Well folks, by the above timer you can see we have a month before race-day. Though this should be an exciting time, for me it is nothing more than stress mixed with the emotion of some despair. You see, as Team 09, we have yet to secure a vehicle for the race. We are still in a holding pattern from at least two dealerships deciding on whether or not they will give us a vehicle to participate in this year's run. Additionally, this may be our only chance to participate because this is an invitational only type race. I feel it is quite moot to offer up prayers that we get a vehicle when there are many more important issues that warrant God's attention. However, I will ask none-the-less. I will certainly keep ya'll posted.
-josh
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Cross the Line Tour
WOW! I have been waiting months for this concert and I almost missed it due to being sick. It wasn't until the last minute I decided that I could rock-out despite being in bed for two and a half days. Man am I glad I did, cause it was the best medicine I could have had. Not only did we enjoy a sweet concert, but we also met Superchick.
This best part, I must say, was jammin' with the family; doin' the bump with my wife to KJ-52; dancing with my little girl on my shoulders to Brit Nicole and throwing up my rawk fist with my son to Disciple. Man those kids can party.
Monday, May 12, 2008
the Jesus project
A week or so ago, my wife overheard a theological conversation between my 4 year old son and my 6 year old daughter. She shared their debate with me and I felt compelled to write a segment about it.
We can certainly learn some deep and profound truths of theology from the mouths of babes if we would take the time to not only listen, but reflect; this is precisely what I have done. If any of you have followed my wife's blog, our son and daughter have some quite unique '-isms' that usually bring a laugh. However, they can be deep and philosophical too.
Corbin made the statement that,
"Jesus is our project!"
How many of us actually treat Jesus as our project?
Dictionary.com defines project as:
proj·ect [n. proj-ekt, -ikt; v. pruh-jekt] –noun
1. something that is contemplated, devised, or planned; plan; scheme.
2. a large or major undertaking, esp. one involving considerable money, personnel, and equipment.
3. a specific task of investigation, esp. in scholarship.
4. Education. a supplementary, long-term educational assignment necessitating personal initiative, undertaken by an individual student or a group of students.
Something that is contemplated; a large or major undertaking; an investigation; a long-term educational assignment. Do we really view Jesus as our life's project? If we don't, then the great wisdom that was imparted to my 4 year old son from Whom I believe is responsible for this phenomenom called existence has missed its mark. This random act of brilliance is not, in my opinion, so random for it has pierced my very being in that I must make and continue to mold my way of thinking - this life is the Jesus project. It is my prayer and desire that you too will consider this wisdom and make Jesus your life's project for the grade of passing or failing will determine your eternity.
-blessings
We can certainly learn some deep and profound truths of theology from the mouths of babes if we would take the time to not only listen, but reflect; this is precisely what I have done. If any of you have followed my wife's blog, our son and daughter have some quite unique '-isms' that usually bring a laugh. However, they can be deep and philosophical too.
Corbin made the statement that,
"Jesus is our project!"
How many of us actually treat Jesus as our project?
Dictionary.com defines project as:
proj·ect [n. proj-ekt, -ikt; v. pruh-jekt] –noun
1. something that is contemplated, devised, or planned; plan; scheme.
2. a large or major undertaking, esp. one involving considerable money, personnel, and equipment.
3. a specific task of investigation, esp. in scholarship.
4. Education. a supplementary, long-term educational assignment necessitating personal initiative, undertaken by an individual student or a group of students.
Something that is contemplated; a large or major undertaking; an investigation; a long-term educational assignment. Do we really view Jesus as our life's project? If we don't, then the great wisdom that was imparted to my 4 year old son from Whom I believe is responsible for this phenomenom called existence has missed its mark. This random act of brilliance is not, in my opinion, so random for it has pierced my very being in that I must make and continue to mold my way of thinking - this life is the Jesus project. It is my prayer and desire that you too will consider this wisdom and make Jesus your life's project for the grade of passing or failing will determine your eternity.
