Dear God, thank you for inviting me to come closer to you and run the race you designed just for me. Thank you for blessing me with purpose. Show me how to stay alert and in top condition as I run the race you have given me to run. Let me run with purpose.
Empower me to help as many people along the race as possible. Guide me to the finish line. In Jesus name I pray. ~OC
At The Table
Today’s a new day! Let me say this loud and clear. God is not affiliated with any political party. If that statement surprises you, you might need to check your heart. Once again, God is not a Republican or a Democrat. He should never be used as a prop or weapon in political arguments. Sadly, God is often dragged into the political arena. His primary concern is not who’s in the White House or any political position. Obviously, Jesus cares for the needs of America, but he also cares for the needs of every country. Whether they love Him or not. It breaks God’s heart, when his people worship a political party or political figure. That seems to be a major issue among so many Christians today. If you call yourself a Christian, God should be the King of your life. Period!
Please hear me, I am not saying you cannot support your candidate, political party or country. That is your right. Please go vote. But your allegiance cannot be to a political candidate, flag or country. As a Christian, your allegiance should be to God. There will be moments in our lives where what seems to be in the best interest of America, or your political party will go against what God says is true. In those pivotal moments, you will have to choose who’s first in your life. Who reigns over your life?
This is not me pointing my finger at anyone or casting judgement. These are the types of questions we need to asking ourselves. These are the type of discussions we need to be having with each other. Even if we have disagreements. This is an invitation for all of us to sit down at the table. ~OC
Stop and Think
Today’s a new day! Truth really matters. Especially for those who claim to be Christians. As Christians we should strive to be the most honest people on earth. But unfortunately some don’t. As I scroll through social media, I sadly see Christians posting one untruth after another. Are these Christians not doing research on the articles before posting them as truth? Are they more concerned about getting likes than they are about truth? Are they more concerned about their own agenda than the gospel? I will let you answer those questions.
In this age of social media overload, everyone needs to be careful about what we post on social media. But as Christians, we have to be extra careful about what we post on social media and the conversations we engage in. As Christians, we need to be living lives of high character. Sadly that is not what I am seeing from so many followers of Jesus. No, I am seeing some Christians intentionally posting fake stories that have an agenda. They seem to want to disrupt and undermine truth because it does not line up with their agenda. This is especially concerning when those in ministry are the ones posting fake stories. It makes me wonder what they are teaching from the pulpit. As Christians, truth must always be our priority. Anything else is a slap in the face to Jesus. We cannot use the excuse we didn’t know the story was fake. No, we just didn’t do any research. Our post and conversations should be filled with love and truth. Even when the truth doesn’t fit our agenda. The truth should always trump our agenda. Our character should be more important than getting a lot of clicks.
When you see a story that catches your attention, please do the following before posting on your social media pages:
- Actually do some research. Is it true?
- If you find it’s not true, don’t post it. That should be easy.
- Even if you do your research and find out the story is true, is it worth posting? Will posting the story bring glory to God?
- When unsure if you should post a article on social media, just post a cute video of puppies. Everyone loves puppies.
I believe being careful about what we post is important for everyone, but this post was geared towards my brothers and sisters in Christ. Why? Because what Christians post on social media and share in conversation, either build people up or tear them down. The souls of people are in the balance. Please read that sentence again. As Christians we should be more concerned about people and less concerned about pushing an agenda. As believers we should be standing on the truth of Jesus. Without that truth, we are standing on shaky ground.
So the next time you want to post something on social media, remember it’s okay to post nothing and keep your integrity intact. ~OC
Seasons
I know what it’s like to have your world come crashing down in a life changing way. In 2002, I entered a season of health issues that would effect my life in one way or another for next 20 years.
My career and love of running were taken away, and I have been fighting for my life for the last 20 years. I have been pushed to the brink in every area of my life. I would never want anyone to endure the journey I am traveling. Yet, in this season I have learned how to find and spread deep and authentic hope, love and encouragement.
During this season, which continues today with the diagnosis of covid long haulers, God has blessed me with the opportunity to share his love in many different circles. To share hope with many who feel hope has slipped away. I have been blessed with the opportunity to encourage others as they walk through their own crazy beautiful journey. This season has not been easy, but I would not change a step. This season has been filled with amazing lessons and memories. A season of beautiful interruptions. ~OC
Friends
Today’s a new day! During this journey called life, I want to be a friend and have friends who challenge others to love and serve the least of these. Friends that challenge us to think outside of the box. Dear friends who challenge us to speak out against injustice. Friends who refuse to let us just breeze through life. True friendships that challenge us to grow deeper in our walk with God. I desire to be this kind of friend and to be surrounded by these type of friends. ~OC
God Shows Up
In Disappointments God shows up.
In times of Victory God shows up.
In times of Loneliness God shows up.
In times of Happiness God shows up.
In times of Heartbreak God shows up.
In times of great Blessings God shows up.
In times of Sorrow God shows up.
In times of Turmoil God shows up.
In times of Peace God shows up.
You see, God shows up during the storms and during the sunshine.
My Mission Statement
My updated Mission Statement:
Wake Up. Give Thanks. Serve Jesus. Serve Others. Repeat.
A Call
God put this on my heart the last few days. I thought I would share it with you. God is sharing a lot with me these days.
Another sunrise, but today it’s not the same.
No, this new day starts with a call.
A Call that changes everything
I have seen the signs in the mirror and my clothes
I have to tighten that belt just a little more
I’ve heard the whispers
Those stolen glances of pity
I know the results before I even answer the call
As the sun was breaking through
I heard the words my time could be over soon
The Call, the call that can change everything
The Call that gives me new purpose
The Call that gives me new perspective
The Call that makes a 9 to 5 seem unappealing
The years of running for success now seemed like wasted minutes
In that moment, I was flooded with regrets
Time that was wasted
In that moment, I thought about riding my bike for the first time
In that moment, I thought about my first day of school
In that moment, I thought about the day I said I do.
A Call can change everything
In that moment, I saw everything I had missed
A Call that shifted my thinking
Saying I love you to my wife meant more
Making memories meant more than a spreadsheet
Breathing in God’s creation
meant more than making a deadline
Time might be short, but maybe I am just beginning to live
Could this be the day, anything is possible
When a Call changes everything
When a Call gives you clarity
When a Call fills you with purpose beyond yourself
Look up, look up, look up
Come on look up, look up
A Call changes everything
A Call changes everything
In a moment, a call can change everything
Our Yes
Today’s a new day! God can use our Yes in a life changing way. We only need to say Yes. ~OC
The Dance
As I travel this journey, my life has been blessed with meeting people walking through the same dance. A dance no one ever wants to experience. A dance filled with pain and many days sitting in a chair while you experience the drip, drip from your IV. Days filled with tears, but also filled with sweet memories as you laugh with other conquerors doing the same dance. Oh the memories we shared. Our bodies fighting to enjoy another dance. How could we have known the music would end for some and they would say their goodbyes. Oh the memories of the dance. We never thought we would say goodbye. As I continue to walk through this journey, I will think about those that have taken a bow and completed their dance. I will embrace the memories we shared and continue to dance. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 