Merry Christmas from the Hemphills

What an amazing year...2007. Around this time last year, God stirred in our hearts that 2007 would be the "year of movement". And it certainly proved to be that. God moved us to Birmingham this summer to help develop Encounter as a freedom movement and birth MarriageEncouter to fight for couples' hearts. And God stills moves as we reach out to couples for the purpose of building dangerous families for the Kingdom. In recent days, God has stirred another word about 2008...the "year of restoration". He repeatedly took us to Joel chapter 2 and confirmed that He would "restore what the locusts had eaten". Lots of ways that He may choose to do this. No matter what...this coming year is destined to be one filled with adventure, battle, victory, brokenness, healing, and RESTORATION. Get ready!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for standing with us and fighting for us...
Randy, Melody, Caleb, and Brennan

Full-Length Mirror

"One of the best wedding gifts God gave you was a full-length mirror called your spouse. Had there been a card attached, it would have said, "Here's to helping you discover what you're really like!"
--Gary and Betsy Ricucci

Mannequins

What if, most of who I am today, is a loosely bound package of manufactured selves? Crafted over the years to hide my pain and wipe away my tears. This glued-together self has gotten me stuck in a self-destructive cycle. To the point that the image I convey is a mannequin with lungs. The capacity to breathe...but not to live. Fixated on building the plastic image in the window, I only exist for the gaze of the shopper passing by. See me. Buy me. Value me.

Today, I face the mannequin in the window. As I press my face against the window, I fall through into the arms of myself...my mannequin. It tumbles to the ground and falls to pieces. I am surrounded by plastic arms, legs, torso, head, and clothes. Is this really me?? All that I've been working on comes down to this...scattered, plastic limbs and high-dollar clothes. Is this all that my grasping/living has come to??

Do I pick up the limbs and start all over again? Brush off the clothes and dress up the plastic image? Prop it up in front of the window. Makes me weary just thinking about it. Pieced together...posing forever. The window beckons me...come, pose, be seen, be valued. The shoppers need you. You need you.

Broken, shattered, laying on the floor...in need of restoration. I call out to You. God, deliver me from myself. Take the mannequin I've manufactured and burn it up, destroy it. Pull me from the prostituting window of posing and press me deeply into the wonder of Your love and acceptance.

Being present in the present

A word from a present-day sage, Brennan Manning...
"The music of what is happening can be heard only in the present moment, right now, right here. Now/here spells nowhere. To be fully present to whoever or whatever is immediately before us is to pitch a tent in the wilderness of Nowhere. It is an act of radical trust--trust that God can be encountered at no other time and in no other place than the present moment. Being fully present in the now is perhaps the premier skill of the spiritual life.
More often than not, I do not hear the music of what is happening now because my mind ricochets between the past and the future."
(quoted from Ruthless Trust)

To be fully alive is to be fully present in the present. Amazing, how much i focus on the past and have anxiety toward the future. In doing so, I miss out on the moments before me. I miss out on opportunities to receive compassion and extend compassion. Manning says that the primary fruit of living in the present is compassion. Wow, what a strong word. Present-tense living gives me the perspective to extend compassion to myself and then to others.

So, today I face a choice. Past-tense. Future-tense. Present-tense. What tense will my life speak in today?

Marriage: a safe harbor??

Follow the quote below...

"We must never be naive enough to think of marriage as a safe harbor from the Fall...The deepest struggles of life will occur in the most primary relationship affected by the Fall: marriage."
--Dan Allender and Tremper Longman III

So, there is a battle taking place today for the heart of our marriages. There is someone who does not want your family and marriage to make it. Satan, the enemy who masquerades as an angel of light, is deceptively working to take us out. He does not care about us or our families...He wants what we have...we are image-bearers.

Reflecting the image of God in our marriages is one of the greatest ways to bring God glory. So, what exactly does it mean to reflect the image of God in a marriage?? something to think on...

Bowling Adventure

Recently, Chris Roe and I took Caleb and Brennan on their first Bowling Adventure. It was quite an amazing time of Male Bonding. Wild At Heart can actually happen at the bowling alley...

Conversation Recap...

Last night we had another good "Conversations" evening with couples. It was a relaxing time to share and open up about marriage stuff (plus Melody made some incredible pumpkin pie!! with cool whip!!). We tackled the subject of "perseverance in marriage". What does it mean to persevere through challenging times, instead of retreating. What does biblical perseverance look like??

For those unable to attend, I wanted to post a basic framework for what we discussed...to give you an opportunity to have a "conversation" with your wife/husband/significant other...

A few quotes...--A character in Anne Tyler's novel A Patchwork Planet.-- This book's thirty year old narrator has gone through a divorce and now works at an occupation that has him relating almost exclusively with elderly people. As he observes their long-standing marriages, he comes to a profound understanding:
"I was beginning to suspect that it made no difference whether they'd married the right person. Finally, you're just with who you're with. You've signed on with her, put in half a century with her, grown to know her as well as you know yourself or even better, and she's become the right person. Or the only person, might be to the point. I wish someone had told me that earlier. I'd have hung on then; I swear I would. I never would have driven Natalie to leave me."

"Marriage is a long conversation."
--German philosopher Friedrich Nietzche

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."
2 Thessalonians 3:5
---------------------------------------------------------
A few questions to ponder...
*As you look forward...2-3 years, what would you like your marriage to look like?
*What are you currently being challenged to persevere through?
*What typically keeps you from persevering?
*If you were to persevere through your "present-tense circumstance", how would that move you toward the marriage that you really want?

Shepherding the Shepherds

I just have to testify today to the amazing ways that God is using our Ministry Board to minister to me and my family. Chris, Jennifer, Melody, and I spend our time pouring into others with the desire to set hearts free. Some days are filled with lots of celebration about a soul set free...other days are quite draining, walking people through their present darkness. We do feel our calling and Encounter's calling is to shepherd people through that process.

To be honest, though, there are times that I feel alone and fatigued...i'm sure mel, jen, and chris would agree. There are weeks that I feel overwhelmed with the needs of people and the needs of our ministry. There are weeks that the financial weight gets real heavy. Ministry fatigue begins to set in. We need others to shepherd and care for us. I am learning to be more vulnerable in this area and to share needs...it is not easy for me. Every shepherd needs a shepherd.

And then our Board steps in...the last 2-3 weeks, I have been humbled by their caring for us...
*personal giving to the ministry...of prayers, time, and finances.
*one couple dropping by to just say "we love you".
*an email to say "how can i pray for you"
*a "handyman" brother's willingness to help fix the alternator in our van
*a call to say "how can i help and what's next for the ministry"
*someone dropping by to just say "we love and support you guys"
*one family's ongoing prayers and support of the work and openness to be invested in what we are doing (even through a wild job transition)
*one guy's way of saying "if you ever need anything, you know you can call me..."
*one Board member's ongoing prayers and love from a distance and maintaining connection with us

This is what it looks like to shepherd the shepherds...

