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Mi Familia

My family is arriving today to celebrate Thanksgiving with me in Memphis. This has been the largest chunk of time I’ve ever been away from them. And it’s probably the longest chunk for awhile. So---it’s over! We made it! They’ll arrive later tonight.

One of the dearest treasures to me about my family is that we love to laugh—and we do it a lot! Since we know each other so well and love each other so much, we’re able to give each other a hard time and laugh about life. I can’t think of anything better to do as a family than laugh. We are so blessed, and we have much to be thankful for this year.

Now, if you’re really thinking, you’ve realized that something’s wrong with the idea of having a Thanksgiving meal in a single, young man’s apartment. Now, since I’ve been here my cooking abilities have significantly improved. But let me just say this: it’s going to take all of us to pull this off!

My goal is to eat my own weight in Sweet Potato Casserole (and everything else will be in addition to this).

I Should've Been a Police Officer

Last Friday, I rode from 5pm until 1am with a Memphis Police Officer. I’ve always wanted to be one—it was a dream come true. When I was little, my Hot Wheels® Police cars were my favorite. The first LEGO® set I ever owned was a Police Station. I watch COPS® faithfully. Anyone out there learning something new about me?

I chose Friday night hoping we would be busy. Darn the luck—as it turns out no one was being bad that night! The shift was incredibly slow and even boring. Not to mention the officer I rode with was quite incompetent—having to pull over multiple times to look at a map. It wasn’t long before I was navigating and helping him keep his report log.

One cool thing happened towards the end of the shift. Another officer began a car pursuit. We were nearby and so we hit the lights and siren and tore out at 75mph in a residential neighborhood! It was awesome! Within seconds there were eight other police cars around us and my adrenaline was pumping and we came over the ridge to where the pursuit was first reported….

…but the car got away before all the back-up arrived. I think I’ll try to ride again soon and choose a different Precinct.

Part II: Know it or Own it?

From the editor: The reason I don’t blog very often is because I want my writing to be good. I’m having a hard time writing part 2 of this series because these are topics I’m dedicating my life to—I could write for a long time! I hope that despite the concise-ness of these thoughts you can find something to chew on.

A suggestion that gets personal:

We need to own what we know. I think we will truly worship when we really come to grips with our own desperate need for a Savior. I can tell you all about what God has done for me. I can quote passages. I can elaborate. But does it connect with me, or are these just pieces of information I have stored?

Harold Shank preached about this some last Sunday. When will we stop comparing ourselves to terrorists or child abusers and realize that we have made an absolute mess of our lives? If we will recognize how far God’s grace and mercy had to go to find us—I think we would find true reason to worship with all that we have forever. Have you spent much time reflecting and/or meditating on how much you need a Savior?

Father, expose my sin to me. Help me to understand how far I have wandered. Reveal to me anew the price You paid to rescue me. Break my pride and arrogance. Help me see who You are so that I may understand more of who I am. “I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. For great is Your love toward me; You have delivered me from the depths of the grave.” (Psalm 86)

This Church Thing Sure is Easy

I hope my title got your attention. Each year I go through periods of mourning. It comes and goes. I mourn for the “punch-card worshipers” that fill our buildings. The people who come, sit, and leave without giving (or getting) anything. They punch their attendance cards. And somehow their facial expressions even leave me feeling guilty for putting them through it. I wonder if attending church should really be that easy? That convenient?

Someone I’m supposed to know wrote, “Grace is free, but discipleship will cost you everything you have.”

I think this thought can parallel with our worship assemblies. Granted, attending church should be easy in terms of feeling welcome and accepted. However, true worship engages our entire being (“…true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” John 4). It requires an intentional effort. Hang on every word. Soak every Scripture that is read. Reflect on each song and its message. Discern the voice of God during the sermon. Pray continuously for those around you, those leading the assembly, and for yourself. Worship assemblies are truly rich spiritual experiences. Oh that we would not take them for granted…

(more to come)

Jeff Nelson Update #2

I just heard that Jeff Nelson's doctor announced that the tumor was not cancerous! Hallelujah! All Jeff needs to focus on is having a great recovery. Praise the Lord for answering so many prayers!

Jeff Nelson Update

Friends,

Jeff Nelson came through surgery last night just fine. His surgery was from 6-9pm to remove a tumor from his colon. As I understand, the doctors feel confident that they removed all of it. Fortunately, much of Jeff’s family has been able to travel to San Antonio to help take care of his children, Christopher and Nataleigh. This has allowed his wife, Carol, to remain with him at the hospital. I was told that Jeff awoke late last night to his wife and his doctor, Jeff Pickens.

I will be sure to post when I learn more about the tumor. Currently, the next six weeks are expected to be quite difficult.

Thankfully, there is a long list of people who have stepped up to help take care of Jeff and his family during this time. I was also told that everyone feels very peaceful right now—this is a huge answer to prayer.

Let’s continue to pray for peace—and I hope you will join me in praying for a miraculous recovery for Jeff.

Prayers for a Friend

Jeff Nelson, a special friend and mentor, is having emergency surgery tomorrow. Jeff was my mentor two summers ago when I worked in San Antonio. The outlook for the recovery process is not very bright right now--it could be a long road.

Please join me in praying for Jeff and his family: Carol, Christopher, and Nataleigh.