This morning I was reading in the book of Ecclesiastes during my devotional time. The book is about Solomon's quest for meaning in life. In that quest, Solomon tried all kinds of things in a pursuit of happiness. But Solomon didn't discover happines. Instead he repeatedly said "Vanity of vanity. All is vanity."

So, if laughter and accumulating stuff and traveling doesn't bring one happiness what does? In the final two verses of Ecclesiastes Solomon says, "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is; fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil" (12:13-14).

"Fear God and keep His commandments." That's the secret to happiness in life.

Today, remember to put the Lord first in your life. That will bring us happiness.

U.S.A. Today ran a full page article yesterday entitled "25 Lives of Indelible Impact." In celebration of its 25th anniversary the paper is doing some special things to recognize that.
Of the 25 lives, one of those is a man whose identity is unknown. He is simply known as "The Man at Tiananmen Square." Maybe you remember him. I remember watching his heoric act.
It was on a Saturday morning back in 1989. This man stood in front of a tank in a pro-democracy protest in China. When the tank veered left to try to avoid the man, he veered left as well. When the tank moved forward, he stood his ground. Eventually, on-lookers pulled him aside.
One man.
One tank.
The tank is obviously larger. I mean, the tank could kill the guy. But the man stood.
Sometimes we are afraid to take a stand. We don't want to cause trouble. Don't want to "make waves." So, we just keep our mouths shut.
But there are times when we need to take a stand.
Let this guy be a model for us.
There is a poem that I have taped in the flyleaf of my Bible. It reads like this;
"I am only one, but still, I am one.
While I cannot do all things I can do somethings.
And though I cannot do all things I will not fail to do the one thing I can do."

In 1869 H.J. Heinz coined a phrase that challenges us to do the common thing uncommonly well."

All of us face common tasks daily. Doing the "common thing uncommonly well" is what will set us apart from someone else.

Recently, I went into an automobile dealership. As I approached the door, a salesman on the inside pushed the door open and held it open for me. That kind of thing impresses me. It was a little touch and may have seemed insignificant but I thought it was something "a little extra" to set that dealership apart. Now, I wasn't going by there to purchase a car. But if I had been considering it, that little act would have made me more inclined to purchase one from them.

Today, "do the common thing uncommonly well."

Today's entry will be brief...

John Maxwell, in his book "Talent Is Never Enough" says, "Self Discipline is the ability to do what is right even when you don't feel like doing it."

I need to be more disciplined in certain areas of my life.

How about you?

I've had a stomach bug the past two days. Yesterday, it was stricly sprite, gatorade and chicken noodle soup. I think the thing I hated most was, no coffee. I normally drink several cups of fairly strong community coffee throughout the day. I missed my coffee.
I had plenty of time to think yesterday. I thought about how a small "bug" can inflitrate the human body and cause your entire system to hurt. But the same thing can happen to us spiritually and, to a church. Let me explain.
First, little ideas, little attitudes, little sins can infiltrate our lives and at first, we ignore them. We brush them off with a "no big deal." But, left unchecked, they can become a big deal.
Second, the same thing can happen in a church. Suppose there is a member who is disgruntled and they begin "sharing" their thoughts with others. In time, if that is left unchecked, it can affect the entire body.
So, don't ignore the "little sins" in your life and, if you know of anyone who is sharing "complaints" with others in your church, confront it and deal with it. A little bug can bring pain to the entire body.

When you make a mistake, how do you respond?
Do you blame it on someone else?
Do you get angry?
Or, are you able to laugh at yourself?
Prolific author John Maxwell says the ability to laugh at ourselves is one way to overcome pride. There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Blessed are they that laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be entertained.”
Maxwell tells a story about a judge who had a distinguished career on the bench beginning in 1977 at age forty-four. But, the judge refused to take himself too seriously and maintained his sense of humor.
The judge commented, “Just because people stand up when you walk into court and you wear a black dress and sit on an elevated chair… you have to remind yourself you’re just another person who happens to be a lawyer elected to serve as a judge.”
So, don’t take yourself too seriously today. Laugh at your mistakes.

