Billy E. Mauldin, Jr. ::: Blog

A Note To A Special Young Man...

2010-01-05T16:51:00.001-05:00

“I am the President and CEO”. “I am the senior pastor”. “I am the head of the house”. “I am the captain”, “I am the leader”, “I am”, “I am”, “I am…”

Justin, it wears me out just writing it, let alone how weary it makes me thinking about it. “I am…” is a subtle attitude that can permeate our psychological make-up robbing of us of our purpose in life, the source of our greatest joy, … our calling to know Him and to serve one another. Pop culture constantly bombards us with the perception that those who are successful are to be served. In God’s reality it is simply the opposite.

Arrogance creates “The Man” who thinks thoughts such as “I do not have to do the manual labor”, “I do not have to help organize the volunteers”, “and I do not have to help with the dishes or take out the trash”. “I do not have to sit out an inning, wait on others, or share the spotlight with a friend”. “I am entitled to my desires and wishes. I have earned it, I am …”!

Matthew 20:26-28 – “…whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave...” This is the verse you have learned which will serve you well throughout life. The verse will act as an anchor for your soul and an alarm for your mind to prevent you from drifting from the nature of Christ within you.

“I and “self” are identical brothers of destruction. Like termites in a foundation they operate quietly and efficiently to, over time, steal from you the very nature of Christ that the Holy Spirit has built up within you. Proactively purposing to serve others is an antidote for the destructive virus of “I” and “self”. As the Holy Sprit continues to transform you from day to day you will find the servants heart as second nature to you as breathing itself.

Justin, as you serve, your comfort with who you are, your confidence in your value in Christ, will shine forth as a light to those around you. Your Spirit lead inclination to serve others will be the point of the spear of your testimony of Christ to those around you, and whether or not anyone recognizes your leadership by service, this will be yours which no man can take from you, the joy of the Lord abounding in your heart and soul.

Thank you Lord!

2010-01-03T17:26:00.002-05:00

Sometimes at the most random moments I find myself stopping and just saying "Thank you Lord!" "Praise you!" Walking through the house, out in the yard, ridding down the road. The only thing that seems to be consistent about the moments when it happens is that everything around me is fairly quiet. There is also an overwhelming sense of God's presence that accompanies these moments. They are brief yet powerful. Anyone else know what I am talking about?

More Toast!

2009-11-26T09:39:00.000-05:00

Daddyyyyyyyyyyyy! The voice to loud for inside the house comes from the dinning room table. My youngest is hollering for me because here brother just took the last piece of cinnamon toast. She is upset because there is no more for her!

As the great family provider I quickly respond assuring her she needs not fear. I can make more! There is more to be had. There is a supply that is plentiful to meet her needs. She need not get mad or be upset... just ask.

Obviously in my heart I heard that still small voice remind me of all the times I get upset or concerned that what I want, need, enjoy, desire, etc. appears to be running out. If I, an earthly father have the ability to meet the simple needs of provision for my kids how much more can our Heavenly Father. I hope next time I sense a need I will simply ask Him before I begin to holler, scream, get angry, scared or upset, whatever the case may be.

A Poem From a Marine About Christmas

2008-12-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HO W I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
'SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.'

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFT ED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,!
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'

This poem was written by a Marine.

The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.....

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending
this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming
soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and
women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we
owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and
dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your
small part to plant this small seed.

Day of Public Thanksgiving...

2008-11-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our sasety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

Just a thought...

2008-11-20T17:07:00.000-05:00

An accomplished student of motivation does not a leader make.
Eloquent inspiration must be tempered with experience and humility.
The leader is accountable to the follower and while responsibilities can be delegated,
accountability cannot.
Leading for the sake of leading falls short of a just cause.
A leader loves above all else and true love bares the scars of experience.

Our Final Home!

2008-08-12T14:45:00.000-04:00

John 14: 1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath and think about heaven, our future dwelling place with God… it is a real place.

