As I am getting back into professor mode, I wanted to share a little story with you that I came across earlier today. Most people have heard about Autism, but not many have heard of Asperger’s, which is a form of high-functioning autism – even though it affects almost 1 in 300 births a year. This is a great story about someone who has succeeded to great heights with this developmental condition.

If you want to know more about this form of high-functioning autism go HERE

If you are a parent of someone with Asperger Syndrome – click HERE for a great resource

I happened to turn on the TV yesterday right as history was being made- 9.58 seconds for 100 meters. God says in Hebrews 12:1 – “. . .let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Symbolically, this is fascinating to me when comparing to Usain Bolt – feel the excitement build:

Here is what is amazing:
1. If Bolt had a running start heading to the 40 yard line in football – he would have made it into the endzone in 3 seconds – that’s one one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one thousand – WOW!
2. Recently a track and field expert made the comment that for someone who is 6’5″ and 200 lbs – it should be impossible – to run this fast. I think the power of God has the same potential in our lives. I want people to look at my life and say – wow – “Ted. . . really, no – . . . that can’t be possible” -

3. At the peak of his speed, Bolt is running 30 miles an hour. . . . WHAT!!
4. The biggest increase in his performance has said to come from working out his Core Muscles – Abs and back. . . . - Maybe God is waiting for us to work on our core before we can perform at our record levels.

5. He is the only man to run under 9.70 seconds (last year at the olympics), and now the only man to ever run under 9.6 seconds – there is something special about that phrase “the only man to ever. . .” - and I love the fact that my Savior has done a lot of them!
6. In a recent ESPN: The magazine article – there was a story about Bolt, and how he was bringing hope to the entire nation of Jamaica in amazing ways. How violence and crime slows down, and how enemies have been seen to be embracing after watchin him run to a new WR at the Olympics. . . . . I love it when just a little taste of the Hope that Jesus brings can be seen in a mere human accomplishment – how much greater is the hope of Jesus to all of mankind!

A friend of mine, Katie Weakland, who is a botanist shared a devotion with us at our faculty meeting yesterday, and it made a lot of sense to me.

She was discussing how plants that grow on continents (e.g., North America) have a lot of defense mechanisms – like thorns:

as well as many other things – like the poison that Black Walnut trees emit so that no other trees can grow around them. Of course, these are all characteristics that over time. . . have allowed the plant to continue to grow and reproduce (i.e., not get eaten by herbivores), but I wonder if it is worth it?

This is all very fascinating, but the realization is that all of these defense mechanisms take a lot of energy to make. . . energy that could be used to make more seeds, produce bigger fruit, and grow faster.

ISN’T THIS US??. . . . . how much time do we spend on protecting ourselves? – you know, not being authentic, hiding our true selves from others, not loving, not serving, not submitting, seeking control and power in relationships, etc….     – the fact is we are wasting our time and energy . . .

Dr. Weakland went on to say that plants on the islands of Hawaii (and most other islands) are very different.  Since they have not been around nearly as long. . . they have yet to adapt to have some of those defense mechanisms, and instead. . . . you see plants using their full energy in producing beautiful things to their fullest potential (i.e., fruit, flowers, etc…) – in fact she said that the biggest rasberrys in the world grow there, why are they so big?? Because they DON’T HAVE ANY THORNS – they can dedicate all of their energy to producing fruit.

Think about all of the things that we do to produce defense mechanisms to protect ourselves from being hurt or even “eaten” by others  INSTEAD OF USING THAT ENERGY TO PRODUCE FRUIT that we were meant to produce:

love

joy

peace

patience

kindness

goodness

faithfulness

gentleness 

self-control

Let’s all start using our time – our days – our minutes – our strength – our energy – NOT FOR THORNS, but for making the fruit we were created for.

As a teacher, I just love this video, . . . as a mentor, I just love this video, . . . as someone who has a passion for teenagers, I just love this video, . . . . as a parent, I just love this video. . . as a singer, I just love this video, . . . as a Christ-follower, I just love this video because I can hear God, just like Simon Cowell, looking at every single person in the eye and telling them “you are better than what you think you are. . . . go out now with confidence!!”

