Today, I had the privilege of being part of the "capital C" CHURCH....It was a very surreal experience. God taught me a lesson that will ever be etched in my heart. As my wife and I headed to a very special place hidden away behind iron bars and doors locked with electronic keys, I prayed God would open my heart to be used the way He would need. I prayed God would help me talk to young people who have been through more in their short lives than most of us will ever go through in a lifetime. I prayed God would use me to reach these young people, to let them know there was a group of men and women who love them, who pray for them, and who will be what the bible says a "Christian should be"....
Little did I know, God had other plans in mind....
As I stood before young men and women, I poured out my heart. I shared why I believe God is the one true God. I told them what Jesus did for us on the cross. I told them about being arrested and how God used that experience to change my life. I showed them tattoos I have to symbolize the experiences I have had. I told them how there were 2 others hanging on crosses beside Jesus.....One of which we assume didn't make it, One we know would be with Jesus in paradise.....I stood before young men and women who are in a different world than most of you reading this could ever imagine. You are probably thinking, "here he goes again....telling me how bad everyone else has it...."
I am glad you are thinking this way....Please continue to read....
As we ended our time together, my prayer over the group was a prayer of heartache and mercy for the kids and staff. It was a prayer for guidance and the mighty hand of God to protect this group. When we finished praying, all of the group said amen together...
I walked over to the administrator in charge and explained how, as a non-profit, we would like to help with shoes and hoodies for each and every child in their care. I told her to forward anyone who wanted to donate moneys to their program our way and we would make sure they got what they needed....
Then it happened....
I was told of a church wanting to help provide items for the young men and women...As we spoke back and forth, God opened my heart by what was said next.....
"We would like to get this group healthy enough to get them all to church."
I felt the Holy Spirit open my heart and mouth at the same time when I replied.....
"We need to get the church healthy enough to come out here."
If you are reading this blog, you may very well be reading it on Easter morning....the very day we as Christians should celebrate our existence.
Why have we allowed ourselves to be programmed into thinking we have to get healthy before we can come to church to hear what God has for us???
Why have we programmed the world we live in, you have to be healthy before they can set foot in our doors???
I have been thinking about this all day long...
Jesus gives us an example of what the Church is supposed to look like...What I read in my bible, shows me Jesus went where the people were....
All of His 12 disciples were chosen....asked personally be Jesus...the records I see show a Savior going out and finding fishers of men...are we doing that?
Look at how Jesus' at the age of 12-13 was in the temple talking to the priests...He went to them...are we doing that?
Look at the Samaritan woman, she was not who he should have been hanging out with all by himself, but he went through Samaria just to have an intentional meeting at the well....are we doing that?
Look at when people were healed of blindness, leprocy, lameness, or death....All show a Savior who went to people who needed what only He has...are we doing that?
Look at when he taught His disciples lessons on the sea, he went to them, walking on the water....Just to save Peter as he sank and teach them lesson after lesson...are we doing that?
He didn't sit in a sanctuary with high tech videography, awesome music, great speakers, and a program taught out of the next best book that some of the worlds best theologian has written(I love it too)....are we doing that?
He went and did what He was called to do....When it was all said and done, He even carried His own cross to His own death...
After he was risen from the grave, He still was on the move...talking and sharing what He had with everyone around Him...
I'm not knocking the church I attend or any other church in general....I am knocking the lack of willingness and the programming we have allowed ourselves to become subjected to...to busy, to hard, need some time to myself, need some time for my family....all excuses I have used too....
It's Easter....What are you going to do about it?
Maybe, as a church, we should get healthy and go find the unhealthy and share what only God has....
I know as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord....
Justin Presley
If you would like to support our cause, please donate....
https://inoroutfaith.cloverdonations.com/homes-hunger-hoodies-kicks/
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Grandma's and Food Boxes....
When I started In or Out Faith Ministries, Inc., I didn't have a clue what I was doing or even why I was doing it. I had little to no experience with raising money or getting volunteers to help with a cause they may or may not believe in. I hate to admit it, but I had no idea where to even start...
2 years later, I am still in the same place at times. I just know how to hide it better now. I still hope people will support the cause and people will somehow, in someway, see God in what we are doing. It doesn't matter if its a pair of shoes or a food box, it is my hope and prayer that God will get the glory.
This week we are preparing 425 food boxes in the Ada and Seminole area for children on the Back Pack program supported by their local schools. These children have been identified by their teachers or school officials as needing extra food for different reasons based on conversations or just observing them eat in the lunch room and noticing them getting seconds and thirds or even asking to take food home after school.