Just a thought...

2008-07-06T15:29:00.000-04:00

“Hearing” and “Speaking”, if not done properly, are the judgmental birth parents of the disorderly and destructive twins “Murmuring” and “Gossip”.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

Look Up When You Answer The Question!

2008-04-01T13:57:00.000-04:00

Have you ever ben addressed this way? Have you possibly made this statement to your child when you knew they may be about to tell you a fib? I have experienced both these scenarios. When forced to look up it really intensifies the pressure to tell the truth. Here is my thought... lets always look up before we answer any question.

Recently I sat down with someone to answer some questions. I was not aware of what I was in for but i quickly found myself being asked questions I really did not want to answer. They were not questions to reveal anything i was hiding but questions of inquiry that I knew to answer truthfully would mean they would have to hear something other than what they hoped to hear. I would be lying if I did not tell you i wanted more than anything to just tell them what they wanted to hear and go on with my life but guess what... I looked up. I looked up and considered that who I was answering to was not the person sitting in front of me but to the Lord. I considered how i would answer if Jesus Himself was asking me these questions. Immediately I knew i had no other choice but to answer truthfully and completely. I knew i had to tell them exactly what I knew, no more, no less. I also knew that by being completely truthful I could fully trust the Lord to deal with the outcome of my answers.

So here again is the thought. When we are about to be confronted with tough issues and tough questions and we do not know what to do, lets look up when we answer the question and handle the situation as though it was the Lord Himself we were speaking too.

Our Founding Chaplain and Friend is with the Lord...

2008-03-31T09:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, at around 5:00pm as the Sprint Cup race in Martinsville was winding down, Max Helton peacefully passed from this earth to the presence of his Lord. As thousands of race fans celebrated in Martinsville the victory of their home state winner, in heaven a host of angels celebrated the arrival of Max and his win of the race of life.

Thank you Max for so much...

Irony...

2008-03-29T15:17:00.000-04:00

Sorry i have neglected my blog in recent weeks. It has been a very busy time. Let me try to make it up to you with a fun story I heard recently.

One of the biggest Gospel groups of all time was the Oak Ridge Boys. Many people have heard of the Oak Ridge Boys and just as many may not know that Gospel music was the genre they began their careers singing. In the midst of their popularity they made the decision to go Country with the goal of hitting the top of the Country music charts. In 1977 they recorded their first song that began the climb up the charts to be their first Country music hit. The name of the song was "Y'all Come Back Saloon'! Have you ever heard it?

Well, the song did very well and began to get play on Country music stations. It began it's climb up the charts however it fell short of making the #1 spot. As popular as "Y'all Come Back Saloon" was among Country music fans it could not overcome the #1 hit song of the day. Do you know what the #1 song was? "Heaven's Just A Sin Away" by The Kendall's.

Now is that not a bit of irony...

A Simple Thought

2008-02-24T22:45:00.001-05:00

"For a moment, if just a moment in time, lets clear the slate of the influence of past pains and injustices and for just a moment suspend our fleshly thinking and believe totally and only in Him, His love for us, and the presence of His power to do the unbelievable... this will be a moment we may choose to never leave."

Hope and 6th...

2008-02-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful opportunity last night, thank you John. I was given the opportunity to attend the 100th Anniversary Celebration for Biola University (Bible Institute of Los Angeles).

When I was asked if I would like to attend, I did not hesitate. For those of us who are involved with NASCAR, we love a celebration! If you want to celebrate something, give us a call... we will be there. Add the fact that this is a celebration of 100 years of history... 100 years of existence is amazing!

100 years totally dependent on God to meet their needs. 100 years of highs and lows and through it all God has been there for Biola. They survived the depression, financial shortfalls, and changes in leadership. Through it all the school has grown and produced men and women who are leaders in our nation and around the world. How does something survive for so long through so many challenges? What has kept them anchored when the soul of the school, both corprotly and individually, was being tossed too and fro like the waves on the ocean by challenges of all type.

