Tag: Community

Resurrection Sunday

Happy Resurrection Sunday! I pray this day brings you encouragement. The grave could not hold Jesus. He has risen! Nothing is impossible with God. That’s Good News!

Easter, is a time to be reminded that Jesus sits on the throne. Death could not hold him down. The grave could not deter God’s plan. It moved forward. In fact, it was God’s plan all along that Jesus would die for humanity. His death on that old rugged cross was factored into the plan to save us before the foundation of the world.

I do not know what storms you’re facing today. The challenges may seem overwhelming for you at times. The joy of the Lord may be absent. Maybe you have no idea what the future holds for you. How can the resurrection of Jesus give you hope today?

As I run this crazy beautiful health journey, I have learned that in the depth of despair, trial and uncertainty, the resurrection of Jesus gives us hope. If God can raise Jesus Christ from the dead, certainly He can take care of whatever problems we’re facing today.

As I have run my crazy beautiful journey, I have spent many days in the hospital. In the midst of tremendous suffering, I have seen angels from Heaven surrounding my room. Those special moments have reminded me of the two angels that were at the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.

Those moments in the hospital have given me tremendous encouragement. Sometimes we have to go through the storms we face, even though we would rather not. Jesus had to go through death and hell to come out victorious on the other side and ascend to be seated at the right hand of God the Father. Sometimes our own journey takes us through the valley of the shadow of death.

But do not be afraid. Do not be not discouraged. If you’re like me today and cannot actually attend church due to health issues or for some other reason know this: Jesus is victorious! Death could not hold Him! Nothing can hold Him back! Nothing is impossible with God!

Do not dwell on your circumstances today. Focus on Jesus who has risen!
Dwell not on the size of your storm today. Instead, place everything in the hands of the Miracle Worker. Focus on the One that even the grave could not hold. Walk in that victory today.

Yes, all God’s promises are Yes and Amen in Jesus Christ! ~OC

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My Thoughts

I debated on sharing anything concerning the new god bless usa bible. But several people reached out to me wanting my thoughts. So after 24 hours of praying and reflecting on the video about this new bible, here are my thoughts. I will not post any pictures or videos about this product.

The new bible is complete idolatry. The Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance have nothing to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Merging the words of God and the political identity of a country is dangerous. America is a nation made up of diverse religious people. Products like this new bible give license to a particular group of Christians who believe they have a presumptive right to define what Christianity looks like in America. This bible goes against the true teachings of Jesus.

Plus, the fact that this story comes out the week of Easter. This should be a time of reflection, prayer and remembering the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Let’s be honest, this new bible is simply a way to take advantage of some people’s emotions and their money. ~OC

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Life Buckets

Today’s a new day! Too much selflessness is not always healthy. We must keep our life buckets filled or serving others will be unsustainable.

As I have walked this crazy beautiful health journey the last 22 years, most eyes have been on me. How I am feeling and what I need. All too often my bride and caregiver has been overlooked and overwhelmed. Her life buckets tend to run on empty. I believe that’s true for most caregivers.

Caregivers usually take a backseat to those they’re caring for and rarely do caregivers have caregivers of their own.

Thankfully when I got sick back in 2002, God helped me realize that Laura could not and should not have to do everything on her own. She needed people to come along side her and make sure her life buckets didn’t run dry. I am thankful for those who have decided to be Laura’s caregivers.

God also helped me realize that Laura needed breaks from being my caregiver. So over the years, I have encouraged Laura to plan trips with family and friends. To find things that fill her buckets. To live and embrace life away from my crazy beautiful health journey. Thankfully, Laura has found many things that help fill her life buckets.

I pray if you’re a caregiver or know a caregiver, you will take the time to check out the life bucket situation. To make sure no one’s buckets are running on empty.

This post is geared towards caregivers, but we all need to keep an eye on our life buckets. Because if we truly want to serve others, we need to make sure our buckets are full. What fills your life bucket? ~OC

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Testimonies

Today’s a new day! Our testimonies are proof of God’s amazing work in us. When we share our testimonies we’re making a declaration of what God has done and why our faith and trust is in Him. It builds up our own strength and faith by recalling the ways He has changed our lives. Speaking it cultivates a sense of belief and anticipation in us for the future. ~OC

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Comeback

Today’s a new day! As you run your race, life will be filled with many trials. Some days you may feel defeated. The world might tell you your race is over. But God might just be preparing you for a Comeback. A comeback may seem unlikely when your life is filled with obstacles, but hold on and dig in. Your current situation may seem hopeless, but keep running and you will discover God’s power to overcome every obstacle in your life. Keep running! ~OC

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Give

Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, God has shown me more and more, that we truly find the meaning of life when we give, not just receive. And I do not mean material things. I mean ourselves, our time and our gifts. ~OC

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God’s Word

Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I cling to the promises of God’s word. One of those promises is found in Isaiah 40:29, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Even when our bodies are struggling to find strength, God lifts our hearts with hope and comfort. He gives strength to the weary and weak. If you have ever felt weary and weak you qualify.

The astonishing thing is the way He chose to do it. It does not take the mending or healing of our bodies. We do not have to be propped up with the comforts of this world. God did it all with the power of his word. It is true, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4). If your soul is starving today, find nourishment in the reading of God’s powerful words and promises.

Today, if you find yourself weary, worn, and ready to throw in the towel, I want to remind you that He gives strength to the weary. My prayer is that you’re experiencing God’s strength and peace this very hour. Know this, one day, you will look back on your troubles, whether in this life or on the beautiful shores of eternity, and you will say, “God pulled me through. He gave me the strength I needed.” The One in whom you trust does not faint or grow weary, and his understanding is unsearchable. ~OC

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Joy

Today’s a new day! Is there such a thing as joy in the midst of trials? Especially when life is beating you down. Wow! What a way to start a new day. Thanks Todd.

