I have seen it too many times–individuals who are getting married succumb to the pressure and the stress of what is supposed to happen on their day to remember.  Money issues, who to invite, who not to invite, florists, photographers, etc–all get in the way of what the wedding is actually supposed to be about.

As Mel and I are in our period of engagement, we have begun to focus on the details of that special day.  I have seen how our plans have somewhat shifted–it is so easy to get caught up in all of the “junk” that comes with a wedding–all the minute, miniscule details that, quite frankly, in the grand scheme of things, don’t really matter.   Yes, flowers are important-yes, photography is important-yes, what invitations we choose is important, yet, it is so important to constantly check our focus.

Last night, Jesus really impressed upon me the purpose of this special day.  He has really broken Melissa and I down in our views of August 27th. He has shown us that even though this is our day–its not about us–it is all about Him.  Too many times in our society, a marriage ceremony is viewed as a big party–thats not the intention–it is a day set aside to commemorate what Jesus has done in the life of two individuals.  It is a day that should be Gospel-focused; a day that is focused on what He has done for us and through us by bringing us together.  The wedding–the two being joined together–is a perfect representation of Christ and His bride, the church.  When we view that day as a reflection of Jesus, everything else gets a perspective shift.

When we view August 27th as a day where the Gospel will be presented in an amazing way through a marriage–EVERYTHING pales in comparison.  Rental fees, photography, decorations, food, flowers–all pale in comparison to the fact that the sole purpose of this day is to bring glory and honor to Jesus.  Wow!  It is absolutely amazing–when we get the focus off of ourselves and onto Jesus we are then free to lay it all at His feet and respond in an attitude of worship.  When its done for His glory, we can rest in the fact that everything is going to fall into place–everything is going to work out.

When we step aside and give it too Him, we can rest in what He will do.

Leading up to graduation, Jesus really began to change my focus in how I saw this ceremony.  Friday was different–I wasn’t really focused on the piece of paper in the diploma cover, nor the applause from the parents, faculty, and staff–rather I saw it as a testimony to God’s greatness.  Like I said, there were many times when I didn’t think I was going to finish.  At times, I felt that it was pointless and that I wanted to walk away–then there was the major change last Spring–absolutely ridiculous–but the Lord saw me through every step of the way.

His faithfulness showed forth on all fronts.  From the very beginning to the very end, He continually opened doors and provided His confirmation.  During my senior year in high school, I didn’t even apply for Clemson–I was focused on places like Auburn, University of Tennessee, the Naval Academy, NC State, etc.  My dad actually filled out the application on the last day of submission.  I attended an alumni dinner in Augusta, GA not long after that, and from then on the Lord opened doors and guided me in the direction of Clemson.

I went for engineering but did not finish there.  I studied Mechanical Engineering for a while then Industrial until my senior year, but in December of 2008, Jesus called me to full time ministry.  I knew from that moment forward that His plan for me was not to be an engineer but a minister and teacher of His Gospel.  It was a wrestle with what to do with my Clemson education at that point.  However, the Lord opened the door with Religious Studies in the Philosophy department at Clemson.  While studying Industrial Engineering, Religion had been my minor, thus almost all of those classes were done.  My near complete list of engineering classes counted as a cluster minor, then I knocked out some philosophy and foreign language classes during my fifth year.  This past year was a beast–I busted my butt the whole time–I took 25 hours during the fall semester and 12 during the spring along with an internship at NewSpring Church.  The fall course load was, once again, ridiculous, but the Lord provided and saw me through every step of the way.

Throughout my entire education, Jesus showed up and showed out on my behalf.  He used education via Clemson to get me into a place where I could focus on His ministry and His plan for my life–that is so encouraging.  He specializes at putting us in the right place at the right time. He is ever so faithful–even when we are not.  I went to Clemson with an engineering focus, but He used that to bring me to a catalyst in 2008 when he stopped me dead in my tracks and told me to pursue His calling.  After the fact, it is so encouraging to see how he used each and ever aspect of the last five years to mold me and make me into who He wants me to be.

