There is nothing that can compare to the quietness of the morning. Birds are singing in full orchestrated harmony, (Using many different languages of course) rooster crowing, an occasional car passes by, the hum of the air condition unit. The morning is filled with so many awesome sounds - Notice it is only filled with sounds and "No" words. I wonder what all of nature is trying to communicate to us?
Only a few people will take the time to sit and enjoy this still quiet moment. It is during times like this we can meditate on the awesome wonder of God's creation. As I reflect upon the Sounds with no words this morning - I am reminded of how our God knows our every need. He reminds us in His word that "His eye is on the Sparrow...The Lilies of the fill toil not neither do they spin." Therefore how much more He must care for us His Crowning Glory of all creation. Have you ever noticed in the creation account when He created other things He said, "It was good," but when he created mankind He said, "It is Very Good." I am reminded this morning of the words of Jesus that says, "Be still and know that I am God." Oh that we all would take time to do this more often.
These Sounds Without Words will soon be silenced with neighbors stirring...phone ringing...TV's coming on...breakfast preparations...and many more words will soon be added to the day only to silent the birds singing, I wonder what all of nature was trying to convey to us this morning - Only if we had more time to sit and discern their message....It amazes me how nature becomes so much quieter once we begin to add our noise and our words...Even though words are powerful to inspire, encourage, motivate, communicate and many other positive usage of words...We can learn and communicate so many things even without words!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Reflections
Where Does Time Go? Time How Do You Travel So Fast? It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the birth of our first child. Then three years more had past and we were celebrating the birth of our second child. As every parent we were so nervous and excited at the same time to begin this journey called parenting.
Now we are celebrating the Graduation of our oldest daughter from Grad School this week. Our second daughter will begin her Junior year at Appalachian in the Fall. It is so hard to believe how much they have accomplished in such a short time.
Barbara and I have been so very blessed to have two wonderful daughters. Obviously we are so very proud of them. They both hold so much promise and potential to offer this world of adulthood. I am so glad that the Lord allowed me to be not only their father but also their dad. "Anyone can be a father but it takes a Man to be a dad."
The thing that I am most thankful for in my daughters is that they love the Lord and they seek to make Him part of their daily lives. I love to see the way they connect their faith into everyday life situations.
As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child." Barbara and I have been so blessed to have such a supportive and loving family as well as so many people who have influenced my daughters to be who they are today. I am thankful for faithful Nursery workers, Preschool Sunday School Leaders, Daycare leaders, Children's Sunday School Leaders, School teachers, Youth Leaders, Professors, and Pastors.
We must be careful not to leave out many others such as coaches, doctors, nurses, friends, dentist, orthodontist, and many many more...The list goes on and would be impossible to list them all. One gets the point here.
May this be an attempt to thank each of you that have TOUCHED our daughters life in some way. We value those of you who have impacted their lives and helped us to mold them into the Godly young women they have become! Please pray for them both as they continue this journey we call life.
I am a blessed man to have such a wonderful and beautiful wife and daughters...You have not lived until you live with all Women - What a Joy and a Journey - Nothing like that experience - Would not trade it for anything!
Love My Girls!
Now we are celebrating the Graduation of our oldest daughter from Grad School this week. Our second daughter will begin her Junior year at Appalachian in the Fall. It is so hard to believe how much they have accomplished in such a short time.
Barbara and I have been so very blessed to have two wonderful daughters. Obviously we are so very proud of them. They both hold so much promise and potential to offer this world of adulthood. I am so glad that the Lord allowed me to be not only their father but also their dad. "Anyone can be a father but it takes a Man to be a dad."
The thing that I am most thankful for in my daughters is that they love the Lord and they seek to make Him part of their daily lives. I love to see the way they connect their faith into everyday life situations.
As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child." Barbara and I have been so blessed to have such a supportive and loving family as well as so many people who have influenced my daughters to be who they are today. I am thankful for faithful Nursery workers, Preschool Sunday School Leaders, Daycare leaders, Children's Sunday School Leaders, School teachers, Youth Leaders, Professors, and Pastors.
