully and out of nowhere, WHAM! It's how we deal with the situation after the big WHAMO that matters.

How do you deal with unexpected crisis in your marriage?

By the way, it would be much more fun for the guests if we were allowed to start throwing a piece of cake too. Now there's an idea!

Wild and crazy days

2008-08-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo of Mike & Susan Rawls. I think I'm starting to see a pattern between marriage and hair loss! I found out that several of our church family couples eloped (not all together). Mike & Susan eloped to Las Vegas but later renewed their vows in church after they were both saved. Don't they look so in love?

We do some crazy things in the name of love. Things can get a little hairy (pun intended) and maybe we just aren't thinking too clearly but somehow at times things turn out all right. It's not always this way. Sometimes things don't turn up so rosy but God is able to make all things work together for good for those who love the Lord.

I want to pass on to you some good books to read on Marriage from Frank (of frank_n_lana fame) who has done years of counseling (not gone through it but rather he is the counselor).

Safe Haven Marriage by Sharon (Hart) Morris May.

How to Argue So Your SPouse Will Listen:6 Principles for Turning Arguments into Conversations by Sharon (hart) Morris May.

The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work by John Gottman.

Trading Places: The Best Move You'll Ever Make in Your Marriage (hardcover) by Les & Leslie Parrott.

The Way to Love Your Wife: Creating Greater Love & Passion in the Bedroom (Focus on the Family Books) by Penner and Penner.

Thanks Frank for the tips on good books. We can always improve our Marriages.

Keep those wedding photos coming everyone! So, anything wild and crazy you want to share about your nuptials? Let's keep it PG.

2008-08-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the wedding photos. Keep them coming. Here are Chenoa and Jonathon King.

So young and full of hope. Marriage is a wonderful gift. When God created Adam it didn't take long to see that Adam being alone was not a good thing. So God created Eve, a perfect companion and helper for Adam.

Adam couldn't have been happier. He must have had as big a smile on his face as Jonathon does in this photo.

Eve was so far above anything he had ever seen. She was in fact, perfect! And for whatever time they had before the fall life couldn't have been better.

In a way we too experience that feeling. We call it the "honeymoon". That period of time after the wedding when we sort of float around in a cloud and life couldn't be better. Every couple stays in that mode but for different times until something happens and then we realize that we cannot live in "honeymoon" mode all the time because life is hard and it wears us down.

I have found however, that although the honeymoon does come to a definite end the feelings can be recaptured over and over again all throughout your married life. It takes more work but it is well worth it. As you grow old together your love begins to mature and blossom into something much deeper, more lasting and you discover a fuller and often more intense kind of love.

With the divorce rate so high it is sad that many couple do not stick together long enough to discover that kind of meaningful love that is not dependent on circumstances, finances, or other superficial things but is built on understanding God's unconditional love for us.

That kind of deep love in our marriage can only be found when we have the Lord at the very center of our lives. He is the author of marriage. It was his idea!

Wedding memories

2008-08-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

All of us have memories of our wedding day. I have already heard some very interesting wedding stories from some of you. I was decked out in all white with my big hair. I was cool! Veronica looked like an angel from heaven as she walked down the aisle to the altar. All I knew was that I was the most fortunate of men. Who could ask for anything more than a god-fearing beautiful woman full of hope for the future. We were and still are madly in love with each other. A torrid love affair! With God's blessing of course.
It's been a wonderful journey of almost 29 years this October. I wouldn't trade these years for anything in the world. If I knew that marriage was this good I would have married sooner.

What about your wedding day memories? Any glitches? Any surprises?

Remembering is one way to keep the fire alive.

Oh, yeah, thats Veronica and me on that photo. Wow would you look at that hair?

Date Night Ideas

2008-08-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Really good comments yesterday. You guys rock!

I thought it would be a good thing if everyone could share a few creative ideas for what is commonly termed "date night."

Usually it means going out on a date without the kids of course but in today's economy it can get pricey but I am sure there are some creative ways to keep the flame alive without going bankrupt.

I still personally prefer taking my Veronica to a fancy restaurant for a nice quiet evening at an Italian restaurant and just spending some good time talking about everything and later going for a drive. We definitely need to do it more often.

How about some tips from you our faithful bloggers on your creative approach to "date night"?

My Marriage Advice

2008-08-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, it seems that people really enjoy talking about marriage so let's keep it going a few more days.

A nervous young man sat in my office waiting for his bride to be to show up to get married. He turned to his father and with a quiver in his voice asked, "Dad what should I do?" His father matter-of-factly and in a calm voice simply replied with one word, "Run!"

If a young couple came to you before they get married and they ask you for advice what are the three most important things you would tell them?

Let's keep it short and sweet!

Here are my three for starters:

1. Make sure they are both Christians. The Bible tells us to not be unequally yoked together with an unbeliever.

2. Make sure they understand that this is a lifelong commitment. Till death do us part.

3. Make sure they know that it's going to take some hard work to make it a great marriage but it will be well worth it.

Now it's your turn. KISS - Keep It Short and Sweet!

A great marriage

2008-08-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Different cultures have different expectations of both the husband and the wife in marriage. For years it seems that the woman's place was in the home. Cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids, waiting on her husband's every whim.