I give Him glory for it all–it is all for Him.  I lay the diploma, the credits, the hours, the applause, the recognition all at His feet.  It was only through Him that I was able to be in that position, and it was only through Him that I finished.  I know that He has great things in store for the future.  Though I may not know exactly what that is, I can rest in what He has done as confirmation that He will see me through in the future.  He that began a good work will be faithful to complete it.

So I just finished Mark Batterson’s Wild Goose Chase.  I have to say that I enjoyed it more than his first book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.  In a Pit with a Lion was amazing, but this new book kicked it up a notch.  Each page definitely encouraged and challenged me in more ways than one.

In the book, Mark speaks of what the Celtic Christians call “An Geadh-Glas” or the Wild Goose.  He explains the fact that the Celtic Christians referred to the Holy Spirit as the Wild Goose in that our following/chasing after Him is often mysterious, unexplainable, and sometimes totally random.  Mark goes on to say that if we embrace our Wild Goose Chase, then we embrace a chase for Holy Spirit and the things of God.  The journey can be crazy and weird at times, but the path leads to fulfillment and glory to God.

Also, Mark explains several things in our lives that serve as cages–cages in that they keep us from pursuing the things of God.  Mark goes on to speak of the fact that if we have the courage to come out of the cage and embrace the chase, then our lives will be taken to new levels in our relationship with Christ.

Mark closes his book with the “Wild Goose Chase” mantra; I absolutely love it:

-Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.

-Set God-sized goals.

-Pursue God-ordained passions.

-Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention.

-Dont let fear dictate your decisions.

-Don’t take the easy way out.

-Dont maintain the status quo.

-Stop pointing out problems, and become part of the solution.

-Stop repeating the past and start creating the future.

-Stop playing not lose and start playing to win.

-Expand your horizons.

-Create some margins.

-Take off your sandals.

-Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can.

-Live today like it is the first day and the last day of your life.

-Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshipping what’s right with God.

-Burn sinful bridges.

-Challenge old assumptions.

-Blaze new trails.

-Don’t stop making mistakes. Celebrate your failures.

-Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself.

-Don’t make a living. Make a life.

-Quit making excuses.

-Quit playing defense.

-And quit letting eight-foot ceilings on what God can do.

-Chase the Goose!

Also, my mom loves my dad.  A lot of people can’t say that, but I am so thankful to Jesus that Mom and Dad’s marriage has lasted 26 years and will continue to last as their love is rooted in Christ.  Mom and Dad love one another and thus live out the Gospel through their marriage.  They share Christ through how they love and serve one another.

Mom not only loves Dad, but she also loves her children.  My mom has given birth to and raised six kids–SIX KIDS.  That is flippin’ awesome.  Some folks think having a few kids is a challenge, but six–six is ridiculous.  I have grown up and moved on, so there are still five in the house; however, mom’s job continues each day.  A mom’s work is never done–its a full-time position. Dad always says that Mom has the hardest job in the world.

I thank God so much for my mom.  She is truly a blessing.  She has raised us with love, care, and sincerity.  She has constantly poured herself out for her family as she lives her life sacrificially each day.  She ensures that her family is taken care of before herself.

Thank you so much Mom!  I praise Jesus for you–thank you for all that you do and all that you are!!  I love you!

Ecclesiastes 3:11: He has made everything beautiful in its time.

These few words are so simple, yet so crucial to our lives as Followers of Christ. In our lives, it is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day-to get caught up in our own timing.  It is in these times when we have to be patient and rest in the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit.  He specializes in leveraging us and putting us in the right place at the right time.  He definitely makes everything beautiful in its timing.