-blessings
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Laying A Friend & Brother To Rest
This entry is not only in memory of Mike "Fe Fe" Pierre and his family that was unexpectedly left behind, but for all my brothers, sisters, and their families within the police, fire and EMS service that too have faced loss.
There are seldom any answers that bring comfort to those that have lost friends and family, but we ask anyway. We may quietly ask God, "why?" or brazenly beat on our chest while screaming at our Creator. Our Father understands, for He created us. It is not while on the snow-capped mountain-tops lacking in vegetation that one may grow closer to God. It is in the lowly, lush valleys that we find growth and life. It was created this way by One who understands us better than we do ourselves for He became one of us in order that He may mediate for us at a future time. So in times of grief, sorrow or pain, keep in mind that God is the creator of all of those emotions and is more than capable of pulling us through...if we give up control and allow Him.
So take the extra time to tell your children you love them. Tell your husband or wife how much you care for them. Make amends with whomever you need to, for no one but God knows what tomorrow will bring.
We'll miss you Mike.
Please copy and paste the link below for the news coverage.
www.setxhomepage.com/media_player.php?media_id=6756#
There are seldom any answers that bring comfort to those that have lost friends and family, but we ask anyway. We may quietly ask God, "why?" or brazenly beat on our chest while screaming at our Creator. Our Father understands, for He created us. It is not while on the snow-capped mountain-tops lacking in vegetation that one may grow closer to God. It is in the lowly, lush valleys that we find growth and life. It was created this way by One who understands us better than we do ourselves for He became one of us in order that He may mediate for us at a future time. So in times of grief, sorrow or pain, keep in mind that God is the creator of all of those emotions and is more than capable of pulling us through...if we give up control and allow Him.
So take the extra time to tell your children you love them. Tell your husband or wife how much you care for them. Make amends with whomever you need to, for no one but God knows what tomorrow will bring.
We'll miss you Mike.
Please copy and paste the link below for the news coverage.
www.setxhomepage.com/media_player.php?media_id=6756#
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Who's Agenda Are You On?
agenda
1657, from L., lit. "things to be done," from neut. pl. of agendum, gerundive of agere (see act). Originally theological (opposed to matters of belief), sense of "items of business to be done at a meeting" first attested 1882.
Because of our technological advances, our world travels at an even greater break-neck speed. We busy ourselves with work, studies, household chores, even church. The question is, "Where do we allow flexibility for God's instruction?" Moreover, "Do we heed to His instruction when we do remain flexible?" Many may already know the story of Jonah; the guy who ran from God and ended up in the belly of a whale only to be vomited out later. Okay, I know it's gross, but don't blame me, I didn't write the book. Another theological debate is whether he really was in a whale's belly. I am of the camp that ALL Scripture is true regardless of how extraordinary it may seem. I will not put God in a box, so if some would like to contest the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible, I look forward to your comments. After reading the book of Jonah several times (it's only 4 chapters) I realized that the reasoning of Jonah's disobedience was due to fear as I had originally believed. It was because of his dislike and hatred of the Ninevites. You see Jonah didn't want the town of Nineveh and its inhabitants spared. He knew if they repented, God would have mercy on them (4:1-2). Jonah went the complete opposite way of Assyria toward Tarshish. Out of fear, self-pity, depression or whatever else, upon embarking on the vessel, he went straight to lowest part of the ship. He wanted to seclude himself from not only God, but man as well. As the storm intensified the seas, the pagan sailors began praying to each of their gods with the hopes of saving themselves. When they realized who was to blame (by casting lots) Jonah 'fesses up. He tells them he is to blame for the storm and that the only way for them to be saved is by throwing him overboard. The sailors do all they can to keep from having to do this. What is interesting about these sailors is the fact they they, as pagans, exhibited more compassion than Jonah, a man and prophet of God. After reluctantly throwing Jonah overboard, the sailors not only prayed to God, but they began offering sacrifices to Him as well. You see, God is able to use even our mistakes and disobedience to bring others into a belief and possible relationship with Him. Jonah is eventually swallowed by a fish and for three days he has a heart-to-heart with God. God gives him a second chance and he is back on land. After preaching God's message to the Ninevites, they repent. This amazing obedience of Nineveh stood in stark contrast to Israel's stubbornness (Matthew 12:39-41). This would be short-lived. God destroys Nineveh a short-time later. In conclusion, Jonah is angry with God for sparing the Ninevites. It was his agenda that became more important than God's. We can learn much from Jonah. First we must remain flexible to God's instruction. Second, we must be faithful and willing to His instruction even if we do not agree or understand the reasoning behind it. Lastly, we must accept His will, because nothing we do will frustrate God's ultimate plan. People have been trying for millenia only to their own contravention.