The pendulum has swung so far to one side that often stay at home moms get a bad wrap in our society.

Stay at home moms today work hard often with little appreciation from their husbands.

But wether you are a stay at home mom or you are out in the work place when you read Proverbs 31 you can see that the wife described there was a very busy woman indeed!

Wives need to be appreciated and loved regardless of what our culture or society expects them to be or do.

Husbands need a lot of love too! Our society expects them to be the wage earner and provider of the family. Many families today however are double income families. It's gotten more expensive it seems to raise a family.

The Lord is less concerned about what you do than who you are. When the prophet Samuel went to Jesse's home to anoint the next King of Israel and he saw Jesse's firstborn son he thought that surely this was the one God had picked because he looked like a king but God told Samuel that he was not the one. He said to Samuel, "Men look on the outside but God looks at the inside."

While our culture may try to impose their ideals on our marriages we must live our lives according to God's Word.

Ultimately it is what God thinks that matters in the end.

"Wives submit to your husbands as unto the Lord."
"Husbands love you wives as Christ loved the church, laying down his life for her."

Maybe we should concentrate on what God says to us and quit worrying about our spouse since we cannot change anyone else. We can only change ourselves.

What do you think?

Five Commandments for Husbands

2008-08-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Here are the five commandments for Husbands:

1. Assign top priority to your marriage relationship.

2. Dare to talk, give praise and reassurance.

3. Listen without feeling the need to solve the problem.

4. Avoid criticism.

5. Remember the importance of the little things.

6. Buy yourself a motor scooter. (just checking to see if you were reading).

Yesterday we received several comments but all from wives. Let's hear from the husbands this time. I know they are scared or is it scarred? but I challenge you to add your insights to today's e-devo.

We can have a great marriage!

Ten Commandments for Marriage

2008-08-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

From Cecil G. Osborne's book entitled "The Art of Understanding Your Mate" we get these 10 commandments for marriage. Five for the wives and five for the husbands.

5 Commandments for the wives:

1. Give up on your quest for a perfect marriage.

2. Give up all hope of changing your husband through criticism or attack.

3. Give praise and affection to your husband.

4. Do things your husband likes to do like hobbies and sports.

5. Do your part to provide a peaceful environment at home.

Do you have any that you would like to add to this list to improve a marriage? Let's keep it real out there.

Marriage was God's idea!

2008-08-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Speaking from the Book of Genesis chapters 1 and 2 we find that God had an idea on how to solve Adam's problem of not finding an adequate helper after naming all the animals. God's solution to the problem was simple.

"I will create a helper for him." Adam was put into a deep sleep and God went right to work. He took a rib from Adam and formed woman from that rib.

Matthew Henry wrote in his commentary, "If man is dust refined then woman is dust twice refined."

"If man is the head, she is the crown, a crown to her husband, the crown of visible creation."

After God was finished he brought Eve to him. Kind of like a father walking his daughter down the aisle at a wedding ceremony.

Imagine Adam's surprise, wonder and delight when he saw the perfect woman, Eve, coming to meet him.

Marriage was God's answer for Adam's problem of loneliness. Take a few moments today to thank God for your husband or wife. It was our heavenly father's wish that we would have someone to share our struggles and our triumphs with.

I simply cannot imagine my life without my darling Veronica by my side. She is my everything. One day I'll read her the notebook.

You are loved very much!

2008-08-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

Fearfully and wonderfully made

2008-08-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Psalmist wrote, "For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful.
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be."
Psalm 139:13-16

Even down to the tiniest cell God designed us and gave us a purpose.
Take a few minutes to view this video that talks about the wonder of a single cell.
You'll be amazed!

Praise God for His marvelous works!

Come away my beloved.

2008-08-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

All throughout scripture we see a picture of a loving God who invites his people to know and love Him. Especially seen in the Song of Solomon is the love that is holy and true. In the New Testament the church is called the bride of Christ.

The pinnacle of God's creation was man. Created in God's image and created for fellowship with his creator. God longs for fellowship with you. Take time today to sing to Him or talk with Him. This is why you were created.

"Come away, my beloved, come away with me my love", says the Lord.

His eye is on the sparrow.

2008-08-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

God loves you so much. Here is a wonderful video about God's eyes being on the sparrows.

Enjoy!

Snakes on a plane?

2008-07-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Snakes are beautiful and many species are poisonous. We usually find harmless garden snakes but we are so afraid we often go out of our way to kill the poor little things.

At creation like all other animals snakes were vegetarian and harmless. We find one in fact in the Garden of Eden having a conversation with Eve. She obviously was not afraid of it nor didn't think anything of talking to it.

However, that particular encounter turned out to be more harmful than Eve could ever imagine. God cursed the snake and from then on it was to slither along on the ground (did it walk upright before?) and God put a natural hatred of snakes between the woman's offspring and the snakes.

Our Lord Jesus Christ won the ultimate victory when he crushed Satan's head, that old serpent, on the cross and at the resurrection. The snakes remind us of his victory and ours as well.

Praise the Lord! Even for snakes.

Check out this short video of a very large python! Enjoy!

What's buggin' you?

2008-07-30T07:32:00.001-07:00

There are over 950,000 species of insects. Bugs! We spray our houses, we use bug repellants, we put out traps, we wear special oils, ointments, creams and even special clothes all to ward off bugs.