This Sunday is graduate recognition day in our church. It is always an exciting day for the graduates, their families and the entire church. As a graduate is recognized, some church members who taught them Sunday School, or volunteered in the youth department or coached them in sports will remember when the graduate was a just a child and they will feel a sense of pride that the "little boy" or "little girl" has grown up into a fine young man or young lady.
My sermon Sunday will focus on "How To Be A Successful Person." Most of those who graduate will think that success is making lots of money. They will believe that because that's what the culture they live in values and believes.
But years ago, comedian Richard Pryor made a statement that reminds us that money isn't everything. Pryor was critically burned in an accident in 1980. Later, he appeared on the Johnny Carson Show. During that appearance he insisted that when you are seriously ill, money isn't important. "All that I could think of was to call on God. I didn't call the Bank of America once."
Sucess in life is not about money. Money is definitely nice to have but if all a person has is money they will likely live an empty life.
Jesus said "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33).

Perseverance.
That means hanging tough. It means to keep trying. It means "don't quit."
I like people who persevere. There are times when I have bought something from someone just because they persisted.
John Maxwell, in his newest book "Talent Is Never Enough" has a chapter on perseverance. He quotes Hannibal, the Carthaginian general who fought the Romans during the Second Punic War. Hannibal asserted, "We will either find a way or we will make one." Hannibal lived out that attitude of perseverance when he led an unexpected campaign that took him over the Alps to defeat the Romans.
Are you facing an obstacle today? Are you thinking "there's no way." Has someone said "there's no way."
Taking Hannibal's advice, "find a way or make one." Persevere.
The apostle Paul said "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal. 6:9).
Today, determine to persevere.

I believe I was made with an "hyperactive crier."
I'm serious.
It doesn't take much for me to tear up.
I was thinking this morning, "what happens biologically that makes us cry." I know it's somehow tied to our emotions. I don't know what it is but my "crying system" works well.
I am especially prone to cry when my kids get recognition.
This morning, I attended an event at our high school where my son had to give a brief speech as President of the Junior class. I was proud and I misted up.
But, I've cried a lot lately.
I cried when Will got a key hit in a baseball game.
I cried when it was announced that he had been elected a "senior ambassador."
I cried when Robert told me he had been nominated for a promotion at Dick's sporting goods. Robert has been working there since last September. Those who have worked there for a period of time say that he is advancing quicker than normal. That makes a dad proud.
And, I cried when my daughter made the cheerleading squad.
"Lord, thank you for the three wonderful kids you have blessed Holli and me with."

Sunday was Mother's Day. A day that is devoted to expressing appreciation to mom and spending time with our family.
I used a quote in my message yesterday that talks about the importance of family. Nancy Pelosi is the first female speaker of the United States House of Representatives. She is also the mother of five children. While I don't agree with all of her politics, I do like her emphasis on the importance of family.
Last week in the May 10th edition of USA Today Pelosi said, "Nothing in my life will ever, ever compare to being a mom. Not being a member of Congress, not being speaker of the House. I wish I could do it all over again, but my children won't give me my grandchildren."
Family is important. Mother's Day reminds us of the importance of family. But, don't wait for another holiday to be reminded of the importance of family. Every day, let your family know how special they are to you.

Last night, I sat on the front porch and read the paper.
Now, that may not sound like a big deal but, last night, it was.
I realized I needed to do more of it. For the past, well, six months, we have been running.
We moved in November... that's a major deal in and of itself.
Then, we had Christmas.
From Christmas, we went to basketball season.
Then baseball season
Then soccer season
Then we moved into a new sanctuary
It's been a busy, busy time. Now, I know that others are as busy as that if not more so. But I need to slow down a little. I realized it last night.
My attitude gets sour when I get tired.
My fuse has a tendency to get a little shorter when I'm tired.
And, I don't eat right when I'm tired.
So, with the Lord's help, I'm going to try to slow down a little. Sit on the front porch some. I'm looking forward to summer.

I have a hard time waiting.
I also have a difficult time not acting when I feel like action is needed. I have a hard time believing nothing can be done. When somneone says "Nothing can be done" I want to say, "Wait a minute, this is the United States of America. We live in a democracy. Yes, something can be done."
But... I'm learning that at times, nothing can be done accept to trust in the Lord and wait. I have a hard time in those situations.
The Psalmist expressed what I need to do more of when he said, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
"Be still..." I really have a hard time being still.
While you are being still, know that God is on the throne. In other words, "Don't do anything, God is going to do all the doing."
Trust the Lord. Wait on the Lord.
Are you struggling with something today yet you feel like you just can't do anything? Give it to the Lord and know that He is God. I'm writing this to myself. You can join me in giving whatever may be a concern to you to the Lord.

