2012 Remembered

The year some said would usher in the demise of humanity has, itself, come and gone. It’s become a habit for me, as every year I reflect on my fondest memories of the last twelve months…

#10: Springles Retreat
April in Deep Creek was chilly—not only outside, but inside too. The cold stares that we and another couple got from thirty-seven single adults literally made me shudder. These “Christians” were not very love-filled, and it was obvious. I mean, just because the retreat was billed as an event where every single would be paired off with a “spouse” didn’t give them the right to be evil. Turns out the weekend-long exercise of “marriage” was a lot of fun for everybody and a great object lesson. We’re still trying to find ways to top that one. For most, only real marriages will do the trick.

#9: Chasing Oprah
My good buddy, Greg, came to visit back in the spring, and I happily played chauffer/tour guide to NYC. He, Cam and I drove down a cross street on the backside of Radio City Music Hall, when we were halted by a security barricade. The billionairess, in the flesh, was making her way through the cheering crowd, signing autographs en route to an awaiting black suburban—the one ten feet in front of me. They must have thought my SUV was part of her entourage, because they moved the barricade only seconds after she hopped in. I don’t know what came over me?!? Before I knew it I was in hot pursuit through Midtown Manhattan—all the way to her hotel. Crazy, but oh my, to call this “fun” is such an understatement. Check it out here.

#8: Thanksgiving
Spending turkey day in Florida is becoming a tradition for us—especially after this year. My sister’s family along with our dear friends, the Greens and the Maynards, had a similar idea. Backyard swimming in November and hanging out with Mickey made for a great vacation. But sharing a feast with eighteen of your family and close friends is something for which I was truly thankful.

#7: COEBA
The 19th Annual Conference on Evangelizing Black America is always an exciting gathering at our church. This year’s COEBA was most memorable perhaps because it almost didn’t happen. Violent thunderstorms caused unprecedented power outages during the hot summer weekend prior. Temperatures approached 110°. It was unlike anything we had seen here. But thankfully, the power came back on in time. The Conference was electrified, literally and figuratively. Topped it off with an overnight in NYC with my new brother, Andrew Garcia, and his wife Kayla. An amazing week!

#6: MM
The Miracle Mansion Project remains my great passion. It was 2006 when the idea came about, and each year it has moved closer to fruition. With a new site that is ten times larger at a fraction of the cost per acre, the growth of this Project in 2012 is mind-blowing. Huge financial blessings and an opportunity to connect with some very capable people made this an unforgettable year. And we’ve only just begun.

#5: Visits
Those who know me know that “I just love people.” (Inside joke). Truth is I love to be surrounded by people I love. Who doesn’t? I traveled less in 2012 than in years past, but it was a year when people I don’t see often came to see me (ok, us). I can’t think of too many things better than that. Sondrew was here twice—in the summer and at Christmas. Just seems right when he’s here. Bsanti came and spent a crazy five-day weekend with his pops. Can’t wait for that permanent move☺. So loved having OMY here—was like old times, with long, late, deep, couch convos. And Diana blew in from the windy city just to remind me how much I miss her. Visits, wonderful. Goodbyes, not so much.

#4: Easter
These Sundays are usually special—wait, isn’t “usually special” an oxymoron? Anyway, Easter 2012 topped them all. My brother preached an incredible sermon on the Cross entitled, “The Man In the Middle.” The 45-minute invitation that followed brought a host of people down the aisle for salvation. It was one the greatest services I had ever experienced. We left with a poignant reminder of God’s grace through Jesus’ sacrifice. Still gives me chills. Matt, Lana and Maddie Cretzman—our sweet friends—were there too. A day like that made it that much easier just to love on them.

#3: MM Production
This wasn’t the first time we brought the Miracle Mansion Play to stage, but it was the first time on this scale. A two-story set with the structure of a small house. Trap doors. Falling demons. A mechanical lift. This was a major undertaking for us. Truth be told, it was hugely successful in every way. God blessed it beyond our expectations. Yet, I said to myself, “Never again.” When I learned that my niece, Zoe, trusted Christ as a result, I knew that it was worth it all. But still, never again. Not until the real MM is built.

#2: Cam
When our kids were born we looked forward to shopping for baby clothes, having fun at the playground and birthday parties. On the flip side, I envisioned the day when they would graduate from college, tie the knot and have children of their own. What I never anticipated was the moment at which the transition from child to adult would unfold before my eyes. That happened in 2012. He’s only 17 (still not sure how I used “only” and “17” in the same sentence), but Cameron became, at least to me, a man last year. We talk about so much. His heart is tender for God and for others. He is talented beyond comprehension. And though he still kisses me goodnight, I am acutely aware that he’s not a little boy anymore. I have mixed emotions—the lion’s share of them being pride and gratitude. Let’s hope Casey won’t become a “woman” for at least another ten years. She’s only 15.



















