As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”
Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” [Luke 9:57-62]
Are we truly willing to follow Him? Willing to risk it all? Walking away from everything that has provided security...closure...identity? Or are we desiring, searching, and seeking for "balance" in our life? The life of a Christ follower is not balanced! It is sold out, surrendered, wholly devoted to not just knowing - but growing in Christ! He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And the battle lines are drawn...aren't they?
We want to be relevant. We want to be accepted. We want to be the best, the greatest, perfect, and the example for all others to look up and strive to become. But let us not forget the words or example of devotion in the unbalanced life of John - not the disciple - but John the baptist. In John's response to his disciples inquiring and complaining about people going to Christ to be baptized rather than him, we find clarity to what is meant by the unbalanced, devoted life of a follower of Christ. [Don't miss this opportunity to lock eyes with our Savior and Lord...]
“No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
“He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” [John 3:27-36]
I will not lie to you...we have asked time and again, "why me? why us? why Jackson?"...and His response is simple and clear..."I love you! I am with you! I will never leave or forsake you! I gave my life, so that you could have life! In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world! Greater things are yet to come!"
Are we willing to lie down our lives, in devotion to embrace the life He is! Are we filled with joy at His success, or is our joy in our status, value, wealth, and accumulation of earthly things. "Balance" is an earthly perspective...but devotion - sold out, surrender to Christ and Christ alone - reflects and glorifies the very image of our Heavenly Father! Does our attitude and actions align with a passion of devotion to an audience of one? "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."
I can't begin to express my desire to write over the last three weeks, but walking in and through the wake of this storm continues to be a struggle! Praise God that Life is NOT short! The squeeze of life is real - for there are far to many things to squeeze into our time here on earth! But we press on because this is not our home...and Praise Jesus for the Promise of Eternal Life! I will say it again...don't buy into the lie that "life is short"! Its not...life is eternal! We will either live eternally separated from God in hell or we will live eternally in perfect relationship with our Heavenly Father. Those are the options yall! And the ONLY way to the Father is through the Cross - the Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ Jesus! By Faith in Christ - and Christ alone - we are saved by Grace! [Ephesians 2] And we can walk confidently in the assurance of our Salvation in and through Christ! Amen?
Transitioning back into the activities of "life" as we know it - has been a challenge. One of the greatest blessings through out the last 5 months is the leadership, encouragement, and support of the BGEA - the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The grace and love that the leadership has expressed and demonstrated not only to me and my work, but to our family has been absolutely incredible! And my/our transition back into a "full load" of ministry has been awesome!
I was in Charlotte, NC last week for ministry meetings - and in a very weird way...there was a great peace as I pulled out the driveway last Sunday morning. Don't get me wrong...I cried for the first 10 minutes of my trip, but there was an awesome sense of the "old normal" as we knew before Jackson was born. So daddy went "bye-bye" for a couple of days for the first time in 6 months - with absolute conviction that it was "go time"! We have been "waiting" and in a "holding" pattern for a year now - at Christ's leading...and now the tide is changing! And we are excited to see the ways in which our Lord leads...
On Thursday, April 29th...we had an incredible opportunity! I know many of you were praying (and waiting for an update) for us, as Kelly spoke at an event hosted by the 25 Club in honor of Dr. Steven Emery's work with the Fetal Diagnostic and Treatment Center (FDTC) at Magee Women's Hospital. Dr. Emery (center) is the surgeon that performed Jackson's Fetal Aortic Balloon surgery back on July 24, 2009.
There was quite an excitement in the air throughout the night as we were greeted and hosted by the 25 Club's members and guests. It was truly an evening that we will never forget! And yes, Kelly brought the house down! Her strength and poise was amazing - and of Christ alone! If you remember when Gov. Sarah Palin was on the campaign trail...you would always catch a glimpse of her husband, Todd, standing in the background holding the baby...well let me tell you - Todd and I need to start a men's small group! It was awesome and absolutely incredible to stand back and watch in awe as my beautiful wife shared our story to 150 guests! There was not a dry eye in the room...and the support and encouragement we received that evening from strangers was overwhelming! And we pray that it is just the beginning...for this is truly a story of God's Healing and Hope!
