The Real Life Christmas Vacation

So Its Christmas season right? Yeah, well I was all bahhh humbug up until last week when I finally had a little time to spend with the family. I had promised my daughter Hannah that I would put up the Christmas tree and help do the lights and even thought I would surprise her by putting up Christmas lights outside. So I did.... but not without feeling like Clark Griswold from the movie 'Christmas Vacation.'

I got this great idea that I would save money this year by using a Christmas tree that is no longer needed by someone. I was given permission and by the looks on the box it looked great. You know, perfectly combed and of course pre-lit to make it look snazzy. Then I noticed on the box the cost was printed on the box. $18.99. So I said "Why Not?" "Surely this tree will turn out the same as the box." Wishful thinking I might add. So with all excitement and happiness and sappy Christmas music playing in the background I proceeded to open the box. Carrie and I both looked in the box and then looked at each other and said .... Oh no and began to laugh. The tree was basically in two pieces and had been folded up for no telling how long. There was a stand but it falls apart every time you touch the tree and in frustration and disappointment with myself I declared, "We are going out to find a Christmas tree!"

Wal-mart usually has everything we need to get through life, so we decided we would venture there to find a fake tree for a decent price and maybe find some lights for the outside. A typical trip to wal-mart for most people is a fairly easy process unless you are like the Howard bunch and have two toddlers. We ran around chasing Hannah and Abby for what seemed an eternity shoving shoes on their feet and somehow squeezing that tightly fitting coat on my one year old's body. By the time we get Abby in the car she looks like the little boy from "Christmas Story" Randy rolling around in the snow, unable to move anything. Might i add that it is absolutely freezing outside and we are dragging two toddlers, a late term pregnant wife and a tired dad to WALLY WORLD!

Well first it was the trees were to expensive and then Hannah had to go to the Bathroom and then we walked outside in the freezing cold to pic a real tree. After freezing and getting ill with each other and both baby's crying I decided that it might be best for the girls to go back inside so I could stay and freeze my butt off for the perfect Christmas tree...right? I finally found one and as I expected there was nobody to help me. Once I wrapped the tree myself and finally rigged our car we were finally on our way home. We stopped at Starbucks for hot chocolate and tried to calm down. We finally get home around 10:00 pm and of course its way past the girls bed time. I was absolutely fine with leaving the tree on the car, walking in the house and going to sleep... but Carrie would have none of that.

Long story short, I get the Christmas tree in the house without killing anyone and finally sat down to relax. Monday morning we wake up and I am absolutely fired up about putting up lights. I have never put lights on my house for Christmas in the 5 years we have been married. Everything is running like clock work and I am thinking that this is going great. I am outside in the cold being a great daddy so my girls can smile when they see our beautifully lit house. 7 hours later in the pitch black freezing/wet night, I am on the ruff trying not to kill myself and then it happens. I finally get the last strand on and get down and half the lights wont work. I look up on the roof and our neighbors cat along with mine have made it to the top of the ladder and are dancing around and playing like there is no tomorrow. In a fit of rage and anger I might add I yelled at the stupid cat's to get down and to my shegrin they didnt! They ran around acting as if they were at romp a room with a bunch of toddlers. I finally located one and got him to stop. He didnt listen to me and began to chew on the lights!

I quickly climbed back on the ladder and barly pulled myself up the back side of the house and discarded of the vermen. (There were no animals 'specifically cats' harmed in this story). I climbed over to the other side sprawled out my body on the edge of the roof trying to figure out what was wrong. I tried everything and then it dawned on me that I had not checked the fuses. Ok, thats simple enough and I changed the fuses. Being the goob that I am I then proceeded to drag a 100 foot extension cord on the roof and it kept getting hung on lights and pulling them out of place. The cord continued to fall off the house every 5 minutes until I finally made a cell phone call to my beautiful wife to come out and throw it on the house to me. Well, she did and nearly took me and the lights out in the process. I finish hooking up the lights and they are finally working and get off the roof and I think to myself.... David you could have connected all the lights together in one strand and you wouldnt have had to go through all of this trouble. I climb back on the roof and do just that. I finally get down from the roof and go in the house to get the girls and of course after spending 7 + hours putting lights up on a house my girls are a. too tired to go look and b. Hannah is playing on the computer. After all that, I cant even get them to come outside and look.. Eventually Carrie convinced Hannah to come see and the look on her face was priceless.

