'ben thinkin'....

Trying Something Cool

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:24:00 +0000

Hello everyone. I'm temporarily redirecting everyone to a new website. It's a "Facebook" for Bethel. Come join the fun. It's free. You can check it out without signing up. But, if you sign up (again, for free) you can upload pics, video, chat with friends (in a safe environment) plus a LOT MORE. Come check it out.

www.bethelfamily.ning.com

See ya' there,

Ben 3

Don't Believe The Lies!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:40:00 +0000

Over the past few days I've had some rather long discussions with someone who is trying to find God in her somewhat confusing world. Does God really exist? If He does, will He love me? Why would He? Can you really expect "your" God to love me after ALL I've done?

The answer is an undeniable YES! YES, YES, YES!!!!!

Satan is a liar. He's lying to God about you and me right now. He's lying to you and me about God right now. DON'T BELIEVE THE LIES.

God loves us. PERIOD.

Pray for my friend. There's some serious questions being asked and I know God has all the answers. Pray for each other. Pray for me. I'll be praying for you.

THERE IS A BATTLE GOING ON IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM! WE FIGHT THROUGH PRAISE. GOD YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!" NLT

B3

One DOES Make a Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:40:00 +0000

Ok i know I am having a lot of football references lately, but I have one more observation...
Colt McCoy went out of the game and it changed the momentum, BUT he is a game changer! It made a difference when he went out, even to the extend it hurt the defense that has nothing to do with the quarterback. One person can change the momentum. His effect in the game wasn't necessarily a quarterback but purely an inspiration. You too can be a game changer!
B3

Longhorn Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:47:00 +0000

Ok, I was saddened by the loss last night, but this video was brought to my attention and I thought it was pretty cool! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qygFhxCkFkg

B3

Life is Better With Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Sitting in my office with Nicole, Geoff and Lauren , looking out the window wondering what in the world am I here for?! I know thats a little bit of a joke from my sermon this past Sunday. BUT, do you ever wonder why you are here? I believe one of the misconceptions of life is that its all about just getting a job done. Granted, we do have responsibilities and we need to take care of them. As I was listening to these guys, they confirmed something that I have always known: Life is a whole lot better with friends!
Tonight, guys just like these 3 are hanging out with one another to just enjoy each others fellowship, football and of course awesome food! So until tomorrow... Wait to hear about the victorious LONGHORNS! Hook um' Horns!

Football plus Food equals A Great Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:39:00 +0000

Why is it the football and food always go together? I don't think I have ever watched a football game in my life without food in front of my face. Maybe its because you're watching athletes over 300 lbs. , and they just inspire you. It seems like football and a pizza are a good combination. Or maybe a hot pastrami. Either one goes well!
Its also a whole lot more fun to watch a football game with a bunch of friends. Im not opposed to standing up and screaming at the t.v by myself, but its a whole lot more meaningful in a room full with a bunch of guys.
This time of year is football heaven. A game almost everyday. Sometimes two, and if your lucky three. Tomorrow night is probably the seasons best college game. The Longhorns against the Tide. Guys, rise to the occasion! Call some buddies, call Dominos, and let the fun begin!

The Fun Continues

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:18:00 +0000

Just thought I'd say what a great time we had at the "HallelujahFest". The weather was fantastic. A lot of our events were outside - food, firepits, smores and more. Greg X Volz from Petra was our special guest and he was amazing - as was the skit our team put on - FUNNY. Thanks to everyone who brought candy - we had some left over - that's never happened. The kids were everywhere. This might have been the best one we've ever had - and the best of all - more fun to come!! Yippee!!!!

I'm Enjoying Life

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:36:00 +0000

I understand that most blogs are meant to spark riveting conversation. To stir up the pot of thinking and... oh whatever.

I'm happy and enjoying life. My daughters, Jill and Beth, are both married to great guys, Josh and Isaac. I'm going to be a grandfather in April - thanks Beth and Isaac. Cindy and I are empty-nesters. (WOW, we seem to have more money now). I work with my best friends (some of them family) and we have fun. (Actually, they're ALL family). Things are great at church. We're in the middle of 100 days of prayer and God's doing AWESOME things. We're having a "Friend Day" this Sunday and that's going to be really fantastic.

I could go on - maybe tomorrow. But for now, I'm going to go home, turn on the Food Network and some jazz and just smile.:)

B3

What's The First Thing Out Of Your Mouth?

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:42:00 +0000

When you hit your thumb with a hammer, what's the first thing out of your mouth? When you're stuck in traffic, what's the first thing out of your mouth? When something good happens, what's ..........you got the idea.

Solomon was basically granted one wish from God. The first thing out of his mouth was to honor and praise God. He then asked for wisdom. God evidently liked that because He did give Solomon wisdom and then heaped on riches of every sort.

