It's HOT outside! I mean really, really, really, HOT! I'm ready for fall to move in and cool things down. I like the different seasons. I like to experience them all, and thankfully in Texas we get to. Sometimes we get to experience two or three in one day!  
I have heard people say, "I hate winter! I wish it could be summer all year round." My answer to that is, "Move! I'm tired of this heat, and I'm ready for a CHANGE!" Change can be good, but it can also be difficult. 

The picture above is one of my ALL TIME favorites! It is a picture of my two oldest sons, Braden and Dawson. It displays their personalities perfectly. They have always been incredibly close, and love each other very much. I have loved watching them grow up together.  Great memories and moments. This picture reminds me of a time in my life when I began to realize and experience change with my own kids. Seasons. 

It was around this time when Braden began PreSchool. I remember the first day like it was yesterday. Donna and I drove him to Winiecki's Waddlers in Bryant, AR! We knew the owners, Joe and Diane. They were GREAT people. I remember Donna getting  Braden ready that morning. He had a new shirt, shorts, shoes, and a "packpack." She is an amazing Mom and has always made sure everything was just right for them as they embarked on ANY new adventure.  

We drove him to the school. He was almost 4 years old, and it was the first time in his life that he would be away like that for a full day. It was new. It was change. I remember him being  very apprehensive and nervous. So was I. Donna and I got him settled and slipped away. I snuck around the corner of the building, and watched as he began to walk around on the playground. He knew no one. My heart ached for him. I wanted to run out there and help him meet kids, feel more comfortable, and play with him myself.  But we had to let him learn and grow. We had to let go. I can still see that little guy climbing the slide, playing, finding his way. So cautious. I cried. He was growing up. At least he would be home at the end of the day, and we could play,  watch Lion King, and hang out.We left the pre-school. I cried some more. Just like this hot summer will eventually turn to fall, our lives change and evolve as well. 

As you can see, those two little guys grew up. Then this past week we took that "little guy" (not so little anymore) that we dropped off at Preschool 14 years ago, went to college. We were moving him into school on a Wednesday, so I was determined to squeeze every moment out of life on Monday and Tuesday. I hugged him. I made sure I spent time with him. I listened. I soaked up every moment of those two days, because I knew on Wednesday Change was coming. 

Wednesday came and we loaded up his car and our suburban to move him into his dorm room. I cut carpet and moved stuff into his room while Donna worked inside. I love watching Donna care for our kids. No one can care for a child like their Mom. She worked hard to get everything just right in his room. When we all went to eat lunch, she stayed. She wanted to make sure he was ready. She did the same thing 14 years ago before Preschool, and she did the same preparation 18 years ago before he was born. We tried to soak up every moment, but no matter how we tried to extend it...the day had to come to an end. Change was inevitable. Again I felt like swooping in and making sure everything was Ok, and once again I realized he would have to find his way. I cried. This time he wouldn't be home at the end of the day. No games. No movies. No hanging out. I cried some more. Summer was turning to fall. Seasons Change.

The wisest man to ever live, other than Jesus Christ, said in Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Seasons will change. Summer will turn to fall, and fall will turn to winter. We will drop our kids off at Preschool. We will move kids into college dorm rooms.  We will experience unexpected change as well. Solomon understood that time keeps ticking, and things always change. He also understood, after learnng the hard way, that we have been given the chance to live out each moment well as time ticks away. We can enjoy each tick of the clock and recognize it is a gift from God. 

The day after we moved Braden into college, I found myself wanting things to stay the same. I felt like the people who always want it to be summer. I was regretting, wishing, and feeling more sad than I should have. The truth was that Braden going to college is a GREAT thing. It's the change that needs to happen to move him to where God wants him to be next. I have to realize that every moment I have had with him and my other three other kids to this point is a gift. Every moment I get to spend with them in the future is a gift too. A gift from God. James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, (watch this part) who DOES NOT CHANGE like shifting shadows." Isn't that awesome?!? In a world and life that is constantly changing, God never changes! The Bible says that He was the same yesterday, today, and He will be the same tomorrow. We can count on him to be the steady Rock we need when our lives shift and evolve from day to day. We simply have to believe in Him and Trust Him. You can do that right now. Just call on Him. Ask Him to guide you through the changing seasons of your life. He will. 