Modern Language Association (MLA):
"Agenda." Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 20 Mar. 2008.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Agenda.
1657, from L., lit. "things to be done," from neut. pl. of agendum, gerundive of agere (see act). Originally theological (opposed to matters of belief), sense of "items of business to be done at a meeting" first attested 1882.
Because of our technological advances, our world travels at an even greater break-neck speed. We busy ourselves with work, studies, household chores, even church. The question is, "Where do we allow flexibility for God's instruction?" Moreover, "Do we heed to His instruction when we do remain flexible?" Many may already know the story of Jonah; the guy who ran from God and ended up in the belly of a whale only to be vomited out later. Okay, I know it's gross, but don't blame me, I didn't write the book. Another theological debate is whether he really was in a whale's belly. I am of the camp that ALL Scripture is true regardless of how extraordinary it may seem. I will not put God in a box, so if some would like to contest the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible, I look forward to your comments. After reading the book of Jonah several times (it's only 4 chapters) I realized that the reasoning of Jonah's disobedience was due to fear as I had originally believed. It was because of his dislike and hatred of the Ninevites. You see Jonah didn't want the town of Nineveh and its inhabitants spared. He knew if they repented, God would have mercy on them (4:1-2). Jonah went the complete opposite way of Assyria toward Tarshish. Out of fear, self-pity, depression or whatever else, upon embarking on the vessel, he went straight to lowest part of the ship. He wanted to seclude himself from not only God, but man as well. As the storm intensified the seas, the pagan sailors began praying to each of their gods with the hopes of saving themselves. When they realized who was to blame (by casting lots) Jonah 'fesses up. He tells them he is to blame for the storm and that the only way for them to be saved is by throwing him overboard. The sailors do all they can to keep from having to do this. What is interesting about these sailors is the fact they they, as pagans, exhibited more compassion than Jonah, a man and prophet of God. After reluctantly throwing Jonah overboard, the sailors not only prayed to God, but they began offering sacrifices to Him as well. You see, God is able to use even our mistakes and disobedience to bring others into a belief and possible relationship with Him. Jonah is eventually swallowed by a fish and for three days he has a heart-to-heart with God. God gives him a second chance and he is back on land. After preaching God's message to the Ninevites, they repent. This amazing obedience of Nineveh stood in stark contrast to Israel's stubbornness (Matthew 12:39-41). This would be short-lived. God destroys Nineveh a short-time later. In conclusion, Jonah is angry with God for sparing the Ninevites. It was his agenda that became more important than God's. We can learn much from Jonah. First we must remain flexible to God's instruction. Second, we must be faithful and willing to His instruction even if we do not agree or understand the reasoning behind it. Lastly, we must accept His will, because nothing we do will frustrate God's ultimate plan. People have been trying for millenia only to their own contravention.
Modern Language Association (MLA):
"Agenda." Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 20 Mar. 2008.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Actions have Consequences
Currently I am reading George Barna's A Fish Out of Water: 9 Strategies to Maximize Your God-Given Leadership Potential. I am only two chapters in, but I am compelled to share what I have learned thus far. As you may have already found out through my profile, I really have no idea what I want to be when I grow up, so for now, I want to be and do everything. Eventually, I would like to be a consultant of sorts in emergency management and mitigation or somehow weasel my way into the business marketplace.