Then there is the occasional news story of someone who was so fed up with bugs in their homes that they put out several cans of bug killer called bug bombs and then forgot to turn off the gas pilot on the stove and of course "kaboom!" House and bugs all gone now.

But remember that one man's bug is another man's lunch! Many cultures eat many types of bugs such as ants, grasshoppers, scorpions, spiders, rodents and yes even worms! Ugh!

Then there are the bugs that are really creepy until they morph into something absolutely beautiful like the butterfly pictured above.

Butterflies let us know that God can turn the ugly bugs in our lives into something beautiful. No, I'm not speaking about your husband or wife but about things that bug us like problems, difficulties and temptations.

The Word of God tells us in Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

So before you go out and buy some bug bombs maybe God is just about to turn that ugly thing into something very beautiful.

Here, doggie, doggie!

2008-07-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

I like cats and dogs but I actually have a dog as a pet.

Cats are more aloof and seem to require much less attention from their masters. But it is really hard to teach cats any really good tricks except for where to go potty. As it turns out my wife and some of the kids are allergic to cats. So we have a small dog. A toy rat terrier to be exact. McKinney is really a good dog and has been a pretty good pet. She is very friendly and finally house trained. She has a good disposition and rarely barks although the other day she saw a picture of Sam and Ester up close and she backed away slowly and began to growl. I'm not sure what that was all about.

What the dog thinks: Gee whiz, he feeds me, he bathes me, he makes sure I have plenty of water and he plays fetch with me and grooms me, he must be God!

What a cat thinks: Gee whiz, he feeds me, he bathes me, he makes sure I have plenty of water and he plays with me and grooms me, I must be God!

Thank God for the animals that bring such joy to our lives. Thank you Lord for out little McKinney.

What kind of pet do you have and what is it's name?

Day Six of Creation week - part 1

2008-07-28T09:10:00.001-07:00

On day six of creation week God creates all land animals. One of my favorites is the Lion. My last name, Diaz de Leon, means day of the lions. When you add that to the meaning of my first name, Daniel - God has judged me, then the meaning of my full name, Daniel Diaz de Leon translates into "God has judged me in the day of the lions." Cool, huh? Just like Daniel in the lions den from the Bible story.

Lions are so majestic. They look so furry and cuddly yet they also look ferocious!

Jesus himself is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has roared over this congregation and has decreed blessing and growth!

Take time this week to praise God for the animals he has created.

Which is your favorite animal and why?

I believe I can fly!

2008-07-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

I was always fascinated with Superman when I was a kid especially with his ability to fly. I still don't understand the need for the cape. Does it help him fly? Was it just because it looked cool flapping in the wind? Wasn't he worried about getting it caught in stuff from time to time? Was it made of breathable material? Who exactly picked the colors? Did he ever wonder if it made him look fat?

Like most kids I tied on a cape (really an old towel) and dutifully jumped off the garage. Luckily I didn't break anything but more disappointing than that was that I didn't fly not even one iota. What a bummer.

To see the birds fly so effortlessly as they soar high above just makes me long for the day when we will fly through the sky when we are raptured at the coming of Jesus Christ!

From the two inch tall Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world to the Condor with a wing span of nine and a half feet across birds are fascinating and beautiful. There are over 10,000 species of birds!

In Matthew 6:26 Jesus says,

"Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?"

I know that since God takes care of the birds he will also take care of me and my family even if I can't fly with or without a cape!

You know I also wonder just who it was that told Superman that he would look good flying around in blue tights and flaming red underwear? Not to mention the boots!

"Captain!, There be whales here!"

2008-07-22T06:51:00.001-07:00

We are all probably familiar with the story of Captain Ahab and the great White Whale, Moby Dick, and in case you don't remember the whale wins in the end. Some will also recognize the above title from one of the Star Trek movies of how Captain Kirk and his gallant crew of the Enterprise save the earth from it's own short sightedness, again, by going into the past to bring some whales into the future to repopulate the species.

Whales are such magnificent creatures. The Blue Whale is long and slender. Weighs in at about 200 tons and can grow to over 110 feet long. It can swim at 12 mph and can go up to 30 mph for short bursts. It feeds on Krill (tiny shrimplike creatures) consuming up to 8,000 pounds per day! It can live up to 80 years and it's only natural predator is the Orca.

Some cultures were overwhelmed at such creatures and began to worship them.

Romans 1:21-23 (nlt)

"Yes, they knew God, but wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming themselves to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshipping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshipped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles."

While observing the beauty of the whale and other creatures let us be careful to give praise to God for his wonderful creation and know that he took great care in creating them.

Just think how much thought he put into making you!

Day Five of Creation

2008-07-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:20 "And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky."

On the fifth day of creation our awesome God created all marine animals and birds.

There are over 29,000 species of sea creatures making them the most diverse group of vertebrates.

How many fish can you name?

Read Job 41 for a great description of a now extinct marine creature possibly a dinosaur, maybe a plesiosaur.

Praise God for his diversity and abundance in making such wonderful sea creatures!

Fossil Faith

2008-07-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Stop wavering!

