Can A Dad Boast?

Day 7 Doxology: Can A Dad Boast?  Today's doxology is really...everyday's doxology for me.  Yesterday, I was amazed at the 2nd graders under Shannon's care, and I couldn't help but to think of how proud their parents must be. It made me  start to think about my own children, and then today I ran across this bookmark that they made for me one Father's Day years ago.  They have grown up so much since then.

I have a favorite age that I think back to often, and it makes me want to just wrap my arms around them and wrestle with them throughout the house like we use to.  Back then they would try and team up on me as soon as I walked in the door, sometimes hiding from me until..."SUPRISE!"  J-1 would act like she was reading to her sisters for hours.  J-2 would be falling and breaking things or need stitches.  J-3 would hide from us until we begged for her to come out.  Come to think of it J-2 and J-3 swopped those roles a lot.  All three were responsible for making it snow with a huge family size container of baby powder.  Each are special and unique in their own way.

One year for Christmas Santa Clause made a doll house.  After the season settled down, I made a beautiful 6 panel front door out of cedar for their new doll house.  After hours of detailed work, complete with brass hinges and door knocker, I said Jackie look at your new door.  She grabbed it, ran to her room, and it was never seen again.

A year or so later, J-2 was playing hide and seek, but she must have meant that it was hide and sleep, because she hide and fell asleep on top of the trundle under her bed.  Two parents and a grandmother franticly searched for the missing girl for way too long. And, just before I was ready to call for an Amber Alert, she was found...Bless her heart!

Then there was the time that J-3 was sitting on the 4 footboard of our bed hypnotized by the TV.  I came in the bedroom and told her not to sit on footboard or she could fall off and break her arm.  She climb down, I walk in the living room, and I heard...plump! She fell off the footboard and broke her arm.  Her jersey cow cast looked so cute for her birthday pictures as she was videoed making an impatient chicken sound -Baooooock!

Now they're all grown, and I am more proud of them than ever.  They've managed to grow into some of the most beautiful, funny, hard-working, heartfelt young Christian ladies that a dad could hope for.  Because of them, I have a hint of the depths of a Father's love?  It is the single best joy of my adult life...and it makes me to always strive to be and do better.  Can A Dad Boast?

The Buddy Bench

Day 6 Doxology: I think every generation feels that the world is becoming so fractured that surely their's is the last to have dominion over this world.  In fact, just a limited amount of time in front of the television or catching up on the headlines could drive us into a depressed state.  I think it is the "lemonade out of lemons" that separates many of us and keeps us climbing the hill of life.

My wife is an assistant principal here in Alabama.  Two classes in her 2nd grade read a book about a new kid at school and looked for a way to create some old fashion lemonade.  You can imagine the outsider moving into a new place where relationships are already formed, everyone knows who's the best at math, the best at English, or the best athlete.  For a new kid to break into all-ready-established groups is as difficult as climbing the hill of life.

As it turns out, this fictional book did not have as happy an ending as one would hope...at least for the characters in the book.  However, for a 2nd grade class in North Alabama the ending was made perfect because of their ability to create change.

The two classes read the book, felt the passion for change, wrote a petition to make change possible with some help of a few adults.  Now, for me, this makes the story even better.  Have you ever noticed the ideas and potential hope that a child can have only to be extinguish by a few realistic adults.  They smother their dreams by telling them "That won't make a difference;" or "You're just too young to understand!"  As adults, shouldn't we want to fan the dreams of the next generation to help make the hill..less hilly?

These kids proposed to the school system the need for a "Buddy Bench" to give a place where kids could meet and talk with one another in a safe place.  This bench could act like a Home Base for the game of life.  The bench could be and insult-free zone where dreams could flourish.  The 2nd graders handed my wife their petition with the simplest idea for change they could imagine, and change was already happening.

She called all the right people.  They found an old park bench that was in storage.  They had it painted, they let the kids paint it.  They met with architects and created plans for a 15 X 20 concrete slab so more kids than originally thought could land safely on base.  While they were finishing the concrete they called the kids to make their mark and cement their dreams forever. Meanwhile, She talked to a friend in our church and asked him to laser cut a plaque with the date a names of those responsible.  A different friend from our church drove 2 plus hours to deliver the plaque for it to be added to the freshly poured concrete.  These 2nd graders had all of the adults running around promoting their idea for change, and for a while adults didn't worry about their own "Hill of Life".

Tomorrow will be the ribbon cutting.  The newspapers, the local television news stations will be there to write and film this historical day.  The county administration and elected public officials will all be there because 50-60 2nd graders found a way to make tomorrow better.  Maybe we are looking for ideas of change in all the wrong places...maybe all we need is a "Buddy Bench!"

Grace Extended!

Day 5 Doxology:  Today my family said goodbye to a vehicle that has been more than a safe mode of transportation for several years.  You might be scratching your head thinking how on earth can this be  a doxology moment, and why did he write so much...he must be hurting for something to blog about?  Maybe, but it doesn't change the sense of loss that I felt watching her pull away.

