it's all about His perspective

An Amazing Week! Part 2

2012-02-08T06:02:00.001-08:00

On the second day of our adventure in Florida, we went to Ponce Inlet, northeast of Orlando. There we visited an old lighthouse. The view of the Atlantic and of the inlet was simply amazing! I believe that day's temperatures was in the upper 70's(I am definitely missing that here in Chicago right now)!
It was the first time I had ever been inside a lighthouse, much less climb one!...I think Tommy Boy counted 203 steps. =)
As we toured this lighthouse, the familiar song about the lower lights that pointed ships to the lighthouse came to mind.

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy,
From His lighthouse evermore,
But to us He gives the keeping
Of the lights along the shore.

Refrain:
Let the lower lights be burning!
Send a gleam across the wave!
Some poor struggling, fainting seaman
You may rescue, you may save.

Dark the night of sin has settled,
Loud the angry billows roar;
Eager eyes are watching, longing,
For the lights along the shore.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother;
Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor,
In the darkness may be lost.

An Amazing Week! Part 1

2012-02-07T06:58:00.001-08:00

After a week in Florida, it's hard to come back to the February weather of Chicago...lol! Our time in Florida was so full and I am still trying to soak everything in! It was one of those weeks that are so full that you wonder if it was real! =)
I was very grateful to spend the week with great dear friends, travel with my siblings, and have a part in David and Priscilla's wedding. It was truly an amazing week...and that is why this is Part 1!
The first part of our week in Florida was in Orlando with the Webster family! We were so blessed by there giving heart and generous hospitality.
We travelled down to Tampa for the day and got to meet up with the Speeds and other great friends. The day was amazing...! Too much fun!

More later!

Goodbye Northwoods.

2012-01-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that three weeks have passed by so quickly here in the Northwoods. God has been so faithful to reveal Himself and has answered prayer in amazing ways!
This time will always live in my memory as a time of closeness and of hearing God's voice and experiencing a joy and a peace that has been so refreshing! Thanks for praying.
Now as I head back to the "business of everday life," the Word that He has given is...
...Follow me. And I smile deep inside and say "Yes!"
It's hard to put in words what this time has meant...I just can't! LOL He's so good.
I am looking expectantly to Him as I leave this place.

Have a blessed day of Rest!

~ Chad...=)

Flowers for a Crown?

2012-01-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have always loved the country.
I always will.

Years ago God brought me to a cross-roads of leaving many things that I cherished behind to obey and heed His calling. God used my own Dad as my hero-of-faith to follow in this adventure of leaving the familiar behind. Looking back almost eight years ago, I haven't regretted my decision...and my Dad is still one of my hero's-of-faith.

It was God's simple call on our lives to "Follow Him" (Matthew 4:19). By His grace, we did. During that time of following God's direction eight years ago, God used a godly lady to share a simple poem with my family. This poem helped me see the BIGGER picture of life and opened my spiritual eyes to needs. I would like to share it.

"I said: 'Let me walk in the field;'
God said: 'Nay, walk in the town;'
I said: 'There are no flowers there;'
He said: 'No flowers, but a crown.'"

"I said: 'But the sky is black,
There is nothing but noise and din;'
But He wept as He sent me back,
'There is more,' He said, 'there is sin.'"

"I said: 'But the air is thick,
and fogs are veiling the sun;'
He answered: 'Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone.'"

"I said: 'I shall miss the light,
and friends will miss me they say;'
He answered me, 'Choose tonight,
If I am to miss you, or they.'"

"I pleaded for time to be given;
He said: 'Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in Heaven,
To have followed the steps of your Guide.'"

"I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said: 'My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?'"

"Then into His hand went mine,
And into my heart came He;
And I walk in a light Divine,
The path I had feared to see."

~ George MacDonald

Recently, God has been asking me to step out in faith once again...this time, on my own.

God brought this poem across my path once again, and I just laughed inside at how He uses little things like this to help and strengthen my weak faith, to follow Him and grab a hold of HIS promises, purposes and passions.
It requires a surrender, but the exchange is unparallelled...and so worth it!

Quiet Before Him

2012-01-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

Being quietbefore the Lord can sometimes be a challenging thing.

I thinkthat’s why Jesus saw fit to find wilderness places to spend time with theFather. When physically alone, my soul must be quieted before Him. My mindlifted up to heavenly thoughts, my will surrendered to God’s will, and myaffections set upon things above. As I do this, I can hear His voice. It’samazing what you can hear when things are really quiet in your soul!

God has trulybeen sharing some amazing visions, thoughts, and plans that He has for me. Itcan be exciting, but at the same time a fearful thing to the flesh. With a revelation of avision comes the call to die. I recognize that complete surrender and death ofself must occur before His visions, His purposes, and His passions can be broughtto fruition.

“…Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24).

I like howEric Ludy puts it in his book TheBravehearted Gospel. Sharing about Job and Jesus’ lives of consecration:

Thebrave hearted life, the life of Job, the life of Jesus, is nothing less thanthe handing over of the keys to our possessions, our soul, and our future toGod, and saying, “For whatever it’s worth, this whole outfit from top tobottom, from left to right, from here to there, inside and out, the wholekit-n-caboodle is yours to do with and spend as you see fit.” It’s offering notjust the scraps but the whole of our very existence to our God-King saying, “Iknow that there’s not much here to work with. But please take it, break it,multiply it, and feed the hungry. And whether by pain or by comfort, whether bysorrow or by joy, whether by life or by my death, glorify Thy name in all theearth!

These kind ofthings get me thinking…and get me excited!

Be blessed today!

~ Chad

Fountain of All Good

2012-01-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

O fountain of all Good,

Destroy in me every lofty thought, Break pride to pieces andscatter it to the winds,

Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness,

Implant in me true lowliness of spirit,

Abase me to self-loathing and self-abhorrence,

Open in me a fount of penitential tears,

Break me, then bind me up;

Thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God;

Then can my Father take up His abode in me,

Then can the blessed Jesus come with healing in His touch,

Then can the Holy Spirit descend in sanctifying grace;

O Holy Trinity, three Persons and one God,

Inhabit me, a temple consecrated to Thy glory.

When thou art present, evil cannot abide;

In Thy fellowship is fullness of joy,

Beneath Thy smile is peace of conscience,

By Thy side no fears disturb, no apprehensions banish restof mind,

With Thee my heart shall bloom with fragrance;

Make me meet, through repentance, for Thine indwelling.

Nothing exceeds Thy power,

Nothing is too great for thee to do,

Nothing is to good for Thee to give.

Infinite Thy might, boundless Thy love, limitless Thy grace,glorious Thy saving name.

Let angels sing for

Sinners repenting,

Prodigals restored,

Backsliders reclaimed,

Satan’s captives released,

Blind eyes open,

Broken hearts bound up,

The despondent cheered,

The self-righteous stripped,

The formalist driven from a refuge of lies,

The ignorant enlightened,

And saints built up in their holy faith.

I ask great things of a great God.

The Valley of Vision

Halfway through January?

2012-01-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that we have already passed the halfway point of the first month of 2012. Time has a way of steadily moving on, moving us closer and closer to the day of His return.

The quiet stillness of the Northwoods has been a refuge for me for the past ten days. I have come to know new depths of God's nature, I have been challenged to deeper levels of commitment. As a result, I am encouraged to pursue Him all the more.

With temperatures getting closer and closer to 0, I am encouraged to stay inside more and focus and thinking, studying, writing, and...making meals. LOL =)

It's an adventure that I am fully enjoying. I know that many are praying for the "little band" that dwells here in this wilderness outpost. But that "little band" really has appreciated those prayers because they have witnessed the hand of God at work...
...keep praying!

O Chambers ~ January 9

2012-01-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

A Description of Psalm 139

....“O Lord, You are the God of the early mornings, the aaaaaaaa
God of the late nights, the God of the mountain peaks, and the God of the sea. But, my God, my soul has horizons further away than those of early mornings, deeper darkness than the nights of earth, higher peaks than any mountain peaks, greater depths than any sea in nature. You who are the God of all these, be my God. I cannot reach to the heights or to the depths; there are motives I cannot discover, dreams I cannot realize. My God, search me.”

Northwoods

2012-01-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

Today I head to Northwoods...and I am so excited! The Lord opened the door for me to be able to go and spend a few weeks there. I have been desiring to get away and spend some time alone for an extended period. When this opportunity came, I was thrilled.
I know that these next few weeks will be amazing as I spend it seeking Him in the wilderness of the U.P.
I have found it easy to pour out my heart before God, but I realize I need to seek Him and find out more of what His heart is!
Pray that God will bless this time and this trip!