#1 Granddaddy
I have many, many memories of Lynn Baldwin—from the time he helped me find the kid who stole my Big Wheel to the road trip we took to Cincinnati. He was a larger than life presence, not physically, yet in practically every other way. Holding his hand during the final hours of his life was surreal. Not sad, just surreal. I felt proud. Blessed. Special. I tried to recall every memory. Prayed for a possible miracle. Thought about Grandmommy. Marveled at how good he looked at 102 and on his deathbed. Wondered if I had his long-life genes. It was a remarkable day. The coolest day. The apex of 2012 for me.

All in all I’m thankful for these and for millions of other occurrences last year. Many I prefer to forget--but whether over mountains or through valleys, God brought me through. Just like He does every year.

It's Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas... A Little?

(From Dec. 18, 2010)

Last night I chauffeured some friends into the city. We were in search of Christmas lights. This is a tradition that usually helps to put you in the "spirit" during this time of year.

Having lived in the DC area all my life, I've learned where the really good spots are. There are some incredible tucked-away neighborhoods--far and away from the monuments--that have been known to draw crowds of gawking light-seekers every year.

So we cruised the curvy stretch through Rock Creek, looped up onto Connecticut into Woodley, passed the Zoo, cut over to Wisconsin near the Cathedral, drove through Tenleytown over toward American U and down into the Rockwood neighborhood. (Yes, you can be impressed with my knowledge of upper NW). Strange thing though. Coursing through these established neighborhoods, we were quickly aware that there were practically no Christmas lights this year. Sure, we saw a few wreaths and there was a decent offering of decorated trees in bay windows. But the relatively few homes that actually donned lights on the outside stuck out amidst a sea of dark streets. And many of these displays were tacky at best, looking as if they were just thrown up. Pun intended.

Needless to say we were quite surprised at the sadly lackluster showing of Christmas cheer in our Nation's Capital. We chalked it up to the recession. Tough times seem to suck the seasonal cheer out of folk--at least to the point of cutting back or cutting the decorations altogether.

Of course, as believers we know that true Christmas spirit is not based on the economy. Real joy comes from knowing Jesus. And it's not a seasonal thing. It's joy that the Bible calls "unspeakable" and "neverending." And it's a joy that should be on display for all to see.

Have you ever been guilty of not shining during tough times? I have. Have circumstances, situations, or relationships persuaded you to keep your spiritual lights tucked away in the basement? God help us! It's during the difficult and dark times that we most need light!!! Not just for the benefit of those watching, but for ourselves as well, for we too need to be reminded that with Jesus, there's gonna be a brighter day.

Be encouraged. No matter how bad it gets, you will always have that Light within. The world didn't give it, and the world can't take it away. So show off your Light and let everybody know that Jesus is never in short supply.

Merry Christmas!

Wow. That Was Quick!

It's over. Just like that. Once again, Christmas came and went. All the anticipation, the decorating, the shopping excursions and gift wrapping--and it's gone. Just like that.

This reminds me of life. We put a lot emphasis on "things" like homes, cars and careers. We plan. We work. We do so much to obtain and maintain these all-important staples of our existence. But they have little shelf life. They don't last, nor provide enduring fulfillment.

Since life is so short, why not concentrate on things that really matter? Why waste precious time and energy on stuff that won't outlive you on earth, let alone eternity?

What are the things that last, you ask? Relationships last. Lives last. People last. Not much else. Let's face it. Unless you're investing in someONE, everything you do is gonna burn like wood, hay or stubble. It's a wise thing to put our effort into things that will ultimately benefit PEOPLE.

There IS one other thing we can concentrate on for ourselves. Romans 12:2 tells us, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

A mind is a terrible thing to waste. That's why God tells us to keep it clean, focused, refreshed each and every day. Nothing profound here, just simple, daily meditation on the Word (Joshua 1:8), and guarding against bad influences. So simple, yet many of us fail miserably, ultimately causing us to lose sight of the will of God and begin chasing after wood, hay and stubble.

Everybody asks, "Did you have a good Christmas?" And everybody pretty much answers, "Yes!" But if your life ended today could you say you had a GOOD LIFE? Did you accomplish what you wanted to? Were your dreams fulfilled? More importantly, were you in the will of God?

Life comes and goes really quick. Make it count. You could spend a lifetime trying to figure out what's best for you--and still fail! So don't try! Renew your mind EVERY DAY to stay plugged into the will of God. Then, pour yourself into others. Although Christmas is over, you'll find yourself giving and receiving all year long.