I can't remember when we bought our 2002 Yukon XL from a close friend.  The Yukon had been a blessing to their family for several years before it gave so much to ours.  Our friend sold it to us after she had taken amazing care of it for a very, very discounted price at a time when the favor was greatly needed -grace extended!

At the time, we had 3 small children, and we needed something big, dependable, and safe.  We were able to take many trips and the DVD player would keep them content for hours while we drove in style.  Not to mention the time Shannon claims to have met two San Destin angels that changed her tire after running over a piece of metal in the road -you have to get her to tell you that story!

Even when it acted up Grace flowed thru her.  One day when I was in seminary and serving in a student appointment position at my home church, Shannon, the girls, and our best friends and their children drove the Yukon home from Six Flags.  In our friends drive way the transmission went out.  It was like she limped home with everything she had before collapsing just to get our families home safe. The only thing to do was to call a wrecker.

The Yukon was sidelined while the local dealership replaced the transmission.  Soon, I was called to pick up our baby.  When I arrived at the dealership to see what the price of the new transmission, plus labor, would be...with my credit card in hand...my bill had been paid.  I still get a lump in my throat and watery eyes thinking about the love someone else showed our family through this Yukon-grace extended!

Ironically, yesterday I shared in a sermon that Shannon and I have defined roles in our relationship that may seem, to some, unusual.  She buys and sells the vehicles, and I cook and clean.  Well, yesterday evening she sold our beloved Yukon XL, and today while I was cooking bacon, I watch it drive away.  In her "negotiations" she saw ourselves in a young couple with young children seeking to buy the Yukon to reduce their debt.  They were working toward "Financial Peace," like the program that we've taught at our church in the past.   The same program Shannon and I used years ago to reduce our debt.

During the negotiations, Shannon really discounted our pre-agreed price.  She told them the Yukon has been a blessing for our family, and she wanted it to be a blessing for theirs.  Also, we are now in a point in our life that we can be the ones that can be that blessing to other.  And so...the blessing of the Yukon lives on!

Now here 's my fear...you can read this and think well that was kind of pious -to do it then talk about it.  It might be, but in truth to be extenders of grace really felt good.  It was awesome to help others like my family had been helped time and again.  In a small way, I wanted to praise God and honor them for their love shared to my family over the years and somehow address how it all was connected to this vehicle! What could this world be if we did actually pay it forward?  How could the world change if we tried to out-extend grace to our neighbor?  In truth, when you think you are blessing someone, you are actually blessing yourself -Grace Extended yet again!

Go forth, extend grace to someone today, and let that be your new Lenten discipline!

The Bread of Life

Day 4 Doxology:  I debated on the title for today's doxology moment or moments.  I thought assigning it 3 in 1, Caloric Mystery, or the last one standing...The Bread of Life.

I'm begging you pray tell why...you may be asking? (No one says that anymore!)  Well, "3 in 1" was my first thought because I could mention J-1, J-2, and J-3 in one blog.  Which means not one of my beautiful daughters would be ahead in their secret pool as to which one of them would be mentioned the most this season of Lent.  Also, it could have been a Holy reference to the Trinity..Not really!  Maybe "3 in 1" was used because this is a "Praise to God" blog with Lenten implications.  But really... it would have been because Shannon, and I, had the pleasure of having all three girls home this weekend.  We played games together, we ate together, and we laughed together.  What could make me praise God more than that?

Second on the list of potential titles was Caloric Mystery.  I think this was because I wondered why Biscuits are so dang fattening!  I'll move along.

Finally, The Bread of Life...I chose this title because of the blessings that is shared at the table.  Think about all of the laughter, the tears, and the interventions that take place at the table.  I have great friends that have this amazing table that will sit both our families, but when we are together for our weekly gala, our table of choice is in the kitchen at their island table.  I can't tell you how many of the hi-lights of my life have been seated at their island table. Everything that I mentioned that could take place at the table has taken place in their kitchen at their island table with both of our families. I truly believe it is the nutrition needed for life!

The picture for today is a headless Jones bearing the joy of a father sharing and the daughter receiving a morning's breakfast.  The aroma of bacon, eggs, coffee and biscuits fills the house and immediately joy is shared when a dad can cook breakfast for his girls.  It's a parents dream to have their children growing and returning for their seat at the table.

So, you probably noticed that I didn't mention the obvious Holy Communion that is served at the table.  It is also a place where we receive food for life, and where we remember what was done, and is being done, today in each of our lives.  It is not limited to a certain person; all is welcome.

I will attend a service tonight, and at a point during that service I will serve Holy Communion.  At which point I will say within the consecration of the elements, "...do this in Remembrance of me." It will be at that point that images of all the times that I've receive God's grace at all the tables in my life will race through my mind, and I will remind myself how blessed I am.  It truly is the Bread of Life!