Finally, Finally it was all over.... Oh no! 2 hours later the lights arent working! Its midnight... Im tired and I am not dealing with these "Stupid lights!" Of course like any bull headed man I did and had no luck. The next day I found out that the fuse had blown at the beginning of the lights thus shutting down the rest of the system. I had over loaded the first set of lights. All that work to get the 100 foot cord on the house was really needed. Well here we are on friday and the lights arent working. After feeling Like Clark Griswold for two days I thought it couldn't get worse. I didnt realize I would be playing the part of Cousin Eddy in a few hours. I awoke thursday morning to a great breakfast followed by finding out my cat has tape worms, followed by the dryer cord coming lose and taking 30 minutes to re-fit on my house because some bright minded builder thought, "Hey lets put the dryer in the middle of the house and run the vent through the roof!" After fighting that for a while the dishwasher starts going nuts! Its pumping water in the floor and flooding the inside of it out. I then walk back to the bathroom and Carrie announces that the toilets will not flush. I get out the plunger as every good husband would and went to work. Plunge, Crap, Plunge, Crap etc etc.... you get the point. She then comes running in and says the other toilet is backed up! "What the heck!" Then our house begins to smell of sewage and I finally just give up! After several phone calls, a trip to the vet, a flooded back yard, stopped up sewage tank, stinky house, broken dishwasher, a plumber, a dishwasher installation man, we are back to normal within 24 hours.

So whats the moral of this story? I have no idea! I do know 2 things ..... a. Believe in GOD! and b. believe in Mr. Murphy! Murphey's law that is!

Dave

Its About To Get Crazy!

Hi,

The next 3 weeks are going to be insane. This is literally my last weekend until December that wont be filled with fun and other things. Nov 21-24 Carrie and I and our Adult Leaders are attending the Youth Specialties convention in Nashville. This is an amazing get a way, training, conference, camp all combined into one for Youth Pastors. The following week is Thanksgiving and then that Saturday is the Auburn vs Alabama game. I hope to be in Bryant Denny Stadium that Saturday. The next weekend Dec 5-7 will be our annual youth retreat to Camp Winnataska in Birmingham. Pray for me that I dont pull out my hair too early because I will need some to pull in June. June is a Senior Trip to Belize, BigStuff Youth Camp and M-Fuge. I love Student Ministry but it is deff tiring!

Dave

Submitting To The Governing Authorities

In response to the results from last night I felt it an obligation as a Pastor to post this article from Steve Gaines "Morning Manna" but also to dive into Romans 13:1 in a more in depth look at what the scripture says is our obligation and also what rights we have as believers. I may post the outline of my sermon if there is enough interest. Thanks Dave

Submitting To The Governing Authorities

Romans 13:1

-"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For ther is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God."

"God established the concept of government. He places premium on law and order rather than societal confusion. When there is no governmental authority, and people try to co-exist without a common code of morality, everone does what is right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). Social anarchy is the inevitable result when that occurs.

That is why Christians need to be good citizens. A child of God has dual citizenship. He is a member of both a spiritual kingdom and a physical one as well. His primary allegiance is to God, be he also owes his allegiance to his earthly country. Christians should always be absolutely above reproach in paying their taxes. We should also be obedient in other areas such as obeying the speed limit when we drive. No Christian should have a radar detector in his car. The reason a person breaks the speed limit is because he is being defiant against governmental authority. He believes that law applies to others but not to him. You may say, "Now preacher, everyone drives a little fast." I no longer do. I used to, but the Lord convicted me years ago through this text that speeding is nothing less than a form of rebellion.

The only exception to obeying governmental authorities is when man's law contradicts God's law. If the government tells you to do something that is against the clear teachings of Scripture, then like the apostles, you "must obey God rather thatn man" (Acts 5:29). Otherwise, God expects you to submit to them and obey the law of the land."

Come to Crossfire tonight at 6:00 pm for an amazing worship time. I will expound on these verses and others that I believe will help us see government in a Biblical perspective.