The seasons in Texas can change rapidly. Our lives can feel that way too. Sometimes the outcome is not what we desired, and we long for the "better days." Remember that you have a Heavenly Father that is steady. You have a Father that does miracles and wonders in your life daily. You have a Father you can trust no matter how quickly things change. That same wise man named Solomon said in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will  keep you on track." 

Be blessed today! As we continue to walk by complete faith, we appreciate your financial support. Checks can be made out to weDIGit and sent to 504 Tumbleweed, Forney, TX. 75126. Thank you in advance for your support. You can also give by clicking the "Donate" tab to the right. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook too, and let's all look forward to what God is going to do in our lives in the seasons ahead. 

A few years back Donna and I went to Cancun, Mexico, for her 40th Birthday. I wanted it to be a very special week for her, but sometimes our great "plans" don't turn out exactly how we had hoped. The trip turned out to have several obstacles and difficulties. The place we were staying wasn't as we had been promised, and some other "character building" moments took place. Looking back we can see how the Lord used those moments in our lives, but at the time it wasn't very pleasant! 

The most unpleasant moment took place as Donna and a friend were talking about the power of God. They were discussing how much they loved the ocean, and how God actually knows how many grains of sand there are in the ocean. As they were having that special moment sharing about their faith, Donna was re-positioning her wedding set & ring on her finger because it felt loose. It was the set that I had given her on our wedding day along with a brand new diamond we had bought a few years before. As she was moving it a huge wave came in and swept the ring out off her hands and found it's way into the very waves and beach they were talking about. She was devastated! We all began to scramble frantically looking for the ring in the sand on the beach. Even as I write about it, I feel sick at my stomach. It was such a helpless feeling to realize you had lost something so special and valuable to you in one moment. We continued looking, but as we watched the waves crash in over and over again it became apparent that our search was futile. Barring a miracle of some type, we weren't going to be able to locate the ring. I kept looking and praying that it would turn up somehow. A friend of ours, we found out later, actually would get up early every morning and go looking for the ring on the beach, but was unable to locate it. It was gone! 

This past week as we were returning from a trip, and our oldest son had control of the Ipod cord in the car. He was playing different songs as we traveled.  At one point he chose a song I hadn't heard in while by a group called Audio Adrenaline. The name of the song is called, "Ocean Floor." It is a powerful song about the power of God's forgiveness and love for us. As I listened to the lyrics I thought about that moment on the beach in Mexico, and how we knew first hand how things can disappear on the ocean floor. The lyrics to the first verse and the chorus say, "The mistakes I've made, that caused pain, I could have done without. All my selfish thoughts, all my pride, the things I hid, you have forgot about. They're all behind you, they'll never find you, they're on the ocean floor. Your sins are forgotten, there on the bottom, of the ocean floor." 

As I listened to the song, I thought about how hard we looked for that ring. Every time anyone in our group came to the beach that week, we hoped to find it. It couldn't be found. The ocean floor had covered it up. That's what happens to our sins when we find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. In Micah 7:18-19, Micah is talking to God and says, "Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of His special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw then into the depths of the OCEAN!!"  

I have made so many mistakes in my life! In fact, It feels like I have thought of new ways to screw things up in my life. We all makes mistakes and stupid choices. Then we battle guilt, fear, worry, sorrow, and sadness because of our failures. Not to mention the pain our mistakes inflict on others around us that we love and care about. We need to embrace that sadness, pain, and hurt, and comprehend what we are capable of as human beings. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, "we all have sinned and fall short of God's standard." We all need HELP! We all have to be honest and vulnerable about our failures and mistakes. That's when God can loves to step into our lives and give us what we need more than anything...Love and Forgiveness. All we have to do is ask! I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL wickedness." Our sins can be wiped away and forgotten! Mercy, Salvation, and Payment for our sins has already been made. We just have acknowledge and receive.  

When I heard "Ocean Floor" on the way home, I thought about this blog immediately. I felt impressed to write it ASAP. First of all, because I needed to hear it, but I also felt like there were people out there there today that needed to be reminded of this truth. Maybe some need to hear it for the first time. Your sins can be forgiven! You can be free! God's heart is to forgive and deliver you! He loves you! We can have a clean slate to make things right once and for all, because our sins are thrown to the ocean floor! This doesn't mean that the consequences of our actions magically disappear...they will still be there, but we can deal with them knowing that what's been done can be forgiven and forgotten so we can make a fresh start beginning right now. 

I have put the Audio Adrenaline song below, and I hope it and this blog will encourage you today. I also pray that you will choose to let God throw your sins to the ocean floor. You can find help dealing with consequences, addictions, struggles, etc...ASK! There are great ministries in local churches and organizations that can help you as you move forward. But you can never begin that journey of recovery until you take this first step. Even if you are taking this step again as a believer...take it! We know from experience when something ends up on the ocean floor it can't be found! I also know from experience that God will do exactly what He promises! I hope and pray you will allow God to do the same for you! 
Here are a few more verses to help you today. 
(John 3:16, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13, Jeremiah 31:7, Psalm 103:11-12, Proverbs 3:5-6) 

If this blesses you today I hope you will share it with someone else. Maybe you know someone that is struggling with this very truth today...copy the address in the window and share it with them. Donna and I thank you for your prayers, support, and love as we continue to build weDIGit. If you feel led to contribute to us financially as we continue to walk by faith, you can do so by making your check out to "weDIGit" and send it to 504 Tumblweed, Forney, TX. 75126. Or you can click the DONATE button to the right. 

When I was a boy, I went with my family to a Baptist Association Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I remember so many moments from that trip. I remember getting a Turquoise ring down town, going to Carlsbad Caverns with my family, and falling into a cactus! That hurt! I was throwing a rock off of a cliff, and I tripped and fell into a cactus. It was a bad scene indeed, and required a trip to the Emergency Room to remove the prickly things from all over my body. 

While on this trip I discovered a unique ability I have to find stuff! During one of the first sessions, I went to the restroom. On the way back to my seat, I noticed a line of pay phones (Remember those anyone?) outside the restrooms. I saw a place that said "change" on the phone, and I put my finger in and found money!!! From that moment on I was checking the change slot on every pay phone and vending machine, and I made some serious cash...about $8 - $10!! It also opened my eyes to the possibilities of what could be "found!" I still check them today! 

We recently went on a miracle vacation in South Alabama. As many of you know, we are walking a journey of faith to build"weDIGit" and follow the Lord's voice day to day. The Lord provided us this week through an amazing family who helped make the vacation possible. It has been a HUGE blessing to our family. (I will share that story soon as well) One of the first days on the beach we were walking in the water. It was very clear, and we could easily see the bottom. Because I am ALWAYS looking, after my eye opening experience in Albuquerque, I noticed a pair of sunglasses on the bottom of the ocean floor. It was a nice pair of women's sunglasses. I gave them to Donna and continued looking! In a few minutes I heard Donna laughing.  She called me over and showed me that on the inside of the frame there was a verse inscribed, Psalm 18:2. It was very significant because several months back the Lord showed Donna that very passage. It became a chapter that not only

described our journey, but also encouraged us as we continued to walk it out over the past 11 months. The passage says, "I love you God-You make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God-the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout." 

What are the odds that pair of sunglasses, would wash up right in front of where we were on the beach, at that moment in time as we were walking, with that verse inscribed on the inside? Pretty crazy huh? You know what's cool...we are learning to expect that from our God! It is what the whole chapter of Psalm 18 describes. A God that desires for us to obey and love Him, so that He can do what only HE CAN DO in our lives as we completely trust Him.  

When the Lord led Donna to Psalm 18 it confirmed to us both that the journey is worth it! It will be difficult at times, and we will have many questions that we wrestle with along the way. But when we CHOOSE to live a life of abandon and obedience, we will begin to walk and grow in our Faith in Christ like never before. As our faith deepens and grows we will know that not only is God with us, but He promises to protect and guide us on our journey of faith. 

We didn't NEED a pair of sunglasses to wash up on the shore to validate our journey this week. That's why Donna laughed! Because it becomes more and more amazing to experience Him intimately and know that He is with us each step of the way. Then we can smile and chuckle a bit when our Father washes up a pair of sunglasses onto a shore as we are walking in obedience with Him. That's how children react when their Father does cool things in their lives. 

Be encouraged today! God knows right where you are, and He is always faithful! "What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road tested. Everyone who runs toward Him makes it!" (Psalm 18:30) 

Donna and I appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to walk out our journey of faith together. If you are blessed by these blogs be sure and share them on Facebook and Twitter for us. Watch for upcoming announcements about some exciting dates coming up very soon.Also,  If you are blessed by these blogs and feel led to support us as we continue to walk our journey, you can do so by hitting the "DONATE" button on the right side of this blog. We are grateful! 

Be blessed today! I hope you can have a chuckle with your Father, as He shows up along your journey. We'd love to hear about! Leave a comment below and let us know what you "find."  

We have 4 kids...3 boys and a girl. When our boys were small, eating wasn't that big of a deal. It was easy to prepare, and I actually loved eating  because I would get the left overs. The rule was "when you are done pass your  plate to Daddy!" Then they GREW up! Our two oldest boys hit the teenage years and started eating EVERYTHING! The rule changed to "don't stab your little sister or  brother's hand with your fork when they are done!" I miss the "pass everything to Daddy years!" Needless to say, we are thankful that our kids eat well. My Grandparents would have said they are "healthy as an ox!"

Ever heard that before? "You are healthy as an OX!" I heard that phrase a lot growing up. It is actually a compliment because an ox was (still is today), one of the hardest working animals on the planet.  They were vital to people because they were able to move things that were extremely heavy, and were essential to farmers for plowing and farming. When two oxen were put together they became a powerful force, and they were linked to what they were pulling by a "yoke."  

People needed their oxen to be healthy and fit. When an ox was used to grind up grain, they would put a muzzle on it's mouth to keep it from eating the grain that fell to the floor. If the ox ate too much, the "yoke" that attached the ox to the large beam grinding up the grain wouldn't fit anymore. They didn't need their oxen eating too much because the "yoke" was worthless if it didn't fit around the neck of their ox. 

We have an enemy. His goal is to enslave people with addictions, guilt, abuse, neglect, depression, fear, compulsions, lies, and countless other issues. The enemy's goal is to enslave us with a "yoke" that is heavy and burdensome rendering us ineffective personally and as a believer. He wants us to live guilt-ridden fear-filled lives attached to "his way of living." To avoid being enslaved, we need to "eat" and grow as a believer! When we truly begin to accept what God says in His Word about who we are, how much He loves us, what He thinks about us, how we should live, and what we should do, we don't allow the enemy to control or manipulate us anymore! That "yoke" he tries to put around our necks WON'T FIT ANYMORE!.  

The Lord wants us to be so healthy on His Word and it's Truth that we can't be held captive by any "yoke" other than the one Jesus talked about in Matthew 11:29-30. His "yoke" not only fits loosely, but it also will guide us gently in the BEST direction in life.  Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Isn't that awesome?!? Jesus basically says, "Go ahead and put this yoke on. It doesn't bind you up...it will free you! When you choose to tie yourself to me, you will actually find rest! Why? Because My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Let me lead you. It's worth it!" 