2008-07-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we saw that there are two opposing opinions as to the origins of man and everything we see around us. One theory is that of evolution which claims erroneously that everything came from nothing. Ultimately it appears that it takes much more faith to believe in this much touted yet full of holes theory of evolution than to believe that God created all things including man.

On Mt. Carmel in Israel the prophet Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal and the people to make up their minds between serving God or serving the false gods of Baal and Astoreth. The people had instead chosen to mix both religions into one thereby trying to satisfy both but this simply wouldn't do since God expects us to follow him and be loyal to him only.

In 1 Kings 18:21 Elijah asks this question of the people, "How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!"

Here's the point: As Christians we must stop wavering between the theory of evolution and the biblical account of creation. There is no reason for us to be ashamed of believing by faith what God says he did and how he says he did it. Let us firmly believe it, proclaim it and defend it.

Make up your mind to live by faith and refuse to accept the theory of evolution. This is a spiritual battle and there can only be one winner. I'll take God's word any day.

Joshua, Moses' successor had it right when he stated emphatically, "Choose you this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord!"

HOPE

2008-07-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

More on the Moon

2008-07-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message: Day Four of Creation.

The temperature on the moon during the day can be up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit and at night it cools down to -245 degrees Fahrenheit. It's atmosphere is so thin as to be negligible.

Although it is basically a lifeless rock floating around our Earth it still has some very important features. The moon affects the ebb and flow of our tides. It's gravitational pull on Earth helps to keep Earth tilted at a perfect angle on it's axis. It also marks off our seasons and of course it reflects the light of the Sun. We need the Moon.

Bottom line is that you don't have to be spectacular to have a design and a purpose. Often we feel that we are too plain or not talented enough to make any difference in this life but all we have to do is look up at the moon and see that even the very plainest amongst us can make a huge difference in the lives of others. The very least we can do is reflect the light of God's Son to those around us.

To the Moon!

2008-07-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message: Day Four of Creation.

Our moon is about 1/4 the size of Earth. It is the 5th largest natural satellite in our solar system. Because the moon does not rotate on its axis we always see the same side. There are about half a million craters that are more than 1 mile wide. The largest crater is 52 miles wide!

The moon has about 1/6 of the Earth's gravity. I weigh 160 lbs. but on the moon I would only weight 27 lbs.

Probably the most interesting fact about the moon is that it only reflects about 7% of the light it receives or about the same as a lump of coal. The reason it seems so bright is because it is surrounded by complete darkness so it looks brighter.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-15 that we are the light of the world and that we should let men see our good works so they may praise our heavenly Father.

Because we are surrounded by spiritual darkness it becomes even more important for us to let our little light shine.

I want people around me to offer praise to God for my shining light, how about you?

The Whirlpool Galaxy

2008-07-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's message: Day Four of Creation.

This photo was taken with the Hubble Space Telescope. The Whirlpool Galaxy is 23 million light years away. It contains about 300 billion stars yet it is only one of hundreds of billions of galaxies in the known universe.

You can't help but stand in awe of this galactic beauty.

We serve a star-breathing God. He spoke and entire galaxies came into being.

Hebrews 11:3 says, "By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen."

Praise God today for his beautiful creation including the Whirlpool Galaxy. He is so awesome!

Sun, Moon and Stars

2008-07-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message: Day Four of Creation

On the fourth day of creation God creates the Sun, moon and stars.

Some facts about our Sun. Our Sun is considered to be a middle sized, middle aged star. It is about 1 million times larger than our Earth. You could fit 960,000 of our Earths inside the Sun. It is 93 million miles away from Earth so light traveling at 186,000 miles per second takes just eight minutes to arrive on Earth from the Sun. The gravity on the surface of the Sun is best understood when compared to that of Earths. A 160 pound man would weigh 4,480 pounds on the Sun.

When the Psalmist looked up at the sky he couldn't help but break out in praise to God.

Psalm 19:1-3 "The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard."

Take some time today to thank God for the Sun and for the light and warmth that it gives. Without it we could not survive.

2008-07-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

But what if that design is random?

2008-07-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message: God of abundant provision.

Lastly, everything that God created was by design not by accident nor did it come into being randomly as some would have us believe.

Randomness is a lack of order, purpose, cause or predictability.

Those who believe in evolution want us to believe that everything around us was a random act of cosmic forces. That somehow Earth, life, humans all came about with some weird convergence of matter and energy. We just happened. We were basically a mistake. We were not planned nor designed with any purpose or usefulness whatsoever.

God's word, The Bible, tells us about creation. It tells us that we were created in God's image. That we are fearfully and wonderfully made. That we have a purpose and that purpose is to know and love God. We were created for His pleasure. God's word tells us that we are something very special. That you are worth much to God. That you have value and are precious.

God calls you the "apple of his eye." He loves you dearly. He has a plan and a purpose for your life and he offers abundant forgiveness and restoration to a right relationship with himself.

You are NOT a mistake! You are NOT junk! You ARE loved! The theory of evolution is nothing more than man's feeble attempt to explain God's creation.

Listen to what Hebrews 11:3 says, "By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen."

You are really something special! And don't let anyone tell you different!

I've Gone Bananas!

2008-07-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message: Day three of Creation - God makes land, seas, and plant life.

