'ben thinkin'....

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!
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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”.

God Has A Tattoo

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:39:00 +0000

What?!?!? A Tattoo?!?!? OK, hold on just a second. Read this verse in Isaiah 49:16:

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands… NIV

What do you think? I know this may be a little out there, BUT, God’s love is permanent. AND, just like a love struck young man wanting to show his unending love to “his girl”, God in much the same way is doing the same thing.

Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord appeared to us…saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love…” NIV

Enjoy J

I've Been Making Rather Merry

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 19:28:00 +0000

As you can probably tell, I've been watching Dicken's "Christmas Carol" - the George C. Scott and The Muppet versions. I've also seen Christmas Vacation, Christmas in Connecticut, Holiday Inn, A Christmas Carol ("An official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock...), White Christmas, Elf and of course, It's a Wonderful Life.
We've hosted 5 parties in 8 days (2 on the same evening) made more Christmas goodies than we can EVER eat AND have enjoyed every second of it. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I love celebrating CHRIST.
A lot of people talk about the commercialism in Christmas; those that agree with Scrooge when he said, "If I had my way, every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart." I just love it that people say CHRIST every time they say Christmas.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. Enjoy the time. Enjoy the season. Enjoy the food, movies, decorations, music. Revel in the fact that Christ came to us!
I think the best way to put it would be to borrow a Spanish word and say, "ENJOY CHRIST MAS"

P.S. Cindy just reminded me we also watched "Miracle on 34th Street (new and old) and "The Bishop's Wife". Thanks honey.

I'm Going To Miss My Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:47:00 +0000

I just received news that my good friend, Nick Pino, passed away. He had been battling cancer for a few years. My first instinct was to say that he lost the battle, but when you think about it, the only loss is to us. Nick just won the “eternal reward”. No more pain. No more medicine. Best of all – with Jesus!!

Look at these words.

We'll all be changed. In the resurrection scheme of things …everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the imperishable, this mortal replaced by the immortal. Then the saying will come true:

Death swallowed by triumphant Life!

Who got the last word, oh, Death?

Oh, Death, who's afraid of you now?

It was sin that made death so frightening… But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three — sin, guilt, death — are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! (1 Corinthians 15:52-57 The Message)

For the family, I pray for God’s comfort to do a good work in you - He always has, always will. I know you’re going to miss him. I’m going to miss my friend. But, one day, soon, we’ll be back together. Can’t wait.

ASK FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:23:00 +0000

I've started something that might seem a little bit odd to some - an ASK FAST. "Do you not eat dinner or what" you might ask. I'm fasting [for 21 days] from ASKING. OK, I know the verses, "Ask and you will receive" "You have not because you don't ask" and so on. BUT, the elevator version is this: Is God senile to the point that we have to remind Him? Obviously not. So why continue to ask? Is it really a reminder for us to trust in God and not ourselves? I can only speak for myself, but there is a tendency to focus on the what I need over and over. So, why not just trust Him in simple faith knowing that "Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs" (Matt 6:32 NLT). How about focusing on praise instead (Acts 16). I'm going to flesh this out tomorrow in my sermon. Interested? Go to the podcast or comment here. I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts!!!

See ya'

B3

Don't Worry - Be Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:42:00 +0000

There was a hit song in 1988 sung by Bobby McFerrin called “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. I have always liked the song, mainly for the a cappella efforts of McFerrin – INCREDIBLE! The theme is also one that I agree with – DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY.

I was glancing over Yahoo news and just listen to these headlines: “Largest Bank Failure Ever”, “Chaos, Pandemonium at White House”, “Bailout deal Breaks Down”. WOW! This is enough to make a person afraid.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Ben, right in the middle of this you expect me to 1) not worry AND 2) be happy?” Envelope please. The answer is YES. HUH?!? In John 16:33, Jesus spoke some encouraging but difficult words; “I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."