Dave

Petty Arguments

Can people not get over themselves and get on with their lives instead of allowing petty, stupid, rediculous arguments ruin their friendships. Its interesting to me to how true scripture is when it comes to gossip and running the mouth. It only takes a little bit of time before a little yeast works its way through the whole dough and before long the whole batch is ruined. That is exactly what happens when the tongue sets a small spark... it literally sets the entire forrest on fire! When we cant shut our mouths and get to a place where we actually love to gossip about people, in my opinion the forest is already burned down and people sit around and stare at the ashes in shame that they actually had something to do with it. 

The statement "If they will gossip to you, they will gossip about you", is absolutely true. Take a piece of advice.... stay away from them! As followers of Christ it seems ironic to me that we use the most amount of our time tearing each other down and dragging each other through the mud instead of sharing with people the most important thing in life: Jesus. But its so fun to gossip... hey it makes you feel good right... to sit around picking people apart about stupid and insignificant things that you probably deal with yourself! Please do yourself a favor, the world and the body of Christ and close your yapper. 

OK so I am done with my ranting and raving. Until we realize that death and life ends and begins with the tongue we will truly never experience the fullness of Christ. Here's an idea... don't stoop to their level and set your priorities in the only one that will never let you down, never gossip about you, never make fun of you, and will always listen: Jesus

Dave

Full Of Life

Good Morning,

Have ever awoken to a dreary day actually excited about going to work. Now I am not writing this to brag but I think I have one of the most gratifying jobs in the world. Being involved in ministry has its challenges and some people think its not a job. Its really not a job... its a calling, its a passion, its the very air I breathe. Its not a job! Its a gift, and its what I do. I remember getting up every day for 10 years going to do a J. O. B. I did everything from framing houses, selling pest control, selling shoes, selling clothing, and other odd and end jobs. 

I absolutely despised going to work for a man... I always new I was called to work for my Savior and it made it that much harder. On the flip side of those 10 years is experience in many things that helped prepare me to do my passion today. I am grateful for all the bumps in the road and the many hours of prayer and discipline my Heavenly Father allowed me to go through. God wants us to be satisfied in him wherever we are, even if we hate our job. God plants us in places for a reason and most of the time just for a little while. Some things never make sense....especially ridiculous bosses that are on a serious power trip! Be encouraged today to make your work for him! Do everything as if you were doing in unto him and you will begin to find joy in whatever your field is!

God is amazing and has you where you are for a reason.... be diligent and faithful and he will guide your days and steps.

In His Grip

Dave

In The Midst of a Down Economy 2

Good Morning,

I wrote a blog a few days ago about God providing for his people in the middle of hard times. Go ahead and read that before you read this blog.

During Fuel (Sunday School) I talked about several things but I made it a point to talk about how God provided for his Prophet during one of the most devastating times Israel had ever faced. God led and provided for Elijah throughout the entire ordeal. Yesterday I got to experience to a certain extent some of God's grace and love from being faithful. I dont always try my hardest to follow faithfully to our great God but I have been working on this more and more and yesterday was a blessing. Most people will probably write this off as just being another occurance or human error but I believe God was involved. As we were leaving Church yesterday I noticed it was 1:00 and the kids were having a really hard time because they were hungry and tired and I looked over at Carrie and said... "I know this is a stretch for us right now but lets get lunch somewhere." I chose Wendy's!

I got in line with the girls and everything was going slow. I mean I could have ran home and walked back with lunch and it would have been faster than they were working. Finally we got to the counter and I ordered our food. The total bill was around $20. I gave the lady my card and she swiped it and stood there looking at the screen and the machine wouldn't work. The manager stepped in and looked at it... asked me if I had cash to pay for the food and I told her truthfully that I didn't. She looked at me and said "that's ok... this one's on me." I could have drove over to Regions and got the money but it wasn't necessary. That lady didn't realize she was apart of a blessing from my God. I looked at Carrie and told her "you'll never guess what happened." We both thanked God and it caused me to stop and realize not only how awesome our God is but that he loves us so much and loves to bless his people.

That wasn't a computer error my friend it was God stepping in and making it happen. I don't deserve it... I don't deserve anything he gives, but thank goodness he wants to interact with us and bless us... some times unexpectedly.

Praise Jehova

Dave

Just gotta write

"Where there is no vision... the people will Perish."

