As I was wrapping up my conversation with Vinnie the other day, he told me a story I cannot get out of my head. 

Vinnie told me that in his village in Vietnam, the leader of his village would call everyone out of their homes and ask them one question, “are you a Christian?”  If they say “no” they have to walk on a cross that had been buried in the ground. The purpose of it is to publicly denounce God.   If they say “yes”, they are beheaded right there in front of everyone in the village. Wow!

If I were faced with this situation what would I do? Would I tell them the truth? It would be very easy to lie and say no.  This is where the rubber hits the road. Tell a lie and live or tell the truth and die.   

What would I do? What would you do and why?

 When Vinnie was 10 years old his family left Vietnam to come to America. He was on a boat without food and they got 2 teaspoons of water a day. 2 TEASPOONS OF WATER A DAY!  One day they didn’t have any more water so everyone on the boat prayed for water. Guess what? It started to rain. Their prayers were answered. 

They ended up on an island and were eventually rescued by a plane. They were then picked up by helicopter and eventually ended up at O’Hare airport in Chicago. When they got off the plane he said he felt like he was in heaven. Even though all they owned was the clothes they were wearing. 

He then told me he never complains because of what he went through. There were many people on the trip that weren’t as lucky as him. 

God, I thank you for bringing Vinnie into my life and thank you for allowing Vinnie to show your love.  God I also ask for the words to share with Vinnie as he asks more questions about you.

I had the privilege of meeting a man named Vinnie.  His story/testimony takes your breath away. Vinnie is from Vietnam.  Someone shared the story of Christ to his grandfather who at the time was an atheist. Actually almost the entire village was atheist. 

Vinnie said his grandfather accepted Jesus Christ into his heart but they couldn’t celebrate like we do today, because in his country you would be killed if you were seen talking about your faith or even praying. So he prayed late at night and talked about God in private. 

Two things stuck out to me as Vinnie was telling me his story

• who was this man that spoke to his grandfather?  You weren’t supposed to share the gospel or you would be executed.  This man didn’t care, he did it anyway. This man is a hero in my eyes.
• Vinnie’s grandfather then lead his family to Christ. He was the spiritual leader of the family.  He had his family stay up late after others were asleep in the village to share the good news of Christ. 

I think of the courage of the man that spoke to Vinnie’s grandfather. I hear people all the time say they won’t ask a friend or invite a neighbor to come to church, because they are embarrassed, not because their life has been threatened. 

I also think of the families that have no spiritual leader in the home. Your family tree could be changed just by being the spiritual leader God wants you to be. 

So the choice is yours, sit and be quiet or share your love for Jesus Christ and what He did for everyone.

I love the smell of coffee but I can’t stand the taste. So why on Wednesday mornings do I go to Allaus Coffee Shop in Edmond, OK at 7:00 am?  I meet with friends to talk about life. We discuss family, friends, work, our children, but mostly we talk about God. The time we spend at the coffee shop is so valuable to me. To be honest, I really dislike getting up earlier than normal to go.  Afterwards, I feel rejuvenated and ready to enjoy the day and the rest of my week.  

It isn’t just the conversation I have that energizes me. It is seeing high school students there meeting with a Catholic Priest doing the same thing we are doing.  When I was in school there was no way I would have gotten up that early to talk about God. Watching them uplifts me. I also enjoy the owner who has his high school aged daughter behind the counter before school. I wouldn’t have done that either. She looks very tired but never complains, at least in public.

I sure hope you are spending time every week with someone you can talk to, have fellowship with, and most of  all encounter God’s grace. If not, what is stopping you?

Givers 

I am blown away by people that give the shirt off of their back. They give away cars, food, money, toys, and much more and without hesitation. Just today, I heard of two more people like this. One is taking blankets to the homeless on Christmas morning, because that is their burden, this is what God is whispering to them. The other is giving the guys and gals in a halfway house socks, underwear, coats, etc. This person also picks them up and brings them to church. WOW! 

Then there’s others who stop at the corner for the guy or gal that is asking for money. This person doesn’t just give money, they will  give them something to eat and drink. Plus, they pray with the guy or gal asking for money.  Another example, I have a lady I work with who when she meets someone in need she acts upon it.  She has even followed people to the gas station to pay for their gas. Crazy! 

These people are listening to God’s whisper and they happen to have the spiritual gift of giving. Are you utilizing your spiritual gifts and obeying His whisper?

 I love to read. 

A little background about me. Up until 10 years ago the only thing I would read was the newspaper (sports page) or some other sports related magazine. I would not buy books. I would purchase the book on CD and listen to it in my car as I was driving. No reading for me. Just the idiot box (TV) or radio in my car. 

I don’t know when I changed or what happened. Out of the blue I started to read. I now think I am like Forrest Gump when he began to run. He just kept running for no reason. Only difference is I have a reason, I like to learn new things. I enjoy visualizing and implementing what I read. At my previous job they had a sign that said, “ the only thing constant is change.” Maybe that is why I like to read. I don’t want to be left behind. I want to continue to stretch my brain.  Maybe, it is because I didn’t finish my degree and I feel inadequate. I have to read to continue my development. That is part of it but the real answer is, I just like to read. 