Here’s the bottom line: trouble is going to keep coming our way but God has everything under control. Nothing slips through His fingers. He never panics or is taken by surprise. He has a plan for everything. Our response? Yeah, you got it. DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY. J

Don't Worry, I Didn't Get Stuck In Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:46:00 +0000

WOW! I just glanced at my blog and it’s been almost 1 month since I made an entry. I had someone call me and see if I got lost in Vegas. No, unfortunately. (That sounds a little odd). Since Cindy and I got back home, it’s been crazy. We had a few days before school started and that’s always a little hectic. The first week of school I was in Florida doing a BootCamp with some of the greatest people.

I guess the biggest thing has been our fairly comprehensive makeover at church. That has been huge; really good but HUGE. We’re almost done. YIPPEEEEEEEEE!

Just to let everyone know, the Café is almost done. We’re putting in a loft. The proprietors (Jill [my daughter], Josh and Anna) are calling it the VIP loungeJ. We have about 1 more week of work. (We’ll post some pics so you can see it).

I think I’m ready for another little trip. Where to? Hummmm, let me think.

See ya’!

Day 2 on Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:52:00 +0000

Hello again. Cindy and I are having a blast. We've been walking around a lot. We went to a 4 story M&M store. We went to a music store/gallery with albums and pictures, all with original signatures. The Beatles, U2, Louie Armstrong, and a lot more. It also had movie posters with signatures: Pirates of the Carribean, Star Wars, etc
Afterwards we went to this incredible Italian restaurant - Trevi. WOW! It's located in Caesars shopping area. It was fantastic.
Well, it's time to go. The pool is RELENTLESS. It just keeps calling and calling and...
B3

1st Day of Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:45:00 +0000

Cindy and I were told to get out of town for a week AND we are in Vegas baby. (I guess the lingo grows on you.) I thought I would just keep you informed with our endeavors.
Yesterday, our biggest decision was whether to eat at Wolfgang Puck's or Emeril's. What a choice. We ended up at a deli and had a hot pastrami. Those other guys are REALLY proud of their food.
Well, that's all for now. I don't know if you can hear it in El Paso, but the pool is calling me.
See you later.
B3

What To Do With Giants

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:55:00 +0000

I have an unusual habit of reading, not one book at a time, but 6 - 8 books at a time. I don't know whether that's because I have a short attention span or maybe it's some sign of supreme intelligence (I doubt the latter).

Currently I am reading The Book of Virtues by William Bennett, God's Outrageous Claims: Discover What They Mean to You by Lee Strobel, A Heart Like His by Beth Moore, Running With the Giants by John Maxwell, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, and Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado.

In Facing the Giants, Lucado makes a great statement, "When David faced a giant and he focused on God, the giant fell. When David faced the giant and he focused on the giant, David fell". What a cool thought. What we focus on determines out success. I don't know about you but I tend to focus on the problem, rather than on God. But this statement helps me realize that God is bigger than all of our giants in life. You've caught me on ben thinkin'. Catch me next time!

29 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:17:00 +0000

Well, I'm back. I've been on a music writing spree for this weekend and I'm done. We're celebrating our nation's freedom tomorrow and we're having a "big band" for worship. Should be great. By the way, I think this is what I'll be doing in Heaven - "Big Band Praise" for eternity - with Gabriel on lead trumpet (sorry Ron).

As good as all this is, I'm celebrating something else tomorrow - being married to the love of my life - Cindy - for 29 years. That is amazing to me, mainly because I'm sort of a dork. I can't believe it's been that long. It has been fantastic so far and I know the next 29 are going to be even greater. Love you sweetheart!!!

Getting to the Root of Things

noreply@blogger.com (Ben's Blog) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:11:00 +0000

I don't know if you've noticed, but the church is getting a mini makeover! We've been painting and getting rid of old things, and just trying to spiff things up. We've started some landscaping out in the front of the church. We've put some plants in over by the sign. Now the cool thing about these plants is that they don't need a lot of water. But their roots grow really deep. This got me thinkin': How deep are our roots? If something comes our way, are we going to be pushed over easily, or are we going to stand strong? Let's make it a point in our lives to have deep spiritual roots. That no matter what, we can stand strong. So there you have it. You've caught me on Ben Thinkin'. Catch me next time!! Adios!