Behind Door #1...

Morning Sings:)

If there's anything that characterizes my life these days, it's that I am faced with having to make choices more than ever before. It used to be, or so it seemed, that things pretty much worked themselves out each day. I would wake up, interact with my family and people around me, work or go to school, then tackle whatever the day would bring. Wasn't always easy, but it was a lot more predictable than now when--or so it again seems--the outcome of my day, my week, my life is determined by the decisions and choices with which I am confronted. I guess it's a part of life... A part of getting older??

I have to be honest with you, sometimes it's really not fun. There are days when I wish I could go back to the time when somebody else was calling the shots. Especially on those days when the fog dissipates and I realize how much I've messed up. At some point each of us is faced with making tough choices. There are real-life decisions we must make that may seriously impact our lives. How do you deal with that difficult decision? Do you tend to put it off, hoping it will miraculously work itself out? Do you try to squash that sinking feeling in your gut by thinking good thoughts to divert your attention from the quandary at hand? This works for a minute, until the feeling returns stronger than ever, and the choice remains. Been there.

"Yea, they have chosen their own ways," is what God said of His people in Isaiah 66:3. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Isaiah 55:8. In other words, if we don't apply some God-sense to our lives, we can fully expect to make the wrong decisions. The natural choice is typically the wrong one. So how do we fix this?

First, Principle. What does the Bible say about this? What is God's will? What does HE want? (Ps. 111:10; I Pet. 5:5-6; Rom. 16:27) It seems like a simple thing, yet it's remarkable how many Christians make choices without ever consulting God! Perhaps they think being saved and going to church and being around good people automatically protects them from stupidity. False. You will never make a bad decision based on the Bible. And know this. God will NEVER EVER EVER, lead you to do something that is contrary to His Word. Never. Period.

Second. Prayer. "...oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." This is yet another area that is so basic yet often overlooked. Prayer still works! Have you considered the fact that God may be withholding the solution simply because He wants you to spend time with Him? What a difference it would make if we got on our knees and didn't get up until we heard from God! (Phil. 4:6: I Thess. 5:17)

Third. Persuasion. Even as this decision is ultimately up to me, it shouldn't be made alone. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Prov. 11:14. Don't do it by yourself. Get good counsel from people who walk with God and have demonstrated their own ability to make tough choices. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20

Fourth. Practicality. Sometimes we are so guided by our emotions that we fail to stop and ask ourselves, "does this even make sense?" We get headstrong and make up our mind from the get-go without taking the proper steps to the right decision. Sometimes you don't have the luxury of time to act. But hasty decisions and those made in the heat of the moment can be life-shattering. "...and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth." Proverbs 19:2

Fifth. Peace. This is that settled spirit, that sense of calm assurance that only God can give. He promised to give it to us when we do our part. And there's nothing like it! Have you experienced it? "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Sixth. Pursuit. This is the important last step in the decision-making process. Move forward. Follow through. Just do it. It's too bad that some arrive at the right conclusion but fail to put it into action. What a waste! How dumb is it to do the homework and not turn it in? Once God makes the way clear, don't hesitate. Jump in with both feet. Stop making excuses. Go for it. Remember, you never know how long the door will stay open for you. "...Seek peace and pursue it." Proverbs 34:14

Hey, this is good stuff, not because I said it, but because God did. I am striving more than ever to put these into action. Hope you will too. There's nothing quite like knowing you made the right choice.

To Be or Not To Be? That's One of the Questions.

It’s that time of year again when America cozies up to the practice of “giving thanks.” Thoughts of appreciation emerge from dinner-table discussions. Well-produced TV commercials tug at our emotions. Yes, as the calendar hits about the third week of November, the question of the day becomes, “What are YOU thankful for?” as all of a sudden the world seems to be on a mission to prove its sufficient attitude of gratitude.

Have you ever considered that urging people to articulate their thankfulness may be just a little useless? I mean, can you force someone to be thankful? Do I need to be reminded to be thankful? Does talking about my blessings improve my “thankfulnessability?”

Furthermore, how do you even define “thankfulness?” Ok, maybe it’s appreciation for an object or objects in one’s life. So then, how would you define “appreciation?” Maybe, a feeling of … well, hm...

…I was about to say “thankfulness.” But that's no good.

It’s obvious that thankfulness is much easier to experience than it is to describe. I may not be able to put into words what I feel, but I know exactly what it feels like to be thankful. The point is simple. We are told, most notably, by God to GIVE thanks. But we can’t honestly GIVE thanks unless we can first BE thankful. Thankful is not as much something I “do” as it is something I “am.”