A New Years RESOLution?.... =)

2012-01-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

Well...I decided to have a New Year's Resolution...............

.......................one CUP of coffee day .

........................well.................LOL................. =)

A New Year

2012-01-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

It has come so fast! So many things to look back upon...and so many things to look forward to in 2012. It's hard to find words to describe my heart at this moment. A few passages come to mind as I think of of the future year of 2012.

"Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left."
~ Deuteronomy 23:6 ~

"Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD."
~ Deuteronomy 24:14 ~

These two passages were shared by our pastor and greatly inspired me as he passionately challenged us all to leave behind those things that would hinder us and to press on for Him in this New Year.
This is truly my heart cry for this New Year! To serve Him and courageously go forward in what He has called me to do! I echo what Eric Ludy shared with me this past year. He shared how excited he was to be alive in this day and age! I share that same excitement! Yes, it's terrible the things that are going on in our country! Yes, it is tragedy to watch abortion and homosexuality be accepted as the norm! But Romans 5:20 keeps coming to mind.

"...But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound."

His love is greater! His grace is stronger! He delights in showing Himself strong! I am truly excited about this New Year...because I know there are going to be challenges...but I know One who is ALL Sufficient and His Kingdom will come!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

This is who HE is to me...and you! And when I try to comprehend it, I am just overwhelmed with His goodness, His love, His never-ending faithfulness, His unfathomable love, His infinite mercy, His redeeming grace...all this came to earth in the form of a little Child.

Amazing love! How can it be! That thou, my God should die for me!

These are just some thoughts that have been going through my head today...thoughts of Him. I am so grateful to be with the entire family here in Oky...God is so good! It has been a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Conference...and Pictures!

2011-12-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

One reason I love pictures is that they tell a story. And not only do they tell a story, but they also help you remember. As I review pictures...I remember that it was only a little over a week ago that we had our annual Christmas conference! I really enjoyed taking pictures during the conference. It truly has been a different conference in many different ways and yet...I have realized that it is the people that attend the conference that make the conference what it is. This conference was truly wonderful and

I really enjoyed capturing the moments that our now good memories!

Remembering Peru

2011-12-21T06:46:00.000-08:00

Since arriving back in the states, I still don't believe that I have been able to take in the things that God did on this trip to Peru completely yet. And yes...HE did wonderful things!
I am thinking back over the week that we spent in Lima. So many memories and thoughts come flooding back about all that I had seen and experienced. The empty stares of people who were living without Jesus...the joyful expressions of the children that greeted us...the tears shed...the hands that reached out to grab and take hold of the gifts that we offered...the questions...the people that made decisions to follow Christ...the tracks that were passed out...the earnest, heart-felt prayers of each of the team members...the extreme poverty...the signs of a society that was without God...and the list goes on and on. These will forever be etched in my memory as a time that God opened up a wonderful door of opportunity for me and a group of young people.

A verse kept coming to my heart throughout this trip that I have known by heart for many years. But it took on a whole new meaning when I went down to Peru.

"And seeing the multitudes..." ~ Matthew 5:1 ~

Jesus saw people in a way that I have never seen people. When He saw the people, He had a compasion and a love that was so great that it took Him to the cross!

"And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things."
~ Matthew 6:34~

I had that burden and desire on this past trip, to see people like Jesus saw them. Going into some of the poorest areas that I have ever been in opened my eyes to a new level of understanding to needs that people have...true needs. I was humbled. I have so much.

Probably the highlight of my trip was a time when we were able to minister to a group of poor people outside a large shipping port. I can still remember how the people thronged us and reached out to receive the gifts that we had to offer. When the gifts had been given I was able to share with theses women and children, that totally surrounded us, about the free gift of salvation. I was also able to share about how and why it is important to be free from bitterness. I was so blessed as I watched the faces of those listening as I continued to share. Many were deep in thought and weren't so concerned about receiving something, but were pondering the things that were being shared.
It was awesome!

Coming back to the states I have a new desire and resolve to share with the people of America about the glorious gospel just as we did in Peru. I want to be free of any fear of man and be willing to share with anyone, because in light of eternity, being rejected or mocked for sharing the gospel is nothing!

My heart is full...and there is much more I could share. I wasn't able to take pictures like I would have enjoyed because my job involved shooting video during the trip...=) So I will hopefully be able to share some pictures that others took of the time soon!

Thank you so much for your prayers!...God faithfully answered just like He has always done!
Be blessed today!

Media de la Semana...Peru... =)

2011-12-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

Wow! Three days have blown by so fast! God has been doing so many good things it's hard to know where to begin. I think the easiest thing will be to wait on share once we get back. But for now, I would ask for prayer for the team as we leave for a poor district at 6:30...lol...it's gonna be great! We will spend most of the day there. Also, please pray for the remainder of the week that God will give us strength as we begin to tire. And for wisdom in working with the gang member.
I wish I had time to post pictures, but sleep is a priority at the moment. <lol>
So I will leave you with that and anticipate the time that I will be able to share in depth.
I have been personally encouraged and strengthened in the chapter of Isaiah 43. There are so many rich truths that have encouraged me this past week. God bless and look forward to sharing more!

¡Buenas Noches!

Blessed be God

2011-12-08T05:59:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow begins the Christmas conference...and Sunday I leave for Peru. Next week my family moves to Oklahoma...and Christmas will be spent there altogether. As you can imagine, life is really busy and a lot is changing in our family. It's kind of easy to become overwhelmed in the midst of all the happenings. =) The changes really challenge me as to where I am placing my trust and has helped me look to the One who doesn't change. It's times like these that I understand and see my weakness and need. But praise Him, He is everything that I am not and everything I need.

"...the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God."
Psalm 68:35

I am really exciting about these last few weeks of 2011. God is so good and has done so much for me. I am overwhelmed...and to end the year with family, going to Peru, fellowship with others...it's a wonderful time of year!

Thankful

2011-11-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

If I had to narrow it down to one thing that I was thankful for, my family would have to be in the top five. I am so blessed. As I think I think about each one of my siblings and their uniqueness, their individuality, and yet our similarities...I just smile and think "Awesome." =) I love my family...and somehow, they love me...even when I am unloveable.
As a family, we spent Thanksgiving with our extended family. We don't get very many opportunities to do this. So we were really grateful that 71 of us were able to get together! We had a blast! More pics to come later. =)
It's hard to imagine that it's the 29th of Nov. already...with only a week and half left till our annual IBLP Christmas conference and just under two weeks left till Tabby and me find ourselves in Peru! Can life get anymore fantatstic! =)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T14:16:00.001-08:00

I am looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with family and friends... Looking forward to reminiscing and thinking back upon all that God has done this year... Looking forward to....well, good food. =)

God is so good! Have a blessed Thnanksgiving as you remember HIM... =)

~ Chad

My Father's Love

2011-11-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

The World's wealth and riches can be bought or sold,
but I posses a Treasure far greater than gold,
'twas a gift passed down to me from heaven above,
'twas the gift of my Father's LOVE.

And my Father's Love, is strong and true,
Always beleiveing
Always seeing me through
So no matter what happens in His grand Design,
I'll be fine, with my Father's LOVE.

Safe and secure now in His LOVE alone,
I find here my place of worth as one of His own,
and I don't need everything this world wants to give
'cause I live with my Father's LOVE.

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." ~ Jeremiah 31:3 ~

Psalm 130

2011-11-18T05:41:00.000-08:00

As I thought about the words to this Psalm, I was encouraged. As I thought about what God has done for me, what I truly deserve,...words can't express how I feel. Overwhelmed? Just those three words...forgiveness, mercy, and redemption, express a wonderful story it is so amazing that it gives me something worth living for.
Be encouraged today, He loves YOU.

"Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities."

O. Chambers - November 15

2011-11-15T05:33:00.001-08:00

This was quite the challenge to me this morning. I don't want a scrap of self left. Totally focused, totally surrendered to Jesus Christ to be made fully usable in His hands.