We must be careful not to leave out many others such as coaches, doctors, nurses, friends, dentist, orthodontist, and many many more...The list goes on and would be impossible to list them all. One gets the point here.
May this be an attempt to thank each of you that have TOUCHED our daughters life in some way. We value those of you who have impacted their lives and helped us to mold them into the Godly young women they have become! Please pray for them both as they continue this journey we call life.
I am a blessed man to have such a wonderful and beautiful wife and daughters...You have not lived until you live with all Women - What a Joy and a Journey - Nothing like that experience - Would not trade it for anything!
Love My Girls!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Beautiful Spring Day
Each day is a very special gift from God. We must decided each day how we will utilize the gift that God has given us. Some days this decision is easier than other days. Today was one of those days that a person just desires to be outside enjoying God's Creation.
The Hill's decided today to spend the morning as a family. So our day started out with breakfast at McDonalds. It was a great breakfast. Easy Order - 3 Gravy Biscuits - 2 Hashbrowns - 1 Big Breakfast with Eggs, Bacon, and Biscuit (guess who had the BIG Breakfast)... and 3 Drinks.
After breakfast we decided to embark upon a New Adventure. After a discussion last night about the New Trail in Statesville with some friends we decided as a family to walk this New Trail. The Trail begins at several points in Statesville...We began the trail across from McDonalds at the Parking Lot beside the Quick Lube Place.
The Trail officially begins at Museum Road and goes over to the Soccer Complex across town. We began the trail and went as far as East Broad Street at the First Presbyterian Boy Scout Camp and then decided to turn around to go back.
The trail is a wonderful place to walk or ride your Bike. It is very moderate - with all terrain mostly flat. It is a beautiful walk through places in Statesville you have never seen unless you have been down the trail before. I would suggest you walk in groups and not alone - especially for young girls and women - DO NOT GO ON THIS ALONE! Not dangerous just too isolated for young girls and women to be alone.
It reminded me of the comforts we have to be able to get in our cars and drive to and from work each day. As Paula and I were talking about how walking is such a way of life for so many around the world. Many people have to walk much further than we did to various places like work, school, groceries, clean water, etc...we can be thankful for our modes of transportation even when at times it can be costly to purchase such things as gas, oil, tires, and insurance. I was also reminded though that we choose our modes of transportation so we do always have the choice to walk or ride our bikes everywhere we go.
Although I would not want to do it - think of all the money we would save in a year's time if we walked - rode bikes - etc... more often than we do - not to mention the exercise we would get and the pounds we would misplace. Just thinking! That is the good thing about a nice walk - makes you see things in a totally different point of view and changes your routine!
The Hill's decided today to spend the morning as a family. So our day started out with breakfast at McDonalds. It was a great breakfast. Easy Order - 3 Gravy Biscuits - 2 Hashbrowns - 1 Big Breakfast with Eggs, Bacon, and Biscuit (guess who had the BIG Breakfast)... and 3 Drinks.
After breakfast we decided to embark upon a New Adventure. After a discussion last night about the New Trail in Statesville with some friends we decided as a family to walk this New Trail. The Trail begins at several points in Statesville...We began the trail across from McDonalds at the Parking Lot beside the Quick Lube Place.
The Trail officially begins at Museum Road and goes over to the Soccer Complex across town. We began the trail and went as far as East Broad Street at the First Presbyterian Boy Scout Camp and then decided to turn around to go back.
The trail is a wonderful place to walk or ride your Bike. It is very moderate - with all terrain mostly flat. It is a beautiful walk through places in Statesville you have never seen unless you have been down the trail before. I would suggest you walk in groups and not alone - especially for young girls and women - DO NOT GO ON THIS ALONE! Not dangerous just too isolated for young girls and women to be alone.
It reminded me of the comforts we have to be able to get in our cars and drive to and from work each day. As Paula and I were talking about how walking is such a way of life for so many around the world. Many people have to walk much further than we did to various places like work, school, groceries, clean water, etc...we can be thankful for our modes of transportation even when at times it can be costly to purchase such things as gas, oil, tires, and insurance. I was also reminded though that we choose our modes of transportation so we do always have the choice to walk or ride our bikes everywhere we go.