I read a story in the book of I Chronicles recently that really spoke to me. The scriptures say that God was not pleased with David and punished Israel. Recognizing God's punishment David went to God and said, "I have sinned.... but... please now take away the iniquity of the Thy servant" (I Chronicles 7:8).
God spoke to David and said, "You have three options; 1) 3 years of famine, 2) 3 months to be swept away before your foes or 3) the angel of the Lord destroying throughout the territory of Israel."
Which option would you take?
David thought about it and took option 3. I love David's reply, "...I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man" (I Chron. 7:13).
I really like that verse.
David is saying "Each of the three options are tough but, I'll take my chances with God... I believe I have a better chance of mercy with God than with man!"
I would affirm what David said! Sometimes, mankind has difficulty spelling the word grace. I'm being a little sarcastic in my response but, there is a lot of truth there.
People, all of us, struggle with grace.
Today, be filled with grace. Ok... what exactly does that mean?
It means trying to be a little less judgemental than we normally are.
It means being willing to forgive instead of hanging onto bitterness.
It mens doing a kind deed.
"...let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man."
What a powerful verse! God's grace is amazing!

All of us make mistakes. They are a part of life. If you live you are going to make mistakes.
Some people have a difficult time making decisions because they are afraid of failing... making mistakes. Therefore, their fear of failing paralyzes them and makes it difficult to make decisions.
Some people , due to mistakes they have made constantly live in the past. They have difficulty moving forward in life because of mistakes they have made. They dwell on their mistakes and seldom look forward.
I have made plenty of mistakes and there is a decent chance I will make some today. I got aggravated with the kids Sunday night and, I regretted getting aggravated. That was a mistake.
There are times when I have to tell someone "I'm sorry, I blew that one. I just dropped the ball and I will do better next time." I had made a mistake.
Most of the time if we make a mistake and admit it, it's ok. We move on and try to do better. But some people seem to keep a mental log of mistakes and they don't let you get up off the mat of life. They are constantly reminding you of your mistakes.
Thankfully, the Lord doesn't do that. The scripture says "If Thou, LORD, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee, That Thou mayest be feared" (Psalms 130:3-4).
In other words, God doesn't keep a running list of our mistakes.
I am personally, very thankful for that.
Also, there may be someone who made a mistake and they have come to you and admitted it but you are yet to forgive. You want to remind them repeatedly of their mistake. Please be gracious enough to understand that everyone makes mistakes and forgive whomever made the mistake and let them and you move on in life.
Someone said "the only reason you look to the past is if you're going there." So don't go to the past. Look forward in life.

In my message yesterday, I preached on parenting. My kids are very special to me as I'm sure yours are to you. Last Friday, I had a special moment with my daughter.
She was all dressed up for her 8th grade formal. She was beautiful! It was a special night for her.
To conclude my sermon yesterday, I used a letter that was written to Ann Landers by a father who looked back with regret at not having spent more time with his kids. Here is that letter;

"I remember talking to my friend a number of years ago about our children. Mine were 5 and 7 then, just the ages when their daddy means everything to them. I wished that I could have spent more time with my kids but I was too busy working. After all, I wanted to give them all the things I never had when I was growing up.
I loved the idea of coming home and having them sit on my lap and tell me about their day. Unfortunately, most days I came home so late that I was only able to kiss them good night after they had gone to sleep.
It is amazing how fast kids grow. Before I knew it, they were 9 and 11. I missed seeing them in school plays. Everyone said they were terrific, but the plays always seemed to go on when I was traveling for business or tied up in a special conference. The kids never complained, but I could see the disappointment in their eyes.
I kept promising that I would have have more time “next year.” But the higher the corporate ladder I climbed, the less time there seemed to be.
Suddenly they were no longer 9 and 11. They were 14 and 16. Teen-agers. I didn’t see my daughter the night she went out on her first date or my son’s championship basketball game. Mom made excuses and I managed to telephone and talk to them before they left the house. I could hear the disappointment in their voices, but I explained as best I could.
Don’t’ ask where the years have gone. Those little kids are 19 and 21 now and in college. I can’t believe it. My job is less demanding and I finally have time for them. But they have their own interests and there is no time for me. To be perfectly honest, I’m a little hurt.
It seems like yesterday that they were 5 and 7. I’d give anything to have those years over. You can bet your life I’d do it differently. But they are gone now, and so is my chance to be a real dad."

