Soakin' Up Life . . . at a 100 MPH!

Ever found that when you begin something for God or respond to His calling that life tends to heat up - not in a good way, but in a struggling way? Why are we so surprised when the enemy shows up? Like our greatest rival didn't have a clue what we were up to. What's up with that?! Believe it or not it didn't begin with you and it won't end with you. In the first year of the rule of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, he sent the captive Israelites back to Jerusalem to re-build the temple of God. He even returned the articles used in worship & sacrifice in the temple to take back to Jerusalem ( Ezra 1-6 ). Of course, it would be wonderful if that was the end of the story, wouldn't it? I'm not so sure that it would be so wonderful. Stick with me here. So, the Israelites head back to Jerusalem, set up life & shop, and begin work on the temple. If that's all that happened God would definitely received the glory. But life's never that easy, is it...

Got the chance to fill in for Clay at Trinity Church , one of our church plants, this Sunday. Had a blast. Everyone was so encouraging. Here's what I shared with them. Everything that grows moves into the unknown. These are areas in our lives, families, &/or churches that we've never been before. Moms, remember the first day of school for your children. . .unknown. Guys, first day at a new job. . .unknown. Moved to a new neighborhood. . .unknown. Started a new ministry. . .unknown. They are all areas of our lives that tend to make most of us cringe just a little. Now I know there are some of you out there that thrive off of living in and for the moment. You're the person who hits the road with no destination in mind. Or makes plans at the last minute. Let me be perfectly honest. . .that just FREAKS ME OUT!!! No, seriously, what's up with that? How can you do that? I'm just too much of a control freak and a planner to do it. Sorry. Anyway. . .in...

I love reading and learning about leadership. Always have. . .and probably always will. My first lesson in leadership came from my one of my mentors - Gene Wilkes - who taught me to lead, not manage . And that's stinkin' hard for me 'cause I'm a control freak . It's probably the main reason I don't ride roller coasters - no steering wheel. . .I'm not in control. Another lesson I've learned over the years is that leadership is influence . If you're not influencing people then you're probably not a leader. I've learned this one the hard way. Again, I'm a control freak, so I've been guilty of telling people what to do rather than influencing them. I say all this because I was reading about the life and rule of Jotham, another of the kings of Judah. 2 Chronicles 27:2 says that Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet the people continued their corrupt practices. This lead me to wonder how effective a leader he was...

Love this video from Longhollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN. They are very creative. Let me know what you think. Mike

Back in 1978 the group Van Halen released an album called, what else, Van Halen. The first song on the album was Running with the Devil . Now, if you remember it, don't act like you don't. And you know who I'm talking to. This phrase hit me this morning as I was reading the biography of Joash. A king who was saved from the persecution of his grandmother and shown incredible grace by the priest at the time. Eventually, through the work of Jehoiada, the priest, Joash became king at 7, yes, that's right, 7 years old. Don't know many 7 year olds I trust the keys to my house with, much less the keys to a kingdom. But we're told in 2 Chronicles 24:2 Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest. Way to go Joash! That's huge, because at the time not many leaders and certainly not his father, Ahaziaha, were pursuing God. But there's a hitch in the verse. Read it again and see if you find it. Did you? Check the...

Have you ever faced a situation that you felt, or knew, you were totally unprepared for? Something you absolutely knew was over your head? Parenting? A project at work? Marriage? A relationship? A situation with a friend? Know what I mean? I have to admit that I've been there a number of times - new positions, a new responsibility that falls under number 13 on the job description - you know, the one that says "And additional responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor," or a problem at the office. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. If you're anything like me you just push on. If you know me you know I tend to work harder. I seek out people to give me advice. I read up on it, as though learning more about it will give me the "wonder answer" I'm looking for. Yep, that's what I do. More times than not, my attitude is "I won't let this beat me." Like I'm in some kinda competition or something. What's...