This question came to me after reading these words in James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

A number of years ago, as I was reading James 1:2-4, God raised the following question. “Todd, when you fall into trials, and difficult times, do you truly consider all of it joy, as you are being tested for your faith?” Ouch!

It was a question, I could not fully answer at that moment. That question cut me deep. And I bled. I bled from the wound of the Holy Spirit, who engraved this question deep into my innermost being in order to awaken my sleeping heart-fire for God.

The more I thought about this question and prayed, the more I wanted this amazing joy. As I pondered this question for days, I began to crave for this type of joy. No matter the situation. No matter the trial. But I realized I would never be able to do it on my own.

But neither could Job, Esther, Ruth, David or Mary. Pretty good company.

At that moment, I just wanted to fall at Jesus feet and wash them with my tears.

I am not writing this post to complain about my troubles, my trials, or my problems. No, I am sharing this post to encourage you as you walk through your own storm. To say yes, joy is possible during the storm. But not on our own.

God is the only one who can give us lasting, satisfying, unwavering joy in the middle of our storm.

I believe sometimes we think that happiness is the most important thing in life. But it’s not. You see, happiness is only a fleeting emotion. But true joy come from God. It sustains us. Even in the hard times. ~OC

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Seeds of Hope

Good morning God. I come with a heavy heart this morning. I am tired of all the hate and violence in our world. It hit home this morning, as I watch a loved one and his family struggle with the grief of violence.

This morning, I lift prayers up for this family and every family walking through pain and loss today caused by hate and violence. We know life has always been a struggle between peace and violence. Good and evil. We know love and peace give hope to a broken world. That is something that so many of us are striving for in this world. We also realize that there is a group of people spreading hate and violence to destroy peace, hope and love. Good and gracious God, we know hate and violence tries to shatter love and hope. We know hate and violence can tear apart people, families and communities. But we also know that by loving and caring for the hurting, we can bring hope and love back to broken relationships and communities.

In each of us, is a seed of peace and love. It calls out not only to be recognized, but to be nurtured and cared for. As we scroll through social media or turn on the tv, we see what seems like an endless stream of hate and violence. Dear God, help us hold on to those seeds of peace, hope, love and unity.

As fear and violence try to destroy and divide us, may our repulsion of these actions turn us to the soil of our souls. May we instead plant seeds of hope, love and peace. May we work together to nurture those seeds of change. Regardless of skin color, different faiths, cultures or political views may we work together to create change. Not just change for this generation, but for generations to come.

Dear God, do not allow us not to buy into the lies that resistance of violence requires anger, aggression and animosity. No, keep reminding us that peace, prayers, love and community are the ways to achieve the positive changes we cry out for.

Dear God, remind us that love and peace are a constant pursuit and they only grow when we nurture and care for them. Peace, hope and love require constant tending, mindfulness in every moment, and a willingness to see each person as a reflection of You. Amen. ~OC

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Joy

Today’s a new day! As I walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, people always comment on how happy I always seem to be. I wish I could say I am always happy, but that would be a lie. The truth is, happiness is based on current circumstances. Happiness is like a yo-yo. Up and down based on the moment.

Let’s be real, it’s impossible to feel happy 24/7/365. That beautiful smile eventually falls into a frown. The different social groups that we belong to eventually disappear. The social gatherings we attend can leave us feeling alone. The people we put our hope in can let us down. The social media post we scroll through might not be telling the whole story. The truth is, happiness is fleeting. Happiness is an impossible feeling to feel all day everyday.

But then there is Joy. There is a major difference between happiness and joy. Joy is found in our relationship with God. It comes from Him. Joy in the Lord remains even in and through the storms that we face. Joy, unlike happiness is not fleeting. What a difference! The happiness that the world tries to hold onto can never even begin to compare to the joy that we experience with God.

When we look around at the world, it is so easy to get caught up in all of the negativity. It is so easy to be distracted and discouraged by everything we see and experience. But in those moments of doubt and distraction God calls us to cling onto the truth that is only found in Him. The word of God says that God is good and that He works all things together for His divine purpose. (Romans 8:28). I don’t know about you, but if there’s one thing that I’m 100% sure of, it is God’s word to His people. When we choose to see things in a different perspective, we will begin to recognize that maybe the trials that we are faced with were never meant to destroy us. No, maybe the storms of life are making us stronger. To be a little more like Jesus. In the book of James we are told to consider it ALL joy! (James 1: 2-3). This statement made by James is the same truth that helped Jesus face the evils of the world and make the ultimate sacrifice on the Cross with a heart of joy. When we choose to shift our focus to what God is actually doing through the storms in our lives we begin to see these storms differently knowing that Jesus ultimately wants good for us.

The truth is, you cannot fake joy. Joy is something that you either have or you don’t have, and I guarantee you, you can tell a difference. Scriptures share that joy is the very essence of who God truly is (1 Chronicles 16:27). If God is filled with joy, and He is molding us to be more like Him, why would we not desire to be filled with that same beautiful joy? To live it out!

The day we choose to open our eyes to the struggles in life and truly face reality can be one of the greatest days of our lives. To wake up every morning, and have the choice to choose joy that can only be found in God. I know God has taught me that joy is a gift from Him that can never be taken away. We no longer have to depend on the circumstances of life. Today, let our satisfaction be found in a new way of living. A life filled with joy. It is available to everyone. All you have to do is reach out to God. ~OC

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11

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