Biola was built on a sight in LA at the corner of Hope Street and 6th Street. Biola was built on Hope... literally... physically and spiritually. Hope in man? Hope in their intellect? Hope in their business and marketing skills? No! Hope in their knowledge of who God is and His plans they had put in their heart. A type of hope that when challenges would come, this hope, based on a real knowledge of God, would turn to Faith. Faith pleases God and over and over you heard the stories of how the faith of those at Biola was rewarded by Him!

The Biola 100th Anniversary event was held at the Biltmore Hotel. This was the location they could hold the event that was as close to the original site, Hope and 6th, as they could get. Last night I visited Hope and 6th and was reminded again that Hope in God is well placed... no pun intended.

Are We Investing Our Attention?

2008-02-16T20:48:00.002-05:00

It is the eve of the 50th running of the Daytona 500. I am sitting here in the infield of the track, like many others, waiting for the start of the 'Big Race". There is no question that millions of eyes will be on this track, these drivers and this event tomorrow. The amount of attention this event will get is truthfully hard to quantify. The race will get attention, every move on the track. The drivers will get attention, both on and off the track. NASCAR will get attention, sponsors will get attention and hopefully, most important, the fans will get some attention. A little attention for everyone!

Some of us like attention, others do not. Attention can be a blessings and it can be a trap. Attention in many ways is like money. Money can be a blessing or it can be a trap. It depends on how we manage it. How about you? Do you get attention from time to time? Sure you do! We all do. We all have our times when we are the focus of attention. Could be our birthday, or an anniversary. Maybe we have done something outstanding at work or as part of our local softball team. It could be a random act of kindness that we did not intend for anyone to see but they did and they recognized us for it. Everyone has their moment. Here is the question... are we going to keep the attention for ourself or are we going to spend it on something or someone else?

You see, when the spot light turns our way we have a choice, we can bask in it or we can reach out and turn it towards someone or something else. It is not that we have too, it is just that we can. We can take our "attention" and spend it on something important to us just like we can our money. We can take our attention and use it to bless someone else just like we can our dollars. in fact, consider this, maybe we should give our attention to God with the same consideration we give our tithes and offerings... just consider it. Maybe He gives us attention so we can invest it, share it, shine it back on Him!

Tomorrow about 2:45 pm, before someone says "gentlemen, start your engines, a minister will stand before 200,000 fans and millions more watching by TV and ask God to bless this event, to watch over and protect the competitors and officials. For a 30 second moment Daytona International Speedway will share the attention of the world with God. For a moment they will allow all attention to be just on Him. Some may think that is not enough. All I can say is it is amazing what the Lord can do with just a little of our attention. In the mean time we can look for more ways to give Him a little more... and a little more... and a little more.

Retracing Your Steps.

2008-02-10T17:14:00.001-05:00

At some point in life we have all lost something. A set of keys, our wallet, purse, ring, watch you name it. After the initial frustration of it not being where we "know" we left it we begin the process of the hunt.

Now the process often goes like this. Mentally we begin the process of remembering the last time we saw it and if it is not there we begin retracing our steps in hopes of finding whatever it is. Place after place we work our way physically and mentally in hopes of finding that place where we and the object we have lost are reconnected. Retracing our steps is usually the way we find what we have lost.

As i thought about this whole process it downed on me that the same is true when it comes to our faith. It seems in life that there are times, seasons if you will, when we become seperated from our faith. A time in life when we feel we have lost contact with God. It may be due to the fact we simply have drifted away from our relationship to Him allowing sin to create the sense of sepeartion, being lost if you will. It is not something that happens overnight but it is situation where we wake up one day and realize that something is lost, something way more imporatnt than keys, a wallet or a purse. In a moment such as this we need to sit down and go through an honest process of retracing our relational steps with God. In our mind we need to go back to the place and time where we knew we were together. We then need to retrace our steps from that point and see where exactly we began to drift. What happened or what did we begin to do, or not do, that eventually gave us that feeling that we have become lost or seperated from God. As we begin to see where this happened, we simply need to ask God to forgive us. In reality he is never lost, nor are we for long when we turn to Him for help. Do you need to retrace your steps back to a faith in God you have lost?