Although I would not want to do it - think of all the money we would save in a year's time if we walked - rode bikes - etc... more often than we do - not to mention the exercise we would get and the pounds we would misplace. Just thinking! That is the good thing about a nice walk - makes you see things in a totally different point of view and changes your routine!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Your Life Vision-Mission
As I continue to reflect upon my life Vision-Mission and think of how can my life count? How can I make The greatest impact? How can I make a difference in the world? What is my life mission? What am I suppose to be about?
These are questions that we all should be asking ourselves as we anticipate how God has been working in our lives, how God is working in our lives currently and we seek to discern how He wants to work in our lives in the future. As I have tried to examine myself over the past few days and reflect upon these questions I feel right now there are at least three areas that God is showing me that He wants me to be an agent of change and making a difference in.
Yesterday I was reminded of a quote from Jim Cymbala in his book entitled: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, "I despaired at the thought that my life might slip by without seeing God show Himself mightily on our behalf."
As most of you that know me well know that the Lord has given me a tremendous heart for Kenya over the past few years. I feel that the Lord wants to use me to create awareness of the tremendous needs of this wonderful country. Kenya is a place that is full of potential with very limited resources.
I feel that currently I have three areas of concern that the Lord has placed upon my heart.
First - I believe that the Lord has used me and the teams that have been with me to Kenya to help plant a church known as Kambirwa Church in Kambirwa Kenya. We have been involved with this church from the very beginning stages from a Home Bible Fellowship - Prayer Walking Property - Commissioning as a Church - Beginning of Construction. I believe it is time that we complete the construction of this building that consist currently of only a roof. I am asking God for 100 people that will give $30.00 to help provide the materials needed to complete this project during the Summer of 2011.
Second - We have come to know a young man by the name of Julius that has a strong desire to come to the USA to study at one of our colleges or Universities. We are taking small baby steps to understand more about what is involved in making this possible for him. We are praying that the Lord will continue to direct us on this journey. His desire is to come here and major in Biology or Chemistry and on to Medical School so he can return to his country as a Medical Doctor. I am believing the Lord for helping him be able to accomplish this goal. Please pray as we continue to discern if this is God's plan for his life or not.
Third - Another area of tremendous need and one that remains heavy on my heart is the fact that 1.8 million children die each year from diarrhea and other water related diseases. That is 4900 children per day. Nearly 50% of the people suffer from water-related diseases in developing countries. In I Peter 4:10 it says, "Each One Should Use Whatever Gift He Has Received To Serve Others. Faithfully Administering God's Grace In It's Various Forms." The link below has a lot of information concerning ways you can be involved. You can participate individually or as an organization:
http://www.410bridge.com/
This organization is a very reputable non-denominational faith based group that is addressing the need for pure water in developing areas of Africa. It is my understanding that only 17% of their funds received go for administrative cost. They are seeking to place wells in various communities in Africa. This website will provide simple and easy things that you can do to make a difference.
What are you believing God for? He will use you if you make yourself available for Him. He gives us all different passions and desires. He shows us all different needs. He pulls on our hearts in different ways. That is why we should have a world vision. Together we can make a difference.
I am reminded of the song: "Little Is Much When God Is In It." I pray that He speaks to you today to help you know where you are to make the greatest impact in the world.
These are questions that we all should be asking ourselves as we anticipate how God has been working in our lives, how God is working in our lives currently and we seek to discern how He wants to work in our lives in the future. As I have tried to examine myself over the past few days and reflect upon these questions I feel right now there are at least three areas that God is showing me that He wants me to be an agent of change and making a difference in.
Yesterday I was reminded of a quote from Jim Cymbala in his book entitled: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, "I despaired at the thought that my life might slip by without seeing God show Himself mightily on our behalf."
As most of you that know me well know that the Lord has given me a tremendous heart for Kenya over the past few years. I feel that the Lord wants to use me to create awareness of the tremendous needs of this wonderful country. Kenya is a place that is full of potential with very limited resources.
