Filed under: Ministry, Stories, Think About It | Tags: church, live, Ministry, personal, prayer, twitter
The other night, after having a great brunch with a friend, and doing some homework, I got a little overwhelmed with life, even to the point of becoming a tad depressed. Then I talked to my dad. Both of them. My dad called me on the phone and we had a wonderful conversation just about all that’s going on in both our lives. It was nice to know that we were struggling with some of the same things. We were open, honest, and vulnerable about our lives. And it felt great.
Then we prayed and talked to our Heavenly Father. It was just what we both needed. I don’t know about him, but I was crying so hard by the time we finished — I mean that ugly cry too — that I couldn’t even breathe out of my nose. But I felt so much better. Like a weight had been lifted off my shoulder. There was little doubt in my mind that my Twitter family needed to hear what I had just received. Below is what I shared. (If you’d like the high-res photo, click here)
Filed under: Stories | Tags: family, food, interview, narrative, prayer, prison, story, TI
I’m normally not a narrative, fiction based writer. I actually find that it can be difficult sometimes. Since I started school, we had to write a paper for my English 1101 class based on the idea that we were having coffee with a rock star. Well, I’ve always wanted to sit down with this particular gentleman for a while, so I jumped at the “opportunity.” Enjoy the story.
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- T.I. after a 2003 arrest
It felt like my mind was spinning just as fast as the engine in my rental car as I sped down Interstate 40 about 20 miles outside of Memphis, Tennessee, on my way to meet with a man that no one, outside of his family had spoken to in nearly eight months. I personally wanted to know how this time away had affected him, but did others? What should I say? Would anything be off limits? What can I learn from him? Would he give good answers? Would I ask good questions? Should I just focus on having a good conversation instead of giving him some automated survey type of interview? I had not a clue.
Veering off on exit 241, I headed south on US 1 through the small Arkansas town of Forrest City. My heart began to beat faster. A left. Then a right, and I saw the Forrest City Federal Correctional Complex appear on the horizon, off my driver’s side. The last left turn down Dale Bumpers Drive and the one mile that lead into the FCC felt like it lasted the majority of the 30 minute drive. (more…)
Filed under: Sermon Notes | Tags: cross, forgiveness, God, Jesus, prayer, release, Sermon Notes
“Connecting w/ God” Series
Pastor Crute
August 5 2009 7pm
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2 of the greatest barriers that would keep you from receiving the Peace of God are guilt and resentment (The misery twins) (more…)
Filed under: Mind Flush, My Life..., Think About It | Tags: battles, faith, new season, prayer, strength
Lately, it seems like there are so many people around me (including me) who are getting so many things thrown are them. While I tried to write numerous posts today, this was all that would really come out. Here is my prayer for, and with, those who may be going through & fighting the battles of life:
Lord, I admit that I have been trying to help you out. I’ve been trying to fight for you. I have even been fighting with you because I thought the plans I had were better than the plans you had for me. God, I give the battle over completely and fully to you. I relinquish my control and give it to you fully. I will fight the fight that you tell me to regardless of where that takes me! I know that if you can take me into battle, you are surely God enough to bring me out victorious! (more…)
Filed under: Mind Flush, My Life... | Tags: apology, God, honest, Jesus, life, prayer, real, sorry
This is not going to be pretty, well thought out, eloquent post. This is going to be a messy post. I’m just gonna talk to God and be entirely honest about where I am right now. I don’t expect your comments or applause. I just need to talk to God about my life. I thought you might be able to gain something by listening in so… Enjoy your eavesdropping.
God… I’m sorry. I haven’t depended on you. Especially not for the things I truly needed. I thought I could do it on my own. I feel like less of a man when I have to admit I need your help. But I do. God I need your help. I can’t do this thing called life by myself. As much as I want to say I did it, I know you are worthy of any shred of attention I could garner by myself. You alone are the reason I’m alive today, with a story to tell and a means by which to tell it!
Jesus, don’t let me be drawn my the applause and approval of men. Let me not entertain them & their frivolity. I want you to be pleased with me. I want to hear you say, “Well done.” Let me not play and cater to their ever changing whims. They will only take me further off course! Let me direct all praise back to You, for I have nothing in and of myself! You give me everything. (more…)