...Most of us live only within the level of consciousness— consciously serving and consciously devoted to God. This shows immaturity and the fact that we’re not yet living the real Christian life. Maturity is produced in the life of a child of God on the unconscious level, until we become so totally surrendered to God that we are not even aware of being used by Him. When we are consciously aware of being used as broken bread and poured-out wine, we have yet another level to reach— a level where all awareness of ourselves and of what God is doing through us is completely eliminated. A saint is never consciously a saint— a saint is consciously dependent on God.
~ O. Chambers ~

Be blessed today!

A Fall Day in Hinsdale

2011-11-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

Today...I am sitting inside a Starbucks with my brother, Tommy Boy. Outside, there is a stiff breeze blowing the fallen leaves across the streets and sidewalks of the little town of Hinsdale. It's overcast and rather dreary...a perfect day for a warm cup of coffee...or hot chocolate (whichever you prefer). LOL
A week ago today, I was driving back from Northwoods with the last guys Journey of the year. My heart was full of gratefulness to God for answered prayer. I know that many people had been holding the four Journey teams up in prayer. God was faithful and merciful to meet is in that place in such an amazing way. The Lord met with every young man on my team in a special way. The walked away with a new sense of God's presence in their life as they laid down areas of self, pride, bitterness, and lust. God was truly glorified and magnified. He was made much of this week.
At the beginning of the week, my dad had personally challenged to go to Northwoods and die to every dream, desire, plan, wish, and simply cast myself upon Jesus Christ afresh and anew. I did that...and was overwhelmed with His presence. I was keenly aware of a new level of passion and desire for the things of God in my own life. I was so encouraged!
This past week has been a week of catching up on rest and working at the same time... =)
LOL God is so good! I haven't had much time to write...but I hope to do so sooner than later!
Be blessed and have a great week!

~ Chad...=)

The Last Journey

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

My heart is full…I amoverwhelmed by God’s love and mercy. He has been so good, so faithful. TodayI leave on a Journey to the Northwoods. I am really excited about what God isgoing to do.

As I was thinking aboutthis Journey, I was reminded of Zechariah 4:6.

“…Not by might, nor bypower, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Iknow that it is only going to be through the working of God’s Spirit in thehearts of these young men that any lasting changes will be made in their lives.

Please keep us in your prayers as Journey through our hearts to the heart of God! Looking forward to updating you on what takes place.

Our Frost-Breathing God

2011-10-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

I saw a video by Louie Giglio about our "Star-Breathing" God. It was simply amazing!
It left you with a feeling of wonder, amazement, and mere unworthiness at God's love and concern for me and all of mankind.

One morning I woke up in the Northwoods. During the night, it had frosted, and the grass and leaves were covered in a white blanket of frosty crystals. I took my camera and went outside. That morning I just marveled in the beauty of the delicate frosty layer that covered everything!

Not only do we serve a HUGE God who breaths out the stars as Louie Giglio shares, but guess what! We serve a God who breathes out the delicate frost too! It's just so amazing! I was so pumped when I came across this verse in Job 37:

"By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened"

This verse was an inspiration for me as I laid it out across this picture. I hope it inspires and encourages you as you think about how a God so great and powerful, and yet so creative and attentive to details, cares about you and me! I am blown away! I can't help but love Him back. =)
Be blessed today!

Heading to Northwoods!

2011-10-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

Heading to Northwoods today...this time for a fishing excursion with some great friends!....Will be sure to keep you posted. =)
Have an awesome weekend!

~ Chad...=)

Isaiah 6:1-5

2011-10-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

I am trying to think of a way to describe the past almostthree weeks now. It is really hard. So many things took place and were subjectto change. In the midst of all that took place, I found a refuge, a secretplace on a Rock that never moves. A place that shelters you in the time of anystorm and at the same time lifts you up to the heavens to give you amountaintop view! God is faithful.

Over two weeks ago, I went up to the Northwoods leading aJourney team. The Lord met us there in that place. We were convicted,challenged, and encouraged to humble ourselves that we might indeed be drawncloser to Jesus. My hearts cry that week was that each young man would walkaway with an awe of our awesome God and would have the heart attitude of Isaiahwhen he saw the Lord high and lifted up!

“…I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne,high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one hadsix wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet,and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy,holy, is the LORD of hosts: thewhole earth is full of hisglory. And the posts of the door movedat the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then saidI, Woe is me! for I am undone;because I am a man of uncleanlips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes haveseen the King, the LORD of hosts.”
Isaiah 6:1-5

Goddid great things on our behalf and was truly lifted up and exalted in thatplace. My hearts cry is that the work in the hearts and lives of those youngmen will continue and that they will be completely surrendered to that work.

I hadthe opportunity to stay on the next week after the Journey to help facilitatesome of the events that took place up there. Tommy boy and myself had a greatweek. Back in Chicagothis week, I am catching up on rest and looking forward to what God has for methroughout the rest of this year.

Willpost more in a few!...Have an awesome day!

Chad…=)

A Journey...=)

2011-09-26T05:25:00.001-07:00

This morning I embark on a Journey to the Heart with a wonderful group of guys. I would ask that you would hold us up in prayer before the Father. Please stand in the gap on our behalf!...I know that it is only through prevailing prayer that Journeys transform lives. It is my heart cry that Jesus be high and lifted up in every heart and life (Isaiah 6:1). Please pray!May God bless you as you invest in others lives through prayer! Looking forward to great things...=)

Reflection...Northwoods

2011-09-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Northwoods... will always have a special place in my heart. Not only is the beauty of the place unparraled, but it has been a place that has been dedicated to the Lord and consecrated for His purposes. I have seen countless lives changed there...including my own. So I guess it is kind of natural that it means so much to me and to others. It is a place of remembrance.
The Lord opened the door for me to be able to attend our annual conference and then to stay on for an additional event...the Journey to the Heart Reunion. The staff retreat was encouraging, but the reunion was even more stirring to my heart.

I had never heard of Eric Ludy until the Journey Reunion brochure came out. I really didn't know what to expect but was overwhelmed and thoroughly challenged when it was all said and done! I had the privilege of picking Eric up from the airport and then dropping him off at the end of the conference. Seeing as a one-way trip to the airport was two hours, I was blessed to listen to Eric's heart and then in turn share my heart with him. I walked away from this conference with a new understanding of where I am positionally as a Christian. I am IN Christ. When God sees me, He sees His Son! I recognized that I have a tendency to subconsciously rely upon my righteousness as a means of gaining favor with God. To a degree, this is true. God is pleased when I am doing what is right. However, His LOVE does not change when I fail Him! I have subtly believed the lie that God's love for me is conditional! I "knew" that God loved me...but when I would fail as a Christian, there would often be a huge sense of condemnation that seemed overwhelming. It was very hard for me to believe that God still loved me. Yes, it is important that our conscious condemn us and draw is to repentance. However, in my heart and life, I would often battle with a sense of condemnation. I recognize that my relationship with Jesus Christ in my mind, was based more on performance than on genuine love. I now know that I am IN Christ! When Jesus died for my sins, He died for ALL my sin!

I am thrilled with the opportunity to go back on a Journey this week with my brother and 9 other guys. Anticipation is building in my heart and I am so pumped about spending a week with the Lord. Pray for us! I look forward to sharing with you what God will do in Hearts and Lives this weekend. =)

The Past Month

2011-09-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

My family...in a nutshell. =)

God is so good!

Travels

2011-09-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

Time has a way of slipping by so quickly. Since I lastposted on the 26^th of August, much has taken place. I have traveledall over the country it seems!

Here’s the quick recap…with a few pictures! =)

My travels began with a trip down to Oklahoma. Mom, Abby, Danny, and me made thelong trek down to drop Abby off for another semester of “In the Gap”ministries. I was sad to see here her go, but I know that the Lord is doinggreat things through the ministry their. She loves it!

From Tulsa, I flew to Tampa Bay, Floridato help to teach Ultimate Quest. The Lord did mighty things in many hearts andlives and His truth prevailed. I was blessed to work with such a wonderfulgroup of people. I was blessed by Daniel and Jason’s love the Lord, love forpeople, and a love for truth. Their dynamic way of presenting basic principlesof life captures the attention of the young people and invokes a response. Iwas blessed with this short trip.

From Tampa Bay, I flew back to Tulsa and stayed in Eagle Springs for a dayor so before heading back to Chi town with Mom and Danny. From Chi town, I leftfor Northwoods…and that’s…well…another story (more pictures to come later). =)

I am writing this from my little desk here in Chicago this morning, rejoicing in what the Lord has done. On my walk over herethis morning, I was just overwhelmed with God’s goodness towards me, Hisincomprehensible love and mercy. And His love is not just a “one-time act,” buta rather, it is a continual outpouring that I am showered with daily! He is so good! I am looking forward to sharing with you about my time in Northwoods. =)

Be blessed, He loves you. =)

Psalm 56:13

2011-08-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

"For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?"