Some of the greatest moments of the evening was when God "teed-up" the opportunity to share our faith, strength and peace in the Lord Jesus with men and women of great influence! This event was "over the top"! The ultra-contemporary, multi-story home where the event was held was gorgeous! Complete with valet parking, a dance floor, dj booth, wine cellar, at least 6 bedrooms, and a 50 foot glass wall off the entertaining area that led to the most incredible patio/outdoor area I have ever witnessed. The two-tier pool overlooked the entire city of Pittsburgh! And all we could think about was..."how in the world did we get here?"
But - the comment that I will remember for a lifetime was..."Can you imagine what you could do if you had a house like this?" And my response through the prompting/leading of the Holy Spirit was, "Could you imagine what you could do if you didn't have a house like this!" Imagine the impact - if instead of having a million dollar home for "entertaining our earthly, selfish desires" if we lived in modesty and gave the rest away to resource the Lord's work! Want to talk about changing families, communities and nations...
"Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." [Matthew 6:19-20]
The truth is...our treasure follows our devotion, our heart, and our focus! Where are we storing up treasures? The enemy wants us to resource his lie of keeping up with the Jones...but our Heavenly Father desperately wants us to resource His Promise of Life! It was a night we will never forget...and truly a great blessing to share the story of God's miraculous work through Jackson's team of doctors! Thank you for your prayers...it was a powerful night!
Family Update:
Jackson is Jackson! He is doing so well...he truly is a miracle! His strength is unbelievable...and he continues to defy all odds! On Thursday, April 29th he had his monthly echo/EKG appointment with his cardiologist at Magee Women's Hospital. The echo shows that the "function" of the right ventricle seems to be improving. his EKG was normal, but the tricuspid valve continues to have a mild to moderate leak. The leak is holding consistent as to what it has been following the Norwood surgery at 8 days old, and our team of doctors will continue to monitor the functions monthly. If things remain stable, they will wait to address the tricuspid valve surgically at the time of his third open-heart surgery (The Fontan) in about 18 months. So - we wait - and trust in the Lord's perfect timing and healing! He may not always cure the way we want or desire...but He always heals!
Jackson is now 15.5lbs - which is unbelievable and a miracle in its own right - and has begun to eat his 1st foods! The little, big man loves his sweet potatoes, squash and bananas! And his crooked smile - continues to capture our hearts anew every day! And in every cry, smile, laugh...we realize that it is a moment and gift given from Heaven above - for he should not be here, and in an instant can be home with the Lord. Hence the power in the promise that Life is not short!
This past Saturday, May 8, Jackson was dedicated to the Lord at church. And in the moments before we walked on stage - Kelly and I shared a smile and a tear as we reflected back on all that God has done in and through Jackson's life over the last 5 months. Our God is the Everlasting God, and His Grace is enough! [here is the video of the blessing that Kelly and I prayed over our little warrior that evening.]
Some of the greatest moments of the evening was when God "teed-up" the opportunity to share our faith, strength and peace in the Lord Jesus with men and women of great influence! This event was "over the top"! The ultra-contemporary, multi-story home where the event was held was gorgeous! Complete with valet parking, a dance floor, dj booth, wine cellar, at least 6 bedrooms, and a 50 foot glass wall off the entertaining area that led to the most incredible patio/outdoor area I have ever witnessed. The two-tier pool overlooked the entire city of Pittsburgh! And all we could think about was..."how in the world did we get here?"
But - the comment that I will remember for a lifetime was..."Can you imagine what you could do if you had a house like this?" And my response through the prompting/leading of the Holy Spirit was, "Could you imagine what you could do if you didn't have a house like this!" Imagine the impact - if instead of having a million dollar home for "entertaining our earthly, selfish desires" if we lived in modesty and gave the rest away to resource the Lord's work! Want to talk about changing families, communities and nations...
"Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." [Matthew 6:19-20]
The truth is...our treasure follows our devotion, our heart, and our focus! Where are we storing up treasures? The enemy wants us to resource his lie of keeping up with the Jones...but our Heavenly Father desperately wants us to resource His Promise of Life! It was a night we will never forget...and truly a great blessing to share the story of God's miraculous work through Jackson's team of doctors! Thank you for your prayers...it was a powerful night!