Halloween Pics...Caleb and Brennan

Last Few Weeks...

The last few weeks have been quite busy with the ministry and family life.

On the family front, Brennan has officially earned the title of "first bone broken". He broke his collar bone last week and we've been healing since. We are not sure how this happened..wrestling, football, etc. 2 Year olds...atleast Brennan...have a way of getting a little wild at times. So, however it happened...it happened. The X-ray showed the broken bone and he has been wearing a shoulder brace ever since. As of today, he is doing well and on the road of recovery. As I type he is standing here with me...giving me that "not so innocent look".

Caleb is doing fall baseball here is Chelsea and loving it. He is practicing one night a week and playing games on sunday. So far, he is slugging the ball and playing some good defense. I (Randy) am kind of assistant coaching on the team. So, we are having a great time with that. Also, Caleb is doing incredible in school...learning and soaking it in.

The last few weeks for Melody and I have been quite busy with ministry stuff. We have added a few more couples that we are working with one on one. Thinking of calling this "Compassing"...but that is for another blog for me to talk about. Anyway, we have been busy with that...quite rewarding to come alongside couples and walk with them through life challenges. We also worked with 3 couples last weekend in a Living Room Encounter. Wow is all we can say. God showed up and did some deep work in couples' lives. We stand amazed at how God is moving and using our brokenness to minister to others.

Conversations for Couples

Tomorrow night, thursday night, we will be hosting another "Conversations" night for couples. This is a time we set aside for couples to come to our house and hang out. It is a relaxing environment to talk and share. There will be couples at various stages in their journey seeking to connect on a deeper level. This 2-3 hour block of time provides an ongoing way for couples to deal with the real issues of marriage and intimacy.

"Conversations" is an important part of the overall Marriage Encounter ministry. It helps us to accomplish two things. First, it gives a "front door" entry for anyone to our ministry. It is a safe place to talk and deal with relevant issues to your relationship. Second, it provides an ongoing environment for couples to build on the truths taught in a Living Room Encounter or other experiences.

So, I look forward to the conversation tomorrow night. I know that Melody and I will grow and be challenged through the time together.

community of handicaps...

friends...
wow, been a crazy week or so. the family was hit with a stomach bug last week...so we were down for a few days. lots of spiritual warfare last week...i should have blogged you guys to be praying for us. learning as we go. thanks for your ongoing prayers...this ministry and work is actively coming against the enemy, Satan. So, we need your support.

Anyway, thought i would share a few thoughts that have been hitting me about "brotherhood"...what does that really look like?

The first from Paul...
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (The Message)
7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

Next, from a brother named Nate Larkin who wrote "Samson and the Pirate Monks"... (i am reading this book right now...powerful story and community)
"Considering Paul's problem and God's response, I was suddenly struck by the possibility that God's apparent inaction in a painful area of my life might have been deliberate. Maybe, just maybe, God knew I needed that problem. He hadn't afflicted me with it, that was clear, but maybe he loved me too much to take it away. Maybe that problem was the only lever in my life big enough to force me out of my determined isolation and into honest relationships with other members of the body of Christ."

So, I guess (i know) pain/handicaps/thorns are our "lever" into community...our brokenness paves the way for community...
No brokenness, No community.
Know brokenness, Know community.

Living Room Encounter

This weekend Melody and I are facilitating another Living Room Marriage Encounter with 2 couples. This intimate gathering will take place in a home where couples will be encouraged to share, pray, and do battle for their relationships. Going into this weekend, I am so open to whatever God wants to say and do. It is a relief that these Encounters don't involved a formula or program. It is not a "show up and let us give you 5 steps to a better marriage". Been down that road before...not much transformation. These Encounters are much more about entering more deeply into your own story and the story of your marriage. It is inviting God to move and speak a fresh message. Each Encounter is unique. This weekend, we are working with 2 couples who are farther down the marriage road. So, it will be interesting to see what God wants to say.

Melody's parents are coming in on friday to help with our children. So, that is a huge blessing to know that they are cared for while we minister and guide. If you are reading this, offer up some prayer for us and the couples we are meeting with. Pray that we truly encounter the living God who desires for marriages to reflect His mercy and love.

Thanks Intercessors...

Thanks for praying and supporting us over the weekend with the men's boot camp. It was a powerful experience with the men. The final session of the boot camp was the most powerful as the men opened up and shared. The pastor was able to open his heart and communicate his need for them to develop as a true brotherhood. The men conveyed their desire to fight for sharing their stories and developing deeper connection. So, it was a door opener, a step in a new direction. Chris and I will continue work with this church and the men.

Thanks friends and allies for supporting us with your prayers...continue to fight on our behalf!

Intercessors Needed...

Allies and Friends...
Tonight, we go into battle for men's hearts. Chris Roe and I are leading a group of men in a Freedom and Life Boot Camp tonight. These men are from a local church that started about 4-5 years ago. The boot camp runs tonight through saturday afternoon. We will be leading sessions on the larger story, the poser, and brotherhood. Key areas in every man's journey.

So, in doing battle, we need people to come alongside us with prayers. This type of heart-work is critical and is opposed. So, we cannot do it alone. If you are reading this right now, STOP and PRAY. Don't wait for a convenient time to pray and intercede for us. Will you pray right now and lift us up...

Father,
Thank you for allies who support and pray for our ministry. We are doing this together. I thank you that ministering alone is not an option. I thank you that battling for hearts is what You have called us to do. So, now as our brothers and sisters uphold, surround, and support us with their prayers. Honor their prayers and bring strength, wisdom, and courage. amen.

Lucky to be Leafless

Eugene Peterson is truly a sage of our time. I love his writings and love his heart on ministry and life. I have recently been reading and rereading a sketch that he wrote on "blessed are the poor in spirit". One of the things God is teaching me right now is to read slowly and soak deeply. I tend to rush through scripture and readings. I seem to "get through a lot" and check it off my reading to-do list. But have I slowed down enough for soul-soaking to happen.
So, here is something to soak on by Peterson...

The Lucky Poor
"blessed are the poor in spirit"

A beech tree in winter, white
Intricacies unconcealed
Against sky blue and billowed
Clouds, carries in his emptiness
Ripeness: sap ready to rise
On signal, buds alert to burst
To leaf. And then after a season
Of summer a lean ring to remember
The lush fulfilled promises.
Empty again in wise poverty
That lets the reaching branches stretch
A millimeter more towards heaven,
The bole expand ever so slightly
And push roots into the firm
Foundation, lucky to be leafless:
Deciduous reminder to let it go.

Lesotho's Crisis: 6 Doctors -- 800,000 Kids

Encounter is hosting a silent auction in October to help raise funds for AIDS orphans and families in Lesotho. Lesotho is located in the southernmost part of Africa. Encounter Humanity, an aspect of our ministry, has formed a partnership in this country to help with families and children.