I have posted some of my favorite books on the side of my blog. I read almost 3 books a week and I will continue to update my favorites as I finish more. 

I am currently reading Jon Gordon’s, “The No Complaining Rule” I love it. 

What are some of your favorite books? Let me know and maybe I will give them a read.

November 9, 1989. I remember the date well. I lived in Nurnberg Germany and that was the day the “Wall” came down in Germany. The excitement was everywhere. The West Germans were so welcoming to the East Germans. They were being reunited with relatives that they could no longer visit or communicate with. The electricity in the air was amazing. There was fireworks, people singing, celebrating but mostly, loving one another.

 People were inviting people they didn’t even know that escaped the wall, to stay with them at their homes. Our military base opened up rooms, gym and other places for them to rest. Their little cars were one of the greatest sites to see.

Now, I am a Christ follower and I wonder if that is how it is in heaven when someone gives their life to Christ. You are free. No longer living in bondage. You have escaped that wall that has kept you a prisoner. So celebrate like the Germans did back on that special day in 1989.

A few weeks ago our Campus Pastor, Chris, asked the attenders if they had been attending the campus for over a year and Didn’t know anyone to raise their hands. I was stunned at how many hands were raised. I saw a guy who raised his hand and I felt like I should talk to him. When the experience was over I tried to get to him but he jetted out of the room before I could reach him. Then I thought okay, no wonder you aren’t getting connected, you aren’t trying to get connected. During the message I felt like we were failing reaching out, then when the guy ran out, my thoughts changed.

I really believe it is a two-way street for people to connect. It can’t be just one person trying to connect, it needs to be intentional on both sides. I am sure there are some legitimate reasons some may not want to talk to anyone or get to know anyone at church. They may just want to blend in. They could be shy. They may have tried in the past to get connected and it didn’t work out.

One thing I do know is people leave the church if they don’t connect with someone within their first six months of attending the church.
I pray you take a step toward the church and I pray the church also takes a step towards you too.

Maurine and I celebrated our 17^th anniversary a few weeks ago.  I wonder why it takes an anniversary for me to tell Maurine how much I love her. I try to think about my life without her and I can’t. I wish I could say I am the perfect husband, but I am not, I have a lot to learn.  She has put up with so much from me over the years. I am not the best communicator with Maurine. I would really appreciate your prayers to help me be better in this area. Another weakness is family time. In my world, if we are in the same room and even if we don’t say a word, I consider it family time; it took me a while to figure out  that isn’t her world.  I still forget that my world isn’t everyone else’s world. Yeah it is all about me. 

 In the morning she feeds the kids, gets them ready for school, gets ready herself, works out, reads the Bible and the list could go on and on. I on the other hand take care of me and that is tough enough.  I am so fortunate and don’t even realize it.  I actually am spoiled. 

God placed Maurine in my life and I am so grateful.  Our journey over the years has been pretty amazing. Only God could write this story and I am fortunate enough to have a part in her life. I thank God for the love of my life, Maurine.

Last year, I met a man at work who I will refer to as John(not his real name).  John has had a really rough time the past few years. John is homeless and lives out of his car at a truck stop in Oklahoma City.  At one time, John had a good life.  Now he sleeps in his car, takes a shower at the truck stop, then gets dressed and goes to work. John is in retail sales.  If you saw him you would never know he is homeless.  He wears a 3 piece suit to work and he is by far the best dressed homeless man I have ever seen! 

About 2 months ago his car broke down.  The only use the car is to him now is a place to sleep.  He doesn’t have any way of getting to  work now, so he can’t afford to get his car fixed or to be able to save to afford a new one.  The crazy thing is his boss still wants him to come back to work – even after not working for 2 months.  I have been torn up about what I need to  do.  I have even thought about giving him my car, but then what would that mean for me and my family.

A few months ago, I found John a place to live for free so that he could get his car fixed, he refused.  The reason he told me he refused is because of his past, he is a convicted sex offender.  John told me the story when I first met him a year ago and he says he was falsely convicted.  At times I have wondered if he is being truthful with me but for some reason my heart pours out to him.  It hurts me every time I talk to him.   I do not want to enable him, I want him to do things on his own, but as Christians I know that we are called to help each other and to show love to each other. The help I have offered he won’t accept, probably because of his past he is afraid he will get beaten up in a homeless shelter.

All I know is John is gripped by fear. He is paralyzed from his past and can’t or won’t do anything to help himself.  He has a story, just as everyone does.  He struggles with why would God allow all of these things to happen to him.  He did finally agree to counseling this week and I am very excited about that.  But for now, I am still trying to help figure out John’s transportation situation and being able to get him back to work and eventually being able to find him a place to live.  Thoughts and prayers are appreciated.