So Melissa Sue and I have been seeing each other for over three years.  I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this wonderful woman; however, I was not in a hurry.  I knew God would work things out in His timing. It was during the start of this year that I really started seeking Him as to the future of mine and Melissa’s relationship.  I remember getting alone and getting real with God.  I told God that if Melissa was the one that I was supposed to be with for the rest of my life that He would show me—and show me beyond a shadow of a doubt.  It was on February 15, 2010 that the Lord led me to Proverbs 31: 10-31.  This particular passage speaks of the virtuous woman.  It was at this time that I knew that Melissa was this woman and would continue to grow into the ways of this virtuous woman.  From this point forward, I knew that she was the one.

Time went by and all I can say is “Jesus”.  Jesus happened to every piece of time and every aspect of the next few months that led to the proposal.  It is only by God’s grace that everything fell into place.  From paying cash for a ring to arrangements for a proposal on Good Friday, God showed up and showed out in a big way.  What better day to promise my life to the woman of my dreams than Good Friday—the day when Jesus gave His life for His bride, the church.

The morning of April 2 dawned as quite possibly one of the most beautiful of the year.  My best friend, Daniel Atkins, helped me with all of the preparations for the perfect proposal.  I picked Melissa up from her apartment a few minutes after 10.  After a quick Starbuck’s run, Melissa and I went to Clemson/Oconee County Airport a few short minutes from Clemson’s campus.  We boarded Barron Cooley’s plane on what she thought was just a neat Friday excursion.  We flew over Lake Hartwell, the city of Anderson, Anderson University, NewSpring Church, and of course, the campus of Clemson.  On our return, we passed over the hallowed ground of Death Valley and over the dike that separates Lake Hartwell from the stadium.  It was here that Melissa caught glimpse of the phrase “MARRY ME?” written on the dike.  I remember her saying, “Oh my God!” and “Seriously?!?”  As she turned around to look at me, I had the ring waiting.  She recalls that the sunlight glittered on the diamond of the ring. Epic perfection!!  Wow!  I asked her to marry me and slipped the ring onto her finger—it fit perfectly.  She was ecstatic.  She could not stop saying, “Are you serious?”, and she could not stop giggling.  It was a laugh that I had never heard before but could only be explained as the joy of the Lord.  I then shared with her how Good Friday is perfect because it is the day that we set aside to remember when Christ gave His life for His bride the church.   I explained that with this engagement came the promise that I would do the same and that I would strive to encourage her, to build her up, and to love her as Christ loves the church.  I also noted how from the air everything seems so small and that how we as people are just mere blips in the grand scheme of things.  Yet in all of that, God loved us so much to give us His Son and not only that—to take it a step further, He loved us so much to take two totally different people from two totally different places in the country and bring us to Clemson to begin a journey together.  How amazing and encouraging that is in itself.

We landed with many congratulations at the airport.  I then drove her to the place on the dike where Daniel and I had painted the letters.  We then drove to another spot on campus where Daniel had a picnic prepared and waiting for us.  It was here that I prayed for us and our new step in our relationship.  It was here that I also shared with her the scripture God had given me on February 15^th.  I read the passage about the virtuous woman.  It was at verse 25 when things got crazy.  Proverbs 31:25 states, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”  It was at this time that I stopped mid-scripture in utter amazement at the fact that ‘she laughs at the time to come’ as explanation for Melissa’s utter joy and laughing during the proposal.  I literally broke down in joy and amazement for yet another confirmation from the Lord as to our lives together.  I was utterly blown away.   I then finished the passage and read Ephesians 5:25-33 where Paul outlines how husbands should love their lives as Christ loves the church and how husbands should give of themselves in sacrifice and love for their wives.

As I reflect on the day, nothing—absolutely nothing—could have gone better.  Jesus took control of every piece of that day, and every piece of every part of that day was blessed.  I saw his faithfulness and provision in ever part—from the weather to the view of “MARRY ME?” from the air to the scripture connection with Melissa’s laughter.  Everything was absolutely perfect.  I have to give all glory to God because it all speaks as a testimony to His faithfulness and His ‘making everything beautiful in its time.’

