A starting point...

OK, here I am beginning this blog -- which I didn't intend on starting in the first place. However, somehow I was drawn to it and thought about what it was that I might accomplish with it. So, here it is -- just thoughts -- from an ordinary man -- who is becoming an X-traordinary husband, father, friend, and servant.

I am excited about our mens and couples Life Group -- I am excited about City Church -- and am looking forward to more lives being touched, transformed and renewed -- mine especially! I am one of a growing group of extraordinary men --- we are the X-MEN --- and God is changing each one of us and I am thankful to say that He is causing me to go from ordinary to X-traordinary.

I have realized where I have fallen short in my relationship with Jesus, my wife, my children, my family, and my friends. I have not met certain goals and/or expectations I had set for myself-- a deeper meaning in living, loving, and serving. To be quite frank -- I believe God has revealed to me areas where I have been lazy, complacent, and have had an "I don't really care right now" attitude. I have seen selfishness within myself and, while noticing it, didn't do much to change it.

I have let myself live by the desires and cravings of my flesh rather than to submit my body, my life, my purpose to the Lord as a sacrifice. I questioned my purpose, my calling, my heart -- I mean, what I am I doing here anyway? It seemed as if I went from being somewhat effective to deficient in so many areas that it was hard to change course again and get back on the right track. In a sense, I gave up trying -- because after all, "what difference is this going to make anyway?"

I thank God for speaking to me in that "still small voice". I was hurting and seeking and desiring a change. I knew where I was headed was not the right place for me or my family. So many times we take the quietness for granted -- we think we always have to be doing something to fill the void. It is in the quiet time that He is able to speak to us the most -- or should I say it is in those times when we actually are quiet long enough for Him to get a word in. It is funny to me that it happens in the strangest of places -- and I have heard the same from so many it is laughable -- in the shower or bath (maybe I should make my bathtub my new prayer closet -- what do you think??) --just a thought.

Anyway, since that revelation, though, I can honestly say that there has been a breaking away from the old and an entering into the new. It hasn't happened over night and it hasn't been easy -- it will still take time. Transformation doesn't always happen in the blink of an eye, but I know that I am being changed -- into an X-MAN! There is a long road ahead, but it is not impossible. I have a wonderful wife who has always been there by my side, two great children, and the best Pastors anyone could ask for. They are all my support and they offer the strength and wisdom I need to learn and grow. Ultimately, my dependence and trust is solely in the Lord. When I try to fix it, it ends up more broken, but given to God, my disaster becomes His work of art -- after all, I am His workmanship.