The following news article came out over the weekend to help explain the medical crisis...
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/GlobalHealth/story?id=3553436&page=1

Just a reminder that our Silent Auction is Thursday, October 4. You can see items that are for sale at www.encounterauction.blogspot.com. Every dollar raised will go toward this ministry effort.

Colorado Boot Camp Pics

I must confess that the pics are out of order. But I am still "blogger-ignorant" of many things. I need to purchase the book "Blogging for Dummies". Until then, enjoy the scenery and comments... (I am still reflecting on the truths that God spoke to my heart...will be blogging on that soon!)

On the hike I took...God spoke and clarified my "name" through this valley experience.

On my visionquest hike...this is at 9500 feet...FREEDOM!!!

Adam's Falls in the Rocky Mountain National Park...FREEDOM!!

Swords...take up your sword and do battle.

Morning Haze...

I actually got about 20 feet from a bull moose...dangerous!!!

The falls...

Crooked Creek Ranch

Canyons...where I stayed and bunked.

The initiated brothers...notice the sign.

Wild at Heart Boot Camp

This week, I leave for a man-adventure taking place in Colorado called Wild at Heart boot camp. This experience will gather men for the purpose of digging deep into their hearts. God has put this whole thing together. We have a group of men from Birmingham who had already registered to go. Within the last two weeks, a spot came available and now my name fills that spot. So, with God's provision in place, I am going to walk more deeply into my own heart. One of the things about pouring into others is that you have to be poured into. I have to take care of my own heart and journey. I have to take time to be away and deal with my own stuff. God cannot use me to touch in others what He is not touching in me. I have to be broken, shaped, and healed. That is what this trip is all about.

So, I would appreciate intercessors who will surround me this weekend with prayer. If you are reading this blog right now...would you just stop and offer up prayer for me. Would you pray for God to do deeper healing in me? Would you pray for me to relax and sabbath? Would you pray for me to be a man among men? Would you pray for honesty, acceptance, and clarity? Thank you friends and allies.

Blog-Note...
To the MEN and WOMEN reading this blog: If you want to know more about a man's heart and journey, I would highly encourage reading "Wild at Heart". John Eldredge is a prophetic voice in our generation and time. All of his books are being used by God to bring freedom and honesty in the church. To husbands, read and interact with this book in the context of masculine community. You need this for your own heart. To wives, read and interact with this book in order to better know your husband's journey. It will provide understanding and insight.

Once I am back and able to process this adventure, you will be seeing some blog reflections. Until then...

33

Today, my beautiful wife Melody turns 33. So, I offer some reflections in her honor... (i will also offer some LKF's...little known facts)

1. Her physical beauty is an expression of an inner God-life.
2. She captivates and arrests my heart daily.
3. Our children mirror her kindness and tenderness.
4. LKF...Melody had a double major in college: religion and music. She attended Campbell University...home of the fighting Camels!! where she met her lifelong love...ME!
5. Melody's eye for detail leads her to show concern where others might miss it.
6. Her gift of organization keeps our family "in tune".
7. I am consistently saying something like "how does someone mother so well."
8. Mel cooks some great, unique meals for the 3 boys in her life...
9. LKF...Melody was born and raised in Garner, NC where her parents currently reside.
10. I appreciate her desire for things to be right and made right.
11. She extends grace to me daily in our relationship and love.
12. Melody is a great friend to have...she is loyal and trustworthy.
13. LKF...Melody's primary love language is gifts...she likes visible love. (would you have guessed that this love language scores low for me...i am a work in progress.)
14. Mel's heart for children and orphaned kids inspires me.
15. She loves music and has a beautiful, on-pitch voice...my lessons have paid off!
16. I enjoy watching good movies with her...even the gushy ones.
17. She recently went to watch Bourne Ultimatum with me...which shows her wide range of taste in movies.
18. LKF...Melody's favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice and favorite color is orange.
19. Mel loves scripture and studies to know God more.
20. I love her passion for seeing people set free and live in hope and grace.
21. She is a living testimony of transformation, grace, and healing.
22. Mel appreciates colors, aroma, texture, and style.
23. She makes our house a real home.
24. LKF...Melody loves good Thai food and also mexican! Bueno!
25. She just looks really good...i have the hots for her.
26. 12 years of marriage and I really like spending time with her and enjoying her presence.
27. Mel is good about follow up and follow through...strong where I am weak.
28. Melody has a desire to grow, learn, and be stretched...I love that.
29. She does not have the mentality of "having arrived"...but on journey and in process.
30. LKF...Melody enjoys shopping, good coffee, and chocolate desserts.
31. I love our long talks at night, after the kids are in bed...friendship at its best.
32. As a wife, Melody is committed, giving, loving, servant-hearted, and loyal.
33. I am just plain crazy about this woman and love doing life together.

God fathering us

My dear friend and brother, Chris Roe, sent me this email thought (read below). Chris and Jennifer are the couple we are partnering with in Encounter Ministries. Chris' real passion is helping people (especially men) dig real deep. He does not cut corners or play the religious game of "being the nice guy". Chris is real. Chris is discerning. Chris is a man of God...and I don't use that term lightly at all. I respect and admire this brother for being a shepherd of people's hearts. To get a flavor of his insights, read below...
Randy H.


From The Way of the Wild Heart- John Eldredge

"So much of what we interpret as hassles or trials or screw-ups on our part are in fact God fathering us, taking us through something in order to strengthen us, or heal us, or dismantle some unholy thing in us. In other words, initiate us."

Ok, we know the pattern, life is going ok, nothing too bad, too good, just alright, and then....BAM! It happens, a hassle, a bill you forgot you owed, an old flame crosses your path, you get downsized, you get fired, you get caught, your wife gets sick, your church is in turmoil. Basically, the proverbial "other shoe" drops. Now what? How do you respond? What is your default setting?

Most of us do one of two things. We either think God is doing this to us or that we brought it on ourselves because we aren't doing something right. We either blame God or we blame ourselves. Now some of us good Christ-following folks might even blame the enemy for an attack. After all we know that he is roaming around like a lion seeking to devour us.

In the first two scenarios the enemy does win. Blaming God or thinking we are in need of punishment both hinder and wound our views of God and ourselves. While the idea that the enemy is attacking is a legitimate one, sometimes I think we miss something. I think we miss that maybe God is up to something far more exciting. He is initiating (training) us.

Now there is a problem. Most of us only know of one kind of training, the passing on of information. Education as we have come to know it is all about information. It rarely includes experiential learning. And yet how is that working for us? Answer me this, has all the passing on of information you have received in church and other forms of religious learning REALLY prepared you for your life? Now don't get me wrong, I am not proposing we do away with information. I am just saying that method of teaching is woefully incomplete.