Today, I was taught a lesson by God in a huge way....I am overwhelmed by His ability to make everything work out the way its supposed too. As I stood in the Ada 1st Free Will Baptist Family Life Center looking at all the food to be packed, I wondered who was going to show up. Who would be here to help out? How many people will be here to make sure this all gets done? I hope everything goes like its supposed to. I hope I can control all the steps it takes to get this done. What's the best way to make this work? How can we do this the easiest way possible?
All these questions with no immediate answers....
Then it happened, my Grandparents walked in....just a few weeks ago my "Granna" had a cancerous mass removed from her colon and is starting radiation/chemo treatments this week. Watching my Granna walk down the assembly line in front of my "Petepa" placing item after item in the food boxes, it hit me, God is in control. If she can take the time to not worry about herself and all the issues in her immediate future, I can trust God to pack these boxes.
As person after person walked in and started taking their place in the process, I saw the whole body of Christ working together to do something bigger than themselves. I stood in the doorway of the gym and watched individuals working to get community service hours to take care of legal issues working along side a pastor. I saw fathers and daughters standing side by side packing boxes with food items and drinks. I watched a mom and her children working together to make sure each item was packed perfectly. Brothers working beside one another to make sure cheese and crackers made it into every box. Teachers, Nurses, and Insurance Agents carrying boxes to a trailer. Newly appointed Executive Officers and Administrators counting boxes to make sure we had exactly 301. I watched as my own daughter and another workers daughter worked together to pull one box from station to station. I saw young boys and college students breaking down boxes and carrying them outside to the trailer trip after trip. My heart smiled as I watched my oldest son come to me and ask what he could do. Then I saw my youngest son running tirelessly delivering boxes to be broken down. Standing there overwhelmed by Gods amazing ability to use any and all of us to do His work, I watched up to 4 generations of people working selflessly to feed kids they don't even know.
I honestly believe UNITY in the body of Christ will change this community....As I set here and read 1 Corinthians 12, there's not a denomination mentioned or any religious organization said to be the chosen few. It does say, "we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body".....thanks to everyone who did that tonight....I was able to witness all the different parts working together to form ONE BODY....
One of the biggest lessons I have learned by having this ministry is, when we ALL work together more is accomplished. When we put others ahead of ourselves, we are doing what God has called us to do. When we make intentional efforts to put God first, we are responding to His call on our lives...
As I got in my truck to leave the church tonight, my emotions got the best of me and I couldn't keep the tears of joy in any longer....GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD....
It is always amazing how God works...He used my grandmother and food boxes to show me what it means to let go and trust His ways are not our ways....
2 years later, I am still in the same place at times. I just know how to hide it better now. I still hope people will support the cause and people will somehow, in someway, see God in what we are doing. It doesn't matter if its a pair of shoes or a food box, it is my hope and prayer that God will get the glory.
This week we are preparing 425 food boxes in the Ada and Seminole area for children on the Back Pack program supported by their local schools. These children have been identified by their teachers or school officials as needing extra food for different reasons based on conversations or just observing them eat in the lunch room and noticing them getting seconds and thirds or even asking to take food home after school.
Today, I was taught a lesson by God in a huge way....I am overwhelmed by His ability to make everything work out the way its supposed too. As I stood in the Ada 1st Free Will Baptist Family Life Center looking at all the food to be packed, I wondered who was going to show up. Who would be here to help out? How many people will be here to make sure this all gets done? I hope everything goes like its supposed to. I hope I can control all the steps it takes to get this done. What's the best way to make this work? How can we do this the easiest way possible?
All these questions with no immediate answers....
Then it happened, my Grandparents walked in....just a few weeks ago my "Granna" had a cancerous mass removed from her colon and is starting radiation/chemo treatments this week. Watching my Granna walk down the assembly line in front of my "Petepa" placing item after item in the food boxes, it hit me, God is in control. If she can take the time to not worry about herself and all the issues in her immediate future, I can trust God to pack these boxes.
As person after person walked in and started taking their place in the process, I saw the whole body of Christ working together to do something bigger than themselves. I stood in the doorway of the gym and watched individuals working to get community service hours to take care of legal issues working along side a pastor. I saw fathers and daughters standing side by side packing boxes with food items and drinks. I watched a mom and her children working together to make sure each item was packed perfectly. Brothers working beside one another to make sure cheese and crackers made it into every box. Teachers, Nurses, and Insurance Agents carrying boxes to a trailer. Newly appointed Executive Officers and Administrators counting boxes to make sure we had exactly 301. I watched as my own daughter and another workers daughter worked together to pull one box from station to station. I saw young boys and college students breaking down boxes and carrying them outside to the trailer trip after trip. My heart smiled as I watched my oldest son come to me and ask what he could do. Then I saw my youngest son running tirelessly delivering boxes to be broken down. Standing there overwhelmed by Gods amazing ability to use any and all of us to do His work, I watched up to 4 generations of people working selflessly to feed kids they don't even know.
I honestly believe UNITY in the body of Christ will change this community....As I set here and read 1 Corinthians 12, there's not a denomination mentioned or any religious organization said to be the chosen few. It does say, "we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body".....thanks to everyone who did that tonight....I was able to witness all the different parts working together to form ONE BODY....
One of the biggest lessons I have learned by having this ministry is, when we ALL work together more is accomplished. When we put others ahead of ourselves, we are doing what God has called us to do. When we make intentional efforts to put God first, we are responding to His call on our lives...
As I got in my truck to leave the church tonight, my emotions got the best of me and I couldn't keep the tears of joy in any longer....GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD....
It is always amazing how God works...He used my grandmother and food boxes to show me what it means to let go and trust His ways are not our ways....
Sunday, June 15, 2014
"R.U.N.?"
I recently started a new business with a friend of mine. With my non profit, it was easier and less expensive for me to buy a timing system than to continue to rent one for the races we use to raise money to feed kids. I have done what I always do when it comes to new things in my life. I jump in whole heartedly with out reservation. I like to be in control and make sure everything is done the way I think it should be done. I like to dream of future success both financially and professionally. I dream big and figure out a way to make that happen. Its just the way I am. I try to live out the mindset, "GO BIG OR GO HOME.."
Its funny how God uses things in your life to make sure you are listening to Him. Its funny how you learn lessons in life when you least expect it. Your heart and mind are telling you, you are doing the right thing, but somehow someway, God shows you the truth....
A few days ago I had a dual purpose event. We held a glow run and we were using the glow run to raise money for the non profit. It was only our 3rd race to time and be in complete control. The pre race responsibilities were almost breaking us mentally as we struggled at times to get everything set and completed. The course was difficult to manage due to the physical distance between registration, the start line, and the finish line. I was stressed to the max because I couldn't make sure everything was going the way I felt it should be. During event times, I go into a mode that I thought was very productive. However, I will be proven wrong....
As the race finished, I felt like I had failed. I felt like I was not doing the best job I could have. The runners were thrilled with the race. The timing system did its job. My business partner did awesome. Registration was the best it had ever been. We made more money than we thought we would. It was a great night and I was not in control of any of it...
On several occasions, people would come up to talk and I was so worried about success, I couldn't even enjoy the moment....
The next evening as the entire family went to dinner together, God would use my oldest son to teach me a lesson I would not forget...
We sat at Polos Restaurant in Ada Ok with my entire family. My parents and my brother and his family were all sitting there eating and laughing about the weekend. I made a joke that was just like something I would always do. My son laughed, and said, "well, Dad is back..."
I looked at him as the table went silent...Everyone knew what he was saying except me....
My wife look at me and said,"you are a different person when you have a race. The day before, the day of, and the day after we just have to leave you alone...."
Parker then said, "I can tell you in one word..." As he held up his hand and counted every letter, God began to speak....
"R.U.N."
I sat there....I sat there and understood what my oldest son was saying....I didn't respond, I didn't react, I didn't know what to say....
You see, many times, as fathers, we think we are doing what we should by making money and providing for our family, but we miss the point... We miss the opportunity to serve our families... We miss the opportunity to serve others.... We even miss the opportunity to serve God....
R U N for being a great husband?
R U N for being a great father?
R U N for being a great leader?
It doesn't take money... It takes guts and desire to serve God, Family, and others....
Today is Fathers Day, what commitment will you make to be a better dad?
Its funny how God uses things in your life to make sure you are listening to Him. Its funny how you learn lessons in life when you least expect it. Your heart and mind are telling you, you are doing the right thing, but somehow someway, God shows you the truth....
A few days ago I had a dual purpose event. We held a glow run and we were using the glow run to raise money for the non profit. It was only our 3rd race to time and be in complete control. The pre race responsibilities were almost breaking us mentally as we struggled at times to get everything set and completed. The course was difficult to manage due to the physical distance between registration, the start line, and the finish line. I was stressed to the max because I couldn't make sure everything was going the way I felt it should be. During event times, I go into a mode that I thought was very productive. However, I will be proven wrong....
As the race finished, I felt like I had failed. I felt like I was not doing the best job I could have. The runners were thrilled with the race. The timing system did its job. My business partner did awesome. Registration was the best it had ever been. We made more money than we thought we would. It was a great night and I was not in control of any of it...
On several occasions, people would come up to talk and I was so worried about success, I couldn't even enjoy the moment....
The next evening as the entire family went to dinner together, God would use my oldest son to teach me a lesson I would not forget...
We sat at Polos Restaurant in Ada Ok with my entire family. My parents and my brother and his family were all sitting there eating and laughing about the weekend. I made a joke that was just like something I would always do. My son laughed, and said, "well, Dad is back..."
I looked at him as the table went silent...Everyone knew what he was saying except me....
My wife look at me and said,"you are a different person when you have a race. The day before, the day of, and the day after we just have to leave you alone...."
Parker then said, "I can tell you in one word..." As he held up his hand and counted every letter, God began to speak....
"R.U.N."
I sat there....I sat there and understood what my oldest son was saying....I didn't respond, I didn't react, I didn't know what to say....
You see, many times, as fathers, we think we are doing what we should by making money and providing for our family, but we miss the point... We miss the opportunity to serve our families... We miss the opportunity to serve others.... We even miss the opportunity to serve God....
R U N for being a great husband?
R U N for being a great father?
R U N for being a great leader?
It doesn't take money... It takes guts and desire to serve God, Family, and others....
Today is Fathers Day, what commitment will you make to be a better dad?
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Baseball and Tears....
Nothing like a great day at the ballpark. I walked away as proud as a father could be. I walked away with my chest out because my son came through when he was needed. Today wasn't the best day at the ballpark for our team. We won both games, but you could tell we were a little rusty. There were a few routine plays that went terribly wrong and there were several times the boys were just not on their game. I had decided that today I would make sure and not be negative to my son or the other boys. I had made up my mind, no matter what, I would be positive to the kids and encourage them as best I could.
As I walked to first base every inning, I tried to leave the dugout after saying some encouraging words to our team. I even would pick up the ball for the opposing pitcher if the opportunity presented itself.
On first base, as a coach, there are several conversations that go on between the opposing coaches, the umpires, and the players as they reach first base. The conversations range from the Thunder pulling through, the weather, where all our kids go to school, and any other topic outside of baseball you can think of. I sat back in more of a quiet mindset today and listened to the coaches from the other teams. I was unbelievably amazed at what I heard as they talked to their players and to each other.
I started thinking about how much pressure we put on our kids to be perfect at every bat, every pitch, every play, and every moment they are on the field. I starting thinking about how much expectation we put on them every time they step on the field. Don't get me wrong, I think you should be prepared, but if you aren't, how can we hold them accountable.
Then it happened. The learning moment for a coach, father, and christian.
Parker was at the plate during a really tense and stressful situation. We had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs in the last inning. It was our last at bat and we were down by 1 run. I walked down closer to home plate than usual and hollered to my son. I yelled to him, "I want to to dig down deep and see exactly what you are made of son." He responded with his usual nod and went back to his practice swing. Here comes the pitch. He swings and fouls it off. As the battle at the plate went back and forth for another 4 or 5 foul balls, I started hearing a conversation in the dugout next to me from the opposing coaches. They were talking about how all they needed was one more out and the kid at the plate hadn't been on base all game. I heard them saying how all they needed was one more strike. They knew all they needed was one out to end the game and win.
In the middle of their conversation, I hollered to my son and told him again, "you got this, dig down deep and give it all you have, son...."
As I walked back to the dugout, I looked over at the coaches and told them, "I love players being in theses type situations....I love them being put to the test..."
The replied with saying how the felt the exact opposite. I looked at them and said, "HE is going to do this....we got faith in him..."
As I turned around, the pitcher goes through his stretch and throws the ball..Parker hits the ball harder than he had all day...he hits the ball between the 1st baseman and 2nd baseman and it gets through....
Both runs score and we win the game...
As he stood on the bag with the winning run crossing the plate, I grabbed him and held him up as he pumped his hands in the air and I told him how proud I was of him and I knew he was going to do it...I knew he was going to come through for his team...
Then it happened...The lesson was presenting itself to be learned...
I looked over at Parker with tears of joy running down his face at what he had done and I smiled because I was already teared up. His teammates were hugging him and chest bumping with him as they celebrated their victory. We were both so happy we couldn't do anything but cry. As his team mates asked him if he was okay, he just smiled and cried some more at the accomplishment he just had...
You know they say, "there's no crying in baseball." Today on the Blake Auld Memorial Fields in Seminole, OK. there was crying in baseball. And if you have a problem with it, my son and I don't care...
I am going to cry when I want too. I am going to encourage our team as much as I can. I am going to keep trying to inspire our kids to know they can come through when they are in a tough situation. I am going to keep trying to help these young boys become Godly young men. I'm going to let them know I believe in them.
If they strike out, it can all go away with one hit.
If they overthrow a base, it can all go away with one gunned down baserunner.
If they get thrown out, it can all go away with another stole base.
If they get a bad hop, it can all go away with another caught ground ball.
If they have a bad inning, it can go away with a good inning.
If they cry over a victory and personal accomplishment, I hope that heart never changes....Ever....
As I walked to first base every inning, I tried to leave the dugout after saying some encouraging words to our team. I even would pick up the ball for the opposing pitcher if the opportunity presented itself.
On first base, as a coach, there are several conversations that go on between the opposing coaches, the umpires, and the players as they reach first base. The conversations range from the Thunder pulling through, the weather, where all our kids go to school, and any other topic outside of baseball you can think of. I sat back in more of a quiet mindset today and listened to the coaches from the other teams. I was unbelievably amazed at what I heard as they talked to their players and to each other.
I started thinking about how much pressure we put on our kids to be perfect at every bat, every pitch, every play, and every moment they are on the field. I starting thinking about how much expectation we put on them every time they step on the field. Don't get me wrong, I think you should be prepared, but if you aren't, how can we hold them accountable.
Then it happened. The learning moment for a coach, father, and christian.
Parker was at the plate during a really tense and stressful situation. We had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs in the last inning. It was our last at bat and we were down by 1 run. I walked down closer to home plate than usual and hollered to my son. I yelled to him, "I want to to dig down deep and see exactly what you are made of son." He responded with his usual nod and went back to his practice swing. Here comes the pitch. He swings and fouls it off. As the battle at the plate went back and forth for another 4 or 5 foul balls, I started hearing a conversation in the dugout next to me from the opposing coaches. They were talking about how all they needed was one more out and the kid at the plate hadn't been on base all game. I heard them saying how all they needed was one more strike. They knew all they needed was one out to end the game and win.
In the middle of their conversation, I hollered to my son and told him again, "you got this, dig down deep and give it all you have, son...."
As I walked back to the dugout, I looked over at the coaches and told them, "I love players being in theses type situations....I love them being put to the test..."
The replied with saying how the felt the exact opposite. I looked at them and said, "HE is going to do this....we got faith in him..."
As I turned around, the pitcher goes through his stretch and throws the ball..Parker hits the ball harder than he had all day...he hits the ball between the 1st baseman and 2nd baseman and it gets through....
Both runs score and we win the game...
As he stood on the bag with the winning run crossing the plate, I grabbed him and held him up as he pumped his hands in the air and I told him how proud I was of him and I knew he was going to do it...I knew he was going to come through for his team...
Then it happened...The lesson was presenting itself to be learned...
I looked over at Parker with tears of joy running down his face at what he had done and I smiled because I was already teared up. His teammates were hugging him and chest bumping with him as they celebrated their victory. We were both so happy we couldn't do anything but cry. As his team mates asked him if he was okay, he just smiled and cried some more at the accomplishment he just had...
You know they say, "there's no crying in baseball." Today on the Blake Auld Memorial Fields in Seminole, OK. there was crying in baseball. And if you have a problem with it, my son and I don't care...
I am going to cry when I want too. I am going to encourage our team as much as I can. I am going to keep trying to inspire our kids to know they can come through when they are in a tough situation. I am going to keep trying to help these young boys become Godly young men. I'm going to let them know I believe in them.
If they strike out, it can all go away with one hit.
If they overthrow a base, it can all go away with one gunned down baserunner.
If they get thrown out, it can all go away with another stole base.
If they get a bad hop, it can all go away with another caught ground ball.
If they have a bad inning, it can go away with a good inning.
If they cry over a victory and personal accomplishment, I hope that heart never changes....Ever....
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
War Zone Everyday......
This morning as I drove to work, I happened to receive an update on a post from last night on Facebook. As I glanced at it, something caught my eye. Something that has hit me at the core of who I am. The post simply read, "Pray for Byng Schools..." When I got to the office, I sat in my car and cried as I read about my children's school being the topic of a possible attack. I immediately called my home to see if anyone was able to talk. As my son answered, I told him I loved him. I told him to be aware of anything out of the ordinary. I told him to pray for protection today and I was praying for him too. I told him to pay attention and if there were people at the school who weren't normally there to make sure and tell someone....
I asked to talk to his sister and she had already headed out the door and I didn't get to talk to her. Then, in the stillness of the parking lot with my car running, I prayed. I prayed for my children. I prayed for all the students. I prayed for my children's teachers. I prayed for the kids who wrote such horrific posts on social media pages.
When I was talking to my son, I felt as if I was sending him into battle...I thought that today he could be fighting for his life or someone else's. I had thoughts of total desperation of what may happen based on threats....
Then God said, "Why are you only worried about today? Why are you only worried about the worst case scenario? "Are they ready?"
Parents,
We are sending our kids into battle each and every day. We send them into a place of beauty and darkness. We must be more active in prayer daily for our children. I don't think we understand our children are learning more about "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" at an earlier age than we ever did. There are kids all around the state who are experimenting with sex and drugs at earlier and earlier ages.....
We send our kids into a war zone of peer pressure and bullying. We send our kids into a war zone where their faith may be put to the test. We send our kids into war every day.....
The questions on my heart are.......
Are my children equipped to handle the war they are in?
Have I done all I could do to make sure when the battle begins they can fight?
Have I made sure they know I love them?
Have I taught them who God is by my actions?
Am I ready for the war they are in?
The fact is, today should be an eye opening experience for all of us.....
What are you going to do now?
Justin Presley
I asked to talk to his sister and she had already headed out the door and I didn't get to talk to her. Then, in the stillness of the parking lot with my car running, I prayed. I prayed for my children. I prayed for all the students. I prayed for my children's teachers. I prayed for the kids who wrote such horrific posts on social media pages.
When I was talking to my son, I felt as if I was sending him into battle...I thought that today he could be fighting for his life or someone else's. I had thoughts of total desperation of what may happen based on threats....
Then God said, "Why are you only worried about today? Why are you only worried about the worst case scenario? "Are they ready?"
Parents,
We are sending our kids into battle each and every day. We send them into a place of beauty and darkness. We must be more active in prayer daily for our children. I don't think we understand our children are learning more about "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" at an earlier age than we ever did. There are kids all around the state who are experimenting with sex and drugs at earlier and earlier ages.....
We send our kids into a war zone of peer pressure and bullying. We send our kids into a war zone where their faith may be put to the test. We send our kids into war every day.....
The questions on my heart are.......
Are my children equipped to handle the war they are in?
Have I done all I could do to make sure when the battle begins they can fight?
Have I made sure they know I love them?
Have I taught them who God is by my actions?
Am I ready for the war they are in?
The fact is, today should be an eye opening experience for all of us.....
What are you going to do now?
Justin Presley
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Just the plain simple truth.....
This blog isn't a feel good one, so if you can't handle the truth, stop right now....just a warning...
I am sitting in my living room at 12:02 am in complete darkness listening to the kids tv blaring as they sleep, the wind is whispering outside the windows, a humidifier is buzzing down the hall, and I can't sleep. My mind is racing in several different directions. Occasionally the sound of a car races by my house. I'm wondering why I feel so lost. I have felt like something in my life isn't as it should be. I am not doing anything wrong. I am just so overwhelmed with ideas and strategy I can't move. It is like I am frozen in time and just getting lost in the shuffle and hustle of baseball tournaments, tball games, end of year programs, field trips, business decisions, ministry decisions, working out, and anything else you throw at us on a daily basis. I know none of you reading this feel the same way.
I met with a dear friend of mine this week and we discussed all that was going on with our lives. We talked about all the things interfering with what we should be doing. I began to feel a strong sense of stress and conviction in my heart.
You see, the reason I am so out of sorts, God isn't where he should be in my life. I have allowed time, effort, energy, and desire to get in the way of His place in my life. I haven't been the spiritual leader in my home that I should be. My quiet time has been taken over by sleep and car rides for work. My scriptural desire has been replaced with strategic planning sessions and a desire of success. I have replaced God with DVR recordings and conversations about business decisions. I haven't done it on purpose, but it has happened. My wife and I have replaced good conversation about the direction in our marriage with deciding where the kids are going so we can make all the events we have placed at such a huge priority in life.
Where is God in all this? I think we have just set him on the shelf and forgot Him. I truly believe we have done this without malice towards our beliefs and love for Him. We just have gotten too busy.
Tonight I laid in bed and prayed to God to help me. To guide me. To give me the courage to make the changes necessary in my life to be what I told Him I would be when I answered the call He has on my life. I begged His forgiveness. I asked Him to work in Heather's heart and my heart and bring us closer to Him and each other. I pleaded with Him to help me stand as a man of God in front of my children no matter where we are. I prayed he would give me the courage to leap and become the leader He needs me to be outside of the home. I asked Him to guide me in the decisions I need to make.
Maybe you feel the same way I do....But tonight, God has taken over and I am resting in the shadow of the Almighty...
It is time for us to do what God has called us to do...No matter how crazy it may seem....
and show him my salvation.”
I am sitting in my living room at 12:02 am in complete darkness listening to the kids tv blaring as they sleep, the wind is whispering outside the windows, a humidifier is buzzing down the hall, and I can't sleep. My mind is racing in several different directions. Occasionally the sound of a car races by my house. I'm wondering why I feel so lost. I have felt like something in my life isn't as it should be. I am not doing anything wrong. I am just so overwhelmed with ideas and strategy I can't move. It is like I am frozen in time and just getting lost in the shuffle and hustle of baseball tournaments, tball games, end of year programs, field trips, business decisions, ministry decisions, working out, and anything else you throw at us on a daily basis. I know none of you reading this feel the same way.
I met with a dear friend of mine this week and we discussed all that was going on with our lives. We talked about all the things interfering with what we should be doing. I began to feel a strong sense of stress and conviction in my heart.
You see, the reason I am so out of sorts, God isn't where he should be in my life. I have allowed time, effort, energy, and desire to get in the way of His place in my life. I haven't been the spiritual leader in my home that I should be. My quiet time has been taken over by sleep and car rides for work. My scriptural desire has been replaced with strategic planning sessions and a desire of success. I have replaced God with DVR recordings and conversations about business decisions. I haven't done it on purpose, but it has happened. My wife and I have replaced good conversation about the direction in our marriage with deciding where the kids are going so we can make all the events we have placed at such a huge priority in life.
Where is God in all this? I think we have just set him on the shelf and forgot Him. I truly believe we have done this without malice towards our beliefs and love for Him. We just have gotten too busy.
Tonight I laid in bed and prayed to God to help me. To guide me. To give me the courage to make the changes necessary in my life to be what I told Him I would be when I answered the call He has on my life. I begged His forgiveness. I asked Him to work in Heather's heart and my heart and bring us closer to Him and each other. I pleaded with Him to help me stand as a man of God in front of my children no matter where we are. I prayed he would give me the courage to leap and become the leader He needs me to be outside of the home. I asked Him to guide me in the decisions I need to make.
Maybe you feel the same way I do....But tonight, God has taken over and I am resting in the shadow of the Almighty...
It is time for us to do what God has called us to do...No matter how crazy it may seem....
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Little Girls and Daddy's.....
When I saw her at 4 months old, I thought she was the chubbiest baby I had ever seen. She had cute chubby cheeks and rubber banded chubby legs and was very attached to her momma. I never knew she would change my life forever. As I sat in the judges chambers, around a year and a half later, I will never forget the moment she became mine. The judge asked her who her daddy was and she looked at me and pointed to my chest as she sat on my lap. The judge and I signed the paperwork and my wife, daughter, and I went home.
Since that day, I have learned so much about being a daddy to a little girl. You see up to that day, I only had a son. Boys and girls are way different. I didn't know she wouldn't get up after falling just because I told her too. I didn't know she wouldn't quit crying if I raised my voice, it only made it worse. I didn't know when you changed a diaper, girls have a lot to get completely clean. I didn't know she would tear up at the drop of a hat when I got angry. I didn't know girls have their own way of doing things. I didn't know how to play with dolls and babies, but I learned. I didn't know wrestling would scare her. I didn't know she would love it when I told her how beautiful she is. I didn't know I would have to treat her different than my son.
I didn't know I could love her like I do.....
This past weekend, we had a special time together. We were able to attend the Daddy/Daughter dance. It was the first year for me to get to take her. Last year, due to circumstances out of my control, I was unable to go. She was devastated and I was too. This year, I was determined to make it the best ever. For Christmas, I picked out a dress to give her to wear to the dance and I knew exactly what I would wear to match her dress. I bought her some high heels to wear even though her momma thought I was crazy. I wanted to make the night as awesome as it could be for her.