I often forget how important this verse is in leading God's people. I have been given an amazing opportunity to reach a city for Christ. This is somthing I have been praying for since I accepted the call into ministry when I was 14. Even at 14 I felt God calling me to Student Ministry and have pursued it ever since then. One of my biggest challenges has been staying on task in my life. Whether it be friendships, sports, writing a message, playing a game, building somthing or as the verse speaks to my heart... keeping a vision in front of the followers Christ has entrusted me with. The question I ask myself the most is: Where are you going? What is it you are wanting to accomplish exactly?

It has been a life long journey for me to accomplish things and have a task layed out before me to reach. I have been apart of many task oriented experiences in my life and I love setting a vision and goal to attain.

Its hard to compare people to sheep but Jesus did it so why cant I. People need a leader. They need someone to keep a clear pointed directive on where exactly they are going. Its also my experience that people love challenges and they love to do things that others believe cant be done. So what do I want to do that others think cant be done? What do I want to see take place in our ministry at CP? I honestly have a burning passion and desire to see our Student Ministry reach into the plethra of schools that surround us for Jesus Christ. Little by little I am mounting an ambush for Jesus in this area and it fires me up to know that I have the most amazing Dad on my side... God!

Its not my job to grow the church! Its not my job to grow the student ministry! God has called me to be faithful and to be a willing vessel for him! If I am faithful he will give us opportunities to reach more and more teenagers for his kingdom. I am actually overwhelmed with the response we are having here in Madtown to sharing a very straight forward type of speaking and presentation of the Gospel. It has truly been an awesome ride so far and I cant wait to see what God has planned for us in the coming months... So back on target... see I told you I would get lost!

Being a visionary and dreaming has never been a problem for me but finishing the task is another. Would you pray that God will explode our ministry? Would you be willing to committ 10 minutes a day to praying for the students at Discovery Middle School, Liberty Middle School, Sparkman High and Bob Jones High? I believe we can make an impact greater than any other student ministry has ever made in Madison if we will remain faithful to Yahweh!

Passionate for Him

Dave

88.1 Pastor's Golf Tournament

This morning 5o or more Pastors showed up to participate in the Way FM Golf Tournament. Unfortunately for them they went home empty handed because we destroyed the entire field with a -18 totalling 53 as our Final score. This isn't much of a blog.... I know but I just had to share it! Special thanks to Rex Looney, Steve Kearce and Chris Marrazzo for doing an awesome job!

Anybody else excited that its fall break? I know we are! Tonight I am taking Carrie and the girls to eat at Carrabbas on this little gift certificate we won! Hope you have a great weekend! ROLL TIDE!

Dave

In the Midst of a Down Economy

Greetings!

Most of you are aware of the problems that are going on in our economy. It seems that our country has more problems than alot of people realized. I honestly cant say it didn't catch me by surprise because it did. I felt as if we were an untouchable nation that could never go through a financial crisis the way our grandparents and great grandparents went through in the Great Depression. At first my reaction to this was filled with fear. We are literally pay check to pay check and barely making it. I had to seriously remind myself that I am not the one that is in charge of my life. Its not me that provides for our family. Yes I have to get up every day and go to work and I get paid to do it, but ultimately God is the giver of ALL things and provides for my family. So what if we have to go through some suffering. Maybe just maybe God is getting our attention and teaching us a lesson. This will be a tough lesson for our country and I can only hope that we will turn our focus to him.

1 Kings 17:14 says "For thus says the Lord God of Israel, 'The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty. until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.'"

Elijah was living during a severe economic crisis. God had sent a drought and they were faced with severe famine. All of this was because of their sin. There literally was no rain, food, and water was scarce. God provided for his prophet, guiding him to live beside the brook of Cherith and there God sent ravens to bring him meat and bread twice a day. Elijah new that God loves to provide for those who trust and obey him. In fact Elijah went to the house of a widow that was emotionally and financially depressed and told her not to worry about food. For many days they ate from a bowl and a jar that God continued to fill. God was faithful and proved it by providing.

God allows us to go through financial hardships for lots of reasons... some times it's to get our attention. Yet , He provides for His people who listen to Him and do what He says. What a great confidence and trust we can have in our God! Don't forget... he did it then and can still do it now! Place your fear and your trust in God... he is the only one you can count on.

Dave
3rd John 2