So what is missing? Training. Real, live ammo, training, initiation. We know it's true, we love the movies where this happens. Star Wars (esp. the first three). Rocky (who doesn't want a guy like Mick? I love it when he says "you're gonna eat lightning and crap thunder!") and even The Karate Kid. Students are "taught" through experience, by a process of initiation. Taught in such a way that they are READY for what comes when it comes. And the great thing is that while these "students" (let's call them understudys) don't usually realize why all of this stuff is necessary, they submit to it. And in the end, they are ready to face what comes.

We LOVE those endings. Daniel beats the dude from Cobra Kai, Luke blows up the enemy, Rocky knocks out Apollo, Drago, Clubber Lang (Mr. T.). We cheer and watch them over and over again. WHY? Because we want that in OUR lives.

But we miss out. What's up with that?

God's great desire is to initiate us into ever increasing glory. The bottom line to what is really going on is that God is "working together all things for good" for the purpose of our deeper and fuller transformation into the likeness of His son. (read Romans 8:28,29.) He is making us sons and daughters through the initiatory process called life.

You may ask, "Why am I not experiencing this?" You may say, "It seems like God is always screwing things up for me and they just get harder or worse....each heartbreak gets more painful."

Well the one thing that is missing for most of us is to (Man, we hate this word) SUBMIT. To accept that life is one big training ground and no matter what the origin on the difficulty, the hardship that our loving Daddy, our own Omnipotent Mr. Miagi, Mick, Obi-Wan, is using this pressure cooker called life to make us more like we were originally intended to be. To trust that God has my best at heart.

Sound risky? Really? How is your way working out for you? Are you moving ever increasingly in freedom and joy? What about rest? You getting any of that? You learning more and more how to face the enemy and extinguish his flaming darts?

Isn't the way we have always lived (under our own power and strength) really the risky proposition? What if your today experience, be it chasing chickens (Rocky) or sanding the floor (Karate Kid) was making you into the fighter, the warrior, the lover, the husband, the follower, the leader, the father, the friend that God intended you to be?

Hebrews 12 (NIV)

7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

Endure difficulty as training, as initiation. As preparatory education for the fight we call life.

Maybe God loves you enough to teach you like a master teaches a pupil. So when you must face life head on, you will be able to call on that power. So that you will live as children of the master. Prepared for the fight and the resulting freedom at hand.

A Proud Son

I am proud of my dad...now that is not a phrase you hear often. Most of the time, healthy pride is funneled from the father to the son. I'm really proud of him...that son of mine. But how many men can say, "I'm really proud of my dad."

Tonight, my dad journeyed with me to our men's gathering that we have here in Birmingham. It is always hard to describe what this weekly gathering is about. Words are not able to provide proper description. So, I said, "Dad why don't you come with me?" I wanted him to experience the raw, biblical community of men....the brotherhood. He came and he experienced. He opened his heart and story to these men. He entrusted his brokenness to other broken men. He journeyed into his strength and explored more of his voice. He showed up instead of checking out (like many fathers do). He was present.

That is huge. My dad recently retired from 30+ years in the assignment of pastoring local churches. His calling to introduce people to grace and walk with them in the grace-journey was expressed in that vocation for many years. Now, at the ripe age of 66, he has semi-retired and is entering new assignments. The calling is still intact...to be a guide in the grace journey. Tonight, he expressed that calling once again. He invited others into his story...the grace story. And the men responded...they feasted on what God is doing in his life.

So, I am one proud son. Proud of my father. Proud of him for...
*not having all the answers...but inviting me and other men in.
*showing up and sharing with openness and honesty.
*allowing his brokenness to not be hidden, but celebrated as the pathway toward healing.
*owning his story and walking in that strength.
*celebrating his son's journey and calling.
*slowing down enough to enjoy and rest...not having to get on to the next thing (like many men)
*trusting instead of arranging.
*embodying this beautiful role we call DAD.

Dad, I am proud of you.

Peaced Together...The Belt of Truth

"And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt." 1 Samuel 18:3-4

Due to our cultural "forgetfulness", we have no real understanding of the item called a "belt". We typically think of the belt as securing our clothing (keeping our pants up), carrying something like a toolchest, or moving materials (like in a factory). But these are all industrialized versions of what the original belt was created for: BATTLE.

Jonathan gives to David, his dear friend and ally, a belt: a chagowr in Hebrew. This was quite a gift because it was no normal belt. The word was commonly used to describe an expensive girdle, a battle belt (see 2 Sam. 18:11, same word used in Hebrew). When a warrior prepared to enter battle, he would most certainly be wearing a belt. It would bring protection to the warrior while holding the valuable weapon: the sword. So, Jonathan sealed his pact with David by giving him his battle gear. He knew that David was about to enter deep warfare with the Enemy who would use King Saul and others to bring him down.

So, maybe we should use the term put on the BATTLE BELT OF TRUTH to better understand. Paul says in Ephesians 6 to put on the armor of God to stand against the enemy. The life we are called to live is no "walk in the garden". We are at war. There is an enemy, Satan and his demonic forces, whose sole desire is to diminish and destroy the glory of God...in YOU. Brother and sister in Christ...you bear the image/glory of God in your life. You are an image-bearer. God's glory mark has been placed on you and in you. You are spoken for and redeemed. You are now a warrior in God's army.

So, will you join me in putting on the armor? The battle belt is needed. Truth must be taken into battle if we are to have victory. Jesus said, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life." When you put on the battle belt of truth...you put on Jesus. We take Jesus into battle. So, today when the lies of Satan come against us...and they will...we wear the belt of truth. The only way to battle lies is through verbally confessing truth. Our mouth needs to confess and profess truth.

So, today, join me in the battle for our own hearts and the hearts of others. Let's put on the battle belt of truth.

As my fellow warriors in the movie Braveheart say, "It's time to pick a fight!!!"

Peaced Together...The Armor (Intro)

Ephesians 6:10-12
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Dear friends...there is a battle going on...right now as I type...right now as you read. This great battle has been going on for centuries and continues to this very moment. It is imperative as believers that we understand this...we are at war. Though our hearts are spoken for and salvation has been secured in Jesus Christ...the battle is not over. The enemy, Satan, and all of his emissaries are working together to steal, kill, and destroy your heart, your desires, and your future.

Why is it that so many Christians live as if there is no war? Why do I tend to forget and just go through the motions of life without realizing that something greater is at stake? Why is the armor left hanging in the closets of so many Christians every day...like a nice, starched shirt hanging in a dry-cleaning bag...waiting for some event/opportunity to arise?

So, the next few blogs will be reflections on being peaced together...reflecting on each piece of the armor. I would invite you to pray on the armor with me daily. I have to admit that the image of battle has radically changed the way that I do life, the way that I pray, the way that I live. I must pray on the armor each day because of what is at stake.

