Our lives are and can be a little messy. As we journey in this world, sometimes we just need to walk with someone and realize that life is messy.

I hope that your journey through these pages will inspire you to walk in faith and find the hope you need to know that your not alone in life.

We are built to live in community. We all need a community and that is why we gather in church. In our communities we find our gifts that we can share with others.

The invitation we offer to to enter with others respecting where they are in their journey of faith. Our gift to everyone is grace, the grace God offered us on our own journey.

Our kindness just may be the gift they need at that moment.

Think about your actions and remember that you are God’s blessing.

Let us journey together on this road. I hope you find something that you can share.

Latest Posts:

• Simple Truths
• Do you have 8 Minutes? It could change a life
• What we are to do.
• The Need for Grace.
• All those who are baptized, accepted the terms and conditions of a job.

• Simple Truths
• Do you have 8 Minutes? It could change a life
• What we are to do.
• The Need for Grace.
• All those who are baptized, accepted the terms and conditions of a job.

• Simple Truths

  Every day we have the opportunity to interact with anyone who comes across our path.

  I have always heard the quote, treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO.

  The simple truth is we become guests in people’s lives every day. And when we treat others as the guest they are, we should treat them with kindness and compassion.

  A guest could be a CEO, a janitor, a politician, a neighbor, and even someone who is struggling in life.

  Our first accomplishment is to notice them. No matter their role in life, they need support and recognition for their job.

  It doesn’t matter what their job is. In reality, their role is to make peoples lives better.

  Better living with clean restrooms, a clean hospital room, or running a corporation that provides products. Each role provides value to our lives. They are offering something greater than themselves.

  When we acknowledge them and appreciate their role in our world, we share a gift.

  The gift of appreciation cost us nothing to provide, yet has a significant impact upon those we see.

  Let us continue to make the world a better place to live and offer our free gift of gratitude.

• Do you have 8 Minutes? It could change a life

  Do you have 8 minutes?

  8 minutes is a code for, “I need you” or “Are you available?”

  8 minutes doesn’t seem like a lot of time.

  If you can give someone 8 minutes, you can change a life.

  We all struggle in this career of Law Enforcement. And really, you don’t have to be a law enforcement officer, and you can still struggle with all the pressures of this world.

  When you need help, it is hard to ask for help. LEO’s have a hard time asking for help.

  So take the time and ask, “Do you have 8 minutes?”

  8 minutes can change a person’s life.

  This is code for “I need a friend.”

  Do you have 8 minutes? This code can allow you to ask for help, without asking for help.

  8 Minutes has proven to be the most effective time you can share with someone.

  8 minutes doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but if you find your self in need, ask, “Do you have 8 minutes?”

  If you receive a text that says, “Do you have 8 minutes?”

  Stop and answer the text, “Yes, I have 8 minutes. then call the person who is asking.”

  Even 8 minutes on the phone can change the dynamics of what is going on in their life. They may need to get something off their chest. Or just talk to someone for 8 minutes.

  The power of love is shared within 8 minutes and in those 8 minutes, you may save someone who is on the verge of disaster and just need someone to talk with.

  So if you need help, ask for 8 MINUTES!!

• What we are to do.

  I sit in reflection this evening.

  I am always sending out emails that are not necessarily positive. These emails, they often contain prayer request for those in need.

  “IN NEED”. What does that really mean?

  In the Basic Instruction Book (for) Living Exceptionally (AKA the Bible), there is a story about this guy who sat down with these 12 guys that he picked to help him share the Word (AKA Evangelize).

  In Matthew 5, you will begin reading about what we call the Beatitudes. You will see he talks about hopeless people, grieving people, humble people, hungry people who are thirsty too, people who know how to show mercy, those with pure hearts, peaceful people, and people who are harassed.

  Each one of them, he talks about how they are blessed.

  Even when someone insults you, or speaks ill about your life, or tells false things about you, well you have this wonderful thing that this wonderful guy offers, a wonderful gift.

  That really means, you’re one of his blessings. You have been offered something so wonderful in this mysterious thing we call life.

  Even with all that, we just can’t walk alone or do our own thing.

  We are built to live in community. I hope that you might realize that breaking that word down, it means COMMON UNITY.

  We have more things in common that we have in differences.

  Knowing this, we have all been offered an extra job. We all are multi vocational. Many don’t realize that this job offer is actually required for them.

  This job offer is not just because you might have accepted this story of a Savior (known as Christ Jesus). However, if and when you were baptized, you signed an agreement. Your agreement was signed with water.

  You may never see your signature, but it is there. As pure as water is, God can see the signature that you made just under the words, “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” There is a line under those words and that is where you signed your name.

  Water is clear, but that signature, it is for life. We might be able to see it under a black light, or some other radiant light. But what you need to know, it is there and this guy knows it.

  What does all this gibberish mean?

  Well, it means that we are in common unity with one another and we have a responsibility for those around us. That guy we want to follow said he came, not to be served, but to serve.

  He kind of, sort of, implied that, we needed to follow in his footsteps (he may have used the word ‘example’ depending on how you learned it).

  So what does this mean?

  Well, we are responsible for each other. We need to take this job, the one he offered and all who agreed to follow, well they accepted the terms and conditions (which you might not have read every word).

  This means, we are the ultimate buddy checkers. We are to check in with those in our lives. Call, text, share some liquid bread, or even just some ‘joe’. Maybe meet for a meal, or just sit in a parking lot and talk till the wee hours of the moment (cause it might be morning or late night).

  Take the time to share your life with someone. When you took that invaluable job offer, there were two things that happened at that moment.

  One, you were blessed by the ultimate guy, the one who sent his Son and given a wonderful opportunity.

  Second, someone was touching you at that moment. Touch is one of the most important human interactions. If it wasn’t, that guy wouldn’t have taken the time to wash everyone’s feet (and feet sometimes can be pretty nasty – I have seen a few).

  So, what is this all about?

  People are in need. Some of us have been blessed by being able to see the pain as we look into another’s eyes. Some of us have been blessed with the ability to hear a comment that makes the hair, on the back of our neck stand up. Some have been blessed with just a general sense of ‘somethings wrong here’.

  Check in with those you know. Keep track of them.

  You might say that is hard to do. Yes it is, but then that guy we follow, He told us that following him would not be easy. Some would hate ya, some would persecute ya, and some might even want to kill ya. And in the terms and conditions, it just might break your spirit and depress you (and then you will need what I am asking for).

  Being a follower, well that is work. Work that is necessary.

  Someone I know is dying. Someone I know is in the hospital. Someone I know lost three friends. A bunch of friends in the Tulsa area lost a coworker too (cancer sucks). And a bunch of my friends in Oklahoma City area lost a good friend, former coworker and buddy.

  We will never know the reason for a few of these. There is one who knows, but we can’t ask any more. There are three others whom we know, but the investigation will lead to a cause, most likely a human factor.

  All that aside:

  You have been called to serve. Yes it is inconvenient at times. At the wrong moment, or just not the right time. There may be a plethora of excuses one can come up with.

  What I know, if you don’t do the job that his guy asked of you and you signed your name with water, you may have regret tug at your heart and mind. You may be filled with, “Why didn’t I see this coming?” “I should have called!” There are all sorts of “IF’s” that you can tear your mind (and soul) up with, so stop.

  Instead of beating yourself up about what you could have, should have, or may have done.

  Change that thought and say, “I will do it. Even as inconvenient as it is, I will do it.”

  I have left my house, job, family and friends so many times in moments like this. I have experienced too many moments like this. So I know its not easy. It is time consuming. It takes away from something you were doing……

  There is someone that needs your ear. There is someone that needs your touch. There is someone that needs your presence.