Check it out:  http://evotional.com/2010/03/saint-patrick.html

In the book, Mark introduces us to Benaiah who, you guessed it, chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day.   His story in 2 Samuel 23:20-22 seems very random, out of place, and somewhat puzzling.  However, Mark shows that there is so much to learn from the three short verses about Benaiah’s exploits.  In the book, he challenges his readers to be ‘lion chasers’–individuals who are not afraid to take risks and look foolish–individuals who can survive and thrive when opportunity roars.  Mark stresses the fact that some of the most terrifying ‘lions’ in our life are really God-sized opportunities that result in amazing God-sized results.

Mark outlines the following seven ‘Lion Chaser’ characteristics:

1.You have comprehend the fact that God is infinite and all-powerful so that you can believe He can help you defy odds.

2. You have to face your fears.

3. You have to learn to reframe your problems through Scripture reading, prayer, and worship.

4.  You have to shift your perspective so that your problem becomes less significant and God’s greatness becomes more evident.

5. You must take risks.

6. You have to be able to see opportunities in order to seize them by getting yourself in tune with the Holy Spirit.

7.  You have to accept that you are going to look foolish sometimes.

On very important point that Mark brings up is the fact that we, as people, were born to chase.  When we were young, we chased animals and insects.  When we got older, the guys chased girls and the girls chased the guys –from there we chased academic, athletic, and professional goals.  Mark then points out that ‘chasing’ is ingrained inside of us and thus we should chase God with all that we are.  That is on point!  God has placed that chasing desire in us so that we would run hard after Him and what He has for us.  It is absolutely amazing at how God has designed us!

This book has been so inspirational for me as I have been challenged to change my perspective in how I see my problems, circumstances, and opportunities.  Being a Lion Chaser is no easy task, yet it is something, as Mark points out, that can be learned through dedication and intensity.  God has so much in store for us if only we would be willing to take Him at His Word, take risks, and be reckless in our pursuit of what He has called us to.  In reading this book, God definitely showed me some lions that I should be chasing right now as well as some lions that I will chase for years to come.

This is huge in the college/young professional time of life but it is relevant to all.  People always want to hear a message or hear a talk about ‘How to hear from God’. These same individuals really get desperate about hearing from Him when it comes time to make a big decision, career choice, etc.

We always want the magic formula or the audible voice to just tell us something.  We are so quick to put the ‘hearing from God’ problem back on God with the excuse that He doesn’t speak anymore.  We have all heard the excuse, “Oh yea, God used to speak to people in the Bible, but He doesn’t do that anymore”.

WRONG!!  God still speaks.  God is constantly speaking for that matter.  The problem isn’t on His end, but rather it’s on ours.  We have dropped the ball.  We can’t hear God for the noise.  There are so many things that are going on–so many thing that demand our attention that we can barely even think straight.  We run through our day, crossing out things on our to-do list, consume a bit of food, pay our dues in our relationships, go to bed, and start it all over again the next day.  All the while–God is speaking the whole time.

It’s left up to us.  We have got to cut out the noise.  Get in His Word.  Spend a few minutes on our knees in prayer–and how bout this, don’t ask for stuff the whole time–just sit in silence.  You would be amazed at what God can do in our silence.  Let’s get our focus off of us and on Him and what He is saying.  The Word says that we know His voice.  It’s just left up to us being quiet enough to listen.

http://www.bradcooper.us/?p=2109

Thanks, Brad for your confession and transparency. Awesome word!!

Some may say I’m crazy, others may say I am ridiculous, but I have to say that Tim Tebow is the greatest college football player of our time.  I would even go as far to say that Tebow is the greatest college football player of ALL time.  I know this is a pretty bold claim, but let me elaborate…

No other collegiate player has left a legacy and an impression on NCAA football as that of Tim Tebow.  Not only did he have an unparalleled career on the field, but his life off the field was just as much extraordinary.  In our day and age, Tebow as an individual was the exception to the rule.  Never before had a college football player stood up and commanded the respect of his fellow teammates, coaches, players, and nation.  This respect was not just the result of great stats, but rather the result of a life off the field that consisted of integrity, leadership, and faith.