Have you been grazing spiritually lately. . . . OR. . . .Have you recently had a mountain top experience of some sort? – Feeling pretty confident about you spiritual life and your ability to impact people who are hurting and broken? Be careful!!!! You are now more dangerous than ever to the enemy, and you better believe that he is lurking like a lion (1 Peter 5:8) – and he is going to try and bring you down as soon as possible. . . . . are you married? (it doesn’t matter for how long). . . . then let’s talk, because within marriage lies one of the most commonly used attacks of the devil . . . why? – because, unfortunately, it works a lot of the time!

First warning. . . if you think this doesn’t apply to you, and that there really is no need to read this. . . . . I really don’t know why God will ever tell you that. . . .so, you might want to check the source of that thought – AND keep reading! You also might want to pray that God be with you as you read. . . . once again, if that sounds like a ridiculous thing to do?? . . . . . . . that’s not coming from God. . . do it – get Him involved.

First let’s talk about some basic characteristics of the enemy – I recommend you watch the weekend service from Granger Community Church from this past weekend (3/8/09) entitled “Sex for Sale” – watch it here (www.gccwired.com)  – where Mark Beeson explains the 3 hats of satan

Hat #1 – Tempter – trying to sell you lies like -  “this (whatever act the temptation involves) is not that bad. . . noone will know. . . and it doesn’t matter anyway, because it’s not that wrong . . . you can totally handle it. . . other people, stupid people, get caught – but your not stupid. . . . . it’s just this one time. . . . . just a little bit won’t hurt” – and after every step that you take, the enemy tempts you with the next one – and notice. . . . it is usually a slow/gradual process.

Hat #2 – Promoter – after he has tempted you he then tries to sell you lies like “this is going to be the best ever. . . . so fulfilling, it’s going to feel so good – you will feel so taken care of, so complete, so alive, so. . . . . . right – this is what you have been missing out on for soooo long!”

Hat#3 – Accuser – after you have commited the sinful act, he then tries to sell you lies like “I can’t believe you did THAT. . . you are horrible!!! – your toast now – God will never take you back. . . . might as well not even fight it – just give in all the way. . . you can’t resist it . . . you’ve already proven that!. . . . it will never go away. . . there is nothing you can do!. . . you knew it was wrong, but you did it anyway – that is the worst of the worst – not even God wants you back now!”

Let me be very clear. . .satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), which means. . . all he does is tell lies. . . so, these “hats” are ALL LIES – every single one!!

So, what does this have to do with you?

So, what is your weak spot when comes to your marriage?? What do you feel like your spouse is not giving you enough of?? especially things that you think you deserve?? Here is a quick list of some of  these maybe

1. Sex

2. Quality time together . . . that they actually WANT to spend

3. being valued and appreciated for all that you do

4. Sharing an emotional connection – talking about things that are close to your heart. . . . EVEN YOUR FAITH!

5. Passion, desire, adventure, fun

6. A sense of peace (or lack of tension)

etc….

HAVE NO DOUBT IN YOUR MIND that this area of resentment in your life has a huge bullseye painted on it – and it is going to be attacked by the enemy using Hat #1 and Hat#2 above

and if you don’t already have one – there may be someone entering into your life that just “happens” to provide an opportunity to have that resentment fulfilled. . . . . it’s called a strategy. . . and the enemy has been perfecting it for thousands of years!

The question then, reagarding our behavior, is NOT what is right and what is wrong – the question is what standard are you going to hold yourself to -  so as to be the brightest light possible for God’s kingdom – bring Him the most Glory – form the most solid Family – to be an inspiration for your friends/children/grandchildren. . . . . . because they will know, and they are watching. . . . . and in order prevent this, you need to have behavioral guidelines that will protect you from the lies of the enemy. . . especially the one that tells us that this is “really not a big deal”, and that “you can handle it”

Here are some questions to ask yourself (rate each one on a scale of 0-5 – with 0 being “no, not me at all” and 5 being “yes, that is me most of the time”):

1. Am I sharing more of my thoughts/feelings with someone else (of the opposite sex) than I am with my wife/husband?

2. Have I been thinking and getting excited about how I can see someone else (of the opposite sex) a little more often – even if it is with a larger group?

3. Am I, or could I be,  the major spiritual force in someone else’s (of the opposite sex) life right now – turning them towards Christ?

4. Do I have SOME excitement and/or attraction to someone else (of the opposite sex) when we physically touch in a supposed “neutral” way? – hand shakes, welcoming/parting hugs, a touch on the shoulder, arm, or knee, etc…

ok . . . Tally your points. . .

-

- if you have a total of 1 or more then you need to understand that you are most likely being attacked spiritually. . . AND. . . you are losing. . . . . . now what??!

1. Remember that some of the most effective “sells” of the enemy is that “this is not a problem – completely harmless”, and “you can totally handle it on your own.”

2. Remember that Paul tells us in the Bible to RUN from sexual sin and temptation (1 Cor 6:18) – so that means you need to stop cold turkey/put distance between you and him/her, STOP communication

3. This path to sexual sin is most often a very SLOW one – with gradual steps that you hardly notice . . . . it is a slow fade

4. Think about what kind of legacy/model you want for you, your marriage, your children, and grandchildren. . . . because they will remember these types of things forever!

5. Know that in this struggle, you have an opportunity to get even closer to God (who is strong enough to help you through this) and have a witness of strength. . . . . or become one of many who have sinned in this way only to hide and decay in shame and agony – saying to themselves “I don’t know how this happened. . . . . ”

6. Finally, know that sexual sin starts when you even lustfully (not just sex, but also companionship, etx…) think about somone else. . . . many of us have traveled down that path at some point – to differeing degrees. Repenting/confessing/being real with God wipes it all clean – from the one-time lustful thought to the full-fledged adulterous lifestyle that someone has lived for years. Don’t ever believe the lie that God won’t take you back (hat #3 above). . . . . . In fact, you may be reading this post for the exact reason of God desparately wanting you back . . . He’s just waiting on you to ask. . . . . . . . ask Him back in. . . and WHATEVER you have done. . . He is ready – right now -  willing AND capable, to help you turn this thing around. . .

I recently had a Bethel student – who was recalling going through some very difficult times – say that “handling adversity is the measure of a man.”

So, how are we doing men??

When our brothers, sisters, bosses, friends, or wives do something that frustrates us – how do we handle that?

Do we seek first to understand and serve even more before blowing up and trying to “control” the situation?? You know the bible talks about how we are supposed to love our wives like Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). You know how much crap some people in the global “Church” has done in the name of God – I am talking about horrific things – I mean people have been hurt emotionally, spiritually, even killed in the name of God . . . and you think your person has been doing it to you for a long time – some people have been misusing God’s word for hundreds of years.  but when has Jesus ever said “alright that’s it – no more forgiving. . . you know what. . . . I’m not going to love you anymore, I’m no longer going to serve you, no longer going to listen to your prayers, or give you any my time – you don’t deserve it!”. . . . never!

We don’t deserve that type of grace, and maybe our wives, our bosses, our children, our fathers, our friends, or whomever in our life doesn’t deserve it either. . . . . . . . . . . BUT, how you handle those situations/relationships truly is the MEASURE OF A MAN.

Oh, I have seen it many times in adults too. . . . A man can hide behind childish things like throwing fits, walking out, kicking other people out, not talking anymore, locking people out of rooms, avoiding it, ignoring it, drinking, always blaming the other person, never taking responsibility, being filled with pride, belittling or insulting others. . . even our wives in public!, refusing to listen, etc. . . . . -

The bible says that in our anger we should not sin (Ephesians 4:26-27 ) because it gives the devil a foothold in our lives. . . . so where do you think the devil is going to try and attack you and your life? One place for sure will be through your anger. . . the moments when you are seeking control over the situation or the person, but in reality- by becoming angry and childish . . . you have already turned away from self-control (i.e., a fruit of the Spirit). I know this is difficult – especially when you throw in all the other stresses in our lives that are weighing down on us. This is precisely the reason why how we deal with it is such a great measure. . . .
 

And all of this. . . . will show to our children, our wives (present or future), our grandchildren, our sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, our parents, and our friends what we are really made of. . . . how we handle adversity/conflict/difficult times. . . is the meausre of a man. . . . . . it is difficult, but don’t be passive like Adam in the garden watching Eve eat the fruit without saying anything!!!! that attitude of passivity/just letting things be how they always have been – will forever be one of our greatest temptations men! BE DIFFERENT . . . FIGHT FOR THE STANDARD OF LOVE THAT JESUS CHALLENGED US WITH- Let’s step up. . . let’s stop being little boys. . . and start being the men that God created us to be!! . . . Yes, you CAN get there. . . . . and if you don’t know really where to start – try praying this prayer first:

Father, I know that I have messed up, again, – you know all of the childish things that I do when I don’t feel loved or valued – when the people that I want love from the most don’t give it to me. You know that I have tried to stop doing some of these things from time to time, and it just never seems to work. So, I am just asking with all that I am that you transform me in some way so that when tough stuff comes – I will be able to respond in a way that would make you smile and be proud of me. . . I have no idea how to actually make that happen – I need you to show me – to teach me – please help me find a way Father. . .In Jesus’ name. . . Amen.

There are so many things to say about how appreciative I am for my wife, and all that she does for me. BUT, it doesn’t stop there – with her being at home with the kids, she is also the foundational element of how are family is being raised. . . . . . and I couldn’t be more proud!

I ran across this video that is a tribute to Ruth Graham (Billy Graham’s wife), but I wanted to show it as a tribute to all of the women, wives, and mothers out there that CHOOSE to do amazing things in their relationships and circles of influence. Those who CHOOSE to put others’ first, love well, have patience, model integrity, persevere through double standards, forgive your loved ones, and give – though you are rarely thanked for it. . .

Though I shouldn’t speak for all the men. . . I will anyways, and say – THANK YOU!!!!

Wow – what a crazy few weeks – sorry for the lapse in posts; I should be getting back on track soon .

These words and song by Brandon Heath really have come alive to me these past two weeks as I have thought/experienced a few things:

- a valentines weekend with three little miracles, and my wonderful bride

- the pain of revisiting the tragedies of bonded slave labor, infanticide, and seti in India as I prepared and gave a Colloquium on my Justice trip to India with Jack Magruder (more of that coming BTW – later post)

- as I contemplate the value of greenLockers to impoverished people here. . . and around the world

- hearing about the trajedgy of a family member’s death in my student’s prayer requests this week. . . in 3 different families

- that God truly loving others through me - requires my sacrifice . . . of something – time, money, resources, convenience, comfort, etc…. but, it is worth it!

- as thousands of people lose their jobs

- watching the ultrasound of my next child. . . Dane Justice. . . and being so proud of my wife!

- as I revisit the revolutionary idea of loving other people first. . . before judging them

God’s love NEVER fails. . . it is a promise. . . and one that I desperately need to be reminded of sometimes.

Here are the words by Brandon Heath:

Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all
Matters the most

Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside

Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you

Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time

Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this

Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life

Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you

Here is him singing it

I am still somewhat new at this whole “founder/CEO of a non-profit organization” - can I even call myself CEO?? – not sure what the stipulations are for that??  Anyways. . . I started greenLockers (formerly known as Trash to Treasure) back in the Spring of 2006, and this year it has really taken off. Check out what has been happening lately at www.greenlockers.org.  Even though I am still somewhat new at this – I have already learned a few things that I thought I should share with you – just in case it could help someone else out??  

1. You can’t do it on your own. . . or you can. . . and it will just not be as good as it could be.

2. Don’t bring on people exactly like you. . . A car made of one type of part doesn’t run, much less have the ability to move anybody – if you want a vehicle capable of changing/moving hearts and minds - build it with the diversity of people that God has placed in front of you.

3. When thinking of people to bring onboard in a leadership capacity – integrity over skill every time. . . .now – you need both. . ., but don’t settle for the second without the first.

4. Faith and Stupidity are about 0.5mm apart from each other – That keeps me focused – because I want to leave room for God, but not make idiotic business decisions

5. In marketing and networking – it’s not just who you know, but. . . the people that you know . . . who do they know??!

6. A hand-written thank you card, hand delivered to someone who sacrificed for you and your organization – - that’s pricelss. . . it’s worth the extra effort!

7. Pray – not only as an offering to God and a plee for some sort of provision – but, it’s amazing what happens to the stress, weight, and “What if’s” in your own heart when you submit everything (daily in my case!) to Abba – knowing, trusting – that He is in control

8. There is never a small decision of integrity – any such “oversight” could sabatoge an entire operation in the long run.

9. Keep Dreaming. . . . . deal with decisions in reality, but. . . . never stop thinking of what could/can be

10. It doesn’t matter if it comes naturally or not. . . I MUST communicate clearly. . . if they aren’t getting it. . . I am responsible.

11.  Organization with flexibility is CRITICAL in order to reach your maximum capacity for impact. . . it is a delicate balance between being organized/having a plan and being flexible – it’s a fine line. . . . find a way to walk it! 

12. Through everything – ups and downs. . . . . . . love your family well (wife and kids in my case) – never let them doubt your love/priority for them.

Today, I woke up feeling exhausted. . . . the grind of this week and the last has been difficult, and I think some things are catching up to me.  I am usually able to shake this off fairly easily. I typically do this by reminding myself of all the blessings that I do have (i.e., great wife, kids, etc….), how much worse off other people have it (and yet they pick themselves up and work tirelessly!), how much incredible work God has for me to do today, or what an honor it is do be able to be a professor and have the influence that I have – just to name a few.

This morning though. . . . it wasn’t happening. . . . I couldn’t shake it. Do you ever have those mornings? . . . What helps you through it?. . .For me today, I looked down on my left thumb, and was reminded of something very important. You see, my wife’s Christmas present to me this past year was a thumb ring that has engraved on it “Armor of God Ephesians 6:11” – I went ahead and read the whole passage (below) – that is just what I needed today to kick me back onto mission. . . . . God has already outfitted me for today in every way. . . there is nothing to fear. . . nothing to dread. . . time to once again engage the battle.

Just in case you needed the reminder that I received today-

Ephesians 6: 10-18 (NLT)

 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we^[c] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.^[d] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.^[e] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.^[f]

It is thanksgiving week, and I was touched so much by this video. . . .I have such a mixture of emotions from gratefullness, to joy, to heartache, to some guilt, . . . . most of all though, I am soooo glad that there are parents out there that love their children this much!!! This inspires me to be the man that God wants me to be – the husband – the father – the friend. . . .

It truly is amazing what Love can accomplish. . . . . be open, willing, patient enough, and ready to be used by God today to love someone else. . . . . . .there is plenty of suffering right now. . . . . and not nearly enough care, compassion, encouragement, selflessness, and empathy. . . .

- as we go into another CRAZY holiday season. . . . . let us not forget to LOVE FIRST. . . . . it truly is better than any other gift you could ever buy. . .

For more on this amazing duo – go HERE

I have sensed from the moment that I stepped foot on this campus that I was called here. . . . . in part. . . . to stretch these students into becoming more than they every thought was possible. . . . to start a few fires in their hearts and minds that they cannot ignore, – - – you know, I often believe in my students so much more than they believe in themeselves. . . . . and one wish that I have for them. . . . is that they live out this radical love of Jesus. . . . . without feeling destroyed when others don’t approve.

This is a video that we used in our identity series last year or so at Lifeline (GSM now). . . . and it is a wonderful reminder to me today that God loves you and me so much. . . . . enough that. . . . we don’t have to play the comparison game anymore. . . . that your worth is NOT CONNECTED to others’ dissaproval or. . .  conditional love. . . . .The truth of God’s grace has set you free from those chains of being obsessed with other’s approval. . . . Praise God for that freedom. . . . and live like you are free. . . . because you are!

Ang and the kids

I am amazed by my wife. . . some people who know me think, . . . Ted is alright. . . he has at least some skill at a few things, but. . . . I tell them. . . have you met my wife??!! – once they have . . . well. . . . they end up joining her fan club

Seriously. . . I love viewing the world through her heart and mind. . . . she just has a different perspective on many things that fascinates and inspires me! . . . . so, I confiscated her Bible this morning when leaving for work, and I am going to share some of the things that I have found in the “notes” pages . . . . many of these things have come from church services, books, speakers, etc… but there were no names listed. . . . . nevertheless. . . . enjoy what she has highlighted!

• Our goal is NOT to look strong or feel strong – but to become strong
• Satan will find us blocking his way at every point. Until God commands otherwise, I SHALL NOT MOVE!
• How are you measuring that you matter?
• There is no corner of human experience so hidden or so hopeless, that grace can’t find it. . . . . Love changes everything!
• Success has ruined far more people than failure has
• Goodness is not just the absence of badness
• Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention
• Holiness is not a list of things that I won’t do. . . . but a list of the desires of my heart
• The purpose of influence is to speak up for those that have none
• Crises don’t create heroes. . . they reveal them
• Sometimes we think we’re waiting for God when God is really waiting for us
• Courage is the absence of self
• To live the life God has for you . . . you must be willing to risk
• It’s not about men or women. . . it’s about God
• Change happens when the fear of where you’re going is less than the pain of where you are at.
• I commit that. . . no one is going to hurt me so badly that I’m going to hurt back.

Ang’s older sister recently went on a trip to Switzerland. . . and . . . I asked her to do a little something for me while she was over there. . . . . . . come back with a witness to the journey you had been given. I knew that God would be up to something. . . so, these are her thoughts from the journey, which she entitled. . . “The box“. . . needless to say. . . I am very proud of you Jennifer Thursby!

I finally placed my thoughts upon something bigger than me and something yet so right there in regards to my faith. I do not like to disrupt or confront such things that may cause pain or discomfort – - yet . . . each time  I communicate to someone on the reciprocating end, I feel many emotions. . . . a cleansing and then some sort of comfort and reconnect because of the new path that must be pursued. . .

This came to me as I traveled thousands of miles away from home . . . I left my two beautiful children and AMAZING husband for 10 days and headed to Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. . . . . Not only did I have to trust those taking care of my precious ones, but I had to try and face an adventure outside of my Box. . . God has made sooooo many wondrous sights in this world – God has sooo many plans . . . . still unfolding. . . why sometimes are we afraid to get out of our box . . . or keep our integrity and faith inside of it??

While flying over Greenland the snow and ice were endless and then there was land and a VAST ocean. . . The parrallel lines that I could draw made me realize how many seasons God has planned for each and everyone, and how important our role may be. . . . even when we don’t know or feel it. . .

I saw many beautiful things: churches, the Alps, The Lion monument, baby goats, lakes, window boxes with beautiful flowers . . . and it restored the beauty God placed in me, because I could almost feel it. . . . .There is much more taking place in this world than I know. . . but, I do not always realize and remember.

God loves me unconditionally. . . has never set any parameters for me, only a few easy commandments to help me walk my faith with integrity.

If I had never adventured to a land where it was hard to communicate with others (which we were always able to find words to figure out). . . I would never feel compelled by the tug that God placed on my heart. . . . . .GET OUT OF MY BOX. . . . and when you need comfort . . . . rest in your box and rely on me!!!!!!

God is bigger than I know and I was reminded once again by getting out of my box. . . saturating my soul with breath. . . . taking in beauty.

Switzerland is like a stop in time. . . endless acres of green pastures, rolling meadows, giant mountains, beautiful lakes, and curvy roads. . . . Faith may not even reside in many of its residents – they have churches, oh yes, but several  – even a few I encountered – did not attend church since baptism as a baby.