I love bananas! They are probably my favorite fruit. Bananas are grown in over 107 countries. Bananas can be yellow, green and even red. Both the skin and inner part can be eaten raw or cooked. Bananas are a valuable source of vitamin B6, Vitamin C and potassium. Bananas may also be cut and dried and eaten as a type of chip. Dried bananas are also ground into banana flour. And of course one of my favorite breads is made by using bananas that have just about gone bad and that is banana nut bread. And how can we talk of bananas without saying anything about a summer favorite, banana splits! oooooh! Sweet mamajama!

When you get a leg cramp, eat a banana! Need some Vitamin C? Eat a banana. How about some B6 to make your dreams more vivid and memorable? Or to cut the risk of Parkinson's disease in half? B6 in high doses in combination with magnesium can alleviate the symptoms of autism!

Ok, we get it! Eat a banana because it's good for you right? Of course right!

But there's more to it than that. If God put that much thought, purpose and usefulness in one simple fruit just imagine what he has instilled inside of you! Imagine what plans God has for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Go ahead. You know you want to. It's okay. Have a banana, maybe two!

Well, Shiver me timbers!

2008-07-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message: God's abundant provision. We learned that God created land and vegetation on day four of creation week. Fruits, veggies, grasses, shrubs, trees, nuts, beans, etc. The list is extensive.

There was a disease that was common among sailors, pirates and others aboard ship for extended periods of time. Some of the symptoms included dark purplish spots on the legs and thighs, nose bleeds, swollen gums, sunken eyes, loss of teeth, partial paralysis and if left untreated ultimately death. Thousands succumbed to this disease on long voyages to the new world. This horrible disease could be treated very easily and the patient would recover almost immediately upon applying the cure. The disease is scurvy.

Alas, matey! The treatment as it turned out was a very simple one: ascorbic acid! What is ascorbic acid and how do I get it? Vitamin C. From citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes and other fruits.

The use of limes by the Royal British Navy to prevent scurvy gave rise to the name "limey" for an English immigrant in the former British colonies (particularly America, New Zealand, and South Africa). Well, hardy, har, har and blow me down!

Other sources rich in vitamin C include fruits such as blackcurrants, guava, kiwi fruit, papaya, tomatoes, and strawberries. It can also be in found in some vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, spinach and paprika.

Humans as it turns out lack the gene that makes vitamin C and thus require vitamin C in their diet to prevent scurvy.

So, what's the point in all this? Simple, we need to praise the Lord for his goodness and kindness in creating vegetation for our benefit and blessing. Let's give thanks to the Lord today for fruits and veggies!

Now, where did I leave my eye patch?

Fruits, Nuts and Flakes

2008-06-30T11:50:00.001-07:00

From Sunday's Message from Genesis 1:9-13. God of Abundant Provision.

In Day Three of Creation God creates the land and separates it from the oceans and seas. He also creates vegetation including seed-bearing plants, trees, etc.

The list of things included on this day of creation is extensive. It includes fruits, vegetables, grasses, herbs, spices, flowers, nuts, vines, shrubs and tress.

We need vegetation to survive in many different ways. We know that vegetation serves as a water filter purification system for the cycle of rainfall. We use plants for fuel and energy, lately ethanol made from corn.

We need the chemicals in plants for healing our bodies when they are sick.

Bottom line is that God didn't just create a few things but rather a plethora of vegetation each with specific purposes and uses for his coming creation of animals and humans.

Think about that the next time you find yourself short in paying the bills. God has already provided more than enough to meet your need. Simply trust him to send it in your direction in response to your obedience in giving.

He's still working on me

2008-06-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why God didn't just snap his fingers and make everything all at once instead of little by little? Since He is God he could have done it any way he wanted to but he deliberately chose to take his time and do things a little at a time.

This gives me great hope because that means that God is still working on me too. The moment I was saved was a starting point in my Christian walk with the Lord. I didn't instantly have every character trait in perfect order. For those who know me I know that's hard to believe but trust me when I say I am a work in progress. ;)

The Apostle Paul said it this way in his letter to the Philippians, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

God is still in creation mode within us every day he is doing something new. Don't get discouraged but take heart because God is not finished with you yet. He has not given up on you and you shouldn't give up on yourself either. Trust God to shape you and to mold you into the image of his dear Son, Jesus Christ.

You are a work in progress.

The Air I Breathe

2008-06-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message: God turns chaos into order.

The earth's atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding the planet earth and retained by the earth's gravity. It contains roughly 78.08% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.038% carbon dioxide, trace amounts of other gases, and a variable amount (average around 1%) of water vapor. This mixture of gases is commonly known as air.

We often take God's creation for granted. We hardly give air a second thought unless of course we are swimming and we have to hold our breath.

God designed our world down to the smallest details. The Psalmist wrote in Psalms 19:1-3, "The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their is no speech or language where their voice is not heard."

As you take a breath give praise to the Lord. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"

The more we learn about our world and about God's creation the more we realize that we on planet earth are indeed unique in the cosmos.

Protection

2008-06-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message.

Our atmosphere was created on the second day of creation. It is made up of five different layers. Let's look at just two, the exosphere and the mesosphere.

The exosphere protects life on earth from damaging solar winds, and by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation and reducing temperature extremes between day and night. The mesosphere is where most meteors burn up when entering the atmosphere.