Family Update:
Jackson is Jackson! He is doing so well...he truly is a miracle! His strength is unbelievable...and he continues to defy all odds! On Thursday, April 29th he had his monthly echo/EKG appointment with his cardiologist at Magee Women's Hospital. The echo shows that the "function" of the right ventricle seems to be improving. his EKG was normal, but the tricuspid valve continues to have a mild to moderate leak. The leak is holding consistent as to what it has been following the Norwood surgery at 8 days old, and our team of doctors will continue to monitor the functions monthly. If things remain stable, they will wait to address the tricuspid valve surgically at the time of his third open-heart surgery (The Fontan) in about 18 months. So - we wait - and trust in the Lord's perfect timing and healing! He may not always cure the way we want or desire...but He always heals!
Jackson is now 15.5lbs - which is unbelievable and a miracle in its own right - and has begun to eat his 1st foods! The little, big man loves his sweet potatoes, squash and bananas! And his crooked smile - continues to capture our hearts anew every day! And in every cry, smile, laugh...we realize that it is a moment and gift given from Heaven above - for he should not be here, and in an instant can be home with the Lord. Hence the power in the promise that Life is not short!
This past Saturday, May 8, Jackson was dedicated to the Lord at church. And in the moments before we walked on stage - Kelly and I shared a smile and a tear as we reflected back on all that God has done in and through Jackson's life over the last 5 months. Our God is the Everlasting God, and His Grace is enough! [here is the video of the blessing that Kelly and I prayed over our little warrior that evening.]
Carter...is amazing! And has been such a huge help over the last weeks as we have transitioned back to a full ministry schedule and travel. Last Sunday morning, Mother's Day, Kelly and I were sitting at the kitchen table enjoying our "coffee and hot chocolate" talk and devotions, when Carter snuck into the kitchen and whispered, "daddy, daddy..." he then came over to my ear, covered his mouth and said - as if I forgot - "today is Muvers day!" It was hilarious...he and Jordyn then went down to their playroom and made two beautiful cards all on their own for mommy - and we enjoyed an awesome family day together!
His intellect and personality continue to amaze us! He is growing so fast right now - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually! Including attitude! The other day he said to Kel, "Mom - when will I be big enough to have my own life? Because when I am a daddy, I am going to make funner rules." He keeps us on our toes, that's for sure.
Then there is Jordyn...our ball of life! Her passion and energy to live EVERY moment to the fullest is incredible! She is still struggling at night - and for whatever reason is still not sleeping well. She has become quite the UNO player...as it is tough for Kelly and I to beat her! Kelly started teaching her to play about two weeks ago, and now she plays completely on her own - no help needed - and beat me 5 games in a row yesterday! And of course...there is a winning dance full of spunk and personality, as she says "I in! Again, Again! I like OOOT-NO"
She truly is the princess of this home, and her love and adoration for her "bruvers" is awesome! Every morning, she is the first to the crib as Jackson wakes, and she loves to love on her baby Jack Jack!
Last night, Jordyn was not falling asleep and we asked what was wrong...and she said "I miss my Bubba." Carter - has been spending a guys weekend with Grandpa at the farm and Jordyn would not go to sleep, until she "night, night" to Bubba over the phone. She is so cute...too cute!
Our home is full of energy and life these days - that's for sure...and the Rock of this house is doing well! She continues to "press on" in the midst of trial and struggle, and holds firm to the faith she has in our Lord Jesus! Kel is an amazing mommy, wife and friend! The sanctuary, structure and peace that she creates in our home...is truly one of the greatest gifts ever given! There is no doubt - this character "married up!"
Thank you - for your continued prayers, encouragement and support! I know it has been too long since our last update..."but do not worry!" [Matthew 16] Life is hectic, and this storm continues to have phases and elements that we don't anticipate. This last month flew by...as activity in a home with 3 children - truly leaves us gasping for air sometimes! BUT - God is good, and the Holy Spirit continues to teach, reveal, grow and stretch us in ways unimaginable! We are stronger, more united and deeper in love today than ever before...and we Praise Jesus for His Grace, Strength and Love in our home, and marriage! There is no way we would still be standing - walking - in this storm if it were not for His Everlasting Love and Devotion to us!
We are truly blessed...and He is our Victory! Pressing on - with all eyes on Jesus!
{Mr. Smiley!}
{Waiting for the Doctor...again!}
{Wasn't me!}
{"Bruverly" love - as Jordyn would say!}
{Carter scored his first goal last week, and his second this week!}
{Gotta love father - son coaching conversations!}
{Princess Jordyn - or as she refers to herself, "Cinderelli"}