God hears everything we say and think. Good things happen when we honor God inside and out.

Have an awesome day.

Ben 3

I Love Football

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:54:00 +0000

It's back. Football. Glorious football. Pre-season is even ok. It's just cool to be able to watch the game.

I'm watching the 'Boys play Titans in the new stadium. Way to go Dallas. (Sorry Josh and Jay).

Glad to be back. Seems like I was away from "ben thinkin'" forever. My girls graduated college. Jill and Josh got married. Beth and Isaac are 5 weeks along with my first grandchild. Things are great. Although, after reading this last sentence, I feel really old............ OK, I'm over it now. Things are really good. God is really, really good.

Go "Boys!!!:)

B3

The Kids Are All Back - FULL FORCE

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:17:00 +0000

My last post was bemoaning the fact that all the kids were at camp and it was really quiet. Life is back to normal. They're all back and doing great.

Summer Master's has been going for a week and they are doing awesome. There's almost 50 kids meeting Monday - Thursday and I am amazed at all they're doing. There's study of the Word, prayer, outreach, drama and a whole lot more. The great thing is that they are REALLY enjoying the whole thing. They're having fun every step of the way.

Yesterday, just for fun, they built cardboard "forts" and then played "capture the flag" - boys against the girls - with the added twist of water balloons. I'll have to put up some pics for you to see. You'll love it.

No commentary other than "ENJOY LIFE" - God gave it to us!!

Ben 3 :)

It's TOO Quiet

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Everyone is at camp. Well, not everyone. I'm not. I'm here "holding down the fort". It's really quiet. I'm used to a lot of noise and activity. Kids are loud - especially mine. There's always laughter and joking and , well, noise. It's good to get away from it all and have some peace and quiet - sometimes. Right now, I can't wait for everyone to get back home.

An observation was made (in a book I read several years ago) that churches with a lot of youth and therefore noise, were growing churches - quiet churches are dying churches. I don't think that is always true, but, I get the idea.

Hurry home guys and let's make some noise. IT'S TOO QUIET HERE!!

B3

I Love Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:05:00 +0000

As you may know, we have a school here at the church. I'm very proud of the accomplishments of our students. They win music awards, math and science awards, huge scholarships and many of them are on "The Mayor's Top 100 Teens".

Here, at the end of the year, though, things get crazy, a little loud and hurried. You wonder if anyone is listening to you. There is a temptation to get frustrated. BUT, I was just reminded of Winston Churchill's simple graduation speech - "Never Quit"!

Kids DO listen AND watch AND learn. A person is Never too old to learn. A former student recently reminded me of this.

Parents, teachers, ADULTS, NEVER QUIT!!

B3

Jill Just Walked

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:36:00 +0000

Yippee!! Let's go eat a steak!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Beth Just Walked

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Way to go "Pootie"!!
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Justin Just Walked

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 16 May 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Yippee!!
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This is a Very Happy Day!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 16 May 2009 15:56:00 +0000

I'm sitting in the Don Haskins Center getting ready to watch Jill, Beth and Justin get their diplomas. The whole family is here having a blast. My mom's crying. We are all very proud.

We are going to celebrate tonight like all good Texans --a Big Fat Hunk of Steak.

:) B3
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

His Joy is Our Strength

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Hello boys and girls,

What a great day!!

This week I had some time to sit back and do a lot of reflecting. I had some shoulder surgery and haven't been able to get out. I even missed our Easter Egg Hunt and After Party Friday. First one I missed.

While I was down God spoke to me about the importance of "joy". So what did I do with it. What I normally do -- wrote a song. I'll let you in on round 2 of revisions:

This is a day to celebrate
This is a day to remember God is good!!
Ev'ryone who loves Him
Ev'ryone who's glad
Lift up your voice and remember God is good.

I may be poor
I may be weak but the Lord is thinking of me
so I won't forget. {Psalms 40:16-17 TLB)

The Joy of the Lord is our strength
His glory revealed in this place (Isaiah 41:16 TLB)
Thank God I am free by His grace
His joy is my strength.

So count it as joy when you face
The troubles of life come your way
Thank God for His pow'r ev'ryday
His Joy is my strength.

Now I'm aware of the effects of vicodin on you system (ha ha) but there's a ton of truth in the lyrics. Be joyful. It's more than a plastic smile; it's power from God!!

Have a fantastic Easter.

B3

Upside Down Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Steven Wright is a funny comedian. He observes that we "park on the driveway and drive on the parkway".

The Bible has it's own set of unusual statements: The first shall be last and the last shall be first -- if you want to gain life then lose it -- you get ahead by being a servant.

