just ask

Most people I know won’t ask for help when they are in need.  A lot of us are like the husband who doesn’t want to ask for directions when the family is lost; it’s what they need and would save time but he’s too pig headed to stop.  Do you know anyone like this?  I would definately fall into this category – just ask my wife  

Recently I needed some pastoral help and I didn’t know where to turn.  It’s not like I don’t have some incredible pastors that I can turn to for advice but for some reason I felt as if my close connections wouldn’t give me the answer or guidance that I needed.    I sat at my desk and asked myself “what do i do?”   I needed guidance but where do I turn?  I prayed – ALOT. 

I woke up in the middle of the night and had this dumb idea – what if I e-mailed one of my favorite authors who happens to be a pastor.  What if I asked his advice?  Maybe, just maybe he could help me in my predicament.  I know he’s been through something like this because he’s written about it.  What’s the worst that could happen?  He could ignore me.

The next morning I found his e-mail address,  typed out a short note asking for help  (concluding in my mind that i would probably never hear from a busy guy like this). I read the e-mail over, re-read it and finally pressed “send”.   With no exxageration; two minutes later ,this very busy author and pastor responded to me with advice, examples of what he had done in the past and offered to talk about whatever I needed in the future!  * picture my jaw hitting the ground.

What did I learn through this?  A) It’s cool that a fellow pastor was willing to help out a guy he doesn’t know.  It makes me want to be that kind of guy.  B) I’ll buy any book he writes – he’s the real deal.  C)  It doesn’t hurt to ask.  What’s the worst that could happen? 

There’s a challenge for you today – is there a need that you have?  Is there a deal you need to make or a decision you need to get.  Why not make make the big ask.  What’s the worst that can happen?  They could say ”no” OR they might surprise you and say “yes”.  Just ask

Monday morning

It was a long week for me last week.  As I sit at my desk right now I am emotionally drained and am longing just to go cut my lawn (seriously – it hasn’t been cut for two weeks and my new neighbour probably thinks he moved next to rednecks whom at anytime will place a couch on the grass)

When I am tired and drained I’ve learned the importance of finding outlets to help refuel my body and soul.  Here are some ways I’ve enjoyed lately;

• Golf.  I really wish I could golf everyday.  There is a church in Toronto that buys a golf membership for their senior pastor everyyear.  It doesn’t hurt that it’s a massive church and a couple of the board members are part owners of golflinks. 
• Watching a movie that makes me think.  I first thought I would enjoy dumb, mindless movies when I’m drained but I’m finding that dumb, mindless movies are usually chic flicks or R-rated garbage.  I’d go for a true story or a great mystery and a bowl of popcorn. 
• Wood working.  My father is one of the best finished carpenters I know and he has shown me the joy of building something out of nothing.  It doesn’t matter what the project – I love to work with wood (not that I’m any good at it but I think I’m getting better)
• Reading a good book listening to Hillsong United, Jars of Clay,Coldplay or some good hip-hop and R & B.

What’s worked in the past has been shooting a basketball, going for a run and eating a box of goodie rings in one sitting   I wish I could say “working out” but I’m not there yet.  I’m really trying to get there … but not yet.  Maybe I need a trainer?

There’s a little snapshot of my life.

Some encouragement

This week I’m having the opportunity to walk alongside a family who lost their son/brother/husband in a tragic car accident.   It’s a terribly sad situation in which you never, ever imagine yourself being in.  The emotions involved are overwhelming!

Being a pastor doesn’t mean I automatically know what to do and what to say because … I don’t.  Anytime I’m involved in walking with anyone I’m constantly praying “God – you say the words, help me to know what to do”.   

Yesterday, as I prepared to sit with the family to plan the memorial, I read 2 Corinthains 1; a passage I’ve literally read hundreds of times.  Yesterday these words jumped off the page in verse 9; this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God.  It was as if God wanted to tell me “Brad, you might seem overwhelmed right now.  You might feel like you have to be ‘the answer man’ in so many different situations but you need to stop relying on your strength.  Your strength is ‘leaking’ and I’m the only one to fill you back up.  Rely on me ONLY and I’ll work through you”. 

Wow – I needed that and am clinging to that very closely this week. 

If you pray – I’d appreciate you praying for this family; the wife and two small children, the brother and the mom specifically.  You could pray for me too as I try to share God’s love to the family.

I’m a tweet

I’ve given in and now am part of Twitter. My username is draggly (thanks to my sisters who used to call me that growing up) I’m a newbie so I can’t even tell you how to get to it. I’m thinking www.twitter.com/draggly or join twitter and find me @draggly
For those of you who are unaware of twitter (you know who you are) it’s a chance to waste even more time letting others know what you’re up to and watching what others are doing – all in 140 characters or less.

Your strengths

What are you good at?  Really!  What has God given you a great ability to do?  This weekend I touched on this when we were looking at Romans 12.  Paul mentions that we need to evaluate ourselves properly and use the gifts he’s given us accordingly.   Part of evaluating yourself is to know what we’re good at then we can jump on board any opportunity that comes our way. 

