A Greater Focus on Jesus Christ

It was one of those nights when I was having trouble sleeping, so I went to the living room and grabbed a book to read (you know? One of those books that you've had for so long that you can't remember how long you've had and just have never taken the time to read it?). The name of the book is "Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ" by John Piper. After just a few pages I found myself really getting into the book. Listen to this quote from page 15.

"We are all starved for the glory of God, not self. No one goes to the Grand Canyon to increase self-esteem. Why do we go? Because there is greater healing for the soul in beholding splendor than there is in beholding self. Indeed, what could be more ludicrous in a vast and glorious universe like this human being, on the speck called earth, standing in front of a mirror trying to find significance in his own self-image? It is a great sadness that this is the gospel of the modern world."

At the end of this first chapter, John Piper included a prayer that I want to make my own.

"Father of glory, this is the cry of my heart - to be changed from one degree of glory to another, until, in the resurrection, at the last trumpet, I am completely conformed to the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Until then, I long to grow in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord, especially the knowledge of His glory. I want to see it as clearly as I see the sun, and savor it as deeply as my most desired pleasure. O merciful God, incline my heart to Your Word and the wonders of Your glory. Wean me from my obsession with trivial things. Open the eyes of my heart to see each day what the created universe is telling about Your glory. Enlighten my mind to see the glory of Your Son in the Gospel. I believe that You are the All-glorious One, and that there is none like You. Help my unbelief. Forgive the wandering of my affections and the undue attention I give to lesser things. Have mercy on me for Christ's sake, and fulfill in me Your great design to display the glory of Your grace. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."

Beach Wedding

On Saturday, June 13, 2009 I had the unique opportunity to officiate my first Beach Wedding in Oceanside, CA. Although I've done many weddings, this one was especially fun. God provided a beautiful day, with a bright sun, cool breeze and the sound of the ocean in the background. Jacob, the groom, had one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen on any groom when he saw his bride, Rachel coming down the center isle of sand that was covered in rose petals. Marriage is a wonderful gift that God created for mankind to enjoy and it so much illustrates the relationship He wants to have with His church. Ephesians 5:25 tells us, "Husbands love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her."

A Day With the Family at Sea World

While so many were rushing around trying to finish up their taxes on April 15, 2009, we decided to have some fun as a family and go to Sea World in San Diego! It was an absolute beautiful day and we had a great time. It had been way too long since we had done anything like that as a family. The last time we took the boys to Sea World, they were so little they can't even remember the trip. I had forgotten how nice it was to leave everything behind and not answer the phone or emails and just have a relaxing time with my family. Here in this picture we were getting ready for the Shamu Killer Whale show. What an awesome thing to see as these large sea creatures do these amazing stunts! It was definitely a thing of beauty. And by the way, we were sitting closer to the water, but I was out-voted and we moved back several rows to avoid getting slashed. Had we stayed were I was wanting to sit, we would have been soaked!