God gave us our five senses to make decisions. Most of the time we can trust our senses. But there are times when we are ill-equipped to make the decisions we need to make. That's when we HAVE TO trust God. Only He knows the future. Only He knows the path that we need to take. SO, even if it seems odd to you, go ahead and trust God. He won't lead you down the wrong path.

Now, this has nothing to do with my previous thought, but since I started with a funny statement, I have to end with one: If you don't like the way I'm driving, then get off the sidewalk.

Have an AWESOME day.

B3

I Will Get There

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:58:00 +0000

I just heard the old Boyz 2 Men song “I Will Get There” from “The Prince of Egypt”

I've been wanderin' 'round in the dark
Been lost somewhere where no light could shine on my heart
I have known a pain so deep
But I know my faith will free me
[Get there] And I'll get through this
[Get there] I'll find my way again
So don't tell me that it's over
'Cause each step just gets me closer

I will get there
I will get there somehow
Cross that river
Nothing's stoppin' me now
I will get through the night
And make it through to the other side
Get there
Get there

Hold on everyone. Good things are up ahead. The “desert” may seem endless but God promises that if we don’t get weary then we will harvest GREAT!! WE WILL GET THERE!!

I Believe In Miracles

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:37:00 +0000

This may sound old-fashioned to some, but miracles ARE NOT old school. They transpire all the time.

I just met a very nice, yet somewhat sad young lady on a plane from Dallas to Lubbock. Jennifer just left her friend, Chastity, who has a rare strain of heart cancer. I told Jennifer that I believed God could heal Chasity. "That's what we're praying for". I went on to tell her of all the eye-witness accounts of healing. I BELIEVE GOD CAN HEAL CHASTITY.

If you believe in miracles, pray. If you need a miracle, pray. If you don't believe, I'm praying for you. WHY? Because I Do Believe In Miracles!!!

Eye Witness
B3
:)

At It Again

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Well, we're out looking at wedding dresses again. Jill & Josh announced last week their engagement. Yippee!!

Here's the thing. I think the main reason for being here is monetary. Don't get me wrong, we're having a blast being together BUT they keep showing me "different" dresses. Really? They're all white, all have trains, they have sequins ... You get it.

Sorry - I have to go. My plastic is being summoned. By the way, I wouldn't miss this for anything.
:)

Love Time

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:42:00 +0000

You’re may be getting a little tired of all the Valentine’s, chocolate and bears, “Every Kiss Begins With Kay” talk, but give me, indulge me if you please, 30 seconds. Solomon said there was a time for everything: living, dying, planting, harvesting, weeping, laughing - you get the picture. We have game time, primetime, go time, and even Hammer Time (sorry for that one).

How about a little Love Time (that’s enough with all the smirks). Jesus simply stated in John 13:35, “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.” Boys and girls, let people see that we are His disciples. Love on!!

Move It or Lose It

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:06:00 +0000

I just want to start by saying, “IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO PRAY”. With that said, though, is there a tendency to just stand and expect God to do everything? I think so. Look at this:

Moses told the people "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch, and you will see the wonderful way the Lord will rescue you today. The Egyptians you are looking at-you will never see them again. The Lord will fight for you, and you won't need to lift a finger!" Then the Lord said to Moses, "Quit praying and get the people moving! Forward, march! Use your rod-hold it out over the water, and the sea will open up a path before you, and all the people of Israel shall walk through on dry ground! (Exodus 14:13-17 - TLB)

Moses had to do his part by 1) holding the stick over the water and then 2) start moving. Israel could have stood there all day long and waited for God to transport them to the other side – they would have died. (Similar story in Joshua 3 & 4 – priests had to actually get into the mud before things happened).

What do you need to do? What action do you need to take? Don’t do it prematurely – pray first –hear God. AND THEN? MOVE IT!

B3 J

Do You Love the Table or the Host?

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:28:00 +0000

I was reading a little from Charles Spurgeon just now and he was commenting on this set of verses:

The Lord asked Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil." Satan replied to the LORD, "Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has and he will surely curse you to your face!" [Job 1:8-11 NLT]

If you don’t mind, I’m going to just paste in his thoughts:

This was the wicked question of Satan concerning that upright man of old, but there are many in the present day concerning whom it might be asked with justice, for they love God after a fashion because He prospers them; but if things went ill with them, they would give up all their boasted faith in God. If they can clearly see that since the time of their supposed conversion the world has gone prosperously with them, then they will love God in their poor carnal way; but if they endure adversity, they rebel against the Lord. Their love is the love of the table, not of the host; a love to the cupboard, not to the master of the house.

Does this challenge you like it does me? I think it is easy to slip into a relationship with God that’s based on need rather than love. Sorry God – I really am. Please forgive me for selfish desire. I thank You for ALL You do - BUT - I’m going to love You whether You “give or take away”.