Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It may be cold but it sure is beautiful, and as this new day came to life; it put the icing on the cake of my time with the Living God. It’s an honor to stand before the Throne of the Living God and it’s a privilege to place my requests before Him. It’s a comfort to know that He loves me more than anybody else does and that He’s always there for me. But before I get too carried away with all that I get from my time with Him; I praise Him. No matter what’s going on in my life or what’s NOT going on in my life; I praise Him. Rain or shine, happy or sad, smooth sailing or turmoil; I praise Him. Isn’t that the way it is for you too?

It’s so easy for us to get right to the-bottom-line with just about every person and every conceivable situation in life, and we see no need to offer praise. If the world doesn’t live up to our expectations, and if the results that we see don’t meet with our approval; we go straight for the jugular and we forget the good that exists in every person and every situation…if we’re willing to look for it. If we tell a child to clean their room and their efforts fall short of our expectations; we nix the praise for the parts they did get right, and go straight for the faults instead. If a clerk in the check-out line is rude or if they don’t handle our items the way we think they should, we rip them up for all the world to see and we forget about all of the good that exists in every person and every situation…if we look for it. I’m grateful for an earthly father that used to say “a little sugar goes a long way” and when it was time for my correction, he always began with a reminder of the good in me. I’m grateful for a Heavenly Father that never rebukes me without showing me the Good in me. I don’t think I could stand the pain of hearing about all of the wrong in me and all of my countless faults without “a little sugar”. So if WE want to hear about the good in us and we want to be given a little credit for who we are and for all the parts that we do get right; why would the God of the universe, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Bright Morning Star, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Father, and the Great “I am” ever be okay with us approaching Him with a list of all that He should be doing FOR us without it all beginning with Praise?

Everything we need to know about everything in life can be found on the pages of the Word of a Mighty God. We’re His children; and it shows. He gives us simple Instructions that anybody can understand, so there’s no excuse for not getting it right. We’re even given instructions on “how” to pray…and it begins with Praise…”Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN”. When we read about what will take place when the End of Time comes and Christ returns for His church, we know that the Throne of our God is guarded on all sides and that 24 hours a day for all of Eternity the praise of those angel/guards is “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was, Who is and Who is to Come”. I get goose-bumps just thinking about what Heaven will be like! So how is it possible to fail to praise Him in worthy fashion, and why don’t we Praise Him FIRST if we know that’s the way it’s “supposed” to be? It all comes down to the condition of the heart. It’s only when we experience Him (instead of just acknowledging Him) and we understand that He’s our everything, He’s our Creator, our Protector, our Provider and the Reason for Life. Once we get that part embedded in the Heart, we end up Praising Him a whole lot more than we EVER ask for His help.

“A little sugar goes a long way” and I’ll be generous with my heart and my compassion today no matter what comes my way…a Valuable Lesson from the Living God. The world I encounter today will see Christ in me as I Praise for the good that I see, instead of going in for the kill. I’ll be “doing unto others” the way I want I want to be dealt with myself… and I may not actually praise Him 24 hours a day like the Angels do; but I’ll be a close second.

How about you?

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s a little too cold for even the bravest to sit outside this morning, so I met with the Living God with a hot cup of coffee in the dining room to enjoy the view from my usual spot. We did a little business on my heart and my thoughts this morning, and I was set Straight by Words from my Instruction Manual. It’s not always easy getting “set straight” by the Living God, but if I want to be on His Leadership Team, then it’s a big part of the Journey. He’s the best Life Coach anybody could ever have. Sometimes He humbles me with Truth, and sometimes He highlights my flaws and sometimes He gives me Marching Orders…and it’s almost always painful when He does. But His Word says “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”; so acknowledge Him I do…in my Life, in my family and in my work. Isn’t that the way you live your life too?

