My Biggest Blessings

As I drove home from a hectic Black Friday at work, i didn't think that I could be more tired. All I wanted was to come home, grab something to drink and eat, catch up with my wife for a few minutes and go to bed. 

However, that plan quickly changed with one phone call. It was my wife telling me not to pull into the garage yet when I got home. You see, my 2 year old daughter wanted to go see the Christmas lights that some in the neighborhood had put up. Admittedly, a part of me thought "Oh man, I just want to go inside and unwind!" As I pulled in the driveway I saw, through the front door, my little girl running toward he garage. She had the biggest smile on her face as my wife carried her toward me. I opened the door and she sat in my lap and said "Daddy, wet's go see wights!"

Instantly, my heart melted. I grasped her as hard as I could without compromising her ribs or our safety as I drove! She oohed and aaahed all the way around the neighborhood. 

As we stopped to see the many inflated decorations that so gloriously (in her eyes) littered a neighborhood yard, I couldn't help but say a prayer and thank God for my little girl and the memories that we were making. All of the stress, worry, fatigue and anger that comes with working in retail around Thanksgiving dissipated immediately. It was like it all never happened! Why? Because there is more to life. I'll never have that moment back. I'll always have work to do, but I won't always have a 2 year old girl to ride in daddy's "twuck."

That's just one story. There are many more memories like that, but this one was special. It reminded me that my time with my family is special and shouldn't be taken for granted. It reminded me that children are a gift from God. I mean, Psalm 127:3 tells us "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him."

I still am challenged at time with not taking those moments for granted, as is any parent in the world. But, it's the big moments that make us step back and appreciate the little ones (pardon the pun)even more! 

Remember, parents, no matter your child's age the memories are not just yours! The memories belong to your children as well! Make the most of each moment. As Chuck Swindoll, Senior Pastor at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, said "Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children!" 

Until next time, goodnight and God Bless!

- Ray

I (We) Know the Where and the Why...

The title is simple, yet complicated. My family and I left our home in Fletcher, NC in March of this year to come to the Greater Nashville, TN area. We prayed a lot about the decision and felt called here. So, the decision was simple. The title is simple in that way...We were called to Nashville by God (Where) to further glorify His Kingdom (Why). The latter wasn't so clear until recently, which is hard and almost shameful to admit.

The complicated part comes in the "What" and "How!" That's the part that I haven't quite figured out! Maybe Kimberly has? Well, she hasn't shared it with me. Today was a tough day at Church as we reflected on the life of our Pastor, David Landrith, and what's next for our Church. One thing is for sure, God will let us know what's next when He is ready, not when we are ready!


Back to my point, as I plan on reflecting on the impact that David Landrith had on my life in such a relatively short time in a post to come. As the guest speaker today made an altar call, I felt something pull me that way and knew that the question of "What do I (we) do and how do I (we) do it?!?" wasn't something that I can handle on my own. I was a little hesitant and worried at first. But, as I made the journey (of about 15 ft) to one of my Pastors, I suddenly felt a calmness come over me. I felt like Jesus was right there with me. I wasn't calling Him into my boat during this storm,  He was calling me to Him to get out of my boat and walk out onto the stormy sea I see in front of me and walk toward Him (see Matthew 14:22-31).

Did I get my answers of What and How? No, I didn't. It could be that I did, though, and I just haven't unwrapped it yet. Or, He is waiting for the time to be right. It's all based on His timing. For now, I know that I have to do all that I can to glorify Him and the Kingdom of God. Colossians 3:23(NIV) tells us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

There are a few things that I have learned on this journey from Where and Why to the What and How...
- I am a better father, husband, son and friend
- I am a better Christian
- I feel more purposeful in life
- I love life more than I ever have

The question of "What's your WHY?" comes up a lot. Well, at least I got that part figured out! And, it certainly is the most important, right? Until next time, God bless!

- Ray