Keep Moving Forward
Sometimes the blows of life can knock the wind out of us! I believe that my purpose in life is to use all I am and all I have been given to give my Heavenly Father glory. So whether I’m taking pictures at church or teaching at Hammond Middle School or preaching a sermon or accompanying a gifted singer or washing the dishes, I’m giving God glory with what I’ve been given.
Yesterday someone smashed a window on my van and stole some of my photography equipment. The effects trickle down into many aspects of my summer plans. But one of the saddest things was how my 4 and 1/2 year old daughter didn’t feel safe going to sleep last night and tonight because she thought the people who stole daddy’s stuff might come break into the house and get her.
I don’t know how God will provide for me but I know that HE ALWAYS DOES! So I will thank Him now in advance before I have the gear I need for upcoming events. I will praise Him because my family is safe. I will honor Him because I am still able to love and serve and be a blessing.
I took the picture above tonight because I’m not letting bad things keep me from moving forward. This summer I am committed to launching some ministry endeavors as well as going on a fitness odyssey with my son(Week one is going well!). I learned a lesson from buying the suit I’m wearing in the photo.
I went to one store because of a sale they had going on. That store told me I was a larger size than I had been and didn’t have anything in my size. Then they tried to get me to buy suits that were 2 sizes bigger than what I usually wear. I decided to wait and try another one of their locations a few days later.
When I went to the second location they also didn’t have my size. They recommended a third location. I went. At this location I found two suits in my usual size and very helpful workers who assisted me in finding accessories that added just the right look.
What would have happened if I had listened to the worker at the first store? I would have had suits that didn’t fit right. If I didn’t persist I wouldn’t have reached the final destination that had everything I needed in the right size. So the lesson I learned is to keep moving forward.
Maybe you too have had loss recently. Keep moving forward. Remember these bible promises:
For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138:8
When I was in college someone broke into my dorm room and stole my camera. I prayed and God revealed who had done it. I later lead this person to Christ and they admitted that they had stolen it. He is currently faithfully serving in his local church. What Satan meant for evil God turned into good. So, I pray for those who stole my gear this time like I prayed for the person who stole my first camera. And I will keep moving forward. God will get the glory out of even the trials and tragedies in my life. And I thank Him now for what he has already worked out that I haven’t seen yet. Keep the faith and Keep moving forward!
Tough Day
I know that life has it’s challenges…in fact I know that there are so many people who go through so much pain and things I feel are sooooo much more difficult than I will ever have to face. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make my challenges any less real or draining.
So at the end of tough days when I have the energy I like to take a walk, take pictures and then reflect as I edit them. When you wonder why you are seeing so many pictures of Maia it’s not just because I’m a father who can’t get enough of his wonderful little girl. Her brother won’t let me take but so many pics and he has homework 🙂
You have to pay models so that’s not always an option and I happen to like most taking pictures of people. I’m too consumed with life as a teacher to do a lot of photo shoots in the traditional sense right now but photo walks seem to work for me. So I hope you like these pics that I’m sharing…and thanks for all the comments you’ve given. I like to know when they made you smile or brightened your day.
Today part of what was tough was being reminded again ho fragile life is. Ordering a walker from Amazon so that my stepfather can get around better reminds me how fragile life is. Having to take MSM and other remedies to keep my right knee functional reminds me of the obstacles that come with growing older. But today I was caught off guard when I heard of a close friend who is in a coma. In my mind high school was just a few days a go. In my mind 30 year reunion was yesterday. So how can those I walked through the halls with “so recently” suffer the tragedies of our decaying world? It just doesn’t seem real.
So today I told my chamber chorus I was having a difficult time and they understood and seemed a little more gracious than usual. I paused from answering all those student and parent emails and focused in on nature and family. And when I put my little sweetie to bed tonight I told her a bed time story about my friend who is in a coma. I explained that there are few people in this world as awesome as she. I told her that I learned so much in life from her and that we need to pray for her and ask our Heavenly Father if He wouldn’t mind waking her up again so she can spend some more time with her loved ones. And I told Maia that it’s important that we always pray for our friends and family.
Today was a tough day but I’m trusting and leaning on the everlasting arms….
Start Of A New Journey
It’s sometimes difficult to figure out the best way to live life. I choose to live my life to give God glory by making the world better with my gifts. I want to spread the Gospel or Good News that God cares for us and wants a relationship with us. To this end I write songs, blog, speak, but most importantly seek to imitate God’s Son in the way he lived when I interact with others. But it’s hard to know where best to share or serve.
After having completed recently an online 50 day journey of public sharing and private reflection and hearing from so many people about how they were blessed by it and wondered when I would share again I have agreed to start a different kind of journey. But it’s one I’ve been on for a few years now.
Journey To Wellness
I have a burden for those who struggle with health challenges. One of the most life changing discoveries I’ve made on my journey to wellness is that I’m not merely obese because I have no willpower. The true equation to obtain fitness wasn’t fully explained when I was growing up. Today many have come up with greater insight that is helping people to not only loose weight and keep it off but to reverse chronic conditions we had previously been told were irreversible. This summer my son and I are going on a wellness journey. We will be sharing from our research and our experience. I especially have a burden for our young people who are struggling with being overweight. In our journey together we will keep them in mind. As my son and I work together we hope to inspire multigenerational change. So be on the look out for our upcoming posts.
Journey To Worship
I’ve changed the way I think about worship. I personally can’t afford to be involved in lifeless worship anymore. So I want to talk with you about my journey to worship–meaningful worship. Please subscribe to this blog so you can get the updates on both journeys: Journey to Wellness and Journey To Worship.
I love you and pray that God will use us to bless each other’s lives
Sincerely,
David
Dare to Dream
And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Joel 2:28
Dare To Dream
In order for something to happen it needs to be an idea in someone’s mind first. Somebody has to see something that doesn’t exist and imagine that it does. Then using effort,a plan, resources, and whatever else is necessary the dream comes to life. Are you afraid to dream?
If you’re like Joseph those around you might not be too excited about your dream. When you dream something big people around you start feeling like you think too highly of yourself. This often makes them feel the need to squish you down to size. But having big dreams that serve in a big way and make a very big God proud doesn’t suggest that we think too highly of ourselves. It is often because we are driven to serve in a great way those around us that we dream big dreams. Don’t be afraid to see something in your imagination that doesn’t exist and believe and it’s existence. Don’t be afraid to pray for that big dream. Don’t be afraid even if others don’t believe and ridicule you or criticize you. Cherish it. Share it with only those who really have your best interest at heart, and celebrate each minor victory along the way until the day your dream comes true.
Today despite my past disappointments I will dare to dream again!
“I Don’t Feel Safe”
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,
who abides in the shadow of the Almighty,
2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;
4 he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand;
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge,a]”>[a]
the Most High your habitation,
10 no evil shall befall you,
no scourge come near your tent.11 For he will give his angels charge of you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14 Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
and show him my salvation.Psalm 91 RSV
“I Don’t Feel Safe!”
That’s what she said. My student didn’t feel safe anymore. She’s heard so many stories that she no longer feels safe going to school. Can you blame her?
So many today have reason not to feel safe. At home, at school, at church, at work; it all seems to be unprotected an unpredictable. Mommy and daddy aren’t staying together and now I don’t feel like I’m part of a family. My home is broken. People are pressured and suddenly lash out and leave devastation in their path. Their is so much hate speech and division everywhere you turn. The school is a war zone. If gun violence doesn’t get them the unkind words of their so called friends already have stabbed them repeatedly until they have become the walking wounded.
Won’t you please pause and spend some time weeping before the Lord and interceding for our children? Life is so much harder when you don’t feel safe.
This evening I got a taste of not feeling safe. My mom told me there was a murder not far from where I live. When the weather is warm I love to go walking. I’m looking forward in a few weeks from now to when it will be a comfortable temperature for walking down to the park….but not far from where I walk someone was found murdered! Walking through the park doesn’t feel safe anymore. A place I call home suddenly doesn’t give me the comfort of home.
In Psalm 91 we hear an important message. If you choose to hang out with our Heavenly Father, if you stay in His presence, you have the benefit of being under His shadow. You receive protection. But please don’t be blindsided when hard times come and think that God has left you. Adam and Eve endured the pain of having one son murder another. David suffered the shame and pain of running from a son who wanted to kill him and take over. Daniel was punished for his worship and went into a lion’s den not knowing what he might suffer or if he would come out alive. But Daniel had peace because he trusted in God. Daniel 6:23 records that after the king spent a sleepless night having been tricked into a policy that required him to throw his faithful employee and trusted advisor into the lion’s den, he was pleased that in the morning Daniel responded that God’s angel had protected him:
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
The person who abides in the shelter of the Most High receives peace because he trusts in God. Yes, God sends his angels to protect them. Yes, God blessed them with favor. Of course, they have the comfort knowing that “All things work together” for their good. But even when they get sick, even when they loose their job, even when a loved one dies, and even when circumstances are such that they don’t feel safe, because they trust in the Most High God they receive a peace that passes all understanding.
And because of the nature of the Most High we have the confidence to know that His character is one of compassion and patience. I John 4:8 tells us that God is love. John 3:16 let’s us know that the love of God is so great that He sacrificed His son to save us. So our peace comes from knowing that the most powerful being in the universe love us and wants to protect us. Not only that but we are able to abide in his shelter because he offers this access to Himself as a free gift. We don’t earn it because we are so smart. We don’t get access because we have finally become holy enough. Ephesians 2:8 tells us:
for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
We are not only saved as a gracious gift but protected out of the compassion of the one who made us and created a way for us to get back in right relationship with Him.
So when you feel afraid remind yourself whose shadow you are under.
Growing up I had an older brother…I had peace knowing that my brother loved me and wouldn’t let anybody threaten me. I felt secure. But now he lives far far away. My father was a very wise and accomplished protector and provider. But he has passed on. But I don’t have to feel afraid or unsafe because I’m in the shadow!!!!!
Walk, but don’t faint!
Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Today was a very emotional day for many students–many of my students. From time to time we have what we call “Circle Time” where we share what’s on our heart. As today many of the students had participated in the national school walk out I thought it might be a good time to have some relationship building conversation.
I heard very well thought out expressions–very passionate appeals. I don’t think people realize all that our young folk go through. One student who usually is disruptive in class was completely quiet. He expressed concern because he had heard that the young man who is the accused shooter for the Florida High School Massacre has a similar mental disability to his. His fellow classmates encouraged him and assured him he didn’t need to be concerned that one person’s mistake defined those who struggle with mental disabilities.
Many students focused on ending the mistreatment that often comes to students who are different in any way. They with tears spoke of being bullied and feeling helpless. Some spoke of struggling with depression and how others would say very insensitive things that would cause them to spiral towards the darkness. Others spoke of the pain of seeing some treat such a serious problem with so much indifference.
I wanted to know if this was their destination or if there was more to their journey. You see, I know that circle time is therapeutic. I know that many felt empowered by having a walk out. But is that the end? Is there something left to do?
Isaiah wrote the famous words quoted above that speak of the many stages of a journey. Sometimes you are flying high. Other times you are running with excitement. But then sometimes you just walk and hope not to faint. There are high points and there are low points. But those who wait on the Lord renew their strength and keep going.
I performed this song for a television show a few years back that simply says “Walk together children don’t you get weary. There’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.” This old spiritual encourages unity and perseverance. I dedicate it to this student movement and to my wonderful music students at Hammond Middle School. Please pray for them. Please pray that they continue to walk but not faint!
Hard Times
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
2 Cor. 6:3-13 NIV
I asked a friend today where she gets her energy from. As a waitress working long shifts I know she is constantly on her feet. And I know customers aren’t always appreciative of those who serve them. She said she had gotten her inspiration from her son. She earlier in life had become a single mother. She knew that she would be the one who had to make things happen in order for her son to have a good life. She was determined to make sure he had what he needed. Than something unfortunate happened.
They use to watch TV together at the end of the day. One day her son told her he didn’t want to watch and that she should get her own friends. She was crushed! That which she had for so long as her motivation was investing in her son. She nourished him and protected him….and now he didn’t even want to continue spending time with her. Eventually, he moved out and didn’t communicate very often. She told me that for days she would just sit on the floor staring. She didn’t want to do anything. Her motivation was gone! She had fallen on hard times.
It’s one thing to work for those who appreciate you. It’s quite another to labor without respect and affirmation. Paul experienced great sacrifice to spread the gospel. He mentions being patient in the process. He mentions sleepless nights. He mentions beatings and imprisonment. He went through a lot! He even says that he opened wide his heart to those who he was laboring for in Corinth.
Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? Have you ever been deflated because someone you sacrificed for took you for granted? I have. Sometimes students mock you. Sometimes co-workers spread rumors. Sometimes church members criticize you. And yes, many times are children don’t value their relationship with us. THIS IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR US TO SELF-DESTRUCT!
I find strength from this scripture in Hebrews 12:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
In chapter 11 of Hebrews–often called the faith chapter, we learn that without faith it is impossible to please God. We then hear about the hall of fame of the faithful who have gone through so much yet held on in faith. So in chapter 12 we are admonished to remember this great cloud of witnesses and run with perseverance the race set before us. And then to ultimately remember the example of Jesus who endured hostility from sinners…yet for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross. The joy was this–Jesus thought that His relationship with you and me for eternity was worth the hardship of the cross. Hallelujah!!!
So if Jesus can focus on the joy in his vision of what things will look like longterm–us with him forever in heaven, and endure hardship, shouldn’t we follow his example and trust Him to give us the strength to be like Him?
I pray right now for your strength in the Lord! Don’t let hard times close your heart or lead you into self destructive behavior. Instead immerse yourself in pursuing a close relationship with our Heavenly Father! He won’t ever close his heart to you. He is love. He will give you the reason to get back up again.
What I Want To Hear
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
I treasure the friends who tell me the truth even when it hurts. I need to know if I’m doing something that will harm me or those I love. I want to know if I’m hurting my health or doing something that’s financially foolish. While I don’t like to be nagged about something I already know, I do want to have the benefit of insight from another perspective that might be more helpful because it’s not swayed by the need to save face or other emotions that may cloud one’s view.
This past Sunday I heard a gifted preacher share of his conversation with a world famous preacher of many years who finds that the current generation of church goers aren’t interested in hearing sermons of in depth biblical knowledge that challenges them to change in order to please God. Instead they prefer more a a motivational thought using scripture. They love great music to excite them or entertain them and then they want non-intrusive biblical rhetoric. Unfortunately, that is a recipe for disaster.
If we only listen to spiritual messages that are catered to our comfort zone we will never grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. So what is the result of this trend?
Just like our health obesity epidemic, there is a pandemic of spiritual obesity. People who have a form of godliness but without the power. They have entertainment but know relationship. They have the freedom to behave as they choose without being challenged but the result is spiritual neuropathy. They can’t tell that their ability to discern right from wrong is diminishing. They don’t realize that they are on the path to hearing the words “I know you not” from Jesus. They damage themselves and others but don’t realize all the harm that’s occuring.
So please, search the scriptures! Dig for truth! And don’t be afraid to share it! If you don’t many will remain slaves…when the truth could set them free!
50 Days Conclusion
How has my life changed after completing this journey of 50 days of personal introspection and public sharing?
Momentum
I must say that after making a commitment to take a journey like this by the final day it is much easier to keep the commitment than when I began. After making it through several days, talking about it with us, even inviting others to join the journey, the momentum grows until your desire to continue to succeed in your quest intensifies.
Going Viral
I was so excited when I was told that someone had been inspired by someone who had responded to my appeal to go on a 50 day journey. That told me that by making this commitment to God, myself, and my community I would start something that I will never know the full effect of until we reach heaven, That excites me! I want to know that my life matters. I want to make an impact. And I want to hear the words, “Well done” from my Creator.
Weight Loss
As part of my journey I made incremental health changes and linked them to my daily sharing. For example, everyday I did a push up for the number of days in the journey I had reached. I also started eating nourishing food for breakfast such as a salad or oatmeal with shredded sweet potato and berries and a few other items. I have experienced not only weight loss but greater clarity of thought, more energy, and the reversal of several health challenges.
TRY IT! PLEASE!
I want you to try this process. You’ll clarify what you believe. You’ll also determine what’s important to you. You’ll change the lives of others around you. And as a result your life will improve as well.
My Prayer
My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to change me and influence all who are reading this to remove distractions from your life and focus on connecting with our Heavenly Father. I pray that you’ll come into such a close relationship with Him that you continually passionately pursue His presence. I pray that you will give your gifts completely to Him. I pray that you will have a great thirst for spreading His love wherever you go…but that you will start at home. And I pray that you won’t rest until you have shared His grace, compassion and goodness that you have received generously with others. Start your 50 days today!
Love you!
David