It’s not an easy Journey to be bold in your Faith; especially in the workplace. But being a Christian isn’t what I do; it’s WHO I AM, and I know that as long as I “acknowledge Him” in all that I do, then I’m going to take a few hits here and there because of it. I’m on His Leadership Team, and it’s no place for wussies. When you’re on the Leadership Team you show up, you speak up and step up…with no fear of the consequences you face because of it. Sometimes people suggest that I set my Faith aside for a more “appropriate” time…but that’s not what God expects of those of us on His Leadership Team. When Jesus called for His disciples, they were working men. They didn’t go into the missionary program and they didn’t stop working. Most of them had their own business just like I do, and their business was “mobile” just like mine is. So the disciples took took their Faith on the road and the message of Salvation was shared with their world every single day…in and out of work. The disciples were the first Leadership Team and they are the example for me to follow. So, my workplace has a Purpose for me beyond just making a living. My workplace gets the greatest chunk of my time every day, so it’s the biggest Platform for my Faith…in more ways than one. We’re supposed to be a Light in this dark world, and you sure can’t shine the Light if you turn it off at will just so that you can be pleasing to the world around you. His Word says “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved”, so I’m not surprised to take some hits here and there. Nobody would ever “hate” me if I refused to speak up. Speaking up comes with a big price and a Bigger Reward.

Being bold in our Faith doesn’t mean that we’re harsh or that we’re obnoxious. It doesn’t mean that we point fingers and issue threats to those who don’t Believe. It doesn’t mean that we take a cavalier attitude or that we think we’re better than other people. It means that we understand our Job Description and we understand what’s expected of us if we’re going to be on the Leadership Team. It means that we walk the walk AND we talk the talk. It means that we extend Supernatural compassion and love that can take you’re breath away. It means that we wear our Joy on our sleeves and we’re ALWAYS happy to give Credit where Credit is due. We’re as bold and courageous as a lion, but we’re as gentle as a lamb. The recruiting efforts for the Leadership Team are very similar to the way it is in my business. I share what I know with excitement and I understand that not everybody wants to follow me. I don’t give up on the ones that reject what I Share, but I “kick the dust off my feet” and I keep moving when they reject me…because these are the Instructions for the Leadership Team. If I’m going to reach the masses as part of the Leadership Team for Christ (and the leadership team for my business) then I can’t slow down and try to convince people who are already set on rejecting my Message. I keep moving just like I’m Instructed to do…and if I’m willing to “acknowledge him” in all my ways, then He’s definitely going to “direct my path”…especially in my workplace.

I’m part of the most significant Leadership Team in the history of the world and it’s an honor to be a part of it. I’m teachable. I’m obedient. I’m bold and I’m courageous and I’m as gentle as a lamb. If you encounter me today you’ll definitely see and hear about my Faith…with compassion and joy that will leave you breathless, and if you reject me; I’ll just “kick the dust off my feet” and I’ll keep moving… because that’s what a Leader does.

How about you?

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the Master in front of a warm fire this morning, and my time with Him was all about praise. I have a ton of things to take before the Throne of my God every day, and I have lots of needs to pray for. But today, all my heart could do was praise Him for all that He is and all that He does for me. I know that God doesn’t care about my voice or my lame attempt to play this guitar; He cares about my heart instead. I can’t help but to wonder if it makes God smile when we meet with Him with praise in our hearts without an agenda or a list of things we want from Him. Don’t you think about things like this too?

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the Living God as He woke up the world, and it would be humanly impossible not to be moved by His Majesty on a morning like this one. Lots of people give lots of credit to lots of other things besides a Mighty God for what they see; as if they can easily explain away the universe. But if they look closely at the world around them with a set of eyes eager to take it all in; they’d see that it can’t be explained away as “nature” or “the universe” or something brought forth by some “cosmic boom” or by anything other than the Hand of an Amazing Creator. There’s a big difference between worshiping the planet and worshiping the One who Created the planet, and when it comes to God; that’s a Deal Breaker.

Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing more precious to God than His people. Not trees and not bees, Not dogs or cats or horses…but His People. If any of these things have a soul and a shot at Eternity the way people do; He would have said so. Man has “dominion” over the earth and there is no doubt that God wants us to take pleasure in it all…it’s a beautiful thing to commune with nature. He wants us to be good stewards over our world and He wants us to give Him the Praise and the Glory for it all. God says “I’m a jealous God” and that “thou shalt have no other gods before me”. He wants to be front and center…He wants to be first and foremost…and He wants to be given the glory for ALL of Creation! That’s pretty clear from where I’m sitting. But we live in a world that sometimes goes a giant step beyond just being good stewards, and it teeters on having other gods before Him instead. There’s a big difference between worshiping nature and worshiping the One who Created it….a precious Gift from God for man to enjoy…and it all began in the Garden of Eden.

It’s so easy to accuse someone of allowing “money to be their god” when their time and attention is all given to getting more of what they love. But what happens when it comes down to other things that get our time and our attention more than anyone or anything else…including God? What happens when it’s our pets that we’d lay our own lives down for and we put their needs above everything and everyone one else? What happens when our disaster relief efforts are focused more on providing for the needs of the homeless pets than providing for the needs of His homeless People? How is it possible that we issue warnings about leaving pets outside on a cold winter’s night, but there are no warnings about the homeless people that often freeze to death on our streets? How can it be that people go to jail for hurting a dog or a cat, but people walk free for murdering their babies? How is it possible that parents can abuse their own children year after year and never lose custody, but when someone abuses a dog, all bets are off? How is it possible that famous athletes can beat their wives or their girlfriends like savage beasts, and yet the “show” still goes on; but if they strike a dog or treat them with cruelty, they’re off the field, off the payroll and inside the jail? How is it possible for us to put forth so much effort to find loving homes for dogs and cats while so many children rot in foster care longing for the same thing?

I saw the Master’s Hand this morning in the tree in this photo, in the fields around me, in the deer, the birds, the cows and even the cat that I’ve somehow semi-permanently adopted, and I love them all. I understand that I am to have dominion over all of them and I’ll treat them with respect that ALL of His Creation is worthy of. But God’s people will always be my biggest priority and their Destiny my biggest Mission. People Created with a Plan and a Purpose in mind and People He died for.

How about you?

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these BROTHERS and SISTERS of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:35-40

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s the calm after the storm of the Thanksgiving celebration, and this morning I’ve been savoring the memories of one more year of celebration with my loved ones and friends. Only half of my tribe made it to the farm for Thanksgiving this year, but they’ll be in town soon enough for a different kind of celebration and I’m counting the days until we’re all together again. As surely as the seasons around me change, the seasons of life do too, and no amount of wishing can change the course. So I roll-with-the-flow of my life and I give thanks through it all. Isn’t that the way you look at life too?

It would be so easy to look around the holiday table and to focus more on who’s NOT there than who IS there. Sometimes death leaves an empty seat and sometimes conflict takes priority over peace. Sometimes people move far away and sometimes they opt for different plans at a different table. But no matter how many empty seats there may be at the table, it’s the fullness in the heart that matters most of all. Though I miss my loved ones that have passed on from this life, I don’t light a candle or hold a memorial service in their honor. Instead I keep them alive in my heart and I speak of them often and there is always a great story about them that comes to mind to share…holidays or not. They haven’t “left” us…they’ve moved on to the Biggest part of our Purpose and I know that one day we’ll have the greatest Celebration of all.

It would be so easy to focus more on the conflicts that can keep us apart than all of the reasons we have to be together; but conflict is often the cause for of a lot of empty seats around the table. Sometimes separation is in order for good reason, but most of the time it’s a hard heart and a refusal to forgive that drives one out of the seat at the table and it’s a selfish heart that refuses to make its peace. There are plenty of people worthy of an Academy Award that can somehow set aside their battles just for the sake of the festivities, and you’d never know what’s working behind the scenes just by what you see played out at the table. Image is more important to them than genuine peace and they can fool themselves through a holiday anytime for the sake of what things “look like” to others. On the other hand, lots of people put way too much emphasis on gathering together “for the holidays” as if joining together just for the holidays paints a picture of relationship and love. But gathering together JUST for the sake of a holiday celebration is nothing more than food and drink if the relationship isn’t there all year long too. It’s the fullness of the heart that matters the most and it’s working to have a healthy family and healthy relationships all year long that lead to the fullest tables.

