Balancing Ministry N' Work

May 26, 2010 is a day I will always remember. I remember driving to Ann Arbor for a 5:30AM check in with Alexis with me in the Durango and my Mother following in the van. I remember talking to Alexis about not blaming God if things did not turn out as expected. I remember the nervousness I felt walking into the hospital. I remember Pastor Maynard coming and praying with us before my surgery. I remember the pic-line being put in and how painful it was. A dozen or so hours later I remember the Dr. coming in and asking me to smile. He liked what he saw. I remember riding on a gurney from one room to another and getting hit with vertigo. I remember the disappointment finding out I had a spinal fluid leak and would be in the hospital for a few more days. I remember being afraid that they were going to say there was a mistake and I had to stay as we were leaving the hospital. I remember the sigh of relief when we finally pulled out of the parking garage. I remember thin...

To often in our busy lives in this modern day we think we need to come up with new and catchy way to share the message of Jesus Christ. To often we may feel like we are to busy explaining what we stand for or why we are against something. In the culture war we are battling, that may be important. To reach each new generation we may need to adjust where and how we portray the message. But the one thing that cannot change is The Message. The Message is very simple. There is one and only one way to the Father. “For God love the world in this way: He gave His one and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16 “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6 Buddha, Allah, being a good person, or material possessions are NOT the way to God. The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ. His death on the cross followed by His resurrection paved th...

I am currently teaching through a series on the Book of James at church. We are only into the second chapter but one thing is certain, James is not bashful, he is not afraid of speaking the truth. James is the brother of Jesus and he did not believe his older half brother was his Savior until after Jesus' death and resurrection. Reviewing James' letter shows us that his faith was strong and he was determined that people would hear the rightful message AND how it should impact their lives. James' faithfulness in speaking the Word of God eventually led to his death. He was stoned for his faith and his determination to see the Gospel spread. Today as Christians we are faced with a new set of trials. We have seen Christians sought out and killed in Nigeria, Libya, Syria, Kenya, Somalia, and Pakistan to name just a few. Christians are been persecuted in a way that no one alive today has ever witnessed. Many of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who have died w...

I started this blog roughly 5 years ago before a lot of things started happening in my life. Five years ago I received the call for my first Senior Pastorate, completed my MBA, was ordained with the SBC, and found out that I had a brain tumor. There was a lot going on.  As I look back I can see God at work even though my plans were being changed. I never expected to need brain surgery,  I never thought I would have left the pastorate due to that surgery, never expected my past employer to move us around so much, and never thought I would have left that employer. Life throws us curveballs. I am sure most of you would agree. Life has not turned out as I expected, but God knows best. Jeremiah 29 : 11 "11 For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Yes, I had a brain tumor and have some medical issues I will deal with the rest of my life.  You know what? ...

2014 was challenging and rewarding. Medically - 4 hospitals, 11 doctors, and Zero answers. Work - My work family had more than our share of people pass on. Family - Have seen my kids continue to grow and excel at whatever they put their minds to. Church - We have seen our small church grow. While 2014 was not horrible, I am glad it is behind me and am looking forward to what 2015 brings. I don't know if I will get any answers from the doctors or if I will be able to get back on my road bike. Not sure what new challenges or blessings will come, but I do know that I am not alone. My wonderful wife will be by my side every step of the way, and our Lord Jesus Christ will be with us! As I was thinking about 2015 here are some of the things I will be remembering and focusing on. “’For I know the plans I have for you’ this is the Lord’s declaration ‘plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” - Jeremiah 29:11 I do not kno...

November 26th is 4.5 years since I had my tumor removed. Hard to believe it has been that long. It has been a long while since I have posted anything on here. Most of my writing has been for the weekly sermons at Clark Baptist Church. That being the case I wanted do an update as my last couple of posts have been about the issues I have been facing. I have continued to follow through with the doctors directions taking med after med. Felt like being part of the medicine of the month club with something new every month. We tried a handful of different migraine meds with no success. In September I went to see the Neurologist again and when he walked in he stated he did not know what to do to help me. The only option he could think of was to send me to a Neuro Otolarygnologist at St. Louis Hospital. This is doctor number 10 at the 4th hospital since I started having balance issues since fall of 2013, just over a year. So, I did as suggested and saw this Dr. on November 3rd. It was a...

For the past 10 months I have been dealing with increased balance and fatigue issues. First doctor tried several drugs and even had me on valium for a couple of months. Second doctor decided it was due to sleep issues and I had a sleep study, already use an APAP machine and the setting was the same. That was not the issue. Third doctor wanted me to try Provigil, essentially prescription speed. He thought treating the symptoms would make me happy. Would have had helped with the fatigue not the balance issues and would have made me a bear to be around. Fourth doctor listened and started us on a new path. Fifth doctor ran some VNG tests, etc... and spend 2.5 hours with Alexis and I. Very informative we found out that the tests were normal. It tested for 70+ balance causing issues associated with the inner ear, they were not the problem. Sixth doctor ran some additional balance testing and we found out that for some reason the balance nerve on my good side is not communicating ...