Some initial reflections on Ephesians 6:10-12...
^v.11..."full armor" "devil's schemes"
Paul says this several times. So, we must choose to embrace and put on the whole armor. Every piece is needed to stand against the devil's schemes. This means that our enemy, the devil, is not just standing by idle waiting on us to fall or fumble. Satan is planning our defeat. He knows our weaknesses and tendencies. He sees our track record of sin and he wishes to capitalize on it. Please hear me...there is actually someone who DOES NOT want you to succeed. There is someone who wants to scheme and maneuver to TAKE YOU OUT. Cause a little anger in you? I hope so...we should have a righteous/holy anger toward the devil. The anger should lead us to daily put on our battle armor.

^v.12..."struggle is not against flesh and blood"
We tend to battle against what is visible...our spouse, our job, our finances, our illness, etc. What is visible tends to take our energy and overwhelm us. So, we say things like, "If I could just get my spouse to change", "If I just had more money", "If I had a different job, then I'd...", "I just can't seem to get beyond this". Your spouse is not the enemy. Your boss is not the enemy. Your life circumstances are not your enemy. Though all of these "feel" like it. The real battle is taking place in the "heavenly realms" against the "spiritual forces of evil". Some of this is hard to understand...but I think Paul is saying, "get some perspective on the big picture/the larger story". Don't get so caught up in the visible circumstances/relationships that you lose sight of the greater battle that is happening. By grounding ourselves in the spiritual realm, we are able to be more "present" in the visible circumstances/relationships of life.

Let's do battle...

Birthdays and Blankets

How do we invite our children into the larger story? Well, what exactly is the larger story of life. We are broken/messed up people. God is the Hero of our stories and steps in to redeem our hearts and lives. He does what we are not able to do through Jesus, His Son. We then enter a daily battle to live in freedom and co-author our stories with God. We are given the privilege to pen our days under the banner of God's authority.

So, how we do help our children to see brokenness, redemption, battle, and authority? Wow, that is quite a question to wrestle with. Melody and I have been wrestling with this for a while. Seeking to live this life before them and invite them to join us. What does it mean to live this life together...as a family. What does it look like to be a family that is dangerous to the enemy and his desires?

Caleb turned 5 last April and Brennan turned 2 in June. Because we were in transition and moving, we were not able to have birthday parties for them. So, at the end of July we are having a brothers birthday bash (BBB). But instead of gifts, we are inviting our friends to bring money for blankets. Blankets for orphans in Lesotho, Africa. Though we are in hot, summer months here in the states...Africa is in the midst of winter season. The country of Lesotho, in south Africa, is a place that God has led Encounter Humanity (a branch of Encounter) to work. We are working with Aids orphans and local pastors to meet needs there. The big need right now...BLANKETS. The temps at night dip into the 20's and many children do not have heat, warmth, or blankets. For only $5, we can purchase a blanket for one child.

So, whatever money friends would spend on gifts, they can bring to buy blankets. Whatever we collect will be put toward bringing warmth to these children's lives. It does not seem like much but maybe we can help out a few lives and bring the warmth of God's grace to a child.

We talked with Caleb and lil' B about doing this and explained what we were thinking. We said, "You know we have lots of toys and stuff, don't we? Why don't we help some children out who don't have much. Why don't we ask our friends to bring money for buying blankets to help children in south Africa who are very cold right now. We will still have cake, play together, and have fun. " Brennan's response...all he heard was CAKE...so he's OK. Caleb's response...that sounds good, so i can still get presents next year, right?

The larger story...for our children to begin to see how God wants to use us to help others. For them to see their own brokenness...how selfish and greedy we can be. Our culture tends to feed this appetite, doesn't it? And to see God come through...providing for them and for the needs of others. As a parent, I must fight for the hearts of my children. As a dad, I have to take up the sword daily and battle for my children. The current of this world is strong and will draw them out into their deep waters. Ultimately, the enemy wants them...steal, kill, destroy. And he loves to use our Americanized, stuff-surrounding, greedy culture to do it. Be busy, have your stuff, retire, and die...that's the American dream. Instead, I choose to do battle.

Someone once referred to our children as jellyfish...unable to determine their direction but going with whatever current/flow they are placed in. Though the world's ways are strong, I choose to draw my children into the larger story. May they not be caught up in the smallness of stuff, toys, grasping, and arranging. May something simple like birthdays and blankets remind them of something greater going on...Someone greater who is at work.

The Office

This past week, we spent some time in Florida helping my parents move. They have been pastoring in Plant City, Florida for the past 10 years and are now "semi-retiring" in Zephyrhills, Florida. It was great to help them get situated and transition to the new homeplace in the hills. I am so excited for them as they begin this new season of life.

This year celebrates 30 years of pastoring for my dad...Carl Hemphill. This is a man you need to know...a story to feast on. I am the youngest of 4 sons and the only son born to my dad as a believer...that is my claim to fame! My dad is a first generation follower of Jesus. No one in his family chose the life of faith and paved the way for him. In his early 30's God pursued this young prodigal and brought him home. It was shortly after that, I was born and my dad was called to ministry/shepherding. My parents' journey over the last 30 years has taken them to several churches and places of ministry. Through it all, they have been faithful to the call of shepherding people's hearts and loving God's bride, the church.

So, last week, I was in my dad's office helping him pack up books and load everything up. It was one of those weird moments for me. This office represented many years of ministry for my dad. This office also represented many childhood memories of me hanging out with my dad at the church. I used to love my dad's office. I would go there and look at his books and hang out. The smell of his cologne mixed with old Baptist dust/mildew would fill the air. His offices were never that glamourous...a simple chair, wooden desk, bookshelves, typewriter, and a few chairs. But I always enjoyed being there. It was one of the places that I could "be" with my dad and just enjoy his presence. As a young boy, that is so important...so needed...to feel and sense the presence/weight of your father.

So, packing up my dad's office was kind of weird. I did not say anything to my dad at the time...these thoughts were all just racing through my mind. But I was saying goodbye to some things. He was saying goodbye to some things. He chose a few books that he wanted to take to the new house. I was able to go through the libary and pick out several books that I wanted to read. Actually, it was not that. I picked out these books...to take him with me. I am sure that I will read through many of these books. A lot of them will sit on my shelf. These books, though, represent a piece of the journey. They remind me of the office...his presence...our relationship.

This may all be sounding a bit morbid to some...I mean my dad is still alive. But, all of this to say, last week I helped my dad close a chapter of his life. And I remembered a chapter of my life. And, through it all, God is still writing...taking up the pen...authoring new days in both of our journeys.

last weekend...

