After 5 Years, This Is What I've Learned

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD.

"And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. (Isaiah 55:8)

Sherin and I celebrated 5 years of marriage last week.  God's been great to us and for us everyday.  We sometimes have to stop and remind ourselves how blessed we are.  Hey, we're not perfect in any way, but we are happy with the life we have. To be honest, naturally we'd like more and different "things".  But we chose this road that we're traveling together and we're thankful for it.  Recently we saw video of our wedding day and realized how quickly time flies. The months, weeks, and days leading up to wedding day were memorable (still have my binder).  We graduated from college on the same weekend 5 years ago. We got married that same summer 5 years ago.  As one chapter in our individual lives closed, a new chapter in our lives together started. 

I admire her for dedication to our family.
I love her for who she is...daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend.
I pray for her because she is my life partner.
I treasure her for her gift to discern.
I encourage her because she is special.
I need her because God put her in my life for a wonderful purpose.
I stand by her because she makes me look good.

In these 5 years, we have learned a lot from and about each other. We have our play fights and real fights.  We have our tears of great joy and tears of loss.  We've been shocked with good news and sad news.  We've had trips to islands and out on the island.  We cook for each other.  We shop differently.  We clean dishes differently.  We see things differently.  We understand things differently.  We are not the same.  We became parents.  We became homeowners. We answered a call for ministry.  We are reminded of the great parents, brothers and sister we have.  We do have a great group of friends to encourage, advise, and provide accountability.  In all these areas and so much more, we are still growing & learning!

This was a song sung at our wedding.  But its our prayer ..
Jesus, be the center, Be our source, be our light, Jesus
Jesus, be the center, Be our hope, be our song, Jesus
Jesus, be our vision, Be our path, be our guide, Jesus
Be the fire in our heart, Be the wind in these sails
Be the reason that we live, Jesus, Jesus

Enjoying This Ride With My Sher,

Cee

Digging Ditches

Are you ready to dig? CWS is finishing up 8 months of existence and God is faithful and awesome! Along the journey, we have to make sure we are on course and focused on the vision and mission of what He wants.

8/28/11 @ 9:30 am - Part 1: Get To The Dirt
9/4/11 @ 9:30 am - Part 2: We Dig, God Brings

Pray that the Holy Spirit talks to us! Pray for healing, restoration, breakthroughs, and action!

Please invite some people that you know might be on the fence about life, community, church, etc... Bring someone with you! Let's prayerfully get connected to Jesus and His body!

Get ready to dig! Simply Worship & Word!

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil

Springboard Principle

Commandment #9:

Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.

In gymnastics there is the Vault competition.  You run down the runway as fast as you can and jump onto this springboard.  This action propels you high in the air where you can do some cool twists and turns and then land on your feet...hopefully!  There were some memorable Olympic moments for the USA on the vault in years past: 1984: Mary Lou Retton Wins the Olympic All-Around Title with Perfect 10 on Vault Exercise; 1996: Kerri Strug Sticks Her Vault on an Injured Ankle

Hmmm ... what does this have to do with Commandment #9? 

Sometimes we are running so hard after the things we have to accomplish on our TO-DO list.  We see the goals we measure ourselves against.  We have the dreams and visions in our mind...even some God-given!  The gold medal is there for the taking and if we stick the "vault" exercise, its ours.  But to get that "gold" we have to use that springboard that sits on the floor to get us to the preferred destination. 

Are we just seeing the potential end result and jumping on people in our lives to get to where we want to be?  Are we stepping on toes and dreams of others so that we propel ourselves?
Are we push others down so that we can push ourselves over the top?
Are we pouncing on others' God-given dreams so that our dream is fulfilled? 

Springboard Principle:

Don't jump, step, or push others down to lift ourselves up!

Let's see people for who they are not only what they can do for us.  Allow them to dream and use their God-given gifts and talents.  Hey you  never know, those dreams and gifts will compliment and further the vision and mission of the church.  Everyone wants to be a part of something, but they don't have to feel like robots.

Go for the "gold" as one team. 

Enjoy the Ride,

Cecil

Towels Still Available



Towel given to people getting baptized!


This weekend was surreal.  A first in many ways...First baptism service for CWS.  First surprise baptism candidate shows up on Sunday so instead of 1 there are 2 new people publicly declaring their allegiance to Jesus.  First baptism service for me...little nervous but prayers helped.  We had 3 towels prepared and 2 were given as gifts. More towels in stock for whoever is next into the baptism tank.

You can check out the pics from Going Public service on FB: First Church of God.  Hit the LIKE button and stay connected.  There were 8 first time visitors at CWS which is an awesome sight.  Praying for them and everyone! 

A few thoughts from Jesus' baptism:
1. Jesus pleased His father.  We can please God the Father with our faith and obedience.  If we want to please our earthly dads, how much more should we please our heavenly father?

2. Jesus was sent into the desert after His baptism.  Even with the temptations and attacks from Satan, the angels of God watched over Him.  He was also equipped with the best weapon in those battles, the Word of God.  In your desert experiences even after obeying His commands, believe He is watching over you.  With that said, you must equip yourself by digesting the Word of God because it will come in handy in the middle of the battles of life.

3. Jesus embraced His mission after His baptism.  He began His ministry at 30 years old.  He embraced it with obedience and humility.  We have to recognize from whom we got our mandate or commission.  Can you believe you got enlisted by God to fulfill the Great Commission?  Tell someone about the love of Jesus. Embrace your calling and gifting.  Live your calling out!  See great things happened!

Enjoy the Ride,

Cecil

Yet This I Call To Mind

YET THIS I CALL TO MIND ...

1. God still loves us and so we are not defeated or consumed.  He is our victory. He is our strength.

2. God's compassion and mercies never fail.  He cares for you.

3. God's mercies are new every morning.  New day equals new gift which requires more of God's grace and mercy. 

4. God's faithfulness is great!  We cannot fathom how great He is.  Even in our screw ups, He loves us.

5. God is our portion and He is all we need.  Naturally we might not have much, but if we have Him, we should be satisfied.

6. God is good to us if we have hope in Him and seek after Him.  Put our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Worship Him with all our heart, strength, and mind.  We will taste His goodness in our lives.

... AND THEREFORE I HAVE HOPE

Thru a string of events last week and inevitably understood it was the Holy Spirit orchestrating it all...I was led to read Lamentations chapter 3.

You had to be there on Sunday for the Worship Celebration to hear the story. We have all been thru or are going thru or might experience the affliction, confusion, bitterness, and desperation as read in verse 19. Read verses 1 thru 20 and get some details.

Is any of that relevant to your life right now? Thank God the story does not end there. There is more in that chapter and there is more to your story...yet to be written.

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil