Freedom Prayer

Our family was recently invited to a friend’s home for dinner. That doesn’t happen too much. Most people are very afraid of our numbers. When we are invited over, its fun to see the amount of food made in preparation for our arrival. However, this family had it down. Not too little, not too much.

While there visiting, I did what I normally do…I check out the photos on the walls. There were pictures of family from both sides of the family, kids, and animals. Then one picture caught my attention that was sobering. It was a picture of a tombstone of a young man who had died in 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Behind the tombstone was a little boy whom I found out was the son of our friends. Interestingly enough, the boy was born slightly before the young soldier (his cousin) died in war. It was a moving memorial to me.

After a time of reflection, I found myself focused on what that picture represented. It represented to me a sacrifice…and a future. One who had all of life ahead of him giving up his life in thoughts of someone yet born. It makes me more grateful. It drives me to make decisions that help create a future for the generations behind us should Jesus tarry. It helps me remember our national family members who stand in my stead to protect what I often abuse…freedom.

Mostly, it makes me more driven to pray. To pray for those who are fighting for freedom. For their safety. To pray for our enemies that they might be ever changed by love. To pray for those who are caught between. To pray for freedom fighters in the Kingdom of God. For the ones who are in need of freedom from addiction, frustration, guilt, shame, sin, brokenness and loneliness. What a time to be called to prayer.

Father, I thank you for where you have placed me in the scheme of eternity to be a blessing to the world. In some places I just cannot physically go without your calling so I pray in your name to bless the world. Thank you for my freedom...for my responsibility to join you in fighting for all kinds of freedom. Show me my way that I may bring you glory on this earth and in your Kingdom. Amen!

New Office

I have a problem. I know, I know...you already knew that fact. This problem has to do with my new office. It's not just that I have a new office, it's that this is my 4th office in 2 1/2 years on staff at First Christian Church. Sad part is that I have not fully unpacked in any office. I just don't know what to do with the stuff to make it look good. I'd just assume show up to Starbucks and let their decor become mine. I actually painted 1 of those offices 3 times because I didn't know how to choose the right colors to go together. Thankfully I had an assistant with some abilities (thank you Reena).

Well, here I am at my new office (for 2 months) and it still looks pathetic. Oh well...I'll look at it from the bright side...maybe I make this office look good. In my mind, problem solved.