He never thought he cared so much about the minute hand
Until he started praying for, a second chance
If he could only do it all again
He'd trade the long nights that he spent behind his desk
For all he missed
He tells his wife "I wish that this moment in this room was not me dying, but just spending a little time with you."
You only get just one time around
You only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life...
To love....
She never thought she cared so much about those little hands
That held on tight the day she left
Til she was scared to death
Sitting all alone on a hotel bed, the end of the road
The sun had set on her big plans
To feel young again
She picks up the phone, dials the number, hears that little voice
That's haunted every single mile, since she made that choice
You only get just one time around
You only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life...
To love............
You only get just one time around
Only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life........
One ride, one try, one life........
To love....
To love....
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Most Popular Religion in America By: John Ortberg
What do you think is the number one most popular religion in America?
I’ll give you a hint: its not Christianity.
Its also not Islam, Judiasm, Buddhism, Taoism, or the Home Shopping Network.
According to Christian Smith, a sociologist at Notre Dame, the primary expression of faith in our day–at least for young adults–is what he calls “Moral Therapeutic Deism.”
This religion is characterized by five beliefs:
–There is a God who created earth and watches over it
–God wants people to be nice, fair and good (as it taught in the Bible and most other religions)
–The central goal of life is to be happy and feel good about yourself
–God doesn’t need to be involved in your life except when there’s a problem that needs Celestial Performance Enhancement
–Good people go to heaven when they die.
This is a religion that is far more about comfort, individualism and conformity that it is about meaning, calling, and sacrifice. What makes it particularly challenging is that it is not offered through a new MTD movement or denomination. It is actually catching on and being practiced in churches where we leaders think of ourselves as historically Christian.
It cannot sustain a life.
It cannot build a community.
It cannot call people to take up a cross.
We want something more.
One other piece of bad news has to do with where young adults learn MTD.
I’ll give you a hint. Its mostly from older adults. These are themes that have captured our culture in such deep ways that we’re hardly aware of them.
The good news is that God is much bigger than Moral Therapeutic Deism. He has a way of showing us what we idolize.
–when someone goes through a crisis or pain;
–when someone is inspired to devote their life to a cause greater than themselves;
–when someone is called to sacrifice their own comfort or success for a hurting world;
–when someone engages in the intense study of the God revealed by the writers of the Scriptures;
–when someone grows bored with a faith that is nice and comfortable and distant–
then God is once more breaking through.
MTD is just one more on a long list of idols.
But, somewhere deep down, the human heart keeps hungering for the real deal.
I’ll give you a hint: its not Christianity.
Its also not Islam, Judiasm, Buddhism, Taoism, or the Home Shopping Network.
According to Christian Smith, a sociologist at Notre Dame, the primary expression of faith in our day–at least for young adults–is what he calls “Moral Therapeutic Deism.”
This religion is characterized by five beliefs:
–There is a God who created earth and watches over it
–God wants people to be nice, fair and good (as it taught in the Bible and most other religions)
–The central goal of life is to be happy and feel good about yourself
–God doesn’t need to be involved in your life except when there’s a problem that needs Celestial Performance Enhancement
–Good people go to heaven when they die.
This is a religion that is far more about comfort, individualism and conformity that it is about meaning, calling, and sacrifice. What makes it particularly challenging is that it is not offered through a new MTD movement or denomination. It is actually catching on and being practiced in churches where we leaders think of ourselves as historically Christian.
It cannot sustain a life.
It cannot build a community.
It cannot call people to take up a cross.
We want something more.
One other piece of bad news has to do with where young adults learn MTD.
I’ll give you a hint. Its mostly from older adults. These are themes that have captured our culture in such deep ways that we’re hardly aware of them.
The good news is that God is much bigger than Moral Therapeutic Deism. He has a way of showing us what we idolize.
–when someone goes through a crisis or pain;
–when someone is inspired to devote their life to a cause greater than themselves;
–when someone is called to sacrifice their own comfort or success for a hurting world;
–when someone engages in the intense study of the God revealed by the writers of the Scriptures;
–when someone grows bored with a faith that is nice and comfortable and distant–
then God is once more breaking through.
MTD is just one more on a long list of idols.
But, somewhere deep down, the human heart keeps hungering for the real deal.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wise Words
Compliment three people each day.
Watch a sunrise at least once a year:
Overtip breakfast waitresses.
Look people in the eye.
Say "thank you" a lot.
Say "please" a lot.
Live beneath your means.
Buy whatever kids are
selling on card tables in
their front yards.
Treat everyone you meet as
you want to be treated.
Donate two pints
of blood every year.
Make new friends but
cherish the old ones.
Keep secrets.
Don't waste time learning
the "tricks of the trade."
Instead, learn the trade.
Admit your mistakes.
Be brave. Even if you're not,
pretend to be.
No one can tell the difference.
Choose a charity in your
community and support it
generously with your
time and money.
Read the Bill of Rights.
Use credit cards only for
convenience, never for credit.
Never cheat.
Give yourself a year and read
the Bible cover to cover.
Learn to listen. Opportunity
sometimes knocks very softly.
Never deprive someone of hope;
it might be all he or she has.
Pray not for things, but for
wisdom and courage.
Never take action when
you're angry.
Have good posture.
Enter a room with purpose
and confidence.
Don't discuss business in elevators.
You never know who
may overhear you.
Never pay for work before
it's completed.
Be willing to lose a battle
in order to win the war.
Don't gossip.
Beware of the person who
has nothing to lose.
When facing a difficult task,
act as though it is
impossible to fail. If you're
going after Moby Dick,
take along the tartar sauce.
Don't spread yourself too thin.
Learn to say no
politely and quickly.
Don't expect life to be fair.
Never underestimate the
power of forgiveness.
Instead of using the word
problem, try substituting
the word opportunity.
Never walk out on
a quarrel with your wife.
Regarding furniture and clothes:
if you think you'll be using them
five years or longer, buy the best
you can afford.
Be bold and courageous.
When you look back
on your fife, you'll regret
the things, you didn't do
more than the ones you did.
Forget committees. New, noble,
world-changing ideas always come
from one person working alone.
Street musicians are a treasure.
Stop for a moment and listen;
then leave a small donation.
When faced with a serious
health problem, get at least three
medical opinions.
Wage war against littering.
After encountering inferior
service, food or products,
bring it to the attention
of the person in charge.
Good managers will
appreciate knowing.
Don't procrastinate.
Do what needs doing when
it needs to be done.
Get your priorities straight.
No one ever said on his
deathbed, "Gee, if I'd only spent
more time at the office."
Don't be afraid to say
"I don't know."
Don't be afraid to say
"I'm sorry."
Make a list of 25 things
you want to experience before
you die. Carry it in your
wallet and refer to it often.
Call your mother.
Watch a sunrise at least once a year:
Overtip breakfast waitresses.
Look people in the eye.
Say "thank you" a lot.
Say "please" a lot.
Live beneath your means.
Buy whatever kids are
selling on card tables in
their front yards.
Treat everyone you meet as
you want to be treated.
Donate two pints
of blood every year.
Make new friends but
cherish the old ones.
Keep secrets.
Don't waste time learning
the "tricks of the trade."
Instead, learn the trade.
Admit your mistakes.
Be brave. Even if you're not,
pretend to be.
No one can tell the difference.
Choose a charity in your
community and support it
generously with your
time and money.
Read the Bill of Rights.
Use credit cards only for
convenience, never for credit.
Never cheat.
Give yourself a year and read
the Bible cover to cover.
Learn to listen. Opportunity
sometimes knocks very softly.
Never deprive someone of hope;
it might be all he or she has.
Pray not for things, but for
wisdom and courage.
Never take action when
you're angry.
Have good posture.
Enter a room with purpose
and confidence.
Don't discuss business in elevators.
You never know who
may overhear you.
Never pay for work before
it's completed.
Be willing to lose a battle
in order to win the war.
Don't gossip.
Beware of the person who
has nothing to lose.
When facing a difficult task,
act as though it is
impossible to fail. If you're
going after Moby Dick,
take along the tartar sauce.
Don't spread yourself too thin.
Learn to say no
politely and quickly.
Don't expect life to be fair.
Never underestimate the
power of forgiveness.
Instead of using the word
problem, try substituting
the word opportunity.
Never walk out on
a quarrel with your wife.
Regarding furniture and clothes:
if you think you'll be using them
five years or longer, buy the best
you can afford.
Be bold and courageous.
When you look back
on your fife, you'll regret
the things, you didn't do
more than the ones you did.
Forget committees. New, noble,
world-changing ideas always come
from one person working alone.
Street musicians are a treasure.
Stop for a moment and listen;
then leave a small donation.
When faced with a serious
health problem, get at least three
medical opinions.
Wage war against littering.
After encountering inferior
service, food or products,
bring it to the attention
of the person in charge.
Good managers will
appreciate knowing.
Don't procrastinate.
Do what needs doing when
it needs to be done.
Get your priorities straight.
No one ever said on his
deathbed, "Gee, if I'd only spent
more time at the office."
Don't be afraid to say
"I don't know."
Don't be afraid to say
"I'm sorry."
Make a list of 25 things
you want to experience before
you die. Carry it in your
wallet and refer to it often.
Call your mother.
Friday, December 11, 2009
How to Know if You are from Tennessee.
You know you’re from Tennessee if:
01. You measure distance in minutes.
02. You’ve ever had to switch from “heat” to “A/C” in the same day.
03. You use “fix” as a verb. Example: “I’m fixing to go to the store
04. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
05. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
06. You know what a “VOL” is.
07. You carry jumper cables in your car…for your OWN car.
08. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday
09. You find 100 degrees fahrenheit “a little warm”.
10. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, still Summer and Christmas.
11. You know whether another Tennessean is from east, west or middle Tennessee as soon as they open their mouth.
12. Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time known as”goin’ Wal-martin” or off to “Wally World”.
13. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good pinto-bean weather.
14. A carbonated soft drink isn’t a soda, cola or pop…it’s a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. Example: “What kinda coke you want?”
15. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
01. You measure distance in minutes.
02. You’ve ever had to switch from “heat” to “A/C” in the same day.
03. You use “fix” as a verb. Example: “I’m fixing to go to the store
04. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
05. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
06. You know what a “VOL” is.
07. You carry jumper cables in your car…for your OWN car.
08. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday
09. You find 100 degrees fahrenheit “a little warm”.
10. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, still Summer and Christmas.
11. You know whether another Tennessean is from east, west or middle Tennessee as soon as they open their mouth.
12. Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time known as”goin’ Wal-martin” or off to “Wally World”.
13. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good pinto-bean weather.
14. A carbonated soft drink isn’t a soda, cola or pop…it’s a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. Example: “What kinda coke you want?”
15. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thankfulness of Hope Community Church
Last Sunday I asked my family at Hope to list the things that they were thankful for and I was excited by the response of my brothers and sisters at Hope. I had to make a summary of everyone's list because of my two finger typing skills. Here are some of the things Hope Community Church are thankful for:
1. Many were thankful for their family in Christ (Hope) and for their immediate family which gives them the opportunity to serve Christ.
2. Many were thankful for their jobs especially in this tight economy.
3. Health also made the list many times,many were thankful for their health and their families health as well as living in a nation that has the best health care available. (especially those just returning from Africa)
4. Many were thankful to have a roof over their head and food in their house.
5. Many were thankful for the freedom we have even though there seems to be change in the wind.
6. A few were thankful for their pets and I can understand that, but not cats.
7. The one that everyone was so thankful for was the the greatest sacrifice that was ever made, Jesus that gave it all so that we could have a relationship with God and life and thankfulness.
I wanted to stop at seven the perfect number and I hope I have included everyone's list that I received. I to will agree with with everything on this list but I wanted to add one personal thanks and that is to You that make up Hope Community Church. You are part of the Body of Christ and I am thankful for your dedication to first God and then to Hope. You have been such a blessing in my life and my family's life and I hope that you know how much I truly appreciate you. This day I pray that God would bless you Hope Community Church and prepare us for the great things that He has in store for us. I Love You Guys, byron
Just thoughts from a sinner on his way home,
peace, byron
1. Many were thankful for their family in Christ (Hope) and for their immediate family which gives them the opportunity to serve Christ.
2. Many were thankful for their jobs especially in this tight economy.
3. Health also made the list many times,many were thankful for their health and their families health as well as living in a nation that has the best health care available. (especially those just returning from Africa)
4. Many were thankful to have a roof over their head and food in their house.
5. Many were thankful for the freedom we have even though there seems to be change in the wind.
6. A few were thankful for their pets and I can understand that, but not cats.
7. The one that everyone was so thankful for was the the greatest sacrifice that was ever made, Jesus that gave it all so that we could have a relationship with God and life and thankfulness.
I wanted to stop at seven the perfect number and I hope I have included everyone's list that I received. I to will agree with with everything on this list but I wanted to add one personal thanks and that is to You that make up Hope Community Church. You are part of the Body of Christ and I am thankful for your dedication to first God and then to Hope. You have been such a blessing in my life and my family's life and I hope that you know how much I truly appreciate you. This day I pray that God would bless you Hope Community Church and prepare us for the great things that He has in store for us. I Love You Guys, byron
Just thoughts from a sinner on his way home,
peace, byron
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Lessons from a Cookie!
Just made it back home and what a trip. Still trying to process all that took place, but there was one experience that my room mate had that will sum up the people in Africa we serve. My Roomy (Jeff Kidd) was experiencing all the great wonders of Africa for the first time being his first visit. He had already told me that he really did not know what to expect, he just knew that God was going to do something special. We had a long day in the medical and we had taken a break to have something eat to get the energy level back, meaning chapati bread, peanut butter, and banana. (Some refer to this lunch as the white African burrito.) No matter it is really good. Jeff had finished his lunch and was having an Oreo cookie when he noticed a little girl standing close by. He offered her a cookie to which she took and then she did something he totally did not expect. She took the cookie over to 7 other children and broke the cookie into 8 pieces and then proceeded to give each child a piece of the cookie. Jesus said that we can be taught and led by a little child and after hearing and seeing the stories from the children of Africa I know what Jesus was talking about.Look around God may be wanting to teach you something today.
Just thoughts from a sinner on his way home,
peace, byron
Friday, September 11, 2009
To All Leaders!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Way of God
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, September 09 2009
"If My people would but listen to Me.... Psalm 81:13
God has a specific training ground for leaders. There are three patterns of preparation that have been common among most of God's leaders. First, there is a time when the leader is separated from his old life. Consider Moses, Joseph, Abraham, and Paul. In order for God to mold and shape them into His nature, it appears that He had to remove them from the life of comfort. A teacher once said, "You cannot go with God and remain where you are."
Next, there is usually a time of solitude. God often brings leaders into a time of solitude in order to speak to them without other distractions. Hosea 2:14b says, "I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her." Paul was sent to Arabia for two years for a time of solitude. Joseph spent years in the solitude of prison. Moses spent 40 years in the desert herding sheep.
The third characteristic of God's preparation for leaders is discomfort. The setting in which the preparation takes place usually is not a place of comfort. Abraham traveled through the difficult deserts. David lived in caves fleeing Saul. Paul was frequently persecuted.
Are you ready for the classroom of leadership preparation? If God chooses to bring you into this class, you may have one of three reactions to the events. First, you may say, "I don't need it." Perhaps you know intellectually that you do need this, but God wants you to know it in your heart. Pride prevents us from entering this classroom. The second reaction may be, "I'm tired of it." You decide you've had enough. If so, this will disqualify you from leadership. Finally, God's desired response from us in this preparation is, "I accept it." To accept it with joy is the place of maturity in Christ. God often keeps us in these places until we come to accept and agree that Jesus is enough. Is He all you need?
Like the people of Israel, I think we have something to do with the timetable of our education. "If My people would but listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!" (Ps. 81:13-14)
Are you ready for the process required for being a godly leader? Ask for His grace to willingly embrace these times of preparation.
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, September 09 2009
"If My people would but listen to Me.... Psalm 81:13
God has a specific training ground for leaders. There are three patterns of preparation that have been common among most of God's leaders. First, there is a time when the leader is separated from his old life. Consider Moses, Joseph, Abraham, and Paul. In order for God to mold and shape them into His nature, it appears that He had to remove them from the life of comfort. A teacher once said, "You cannot go with God and remain where you are."
Next, there is usually a time of solitude. God often brings leaders into a time of solitude in order to speak to them without other distractions. Hosea 2:14b says, "I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her." Paul was sent to Arabia for two years for a time of solitude. Joseph spent years in the solitude of prison. Moses spent 40 years in the desert herding sheep.
The third characteristic of God's preparation for leaders is discomfort. The setting in which the preparation takes place usually is not a place of comfort. Abraham traveled through the difficult deserts. David lived in caves fleeing Saul. Paul was frequently persecuted.
Are you ready for the classroom of leadership preparation? If God chooses to bring you into this class, you may have one of three reactions to the events. First, you may say, "I don't need it." Perhaps you know intellectually that you do need this, but God wants you to know it in your heart. Pride prevents us from entering this classroom. The second reaction may be, "I'm tired of it." You decide you've had enough. If so, this will disqualify you from leadership. Finally, God's desired response from us in this preparation is, "I accept it." To accept it with joy is the place of maturity in Christ. God often keeps us in these places until we come to accept and agree that Jesus is enough. Is He all you need?
Like the people of Israel, I think we have something to do with the timetable of our education. "If My people would but listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!" (Ps. 81:13-14)
Are you ready for the process required for being a godly leader? Ask for His grace to willingly embrace these times of preparation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)