Kadda, Sig and me (Whitney's puppies)


I am amazed when huge flies appear late in the season. I don't like what that implies about their life cycle and where they grew and feasted as a maggot to get so huge. I am not a fan of maggots. I am not a fan of flies. I know God created them for a purpose, but is "annoying" really a necessary purpose in our lives?


Last night my dog went kind of crazy. I came to bed late. Deanna had gone to bed earlier than normal, and I lost track of time.

When I came to bed, my dog decided it wasn't bed time. This is not normal behavior for him. I could not figure out what he was doing. He'd climb half way up on my bed (which we don't allow) to get my attention.

I asked him if he needed to go outside, and he took off like shot, out of my room and uncharacteristically, barked when he got near the door. He ran outside for a couple seconds then was ready to come back in.

I let him in and returned to the warm flannel sheets.

He did the same thing. I told him to "get down" and "go to bed."

He got down and went to Deanna's side of the bed. I fussed at him again. He laid down and started to growl.

He got back up and headed down the hall, and barked.

I was convinced we had a prowler. There seemed no other logical explanation for his behavior. I made a lap through the house turning on every perimeter light and checking for figures moving about.

None.

I went back to bed.

He did it again.

Now I'm thinking, there is no storm which might elicit this kind of behavior, maybe Deanna is sick and the dog is aware. I feel her forehead, and she stirs... that doesn't seem to be it.

We get up and walk through the house again.

Lights on.

Lights off.

I see no one. I hear nothing. This dog has lost his mind.

I return to bed, again. I am really getting annoyed. I told him sternly, "Dakota, go to bed!" (his bed is right below me)

He circles around and lays down.

I try to sleep.

Then it occurs to me.

I am a little slow.

Each time he got upset, that stupid big fly was buzzing my head and his. He was just as annoyed and stirred up as I was.

It is amazing how we sometimes fail to connect the dots of the obvious in our lives. Things that should not elicit much response, find us overreacting. Things that require our attention, find us ignoring them.

I pulled out my rifle and walked through the house... for a housefly!

That's an overreaction!

How many times do I bring a big gun to deal with a grain of sand?

Being Spirit led allows us to work from a frame of understanding that we will not have, otherwise. Learning to walk with the Spirit is important. It allows us to take a hammer when a hammer is needed, and to use a trowel, when a trowel is needed.

An interesting lesson for me.

Now I need to find that fly, so that WE can sleep tonight!


dad

The day is drawing near when we will migrate back to our old stomping grounds to be with family! We cannot wait. Our hearts are already there. This opportunity is something we do not take for granted. We are enthused to be able to spend time loving on those who are so important to us, but we are lucky to see once a year.

I do love Christmas decorations.

When I was little, my mom went to great lengths to make our home festive. I looked forward to each season, because she would put up appropriate decor to reflect the time of year. Christmas was/is my favorite.

I still enjoy seeing what others do to reflect the celebratory time of year. In Venezuela, I saw decorations in many places. I did not hear much Christmas music to accompany those holly boughs and ribbon, but certainly people were joyous.

One church I walked into had decorations I considered to be a bit gaudy. However, they worked beautifully in that environment, and I was thankful to see them take the time to decorate.

One pastors home was filled with garland and other festive trimmings. I had been in other Latin homes at Christmas, but had not seen such attention paid to the season. It was very tastefully done.

In Peru, a couple of years ago, it all seemed very commercial (sound familiar?). The decorations usually carried the name of a major drink distributor. They were still beautiful, but I've had enough of commercial Christmas.

When we arrive with our family, we will take the time to decorate. Though I am not the best example of it, my mother has left a great legacy. My brother works hard to put up lights and other glowing reflections of the season. He paid close attention when my father hung them on the exterior of our home. He carries on the tradition with using the same colors (blue and green) and when it was possible, the same lights. I love it!

We use red lights in my home. Deanna LOVES red lights. It seems we hang one more strand of lights on our tree every year. We cannot have any un-illuminated recesses in our evergreen reminder of the tree our Savior spilled Himself on.

This past Saturday night, the youth pastors from our church invited all of the youth Sunday School teachers and their spouses out for a special "thank you," celebration.