Sweet Success!

2008-02-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

Do you want to succeed in life? Do you want to see others succeed? You are probably thinking one of two things, "why yes!" or "well... it all depends". I am not sure one answer is any more right than the other.

Today I had a neat experience. I slipped away from work (just guessing my Board of Director's will not read this blog) to watch my oldest son play a pick-up game of football. Now football is a sport he is just beginning to learn and like every young man he is having to learn as he goes. As a father I watched from the side line, emotionally linked to every effort he made. When he stumbled, my heart stumbled. When he looked confused, my heart reached out. When he seemed to lack confidence, my heart believed in him. Watching from the sideline I longed to make every play a success for him. I wanted to intervene so he would succeed. I wanted to make everything perfect! He is my Son! I wanted him to Succeed! I felt all this from the deepest places of my heart and soul and as i watched i thought and considered "what can I, what should I, do to help him right now?" "Can I intervene?" Should I intervene?"

I did not intervene and with love and pride I watched my child grow in understanding of a simple game. I watched him as he interacted with others and learned how to handle situations that were a challenge. i watched as he sorted out in his mind what was really important and what was only a game. The relationships, the score, the competition, the real purpose of the day. I stood back and watched my son as he does every day... grow-up.

As i stood there I had another realization. With all the passion I watched my son. With all the love, care and concern I had for him, it was nothing more than what God has for us. I wanted my son to know sweet success on that football field. I also want to balance what i teach him directly with what he learns on his own, both have merit. Today I was reminded, as i watched my son, that i too am a son of my Heavenly Father. He watches me struggle to throw the ball sometimes, or make the tackle. Sometimes he steps in to help me, sometimes he lets me find my own way. He is rooting for us to succeed. He longs for us to succeed. Succeed at what? Even more simple than learning football God wants us to succeed at life. Now you may say "how can succeeding at life be more simple than succeeding at football?" Well it is! Don't believe me... take a look at John 17:3 Remember one thing, I said it was simpler, not necessarily always easier.

Authenticity... We are hungry for it!

2008-01-30T11:31:00.001-05:00

I am a political junky. The dynamics of politics, human nature, movement of people, the emotions and how they play out fascinate me. The political pundits constantly evaluating the races that can change literally overnight. Right today, wrong tomorrow. It is a very fluid, ever changing world. The question that always seems to be asked is what moves voters to support a potential candidate. Is it there position on issues, is it their charisma, their political party affiliation, their ability to inspire, their positives or their negatives. These and many other factors are always being considered, polled, and evaluated. I have a thought with regard to what people are looking for... Authenticity! I sense our society looking for someone, maybe consciously or possibly subconsciously, that they can believe because they sense Authenticity. That they are really who they appear to be. They can trust them. People are tired of feeling fooled by their leaders. No one wants to admit they have been fooled but after a time if you feel that way you are ready for a Change. Authenticity is stability and restores confidence. No silly games and political spin. Just the truth.

For those who are hungry for Authenticity I can share with you where to find it, an Authenticity that is consistent and real... It does exist!

Who are you following?

2008-01-16T14:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, as far as I know this is a true story. Even if it is not, it still gets a good point across.

A NASCAR Champion from a few years back was racing one day at a local dirt track. Now for those of you who know about dirt track racing, you know how important it is that there is a level of moisture in the track to help with many things including dust. Well this specific day the local dirt track had not done a good job of keeping the track moist. As a result when the cars were on the track it was just a matter of time until the dust was so thick none of the drivers could hardly see where they were going.