This verse really touched my heart this morning. Just doing a lot of reflecting as I flew from Tulsa to Memphis on to Tampa Bay, Florida. The Lord made a way for me to serve with Ultimate Quest. This has been the first day and God is already working in hearts! Please pray that God will meet every young person right where they are at! There are so many needs! Pray for wisdom!

I am looking to Him to do great things!

The Secret Place

2011-08-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High,
shall abide under the shadow of thealmighty.”
Psalm 91:1

Psalm 91 has been a very familiar Psalm to me. In fact, Ihave quoted it hundreds of times…and read it over and over again. Yet, I havefound that God delights in showing us something new out of a passage that weare so familiar with!

We all know of the importance of being in the center ofGod’s will. It may be easy to discern what God’s will is in a direction thatclearly violates a Scriptural principle. However, I have found that it isharder to discern His perfect will in something that may be a good act or deed.Simply doing “good things” is not always His will for me! He truly does have aPERFECT will for us. There are GOOD things that we can do…but then there is theBEST thing Mary and Martha discovered this when Jesus came to their house (Luke10:40-42). Martha was serving the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Yet shemissed out on what was best. God wants the BEST for each one of us!

What does this haveto do with dwelling in the “secret placeof the most High?” Well, this is what the Lord revealed to me one morningas I read this passage. I asked myself, what was the secret place? How could I discover it if it was a secret? To dwell means to abide and remain as onewould if he or she were living in a house. The secret place refers to a covering of protection where you arehidden. A person that remains here willabide under the protection of the Almighty. I realized that the secret place was God’s perfect will formy life. If I was dwelling in His perfect will, that secret place, others will not see me…they will only see Jesus. Inthis secret place I find protectionfrom the Enemy and protection from myself. I am abiding in the vine! (See John15:1).

This simple truth was so profound to me. The secret place would only be revealed tothose who sought it. It will be different for everyone and yet it will have onething in common; I will be hidden and Jesus will be clearly seen!

The challenge for me is to remain hidden. Whatever God’sspecific will and direction is for each one of us, we know that He mustincrease through it and we must decrease (John 3:30)! May God give us grace todeny and surrender ourselves that we might dwell in the secret place!

Nate is 21

2011-08-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

My second younger brother has always inspired me. I guess the one thing about him that inspires me more than anything else is his passion for life. First and foremost, his passion for Jesus Christ is the center of his life. He loves the Lord and is striving to follow Him wherever He leads.

After Jesus, Nate is passionate about anything he sets his mind to! From sports to work...to simple conversation, Nate exudes an energy about him that makes me love spending time with him!

I love Nate. He is real. And I like, REAL people. I want to be more like him. =)

I had the privelage of going with some friends to a great BBQ place to celebrate Nate's birthday...it was great.

God bless you Nate!...I am going to miss you!

Whatever It Takes! - O Chambers

2011-08-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

"...Am I fully prepared to allow God to grip me by His power and do a work in me that is truly worthy of Himself? Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me— sanctification is God’s idea of what He wants to do for me. But He has to get me into the state of mind and spirit where I will allow Him to sanctify me completely, whatever the cost?"

The Lord has truly posed this question to me during the past few days as I have been here in Indianapolis attending the third WIT conference. The Lord has revealed to me more of who He really is in addition to who I really am...a chief of sinners, saved by His matchless grace! It's been a great weekend that has definitely left me overwhelmed with truth...it's a good thing. =)

Peru Finale ~ ... =)

2011-08-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ciao Peru!

“That men may knowthat thou, whose name is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.”
Psalm83:18

The Lord was lifted up and glorified in and through our timein Peru.I walk away from that trip with a new perspective on relationships, people, andlife in general. I walk away with a new sense of gratefulness for what I haveand an unworthiness of all that Jesus has done for me. A gratefulness for myfamily, for friends, for His Word and His placing me where I am now. My hearttruly went out to all those I came in contact with.

One of the things that I had asked the Lord to do in myheart was to open my eyes and help me see people as He saw them. He truly didanswer this prayer. Our trip was marked by Divine encounters. The Lord guidedeach step that we took. Things did not go according to everything we had hopedor expected, but God’s will was accomplished and the doors that remained closedwe chose to trust Him for opening those doors in His time.

I am so grateful for the opportunity that God had given inand through this time. It has and will forever be a wonderful memory. Our teamwas perfect in my opinion, and truly hand-picked by the Lord. I am and will beforever grateful for this opportunity.

We look forward with anticipation to what God will do in thefuture because of this trip!
Thanks for all your prayers!...God answered them!

He is FAITHFULLY GOOD!...all the time. =)

PS...My brother has some amazing shots of the trip as well!... I decided to copy him on his blog post title..LOL

More Pictures

Indescribable - Peru Dia Dos

2011-07-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

The title of my post pretty much says it all. The Lord has been doing so many amazing things, praise His wondrous and awesome Nombre! The things that took place yesterday have been working in my heart in many ways. I was overwhelmed, saddened, excited, ashamed, and the Lord opened the eyes of my heart to see others in an entirely new way. We had the opportunity to meet with many high ranking officials yesterday in order to work out a way to best serve the people of Peru, specifically the municipality of Callao. We also had a short visit with the gang leaders that the previous groups had ministered to. It was exciting to see their heart and desire to minister to others had not changed!
The one thing that touched my heart the most yesterday was our trip to a young girls shelter. Most of them were there to find protection and refuge from abuse. They came from broken families...some, had no family or didn't know where they were. As I listened to these young girls share, I was so ashamed and overwhelmed. Here I am, an American, that has never experienced true need, hunger, or abuse...and I complain or murmur about the most insignificant and minuscule things! I was ashamed at the many ways that demonstrate a lack of gratefulness!

Our time there at the shelter was very rewarding! Many came to the Lord and we were able to minister through song, gifts, and the truths of the gospel! The Lord was glorified and magnified and we didn't want to leave.
Please pray for the girls at the shelter that we visited...that the seeds of truth that were sown would multiply into a bountiful harvest! That from that place, the message of Jesus Christ would go forth! Pray for for Mr. Gothard, Natlie, and Rodrigo as they attend the celebration in honor of the new president of Peru.
Pray for the team...our health has been good and that has been encouraging! Pray that we will not miss any opportunities that might come across our path!
May the Lord bless you richly!

Peru - Post Uno

2011-07-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

God has been working such a powerful way here in Peru already!...According to Mr. Gothard, we could all pack up and come home because it's already been worth our time! People are hungry for the truth! And people are coming to the Lord! =) Here are just a few shots! God bless you!

Peru.

2011-07-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

A month or so ago, I was asked to go to Peru. At first, I hesitated. I knew that a trip like this would definitely take me out of my "comfort zone" and stretch me. =) I did not have much time to make this decision either, and some sometimes...I really procrastinate!

Through my Dad's counsel, I decided that this was an open door that the Lord was beckoning me through. I must be honest and admit that I have not had a passion for serving in other countries like I should have. My prayer is that through this trip, I will have a greater love for the Lord, a greater love for my brothers and sisters in Christ, and a greater love for the lost.

I am really excited about this trip though I have so many questions as to what will take place. =) But God is 100% in control and I am trusting that He will accomplish His perfect purposes through this adventure.

Please pray for the team and especially for those orchestrating the trip that God will give wisdom and guidance. We will be leaving early like Monday morning...like 3am! =)
We will all be needing God's grace and strength for sure!

One thing that is going to make this trip so special is that I get to go with Thomas and Tabitha. I am anticipating great things through this time!

Psalm 18:2

2011-07-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
~ Psalm 18:2 ~

He is ALL that I need. In Him, I WILL find purpose, fulfillment, stregnth, every good thing...a reason to live!
It is so easy for me to take my eyes off Jesus because of "little" distractions. If one was truly passionate about something or someone, it would be their one drive and focus...every waking moment...even in the night seasons, that person or thing would come to mind.
This is what I want when it comes to Jesus!

Have an awesome Tuesday!

Thinking out Loud. Like Normal. =)

2011-07-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear... Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

Psalm 46:1, 2a, 10-11

Delight...