I feel that currently I have three areas of concern that the Lord has placed upon my heart.
First - I believe that the Lord has used me and the teams that have been with me to Kenya to help plant a church known as Kambirwa Church in Kambirwa Kenya. We have been involved with this church from the very beginning stages from a Home Bible Fellowship - Prayer Walking Property - Commissioning as a Church - Beginning of Construction. I believe it is time that we complete the construction of this building that consist currently of only a roof. I am asking God for 100 people that will give $30.00 to help provide the materials needed to complete this project during the Summer of 2011.
Second - We have come to know a young man by the name of Julius that has a strong desire to come to the USA to study at one of our colleges or Universities. We are taking small baby steps to understand more about what is involved in making this possible for him. We are praying that the Lord will continue to direct us on this journey. His desire is to come here and major in Biology or Chemistry and on to Medical School so he can return to his country as a Medical Doctor. I am believing the Lord for helping him be able to accomplish this goal. Please pray as we continue to discern if this is God's plan for his life or not.
Third - Another area of tremendous need and one that remains heavy on my heart is the fact that 1.8 million children die each year from diarrhea and other water related diseases. That is 4900 children per day. Nearly 50% of the people suffer from water-related diseases in developing countries. In I Peter 4:10 it says, "Each One Should Use Whatever Gift He Has Received To Serve Others. Faithfully Administering God's Grace In It's Various Forms." The link below has a lot of information concerning ways you can be involved. You can participate individually or as an organization:
http://www.410bridge.com/
This organization is a very reputable non-denominational faith based group that is addressing the need for pure water in developing areas of Africa. It is my understanding that only 17% of their funds received go for administrative cost. They are seeking to place wells in various communities in Africa. This website will provide simple and easy things that you can do to make a difference.
What are you believing God for? He will use you if you make yourself available for Him. He gives us all different passions and desires. He shows us all different needs. He pulls on our hearts in different ways. That is why we should have a world vision. Together we can make a difference.
I am reminded of the song: "Little Is Much When God Is In It." I pray that He speaks to you today to help you know where you are to make the greatest impact in the world.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Unto One Of The Least Of These
Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40.
I was reminded of this verse on Wednesday as I met a young man by the name of Jay (named changed to protect his identity). The way I met Jay was what some people would call disturbing and disrupting their day. To be totally honest that is exactly how I felt when our church secretary came to my office and said, "ok we have a problem - evidently there is a homeless man hanging out in the parking lot asking people for help." My initial response was not near as wholesome as it should have been.
However, I knew the situation must be tended to as we had people arriving for a funeral service along with the fact that we have a Daycare on our campus and several of our teachers were coming in from Breaks and expressing their discomfort having seen him in the parking lot.
Once outside I saw a young man from "Different Eyes." I felt as if God was saying to me, "Exercise Grace and Mercy...He is my child." I walked up and said, "Hello - how can I help you?" Jay was a young man with a puppy and a broken heart because his girlfriend had been arrested the night before. He shared that he needed a blanket. I asked him where he was staying. This is where the story gets a little more heartwarming. He said that he was staying down the street in the woods. I told him that he really needed to go to our Shelter that we have in town. He said he could not go there due to the puppy and he said he had tried to give the puppy away during the day but there was nobody that wanted him. I shared with him that we could provide him with a sleeping bag - but we would have to go and purchase it at Wal-Mart.
Long story made short our youth pastor had borrowed my vehicle so I called him to stop by Wal-Mart and get a sleeping bag and when he returned having known the story now about Jay - he brought him not only a sleeping bag but also a loaf of bread and some bologna and ham. Our Daycare Director had fixed up a back of snacks, juices and food she had for him. We inquired with Jay about his relationship with Christ (he said he was a Christian), prayed with him and gave him a Bible and told him we could not allow him to hang out on campus that he would have to take this stuff and leave now.
