A Hedge For My Family!

     Many times, I have said to my kids, "I may not always guarantee your happiness, but you can guarantee I will always do my utmost to keep you safe!"  Protection for my kids is one of my top priorities, and I am always cognisant of the fact that I, as father, have a primary responsibility in this.  While still living in a world where tragedy often knocks at the door of "good people," there has to be something I can do to give my utmost for the safety and protection of my children! 

     Job's story in the Bible is often related to human suffering, but as I read his story, I find that had the test of his character not been allowed by God, this story looks completely different.  Job lived a life before God in such a way that He (God) had all things covered or better said.... hedged!  He was doing a great job of keeping his kids safe! 

   Check out this short exerpt from my last sermon! 

Dad Welcomes His Wife & Family Home... Service Style!

My family returns home today from Tennessee and I have to work late.   I want my wife to know I love her and to come home to no stress, so I have done a little cleaning.  Acts of Service is a Love Language that speaks highly to some spouses.  While my wife is not primarily an Acts of Service person, she does appreciate my service at times.  I appreciate her "services" as well!  Maybe soon, I'll get to enjoy those?!!  :) 

Video Credits:  Special Thanks to Dr. Gary Chapman and his book "The 5 Love Languages."

Order in the Home!

    My recent studies in the Scripture concerning the Presence of God have lead me to revisit a Word our Church received in January concerning "Order."  At this point, I am not completely clear on how order fits into a pursuit of the Presence of God, but I find it interesting that when the angel visited Zechariah with an announcement of a son, Zechariah was executing the Priest's office .... (you guessed it) in ORDER.. (Luke 1:8).        When pondering order in the home specifically, I must know God's design for such.  A knowledge of God's design for my home followed by my obedience to operate in the order that He has set forth in Scripture will align me to receive all God has for my family, and (I am hoping) to maintain a sweet environment of His Presence here with us!  Is this not a goal for every home?  

Kingdom Rock... Professor Joey, Here to Serve!

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    This week has been a full week for sure!  VBS nightly from 6:00-9:00 (toothache on top of that, but please ignore my complaining!). The interesting thing is....  I find myself full!   I have made it a focus to bless kids and pray for their families, and I have had a blast doing so.  The children have been great and very participatory, and their smiling faces causes joy to fill my spirit.  My service would not be complete, however, without the great team of people with which I have walked this week, Professor Richard, Professor Tim and "the Minions,"  (said in a thick French accent..) Austin & Maria.   I just love to walk with God's people!   So looking forward to this evening and the final night of VBS, I hope to capture all I can of the moment I have been given to walk with the finest team and to bless kids and their families so that their lives are eternally impacted! 

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Our team in the Imagination Station at Kingdom Rock with some kids from the First Grade Group. 

Our Independence Day Weekend!

   I so wished I would have caught the shot where my daughter awakens my dad with whipped cream, that would have solidified the humor in this compilation! Oh well!

   I count it a blessing to raise my family in this great country.  Pondering our nation's independence, I can't help but appreciate those who devoted and gave their lives for the cause, "One Nation, Under God!"  May God continue to bless those who serve this great nation as we continue to live in the fruit of their labors, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  God Bless and keep the USA!  

    Hope you and your families had a great Independence Day weekend!   

Special Thanks for the music to: 

Kevin MacLeod, who produced Big Rock, which is licensed under a CC Attribution 3.0.
http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100305. 

Our Family Vision!

    Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..."  Vision is critical to a thriving walk in life, esp. Christian life!  I find so often people lose focus during their walk with Christ when they don't maintain vision moving forward.  Families lose their way when parents, as leaders fail to lift up vision and keep it ever before their eyes.  As a husband and father, it is very important that I lead the charge in my home to know God's vision for my family and to properly communicate it so that we accomplish what God wants for us.  The Heavenly Father has many blessings for His children, I want to receive what He has for me!  "Receiving"... begins with vision!  Our vision then guides our time of family devotion and prayer and consequently, our lives!  

     This video shares with you the vision for our family in this season of life... enjoy!