At times I felt intrigued to stay and be simple. . . . .              to ride bikes to our lots of wide open land . . . . .yet, . . . maybe God hand-picked my life to be in the crazy USA in order to have some of the most remarkable faith based relationships I could continue to grow with: the sisters I was given – the men in my life – my church – and the pastors who keep me growing in my walk with God. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gratitude can flood us by the simple beauty God has already created. . . It’s a BIG world. . . how big is your box??

I was reminded today of freedom. . . . of the good news. . . . of not being held to the bondage of this world.  What do I mean? – - some of you might have seen this video (as I did) a few years ago when it came out, but I encourage you to watch again, . . . and. . . . read all of the cards

2 things:

God already knows. . . . and. . . . He loves you 100%. . . . seriously. . . it almost makes me sick to think of how carelessly and outrageously God loves us – - it makes NO sense to me, but I believe it to be true – - I will boast in nothing. . . but Him! . . . . . . and I will live today in Freedom,. . . I refuse to be be held back by what God has already taken away from me. . . that is the truth. . . and that is setting me free . . . . right now!

Have a passion about something that influences every other part of your life. . . that was one of the main points of the chapel speaker on Weds., Rev. Jack French (Missionary Church Evangelist). . . . let me tell a few of his other points that stuck with me:

1. Always respect other people, but never be afraid of them

2. You can only live today. . . not yesterday. . . or tomorrow

3. No matter what you are up against. . . NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE UP AGAINST. . . you can face it through Christ

4. The measure of life is not money, fame, retirement, clothes, or cars. . . but, . . . did you, for someone else, make Jesus closer, bigger, clearer – - more real?

5. Apathy is the inability to dream, to see potential in yourself and others. . . what drives you there?

6. Enthusiasm comes from the synergy of two things (1) when a workable plan is put into practice (2) when an ideal takes imagination by storm.

So, my partner in crime (the professor that I co-teach with) with our block class of students is a great man, Scott Johnson. He brought up an interesting topic in class yesterday that got me thinking on a few things.

He brought up that there is an interesting paradox in the Bible between us “taking up/picking up” vs. “letting go”, in that we are told to do both. . . . . . so let’s look at this more closely to try and get some clarity

So, we are instructed by Jesus in Luke 9:23:

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  So what does this mean, . . . well,. . . we learn from other parts of Jesus’ ministry in the Bible that this would include things like – loving others outrageously, feeding the hungry, comforting the hurting, being close to the broken-hearted, loving other’s first . . . before judging them, showing up at places you “should” never be at – or being around those people and loving them – maybe when no one else will. . . ., our cross can include many very difficult things that we do as God’s loving and merciful hands and feet. . . . . . which leads me at times to wonder about Matthew 11:30
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” . . . . . . yeah right!!! – sure doesn’t seem like it from my above description  -

But . . . . . be honest with me for a second. . . . . what is it that really burdens you day in and day out? . . . . because for me. . . . it is none of these things. . . sure, these things may drain a little of my physical energy, break my heart (some emotional energy), stretch my comfort zone, and use up some of my time,. . . . but that is nothing compared to what truly weighs me down. . . . . my thoughts!  

See, for me it is thoughts. . . . my mind. . . that really burdens me. . . . reminders of past shame and guilt, times that I have failed, given up, or really disappointed someone. . . . the countless “what if’s”  . . . . the hours of second guessing . . . .  leading to doubts about my potential in the future - am I good enough?, am I going to screw this up . . . again?. . .am I strong enough to resist it this time?. . . . and then dread kicks in. . . . .about upcoming events, performances, opportunites – either because I know what is coming – like the knawing of a constant temptation. . . or the opposite. . . I have no idea what is coming!!!! – I can’t predict it. . . and then you throw in trying to plan for the future. . . .you know. . . so you’re not in debt, so your kids can go to college, so you can get good grades, so you can retire, so you can get a good job someday, so you can keep your job, so you can go out with him/her, so you will not be tempted, so you will be good a good wife/husband, so you can put food on the table, so you can travel someday, so you can. . . . . . . . . .

Do you see it? . . . . . have you figured it out? . . . .

What is common about the things involved in taking up our cross?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the difficulty and the opportunity is all held within the word “daily” . . . . . effort for, energy for, provision for, stress for . . . today. – and God says that is plenty for me and you to deal with (Matthew 6:34). Each day has enough trouble of its own. - so, . . . He makes a deal with us. . . . . if you let go of the past and the future Ted. . . . . you know, all of those thoughts that stress you out, overwhelm you, and generally render you incapable of operating at your max capacity. . . if you let go of that. . . . . . I’ll take care of it, . . . . seriously, . . . I know you might have heard me say this before. . . but, I want you to really believe it . . . right now, . . . today . . . . – - your past shame/doubt/guilt – gone and forgotten, . . . your future. . . . you’re worth soooooo much more to me than the birds of the air and flowers of the field. . . . . . . I got your back. . . I got you. . . trust me. . . . again - . . . remember the promises I have made to you, . . . . . the only way I can catch you . . . . . is if you let go . . . . . . .

I have heard (not direct quotes) several things from different people over the last few days that have really stretched me to becoming a better person. . . . think about these today a little bit, and how they apply to you. . . . in your journey. . . right now:

1.  (Benjamin Zander) When thinking about your potential and what you can do in life. . . . fly like a bird that is free to soar, without having to be concerned about all of the fences below

2. (Benjamin Zander) Judge success, not by the knowledge that you give to others, but by the presence of a light in their eyes when they’re around you.

3. (Derry Prinkert) Have hope. . . be encouraged. . .  when you hear neither yes, no, or wait from God, . . . but instead you witness silence from the Creator. . . . . . His ways are sooo far above ours. . . . . He will turn into bread what now resembles stone. . . . . you can trust Him.

4. (John Keim) Psalm 37:7a – Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act

   Definitions:  Wait – to stay in place in expectation of

                       Patient – bearing pains or trials calmly, without complaint

  So, new rendition of Psalm 37:7a – Be still in the presence of the LORD, and stay in place, in expectation of bearing pains or trials calmy, without complaint . . . . waiting for Him to act.

 5. (Elliana) Thank you God for Mommy and Daddy.

Breathe in . . . . . Breathe out. . . . . . now watch:

Thank you Corey for the video -

I really got a lot out of Chapel Friday. A man by the name of Tim Elmore came to talk to all of us about leadership. . . . now I love leadership issues, so I was all in. . . here are some of the highlights:

1. There are Habitual leaders – those that are naturally gifted to lead at almost anytime, and there are Situational leaders - that’s the rest of us – who can lead when a situation matches our gifts, abilities, and passion

2. Leadership is NOT a position. . . . . it is a disposition – seeing things differently and then going first in that direction

3. We all need to create a LIFE SENTENCE – that is, . . . . 20 years after you and I are dead, there is going to be some people sitting around a table talking, and one will ask who was that Ted Bryant guy?  And someone else at the table will say oh, he was the one that ___________________ . And there you have it. . . . . . . we all will be summed up in one sentence some day. . . what will my life sentence be?. . . . don’t wait. . .  figure out what you want that sentence to be. . . and then fulfill that work in your life!

4. Esther was amazing! – young (14), in a foreign land (captured by the persians), and female, . . . . . . . oh, and with God’s help, she single handedly saved all of the Jews in the world. . . . ummm. . . I guess that’ll do!

5. There are four things we can learn about taking risks from Esther ch. 4:

      a. If I don’t step out and take a risk – my fate will not differ from the rest of the crowd

      b. If I don’t step out and take a risk – God will bless someone else who will

      c. If I don’t step out and take a risk - I may lose more than an opportunity

      d. If I don’t step out and take a risk – I could miss my God-given mission and work in my life

 6. Attendance is NOT faithfulness

 Go and watch this 2 minute video and be inspired – VIDEO HERE