Jay has plans to get a job and continue to seek to improve his situation. The lesson I learned was that Jay could have come on our campus and left with one of two impressions. 1). That place is truly a Light House and a Missional Outpost where he could see Jesus or 2). I went there with a need in my life and they asked me to leave and ran me off. I do not share this to brag or to pat ourselves on the back but I share it to say - that we must listen to that "Still small voice" and ask God to give us wisdom on how to handle these situations and ask for discernment. I think Jesus would have actually said something like, "Come on Jay - I am going to your place for tea - or in this case - "Come on Jay you are going to my house for dinner." There is so much to learn as we seek to be Missional each day and follow the example of Christ."
We hope to continue to reach out to Jay in the next few days. Our plan is to take him for a meal and get him a change of clothes and perhaps work out a way for him to get a warm shower.
Pray for discernment along this journey called life and live a life that reflects the love of Christ as you go.
I was reminded of this verse on Wednesday as I met a young man by the name of Jay (named changed to protect his identity). The way I met Jay was what some people would call disturbing and disrupting their day. To be totally honest that is exactly how I felt when our church secretary came to my office and said, "ok we have a problem - evidently there is a homeless man hanging out in the parking lot asking people for help." My initial response was not near as wholesome as it should have been.
However, I knew the situation must be tended to as we had people arriving for a funeral service along with the fact that we have a Daycare on our campus and several of our teachers were coming in from Breaks and expressing their discomfort having seen him in the parking lot.
Once outside I saw a young man from "Different Eyes." I felt as if God was saying to me, "Exercise Grace and Mercy...He is my child." I walked up and said, "Hello - how can I help you?" Jay was a young man with a puppy and a broken heart because his girlfriend had been arrested the night before. He shared that he needed a blanket. I asked him where he was staying. This is where the story gets a little more heartwarming. He said that he was staying down the street in the woods. I told him that he really needed to go to our Shelter that we have in town. He said he could not go there due to the puppy and he said he had tried to give the puppy away during the day but there was nobody that wanted him. I shared with him that we could provide him with a sleeping bag - but we would have to go and purchase it at Wal-Mart.
Long story made short our youth pastor had borrowed my vehicle so I called him to stop by Wal-Mart and get a sleeping bag and when he returned having known the story now about Jay - he brought him not only a sleeping bag but also a loaf of bread and some bologna and ham. Our Daycare Director had fixed up a back of snacks, juices and food she had for him. We inquired with Jay about his relationship with Christ (he said he was a Christian), prayed with him and gave him a Bible and told him we could not allow him to hang out on campus that he would have to take this stuff and leave now.
Jay has plans to get a job and continue to seek to improve his situation. The lesson I learned was that Jay could have come on our campus and left with one of two impressions. 1). That place is truly a Light House and a Missional Outpost where he could see Jesus or 2). I went there with a need in my life and they asked me to leave and ran me off. I do not share this to brag or to pat ourselves on the back but I share it to say - that we must listen to that "Still small voice" and ask God to give us wisdom on how to handle these situations and ask for discernment. I think Jesus would have actually said something like, "Come on Jay - I am going to your place for tea - or in this case - "Come on Jay you are going to my house for dinner." There is so much to learn as we seek to be Missional each day and follow the example of Christ."
We hope to continue to reach out to Jay in the next few days. Our plan is to take him for a meal and get him a change of clothes and perhaps work out a way for him to get a warm shower.
Pray for discernment along this journey called life and live a life that reflects the love of Christ as you go.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Being On-Mission
I am so excited and amazed each day about the things that the Lord shows and teaches me. Over the past several months The Lord has been showing me what it means to live in "Total Abandonment" to Him and His call upon my life. Most recently I have read two books that I would highly recommend to anyone to read. Radical - written by: David Platt and Crazy Love - written by: Francis Chan. I am currently in the process of reading another book entitled: Sun Stand Still - written by Steven Furtick that has been highly recommended to me by my daughter and several others.
What I have been realizing is the power of impact and the question: "How Does God Want To Use Me To Make An Impact?" One way that I have found resolution to this question has been the great heart that the Lord has given me for Kenya. I have had the opportunity to be involved in Partnership Missions with Kenya now for the fourth year in a row. Since 2008 I have traveled to Kenya two times. The First trip I took to Kenya in 2008 my oldest Daughter accompanied me along with several other team members. In 2009 my youngest daughter accompanied our team. This made these trips even more special to me to share them with my daughters.