Invest time in your children. You won't regret it.

A "blog" is short for a "weblog." In a "weblog" you record your thoughts on various things. Today is a day when I am going to open up the door to my soul just a little and allow you to peer in. It's a bit dangerous because doing so opens you up for all kinds of response. But, I'm going to give it a try. I will be curious to know if anyone else has some of the experiences I have.
I'm going through "withdrawals."
In fact, most of my life I've experienced "withdrawals."
And no, it has nothing to do with substance abuse.
I can remember experiencing withdrawals following the Christmas holidays. When I was kid and for several years, as an adult, I really, really, really looked forward to Christmas. I mean, I loved it. I loved the music, the color, the festivities, the television specials, etc.. And, when Christmas was over, I would have a day or two when I was down. I have since learned that lots of people experience this. It has something to do with the fact that you are so busy for a short period of time and all of a sudden, the season is over! That experience can cause you to get a little down.
Then, I started experiencing it following sports seasons. I looked forward to college football season so much, it was a little depressing when the last game was played. I felt the same with basketball season and then, baseball season. I can remember thinking, after the College World Series was played that there would be no college athletic events until September. That was two whole months! I would get a little down thinking about that.
Well, I'm experiencing some withdrawals now that high school baseball season is over. After our final game Wednesday night, when I parked my truck that night it hit me, "baseball season is over." Baseball practice started back in February. So, for three months, high school baseball has been a significiant part of our lives. Now, it's over for a couple of weeks... until the beginning of summer ball.
I felt this way following high school football season. After the final game of the year, I can remember thinking, "It's over for another year."
When our kids played Dixie Youth baseball and Dixie softball I can remember experiencing some of this because there were people we saw more during baseball and softball season than any other time of the year. Now that the season was over, we wouldn't see each other nearly as much for a while.
I guess I'm too sentimental. I have a tendency to walk to "hang on to moments."
Someone reading this will probably think something like "if you struggle that much with getting over ball season that means you need to get a life." They are probably at least partially right. Still, the withdrawal experience exists.
So what do I do? How do you deal with it?
First, time has a way of handling these issues. In a few days I will be all right. It just takes me a little time.
Second, you move on to something else. Yesterday, I wrote about "seasons" in life. A "season", by definition is a period of time. So, a "season" isn't intended to go on forever. It's a "season". So, one "season" end and you move on to another "season."
Third, we keep our focus on the Lord. The Scriptures tell us, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb. 13:8).
There are different seasons in life. But the Lord remains the same.
I encourage you to worship the Lord in the church of your choice this Sunday.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."
In my life, I am experiencing the end of a season today. Last night, the ' 07 high school baseball season came to an end for my sons team, the Paulding County Patriots. It was an emotional night.
It was senior night. That's always good for a bucket or two of tears as moms and dads watch their boys, some whom have been playing organized ball for several years, receive recognition at the conclusion of their high school careers. But the emotion that was experienced last night was for more than just senior night.
Last night marked the end of a "season" of life for me and for others. For five years Coach Ryan Zaideman has been the head baseball coach at Paulding County. Two weeks ago, "Coach Z" announced his resignation effective at the end of this school year. He is the only high school coach my son has known. So, in that respect, this is the end of a "season of life" in our lives.
But in addition to Coach Z leaving, several parents that Holli and I have gotten to know over the last three years will be leaving as well. Their sons are seniors. So, next year, some faces that have been in the crowd at PC baseball games won't be there. Some of them read this blog and they know who they are. So, in that respect this is the end of a "season in life" in our lives.
In addition to Coach Z, a couple of the assistant coaches are leaving. It will be different looking over at the dugout next year and not seeing some familiar faces.
For three years I have had the priviledge of serving as chaplain of the baseball team. It's been a lot of fun and I've enjoyed getting to know the boys on the team. I have enjoyed working with Coach Z. I hope to continue in this role under the new coach but that will be left up to whomever the new coach is.
But, the boys who are seniors will move on to college and begin a new "season" in life. They will meet new friends and several of them will be playing baseball in college. While their memories of baseball at PC will always be special, they will make new memories.
"Coach Z" and the assistant coaches will move on to the next phase of life for them. They will coach new boys and meet new parents and invest their lives in other teams.
And, next year, there will be some new faces in the crowd at PC baseball games. Some of those will belong to the parents of kids who played junior varsity this year. They will move up, there parents will step up and life will move on.
But last night, I wanted to capture that moment. Lots and lots of pictures were taken. Tears were shed. Words of encouragement were spoken. It was a sweet moment.
There is a popular pop song that is played along with a collection of highlights from the NCAA basketball tournament every year. I think it would have been appropriate to play last night. The song is entitled "One Moment In Time."
It goes like this;
"Each day I live I want to be a day to give the best of me
I'm only one, but not alone
My finest day is yet unknown I broke my heart for every gain
To taste the sweet, I faced the pain I rise and fall,
Yet through it all this much remains I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time I will feel, I will feel eternity."