I love leadership; books, articles, journals, you name it. The great debate is and will continue to be, "Are people born leaders or are they educated to become leaders?" The answer depends on whom you speak with. In my opinion, it is a little of both. You see, God creates those He wants in positions of leadership, however those people may not agree due to their own timidity and lack of confidence. Take Moses for example. These folks that may be unsure of themselves can seek to hone their skills to become more effective leaders through experience, education, etc. The catch is, however, if God has not appointed them as a leader, no amount of experience or knowledge will ever allow them to become effective leaders. God's appointment, regarding leadership, is the requisite credential. This prelude leads us to today's entry. The most effective leadership strategy, whether it be for a battle, a business, or a home, can be found within the pages of Scripture. Many extra-biblical texts serve to be invaluable resources but the foundation is Scripture, itself.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is Newton's Third Law of Motion. The same principle applies to leadership. Whether it be in business, the battlefield or home; Actions have Consequences.
For those in leadership positions, this saying is applied ten-fold because not only is everyone watching you, they are depending on you for guidance. The truest definition of a leader is one that has followers. Without followers, there's no leader. The author of Ecclesiastes, through the divine and sovereign hand of God, tells us in the third chapter "There is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven." This includes action. Action, then leads to change. Change often leads to consequences; good and bad. It is through this arduous process that Christian leaders be the Godly representative which in-turn shows our Creator's influence in our decision making process and calling as leaders. We are to be trailblazers and point-men/women, providing a path of safe-haven while we lead our constituents. Similar to a light house that leads an ocean vessel to safety, we too are to lead. (Matthew 5) "Leadership is the art of serving God by helping His people become more like His Son through the indefatigable pursuit of His vision and values (Barna)."
I love leadership; books, articles, journals, you name it. The great debate is and will continue to be, "Are people born leaders or are they educated to become leaders?" The answer depends on whom you speak with. In my opinion, it is a little of both. You see, God creates those He wants in positions of leadership, however those people may not agree due to their own timidity and lack of confidence. Take Moses for example. These folks that may be unsure of themselves can seek to hone their skills to become more effective leaders through experience, education, etc. The catch is, however, if God has not appointed them as a leader, no amount of experience or knowledge will ever allow them to become effective leaders. God's appointment, regarding leadership, is the requisite credential. This prelude leads us to today's entry. The most effective leadership strategy, whether it be for a battle, a business, or a home, can be found within the pages of Scripture. Many extra-biblical texts serve to be invaluable resources but the foundation is Scripture, itself.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is Newton's Third Law of Motion. The same principle applies to leadership. Whether it be in business, the battlefield or home; Actions have Consequences.
For those in leadership positions, this saying is applied ten-fold because not only is everyone watching you, they are depending on you for guidance. The truest definition of a leader is one that has followers. Without followers, there's no leader. The author of Ecclesiastes, through the divine and sovereign hand of God, tells us in the third chapter "There is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven." This includes action. Action, then leads to change. Change often leads to consequences; good and bad. It is through this arduous process that Christian leaders be the Godly representative which in-turn shows our Creator's influence in our decision making process and calling as leaders. We are to be trailblazers and point-men/women, providing a path of safe-haven while we lead our constituents. Similar to a light house that leads an ocean vessel to safety, we too are to lead. (Matthew 5) "Leadership is the art of serving God by helping His people become more like His Son through the indefatigable pursuit of His vision and values (Barna)."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Registration Is Final & We Are In, Baby
Got some great news this morning from the organizers of the Fireball Run. Our registration has been confirmed and our spot is secure. Many thanks to the Beaumont Convention & Visitor's Bureau (http://www.beaumontcvb.com/) for securing our spot with a very large check! The car's number is #09; honoring the history of Spindletop. For 9 straight days back in 1901, the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop flowed producing almost a million gallons of oil; more than all of the other producing wells in the United States COMBINED! This was the oil boom that put Beaumont on the map.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Love Is Fluid
Well, Valentines Day is quickly approaching, and some lyrics seemed to echo in my head regarding love. The lyric goes, "Love, what is it? A solid or a liquid?" This got the wheels turning in my head (insert joke here). Regarding matter, we have three choices: solid, liquid and gas. So with these three choices, what would best describe love? In my opinion, love is not a solid. If it were a solid, it would only be able to cover a minimal amount of surface area. There are many crevices and places where love would not fit. Picture a glass with pebbles from top to bottom. Is the glass completely full? The answer is no, for there is still space for something else to fill.
