I've been reflecting on the lyrics to a worship song by New Life Worship that we sing at CFBC the last few days. . .

Found only in the hands of Jesus is joy.  Pretty "churchy" thing to say. . . only it's true.  You see, for so many years I searched for things.  Not sure I searched for "joy" - I was living in survival mode most of my life.  Joy was the last thing on my mind, as was evidenced by the negativity, judgement, and sarcasm in my life.  No, I was looking for something much deeper than "joy," I just didn't know it.  

Through a lot of very Godly counsel, I learned that there have been very few people in my life I can really trust - parents, family, friends - and for years this made me bitter and angry. . . until I met Jesus, the One who never fails or lets me down.  

Over and again my experiences have been with people who have failed me.  I can say, with joy and certainty, Jesus never fails.  

In my darkest moment, he rescued me.  In my failure, he loved me.  He saw past my selfishness to a hurting, very lonely little boy who needed a daddy.

Yes, found in his presence is full joy.  Every fear is wiped away.  Every good thing I've ever done is nothing.

Jesus really is wonderful, beautiful, glorious, and matchless in every way.

Verse:
Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away
Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom are standing amazed

Chorus:
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You

Bridge:
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchless in every way

Here's a link to the video of the song. . . 
http://youtu.be/un09cq5tiuo

These are a little late, but Kate had her 9th birthday party a couple of weeks ago.  It's really wild how quickly time flies (I know . . .a recurring theme in my blog posts).  Here are some pics from the party.

Not long ago, we spent a few days in the mountains with some dear friends.  One morning, as I was sitting on the deck listening to the river below and the wind rustling the trees, I jotted down these lines:

Holy Spirit send your reign

Let your glory fall.

Sweeping through this broken soul

Be the Lord of all.

Rushing wind of heaven's peace

Stir this heart of mine

With your gentle spirit move

In you hope to find.

Mighty God, who chooses love

Let your power show

Kindness in this holy place

So all the world will know.

Redeeming grace, Love's perfect gift

Showered from above

Flowing in a crimson tide

Streams unconditional love.

Roaring river flood this heart

The crucified has won

The battle's over, victory mine

The Son has overcome.

The battle is over, friends.  I don't have to work, prove anything, try to be good enough, etc.  

Redemption and sanctification are ours through Jesus.  

Thank you, Jesus, for winning the battle and for chasing after me all these years. I'm sorry it took me so long to see you - the real you.  Use my life, my experiences, my mistakes, and my victories to help people see the only true love - Jesus Christ. 

It's been a while since I've written anything.

Life has a way of doing that, doesn't it?  You look up one day and . . . BAM!

Everyone is five years older.  You wonder where the time went?  It's a bit cliche, but it seems like yesterday my kiddos where just babies and we were up all night rocking and singing them back to sleep.

They are 9 and 10 years old now. 

God, grant me the peace and wisdom I need to get through the next few years.  May these years be ones they remember forever.  May the next few years be in slow motion.  I don't want to miss a moment.  Not a second.

I'm reminded of the lyrics of one of my favorite songs by Mark Harris. . . 

I came home from work And she was waiting at the door
Had that bad day look in her eyes

And I heard the sound of her little feet Across the hardwood floor
And I knelt down with my arms open wide

When I asked her what had happened
She pointed to our son and said "Why don't you show your daddy what you've done"

And I could see the writing on the wall

Evidence of little hands
Picasso with a purple crayon

And I tried to act upset But I was smiling through it all
'Cause I could see the writing on the wall, yeah

It was the first day of school Standing by the laundry door
Wondering how third grade came so fast

I took a ruler and a sharpie pen And I drew the line once more
So amazed at how the time had passed

With a backpack full of promise And wonder in her eyes

I turned my head just so she wouldn't see me cry

'Cause I could see the writing on the wall

It seems no matter how I tried
The pages of this life keep turning
It's a roller coaster ride
And even though I knew we had it all
I could see the writing on the wall

I got a cinematic memory Playing pictures of the past
Adding to the story as we go

'Cause every day I'm learning That tomorrow comes too fast
So, I'm holding on to the only way I know

Yeah, yeah, whoa

I can see the writing on the wall
It seems no matter how I tried The pages of this life keep turning
I can't stop the hands of time
Even though I knew we had it all
I can see the writing on the wall

Whoa, I can see the writing on the wall

Read more: Mark Harris - Writing On The Wall Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Father's Day 2011

Blake - Age 8
Kate - Age 6

My New Reality

Several of you have been asking about how the transition is going, what things are like, and what the church is like....so I thought I'd show you some pictures of my new life.  We are living in the guest house of a wonderful family named the Laniers.  They are truely great, generous, and fun people.  Below you will find pictures of their property - remember everything you see is "in their backyard" - literally, all of this is located on the Lanier Estate.

Fountain Outside My House

Outdoor BBQ Area

The Chapel in Lanier Village

Cottage in Lanier Village

Garage Apartment next to the Main House (We stayed in here last month)

Garage Apartment

Lanier Gym and Barn

Lanier Library - He built this last year to hold his personal collection of books.  Inside he has one of 9 exact duplicates of the Dead Sea Scrolls - the other eight are in places like London, Paris, Israel, etc.

Outside Fireplace

Playground

They have a train that goes all around the estate

Lanier Village - includes a guest house, chapel, conference room and commercial kitchen.  His law firm meets here often.

Another view of Lanier Village

Animal Collection

One of the Hallways At church

Main Worship Center

Main Worship Center - 4300 Seats

View from the Choir Loft

Worship Center Foyer

"My" House

"My" House

"My" Living Room

My Office

Worship Ministry Conference Room

Worship Ministry Hallway

Worship Ministry Office Suite Hallway - 10 Office in this area

Orchestra Rehearsal Room

Worship Ministry Reception Area

View Two

Doxa Recital 2011

Paramount Baptist Church is a unique church in many ways.  One of the most amazing ways PBC is unique is the Doxa Dance Ministry.  We started this ministry two years ago, under the vision, direction, and leadership of an amazing woman - Brittanie Wooten.  It's been a privilege to watch this ministry grow and develop.  The recital was Sunday night, May 1st, and there were approximately 400 people in attendance.  Below are some pictures of the most precious girl in the world participating in the recital.

Baseball and Easter

Today is April 24, 2011 - Easter.  Kate asked Jesus into her heart and I had the honor of baptizing her.  After church we called in an order to Outback Steakhouse, had lunch at home, then the kids hunted for Easter eggs.  Below are some pictures of our egg hunting...

I haven't blogged in a while. . .Blake is playing baseball with the Y so I've put a few pictures from his most recent game.