We collected at a local eatery and shared a meal over much laughter. It was a great time. When the meal was over, we headed to our church where we awaited another treat.

When it arrived, we went out and boarded into a white, stretch Hummer limo. We toured the city and looked at Christmas lights/decorations for the next two hours while we drank sparkling cider and listened to Carols. What a great way to say "thank you!"

I won't soon forget this experience. We were able to celebrate the coming of His Season (sad to say this is the only time that many even think on Him) with those we did not know well, but got to experience significant fellowship with.

One home had their lights set to a radio station of Carols. Thousands of little glowing bulbs came on and off based on the rhythms in the music. It was amaaaaazing!

Deanna, Lauren, Weston and I were among those celebrating this night. We had a great time, and it was a wonderful reminder of how we need to share the love of our Savior. We need to be beacons of His precious gift. We need to be able to reflect Him into the lives of others in unique and significant ways.

There is something about lights! They capture and transport us to another place, another time, perhaps a simpler time. A time when family drew together to love and contemplate this powerful gift He has given us!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." Isaiah 9:6

Christmas lights are an amazing reminder of His Light. His glory is revealed in the hearts and lives of His own, both this time of year, and throughout, as we surrender our lives to be who He wants us to be!

Have a great week!


dad

Yeah, I'm home!!!

What an amazing experience I had in Venezuela!!! The beauty of the people there is second to none. I spent my time with pastors and church leaders from around the state of Portuguesa, primarily. They are deep in the Word, have a passion for Jesus and reaching the lost. I have seldom seen such spiritual depth and breadth.

The men I served with have been tools in the hand of the Mighty God. The far reaching impact of Christ's work through them and others from our church is very evident.

I have traveled through many countries, and seen many believers interact. I am not sure I have ever felt as loved and readily accepted as I did in Venezuela.

The country is beautiful and very hot. It was 95 to 100 degrees F, most every day. I came home last night to over 70 degrees colder! Most may want to turn around and go back because of temperatures alone. I would go back because of the way these people love on my Savior, and as a result, love on each other.

When the body of Christ live and thrive in relationship with Him, they also tend to do so with one another. It is by this evidence and fruit, that many are drawn to our Lord. Those who are not believers, see the difference and a desire rises within them to be involved in a love like this.

The petty quarrels and arguments that we often allow to separate us, also keep the unbelievers separated from Him.

It is our unity in Christ as a body, that opens the eyes to a different life and a different approach to love. It's why Christ plead for it, when He went before His Father in Heaven (John 17).

I made many new friends, who were already my brothers and sisters in Him. I am not sure I have ever felt so instantly, unconditionally loved and cared for, as I did by these people.

It was a valuable lesson for me.

Love on people, and let them know why. It's not a difficult concept, but one that gets diluted by assertions from personal agendas. Anytime self gets in the way, the Way to the Master becomes clouded.

Because of all we hear about their political leader, it is easy to make assumptions about an entire people group.

Clearly, those would be dead wrong.

These beautiful people are a shining example of how we are to love.

To be honest, at times I found myself being reluctant to open myself up to them. I feared being viewed as a source of potential funding for projects unknown. There is a certain relevance to that thought. People from the USA are seen as wealthy in most every other nation.

Though I am not, I am, by their standards.

In general, I do not believe this was the motive of those I got to know. There are always exceptions, but the purity and genuineness of their pursuit of me as a person, eclipsed this buried thought stream.

It is interesting to note that it costs more to buy four bottles of water than a tank of gas. Around 9 cents/gallon is the cost to them (in US currency). Can you imagine?

Turning 50 has caused some pretty serious introspection, on my part. I want to follow my Savior's heart with the remainder of my life. My own desires war within me.

I have learned a great deal by visiting these people. I need to be more like them... more like Him.

Generalizations should not be made about those we do not know or have not met. God loves them, and I need to as well.


dad

Our family at Thanksgiving!!!

We had a great Thanksgiving. Some brought the flu with them, and were sick over our holidays, but that did not dampen our spirits or time together! What a blessing!


I leave for Venezuela on Tuesday, December 1 and will be there until the 9th.