Usain Bolt is the fastest man in the universe.  When asked by a reporter recently “are you cocky or confident?” he answered “I’m confident because I know I’m a fast runner”.  

Take this into your own world.  What are you good at?  If an opportunity came along that needed some attention and it was offered to you – could you say “I’m good at this and I can help”.  

Too many times people sit on the sidelines of life and don’t get involved in what God is doing around them because they don’t know what strengths they possess.   If you know what your strengths are then you will have a better understanding of where God might want to use you in the future.  

*here’s a hint on how to evaluate yourself; if you have a hard time to know what you’re good at … ask some close family and friends to make a list of the top three things that you are good at.  People see your strengths sometimes more than you do.

warning signs

This past week I feel that God is giving warning signs to me in my personal time with Him.  The passages I’ve read and the prayers that I’ve prayed have been constant red flashing lights warning me of what could happen or might happen if I make certain choices over others.   It’s as if he’s whispering in my ear “brad – I love you and I want the best for you.  I want you to flourish and grow but watch out for ________.  If you don’t watch out for ___________ it will cause you to stumble and it will hinder your growth”. 

He’s been teaching me about setting boundaries in my work, marriage, family relationships and time.

He’s been warning me about pride, self confidence vs. “God” confidence, possible consequences with bad decisions and the pitfalls that come with overlooking sin (*thanks to my devotions in 1 Samuel)

I tell my children to look both ways before crossing the street … God is doing the same for me right now. 

It’s a good feeling that He thinks enough of me (and you) that he warns us whether we think we need it or not.  I’m glad I’m listening.

Dear back

Dear Back

We’ve been together for 32 years now.  32 years of scratching, growing, twisting and turning.  You haven’t left my side because my side is attached to you.  You are always behind me.  Back; I pat you.

I write you concerning our latest disagreements.  It appears to me that you are opposing me in everything we try to participate in.  When we sleep you can’t get comfortable.  When I stand up you take your time to stand up with me .  When I swing a golf club you resist.   What is wrong back?  What did I ever do to you?

May I make a suggestion?  Can you and I agree on some things?    I promise to scratch you when you itch.  I promise to lift with my legs so that you don’t have to lift anything (i know you hate lifting anything).  I promise to give you some support.  I promise to take care of your entourage; your friends called the abdominals.  I will get someone to give you rub down.  

In turn I ask this of you; please stop complaining!  I’ve heard enough from you and I’m sick of it.  Our relationship is at it’s best when we work together. 

Sincerly

Brad

What is God’s will for my life

 Trying to figure out who to date, where to move, what job to take makes life difficult.  We regularly ask the question “what is God’s will for my life?”  As we start to dig into Romans 12 on Sunday mornings here at MTC I thought I would put some questions that I’ve used (and am learning to use) when making decisions in life.  I hope they help as you figure out the future. 

1. Am I putting god’s desire ahead of my own.
2. Will it help me to love God and others more.
3. How does this action relate to my personal involvement in fulfilling Christ’s great commission
4. Will this help me lead a more holy life.
5. Will this course of action increase my personal knowledge of Christ.
6. Can I be thankful whatever the results, or however it works out.

daddy’s friday

I look out the window this morning and see that it’s hailing. Little white pellets falling from the sky.

I get all the kids ready to drop caleb off at school, we walk out the door and Abby screams

“Look daddy, it’s raining rice!

I love the innocence of children

I wish you would have told me

Don’t you wish there were times that someone would have told you.  Here are a few in my life that I can recall

I wish you would have told me;

• that my fly was open and my shirt was “peeking” through
• that I have a seed caught in my teeth from the everything bagel I ate from Tim Hortons
• that I wouldn’t ever graduate from grade one piano even though I’ve taken 5 years of lessons from you (thanks Mrs. G )
• that you’d never go out with me (thanks cute girl in grade 8 who I followed around like a lost puppy until she stopped talking to me) 
• that there’s banana in the desert (happens way too often – I’m deathly allergic to bananas … well … not really but I really hate them. 
• that you’re a really terrible golfer and you take literally 20 seconds to hit each shot (before you start to think it’s you – i’m referencing someone who I golfed with in the past who had to line up every shot by putting his golf club on the ground lined up with his feet … then point, scratch a couple of times, wiggle his club, wiggle his butt and proceed to swing and “duff” it 20 yards down the rough.  Repeat this 150 times)
• that your kids have chicken pox and they’re wrestling with my children
• that you’re really not taking me out for lunch at a nice restaurant to thank me, like you said, but rather you wanted to let me know how terrible of a guy I am (it didn’t happen to me but it happened to a friend and since it happened to him and not me – I think it’s hillarious)
• that everyone in the school play was suppose to wear all black while my son stood beside me wearing all white.
• that I’d be doing this for free

Do you have any “i wish you would have told me” scenarios?