When I walked into the door to get ready for the dance, she was standing there in her dress. She looked at me and I could tell she was needing me to tell her how beautiful she was. Her hair was curled like she was going to the prom. A new necklace hung from her neck. Her dress hung seamlessly below her knees as she stood with her legs slightly crossed waiting for my approval. I looked at her and saw the little chubby girl I met 7 and a half year ago. I was amazed at her slender shaped face and long slender legs. I saw a young woman standing before me waiting on her daddy to tell her she was beautiful.
After I got ready, I asked her if she needed a wristlet bouquet to make her outfit final. She gasped and a huge smile went all over her face as she said yes. As we drove to the dance, the excitement was building. She was ready to get there. She was ready to see her friends. She was ready to dance and have fun. The next 3 hours, I learned a lot about little girls and daddy's.
1. Little girls want to fall in love with their daddy's first.
2. Little girls just want you to dance with them. They don't care if you feel goofy.
3. Little girls love to scream. And scream.
4. Little girls don't understand why you won't dance with them.
5. Little girls are waiting for someone to dance with them.
6. Little girls will expect other men to love them and treat them the way you do daddy.
7. Little girls love it when you tell them they are beautiful over and over and over again.
8. Little girls grow up to be women.
9. Little girls need you to be there dancing with them.
10. My daughter needs a good example of what a man is suppose to be...
My daughter came up to me after we danced to the cupid shuffle, chicken dance, YMCA, and other songs with her hand stretched out. She had requested a song for us to dance too...As I held her in my arms, these are the words that were playing and they ring true...I stood amazed that my 8 year old daughter would teach me so much in one night about being a daddy......
Since that day, I have learned so much about being a daddy to a little girl. You see up to that day, I only had a son. Boys and girls are way different. I didn't know she wouldn't get up after falling just because I told her too. I didn't know she wouldn't quit crying if I raised my voice, it only made it worse. I didn't know when you changed a diaper, girls have a lot to get completely clean. I didn't know she would tear up at the drop of a hat when I got angry. I didn't know girls have their own way of doing things. I didn't know how to play with dolls and babies, but I learned. I didn't know wrestling would scare her. I didn't know she would love it when I told her how beautiful she is. I didn't know I would have to treat her different than my son.
I didn't know I could love her like I do.....
This past weekend, we had a special time together. We were able to attend the Daddy/Daughter dance. It was the first year for me to get to take her. Last year, due to circumstances out of my control, I was unable to go. She was devastated and I was too. This year, I was determined to make it the best ever. For Christmas, I picked out a dress to give her to wear to the dance and I knew exactly what I would wear to match her dress. I bought her some high heels to wear even though her momma thought I was crazy. I wanted to make the night as awesome as it could be for her.
When I walked into the door to get ready for the dance, she was standing there in her dress. She looked at me and I could tell she was needing me to tell her how beautiful she was. Her hair was curled like she was going to the prom. A new necklace hung from her neck. Her dress hung seamlessly below her knees as she stood with her legs slightly crossed waiting for my approval. I looked at her and saw the little chubby girl I met 7 and a half year ago. I was amazed at her slender shaped face and long slender legs. I saw a young woman standing before me waiting on her daddy to tell her she was beautiful.
After I got ready, I asked her if she needed a wristlet bouquet to make her outfit final. She gasped and a huge smile went all over her face as she said yes. As we drove to the dance, the excitement was building. She was ready to get there. She was ready to see her friends. She was ready to dance and have fun. The next 3 hours, I learned a lot about little girls and daddy's.
1. Little girls want to fall in love with their daddy's first.
2. Little girls just want you to dance with them. They don't care if you feel goofy.
3. Little girls love to scream. And scream.
4. Little girls don't understand why you won't dance with them.
5. Little girls are waiting for someone to dance with them.
6. Little girls will expect other men to love them and treat them the way you do daddy.
7. Little girls love it when you tell them they are beautiful over and over and over again.
8. Little girls grow up to be women.
9. Little girls need you to be there dancing with them.
10. My daughter needs a good example of what a man is suppose to be...
My daughter came up to me after we danced to the cupid shuffle, chicken dance, YMCA, and other songs with her hand stretched out. She had requested a song for us to dance too...As I held her in my arms, these are the words that were playing and they ring true...I stood amazed that my 8 year old daughter would teach me so much in one night about being a daddy......
She spins and she sways to whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders
It's been a long day and there's still work to do
She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited
and I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
But she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away but I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders
It's been a long day and there's still work to do
She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited
and I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
But she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away but I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
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