Think about that. Before God created any lifeforms he made provision for their protection. He created an atmosphere that would protect us and keep us safe.

In the Psalms we are told that the Lord God encamps around his people to keep them safe. If you are in a place where you do not feel safe and secure then remember that the Lord surrounds you with his everlasting love and his protection. He will be your guard. He will keep you in the palm of his hand. Trust Him to keep you in safety.

Our God gave careful thought to every aspect of his creation. Imagine how much thought he gives to you today.

Second Day of Creation

2008-06-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Message: From Chaos to Order.

On the second day of creation God created the atmosphere which was nothing to sneeze at since it is a very complicated system of layers. Each of the five layers of our atmosphere are crucial and each serves a distinct function. Without even one of the layers life as we know it on earth would not exist.

When you read the account in Genesis 1:6-8 it hardly seems important but there is so much in those few verses.

It tells us something about God's creation. Even in the seemingly small details God knew what he was doing since at the time that the atmosphere was created there wasn't anything that actually needed what it provided namely air. But God was making provision ahead of time for what he was going to create.

Think about that for a minute. God planned way ahead for his creation. In fact the word of God tells us that Jesus Christ is the lamb slain from the foundation of the world meaning that even before the world was created God already knew what was going to be needed for the redemption of mankind, namely a sinless, perfect sacrifice. God in his infinite wisdom and knowledge and omniscience knows the end from the beginning.

What does that mean for me and you today? Simple. That nothing is going to happen to you today that you and God can't handle. He has already made provision for you and he knows the outcome when you trust him to walk you through it.

We serve an awesome God!

And finally...

2008-06-20T07:51:00.001-07:00

We've looked at four ingredeints that Dads (and moms too!) need to have in their homes to bless their children.
1. A meaningful touch.
2. A spoken message of affection and love.
3. Attributing of a high value.
4. The picturing of a glorious future.

I consider my job as a Dad (in case anybody wants to know) as instilling in my children first and foremost a deep love for God, His Word and His church. Second, I try to instill in my children that they are unconditionally loved and accepted by me and their mother too. Third, I try to give them all the skills needed to become independent, responsible adults. I trust them to make good choices and I don't get too bent out of shape when they make a few mistakes along the way. How else will they learn unless they fail a time or two? There are things that can only be learned in failure.

Life is more than just getting to the finish line. It's all about the journey. It's a journey of discovery. I heard a great quote on the news on TV the other day that really stuck in my head so I can't take credit for it.

"Life is not so much about waiting out the storms, but about learning to dance in the rain."

Dads, lets enjoy the journey with our kids together. In the end they are going to trun out all right if we have given them the skills necessary to love God, love themselves and love people. Most of the time they end up surprising you with what they have learned from you and usually it's something really good!

Part 4

2008-06-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Four ingredients are needed in our homes for Dads to bless their children according to Dr. Gary Smalley in his book, "The Blessing."

1. A meaningful touch.

2. A spoken message of affection and love.

3. The attributing of a high value.

Finally, #4, the picturing of a glorious future.

Help your children discover who they are. Help them find their niche and what gifts and talents God has given them. It is embedded in their DNA. Our job as dads is to help them find out what they are good at and how they can find a career at it. Counsel and guide them to become the kind of person God wants and made them to be.

The mistake many parents make is to try and make their children to become what mom and dad want them to become instead of what God made them to be.

Let your child excel in his God-given talents. Encourage them to try new things. Tell them that they have a wonderful future ahead and that they are gonna be alright and that you believe in them.

It will make a difference.

Attributing a high value

2008-06-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's message about Fathers.

According to Dr. Gary Smalley there are four ingredients that are needed in blessing our children as Isaac blessed Jacob.

The first ingredient was a meaningful touch.

The second ingredient was a spoken message of affection and love. Never underestimate the power of saying, "I love you" to your kids.

The third ingredient is attributing a high value. Isaac said to Jacob, "May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness - an abundance of grain and new wine."

He's saying, "You are so special, so God will give you the best He has to give."

The best way to communicate value is by giving time and attention. So when a child comes to talk to you turn off the TV. Lay aside the paper and listen because they have so much that they are anxious to tell you. Get in the habit of listening when they have little things to say and when they have something important to say you won't miss it.

Dad, let your family know that they matter and that they are important. Make every effort to attribute a high value to them. You won't regret it.

This coming Sunday we will continue our series on Genesis. Bring the whole gang and worship the Lord as a family.

The Blessing - part 2

2008-06-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's Father's Day message found in Genesis 27:25-34. Dr. Gary Smalley wrote a book entitled, "The Blessing." In it he gives four ingredients that are found in Isaac's blessing of Jacob. These four ingredients need to be present in our homes as well.

The first we saw was a meaningful touch.

Today we look at the second ingredient: A spoken message of affection and love.

Dad, one of the best ways to build up your children is to tell them verbally how much they mean to you and how much you love them.

This is not as easy as it sounds. For many men this is like speaking a foreign language. They just don't get what's the big deal. We tend to reason that we show our love by bringing home the paycheck and putting food on the table and making sure they are safe, etc.

But our kids, both young and old, need to hear words coming from the man they most admire and love, their dads. Words that communicate clearly that they are loved, accepted, special, and important.

