Big Is The New Small

Thakful 4 (of 4)

Thank You Jesus for………………………………….Amen!

We are on our way to Houston and here is what I think is on the Menu:

• Turkey
• Dressing
• Gravy
• Ham (Me and the boys don’t eat pork)
• Ribs (Me and the boys don’t eat pork)
• Brisket
• Green Beans
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Ambrosia Salad
• Mashed Potatoes
• Candied Yams
• Cranberry Sauce
• Broccoli and Rice Casserole
• Rolls
• Pecan Pie
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Cranberry Apple Pecan Pie
• German Chocolate Cake
• Cherry Cheese Pie
• Strawberry Cake
• Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake
• Lemon Streusel Cake
• Football
• Nap
• I know that I am missing some stuff!

What’s on your menu?

God Bless You and Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

I have been thinking over the last few years about the significant increases in the number of people and families that are affected by Cancer.  The rates of Cancer increase around the world are growing astronomically on a yearly basis.  According to the World Cancer Report, the most comprehensive global examination of the disease to date; Cancer rates could further increase by 50% to 15 million new cases in the year 2020.  This report also provides clear evidence that healthy lifestyles and public health action by governments and health practitioners could stem this trend, and prevent as many as one third of cancers worldwide.  I just know that I am sick and tired of talking to and hearing about mothers, fathers, family members, friends, spouses, children….. facing this horrible disease.   It really breaks my heart!

Sorry to be so crass, but the bottom line is that Cancer is Pissing Me Off!                 How about you?  Share your thoughts!

I had one of those “Ah Ha” moments this week in our staff meeting as we were visiting and sharing what we call “God Moments.” As I was communicating a team member’s situation, I made a comment using a word combination that I found to be intriguing “Just Because or Because.”  A team member had approached me about their role, whether it was the right fit and the fact that they felt as though they were doing their role in ministry “Just Because;” instead of doing their role “Because” they are called to that specific role.   Hmmmmmm, green light!  There is some wisdom in being honest with yourself, your job, your friends, your family or your calling and recognize the things that you do “Just Because!”  Have we arrived at a place where we accept doing things “Just Because, Just Because”   Here are some “Just Because” statements to ponder:

• I say my grace before I eat, Just Because….
• I disrespect adults, Just Because….
• I go to a job that I don’t like, Just Because….
• I stay in an abusive relationship, Just Because….
• I am voting for so and so, Just Because….
• I don’t believe in God, Just Because….
• I don’t feel comfortable around those people, Just Because….
• I don’t think she can be a Pastor, Just Because….
• I am not doing that today, Just Because….
• I raise my voice, Just Because….
• I don’t likes so and so, Just Because….

Okay, you get the picture!  The bottom line is that these “Just Becauses” are nothing more than a bunch of Big Fat Excuses to not be intellectually honest and begin to do things “Because!” Do you find yourself or others you know doing things “Just Because?”  Share your thoughts!

I had the weekend off and it was the first time in a very long time.  I thought I would share some of my last few days of life experiences: 

FRIDAY- My wife and I went to Clinton, Oklahoma for the rehearsal dinner for a couple that I was marrying.  They had a huge Cajun crab boil (a bunch of food dumped on a table) and believe it or not my wife and I both enjoyed it.  We are very simple eaters and we tried everything except for the crawfish.  No Thanks! 

SATURDAY- I had the privilege to marry James and Joanna Roller, the ceremony was great and they are off to Las Vegas.   I made it back in time to watch my Sooner’s absolutely throttle North Texas; they could have scored at least 100 points.  It’s going to be a great season! 

SUNDAY- I watched the LifeChurch.tv message on the Internet Campus; it was cool to chat with the folks attending the IC.  My family and I also attended the People’s Church this morning, led by Senior Pastor Herbert Cooper.  We all had a great time and enjoyed the life application from the message.  Herbert is a gifted leader, great communicator and has a God-Sized vision for People’s Church.  Their ministry is doing awesome and I really believe that God is just getting started.  I think Herbert says it best, “THE BEST IS YET TO COME.”  Check out Herbert’s Blog: www.herbertcooper.com 

We had lunch at Applebee’s and then we took the boys to the Dollar Movie to see Shreck the 3^rd.  I have not been to a dollar movie in forever, let me just say “You get what you pay for.”

My eight year old son Wesley returns to school today and he’s going to be in the third grade.  It’s always a big family outing to go shopping for school clothes and school supplies; however this year we decided to do things differently.  My wife had the chore of taking our sons to get school clothes and I had the responsibility of getting the school supplies.  This was great for everyone because I can get impatient with going to all the different stores and walking around the mall.  Also, whenever I do go shopping with the family, I always seem to ask the question “No, how much does it cost?”  The bottom line is that my wife is much better at picking out some cool threads for the kids and has the patience to make school clothes shopping fun.  On the other hand, it was nice for me take the boys school supply shopping, because all we had to do was get the items on the list.  I let the boys get whatever kind of folder, supply box, pencils, glue and markers they wanted.  The hardest thing was the lunch pails, my oldest son ended up with a race car theme and my youngest son got Little Einstein’s.  I have decided that there will be No More School Clothes shopping for me, that is now officially my wife’s role and I will gladly take the role of shopping for the school supplies.  We should have made this change sooner; it would have saved our family some time, energy and grief.  

What tasks do you need to delegate?  What roles do you and your spouse need to clearly delineate?  What has God placed on your heart, for you to take off your plate?  Share your thoughts.