Even under these conditions, as is often the case, the race must go on! Well, our veteran NASCAR Champion new just what to do. On his first practice he quickly began to find markers around the track that would be above the dust level that he could keep his eye on that would let him know when he was close to a turn. In turn one he could see the concession stand. In turn two it was the corner of the grand stands. In turn three it was a car sitting on the hill and in turn four it was a light post. throughout practice he worked on hitting these marks and getting a feel for exactly how fast he could go into a corner before seeing his mark and needing to hit the brakes. All was going very well as the dust began to thicken.

After qualifying heats it was time for the main event. The checkered flag dropped and the pack of cars were off! No more than a couple of laps the dust began to rise and our Champion Driver began looking at his marks. Turn one, there was the concession stand, brake... Turn two there was the grand stand, accelerate. Turn three... blam! bang! screech!!!! Something had gone terribly wrong! When the dust settled our Champion driver found himself over the banking of the track and sitting in the parking lot! You see at some point before the main event the person that was driving the car he was using as a marker in turn three had left the track! With no marker to cue him to brake our champion literally accelerated through the corner, over the banking and out into the parking lot!

Now you may think that this is pretty crazy, and it is... but not the end of the story! You see when the dust settled out in the parking lot there were two other race cars sitting right behind him! our Champion driver got out of his car and walked over to the other drivers and said "i know why i am out here in the parking lot but why are you?" They both shook their heads and simply said, "you are the Champion. You seemed to know what you were doing so we had decided we would just follow you wherever you went!"

The point of this story is quit obvious. The question is... who are you following?

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-23T00:42:00.000-05:00

Make sure you take time to really celebrate!

Blessings!

Naughty or Nice...

2007-12-11T12:04:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa,

I want to be nice to people... really I do! Naughty brings me no satisfaction. In fact, I feel bad when I am naughty; however, being nice to people is getting really difficult. The difficulty is not in my desire or ability to be nice. The difficulty comes when those you want to be nice to do not care if you are nice to them. In fact, whether you are nice to them or not, they are going to do whatever they want to do; and, if they do not want to be nice to you, then you feel you are left with no other alternative than to treat them naughty in order to get what you need accomplished. When you are nice to them you are seen as weak and they continue on with their lack of care or concern. For me this is all being stirred by a recent stay in a hospital by my wife... in Charlotte... CMCPRESBY... where we have been treated more often than not as though we are a burden to them to simply tolerate. You try and treat nurses... I mean people, nice but in some of the cases we have encountered, they do not seem to care. It has been so bad at times that you want to ask if everything is okay in their lives. Nice gets you no where. Sorry to say it but it is a fact. The saddest thought of all for me is the possibility that a human being can come to the place that they really do not care if you treat them naughty or nice. I still like nice and will try and be nice. Please, cut me some slack when you review your naughty and nice list and, oh yeah...I almost forgot... I would like a Blue Monster Truck for Christmas!

Yours Truly,

Nice Always, Naughty Only When Necessary, Billy

Change...

2007-12-06T22:36:00.000-05:00

CHANGE

If you want to make enemies, try to change something. ~Woodrow Wilson

Acts 10 – Peter and Cornelius “The Final Major Event”
24 – 29: The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"

God totally changes everything Peter had known up until this time.

Daniel 2:20-22 Daniel answered and said: “ Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.  

Consider a stream… change is regular with regard to direction and speed of the current. The variety provides many unique opportunities.

Penn Station

2007-12-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

It was time to leave town. NY had been wonderful but the time had come to return home. Penn Station was our last stop in NY. From here we would board the train to head south back to NC. Arriving an hour before departure time my wife and i had grabbed some Japanese food-to-go and like many others found a place to sit, on the floor, back against a wall to eat and wait for our "all aboard".

I saw him coming from across the station. He first appeared under the Time Square and 7th Avenue exit sign. Moving slowly, using a cane, with a hamburger, fries and a coke in his hand. I knew his life situation from the moment I saw him.

