Crave More Presence

On Sunday, December 21st, I want something for my birthday! I know, it sounds pretty vain . . . but I really do want something for my birthday that day. I would love for every single person that comes to Life Church (if they haven't already) to make a heartfelt commitment to Christ. That's what I want for my birthday. I don't know if you've thought about it yet . . . but make plans to attend that Sunday and bring a friend. Join me in asking God to bring individuals to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ that day. All things are possible for those who believe. :-)

Pajama Day

Sometimes it's good to just have a pajama day. "What's a pajama day?" you ask. Well, a pajama day is a day where you wake up and you don't change out of your pajamas. You just get up, eat breakfast, and then just spend the whole day with the family in your pajamas. I know it sounds lazy . . . but sometimes it's just good for the family. We just had one today. You should try it sometime. But not on Sunday! :)

Family Devotions

There is nothing in this world like a man gathering his family together and listening to worship and talking about Jesus. Some call it family devotions, some call it the altar at home . . . we just know it's special. Teri, Jadon and Adin absolutely love to worship God. And there's nothing more exciting to me as a husband and dad to see my family smile really big becuase the love of Jesus is all over their face.

Risking Everything?

So I'm reading this book . . . It's called "Risk". The premise is "do you and I dare let Jesus take control of our lives?" That's the basic idea. As you think about this idea of risk... predictability, control, safety and comfort go out the window. Jesus challenges us to experience a heightened faith in Him. No matter where we are, many times we spend much of our time trying to eliminate risk in our lives when that is the one thing that might be needed to propel us in our spiritual journey. I leave you with these words . . .Jesus said, "If you try to keep life for yourself you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake . . . you will find true life." (Mark 8:35) The "safe life" is out the window when you follow Jesus and become "whole-hearted" with him in commitment. You can bet your life on Him!!!

Bigfoot

So . . . I was totally thinking the other day . . . "What if they found Sasquatch?" Wouldn't that be cool? I am totally cheering for him to come out and say "hi" or "raaahhhhh" or something. Anyway, I am totally a bigfoot fan. Mike is too.

Restful Trip

As a pastor, sometimes it's difficult to find moments of rest. Thanks to a church who believes in rest for it's pastors, Teri and I received some much needed rest this past week. It was really nice just getting to seek God without an agenda, reading a few books, and experiencing some much needed moments together as a family. Thank you Life Church.

Wink

Yesterday morning was Adin's birthday but he didn't know it. As he was waking up he came into our bedroom with his head buried in his hands talking about a bad dream. So Teri quickly asked him . . ."did you know that it's your birthday?" He jumped up, looked at both of us, and said . . ."you mean, I 4 now?" "Yeah, your not 3 anymore." Well, without hesitation, he jumped off the bed, ran straight to the bathroom, and we could hear him just standing in front of the mirror. Pretty soon he came back with tears coming down his face and said, "I can't be 4 yet." So Teri said . . ."what do you mean? of course your 4 today Adin . . .moms always remember." Adin said..."no i'm not, I just can't be 4 . . .I can't wink yet." Oh to be 4 again! :)

Godly Friendships

Last night about 20 people came to our house to hang out, play mexican train (dominoes), and eat pizza. It was a great time . . . except that I didn't win one single round of train . . . Sarah, Steve, Meredith, and Cory did though . . . that's it . . . no more dominoes until I get my game down . . . :)

Father's Day

Coming home from church yesterday I wasn't expecting it . . . but after a ribeye, some new shirts, Golf's US Open and a little R & R with Teri and the boys . . . I definitely feel like an appreciated father . . . yep . . . I love Father's Day! :)

Loving God and Loving Others

Loving God and loving others . . . what a phrase . . . i know scripturally if you do those two things, you will not go too far astray . . . but what does that look like in everyday life? For me today it was encouraging my staff, interacting with a young man who was in need of a conversation, talking to an inmate over the phone, challenging a young lady to never give up, and then spending a few precious moments in God's word. What a beautiful day to love God and his creation.

Day Off

I'll tell you right now, it's crazy how much you can get done if you put your heart and soul into it . . . but a day with a good book, an afternoon nap and an evening enjoying Teri and the boys makes for a great day off for me. Makes me think of God's 7th day in creation . . . He rested. It's like half-time for the soul . . . a time-out . . . we all need one.

The Tribe

Chase . . . most think it a credit card, a fun movie with cops and robbers or a game of cat and mouse . . . but to the Lantz tribe, it's serious business and oh so vital. The boys absolutely love it and Teri loves watching. Don't think you can get away from me!!!