Last weekend we experienced our first Living Room Marriage Encounter. Hard to find words to describe what took place. Stories were shared. Hearts were mended. Battlelines were drawn. There was a movement from unaware to aware. In the awareness, intimacy and connections were made in couples' lives. Awareness is a beautiful thing. It opens the eyes of our hearts and helps us to see what is backstage. Most of what we see in married couples is their "stage presence". Go to church, have a cookout, go golfing, meet at the park...the actors show up and the stage is set. We go through the motions and play the role. This weekend we moved backstage to see what was happening behind the curtain. Healing does not happen on the stage...it happens when we get behind the curtain...behind the veil. This weekend it happened. When Jesus died, scripture says that the veil in the temple was torn in two...providing direct access to the Father, to healing, and to restoration. Most of us, though, live as if the veil has been sown back together. Instead of entering in...we busy ourselves and remain outside. All the while, Jesus is waiting to set captives free, restore the brokenhearted, and release the oppressed (see Luke 4). This weekend we entered in...we got behind the veil and experienced healing and restoration.

For me personally, this weekend reminded me of why God has called us to this. The glory of God is revealed and shown to the world through a heart alive and restored. The glory of God is revealed through a marriage that is alive and growing. This weekend was not about an agenda as much as the Spirit's leading. It was not about formulas or steps...it was about following the path into our hearts to meet Jesus there. It was not about "getting it right" as much as realizing why we keep "getting it wrong". It was about unearthing our core fears and desires. It was honest. It was real. It was powerful.

Thanks for praying for us and the couples who experienced the weekend. Your prayers were vital to what happened. You helped us battle for hearts and marriages. Thank you for being allies in this very important journey of setting hearts free. Until our next Encounter...

First Living Room Encounter

This weekend (Thurs. to Sunday) we are experiencing our first Living Room Marriage Encounter. We are entering the front lines to do battle for the hearts of marriages. The goal...to set hearts free in order to bring glory to our Great God. There is nothing like a married couple walking in freedom, intimacy, and hope.

So, ministry allies, we need you to join us in doing battle. You can be there in prayers and support. How can you join us in battle??
*Pray for Melody and I as we facilitate the experience. That God would protect our hearts and relationship. That we can honestly share our story and God's story of redemption. That we would grow through the Encounter.
*Pray for the 2 couples who will join us for this experience. That they would embrace brokenness, receive healing, and encounter God in new ways. That a fellowship of heart would form more deeply in their marriages.
*Pray for all of our children. Each couple has children who are being cared for by friends and family members. That God would protect them from sickness and fear.
*Pray with us against the enemy, Satan. He is and will come against these Encounters. He is one sorry dude and we can stand against him and his assaults.
*Finally, pray for the glory of God to be revealed through every element of the experience.

Thank you friends and allies for joining us in this God-endeavor to set hearts free and take the message of freedom to others.
To the battlefield we go...

Tent-Making

Encounter PressureWashing is now a tent-making subsidiary of Encounter Ministries. God has provided a commercial grade, pressure washing setup for the ministry. As we raise ongoing support for the work, this is going to be used to support the ministry and provide an avenue to share the message of freedom. We picked up the equipment last week. The cool thing is that several of our local Encounter Men have volunteered time to help clean driveways, houses, patios, decks, etc. So, this is truly a community effort.

I think I am learning that everything in life is an outflow of my relationship with God and the calling on our lives. There is an obvious "human" reason that we are doing pressure washing. We don't have enough financial support yet and we do have to live, pay bills, etc. But there is a much greater reason for this. Calling and assignment...

The calling that God placed upon us with Encounter was to partner with Him in a full-time endeavor to set hearts free. Full-time...so how does this "work" go with the ministry? Well, I am coming to see that God has a calling on every person's life. This is the over-arching drive/passion for why someone was put on this earth. Then God gives assignments to help establish and express that calling. So, Encounter PressureWashing is an assignment...

There must be some people, some couples who need to be reached...and this is how God wants to do it. Will this help provide for our needs? sure...but God could do that in other ways. So, he is choosing to give us this assignment as a way to share the message of freedom and hope. I remember the BellSouth guy (see blog about that)...there must be some people who God wants to reach. This is an assignment...another way to help set hearts free.

Where I sometimes miss it...to mistake the assignment for the calling. Our jobs are NOT our calling. So, my worth and identity are sealed in Jesus Christ. My calling/drive/passion in life is intact...partner with God in setting hearts free. The assignment...Encounter headquartered in Birmingham. The assignment...pressure washing. Now, I can view this "tent-making" process as a way to establish and express the calling. Sounds good on paper...or on a blog...a lot tougher to live out. But here we go...

Dad's pics...

Caleb's first golf outing with me on a real golf course. He is posing for the gallery of photographers from Golf Digest. He loves golf...it is probably a little bit addictive for him...he will one day need counseling. He thinks Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer...next to his DAD!!!

The official scorecard for the big tourney. A keepsake forever...

This is what life is all about. Thank you, Father, for allowing me to express Your love and grace to these little guys each day.

The Disturbing Drama

Exodus 10:20
"But the Lord hardened Pharoah's heart again, so he refused to let he people go."

Are there things about God and His ways that you don't understand? I sure hope so. If there isn't something disturbing about the ways of God then maybe we don't really know Him. I read in Exodus where God hardens Pharoah's heart in refusal to let the Israelites out of slavery. This is crazy. Here is God. Here is Moses. Here are the children in slavery. God desires to free the captive Israelites. He tells Moses to take a message to Pharoah: "Let my people go." And then what does God do...hardens Pharoah's heart. Not once or twice...several times. Go figure...

Why such drama? Why not let the people go...set up an evacuation plan, execute, and let's go. Why all the plagues? Why all the tragedy and drama? It is almost like the stage is being set, the plot is thickening, and characters are being set in motion. Why do things this way?? I just don't understand God. There are times when He makes sense. Seems to add up in my mind. But a lot of times there is this disturbing element about God. Plague after plague hit my life. I get a little reprieve and then another battle. I sometimes think "can't I just be in a normal storyline?" I just want a nice and easy story where everyone walks into the sunset and lives happily ever after. Well, actually, do i really want that? Kind of boring. Who is the hero of that story...that would be ME. No, that is not what I want.

As much as I don't understand God--I trust Him. With all of my heart and misunderstandings, I trust Him. I really do. He has come through and been the hero of my story too many times.

So, as much as I hate the plagues...I love the Hero!

Lil' B's first haircut

Welcome to Brennan's first haircut...June 12, 2007!!!
He was 2 years old on June 10.












The before pic...also known as "rat tail pic".

















Bye-bye Curls...











The after pic...he now looks like a little boy.
















Our good friend and hair stylist...Tanya.

15%

This month we are giving time and efforts to creating a base of support for the ministry...both prayer and financial. The call that God put on us was to "partner with Him in a full-time endeavor to set hearts free". So, that can only happen through a community of friends/allies who will gather around us with encouragement and support. (I prefer the term "ministry allies" over "partners". It reminds me that we are doing battle daily for the hearts of people. We are not able to fight alone.)


I must confess that it is really stretching me to be this dependent. My American/male spirit wants to come through and be independent. I want to provide for my family. Yet, I realize that everything comes from God and that it is actually biblical for those "called out" to be dependent on others to meet needs (easy to write that...hard to live). So, needless to say, this is really growing my faith and dependency.