We find it much easier to say bad things to our kids but it is time for that to change.

Make an effort today, dad, to say something positive to your kids. They will really appreciate it.

After Father's Day!

2008-06-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Well here we are on the day after Father's Day. Time to take back the socks and underwear and get what we really wanted in the first place, tools!

We had a great service yesterday and congratulations to Wilfredo Gutierrez, $25 gift card, David Diaz de Leon, $25 gift card, Mark Campbell, $25 gift card and of course Dan Hamill, $175 gift card. All the gift cards were to Home Depot. Yeah! Every dad in attendance received their choice of two tools. Big smiles and happy faces all around.

Dad's are a special breed. Though they often get a bad rap in our culture. I really hate those commercials that make dad's or men in general look like oafs. Ugh!

As a re-cap from yesterday's message: Father's Day Blessings.

Fathers are entrusted in a special way to speak blessings over their children. Dr. Gary Smalley wrote a book entitled, "The Blessing." In it he examines the blessing that Isaac bestowed upon Jacob and it contained at least four ingredients that ought to be present in every home today.

Today we look at the first ingredient: A meaningful touch. It's important to communicate love with words but especially by touch. Kids need lots of hugs whether they are 3 or 30. No matter the age it is important to communicate love and acceptance and affection in some meaningful way.

The bumper sticker had it right when it asked, "Have you hugged your kid today?"

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day! Today we celebrate Dad with his own special day. Really it ought to be called Home Depot day since I'm kinda hop'in for some gift cards from Home Depot. Like many dads I love tools and lumber so I can build something. Please not another tie or socks. It reminds me of Christmas when I was a kid and I would get something practical like underwear. It's just not fair. But I want to thank God for my father, Sam, who has already gone on to heaven. He taught me many things about life. He believed in working hard. He always had money in his pocket. He loved his wife and took time out to discipline us when we really needed it. We were never poor and if we were we never knew it. I was the youngest of nine children so he had plenty of mouths to feed but I don't remember not having enough to eat or wearing a lot of hand-me-downs because my dad provided for all of us. But the most important thing he taught me was to love the Lord and always pay my tithes and don't miss out on prayer service. I still remember when the Spirit of the Lord would come upon my dad. He would be so moved and he would cry and I would cry just seeing what God would do to his heart and life. I miss my dad and I take the time out often to thank the Lord for him but especially today on Father's Day. If you still have your dad please tell him how much he means to you and how much you love him because truth be told you wont have him forever.

Next Sunday I will be speaking from Genesis 1:6. Join us each Sunday in a moving worship celebration service at 10:45 am. See you soon!

God Speaks Through His Son

2008-06-13T08:14:00.001-07:00

God speaks through His creation, His Word, but ultimately He has chosen to speak to us through His Son Jesus Christ. We are told in Hebrews that God in times past has spoken to us through many different ways and through many different people such as His Prophets and Apostles but today He has spoken to us through His Son Jesus Christ.

And what exactly is He saying?

I think John 3:16-17 says it best.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved."

Have you heard the "Good News"? That there is repentence of sins for all who repent by turning in faith to Jesus Christ, God's Son.

Join us this Sunday and bring your whole family as we celebrate God's wonderful gift of salvation and we also celebrate Father's Day! Sunday morning at 10:45 am for morning worship celebration is going to be a joy to see you there.

God speaks through His Word

2008-06-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

From the Genesis sermon series.

God speaks through His creation and He also speaks through His Word.

The Bible is the infallible, inerrant Word of God. Holy men of God spoke as they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit and wrote the Bible under His inspiration.

God's Word, the Bible, is life!

Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are."

Go ahead. Open the Bible and take it into your soul. Let God speak to you today through His mighty Word. It is life!

Join me this Sunday for an exciting time of praise and worship at 10:45 am and come celebrate Father's Day. Be blessed!

Wednesday's E-devo

2008-06-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday we saw that God reveals himself as a speaking God.
God still speaks today through many different ways.
First he speaks through nature and his creation. Psalm 19:1-4
“The heavens tell of the glory of God.
The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
Night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or a word;
Their voice is silent in the skies;
Yet their message has gone out to all the earth,
And their words to all the world.”
Take time today to see God in his creation.
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Father’s Day! Bring Dad and your whole family too!

"Let There Be Light!"

2008-06-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

We have begun a new sermon series entitled “Genesis.” We are exploring creation and the beginning of our world from God’s perspective.
Sunday I spoke on “Let There Be Light!” from Genesis 1:3-5. We had an awesome worship service and the Lord poured out His Spirit on many people that day. In this first day of creation God spoke light into existence.
It is important to note that God reveals himself as a speaking God. He desires to engage his creation through speech. It doesn’t say he snapped his fingers or waved his hands but rather that God spoke. While there were no physical creations present to hear him there were spiritual forces in existence that needed to hear God speak. When God spoke “Let there be light” it was a command, a decree, an order. So many today need to hear God speak “light” into their darkness. They feel lost and they stumble around looking for an answer. Know that God is still speaking today through his Son Jesus Christ he has given the final word and called upon all mankind to come to redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s time to allow God to speak into your darkness and time to step into the light of His great love for you.
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Father’s Day! Bring Dad and your whole family too!

