ManCamp 2010

I know I have been slackin' on the bloggin....so much so, that Kerrie has pretty much laid claim to this blog as hers...and we just can't have that. So, here I am to take back what is so rightfully mine.

The guys at church finally scheduled ManCamp on my off week....not so sure they had me in mind when doing this, but I know God did. ManCamp is pretty much set up to help you become a better Man of God, and this was something I was hungry for. There was a group of about 60 men from LifePoint that came, some I knew very well and some I hardly knew at all. But there is something very special and powerful about a group of men coming together, seeking God, worshiping, praying, and sharing. I was definitely convicted by God's word, and allowed his word to shape me as only the Potter's hands can.

I took several proverbial "punches" during the weekend, and I undeniably deserved them and undoubtedly needed them. The first "punch" I received was realizing I had become relaxed. It's funny how this happens so easily without us recognizing it. And that is just how Satan likes it! It was almost as if I was acting like I had already finished the race. This "punch" landed right in my gut, knocking the wind out of me, and forcing me to gasp for God. Where had my passion gone? Where had my eagerness to seek God gone? Thank you God for knocking the wind out of me and forcing me to acknowledge and breath in your presence! JD shared this scripture at the camp:

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart"

Notice the word "all" in this verse. It's easy to seek God with the parts of our hearts that we don't mind giving to him. I pray I will allow God to have and replace all areas of my heart.

One of the biggest consequences of being relaxed for me was not studying the word of God as I should. For the past several days I have been trying something JD suggested..."don't physically eat until you spiritual eat". So for the past several days I have made it a point to study the Bible before I eat any food. I really love this and plan to keep this part of my life.

The second "punch" landed right between the eyes. As much as this punch hurt, it was much needed. Because after the blindness and dizziness subsided, I was able to refocus my eyes. Before this, my eyes were easily diverted to things of this world. It's my prayer that I can keep this focus. This scripture that was shared at ManCamp helps me do this:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."

The last "punch" landed squarely on my temple. A hard shot to the temple can easily rattle your thoughts and so it did. For the past months, I had been relying on my own understanding. This has been major flaw of mine through my whole Christian life. My brain is so wired with logic, and if you know God at all, you know his ways are higher than ours and transcends logic. I know this is something I will always struggle with, but I pray I continue to fight against my own logic and trust in God's wisdom.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

I'm jacked up about the direction I am headed today and the work that God is doing. I have returned from ManCamp a better man, a better husband, and a better follower of Jesus Christ. My hope is that I continue to run after God.

Wade Williams

reunited and it feels so good!

I'm going to be very opaque here and admit that apart from a study I'm participating in, I have not been taking the time to just sit and read my bible or pray with out a specific prayer request. I have felt the conviction that comes with that, but somehow managed to ignore it. Why? Laziness maybe, lack of passion or drive? I can only put the blame on myself.

Last week I saw on the news that there seems to be a small divide occuring between America and Isreal and it scared me because I've always been taught that is a sign of the end times (Don't actually know if thats true or not). I'm not afraid of where I will go. I know beyond a SHADOW OF A DOUBT that I am saved by the grace of God! Thank you Jesus! I was more afraid of what I'd miss out on if he returned so soon -- like growing old with Wade.

I know in my head that life eternal with God will be beyond imagination, but because it is beyond my ability to imagine, it causes me to want to hold on tightly to the life I already know here on Earth! Because yes, I do love this life -- even though I know that it is nothing compared to the life I will have.

Well, last night I felt so drawn to my Bible that I just sat in bed and started reading the book of Revelation.

"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." (Rev. 1:3)

I figured if I read about my future life with Christ, it would help me desire it more than my life on Earth. Boy, God's word is awesome. I got as far as the first part of chapter two and just fell in awe of God and his knowledge of my heart.

"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." (Rev. 2:2-5)

What a great reminder. To remember my FIRST LOVE.. and the height from which I have fallen! I can do nothing outside of Christ. Nothing that matters anyways. It was such a refreshing time to simply sit in God's presence, to really talk to Him, about nothing.. about everything.

Lord, don't let me get caught up in the actions and forget the relationship!

Honey Pecan Pork Chops!

What you need:

2 pork chops, pounded thin
1/2 cup all-purpose flour for coating
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup chopped pecans





1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt and pepper. Dredge pork cutlets in the flour mixture.



2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chops, and brown both sides. Transfer to a warm plate.





3. Mix honey and pecans into the pan drippings. Heat through, stirring constantly.



4. Pour sauce over cutlets and Enjoy!!