I've been reading through 2 Chronicles. And as Israel was being divided into Judah and Israel I noticed something. ***SIDENOTE: Now remember that Rehoboam (Solomon's son) became king of Judah and Jeroboam became king of Israel. I know that trying to keep up the names and who's who can be confusing, but this is all you need to know for now.*** Ok, getting back to the story. So in chapter 11 is says . . . 13 The priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel sided with him. 14 The Levites even abandoned their pasturelands and property, and came to Judah and Jerusalem because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. 15 And he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat and calf idols he had made. 16 Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the LORD, the God of their fathers. 17 They strengthened ...

As you may have noticed, I've changed the look of the ol' Soakin' Up Life blog. . .again. There's a couple of reasons for that. I haven't really felt like writing like I have in the past. The passion and the thoughts and the energy to put stuff down just wasn't there. Now I do and now it is. I have a renewed desire to share via the blog. If I am going to re-re-start writing again and I wanted to start fresh with a new look. I am going to be tweaking some things on the page as I go. So don't wig out if something looks out of place or doesn't fit. Right now my pics are wider than the main page. Don't know why, yet, but we'll get to it. I chose this look because I love the mountains. I love getting to the mountains. It's a place of refreshment, renewal, and re-creation for me . I also love the variety of experiences the mountains provide - from skiing, to hiking, to camping, to fishing, to biking, to . . .well, you get the picture. Th...

Hi! This is Cindy. After much prayer, I really felt God wanted me to share this email from one of our teammates from our Africa mission trip. With permission to use her email and post on my husbands usual blog, I will share with you God has laid on my heart. It reminded and encouraged me to always pray without ceasing in all things and in all circumstances. God is a BIG God who is able and faithful.......even in the little, everyday things we sometimes take for granted. Prayer is so vital and powerful. We all left Tanzania and flew to Dulles. After we arrived in Dulles, many of us began our seperate ways home. Some of us to Virginia, Pensacola, Portland, Huntsville, and Mobile. Our friends email also reminded and encouraged me that the mission is not over when you leave Tanzania. The mission is always there and always going. Even when you leave Tanzania, you are entering the mission field. To God be the glory in ALL things, Cindy *******************************************************...

Today is the 4th of July. . .the day we Americans celebrate our independence. It's the day our founding fathers decided, together, that America was to be it's own country. It's also our 234th birthday. And this morning I was wondering if, today, we appreciate the freedom we've enjoyed or the price that's been paid for all these 234 years? I think we enjoy the freedoms - the freedom to make a living doing what we want to do, the freedom of educational opportunities, the freedom to speak freely, the freedom to disagree, the freedom to travel and live wherever we want, the freedom to have as many children as you want, even the freedom to participate in our government and the political process - but I don't think we stop long enough to appreciate these freedoms. We all know about the atrocities committed against mankind just in this century by governments, religion, and people to prevent them from experiencing these freedoms. I also don't think we stop and t...

I was able to access the hotel's internet service for a few minutes so I thought I would take a few moments to let everyone know that Cindy and I are doing OK. We are tired, but doing well. We head home this afternoon and plan on being back in Portland Monday afternoon - providing nothing goes wrong with our flights. We had a great trip over and have had an exciting time serving alongside our co-laborers in Christ. Cindy took some wonderful pictures and video of our time here. I'm sure we will be sharing them. We are looking forward to getting back, sleeping in our own bed and hanging with Lucy & Dot. I will write about our trip some more when we get back home and share some of the God-moments we encountered while ministering in Tanzania. Thank you, all, who have been praying for us. We could feel your prayers and appreciate them very much. Mike

Got an email from a friend in Texas about an event coming to Lufkin, Texas. I was on staff at Carpenter's Way Baptist Church in Lufkin for 5 years. Yes, this is the promo picture from Evangelism Tickets ' web site promoting the event at the Expo Center. The event will feature concerts by the Robbie Seay Band and FFH . Both are great bands. I would love to be there for this one, folks. If you live anywhere in the area. . .GO! For more information and where to buy tickets click the picture. I love the fact that we, Texans, can take a cultural event like tractor pulling and use it for Jesus!

Was checking out my friend Gene Wilke's blog and ran across this little ditty. . . The writer shared how Roger Staubauch switched seats with an injured, returning soldier. . .not once, but twice in the same flight, giving up his first class seat for their seat further back on the plane. Like I said, some people just get it. Thank you Mr. Staubauch for setting the example for all of us on how to treat our men & women of the military. With a grateful heart and tons of respect, Mike

If you have ever wondered what you could get me for my birthday, Christmas, or just because you like me I have a suggestion It's a Strand Craft 122 - a yacht that comes with a matching, hand-crafted, turbo-charged V-12, 880 hp car. The only way to get one of these cars is to buy the boat. Go figure. And it's all available for the low, low price of $25 Million. So, if you thinking ahead for Christmas or birthday, now might be a good time to start saving those pennies! Mike

My brother, Dan, sent this one to me. If you laugh let me know. Thanks Dan. I laughed!!

Yeah, I Facebook. But I have to be honest. There are some things I DO NOT like about it. I don't like it when I am forced to see that you are playing farmville, your tank is clean, or you've found some treasure, or got some high score on a game. And I especially don't like it when I'm asked to play. If I wanted to play, I would have already started playing!!! GET A LIFE!!! Read a book, go play with your family, take a walk, go for a hike, do something productive! Check out Julian Smith's 25 Things He Hates About Facebook. . . Are there things you don't like about Facebook?

Yes, you read that right. I'm on my 3rd Blackberry Bold in just over a year. My first one had the roller-ball seize up on it. The external speaker went out on the second one . . .unless I removed the battery cover, THEN it would work. Not a big deal unless you use the speaker phone or the alarm or watch videos or want to hear your phone ring when your headset is in. Got my refurbished one in the mail last week. I'm switching over to it today. Which means upgrading operating system on it - that can take up to 30 minutes, loading my contacts, appointments, and tasks. Re-downloading and setting up my programs - Pandora, You Version, ESPN, Ubertwitter, Facebook, etc. I'm thankful I was able to get a replacement, but I'm just not looking forward at resetting, reloading, and getting it back to usable status. It's getting a little frustrating.

Holy Hangover - it's not new, in fact I adopted it from Mark Batterson. But it definitely describes how I feel this morning. I don't really want to be here. . .in the office. My mind is mush, my energy is zapped, and yet,after this weekend I'm compelled to get up and get in here and get 'er done! This weekend was incredible. At Greater Gresham, we kicked off the weekend with our Good Friday Service. It was moving, challenging, and powerful. The Lord definitely met with us. It was refreshing, energizing, and what we needed. Then we moved into our Easter celebrations with one service on Saturday evening and 3 on Sunday morning. The attendance on Saturday night blew us away! THEN came Sunday morning. the 8:30 am service took us by surprise. pleasant surprise, but still a surprise. By the 10:00 service we were having to add chairs. And still, the 11:30 service came and went with still more people coming. Here are a couple of thoughts from the weekend: I loved do...

I was reading some articles on Fast Company's web site and ran across these two - they are more like slide shows, but they do provide some narrative as to what and why of their spaces: One on Facebook The other on creative spaces It got me to thinking, what could we do to provide an environment to promote creativity, openness, and community at Greater Gresham Baptist Church and while maintaining functionality and safety? We have a great campus, but I keep wondering about how we could use it better. . .more creatively. I don't have the answers yet, but that led me to thinking about other working/learning environments. So. . .what would help you be more creative, open, and community-like (ok, maybe it's not a word) in your work or learning environment? Some suggestions might be remove walls or replace them with glass, open spaces for that are more relaxed for hanging out away from the "office" environment, providing snacks, quiet places to get away and think, w...

I love to read and listen to Perry Noble . He's funny, to the point, and believes it's all about Jesus. Perry Pastors New Spring Church in Anderson, SC. This morning he wrote part 1 of 3 on leadership. In his post he shares his unique insight how leaders must sometimes do the difficult things. Check this out and tell me what you think. Mike