2008-06-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

We have begun a new sermon series entitled “Genesis.” We are exploring creation and the beginning of our world from God’s perspective.
This Sunday I will be speaking on “Let There Be Light!” from Genesis 1:3-5. This promises to be an exciting series as we see God’s handiwork in the world around us but especially how He continues to work in and through us.
If there is one truth I would like for you to know and understand it is that YOU are the crown of His creation. While everything else God created was spoken into existence man was fashioned by the Master’s hands. You are the crowning glory of His creation. He created this beautiful world for our enjoyment and pleasure. You were created for His pleasure. God deeply desires a personal relationship with you. It’s not about rules or religion but about relationship through Jesus Christ His Son. Know that you are loved deeply by God. Trust Him to lead and guide you every day. You’ll be glad you did.

The Power of Persistent Prayer

2008-01-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!
Taken from Sunday's message: The Power of Persistent Prayer.

It's a political year and every candidate is promising change. I am a firm believer in voting and I intend to vote and make my voice heard.

However, the kind of change that America needs cannot be achieved through a political process no matter how popular. The kind of change we need can only be brought about on our knees in prayer.

Our voices must be heard not so much in the halls of congress or the white house but rather in the court of heaven. Be assured that God hears us when we pray.

2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Blessings!
Pastor Dan
Faith Assembly
League City

2007-11-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

Continued from Sunday's Message: T.G.I.F. - Thank God I'm Forgiven!

A man was caught stealing milk that had been delivered to a store. He had been arrested and he was taken before the judge. The judge asked him, "How do you plead?" There was only one way he could plead, because he had been caught in the act. He had to plead guilty. He asked for leniency for he had two small babies at home and nothing to give them and instead of seeing them starve he resorted to stealing. He said, "Judge, I plead for the mercy of the court."

The Judge said that since he had pleaded guilty, he had no alternative but to find the man guilty and he assessed a fine of $10. The man stood there, crestfallen, for he anticipated a jail sentence since he had nothing with which to pay the fine.

The judge got up, laid down his gavel, walked off the bench, walked over to the clerk's desk and paid the $10 himself, and set the man free. Then, he approached the man and gave him $100 to provide for his need.

There was no question of his guilt, nor of the justice of the sentence. And yet the one who had found him guilty was the very same one who paid his indebtedness in order that he might go free. But he didn't stop there he went further still by giving him more than what was needed.

That is the unbelievable payment Jesus Christ has made for us. Not only has he forgiven us our sins he has made provision for our salvation.

T.G.I.F.
Blessings!
Pastor Dan
Faith Assembly
League City

T.G.I.F.

2007-11-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

Good morning!
Continued from Sunday's message: T.G.I.F. - Thank God I'm Forgiven!

We saw that Paul the apostle offered himself as a substitute for Onesimus the run-away slave. We saw that Onesimus had an unpayable debt. We now see that Paul personally signed the letter as proof of his intention to make good on his promise to pay to Philemon all that Onesimus had stolen from him. Paul writes, "I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it"

The Apostle Paul always had someone else write his letters for him and as proof that he was the author he would usually sign them at the end with his distinctive signature. However, in this short letter to Philemon as he pleads for Onesimus he takes the letter from the scribe and with pen in hand he writes this promise to pay with his own hand and signs it in the middle to show Philemon that he is serious about his request.

We also have an undeserved substitute in Christ who took our place on the cross. We also have an unpayable debt. Like Onesimus whose penalty under Roman law was death, we too are under a death sentence. But Christ has paid the price for our redemption with his own blood. Jesus Christ has also promsied to pay for our sins and has signed it with his own distinctive signature. Written in blood. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

T.G.I.F. - Thank God, I'm Forgiven!

Blessings!
Pastor Dan
Faith Assembly
League City

Faith Groups

2007-08-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

There is something powerful about a few people getting together and having a good time around spiritual topics such as the bible or Jesus or christianty. There are things that can easily be discussed in a small group that wouldn't normally happen in a much larger setting. A small group offers a safe and accepting environment for open and honest discussion. It also offers more accountability. We are more willing to be vulnerable and transparent with each other. Sunday School functions in this fashion but many non-believers are not exactly excited about getting up early on Sundays and making their way to church (for that matter many Christians also have this aversion to getting up early!). Small home groups have the advantage that they can meet at more convenient times and places and offer way more flexibility. Don't get me wrong. I am a firm believer in attending Sunday School. I am not advocating getting rid of Sunday School but rather supplementing it with small home groups. Sunday School is more for believers. Small home groups are focused more on reaching the lost and retrieving those who have lost thier way from the faith. The point is we need both! How about getting involved with one or the other or both!

Desperate!

2007-07-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

You will never possess what you are unwilling to pursue. The question is then, what are you chasing after? The church talks a lot about revival and about how bad we want it and need it but our daily lives truly reveal what we are chasing after.

Jesus said it this way. Where your treasure is, that is where your heart is also.

What do you treasure? It is what you are pursuing every day. For some it is money, for others it is power and position, still others crave attention. Some are looking for love and relationship.

Does your daily pursuit line up with what you really want?

If you are as hungry for an outpouring of the presence of God in your life then you have to make it your daily pursuit.

Remember that reaching is the proof of desire.