I just wanna watch the game!

Can I admit something to you? I know that I am a Pastor and that I'm supposed to be spiritually minded 24/7. I know that my treasure is in heaven and that I'm working for a far greater and eternal reward........

But sometimes, I just wanna watch the game!

We had a great class tonight and that's no lie, but I was hoping to get home quick to see Kobe take it to the hole!

Mr. Bryant did not disappoint.

God showed up at class as well and moved in the hearts of men and women. It truly has been rewarding to see lives changed and people grow in their faith. God moves in spite of me and my bad attitude and that's awesome!

Go God!!! & Go Lakers!!!

Forest Gump

http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdsMqRaz2WY (Forest Gump Trailer)
I often wonder how much impact we are making in our lives. If you have ever seen the movie "Forest Gump", you have seen how the white feather floating through the air is symbolic of his life. He's just going where the wind takes him, where circumstances lead, "just go with the flow"!
In the movie all of these incredible things happen to Forest and he plays a part in many historical events but in real life things don't work that way. If you just go where the wind takes you, your life will be one of disarray and confusion. Unfulfilled in all aspects.
Quite a lot of people take this approach to life. Maybe they had plans, perhaps they had dreams at one time but life circumstances have caused them to live a life of second best. "LIFE HAPPENS"! Now they just simply exist. No longer do they dare to dream of something bigger or better in life. Afraid that these unrealistic expectations only lead to disappointment, heartache, and even anger, we settle in and we call it "being responsible".
I have been guilty of falling into this trap from time to time. I have even justified it with scripture, "well brother, I've learned to be content in whatever state I'm in". Sounds very spiritual but it's a cop out to a life of apathy. I'm very good at making excuses and even perverting scripture to convince myself that I'm right.
The truth is that we are all making an impact, we are all leaving a wake behind our lives that will impact our future and the generations that follow. The true question is, are we having a positive impact or a negative one?
Just look at the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Jesus calls the one who does not increase, Wicked and Lazy! Ouch, that seems kinda harsh! The message that I see here is that our inaction, our apathetic approach to life, our denial of our God given dreams and purpose are sinful in the eyes of God.
We are all leaving a wake behind us. How will yours impact those around you? Are we living life to it's fullest?

There Is A God

I sit in a room of atheists, agnostics, and the generally confused. I hear them quote chapter and verse of scientific theory and views....Anger is in their voices, pain in their words. Undoubtedly many have suffered at the hands of those who believe - Whether with good intentions or not....Yes, we are fallible....As I listen, I ask this question - If one can climb the highest mountain and look across a valley of amazing color and life, breathe crisp air and gaze upon a sky so brilliant blue....If one can stand on the shoreline where earth meets sea, feel the sand between your toes, and the kiss of the ocean on your feet....Watch as an orange-red sky dips into black water to say goodnight....If one can witness the birth of a newborn babe, watching creation come to life....If one can do these things and still believe Darwin was right....Then, what about these things?....Where does the power to forgive come from?....To overcome wounds so deep, they are greater than our own abilities....How can we choose to love? No, not emotion or lust for they are fleeting....But true love, the kind that lasts a lifetime and overcomes all obstacles....Where does compassion come from?The kind that moves us to action, to make a difference....These things are not happy accidents nor are they created in a genetic cesspool....No, these things are matters of heart and soul....How do I know there is a God, you might ask....I've seen Him....Yes, I have seen Him in the balance of nature, as an eagle spreads his wings....I see Him....I see Him when the weight of sin and desperation are lifted from the heart of a man as he drops to his knees....I see Him every time a surfer breaks through the barrel and rides the crest of the ocean....I see Him in the embrace of a man and woman as they confess their love for one another, standing in front of gate C for flight 194....I see Him....Four times I have had the privilege to look Him straight in the eye....Four time I have held my newborn babies in my arms and seen my God....How do I know there is a God?....I have seen Him.
Written by Todd Howard