2011-07-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

The week's almost over...I can't believe it. =) It seems to have gone by so quickly...and yet...it's been slow at the same time.

So many thoughts have crossed my mind this past week...and this verse was one that I was thinking about. =) He has been in my thoughts...and He is a delight.

Have an awesome Friday!

2011-07-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

It IS going to be a GOOD week because He LIVES!

"Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress."
Psalm 71:3

HE is GOOD - Psalm 86

2011-07-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

Psalm 86 has meant much to me recently...
His goodness is what keeps me going. Have a wonderful weekend!

the past two weeks

2011-07-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

The week in Cali was busy! We didn't have much time to do a whole lot except staff the conference. It was good. So as you can see...I don't have too any pics. =)
July 4th found Tabby, Tommy Boy, Nate, and myself at a farm house west of Chicago. We had the privelage of sharing the day with a wonderful family that we met through the ministry. It was a good day in the country spending together as siblings along with good friends. I really miss the rest of the fam who are still in Oklahoma...but the wait makes me look forward to their return all the more... =)

God really has been challenging me through O. Chambers for the past couple of mornings. I am so amazed at how often God will use the truth of what Chambers says to encourage me, reprove me, and draw me closer to Himself. I was challenged and encouraged by this one...I hope you are too!

...blessings...

Chad... =)

"...God gives us a vision, and then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of that vision. It is in the valley that so many of us give up and faint. Every God-given vision will become real if we will only have patience. Just think of the enormous amount of free time God has! He is never in a hurry. Yet we are always in such a frantic hurry. While still in the light of the glory of the vision, we go right out to do things, but the vision is not yet real in us. God has to take us into the valley and put us through fires and floods to batter us into shape, until we get to the point where He can trust us with the reality of the vision. Ever since God gave us the vision, He has been at work. He is getting us into the shape of the goal He has for us, and yet over and over again we try to escape from the Sculptor’s hand in an effort to batter ourselves into the shape of our own goal.

The vision that God gives is not some unattainable castle in the sky, but a vision of what God wants you to be down here. Allow the Potter to put you on His wheel and whirl you around as He desires. Then as surely as God is God, and you are you, you will turn out as an exact likeness of the vision. But don’t lose heart in the process. If you have ever had a vision from God, you may try as you will to be satisfied on a lower level, but God will never allow it."

July 5th

2011-07-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

I really didn't know what to title this post...There have been so many things that have taken place these past two weeks, it would be impossible to describe it all.
I will have to say that God has been at work in my heart digging down deep...where it hurts. I have been overwhelmed at His goodness, His mercy, and His lovingkindness. And I am just as overwhelmed by the love of my family and friends. It's the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated when He went to the cross saying "...Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done!" (Luke 22:42). It is this love that can give us all true FREEDOM.
We celebrate our freedom as a nations on the 4th of July year after year and maybe sometimes we don't think about what is behind that freedom. It was the love and sacrifice of men and women who loved something greater than themselves that has given us the freedom that we now enjoy today.
This is the kind of love that I need...that we all need. Not a love of self or a desire for gain, but rather a love that gives so much that the "self-life" is completely overlooked! This is the kind of love that I recognize I don't have...but I desire to have it everyday of my life!
I am kind of preaching at myself today, but may you be encouraged as well to have that same love...a love that stems from a relationship with Jesus Christ!

PS
I did make it back from a trip to California. The Lord was good to us. We spent the yesterday with some friends celebrating the 4th. It was good time of fellowship and the Lord blessed. Pics to come later. =)

O. Chambers June 23

2011-06-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

Chambers this morning was good, along with Psalm 23:3.... =)

"He restoreth my soul, He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake."

God will be faithful in leading us in His paths. He will give us direction...He promises! So...what's my job?...Simply surrender by meekly following. Just as a sheep would follow the shepherd. I just have to remind myself that sheep aren't that smart!...Thus, I am better off trusting the Good Shepherd.

We are not “acquainted with grief” in the same way our Lord was acquainted with it. We endure it and live through it, but we do not become intimate with it. At the beginning of our lives we do not bring ourselves to the point of dealing with the reality of sin. We look at life through the eyes of reason and say that if a person will control his instincts, and educate himself, he can produce a life that will slowly evolve into the life of God. But as we continue on through life, we find the presence of something which we have not yet taken into account, namely, sin— and it upsets all of our thinking and our plans. Sin has made the foundation of our thinking unpredictable, uncontrollable, and irrational.
We have to recognize that sin is a fact of life, not just a shortcoming. Sin is blatant mutiny against God, and either sin or God must die in my life. The New Testament brings us right down to this one issue— if sin rules in me, God’s life in me will be killed; if God rules in me, sin in me will be killed. There is nothing more fundamental than that. The culmination of sin was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and what was true in the history of God on earth will also be true in your history and in mine— that is, sin will kill the life of God in us. We must mentally bring ourselves to terms with this fact of sin. It is the only explanation why Jesus Christ came to earth, and it is the explanation of the grief and sorrow of life.

An Afternoon Walk...to a special place

2011-06-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been sooo nice. I have been able to simply slow down and "catch my breath." =)
After church and lunch, I went with some of my siblings to a special place...on a corner in the little village of Hinsdale. =) I love it!
Half of the fam left this morning to OK to spend the next few weeks helping the Toedts in Tulsa. It will be different having just half the family here in Chi town...we are going to miss them!
A busy week lies ahead...and then California conference is next week! I am so pumped! I have never been out that far west, so this should be pretty exciting.
Hope you have an awesome week!

~ Psalm 107 ~

Because He LIVES

2011-06-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

There's a lot on my heart this morning...an overwhelming burden. As I was thinking and praying God has been been bringing verses and truths to mind...and then this song came.

It's because He lives that I can live too and face this day, and tomorrow...and the rest of my life. Praise Him for He is worthy of our praise!

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;He came to love, heal and forgive;He lived and died to buy my pardon,An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

ChorusBecause He lives, I can face tomorrow,Because He lives, all fear is gone;Because I know He holds the future,And life is worth the living,Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,And feel the pride and joy he gives;But greater still the calm assurance:This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,I'll fight life's final war with pain;And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

We Made it

2011-06-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

We made it back to Chi town early this morning!...It was great! The conference seemed longer than usual for me, but the Lord blessed it through sales, contacts, and the ability to just minister to others through a testimony, a word of encouragement, or just a passing smile. =)
It's good to be back! Will post more pics soon!

An awesome song that inspires me! =)

When I think of Heaven and all the sights I'll see
The walls of jasper, gates of pearl
The clear and golden street
Why should I be present?
Why should I enter in?
After all the sinful living
and the wicked one I've been

V2:
In the Presence of Jehovah
As I stand before the throne
The accuser of the brethren
Starts to read the things I've done
As I hear the awful charges
The question fills my mind
Why should I not be put in hell
To suffer for all time?

Chorus:
It's through the blood
That's all I have to plea
It's through the blood
That Jesus shed for me
Not by works of my own righteousness
For filthy rags are they
But because of that old rugged tree
Hanging on dark Calvary
That is my only plea
It's through the blood

V3:
When I'm walking through a valley
And I feel there's no way out
The wind of sorrow threaten me
And they turn my world around
That's when I look to Jesus
And the price He paid for me
I can lift my hands in praise to Him
And shout the victory

O. Chambers June 11

2011-06-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

The Lord so pierced my heart when I read O. Chambers this morning. I was thoroughly challenged.
~ Chad

Where sin and sorrow stops, and the song of the saint starts. Do I really want to get there? I can right now. The questions that truly matter in life are remarkably few, and they are all answered by these words— “Come to Me.” Our Lord’s words are not, “Do this, or don’t do that,” but— “Come to me.” If I will simply come to Jesus, my real life will be brought into harmony with my real desires. I will actually cease from sin, and will find the song of the Lord beginning in my life.

Have you ever come to Jesus? Look at the stubbornness of your heart. You would rather do anything than this one simple childlike thing— “Come to Me.”
If you really want to experience ceasing from sin, you must come to Jesus.

Jesus Christ makes Himself the test to determine your genuineness. Look how He used the word come. At the most unexpected moments in your life there is this whisper of the Lord— “Come to Me,” and you are immediately drawn to Him. Personal contact with Jesus changes everything. Be “foolish” enough to come and commit yourself to what He says. The attitude necessary for you to come to Him is one where your will has made the determination to let go of everything and deliberately commit it all to Him.

“. . . and I will give you rest”— that is, “I will sustain you, causing you to stand firm.” He is not saying, “I will put you to bed, hold your hand, and sing you to sleep.” But, in essence, He is saying, “I will get you out of bed— out of your listlessness and exhaustion, and out of your condition of being half dead while you are still alive. I will penetrate you with the spirit of life, and you will be sustained by the perfection of vital activity.” Yet we become so weak and pitiful and talk about “suffering” the will of the Lord! Where is the majestic vitality and the power of the Son of God in that?

"Come unot me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
~ Matthew 11:28 ~

This is a promise of rest that I can claim...that you can claim. However, we must first lay down our own self-trust, and trust in Him by stepping out in faith and coming to Jesus. This is a simple evidence of surrender.
May we accept the grace that God has given us today to do this!

Leaving Again.

2011-06-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

For me, the month of June spells
"T.R.A.V.E.L" =)

Just got back from TN after a crazy week at the ATI Regional conference. It was a good conference overall, though at times it was more stressful than most that I can recall. God was faithful to give us strength. =)

Tommy boy, a group from Headquarters, and myself are in Virginia selling IBLP materials and sharing with different people. We made it to Richmond yesterday afternoon and were able to set up. Today is our first full day. I know that we will have the opportunity to meet many people and share key truths with many people. It's going to be great!
I have been inspired by these conventions, and it is my prayer that the books and truths that we are taking will touch many, many lives.
Blessings on your day and may God touch your life today in a special way!

"...He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." ~ Psalm 40:3 ~

A New Day

2011-06-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

It's another day...A new one...I won't ever have this day back.

I am starting it off right with prayer...and coffee. =)

Hope you have a blessed day!

~ Chad

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ~

Nashville, TN

2011-06-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

Were half way through the conference here in Nashville, TN. The Lord is blessing and multiplying our efforts. I am excited once again to see so many new families and first year families attending the conference. Some are hearing the material and concepts that Dr. Gothard shares from God's Word for the first time!
We are tired, but not discouraged! It has been great to see so many friends!

This past weekend, our whole family had a chance to spend some time with the Bates Family here in TN. We had too much fun! You will have to go to my families website to see pics!
We have a busy day ahead of us, so I must go! Looking forward to what God will complete through this week. =)

Long Day

2011-05-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Ok..so I am signing off for the night...it's been a good one. =)...Been working on pulling everything for the next conference.
This next week is the Nashiville Regional Conference and I am so looking forward to working book sales with my bro and catching up with a lot of friends...It's gonna be a crazy week!...But I like crazy...sometimes. =)

"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
~ Psalm 62:7-8 ~

Stop

2011-05-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a walk this morning. It's beautiful outside. It's around 60 degrees. The sun is shining and there is a gentle breeze that makes it a little cooler. Everything is fresh and green...I love Spring. As I was walking I began to think of how busy I am. Life seems to pick up speed with each passing day...it continues to get fuller and busier. Is this a good thing?

I realized that there will always be the challenge of "slowing life down"...=). Busyness will always be there. The real question and point of concern is busy with WHAT and with WHOM. Busyness can rob me of precious time that I could be spending with a loved one...or more importantly, the Lord. Busyness can rob you of seeing the everyday beauty of life. Hence the old saying "Stop and smell the flowers." =)
Busyness is something I am constantly involved with...LOL. But I have to ask myself is it something that is needful. Martha was a wonderful person I am sure, but she missed the needful thing that Mary recognized was so important (Luke 10).
These are just thoughts that I had this morning. I hope they encourage you. Don't be too busy to stop and see God in the little things around you.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory:
no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee."
~ Psalm 84:11-12~

Thoughts ... Psalm 50:15

2011-05-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

Well...it's quiet around the house without the rest of the family. =) They all left on a road trip down to Oklahoma to pick up Abby in Oklahoma City. So it's just me and Tommy boy. Nate gets back today from Northwoods! I can't wait to catch up with him!
It has been quiet, but that has given me the opportunity to think. Just to slow down and think. Last night, I was able to just lay out on a trampoline and look up at the stars and simply and plainly talk to God. That just blows me away sometimes. A God so big, so mighty, so wonderful, so powerful as my God, would have time for me and will hear me. The verse came to mind from Psalm 50, verse 15.

"And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me"

What is a day of trouble? I guess I tend to think that a day of trouble is when things are really going wrong...when I am facing BIG problems. But, is there such a thing as a small problem? Maybe. However, my small problems or difficulties usually turn into BIG ones if not confronted and dealt with. Therefore, a day of trouble...could be a day where I struggle with total surrender. It could be a day I struggle with my attitude or how I communicate or speak to someone. Thus, this verse is a promise I can claim...just about everyday. =)
It's a promise! All I have to do is claim it!

God is good. He has time to hear me call when I have a problem, when I am rejoicing, when things are going well at work, when I am tired, whatever the situation. He is There...for me. It blows me away...everytime.

Well, I guess this is rather random, but it came from my heart. I hope that you can spend today calling upon Him...and simply talking to Him. Because He is there...always!

~ Chad

O. Chambers May 18

2011-05-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin”— they simply are! Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon— all of these simply are as well— yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf! So often we impair God’s designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful. Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, “Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me.” In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you “will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually— just as “the lilies of the field.”

The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and “the lilies of the field”— simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us.

If you want to be of use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him, and He will make use of you every minute you live — yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him.

Just a thought for the day...

...Chad... =)

Made it Back

2011-05-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

We rolled in to Chi town around 7am from our long trek back from PA. The Lord blessed the convention. Met many wonderful people, had numerous, encouraging conversations, and the Lord blessed sales. The team that I had to work with was awesome. My brother, David, Libby, Abby, Lisa, Zyrek, Mr. Barth...and others! It was a wonderful memory, wish I could have taken more pictures, but alas...such is life. =)
It was a wonderful weekend, but it's good to be back!...A little tired, but looking forward to what God has in this new week.

"O God thou art my God, early will I seek thee, my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is.
To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary."
~ Psalm 63:1, 2 ~

In PA...it's Beautiful.

2011-05-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

We drove through the night Wednesday. Arrived in Harrisburg, PA around 11am or so. The Lord gave us protection all along the way. I will have to say that driving through the hills of PA along 80 in the morning, was simply gorgeous. Setup took the rest of the day and we all crashed early for the night...most of us. =) LOL

Today was wonderful. The Lord really blessed us with sales and meeting many people. The conference is a lot larger than we had anticipated, we are really anticipation tomorrow! Chris Hogan is here and is one of the main speakers. We enjoyed a wonderful evening at Red Robin tonight with many great friends! Josh and Suzi Heagy and Skyler and Sara joined us for the evening...it was great to catch up!
I am really excited about tomorrow...it's going to be a long one, but I know it will be good!
Signing off for the night...

~ Chad

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. ~ 1Peter 5:7 ~

PS...Ok, so the pic of me and Thomas is before we had starbucks...JK...=)

A Special Day

2011-05-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

” Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”

~ Proverbs 31:10 ~
The value of a mother?…it can’t be priced, for it’s priceless.
We all enjoyed our mother on this special day. It was a special time of sharing and just being together as a family. We are so blessed by our mother, it is hard to know where to begin to begin expressing our gratefulness to God and her for daily laying her life down for each one us. This is the greatest love that one can have for another. Thanks Mom!…We all love you!

The Big Sandy Conference

2011-05-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

Last week...(I'm still trying to catch up...=)

To say that this past week was a long one would be an understatement. To say that it was an awesome week, would also be a definite understatement! The Big Sandy regional conference a wonderful memory for sure. As a part of the book sales team, I really enjoyed working with the materials and sharing them with many who were attending the conference for the very first time.The team that I had to work with was amazing! I am so blessed!

I don't have much time to write, but I wanted to post a few pictures of our time in Texas. I simply "heart" candid shots!...LOL...One of the highlights of the conference for me was spending time with the Duggars and the Bates! We simply had too much fun!
God really blessed and it's good to back with the fam!

