A PP'sPs about Joy

I apologize for anyone who heard this yesterday, but I keep thinking about joy. I hope that if I ever have to endure great hardship, whether it's poor health, traumatic loss, or even persecution, I will have the same joy found in the apostles in Acts 5, in Paul & Silas in Acts 16, and in my late friend, Pete, who endured a lifelong devastating disease. All expressed a joy that superseded any circumstances they found themselves in. I consider myself a joyful person, but how could I not be? I'm a strikingly attractive young man with great hair, loving parents, and I have great relationships with my siblings. I have the best job in the world and have had few traumatic events in my life. I have no excuse. I better be joyful! But what about the aforementioned sufferers? Where did their joy come from? But as I was listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "What Kind of Joy", I heard the answer. He finishes his chorus with this line: "This is the joy of a soul that's forgiven & free." And so, it appears that when we surrender our lives to Christ and receive His forgiveness, all the joy in the universe is at our disposal! Regardless of our circumstances, we have access to His joy and have no excuse for our lack. Let us embrace His joy so that it overflows and impacts everyone we come in contact with.

Are you a soul that's forgiven and free?

A PP'sPs about Birthdays

Well, I'm another year older. I'm not sure what that means. Probably means I should be a little closer to actually growing up, but that's probably not gonna happen.

I got a chance to play golf w/ a pastor friend, Weiner Joe, and smoked him by 9 strokes! I also had a great meal w/ friends & family at Tony Roma's where I got a "vibrant" grilling apron which I promptly put on a modeled for the whole restaurant! I am such a child! (A sentiment quickly seconded by my wife!)

It looks like growing up will have to wait at least another year!

A PP'sPs about Peace

Apparently praying for peace actually works! In the midst of the most difficult and tense and tragic situation of my admittedly brief ministry career, I prayed for peace and asked others to be praying for peace for me as I preached the memorial service for a murder/suicide couple. And lo and behold, God responded! As I stepped up to the lectern, I felt a wash of peace that passed all understanding and God was able to speak through me and bless those in attendance.

There but for the grace of God go I!

p.s. Don't try it any other way!

A PP'sPs about Moms

It dawned on me this week that too often we underestimate the power of Mom and overestimate the power of cheese. (I have no idea.) Anyway, my mom was here this last week from Texas, originally for the purpose of preparing us for Christy's surgery. However, because Christy's surgery was postponed, Mom just hung out with us, blessing us with food, cleaning, laundry, groceries, and her presence. She was truly a blessing to us when we were down in the dumps, frustrated by the postponements.

After being away from home for college and then Kentucky for 15 years now, apparently I had underestimated the awesomeness of Mom. This was the most time I had spent with her for at least 15 years and was reminded how great she really is.

I'm further updating my Mom Estimation after two boys in our community lost their mom to a tragedy. I'm thankful to God for an amazing Mom and pray that never again will I underestimate her Momness!