Love is also not a gas. A gas is unseen and cannot be grasped. Love could not possibly be this, for we would never be able to establish a relationship with something unseen and untouchable.
(Make no mistake, God is not either of these, for He came as flesh and blood. He can be seen and grasped through His creation)
In the end, all we are left with is liquid.
Love is a liquid. Love is fluid. Fluid love is able to reach the areas of our heart that we would never allow to be seen. Areas that we try to hide so we are not vulnerable. Love penetrates even the most fortified of hearts. This is why our Creator and Savior made it the most important - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets depend on these two commandments."
Matthew 22:37-40 Love has no boundaries aside from the ones we give it. If you pour a glass of water onto a flat surface, it will spread. If you confine it to a cup or dish, you bind it to that cup or dish. Follow the words of Christ by letting your love spread. It is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. The love my wife gives me is fluid. My very being is saturated with her love and for that I am so very greatful. Thank you Courtney for your love.
Love is also not a gas. A gas is unseen and cannot be grasped. Love could not possibly be this, for we would never be able to establish a relationship with something unseen and untouchable.
(Make no mistake, God is not either of these, for He came as flesh and blood. He can be seen and grasped through His creation)
In the end, all we are left with is liquid.
Love is a liquid. Love is fluid. Fluid love is able to reach the areas of our heart that we would never allow to be seen. Areas that we try to hide so we are not vulnerable. Love penetrates even the most fortified of hearts. This is why our Creator and Savior made it the most important - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets depend on these two commandments."
Matthew 22:37-40 Love has no boundaries aside from the ones we give it. If you pour a glass of water onto a flat surface, it will spread. If you confine it to a cup or dish, you bind it to that cup or dish. Follow the words of Christ by letting your love spread. It is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. The love my wife gives me is fluid. My very being is saturated with her love and for that I am so very greatful. Thank you Courtney for your love.
Fireball Update
Just an update on the upcoming race. I met with the representitives of the Beaumont Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB) on Friday to share ideas. This is truly an exciting time, however the work is far from being finished. We're still waiting on a car, however we do have an in-dash GPS and premium sound system ready for install thanks to Motion Audio and Premier Sound. For any locals (Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange and everywhere in between) that come across this site that want to be involved, bring it! Thanks to my wife for her continuing support and all those that have sent their well-wishes from her blog http://www.createdbycourtney.blogspot.com/ .
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
2008 Fireball Run Trans-Continental Race
Today's entry is not quite as spiritual as the others, however I received some awesome news. I was asked to participate as a driver for the 2008 Fireball Run. If you're not familiar with this race, it is similar to the Bull Run, Great American Race, and Gumball Rally. Last year the race went East to West from Orlando to Beverly Hills. This year its running from South to North with the locations TBD.
Unlike the other trans-continental runs, this race is for the Child Rescue Network www.childrescuenetwork.com/ . The racer's vehicles are virtual rolling milk cartons. Additionally, this race is for a very few. Entrants must be invited, and that doesn't even guarantee spot. So it is truly an honor to have the opportunity to participate. I will try to get some links put on my blog. In the meantime, visit http://www.fireballrun.com/ to check it out for yourself.
Unlike the other trans-continental runs, this race is for the Child Rescue Network www.childrescuenetwork.com/ . The racer's vehicles are virtual rolling milk cartons. Additionally, this race is for a very few. Entrants must be invited, and that doesn't even guarantee spot. So it is truly an honor to have the opportunity to participate. I will try to get some links put on my blog. In the meantime, visit http://www.fireballrun.com/ to check it out for yourself.
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