I am amazed at how our Lord uses us in spite of ourselves. He stretches us beyond our own comfort, and uses our obedience to speak into the lives of others.

I am a homebody. I would prefer not to travel. I like being at home, and doing outdoor stuff. Cavorting around the globe was never on my personal "bucket list."

I am very comfortable in my own space. I like being comfortable. I like not having to meet the expectations of anyone but me. Then, when I fall short, I only disappoint myself.

Being an approval junkie, makes this extra difficult. I want to please those in my life. It affects the way I think, process, make decisions, even write. I want to be liked by others. I don't much like the fact that I like this.

I have learned through the years, that I will disappoint others, regardless of my choices. I will not always please everyone. I groan within when I realize I have let others down, especially those closest to me.

I strive to make choices that please my Lord, and then have to trust that others will understand, whether or not they agree. I am not always successful. Sometimes, I fail my Savior.

This trip to Venezuela, is to coordinate contacts and scheduling for a summer team I will send back in the summer. I am going with three other men. I have spent time with one of these men. He is my pastor. The other two, I have shared a round table discussion with for about an hour.

I do not know exactly what to expect. I am thankful these men have all been there before. They know the contacts and the lay of the land. I wish Deanna was going. I would rather not make these trips without her.

I will be making day trips with a man I really don't know. He is older and wiser than me. We will travel to several cities to meet with local pastors. That should make this a low pressure situation. I am usually the one shouldering the pressure. It will be a nice change to allow someone else to be in charge of most aspects of my life. I hope I can surrender them to him.

I like things the way I like them. I like people to like things the way I like them. I have a feeling I need to learn to like things the way he likes them.

I am not sure I am ready for that, but will try.

One thing I do enjoy about travel this time of year, is seeing how other countries prepare for, advertise and celebrate Christmas. I was in Peru with Brad and Walker two years ago, around this time. The volume of ads is far fewer, but their approach interesting.

During this season when we are supposed to be focusing on our Savior, His birth, and the incredible gift He is, it will be good for me to have to let go of the things I like and submit to someone else. It's good practice for how I am supposed to live my life for Christ, each day.

Somehow, its easier to submit to God than man. Men are silly. God is not. Men do dumb things for no apparent reason. God has a purpose in all He does. I'd rather submit to God. I have to practice being a good follower, and submit to man.

It will be good for me. I know we will have a blessed time together. I know we will stretch each other. I trust, we can have impact for His kingdom. After all, that is what this is all about.

Nothing else really matters. Bringing glory to God is our goal. Bringing honor to Him in how we serve and love Him and one another, is the point of living. I should be able to live for nine days, right?

I sure hope so, because if I can't do it for nine days, then why should I expect others to do serve under my leadership?

If you can't follow well, you won't lead well.

I am going to be a good follower... of Jesus!!!


brent

My brother in Christ, my friend and my hunting guide... Steve!

Those who do not want to read about this hunt, should feel free to leave now. I understand not everyone agrees with hunting.


A couple of writings ago, I talked of returning to hunting. I did.

This whitetail buck is the sort of trophy men and women hunt their entire lives to find. Few actually ever see them. I was tremendously blessed! I have no doubt that this hunt was provision from the hand of the Lord! He gave me a view of what this day would look like, and it came to pass.

I had to be patient, and saw Him do as He laid in my heart He would.

This past summer, a man named Steve went to Panama with me for 10 days. I knew him as the father of my leadership partner, Katie. This was Steve's first mission trip. God did an incredible work in his life. He returned with a passion and enthusiasm for the Lord that had not been previously, demonstrated... at least not in missions. He is now raising up others to go to serve with his church!

His daughter Katie (who also works with me), read my aforementioned blog, and contacted her dad, an avid hunter.

He invited me to go deer hunting with him on the opening day of gun season. What Steve did for me at no cost, could cost multiple thousands of dollars, had it been done by a professional guide.

I arrived on Friday night at his home. We had great fellowship! We set a plan for the following morning. He made sure I had all the equipment I needed, and allowed me to borrow what I was short.

We viewed photos from his motion sensor camera that revealed a huge buck. We joked about taking it, but recognized the chances were slim, as this size deer rarely shows itself during daylight.

We awoke around 4:30 am. I headed to the kitchen to find him making a bountiful breakfast of what I'd call a western egg scramble (I forgot to ask him what he called it!). We ate to our fill, then headed out.

After a fifteen or twenty minute drive, we arrived at a 150 acre property he has groomed along the Cimarron River. He has worked hard preparing the land for wildlife habitation. It is complete with crops they enjoy, that will also increase their health.

We parked the truck and hiked at about 5:40am. The only light shone from our headlamps. In sheer darkness, I ascended my assigned tree stand. It sat just aloft a growth of evergreens in the crotch of a large deciduous tree.

Steve headed to another tree stand around a half mile away.

I sat down on a small wooden bench on my 3x5 platform, twenty feet above ground and waited for daylight.

I heard many creatures below me scurrying in leaf debris. I could make out, none of them.

Birds ushered in the break of dawn.

I waited patiently for life to begin.

As pale light began to splash over my surroundings, I caught my first glimpse of the environment I would spend the next 12 plus hours in.

Steve had equipped me with incredible snack food. Around nine, after better than three hours of waiting and watching, I decided to eat something. I knelt in my small platform to open my backpack.

As I did, I saw on the horizon, the first deer of the day. I grabbed my binoculars and drew into view a small spike buck, 150 yards out. He warily crossed a clearing, stopping occassionally to graze.

This would not be my choice. I had an idea of what this day was to look like, and I knew I needed to be patient. I would not shoot just to kill. I would wait for what I knew was to be God's provision. I watched him disappear into the thicket.

Three hours later, I was growing a bit anxious for something to happen.

I began to hear a squirrel scolding... something. I realized this would only occur as he felt threatened. I knew I was not in his view, so was curious what could be disturbing him.

I slowly rose from my position. In a break of trees, I detected movement. I grabbed my field glasses once again, and they revealed a small nine point buck. I was not here to just shoot... or just for meat. I would be satisfied just to be back out, to have seen the deer and to go home empty handed, if the right buck did not appear.

I watched him for the couple of minutes he grazed 50 yards from me. He disappeared into the woods.

The next 5 hours, I would watch birds from my perch atop the evergreens. I saw many I could identify and many I could not. I love viewing His Creation, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The overcast skies suddenly gave way to sun, nearing 5:00pm. Shadows were cast, receded and recast as the setting sun flirted with the ebbing front in the western horizion.

A noise and movement captured my attention.

Not 50 yards from me appeared a third small buck... another spike buck, probably a yearling at best. His attention was drawn down the meadow. I followed his gaze to an appearing doe.

Next, he moved toward me. As I watched another spike buck appeared and walked towards the first. They muzzled each other, then instinctively began deer games of sparring with their tiny tines. Then they returned to muzzling. Adorable!

Suddenly, movement down the treeline captured both of their attention!

I pulled my binoculars back to my eyes and searched for their fear.

Exiting the brambles was a large antlered mass. My vision was blocked by the last of the fall leaves clinging to their home.

The little doe down the meadow watched intently. He began toward her, then turned abruptly towards the button buck duo. That meant he was heading for me.

I released the binoculars, and pulled up the rifle, finding him in the scope.

He was facing me, giving me the least amount of target. I heard the echo of Steve's last words to me, if he gives you a shot, take it, because you aren't likely to get a second chance.

This was a high risk, low odds shot. I chose not to take it.

He turned and headed back to the treeline.

I was a bit frustrated, but knew that at that range I could easily miss.

Suddenly he came back out into clear view and headed away from me... towards the doe.

She stood waiting.

He was even farther away, my chance, I feared was evaporating.

Another doe appeared acrossed the field.

I made a loud noise trying to get him to stop. He did, he made a quarter turn, presenting me a slightly better view. I had to take it.

I did.

I missed.

All of the deer present, bolted... but him, he froze. I quickly took aim once again, he quartered away, the other direction.

I fired.

He fell.


Steve had heard the gunfire and quickly texted me... "was that you?"

"Yes!" I replied. "I hit a large buck!"

He texted back, "Is it him?" (meaning the huge buck from the photos)

"I don't know," I responded, "the vegetation is too high!"

As I neared him, it became clear he had not expired.

I was startled. I was mid text to Steve, when I dropped my phone and ended it.

I cautiously walked up to him, lifted his mostly hidden antlers for a clear view.
My knees went weak. It was him!

I furiously texted Steve... "It's him!"


The next morning, we headed to church. Steve shared with his Sunday School class about God's providence. He told them who I was, and why I was with him.

Then he told them, "My daughter called me and let me know that Brent wanted to deer hunt. When she said those words, the Lord let me know that this huge buck was for him. I knew he was going to take it and I am glad he did!"

This man who had poured so much of himself into this field, into growing healthy deer, was completely unselfish.

The buck you see, is a once in a lifetime find. Few see them. Fewer take them. He could have been as many are... focused on what he had done to grow this buck and want him for himself.

This avid hunter, who has many trophies in his home, yielded willingly to the Lord's prompt. He is thrilled for me. He has continued to help in the pointing me to a taxidermist and butcher.

I am blessed by his witness. I am thankful for this buck. All hunters would be. However, God showed me this hunt was about His provision and perfecting the hearts of His own.

Thank you, Steve!

Thank you, Lord!

This Thanksgiving, I find myself incredibly humbled at His Provision and Grace!


brent

the wedding of a dear friend I recently got to perform...


It seems that recently, the Lord has surrounded me with men and women who have a true passion for our Savior, and understand what it means to live for Him... which means dying. Some have been revealed in books I'm reading, others who die in their lives every day.

I confess I need these people in my life to remind me of why I am here. I can get weary, and lose focus all too easily.

In our office, we received a letter from one of our fighting men, currently serving in Afghanistan. He relayed stories of battle. I am tremendously humbled by what he has seen and experienced. He is a leader of men, and speaks about covering each time they "leave the wire" with prayer. I assume that means leaving the safety of the base.

He and his men do this twice a day. He has seen and experienced many IED's. He saw seven men give their lives. A memory he says that will be forever etched in his mind.

(I often wonder what impact watching Christ give His life for me might have on may day to day choices).

He speaks of knowing that the Lord has his wife and sons held in protection, whether he lives or dies. Clearly, he wants to return to them. However, he understands the greater purpose.

Understanding the greater purpose in life is something I am afraid many tend to miss.

Our men and women who go off to war understand the potential cost.

War wages around us every day. Few of us are prepared or believe it necessary, to pay the potential cost.

We abide in a "microwave existence."

Everything from our day to day choices to our theology, point to instant gratification. We seek to serve the god of self, over a Savior who bled, died and resurrected that we might have eternal life. Most of our decision making serves to meet our immediate needs and desired pleasures, rather than bringing glory to Him.

Even our lack of knowledge in sharing the Gospel reveals what is truly important to us... relationship with Christ is more about keeping oneself from eternity in Hell, than making sure others have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

One of the results of our lack of understanding of our relationship with Him is that someone like BJ becomes the exception instead of the rule.

He loves each of us so much and set forth a plan that was designed to reach the world. It involves us telling people the greatest news ever! Even in John 9, when the blind man washed in the pool of Siloam, was set free from bondage and gained spiritual sight (as well as physical) he understood that "saved" meant "sent."

So, he went. He told people about Jesus.

I think of the man in Afghanistan that lays his life down everyday. He does this to protect a greater cause. He happens to be a believer who understands that he serves a God who is in control. He has all authority over every IED, over every son of every father or mother over there. He yields to that control and trusts Him for whatever outcome brings Him the greatest glory.

Too many times, I don't yield.

I listened to a sermon recently that talked about the greatest form of idolatry being "self." I was greatly convicted as I listened to it twice. He spoke of our need to yield even our "free time" to the Lord.

The activities we engage in when not occupied by work, church or other are to bring glory to our Savior.

I assure you, I find no glory for the Lord when I watch my latest, favorite show on tv.

We all need down time. But if down time fills our minds with activities or principles which draw us closer to the world than the Lord, then we need press the reset switch.