As he approached where I was sitting I was ready for anything. He smiled as he approached and said "I will only be here a moment". I responded "take your time, rest and enjoy". Then it hit me, the smell I have smelled many times before. The smell of a man who had not bathed in who knows how long. A smell so strong that it is not unreasonable to have to turn and catch your breath. A smell that makes you want to move away. I sat there, beside him, and took it all in. In no way did I want to move. The smell and sight was reality, truth, unfortunate but fact. How or why only he knows his story. I was curious but inclined to just allow him to eat in peace. I wondered if someone would complain, ask security to run him off or say something to him directly but no one did. In fact, most who passed just paid him no attention except to maybe steer away slightly to avoid the smell. It took him about 10 minutes to consume his meal and as simply and quietly as he appeared, he moved on.

i did not really do anything for this man that he will ever remember me for. I'm not sure if that is good or bad, but this I do know, at least in this situation, this time, I stopped long enough to see and experience a reality of life that was going on right in front of me. To pause and think before I quickly judge. To at least share a smile and moment of peace with a perfect stranger. To remember what it feels like to slow down and simply care.

It Is Snowing!

2007-12-02T10:27:00.000-05:00

When I awoke early this morning I dressed and went out to find a cup of coffee. When I exited the front door of my hotel here in NY I found it snowing! It was a beautiful sight! Now I know a number of folks do not find snow as exciting as I do but please take into consideration that I was born, and have lived all my life, in the south. For me, to have one good snow a year is a treat so whenever I see snow, I get excited. It is like everything in the world around me stops. The beautiful snow, falling so steadily, is like a vail of serenity taking me immediately to a place of peace, joy and excitement. I am just happy and all over frozen water! The closest thing I can compare it to is prayer. Prayer takes me to the same place. Prayer can take anyone to the same place. The reality is, beneath the beautiful snow nothing has really changed and the heat of warmer air will restore that reality for me all to soon. However, with prayer, you can go there anytime you want. No need to wait for a cold front to merge with moisture or travel north. Wherever you are, all you have to do is pause, and pray.

The Big Apple!

2007-12-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

NY! What a great city and this is the weekend when NASCAR celebrates the 2007 season. For those who are here it is an honor. It is confirmation that the year in some aspects has been good, success occurred at least on the track. Goals were achieved to some level and at the very least all are enjoying something in life many would give anything to be a part of. Most everyone I have spoke with recognizes this honor and express a high level of gratefulness. The Big Apple is busy but you can not help but pause and take in all that we have to be thankful for.

In life not every day is a good day. In fact some days are really bad. What can be even more difficult is when you go through a day when it seems from hour to hour it changes from good, to bad, to worse. Been there and done this! On days like this there are often no answers, formula's if you will, to change the course of events; however, there is a hope we all have, a God who love's us and knows our situation. He sees us in the midst of the Big Apple. He sees us in our challenging situations. He sees us in our pain. We struggle to change our situation when we need only turn to Him first. Like driving blind or without GPS, lost in this Big Apple, He restores our sense of where we are, restores our confidence that all will be good again, and leads us back to the place where we long to be, where we too can be thankful for life, once again.

Solitude

2007-11-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

Solitude... man was meant to experience solitude. Time when you get away from everything that brings noise and demands attention. Solitude allows us to see and hear more clearly what God is doing in our lives. Solitude allows us to sense His peace when chaos and confusion swarms around us. Solitude puts us in a place to be reminded of what life is really all about, what things matter most. Solitude can also be a scary thought bringing up emotions of isolation or abandonment; fears that can paralyze us. The irony is that solitude allows us the best opportunity to see and understand that the last thing that we are is alone or abandoned. Solitude creates the time and space where God Himself shows just how real He is. It is the place where He becomes bigger than life itself restoring to us a confidence and hope that is stronger and more powerful than the challenges we may be facing. Solitude is the place where the journey of real life, knowing Him, is established and embarked upon. Solitude is a doorway whereby we step into the realities of our day, God by our side, looking forward to the challenges and unexpected events knowing they are simply the moments where God will again show Himself to be real.