EVER WONDER?

Do you ever Wonder?

Do you ever wonder what the future holds,

or what is behind the eyes of those so old?

They sit in silence rocking back and forth waiting for something.

What about the wind? Where does it come from?

How many times have they felt it on their skin, through endless circumstances,

some that look dim?

In their youth did they look into the distance and wonder?

Did they see their mortality grow closer?

Did they ponder their decisions, regret,

and see the consequences as future widsom?

Did they see time go by looking into the deep blue sky?

Is there a story with every wrinkle and every scar?

What about thier memories?

Do they make them laugh or cry?

I wonder about what the future holds,

As I look out into the bright Alaska night sky.

Will my past become wisdom to unfold?

Will a legacy have emerged that is pure and rich as gold?

Will the art my hands have created put a dent in history?

What is my story?

To live a long life and watch my children grow, love, and marry.

The moments many that enritch an eternity of smiles and cannot be burried.

A song is played out as our future comes about.

The song of love and eternal future melodies...

So what does the future hold?

Only my God knows,

His hands wrapped in warmth from all cold.

For my future is His and the journey is untold.

Blessings,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

ACTIVE, AGGRESSIVE FAITH

So, I have been thinking a lot about being active in my faith. In fact, I spoke on it this past Sunday in Youth Group. You see, we live in a world and society where everything comes quick. There are fast food restaurants, microwave meals, one cup coffee makers, eggs pre-prepared, and yes even the media with the cell phones with Internet access and all the social networking sights.

We have apps for this and for that on our "nooks" (i do have one of these), "cell phones" (I also have one of these, and then there are the countless messages and "whats on your mind right now" with face book and my space.

Seems like we are actively lazy, allowing all the current inventions to do everything for us. Oh, and when you get these latest and greatest gadgets it isn't a few months before the next level comes out. Think about it. I-phone then the I-phone 2; I-pad and now I-pad 2. Same goes with everything. Computers, cell phones, Internet servers, browsers, e-books, cars, jobs, and the viscous cycle continues on and on and on.

Everything seems to go into these cycles. The media just helps the revolving door to continue on it's endless fast spin. Style matters, not intelligence unless it's intelligence with looks and the latest style. Nerds are in but only in a "Chuck" way and geeks are completely out. There isn't just goth anymore now there is the multi defined "emo." Someone says it's in that has influence and it becomes the all powerful in for the moment until another person decides it's out and something else is now the best, the new rave. Can you hear the revolving door speed up and feel it blow the wind in your face? You should smell the stench of hypocrisy and rotten intentions for the pursuit of money by those who own it all and lay the foundation for the direction our society continues to move in. The fast lane. All leading down the path of destruction and self pleasure with never ending want and desperation to have more!

To be active and aggressive is something that takes more than just determination. It takes an attitude and spirit deep within and a change of self re-defining who we are and crossing the barrier until who we are becomes who we were and to look back and who we were makes us physically ill. Almost like a gut check moment that opens your eyes and removes the veil that has shrouded you in blindness, like someone diseased with anorexia who sees themselves as fat in the mirror when in reality they are skin and bones and clothes hang off their bodies. It's when the veil is lifted that we are disgusted by what we see. Then and only then there is a seed planted. The seed of desperation to change and become something new. A rebirth! But, the rebirth I am talking about is more than temporal sense of newness. It's the kind of birth that brings an excitement and desire to be aggressive about what has changed us.

I have become more aggressive with my faith over the past few years. Not in the sense that I am more overpowering with my opinions and a borderline fanatical Bible thumper. No, something much more. In fact, so different that I have been changed. Don't get me wrong this kind of aggressive mentality of change still is seen as offensive to humanity, even "Christians."

I don't carry around my Bible swinging away hoping that I hit something and someone anyone will listen. I am aggressive in every area. I will admit that like anyone living a life of responsibility I get overwhelmed and temporarily set back. For instance, I have for the most part been more aggressive with my marriage. I show a different kind of love than I was shown. When I fall back I become ashamed and am even more aggressive in fixing it even when it requires me to fall to my knees and ask my beautiful wife and best friend for forgiveness.

The same rings true with my Savior. You see, He's the reason for all this anyway. He willingly gave His life for us. We don't fully comprehend what it meant for Him to do this and what kind of change it brought to humanity because we weren't there before he gave up his last breath. I imagine Christ sitting next to the Father and weeping as He watches His children who He died for act out in such stupid and reckless fashion. I think about when I have told my children "no" to something because I know what's best for them. When they act out it doesn't make me happy, it saddens me and at times breaks my heart, and even more hurtful is when I have to punish them in the form of timeouts and spankings.

I am actively aggressive to continue to the change within me. I am on a continuous pattern and have chosen a new revolving door that has options for me to get off at any point in time. The difference is that I don't want to get off. I know what the other revolving door holds. It's that bitter stench of loveless pursuit of nothing!

How aggressive are you in your Faith? Not faith in general but Faith in Christ Jesus.... All is for nothing if you have not faith. Faith that moves mountains. Faith that says "I can do anything."


Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Time Away

I decided to take some time away from the "blog thing" as a way not to have the creative juices flowing but as a way of searching myself out and opeing the door to deep thinking and a time of peace. The thing about writing an e-mail or in a blog that cronicles deep thoughts more than merely just short stories or a "diary" of the days interesting or funny events, is that most times the material is so personal and emotionally taxing that you begin to dry up.

The truth is, some things are meant to keep to yourself. The things we learn through trials and circumstances may be able to help others but the fact is, sometimes they are for us personally and no one else. These are inner lessons that have to be considered for long periods of time. Not unlike evaluating spiritual self, or even evlauating one's motives and heart over life altering choices.

We live in a wold filled where everything is right at the tip of your fingers. You can find anything with a few quick key strokes, from how to bake a perfect Turkey to applying facial cream to clear your complextion and rid yourself of age and the wrinkles that fallow.

Don't get me wrong, there is a place for the information that we have surrounding us and invading every part of our lives. But, consider for a moment the cost of the information highway. Do you think life was happier and easier before there was the surge of information via the internet and cell phones. I mean come on! You can access the internet from your cell phone and even video game units as small as a PSP. I remember in high school not having a cell phone and the internet being dial up. I remember getting hold of friends by the telephone on the wall or driving/walking/biking to their house to find them. I didn't even have an e-mail account until just before I went off to college. Of course this was pre-social networking days. I can onlly immagine the times I wouldn't have been out of the house enjoying the beautiful weather if I'd had facebook or myspace. I was actually out with the friends I would have had on those sites, spending time with them perosonally. At the end of the night we went home and did what we usually did and waited to see or talk to each other the next day at school.

If I wanted to take my girlfriend out on a date I would call her on the phone or ask her in person. If I needed a date to the dance that was coming up I would have to ask in person not by e-mail or facebook. Everything was more personal. I didn't care about a cell phone. I didn't want a cell phone. If anything I wanted my ride to run better or have more time to work out.

I am in no way saying that being connected through the internet is a bad thing. Im not even saying that social networks are all bad. Shoot, I've reconnected with friends I haven't seen or talked to in years because of facebook. What I am saying is that it can be too much. The hole reason I decided to stay away from this blog for so long.

In fact, we took a month away from facebook and all social networking as well as e-mail and basic internet use while we were on Vacation. We decided it would be best to leave it alone and enjoy the time away. Call it a self imposed fast of the media. Well not all media because we did enjoy some movies and did use our cell phones and GPS to get from point A to point B. But for the most part we didn't partake in the media frenzie that occupies so much of our day that it becomes part of what we do. Getting back to life after Vacation it was almost hard to get onto facebook and let people know we made it home safe. If it were not for my students that I serve I would not have gotten back on other than to check on them.

I am sure that while I rant and rave about the need for a quieter more internet and media free life you have checked your facebook account on  your cell phone sent a high number of txt messages and even looked at your personal e-mail account. What I wouldn't give to live in the days of the pioneers (with medicine!) and not have to worry about cell phones, phone towers, spending money on fuel, electric bills, and so much more that we work so hard to pay for. While advances are good they are just as costly. The cost? Peace of mind, personal relationships, growing gray hairs, and being there for our children to watch them play and grow.

What about you? Maybe you should take a personal sabatical from the media that floods your life. I plan to do this more and more. Breath the fresh air, leave your cell phone at home when you are out with the family, turn off the lights and light some candles (at least it will smell better), walk to work instead of driving your car, and do it for yourself and your family.


Blessings,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Five Years

In one week I will be leaving for Vacation with my wife and kids for the first time in Five years. I am filled with mixed emotions for this trip. Anticipating a good time with my girls and yet feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of things that need to get done as well as how hard it is to travel with your three year old.

Then there is the tension that can arise with in-laws. I know not everyone has problems and is welcomed and can be accepted into the family as part of the family, but this is not the case for me. So, I spend time in prayer asking for patience and God's grace and favor with them. There is also the fact that my definition of vacation is so much more different than most.

I see vacation as relaxing and just going with the flow making as few plans as possible and having no schedule. Since I got married to my best friend and beautiful wife every vacation with her family has been planed out by every moment. No sleeping in, no resting on a deck, no hot tub (if one is there), and no real spontaneity. Well her dad at least! Sure, we have a planned visit with dates to my grandparents, aunt, and uncle as well as visits to the zoo and space museum. But I have gone out of my way to make sure we are not making a planned out schedule, that we will be free to roam, sleep in, go for walks, play in the grass with the warm sun, and just have a good time giving our girls ALL of our attention.

I admit that my initial thought is to not have to go to church and take a hole month off. But, I am not going to allow that to happen. So this is one area that may cause some tension with my wife's family as they are not Christians. I hope they won't have a problem with it, but just the same we will be in God's house! The heat could pose a problem as we are acclimated to the cool summers of Alaska. The heat will feel good at first, but sun burns are not a good by product of the fun we will have.

My wife is also pregnant with our third child and with her natural hormones during this time, things could get very emotional and if tension does come could result in some hard moments. In the end I am filled with anticipation and all the other emotions can take a back seat and I will breath through them and focus on the trip being as fun as possible.

I need this trip as much as my wife and kids. It's important to get away. Getting away from the norm creates a clear mind and desire to come back and be busy about our purpose in life. I pray all of you have a great summer and get a chance to get away from it all and enjoy life!


Blessings,
Mike III, AKA BIG DADDY

Sacrifice of the Lamb

Tomorrow is "Good Friday." That night so long ago that Jesus broke bread with His Disciples and told them that He would be with them no more. As clearly as He could put it, they still had no understanding. A couple of days later He would be put to death by the very crowd that welcomed Him in a palm leaf perade.

Humanity welcomes with open arms a heroe until it doesn't suit them anymore. Christ was pure, compassionate, and filled with love even when he was walkign the path covered in blood, pain shooting through his body with every step and feeling the cross grind on His broken skin. He shouted that God would forgive them because they knew not what they were doing.

If He were to do it all over again and in our time, would our rulers of denominations condemn Him to death? I beleive they would. In fact I don't believe that Jesus or any one of His disciples could hold credentials of a Pastor with the polotics that are involved today.

It's time we get back to the heart of God and act as Christ would act, love as Christ would love, and sacrifice as Christ would sacrifice.


Always Praying and Obedient to the Call





Mike III, AKA: Big Daddy

Under Attack

Under Attack:

    There are times in life when we all feel as though we are under attack. Most times it comes in the form of stress from others in our lives, like: a boss who isn't so good a boss, unpaid bills, doctors appointments, depression, bad relationships, betrayal, death of loved ones, and so much more.

    Now, I can only speak for myself. Lately I have been under attack and know the source. The source is our ultimate enemy Satan. At night time when I am tired and sleepy and think my eyes will close and soon to follow a deep sleep, is when I have come under attack. I know it is spiritual because of the nature of the attack. This attack has made me question myself, my call, and weather or not I should give up. Even deeper than that is the feelings of hopelessness and being lost. Now, my Bible tells me that Jesus took our pain and our sin on the cross so we could have Salvation. I believe this. I am not depressed, there is a definable difference between depression and the kind of attack that I am going through.

    If I sit back and think about it, I really have nothing to be upset about. I started a new job recently that is a complete blessing with co-workers for the most part who are believers and happy that I am here. I have the most beautiful wife in the world, and angels for children even though at times they don't act as angels. I have a roof over my head and food to eat. I have hobbies that bring me peace and (now) time to relax.

   The thing is, we as humanity can't simply be still and enjoy the blessings when we are under an attack. We get irritable and want to fix the problem on our own. A spiritual attack means that we "must" rely on more than ourselves. We have to rely completely on God, letting the problem slide out of our hands and into His. Doing this is a hard thing as we don't like to let go of control.

    I love my Jesus, and the fact that He allowed himself to be offered up as a Sacrifice for me is beyond my imagination or my own definition of love. I have met Him in a way that is intensely personal. He has healed me more times than I can count, protected me, provided for me, and loved me when I have done nothing to deserve that love. Right now, I have to communicate with Him and let Him take on this attack and fight for me. Easier said than done, I know! But, the simple truth is, He's willing and I have to be willing to let Him...

I hope and pray that you can let our Savior take control of the attack that is on your life...

Blessings,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

concepts of being rational

Humanity is strong but weak. We seek to find the truth at all costs. Those with "faith" in a higher power consider themselves strong if only for having "faith." Those who do not have faith but have science would consider themselves strong and all other weak, because they are rational beyond those who are not. They seek out the hard facts and do not belive if they do not have the facts.

See the problem with being rationally minded is that there is no room for the unknown. What is unknown is only a challenge to find the facts so that there will be answers. I live my life with faith in God. I have not seen Him face to face. I have only read scripture and the accounts of God and Christ Jesus. I have felt the evidence of His existance and that is ALL the proof I need to believe.

There is a movie "The Santa Claus." In that movie the little boy is having a talk with his step dad. His step dad asks him why he belives in Santa when he has never seen him. The little boy replies, "Have you ever seen a million dollars?" Step dad says, "No." Little boy, "just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

The same is true for believing in Jesus. Just because we haven't seen Him doesn't mean He doesn't exist! Many do not question sightings of "Big Foot," sea creatures, UFO's, and even why they are spared from death, but question anything dealing with God, because it is to hard to believe in a power so great, they can't comprehend. To belive would drive fear into their hearts and minds and the possibility of not making it to Heaven is more than they can bare. They don't want to change their lives and prefer to live with the easyness of compromise and a total lack of conviction.

Jesus is the way the truth and the life...


Blessings,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy