Another Lesson Through Gracen

Today was a great day as my family and about 40 other people from Genesischurch.tv stormed the beach at St. George Island. The weather was great, Jeremy Williams handled the grill, the water felt great, and God taught me another lesson through my two year old son. I love it when He does that. And holding to my belief that these lessons are to be shared, here we go…

Gracen loves the water, and after a few minutes in the very shallow water running from waves he decided to go a little deeper, and me being the parent that will brave the ocean (Brenda is a little timid in the ocean although she did get in a little today) I held his hand as we went in. He quickly figured out that the waves would knock him down and under the water, but that I would always get him out of trouble. Make no mistake, he was fearless – as long as he was within arms reach. He would put his arm out to see if he could reach me, and if he could he would take a step. If he could not reach me, he would not go. Really quite intelligent for a 2 year old, I think. On a few occasions though, he would break his own rules and get too far. Now I was only a step away, but he was too far for his own good. Every time he got too far a wave would hit and BLOOP he would go under, only to have me lift him out of danger and immediately into my arms. I knew his limits and wanted him to stay within them, even when he could not see his limits. I knew how far he could go, and how far was too far. Do you see the lesson?

Our relationship is the same way. God is going to lead us to our limits, even when we cannot see them. Many times I never knew my limits, I knew God was leading me but I was scared. I was timid about going into full time ministry, scared about moving to Tallahassee, nervous about joining the GCTV team, but in the end I kept God within an arms reach. Or maybe He kept me in his arm length? I have gotten ahead of God, out of reach, and then paid a consequence. When I felt it, overwhelmed by my own choices, and being swept away, it was God that picked me up into His arms, and told me it was going to be okay.

I love being a dad. It’s hard, it’s full time, but the most rewarding thing I do. Does it hurt to let your child learn some lessons? Of course, but they will not make enough mistakes to drive me away. They will never go “too deep” in the water that I won’t come get them. Why does this feel natural? Because God is the same way. He loves being your dad, He will let you feel some consequences of your choices, but in the end, He will love you more than you could ever comprehend. Life is full of waves, and you will get knocked down, but if God is within an arms length, you will never drown. Happy Father’s Day to all.

GCTV is Storming the Beach

Just wanted to remind everyone that this Saturday June 20^th at 8:30 AM, Genesischurch.tv will be STORMING THE BEACH of St. George Island! We will be leaving the church, in caravan, at 8:30 AM and will be going to St. George Island State Park. If you want to come hang out with us, soak up some rays, play a little football, or meet some new people, this is the trip for you. Here are a few things to remember:

• The cost to get in is $5 per car for up to eight people.
• This trip is open to everyone of all ages so come on!
• There are grills there if you want to bring something to throw on the barbie!
• Bring a lunch for you and/or your family or make plans to eat something there.
• There will be some activities planned for fun, or you can relax, get some sun, or play with your kids.

So pack up your coolers, beach chairs, footballs, and whatever tools you need as Genesischurch.tv STORMS THE BEACH!

In The Hospital All Day Today

This morning I will be in a hospital waiting room. I will be there waiting to hear the news on how my Mother-In-Law’s surgery goes. I wish I could say it is a “routine” procedure (whatever that is..) It’s not, it’s a massive thing that is going to bring complete painfree living here on this earth, or on the other side. It is a decision she is comfortable with, has prayed about, and I support.

How many religious clichés will I hear today? Better than that, how many will I tell myself trying to find the same peace she is displaying? How many things that I have said to others will I now try to convince myself of? I know we say them partly because they are true, and partly because we don’t know what else to say.

Here’s the raw, honest, truth: I believe in Jesus with everything I am. I KNOW he can heal, raise from the dead, and gives the greatest peace mankind knows. If I know these things, why do I still feel “uneasy” about today. Am I worried? Yes, even though I know Christ has told me not to and that it will do no good. Am I scared? A little, even though it does no good. I know how I feel, and I know they are not “right” and I should just have “faith.” How do I shift the things I know in my head to the places in my heart they need to be. The answer is simple: I don’t know. But maybe I don’t need to.

Here is what I know and believe. At the end of the day, I will still follow Christ with everything I am. I will still have emotions that I sometimes can’t control. I will still have questions, concerns, and “discussions” with Jesus. I will love Him and He will love me. Whatever happens, I still know the power of God, even if I can’t explain it all.