I have seen the Lord do great and mighty things through the two teams that our church has helped to sponsor for Kenya. I will have to opportunity once again in July 2011 to travel to Kenya with a team of 9 people. I am so excited about what I feel the Lord will do through this group of dedicated people who have made a commitment to follow His call.
Several highlights of this partnership to name a few have been seeing a new church start known as Kambirwa Church established and impacting their community where once there was no church at all. Seeing Kiamara Home Bible Fellowship Commissioned into a church family. Our team in 2009 was able to baptize more than 12 believers and commission them as a church known as Kiamara Church. Many preaching points, Pastor's training school, orphanages visited, Visiting in their schools, etc. This is a very small snapshot of what the Lord is doing among this wonderful group of people.
As we travel there once again in 2011 we hope to see the completion of the Sanctuary for Kambirwa church, conduct another Pastor equipping Seminar, Work with the children, and lead in worship at various "Preaching Points."
Muranga Town Church is the Sponsoring church in Kenya. They are on facebook if you would like to add them as a friend or visit their wall for more information.
The Lord is also showing me things to be involved in right here in our community known as Statesville. I am a firm believer that missions begins right in our back yard. Being On-Mission must become part of who we are as a Disciple of Christ in our everyday walk.
Please pray for me as I seek to be the Follower of Christ I believe He has called me to be each day of my life. It is my prayer that He will direct my paths and guide me each day!
What I have been realizing is the power of impact and the question: "How Does God Want To Use Me To Make An Impact?" One way that I have found resolution to this question has been the great heart that the Lord has given me for Kenya. I have had the opportunity to be involved in Partnership Missions with Kenya now for the fourth year in a row. Since 2008 I have traveled to Kenya two times. The First trip I took to Kenya in 2008 my oldest Daughter accompanied me along with several other team members. In 2009 my youngest daughter accompanied our team. This made these trips even more special to me to share them with my daughters.
I have seen the Lord do great and mighty things through the two teams that our church has helped to sponsor for Kenya. I will have to opportunity once again in July 2011 to travel to Kenya with a team of 9 people. I am so excited about what I feel the Lord will do through this group of dedicated people who have made a commitment to follow His call.
Several highlights of this partnership to name a few have been seeing a new church start known as Kambirwa Church established and impacting their community where once there was no church at all. Seeing Kiamara Home Bible Fellowship Commissioned into a church family. Our team in 2009 was able to baptize more than 12 believers and commission them as a church known as Kiamara Church. Many preaching points, Pastor's training school, orphanages visited, Visiting in their schools, etc. This is a very small snapshot of what the Lord is doing among this wonderful group of people.
As we travel there once again in 2011 we hope to see the completion of the Sanctuary for Kambirwa church, conduct another Pastor equipping Seminar, Work with the children, and lead in worship at various "Preaching Points."
Muranga Town Church is the Sponsoring church in Kenya. They are on facebook if you would like to add them as a friend or visit their wall for more information.
The Lord is also showing me things to be involved in right here in our community known as Statesville. I am a firm believer that missions begins right in our back yard. Being On-Mission must become part of who we are as a Disciple of Christ in our everyday walk.
Please pray for me as I seek to be the Follower of Christ I believe He has called me to be each day of my life. It is my prayer that He will direct my paths and guide me each day!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Welcome To My Blog
Let me welcome you to my new blog. Several people have encouraged me recently to consider the world of Blogging. I must say that this is definitely a new world for me. The first challenge to blogging was deciding what to name my Blog...After a little thought from my wonderful wife and my daughter we decided that "View From The Hilltop" would be a great title for such a blog. It is my desire to write about humorous things that happen to me along my journey in life - to offer a word of inspiration from time to time - to offer words of encouragement - and simply to have a place to record and capture my "View From The Hilltop." I will be working over the next few weeks to get this blog up and running!
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