When one thinks of great football players, many things come to mind.  Stats, wins, records, and championships are just a few.  Tebow’s record in this arena is unparalleled.  In 2007, he was the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy and was The Sporting News’ and the AP’s Player of the Year.  Also in 2007, he took home the Davy O’Brien Award; he was also named the SEC Athlete of the Year as well as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2007 and 2009.  As if that wasn’t enough, Tebow won the Maxwell Award in 2007 and 2008 as well as the ‘Academic Heisman’, William V. Campbell Trophy in 2009. Tebow’s career housed 9,285 passing yards with 88 passing touchdowns and a 66% career completion rate. Tebow rushed for 2,947 yards on 692 attempts in his career; Tebow is also the SEC leader in rushing touchdowns with 57.  On top of this Tebow holds numerous SEC and University of Florida school records.

Perhaps one of the most remembered Tim Tebow moments was his post-game speech after losing to Ole Miss 31-30 in September of 2008.  After Tebow was stopped on 4^th and 1 which resulted in a turnover and an Ole Miss loss, Tebow made the following speech:

I just want to say one thing.  To the fans and everybody in Gator Nation.  I’m sorry, extremely sorry.

I promise you one thing, a lot of good will come out of this.

You will never see any player in the entire country play as hard as I will play the rest of the season, and you will never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of the season, and you will never see a team play harder than we will the play the rest of the season.

God Bless

After ‘The Promise’, the Gators, led by Tebow, went on to win the remainder of their games.  They went on to beat an undefeated, number one ranked Alabama team in the SEC Championship.  From there, they went on to defeat the number one ranked Oklahoma Sooners and 2008 Heisman Trophy Winner Sam Bradford for the BCS National Championship.  Not only did they win their remaining games after ‘The Promise’, but they outscored their opponents 469-131.  This is no mere stat and is quite phenomenal to say the least.  I’m not saying that this happened all because of Tebow’s promise, but there is no doubt that the routs and wins can be attributed partly to his leadership and motivation of his teammates.

His curtain call at the Sugar Bowl was arguably his best game. Tim Tebow completed 31 for 35 passes for 482 yards and three touchdowns.  On top of that, he rushed for 51 yards and one touchdown—that’s 533 yards alone.  With this, Tebow set the record for most yards by a single player in BCS bowl history.

Not only has Tebow redefined the athlete on the field, but his life off the field has been exemplary as well.  Just ask his teammates—Tebow is much more than a great football player.  His interaction with others is always that of joy and encouragement. His trademark scripture-laced eye patches have become the standard for his life.  Once again, ask his teammates—Florida running back Louis Murphy said, “It’s (his faith) who he is. “You don’t question that. You respect it.”  Tebow’s time off the field consists of prison ministries, mission trips to the Phillipines, and other volunteer work.  Some have criticized Tebow for his sayings and his faith, but here is a guy that actually backs it up.  He actually believes the words of his eyes patches and lives out what he says.  That is a rarity among athletes today—in a day and time full of scandals, broken promises, and hypocrisy, Tebow has raised the standard for integrity, honesty, and faith. Louis Murphy added, “I can’t explain it any better than this: He’s a great God man, and everything falls in line for him because of the way he lives.”

In many ways, Tim Tebow has redefined the image and set the standard for what an athlete should be.  He has carried the ‘larger than life’ persona off the playing field and into everyday life.  In a world where performance is the definition of a successful athlete, Tebow has shown that stats and records pale in comparison to a consistent display of honesty, integrity, and sincerity in all areas of life. He has shown that there is more to life than football and that there should be more to an athlete than performance on the field. Most importantly, however, Tim Tebow has left a legacy that will be remembered forever, not only for his performance on the field, but because of his faith in Jesus Christ and his love for people as well.