So, as of today, we have 15% of our monthly support raised. I am quite excited. We are early in the process, so I am pleased that we already have friends gathering around us. Our goal is to reach 100% support within the next month or two so that we can focus all energies and time toward Encounter. We are already seeing the pressing need to work with couples and bring the message of restoration to hearts. Prayerfully, we will continue trusting God as we move forward.

Discouragement

"So Moses told the people of Israel what the Lord had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery." Exodus 6:9

Discouragement is such a tool of the enemy. Satan loves to use the "brutalities" of jobs and life circumstances to cause us to doubt and be discouraged. The discouragement typically leads to questioning what God has revealed.

I go back to Genesis 3, where serpent Satan comes to Adam and Eve. He begins to question what God had already revealed about the tree and its fruit. And he questions God's motives. The discouragement then works hand in hand with the doubts to cause sin. When sin enters the picture, which is Satan's forte, the result is hiddenness, shame, and guilt. For Satan...that is mission accomplished. (Let me just say...Satan, you are one sorry dude.)

In this passage in Exodus, God had already revealed to Moses and to His people that He would deliver them from slavery. But then Satan uses the brutality of slavery/jobs to breed discouragement and then doubt. Amazing how much our jobs can be a source of discouragement!

But then, it is interesting what God says...Exodus 7:3..."But I will make Pharoah's heart stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt." So, God increases the opportunity for job-brutality. He lets the enemy increase opportunity for discouragement and doubt. What?? Go figure...

Why does God sometimes do this?? Honestly, I think God loves story and drama...He loves breaking through to reveal His glory. That's it. Our God is a breakthrough God. He comes through for the purpose of multiplied glory...that others may know.

So, God wants to use the brutality of my circumstances/job today to further His glory. It may even get worse for a season. But breakthrough will come...promises will be fulfilled...His glory will be revealed.

The Subversive Pastor

I read an article in Leadership Journal recently that continues to trouble me. The article was an interview with Andy Stanley, pastor of Northpoint Church in Atlanta. Northpoint has experienced phenomenal growth in the last several years and is literally reaching thousands of people. What troubled me in the article was the way that Andy described the role of a pastor. Basically, he described a pastor as a CEO. He said that the role of a pastor as shepherd is antiquated and not efficient for the church. I got to the end of the article and felt nauseous (is that the right spelling? i guess i'm not being efficient with spell-check.) If this is what being a pastor is all about, then count me out.

I embrace and seek to live the life of a shepherd/pastor. I choose what is subsersive to the "religious" culture of our day. Call it antiquated...call it inefficient...I call it biblical and right. It is not about numbers, programs, or business goals. It is about setting hearts free, restoring broken marriages/relationships...one heart at a time. It is about journey, more than goal. It is about recovery, more than arriving. It is about honesty, more than getting it right. It is about trust, more than efficiency.

I am living in a new season of what it means to pastor and shepherd people. My calling to pastor is more real than ever. God has given me various assigments over the years to live out that calling. Some have been in the local church. Other assignments have been outside of the established church. This current assignment with Encounter is taking me to new levels of ministry and life-calling. I am learning so much right now about what it means to be a pastor...subversive to culture.

A few quotes from Eugene Peterson (my heart so connects with Peterson in his writings)...
"The biggest enemy to the Church is the development and proliferation of programs to meet people's needs. Everyone has a hunger for God, but our tastes (needs) are screwed up. We've been raised on junk food, so what we ask for is often wrong or twisted. The art of spiritual leadership is not to tell people that they can't have what they want, but to give them something of what they've asked for and not let it go at that. You try to shift the dimensions of their lives slowly towards what God wants."

"We are artists, not CEO's. The true pastorate is a work of art -- the art of life and spirit."

Bellsouth "Merger"

I guess marriage encounters can happen at any time and at any place. Earlier this week, we were having our home phone/internet hooked up with a Bellsouth technician. We were talking about phones, the bellsouth/AT&T merger, and life stuff. I was able to share with him what brought us to Birmingham and how God had redeemed our lives and our story. Somewhere between the phone hookup and DSL, he began to share more of his story. He opened up about wanting to be closer with his wife and yet feeling like they were worlds apart.

So, as we were walking outside, I asked him if I could pray for him and his marriage. On the front porch, our home became ministry headquarters. As I prayed, I was thinking about the whole Bellsouth/AT&T merger...two completely different and unique companies becoming one. And I prayed for a holy merger to happen in their marriage. It was a very real moment...where another marriage encounter took place. I must admit...I did not plan for that to happen. Isn't it awesome, though, when God interrupts our day.

8 Men, 8 Candles, 1 House

8 men gathered last tuesday night at the new house/ministry headquarters with 8 candles to do battle...more about that in a minute...

So, let me first digress or upgress (is that a word?) about ministry headquarters. This house that God has provided has truly been a miracle and blessing to our family. God miraculously sold our house in Florida prior to moving and now He has provided a place for our family. Melody and I are intentional about saying that this house belongs to God...that perspective is so important to us. God owns it...we are simply stewards. We live in such a culture of "ownership" that finds worth and value through stuff. Houses are used to arrange for stability and security. Look at my house, look at my yard, look at my stuff...the one word connecting all of this is..."my". Basically, we are saying "look at me". We want to be noticed and affirmed...so we use our surrounding and material things to validate our worth. All of that to say...these "trappings" exist for us too. So, that is why I fight to say this house does not belong to us.

This week, though, has been a celebration of community and servants. Each day, friends have come over to help clean, paint, pray, and serve. I can honestly say that I've never felt this welcome and affirmed in moving to a new place...even though Birmingham is not entirely new to us. Growing up in a pastor's home...we constantly moved and had to get adjusted. So, this week has been refreshing to have others gather around us and help out.

Back to the candles...So, last tuesday night was powerful and quite a blessing. 8 men/friends gathered at our house for a time of sharing and blessing over the new home. We ate pizza, heard various noises that men make when gathered in close quarters, and celebrated story. I was able to share about the last few years and how God brought us here. Then, the house went black. All lights were turned out representing the darkness and shadows. We lit a candle in the center of the room and talked about Christ being the only source of light. Then each man was given a candle. After lighting from the central candle, men began to move through the house carrying the light. It was quite an amazing picture...light moving into all corners of the house. As they walked, they prayed and interceded on our behalf. Battle was taking place. We prayed against the enemy's desire to bring darkness and shadows into this home. We prayed for the light of Jesus Christ to fill this place and cover our lives. As we prayed, the Light chased away the darkness and provided a covering/blessing over the home. What a picture of brothers surrounding a brother and a family.

Father, we commit this home and headquarters to You. This place is yours. More importantly, we are yours. So, use this home and use us for whatever...really, whatever You want to do. Thanks for 8 men. Thanks for 8 candles. Thanks for being the Light.

House Blessing...

Tonight, there will be several men gathered at ministry headquarters/our house to pray and ask God to bless this home. This will be a pivotal time to pray against the enemy in his desires to bring shadows and darkness into our home. We will invite the light of Jesus to fill each room and invite honesty and brokenness to take up residence. Jesus, even now, I ask you to use this time tonight to prepare your home for ministry, family, and friendship with You.

Ministry Headquarters...

So, here we are in Birmingham!!! Or atleast, here I am. I got in over the weekend and have begun work on ministry headquarters (aka...our house). Melody is still in North Carolina at her family's house and will be arriving this weekend. I will be in Birmingham this week working on the house and getting things ready.

God has been so gracious to provide a home for our family and a place that will function as the hub/headquarters for ministry. We truly do view this home as God's house. We do not own this place...it belongs to God. So, we want to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This will be a place for our family and for others to encounter God's power to redeem and set hearts free.

There have been several people who have ministered to me over the last few days. These home improvement servants have painted, patched, and protected me during my time here so far. Many thanks to Brian and Kristy Johnson, Jeff Merck, Aubrey and Chris Johnson. And there are others who have called to encourage and will help unload this weekend. It is quite humbling to be supported by such a community of redeemed people.

Sabbath

I have for years been so intrigued by this custom/command of Sabbath. In one sense, sabbath is something to be observed and remembered. On a regular basis, we are to take a sabbath. In another sense, we are actively called to sabbath, to rest, to renew, to be restored. It is actively grounded in choice.

So, here I am...a recovering baptist and recovering minister. Have I kept the law of the sabbath? Have I been a sabbath-keeper or sabbath-breaker? Keeping the sabbath was one of the most difficult things to do as a staff minister. That is why I meet so many pastors who are filled with fatigue and emptiness or filled/high on themselves and their accomplishments. Their souls are parched and restless. I know...I've been there.

So, Melody and I are rethinking "sabbath". What does it look like for us, as a family, to have 24 hours each week of sabbath time? What does it look like to cease, rest, stop, celebrate, and be thankful? What does it look like to not "create" anything yet love the Creator? What does it look like to not "redeem" and rescue someone's heart but rest in my Redeemer? How would life be different?

I don't want my sons to grow up with a distorted view of the sabbath. I don't want them to grow up with strictly a religious understanding and churched view of sabbath. I want them to experience it.

So, here are a few ideas that we have talked about for celebrating sabbath...
*To intentionally set aside and protect a 24 hour block of time each week. (maybe sat. pm to sun. pm, something like that.) I know that this time will not just happen. Melody and I will have to fight for it. All the forces of Satan will attempt to fill and frustrate our plans. We will have to fight for this.
**To develop what is allowed and not allowed during this 24 hour time. Set boundaries. We are not allowed to work, create, do ministry stuff, etc. Work-related emails and phone calls must wait. There should be no cooking, cleaning, or loading the dishwasher (i'm loving this!!!). On this day, we break from having to teach our children and we choose to enjoy them and their presence. We choose some time for aloneness and time for togetherness. We celebrate God as Creator and choose to spend time outdoors. We choose to celebrate God as Redeemer and express gratitude over our redeemed lives and stories.

So, this is early in the process. But we are choosing to intentionally plan toward being sabbath-keepers.

Love/Hate

I have a love/hate relationship with this word/process called brokenness. I love the result of it...I hate experiencing it. I have been reading and rereading an article in Leadership journal about Phil Vischer. He was the founder of Big Idea Productions--producers of Veggie Tales (aka Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber). They sold millions of children's videos and became a huge success...atleast in "business" terms. All the while, Phil says that he lost his heart. He woke up one day and realized that the fruit of the Spirit was not evident in his life. He was disconnected from life in the Spirit. Then he hit the wall of brokenness. His mega-business exploded in a bankrupty battle. Big Idea Productions was sold and Phil was left to pick up the pieces.

The article goes on to tell, through Q&A, how Phil recovered his heart and calling. He realized that goal-setting and successful business practices were empty aside from a deep pursuit of God and grace. I was so struck by the article...i think I read it 4-5 times. It is just a one-page interview nestled among multi-page articles in this journal.

So, what's the the big idea? Brokenness is to be celebrated as God's pathway to healing and wholeness. I hate that Phil lost so much. I hate that Bob and Larry were sold into corporate life. I hate that Phil hit bottom, felt so alone, and had to face the real shadows in his life. I hate that the pain had to run so deep. But I love the man I read about. So authentic, so real, so genuine, so at peace. This "new creation" I read about brought me relief and gratitude.

I realize I am talking about Phil as if I am his personal friend and confidant. I don't know Phil...never met him. But, in essence, I meet Phil every day. Wherever there are men, there is Phil. Some man who is taking his question to false lovers...work, success, women, addiction. And I find Phil in my own life. Trying to succeed...make a name for myself...be noticed...achieve. Yet, I am reminded today of the importance of this love/hate relationship with brokenness. To be the man God wants me to be, I must be broken. To be the father I need to be, I must be broken. To be the husband I need to be, I must be broken. Courageous humility is birthed out of deep brokenness. What the world needs most are more men who are courageously humble and humbly courageous.

Is Anything too Hard for the Lord?

Randy's journal entry from today...

Genesis 17-18

vs. 12-14
"So she laughed silently to herself and said, "How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master - my husband - is also so old?" Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, 'Can an old woman like me have a baby?' IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."

God loves to work in the realm of the impossible. He loves to break through at the final hour. Satan, the enemy, enjoys working in the realm of what seems possible...what seems realistic. Faith, which connects us to God, is activated in the impossible. To have nothing that is defined by impossible in my life is to have no need for faith. The enemy's desire is to keep everything in my life within the realm of possibilities. To keep me within what I can figure out. To keep me in what I can arrange and manipulate. In our Western culture of planning ahead, cushioning against hardship, creating safety and security - we have arranged for life to be "possible". So we have planned ourselves out of needing God. Faith has been sidelined. There is no real need for it.

Then God steps in and calls us to do something impossible. It rattles us. It shakes us. It throws our plans and life into a tailspin. Suddenly, our plans and possibilities are thwarted. Securities are taken away. This doesn't feel right. This is not what I had planned. And we laugh - just like Sarah laughed. The laughter is a mix of fear and unbelief. You know, the dry laughter that seems disconnected and distorted. And God shows up with a question: Is anything too hard for the Lord? My laughter turns to mourning over my own distrust and disbelief. So, today, how will I answer this question. My life will answer this question with a resounding "yes" or "no". Can a 90 year old woman have a baby? Is anything too hard for the Lord? So, I choose today to walk in faith, to embrace the impossible. Instead of finding comfort in my self-made possibilities, I choose the life of faith. God, breakthrough in my life today.