Last night was one special "moment in time" in my life. But, by the grace of God, there will be other moments.
"God, thank you, for making this season of my life as special as it has been."

In a popular television commercial, a man who provides voice over for movies is describing the situation a lady was in when a certain insurance company came to her aid. One of his lines is "this time, pay back is for real."
Pay back.
When someone does something to hurt a person they might respond "I'll get you one day." What they mean is they intend to retaliate at some point. And, the extent of retaliation is anticipated to be to the degree that a person has been hurt.
For instance, a coach might feel like another coach has run the score up on them. As the game is in progress the coach might think "I'll pay you back one day." They are thinking that when given the opportunity in the future, they may return the favor. That's "pay back."
Or, maybe on the job someone does something to hurt us. We have no choice but to take it but, in our anger and hurt we think "you will get it one day."
That's called "tit for tat." "You hurt me so I hurt you in return."
The Psalmist says "The Lord is compassionate and gracious... he does not treat us our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities."
I like that last line, "the Lord does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities." The Bible says "all have sinned." I know that I have. Yet, it is comforting to know that God doesn't repay us according to our sins. None of us could stand up under the wrath of God if we were repaid according to our iniquities.
So today, thank the Lord that He doesn't repay us according to our iniquities. Thank the Lord that even though we sin, God loves us and removes our sins "as far as the east is from the west."

Have you ever had a plan that you thought was good but for some reason God didn't open the doors necessary to carry the plan out?
King David had a moment like that.
I Chronicles 28:2-3 quotes David as saying, "I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God. So I had made preparations to build it. But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood."
Notice those words But God said to me. A conjunction in a sentence can represent a roadblock in life.
"I had planned to do this but God re-directed me."
"I had planned to major in this field of study in college but God changed my direction."
Have you ever had a but God moment?
I have.
Early in my ministry I was notified that a youth position in a larger church in our area was open and I was asked if I was interested. Sure, I was interested. This was like a dream!
However, at that point in my life God was beginning to re-direct me to the pastorate. If I had taken the position at the larger church I would not have had many opportunities to preach. I knew that but at the time, it didn't matter. I was enamored with the position.
I interviewed for the position but nothing ever happened. No phone call. No letter. No nothing.
After weeks had passed I finally learned the church went in a different direction. I was a little stung. I wanted that position and couldn't understand what I did wrong.
Well, I hadn't done anything wrong. God was just preparing to open another door for me; the door into my first pastorate.
In September of 1984 God sent a pulpit committee to hear me and the church eventually extended a call to me to become their pastor. That was the first of five churches I have pastored throughout my ministry.
I had wanted to take the youth position, but God closed one door because another door was about to open.
Maybe you have had a plan recently that didn't work like you had hoped it would. Perhaps you have gotten a little discouraged or frustrated. Know this; God loves you and wants the best for you. The but God moments are key moments in our lives. If you have had a but God moment recently, trust the Lord to do what's best for you.