Letter From Sis

Dear Michael,

From back as far as I can remember, you have always been that person I can trust with anything. You sheltered me as we grew up from others meanness and/or hurt. I could always count on you, my big brother. The strength and values you carried as a young man taught me most about the kind of man I would some day choose as my life long partner. A strong but gentle man. You have always had an amazing ability to find the good in everyone. Your heart is bigger than anyone I know. You would do anything for anyone. Your example of selflessness has helped shape me into a loving person just like you. 

My prayers for you over this renewal weekend, have been about asking God to send forth the Holy Spirit to reign in your heart and for you to feel the most accepted and loved you have ever felt. I continue to pray for you to release the hurt of your 2 past marriages. The truth about you is you are a loving, kind, humble, funny, brave, strong, smart, man (friend-brother-dad-son). Someday, God will present you with a woman that sees and believes in all these qualities about you. It will be worth all these trials to get to her. 

During my Christ Renews His Parish weekend, I had no idea how much it would influence my life forever. It's beautiful to watch the Holy Spirit undo so much hurt, evil, and brokenness over weeks of transformation and beyond. The men sitting around you will be some of the best, trustworthy, unselfish brothers you will have ever met. You will realize trust like nothing you have ever experienced. Trust in Jesus; trust in your brothers. 

I believe God presented this weekend to you at just the right time. It's ironic that the theme my team came up with for the weekend we put on was "put away the old...Be renewed in the Spirit...and put on the new self." Ephesians 4:23 and now it's the theme of your weekend. A God moment! These words from the bible reaffirm to me why the Holy Spirit drew you here; a renewal of your heart, mind, and spirit. Perfect timing for the part of you that is struggling with a couple failed relationships, the effects on Mia & Dean, and the things you doubt about yourself. Let it all go. Today and beyond are for the glory of God; to live always centered in his grace. How freeing it is you don't have to prove anything to anyone anymore. 

Thank you for so much....for listening to me, protecting me, making me feel safe, praying for me and my family, sitting endless hours at the hospital with me, accepting and loving me. I am so grateful to have you as my brother. Watching you come out of the darkness into the light has been amazing. Thank you for walking beside me through it all! I will never leave you. Most importantly, God is walking with and sometimes carrying you. I am grateful you confide in me. Praise God I can be there for you. 

I can't wait to hear all about your CRHP experience (when you are ready)! And share mine with you. I don't know what I'd do without you. Let's continue making memories together. Our children will benefit with our example of living with God first. Thank you for the positive role model you are to my 3 boys and being there for them in their endeavors. I love you very much! XO  Now go light the world!

Believe!

Karen

Purpose of the Elect(Chosen)

To live one's life to Coram Deo (in the presence of God) under the authority of God and to the honor and glory of God. As Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments."(John 14:15)

From the age 13 or 14 I can remember struggling and wanting to discover my purpose in life. Why was I here, what am I to do? Is it about me? It was the wrong answer the that last question that lead to the end of myself. Fast forward several decades and now I yearn to be in his presence to hear Him say "Job well done, Michael!"

To Hear God's Voice

This is an ongoing post so that I may truly convey to you how my life is effected most days by the Lord Jesus. This might be one of the most important posts I can leave with you. Why? I truly believe and have come to know that the Lord wants me to hear his voice of instruction almost every day if not more. In the following weeks I will explore my prayer time and how I practice His being in Jesus' presence. These conduits (spiritual disciplines) reveal His will for my life in such sweetness and sometimes in a direct rebuke of my behavior.

First, I want to say with much sadness that the church of today leaves many, if not all of its members vacant of this instruction. These are timeless spiritual disciplines and are as old as the 3rd century. What I will share with you is not something I made up, but something I was taught. It is these three tools that have truly impacted my walk with Christ. Stay tuned, more to come... :)

Morning Prayer: Ambition

Matthew 20:17-28 "wishes to be great, among you must be your servant"
Lord, today you have seen them in my heart those many wants to be ambitious and successful. My invitation from your Word is Mike you must take the path of serving others. Look at it from this perspective rather from a forceful taking perspective. Lord when I get ambitious I get where I force my life and I wish to remain in You and let you guide my life.

I am Back

I am not completely sure why I have not written here for over 3 years but it is time to grind through my heart, soul, mind, and leave here on these pages my Edification from the Lord.