Texas

2011-04-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

The weekend has been a blur! =) We left early Saturday morning (3:55 am to be exact) and headed down from Chi town to Big Sandy, Texas for the first ATI regional conference of the year. The trip went smoothly and we made awesome time. The warmer weather was definitely welcome!
Resurrection Sunday was a beautiful day. Our group of 13 had a service of their own. I shared some things that God had laid on my heart about His grace and the need to "Remember" Him for what He had done. It was a real special time that I would not have traded for anything. The rest of the day was spent enjoying the wonderful weather.
Yesterday we focused on setup of the book sale tables. The Lord really blessed and we were finished in record time. It was great. Today, we do last minute touchups and wait for the families. The Duggars came in yesterday. We had a fun time with them at an old, quaint BBQ place just down the road. LOL...it was great.
I am really excited about what the Lord will do this week. More pics to come if time permits.

God bless your week!

~ Chad

Encouraged

2011-04-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Ok...so this week has been crazy busy with preparing for the Big Sandy Regional conference. Late nights, lots of work, and countless details have made this an exciting process. Preparing for a conference is exciting, especially when you get the opportunity to work with great people, but I have to face the truth, it's still work. LOL
God really blessed the work of our hands and as I type, the truck with all the materials for the conference is on it's way to Texas. Despite the work load and lack of sleep I am encouraged by the people around me. I am blessed. I am blessed to be alive. I am blessed to work with the people that I work with. I am blessed with family. I am blessed with work. LOL...God is good.

Pray for us...we leave for the land of TEXAS tomorrow early. Looking forward to seeing what God is going to do throughout the conference...(waiting in anticipation =).

~ Chad

A Prayer for Today

2011-04-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

~ Have an awesome Monday. =)

A g.r.e.a.t. Weekend

2011-04-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it was a crazy weekend. How can a weekend be so full of business, fun, work, stress and excitment all at the same time? LOL...it was kind of like that.
God really blessed once again. All of us were able to have wonderful conversations with families that had never heard of our material and what God was doing in the ministry. I was surprised at how many young families attended this convention...it was awesome to be able to speak into their lives for a brief 5-10 minutes. Larry Guthrie was a main speaker at this convention. It was good to see him and what God was doing in his ministry.
We made it back to Chi town this morning around 5 am, so we all are kind of tired...but it's a good tired. =) We made some great memories. =) I think our group shot pictures describes the week...this was taken just as we were ready to leave the convention center last night...God def. was our strength and our Joy. PTL!
There's only one week before we turn around and head South for the first ATI regional conference of the year in Big Sandy TX. Excited at what God will do in this conference as well.
God bless you all, enjoy your Sunday with the Lord.

~Chad

Duluth, MN

2011-04-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

We made it to the wonderful state of Minnesota and have enjoyed our first day at the Mache Home school convention. Despite the fridgid weather (which I thought I had seen the last of =) we have really enjoyed working together sharing wonderful materials and truths with an eager and very responsive group. God is blessing and we look forward to another great day tomorrow.
It's late...so that's all I'm writing. =) Will update you again sooner than later! Pray that God would really move in hearts in this final day here in Duluth. It's awesome.

7 Ways

2011-04-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday was an awesome day of rest...I sure enjoyed it.

And now...here comes the rest of the week. =)

~ Chad

7 Ways to Better Communicate with the Lord

1. Thank God - Have an attitude of gratefulness.
2. Clear up offenses with others and with God.
3. Magnify the name of the Lord.
4. Cry out for spiritual children.
5. Read a large section and look for Rhemas
6. Engraft received Rhemas into your soul.
7. Share what you have learned with others.

Dr. Bill Gothard

A Beautiful Day

2011-04-09T16:05:00.001-07:00

Today was simply beautiful. My favorite part of the day was walking to staff meeting. The sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze blowing across the moist landscape. The spring peepers have begun to call with the anticipation of warmer weather.
Nature has a way of exhibiting God's personality of peace, rest, and joy. At the same time it reveals God's power and awesomeness. My favorite time of year is springtime in the north. It so reminds me of God's faithfulness with the coming of Spring year after year. No matter how hard the winter or how cold it gets, spring will come in His time.
God is faithful and time is short. I continue to be amazed at how fast life is flying by. I love the quote that Rick Grubbs shared about life that motivates me to live life to the fullest.

"Life is what is passing you buy while you're waiting for it to begin"

"Lord, make me to know my end and [to appreciate] the measure of my days--what it is; let me know and realize how frail I am [how transient is my stay here]."

~ Psalm 39:4 ~

Just some random thoughts...

~ Chad

One Conference Down

2011-04-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'm back in Chi town. The weekend (which felt like a week) was amazing. God so amazingly showed Himself strong on our behalf. Truth was given to hundreds of people, lasting answers were discovered, and many were edified through our feeble attempt to make Christ known. A highlight of the week was def. spending time with the Duggars. It was awesome.

Thanks for all the prayers, God truly answered them. Once again, He has shown Himself to be faithful.

Final Day in the Buckeye State

2011-04-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

yesterday was long. Not sure how else to describe it. LOL! No, it was an incredibly awesome day of connecting with people who had never heard of IBLP before or who had been to a Basic Seminar years ago but had lost contact. I have been so encouraged to share the truths of God's Word with people who are hungry. People are hungry for truth!

Pray that God gives us strength on this final day. The Duggar family came in yesterday and we had an amazing time last night together! Looking forward to giving you updates of what takes place today!

Have an a.w.e.s.o.m.e. Day. =)

PS...I knew it was going to be a long one...so I got a Venti. =P

"Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."
~ Psalm 32:11 ~

In Cincy

2011-04-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

So we made it Cincy in good time. This weekend we are meeting with new families and selling IBLP material at a home school convention here in Cincinnati, Ohio. God really blessed the setup process which seemed overwhelming as we started out. We have already begun to meet some really people and share what is going in the IBLP ministry. Many of the VERITY staff have joined us and it has become an awesome joint venture.
Today is our big day, so keep us in your prayers! With prayer and coffee...it's going to be an awesome one!

They're Back... =)

2011-03-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

I love these people!

~ Photo courtesy of Rob Bennett

I KNOW that Spring is Coming.

2011-03-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Regardless of what the weather is going to be like for the rest of this week, I know Spring is coming. =)

Hope you share the same optimism. LOL

Enjoy your Day!
~ Chad

Galatians 2:20

2011-03-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

"I have been crucified with Christ." Galatians 2:20

The imperative need spiritually is to sign the death warrant of the disposition of sin, to turn all emotional impressions and intellectual beliefs into a moral verdict against the disposition of sin, viz., my claim to my right to myself. Paul says - "I have been crucified with Christ"; he does not say - "I have determined to imitate Jesus Christ," or, "I will endeavour to follow Him" - but - "I have been identified with Him in His death." When I come to such a moral decision and act upon it, then all that Christ wrought for me on the Cross is wrought in me. The free committal of myself to God gives the Holy Spirit the chance to impart to me the holiness of Jesus Christ...

~ O Chambers ~

...this hit home this morning.
~ Chad

A thought for a Sunday Afternoon.

2011-03-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

He is worthy...or our Praise.

~ Chad

Art

2011-03-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I was walking through Hobby Lobby a couple of weeks ago...and was really intrigued with all their artwork. I guess some people would call it ... modern art ... or maybe ... retro or vintage ... or maybe even abstract art. Whatever it was...I really liked it...so, I am one for new ideas in photoshop.

I'm looking forward to an awesome weekend...I hope you are too!

~ Chad

GREEN

2011-03-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

It was a green day...and I didn't get pinched...cause I wore a GREEN IBLP shirt. =)
Good times.
Enjoyed an awesome St. Patrick Day's meal...Clayton is awesome!

Missing the Girls...

2011-03-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Serving Separately...and Together

Family Happenings...

Psalm 37

2011-03-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Another week is here. TRUST, DELIGHT, COMMIT, REST
in the Lord.

Thoughts on Psalm 143

2011-02-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

~ Psalm 143 ~

As I was reading this passage yesterday, I said in my heart "That's me." I rarely face outward enemies that are after my life or seeking to destroy me, but I face an even greater enemy. An enemy from within. Some call it the "self-life." I have found that the greatest enemy that I have ever faced in my life is myself, my flesh, the carnal man.

Inwardly, this Psalm really pictured much of what goes on within me...and maybe within you. Things can look wonderful...outwardly, but within rages a battle that seems to surpasses all physical battles. What meant so much to me in this passage was the fact that though these battles rage within, there is always Someone to look to in our time of adversity. It's because of His lovingkindness in the morning that I can get up. He is trustworthy. Therefore, I can trust Him. He is all-knowing, thus, He can lead me in the way that I should walk. He can deliver me from myself. He allows soul conflict in my life to cause me to turn to Him. He is ever merciful.