My table may not have been as full as it usually is, but the fullness of heart fills up the empty feeling. There is peace in my family because we wouldn’t have it any other way. If conflict arises; it is handled in Christ-like fashion and forgiveness flows through our veins. We may not be forever joined-at-the-hip but our hearts are, and it’s the fullness of the heart that matters the most.

How about you?

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the Living God outside on the front porch in the wee hours and I savored the surprise of a warm morning on this Thanksgiving eve. It’s not “supposed to be” this warm in Virginia in November, but God doesn’t pay attention to what’s “supposed to be”. As I gave thanks for this unusually warm day, I thought about how much disappointment and heartache we bring on ourselves by painting our own picture of what’s “supposed to be” in life. The Bible is filled with instructions on how we are to live, and how we are to love, and how we are to diligently work out our Purpose while we’re here on earth. But when it comes down to the condition of life or the circumstances we face; the idea of the way it’s “supposed to be” comes down to what we believe and not what God has planned for us. Outside of walking the Walk and talking the Talk we don’t have a lot of say-so in the way things are “supposed to be”. Isn’t that the way you see it too?

As we head into the holiday season there will be enough heartache floating around to sink-a-ship because of the picture we paint of the way things are “supposed to be” but aren’t. Our minds go into Hallmark-card-mode and if we’re not careful; we convince ourselves that everybody else is living life the way it’s “supposed to be” and somehow we’ve been left out. T.V. advertisers will turn-up-the-heat as they prey on lonely singles over the way things are “supposed to be”; and millions of lonely singles with jump on board because of it. But when the new year rolls around and we leave the holidays behind, the attempt to snag the lonely gets pretty quiet UNTIL the next holiday rolls around and singles begin to rerun the tape all over again of the way things are “supposed to be”. I’m confident that while some are pining away over no relationship, others are crying themselves to sleep over a “bad” relationship, and they’d probably switch places with the single ones in a heartbeat because of the way they believe it’s “supposed to be too”. How is it “supposed to be” when it comes to the Living God?

Sometimes the holiday season is lean-and-mean and sometimes there isn’t enough money for a Thanksgiving feast or for presents to be under the Christmas tree the way it’s “supposed to be”. Depression can so easily set in as we dwell on what we don’t have instead of what we do have, all because of the picture we’ve painted in our own minds of the way it’s “supposed to be”. Our minds go into Hallmark-card-mode and we convince ourselves that “good” holidays are “supposed to be” filled with feasts and treasures and every single family member or loved one we’ve ever known. But life doesn’t always work out the way we believe it’s “supposed to be”. I’m confident that every single parent who has lost a child would trade every turkey leg and every present under the tree for the rest of their lives for just one more day with the one they loved and “lost”. God doesn’t “take” a life to torture loved ones, He takes a Life when it’s time for their Next Chapter even though it doesn’t feel like that’s the way it’s “supposed to be”. How is it “supposed to be” when it comes to the Living God?

There’s not a whole lot that I can do to change my life into what I believe it’s “supposed to be”, so I work hard on my Faith to find my contentment in the way things are instead. I serve a God that loves me, and who gave the Ultimate Gift for me so that I might spend Eternity the way it’s “supposed to be” for all who Believe. I never lose sight of that fact when I’m tempted to paint of picture in my own mind of the way things are “supposed to be” for me. I know that it’s not possible to comprehend the mind of my God or to fully understand His Plans for me…but I know that He has a Plan and I know that it’s Good. So, I keep doing my part. I keep living and I keep giving. I keep growing and I keep learning. I keep sharing and I keep praying and I’ll keep doing all of these things no matter my circumstances and no matter what my own mind is inclined to think the way it’s “supposed to be” for me. Most of all I keep give Thanks to the God of it all for what I have, for those I love, for His Faithfulness to me, for the Price he Paid throughout the holidays and every other day of the year. How is it “supposed to be” when it comes to the Living God?

Happy Thanksgiving.