How do you spell LOVE?

The other night I was listening to a speaker. He was teaching about how relationships are the key to introducing people to Jesus. Makes sense.

As he spoke, I was thinking about my relationships and recalling experiences with people I love. Those thoughts caused me to day dream a bit when a statement jerked me out of my open-eyed slumber...."How do YOU spell love? Love is spelled T-I-M-E."

That statement is powerful. The father says, "I love you" to his kids but statistics say the average father spends 37 seconds of focused time with his kids. The husband says, "I love you" to his wife but spends more time at the office, in the paper and watching sports than he does spending time with her. The Christian says, "I love you" to Jesus but most only talk to Him before meals or when they are in church or in trouble.

We need to redifine how love is spelled. Love is spelled T-I-M-E. Don't tell me you love me, sit with me and prove it. Don't say you love me, listen to me and convince me. Don't tell God you love him while your Bible collects yet another season of dust and you only talk to Him when you need something from Him.

I've learned this; I always have TIME for what I REALLY want to do. It's TIME I stopped lying to myself and others. If I really love, my TIME will be the evidence of that love.

Remember, Jesus name is Emmanuel, God with us. He came to earth to be with us, to give us His time.....because He loves us.

Hello to the interested....

Like standing on the edge of the high dive for the first time and lookin down at the water.
Like waiting for my turn to give my first speech in front of people.
Like walking into my first youth group meeting at my first post as a pastor 22 years ago.

This kind of feels like that.

My first time sharing thoughts, insights, interests and feelings. Will anyone pay attention? Will anyone care? Does any of that really matter? No, not really.

I've always wanted to write. I've not studied writing but I do talk a lot. Hey, I'm a Pastor, that's what I do.....sort of. Every now and then I'll write something that some one else gets a blessing from. I'd like this space to serve that purpose. I'd like this place to to be a place of encouragement, blessing and even a mind challenge. I like to think and I like to make people think. I also like to touch the heart and soul of people. I hope that this space will accomplish all of that.

I don't know how often I'll write. Probably only when I actually think I have something to say. But if you're interested, sign on. I'd like to share with you. I hope you're encouraged, blessed, touched and challenged.

Now back up as I do a inward 1 1/2 off of this high board....