Because these things are true, I am His servant.

Be Encouraged today. =)

~ chad

More Snow?

2011-02-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

The warmer weather that we have recently had was sure encouraging. The forecast for this week...it looks like snow. Even though I dislike snow by the time February rolls around, it is truly a thing of beauty and worthy of admiring. When we consider the tiny detail that is behind every snow flake, we can't help but think of our Great God.

Enjoy your Day with Him.

...If we are quietly waiting before God after He has said to us, “Come aside by yourselves . . .” then that is meditation before Him to seek His will (Mark 6:31). Beware, however, of giving in to mere daydreaming once God has spoken. Allow Him to be the source of all your dreams, joys, and delights, and be careful to go and obey what He has said. If you are in love with someone, you don’t sit and daydream about that person all the time— you go and do something for him. That is what Jesus Christ expects us to do. Daydreaming after God has spoken is an indication that we do not trust Him.

~ O. Chambers ~

Nate

2011-02-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

We are going to miss him!...For sure. =)

Nathaniel left this morning for Texas. We are going to miss him...allot.

God has called Nate to serve in prison ministry work. To pursue this call upon his life, Nathaniel decided to enroll in IMI, a ministerial school near Austin, Texas.
We are truly going to miss him, but we know that God has called him to this avenue of ministry. It has been awesome to watch God slowly direct Nathaniel ever since he was seven when God first laid the call upon him to preach. Nathaniel has been faithful to seek the Lord and follow His leading. I know that God has blessed him because of it and will continue to bless Him.
Pray for Nathaniel during these next three months that he will be in Texas. Pray that God will deepen his relationship with the Lord and that he would bless his studies. We will do our best to update you on what transpires over the next several months.

O. Chambers Feb. 16

2011-02-17T06:28:00.000-08:00

...A human being is capable of depression, otherwise there would be no capacity for exaltation. When the Spirit of God comes He does not give us visions, He tells us to do the most ordinary things conceivable. Depression is apt to turn us away form the ordinary commonplace things of God's creation, but whenever God comes, the inspiration is to do the most natural simple things - the things we would have never imagined God was in, and as we do them we find He is there...

Have a great day!...I am. =)

A FUN Evening

2011-02-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

Great Memories!

We had a blast with the Bates!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

Valentines Slideshow

2011-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

HQ Valentines Banquet 2011 from Chad ... on Vimeo.

~ Enjoy!

2011 Valentines Banquet Photoshooot

2011-02-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Last night seemed to go by so fast. It was the IBLP directors Valentine banquet. I had the opportunity of shooting this event with several others. There were a lot of first's in it for me. It was the first time I shot in a "studio" using that type of lighting. It was the first time I had ever shot over 30 different portrait pictures in an hour. It was the first time I had ever worn all black (not counting a suit =). It was the first time I had taken pictures in a day and used those some pictures in a sideshow the same day. It was the first time I had no coffee....wait....I did have coffee. =)
Anyways, there were a lot of firsts...but I had fun in it all and the help I had was awesome. We were faced a few challenges. The lighting was very low and we couldn't use flash so as not to distract from the dinner or the events that were taking place up front. This meant higher ISO and a firmer grip. With what we had to work with, I was really encouraged at how it all went. God is good. I will be posting more pics from this event soon.

God bless and have an awesome Saturday!

Psalm 8

2011-02-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

"O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"

The Love of Christ - 2Cor. 5:14

2011-02-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

"Paul Says he is overruled, overmastered, held as in a vice, by the love of Christ. Very few of us know what it means to be held in a grip by the love of God; we are held by the constraint of our experience only...
This abandon to the love of Christ is the one thing that bears fruit in the life, and it will always leave the impression of the holiness and of the power of God, never of our personal holiness."
~ O. Chambers ~

Snow Day ?

2011-02-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

So Chi town had it's blizzard. Thus, today was a half day of work for me. =) Once the snow stopped, I was able to step outside and take some shots around the campus. It was fun (even though it was cold). Taking pictures is so fun...but it is especially fun when the weather cooperates. But hey, if there wasn't cold weather, we wouldn't have snow. Therefore, we couldn't take pictures of this awesome creation of our great Creator. =)

Have a great evening...and stay warm.

The Little Things

2011-01-31T06:17:00.000-08:00

I have always been intrigued and captivated by the little things in nature. There is just something unique and purely awesome about the beauty of something small that often goes unnoticed by the casual viewer.
Anyone can look out over the Grand Canyon or across a snow covered valley in Colorado or see an awesome Northern sunset and say "That's awesome!" These things truly are beautiful. However, I find a special beauty and awesomeness in the little things...especially when I can "begin" to capture it on camera. =)
We truly serve an incredible Creator who delights in the little things.

~ Chad ~

Remembering 2010 as a Family

2011-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:00

Already, it seems that 2011 is taking off on us. Time is going by so quickly and so much is taking place in that time.

Thinking back upon this past year, God did so may many things, we went to so many places, worked with so many people, and learned so many things...

www.12paines.com

Psalm 118:14

2011-01-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

This Morning

2011-01-24T06:02:00.000-08:00

It's a good morning. Not because I had a coffee or am excited about all that may happen this week, but it's a good morning because God is faithful and He faithfully calls me to Himself.

"...Our Lord said, in effect, to Paul - Your whole life is to be overmastered by Me; you are to have no end, no aim, and no purpose but Mine." I have chosen Him
~ O. Chambers ~

I have been chosen. My goal is to be overmastered by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Where the Battle's Lost and Won

2010-12-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

This meant a lot to me this morning...

The battle is lost or won in the secret places of the will before God, never first in the external world. The Spirit of God apprehends me and I am obliged to get alone with God and fight the battle out before Him. Until this is done, I lose every time. The battle may take one minute or a year, that will depend on me, not on God; but it must be wrestled out alone before God, and I must resolutely go through the hell of a renunciation before God. Nothing has any power over the man who has fought out the battle before God and won there.

If I say, "I will wait till I get into the circumstances and then put God to the test," I shall find I cannot. I must get the thing settled between myself and God in the secret places of my soul where no stranger intermeddles, and then I can go forth with the certainty that the battle is won. Lose it there, and calamity and disaster and upset are as sure as God's decree. The reason the battle is not won is because I try to win it in the external world first. Get alone with God, fight it out before Him, settle the matter there once and for all.

...Every now and again, not often, but sometimes, God brings us to a point of climax. That is the Great Divide in the life; from that point we either go towards a more and more dilatory and useless type of Christian life, or we become more and more ablaze for the glory of God -

My Utmost for His Highest

~ O. Chambers ~

Merry Christmas from Chicago...

2010-12-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

Hope you had an awesome day... I did. =)

God bless...!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men."
~ Luke 2:14 ~

Thoughts on 13th

2010-12-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

These past couple of weeks have been absolutely crazy (in a good way =). So many things have been packed into them that it feels like months have passed when in reality...it's only been a couple of weeks. Right now I'm in Indy spending time with family and friends at the IBLP staff Christmas conference. Last night we went skating and today, we head over to South Campus. For the next couple of weeks I will be helping out in the Publications department as we prepare for the annual inventory count (for sure, fun times ahead =). I am also currently working with a guy who does construction in our area and am really enjoying it and looking forward to learning more in this area.
Life has been busy and I am thankful that God has allowed it to be so. I couldn't imagine life if it weren't. I am thankful for the work that God has laid before me, for family and friends and for this time of year that focuses on the one thing that we should be most grateful for. I love Christmas. I love the snow (but not neccesarily the cold that goes with it =). I am so grateful that God didn't leave us to ourselves but has provided a way through His Son, Jesus Christ, that we can now have fellowship with Him. God bless your weekend and hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.

(I really didn't know what to title this post, but I am currently on the 13th floor of the ITC, so I thought it would work).

The following are some pictures that I took in Chi town about a week ago. I am hoping to post some of our trip to Oklahoma...maybe. =)

"And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen."
Psalm 41:12, 13

back

2010-12-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

I'm Back in Chi town with the family. We made some great memories in Oklahoma to say the least
(pics to come later). Looking forward to making some great memories in Chicago.

Christmas here we come!

Morning thoughts

2010-11-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

"Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power."
~ Psalm 21:13 ~

Early Morning Beauty

2010-11-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

I love sunrises...

~ Chad