Want to be free today? Willingly allow your life to be linked forever to Jesus Christ. He will free you and give you rest from everything that has held you in bondage for years. Grow in His Word...EAT UP! His truth will make you strong. You can place His yoke around your neck and you'll never be enslaved to the enemy or anyone else again! I know because that's what He is doing in me today! I just thought I'd share it with you. 

I received a check for a speaking engagement recently, and I wanted to cash it before heading home. I went to the local bank in town from where the check had been written. I went up to the teller, and he cashed the check for me. We talked about what I do for a living, faith, and Christ. We had a great conversation for a few minutes, and when I received my money I headed out the door. Jordan, my youngest son, was with me. As I counted the money again in the car, I noticed that the teller had given me an extra $400. 

What would you have done? 

I have to be honest, my first impulse was to think "YES!!! I got an EXTRA $400!!" A part of me even wanted to say, "Thank you Lord!" I mean we are walking by faith right now, and money has been a source of tough emotions and feelings. As I was having this momentary lapse of judgement, Jordan asked me, "What are you doing Dad?" As I heard his question. it shook me back to reality. I heard the Spirit say, "You know what to do!" I told Jordan that the teller had given me to much money and that we were going to take it back. The teller was so relieved when I walked up to return the money. His words still ring in my ears, "Thank you so much for being honest!" Wow! How I long to hear those words more and more the remainder of my days on this earth, and for my children to see their Dad do the right thing.  

I've struggled with dishonesty over the years. I always felt I needed to hide things that would cause me to be seen in a different light. I found myself saying what "needed" to be said so that others would "approve" of me. The harsh reality is that it ultimately caused me to be trusted less. It also kept me from being honest about issues, compulsions, and struggles that I had personally. I've learned from family, counselors, and mentors how to willingly raise my hand and ask for "Help," instead of hiding behind a lie. 

When we fail to be honest it causes us to miss great moments where we could grow and experience help, hope, and healing. The reason? Pride! Pride can cause us to stretch the truth. Pride can cause us to think we are "entitled" to something that really isn't ours. Pride can cause division in our relationships. Pride can cause us to stay silent when others have wronged us. Pride can cause us to avoid tough and honest conversations. Pride can cause us to hide our insecurities, addictions, struggles, and failures. Pride can cause us to take the money and run!   

The "P" in L.E.A.P. stands for "Pride has to go!" Pride is powerful!. The Bible says that Pride always proceeds a fall. "First Pride, then the crash--the bigger the ego, the harder the fall." (Proverbs 16:18). Pride is a big reason relationships fail, issues go unresolved, businesses go under, and people ultimately choose to not receive the greatest gift anyone could ever have...A relationship with Jesus Christ. Pride definitely goes before a big crash! Our lives are not near what they could be, and we end up hurting people because of Pride.  

Remember before you L.E.A.P. that you have to Leave the Familiar, Embrace the Awkward, Avoid the Superficial, and Pride has to Go! When we begin to truly L.E.A.P., as Peter did in John 21, we can experience forgiveness, restoration, hope, and healing. As you read this today I hope you know that you are not alone. It's hard to be honest, but it's worth it. I have things that I am facing that are difficult, but  the more honest I am...the more peace I feel. It's a journey, but before we can even begin to take a L.E.A.P. of faith we have to believe that the truth will truly set you free. John 8:31-32 says, "Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. 'If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.'" It's time we live out what we say we believe, and leave Pride behind! I hope you will take a L.E.A.P. today! We are LEAPING with you!  

If you are blessed by these blogs and weDIGit, and you feel led to support us in our walk of faith, you can click the donate button on the right hand side of the blog page. Your prayers and support are incredibly appreciated as Donna, I, and our family walk together in faith to fulfill the call on our lives! Thank you!