I don't like this message. In fact, I despise it. I am good at disengaging when I have an opportunity. I want the freedom to relax as I see fit.

Unfortunately, too often, what 'I see fit' means doing what brings me pleasure, to the exclusion of a mighty God.

This is where dying daily really connects or comes unhinged. It's not just about going to church or having personal Bible study. It's about seeking to bring Him glory with every breath... every decision... every activity... every thought.

How can I change my routine to incorporate more of what points others to Christ?

I can leave the tv off and pick up the Word or another book which sharpens my mind to His precepts. I can pour into my wife. I can pour into my children. I can volunteer. I can speak into the lives of others, even when I don't feel like it. I can engage in discussion on worthy topics in relaxed public settings (I don't mean to promote my own holiness but to edify others who may not hear otherwise).

People around the world are dying. Some lay their lives down willingly. All have an appointment at the judgment seat.

If "faith without deeds is dead," (James 2:26) then isn't it time we do something about the stench of decay rising from within our own hearts?

He is worth any cost... dying daily is only the beginning!


dad

on the streets, among the mountain people of Huamachuco, Peru


I am growing more excited about the season! As the holidays draw near, I can hardly wait to be with family. Whitney, Jared and the puppies are coming for Thanksgiving. Lauren will be here. It's gonna be great!

I cannot remember the last time I ate at Cracker Barrel. For some reason, Sunday we did. We waited in line (which is one of my favorite things). Waiting would made easier by the many gift options available. It would be, but there were so many people that just trying to stand still was uncomfortable. A bit like being in a crowded elevator and waiting for the door to finally open.

Anyway, once out out of the cattle chute, we were able to enjoy our meal. That place is so 'down home' that it just makes me think of family.


I raked my yard this past weekend. Cleared it of my neighbors tree leaves... mine haven't fallen off yet... they are oak and like to be last off. My mistake was that I did not rake his yard too.

Wind plus time equals my yard needs raked of my neighbors leaves, again.


The weather has finally turned fall like. Yesterday was in the 40's for a high! Today is to be the same. I like this. I want snow!

For the last couple of years, I have had winter trips scheduled. Each time I leave, it snows... or ices. Deanna has been home alone during these lovely times. She would rather do without.

For those in the Tulsa area, I leave December 1 for several days... you may want to get your shovels and snow blowers ready (if you live in Tulsa and have a snow blower, you do understand the word 'hope').


I'm thinking of taking hunting back up. It's been years since I did. My kids are grown and will no longer talk about the fate of "Bambi," if go. I think the timing might be right.

I still remember being with family and seeing a buck lying in the back of a pick-up truck at a breakfast stop. I had to explain why Bambi was sleeping there. I think I told the truth, I can't remember.

If I'm going to hunt, I'm going to need some supplies. I have arrows from Uganda, but no bow. I have a knife from the Bedouins of the Sahara and a machete from Panama, but I don't plan on hand to hand combat. I'm pretty sure that went out with 'Rambo.'

Come to think of it, why is that show on every time I turn on my tv?

Hunters today, all wear camouflage. I don't own any. I could do an Adam and Eve thing and use my neighbors leaves!

I really don't think it matters to the deer. Why do we dress up for them anyway? I'm pretty sure this is the guys version shopping for a prom dress.


Anyway, I love this time of year! So much anticipation. The aroma of baking fills the house. Spiraling columns of woodsmoke ascend from the chimney. We can unplug those glade contraptions and burn candles with scents of the seasons.

I bought a new candle at Cracker Barrel. It must be good cause it was really expensive. Something about a "wood wick." I don't know what that means, but it smells like Frasier Fir when it burns, and my whole house smells like Christmas!

I don't know what she's baking, but it smells wonderful and I am getting hungry!

Wait, maybe she's not really baking. Do they make a 'warm brownie butter' candle?


All foolishness aside, I cannot imagine celebrating the upcoming seasons, without my Savior! I love my family, but without Him, all would be meaningless!

Seeing Him change lives from the inside out is a blessing. Celebrating who He is with family, is a privilege. Getting to tell others about Him in the process, is an honor.

Oh, how I love Him so!


dad