“I can’t explain it. I can’t obtain it. Jesus, Your love is so, it’s so amazing.”

And think about this. Thankfulness is a natural reflection of God—the Object of our gratefulness. We are thankful to Him because of Who He IS—not just because of what He DOES. God is an “IS” God. He is a “BE” God. He’s the Great “I AM.”

Today when we sit around the table and it comes our turn to offer personal musings, wouldn’t it be nice to pass around some honesty? It’d be refreshing if we didn’t have to scratch our brains for something unique or clever to say. Maybe this year the kids won’t roll their eyes at the ritual. Why? Because instead of speaking because it’s the thing to do, we’ll give thanks with a grateful heart—a heart overflowing with unrestrained appreciation.

Don’t just DO thankful. BE thankful☺

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalms 100:4

Unforgettable

A weekend ago we were in Lora's hometown of Danville, VA. It was just for the day so she could visit family while I had meetings in the area. The first time I went to Danville was Thanksgiving, 1993. We had just started dating and it was time to "meet the family." Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were country folk, very simple, good people. They took an immediate liking to me, which reinforces the notion of their goodness. After a day or so of small talk I drummed up the courage, as tradition would have it, to pop the question to Lora's dad. "I'd like to have your daughter's hand in marriage, sir." I was young and dumb, so I actually used those exact words. Even now I cringe with recollection. His eyes narrowed as he leaned toward me and in an unflinching tone whispered these words I'll never forget: "That's fine. And I know you a preacher and all, but you better not never beat 'er." Of course, I agreed, and the rest is history.

I grew to love Lora's parents over the years and they became second parents to me. Mom was the kindest, most unassuming lady you'd ever want to meet--always greeting with the most beautiful smile. I was her favorite son-in-law. She told me many times, even though she never admitted it publicly, mostly to save others from disappointment. Pop was crazy. He always bought stuff he didn't need, and told jokes that were only funny because they made no sense. You can see why we were close:). I had the privilege of leading him to the Lord. I can assure you that "privilege" doesn't come close to expressing what I felt on the day he got saved.

Looking back on the years I knew mom and pop, I see all of their best traits in Lora, and even in my kids. They didn't have much, but what they did have, they poured into their children, and into me too. We had great times together and they taught me a lot. I watched them, both of them, die with grace and the peace of knowing that they really had done the best with what they had. So last week we visited the cemetery for the first time. Forgive me if this is comes across morbid, because it was anything but that on this perfect Saturday evening. Just before sunset Lora, Cameron, Casey and me stood on a pristinely manicured grassy hill, laughing and reminiscing about the times we had with them. The height of the rolling landscape put us at eye-level with these huge, irregular cloud shapes that formed an almost-fake looking backdrop from a movie scene. It struck me, at that surreal moment, that we were making memories right then--that this could be a day my kids would talk about when I'm gone. More importantly, things like this will shape the persons they are becoming.

Most of us will not be remembered for "great" accomplishment or some big event in our lives. Our lasting impact may be the smile we give to someone at just the right time, or brief, yet sincere words with long-term implications. Whatever the case, our lives count the most when lived out through other people. It's wonderful to make memories, but even better to make a difference.

No Thanks??

Morning sings! Most of us are still recovering from an incredible COEBA week. Hope you've gotten some rest by now and are back at it- relishing the joys of work, or, whatever it is you do. I had a thought I wanted to share today. It was prompted, in part, by a really nice note a recent houseguest left when he departed. It was basically a heartfelt thanks for our hospitality and a personal expression of what the time in our home had meant to his life. There were specific details mentioned, and it was obvious that he took real time to clearly express the gratitude he felt. The note really made us feel...well, good! There's no other way to say it. It kinda just made my day. It also made me think about the importance of expressing gratitude in our lives. I think we all feel that we are grateful for blessings- to God, to our friends, parents, etc. We often take time to internalize how fortunate we are. But if we're honest, we might admit that we are sometimes lacking in our expression of that gratitude to God first, then to the people who do and give and pray and work for our benefit. We take people for granted, failing to realize our duty to simply say, "thank you." As children we are taught "please" and "thank you", but I've discovered that many people have mastered the "please" part but are flunking out when it comes to expressing gratitude. One of the most encouraging things you can ever do is to passionately and sincerely convey your appreciation for what someone does that impacts you. It never gets old! It can make all the difference in their day. AND it helps you to better appreciate and recognize the blessings in your life and to avoid developing a sense of entitlement. The late Walter Hawkins coined the words to the classic song, "be grateful." I might go a step further and say, "ACT grateful." Tell them. Show them. Never be mistaken for an ingrate! "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thess. 5:18. Love u guys. PM