Step Into The Light!

Day 3 Doxology: Yesterday you learned that part of my morning ritual included time at The Gym.  This morning's drive offered a doxology of sorts.

I've always heard it said, "If you don't like the weather in Alabama then just wait a day."  The obvious implication is that the weather changes rather quickly quite often.  This morning supported the ol' cliche.  The first thing I noticed was I was going to need a coat.

Then I noticed this....

..frost!  

As I left my neighborhood and headed south on 75, I saw more and more signs of frost covering the roofs of each home that I passed.  However, not every roofline was completely blanketed with frost like the picture I took for you.  There was, on almost every home, a contrast of frost covered sections of the roof.  That is when I felt the breath of God mention the power of light.

Throughout scripture God is described as light, and darkness reflects the absence of God.  John 1:4 says, "In Him was Life, and that life was light to all mankind."  I associate light with growth and health.  The obvious image reflects the absence of frost due to the warmth of the sun only on the section of roof in the light.  In the shade the frost still exist even though it is close to life-altering light.

I see this everyday in the church.  There are many people that refuse to allow the light to consume their life.  If they could just be bold and trusting the warmth of the Father would bring healing and safety to their upside world.  It's not enough to be attached to a roof that is in the light...you only reap the benefits promised to you if you trust enough to step into the light!

If your world feels cold, dark, and unfulfilled, and you go to church, you're busy serving, and you try to do "good" stop it, please!  Stop trying to be what you think the world needs, and start allowing the light to consume every shingle, every gutter, and every downspout of your life!  Step into the light!

May the light of God warm your world as you discover more and more during this season of Lent!

Lonely Leaves

Day 2 Doxology:  I received great response from yesterday's introduction to this year Lenten season.  I pray that I can keep up with the expectations!  Today's post is truly an image that I have seen over and over, but today was the first day I really saw it.  God is already changing my vision to see the hidden treasures all around.

It's no secret that some of mine and Shannon's favorite time through the years are the times when we collect our day's thoughts submerged in our hot tub. In addition to bringing closure for our day, I spend early morning time at The Gym then relax with a cup of coffee and a little water-jet massage.  It was at this moment that I happened upon today's doxology.

The definition of massage is the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body, esp. to relieve tension - exactly what I often need.  However, today my doxology moment came in the simplest of images and massage my mind and soul while releasing me from the tension of the world.

Pretty plain, isn't it?  Nothing fancy...Nothing flashy.  Just a limb of leaves.  Grouped together without the protection of other leaves to block the wind.  This lonely cluster reminded me of the prophet Jeremiah.  Maybe it reminded me of the Jeremiah and all the ways that it can be proven that he was in fact a Bullfrog, or maybe it reminded me of Jeremiah because the scripture that this weekend's Emmaus Lay Leader is using is Jeremiah 17:7-8.   That scripture is "But Blessed is the one who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that send out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."  The image you see is not leaves on a limb, on a tree, near the water, with roots by the stream.  In fact, what really made me think of the prophet was the way God blessed him to be strong enough to stand alone.

This is where you start thinking I expected a little more from him, but let me try a little harder.  We are called at times to, in boldness, stand alone.  The difficult balance for us, as Christ followers, is to live in the world without being of the world.  Without raising a crude voice; without accepting the criteria set by society; by loving our neighbor.  When we do these things then we can heed the words of our amphibian prophet and never fail to bear fruit!

"River"

Day 1 Doxology:  Wow!  It's been a whole year since I last participated in my annual Lenten Devotional discipline, and I've missed it!  I pray you have been looking forward to my returning doxology moments each day of Lent (excluding Sundays).

If you're new to my Lenten Blog then allow me a moment to give a brief explanation...during Lent, I take a moment of my day that I want to give praise to God (A Doxology Moment), take a picture or video of that moment and tell you why it is a moment of praise.  Part of me loves to hear each day the feedback I get like...you "never thought of it like that," or "I loved that reflection!"  Mostly, I love that it conditions my soul to see God in places that I normally overlook.  It is like a River that transports me from one place to another, and through it all, I am cleansed of the world.  In a way it is a narrative of my Lenten journey of transformation.

Today, I begin our Lenten journey with a video.  I hope the links works, but if it doesn't work for you the url address will be at the end of this post.

I am moved by music!  I have an eclectic taste of all kinds of music regardless of the genre.  I am, however, extremely drawn to anything soulful and passionate, sincere and raw!  I think those songs that move us down a spiritual river are a Means of Grace for our life.  Today, I stumbled across such a song -"River" by Leon Bridges.

This video is one that merges the Spirit of the song with raw untamed and brilliance of nature.  The words are powerful but simple...a lot like the imagery.  I hope you enjoy the song, and I pray that your reflection of this doxology moment will be enough to start your Lenten journey with me today!

This is the video link if you are unable to view in this post:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zuk5ZnfNGH8