  All these things are little m (lay ministry). Those are the words in that contract above “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” You might have been so excited at the time, you failed to read those specific words, but they are in that
  Basic Instruction Book (for) Living Exceptionally.

  Not everyone is equipped to do big M (ordained ministry), but we all have accepted the job that BIG J has offered.

  I will just say this, Nike said it best, “JUST DO IT”.

  It might just change someone’s life. You might also keep someone alive. You might be thanked after the chaos ends.

  Every 72 hours or so, a LEO takes what he/she has and stops whatever pain they are experiencing.

  Every 22 hours or so, a military person takes what he/she has and stops whatever pain they are experiencing.

  These are our friends. They need us. We need them. We need YOU. I need you.

• The Need for Grace.

  The Need for Grace: Grace is Our Ability to Extend Kindness in Our Community

  I make mistakes. We all make mistakes (don’t we?). We all have moments where we fall short, utter the wrong words, or simply experience a bad day and hurt others.

  On April 16^th, I brought some church signs to the discussion. Controversial signs stretched our thoughts and we all agreed that they were offensive. The question was asked, “Why would they put this on their sign?”

  What I know, it’s easy to react with frustration or judgment. We are pretty good at judging ourselves and others.

  But what would happen if we embraced a different approach? What if we didn’t get upset about the mistake? What if we made a conscious effort to share grace?

  Jesus shared these words in Matthew 6, “if you don’t forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

  Grace goes beyond simple forgiveness.  It is about understanding, compassion, and offering a guiding hand when someone makes a mistake. It’s the recognition that everyone is on their own journey, and sometimes that journey takes unexpected turns.

  Sharing grace fosters a powerful sense of connection. It creates a safe space where people feel comfortable admitting their imperfections. When we create a safe space we offer support.

  So how do we, as members of God’s universal church cultivate a more grace-filled environment?

  Instead of getting irritated by someone who seems out of touch or slower to grasp a concept, offer gentle encouragement and then provide support.

  Instead of getting irritated, try to understand their perspective. There may be more to the perceived mistake than you are aware.

  When we hold onto grudges it hurts our souls.

  By sharing grace, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that extends beyond ourselves. Grace can foster a positive and supportive atmosphere. We are a community and we need to be reminded that we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves.

  We need to commit to offering grace – to ourselves, to our friends, aquantenences, and to everyone we encounter. When we accomplish this we can build a compassionate and understanding world, one kind act at a time.

• All those who are baptized, accepted the terms and conditions of a job.

  I sit in reflection this evening.

  I am always sending out emails that are not necessarily positive. These emails, they often contain prayer request for those in need.

  “IN NEED”. What does that really mean?

  In the Basic Instruction Book (for) Living Exceptionally (AKA the Bible), there is a story about this guy who sat down with these 12 guys that he picked to help him share the Word (AKA Evangelize).

  In Matthew 5, you will begin reading about what we call the Beatitudes. You will see he talks about hopeless people, grieving people, humble people, hungry people who are thirsty too, people who know how to show mercy, those with pure hearts, peaceful people, and people who are harassed.

  Each one of them, he talks about how they are blessed.

  Even when someone insults you, or speaks ill about your life, or tells false things about you, well you have this wonderful thing that this wonderful guy offers a wonderful gift.

  That really means, your one of his blessings. You have been offered something so wonderful in this mysterious thing we call life.

  Even with all that, we just can’t walk alone or do our own thing. We are built to live in community. I hope that you might realize that breaking that word down, it means COMMON UNITY.

  We have more things in common that we have in differences.

  Knowing this, we have all been offered an extra job. We all are multi vocational. Many don’t realize that this job offer is actually required for them.

  This job offer is not just because you might have accepted this story of a Savior (known as Christ Jesus). However, if and when you were baptized, you signed an agreement. Your agreement was signed with water.

  You may never see your signature, but it is there. As pure as water is, God can see the signature that you made just under the words, “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” There as a line under those words and that is where you signed your name.

  Water is clear, but that signature, it is for life. We might be able to see it under a black light, or some other radiant light. But what you need to know, it is there and this guy knows it.

  What does all this gibberish mean?

  Well it means that we are in common unity with one another and we have a responsibility for those around us. That guy we want to follow said he came, not to be served, but to serve.

  He kind of, sort of, implied that we needed to follow in his footsteps (he may have used the word example depending on how you learned it).

  So what does this mean?

  Well, we are responsible for each other. We need to take this job, the one he offered and all who agreed to follow, well they accepted the terms and conditions (which you might not have read every word).

  This means, we are the ultimate buddy checkers. We are to check in with those in our lives. Call, text, share some liquid bread, or even just some ‘joe’. Maybe meet for a meal, or just sit in a parking lot and talk till the wee hours of the moment (cause it might be morning or late night).

  Take the time to share your life with someone. When you took that invaluable job offer, there were two things that happened at that moment.

  One, you were blessed by the ultimate guy, the one who sent his Son and given a wonderful opportunity.

  Second, someone was touching you at that moment. Touch is one of the most important human interactions. If it wasn’t, that guy wouldn’t have taken the time to wash everyone’s feet (and feet sometimes can be pretty nasty – I have seen a few).

  So, what is this all about?

  People are in need. Some of us have been blessed by being able to see the pain as we look into another’s eyes. Some of us have been blessed with the ability to hear a comment that makes the hair, on the back of our neck stand up. Some have been blessed with just a general sense of ‘somethings wrong here’.

  Check in with those you know. Keep track of them.

  You might say that is hard to do. Yes it is, but then that guy we follow, He told us that following him would not be easy. Some would hate ya, some would persecute ya, and some might even want to kill ya. And in the terms and conditions, it just might break your spirit and depress you (and then you will need what I am asking for).

  Being a follower, well that is work. Work that is necessary.

  Someone I know is dying. Someone I know is in the hospital. Someone I know lost three friends. A bunch of friends in the Tulsa area lost a coworker too (cancer sucks). And a bunch of my friends in Oklahoma City area lost a good friend, former coworker and buddy.

  We will never know the reason for a few of these. There is one who knows, but we can’t ask any more. There are three others whom we know, but the investigation will lead to a cause, most likely a human factor.

  All that aside:

  You have been called to serve. Yes it is inconvenient at times. At the wrong moment, or just not the right time. There may be a plethora of excuses one can come up with.

  What I know, if you don’t do the job that his guy asked of you and you signed your name with water, you may have regret tug at your heart and mind. You may be filled with, “Why didn’t I see this coming?” “I should have called!” There are all sorts of “IF’s” that you can tear your mind (and soul) up with, so stop.

  Instead of beating yourself up about what you could have, should have, or may have done.

  Change that thought and say, “I will do it. Even as inconvenient as it is, I will do it.”

  I have left my house, job, family and friends so many times in moments like this. I have experienced too many moments like this. So I know its not easy. It is time consuming. It takes away from something you were doing……

  
  There is someone that needs your ear. There is someone that needs you touch. There is someone that needs your presence.

  All these things are little m (lay ministry). Those are the words in that contract above “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” You might have been so excited at the time, you failed to read those specific words, but they are in that Basic Instruction Book (for) Living Exceptionally.

  Not everyone is equipped to do big M (ordained ministry), but we all have accepted the job that BIG J has offered.

  I will just say this, Nike said it best, “JUST DO IT”.

  It might just change someone’s life. You might also keep someone alive. You might be thanked after the chaos ends.

  Every 72 hours or so, a LEO takes what he/she has and stops whatever pain they are experiencing.

  Every 22 hours or so, a military person takes what he/she has and stops whatever pain they are experiencing.

  These are our friends. They need us. We need them. We need YOU. I need you.