Debbi's Blog

Triple Date...

2012-02-15T08:51:00.008-06:00

"We love because He first loved us" ~1 John 4:19

The things you go through for love....
You get slicked up and smell good....
You get lectured about opening doors and pulling out chairs for the ladies...

You take the long walk carrying tulips and chocolate...
You are nervously aware that there are actual parents at the end of the journey
and they are going to look at you funny.You wait patiently while wondering if they are coming or not...
Your tummy does flip flops as you realize you have never done this before....
and you are standing there all alone....
(but you're quickly reminded, you are not.)You giggle along with parents who are trying to be funny.
You hold our breath and pray they aren't really staying with you in the car.

Suddenly your nerves convert to giggles and singing...
everything you were worried about it is gone....
You are enjoying the ride...Last night I was reminded that life is easier than I make it.
things are simpler than I make them.

No matter what age, we all stand at many proverbial doors worried about the other side...
We all walk up many long sidewalks worried about how we will be perceived with our gifts...

"Trust me enough to face problems as they come, rather than anticipate them.

Come to Me and relax in My Peace. I will transform your fear into confident trust."
-Jesus Calling

God, Thank You for Loving us first...and never leaving us alone at the door.

In His Dust,

DCC

Whitney...

2012-02-13T08:39:00.024-06:00

In college, we knew she wanted to dance with somebody.

We wondered along with her.... How will we know? We watched The Bodyguard and fell in love with Kevin and her voice.

We sat in awe as she belted out the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.

We giggled with her on Saturday Night Live.We watched her with BOBBY B.
We teared up at her "come back" in 2010 in Central Park.

She sang, "I Look To You" as she pointed to her mama and sang to her God.

Her last song on Thursday night was "Jesus Loves Me.Yes.

He sure does.

He loves me too...

and you...
each one of us.

There but for the grace of God, go I.
Go you.
Go each of us.

God, Thank You for our God given gifts - may we use them to glorify You.

In His Dust,

DCC

Sight...

2012-02-06T09:45:00.008-06:00

I took Communion right next to a woman named Gabriella.
She was grinning from ear to ear the entire time- As she stood up, I realized she was blind.

So, I escorted her back to her pew....
Along the way back, I asked a few brilliant questions...
"Where were you sitting?"
"Is that your black coat?"
"Is that your pink purse?"

I realized after the third dumb question, and whispered to her, "Sorry, you've literally got the blind leading the blind!"
She giggled and said, "I am used to it. My son is blind and usually walks me into walls!"

She "looked" at me smiled and said, very intentionally, "God be with you."

I immediately realized, He was.....as He always is.

God, Thank You for Your Constant Presence with each one of us.

In His Dust,
DCC

Rise....

2012-01-30T09:10:00.008-06:00

"Yes I will rise

Out of these ashes rise
From this trouble I have found
And this rubble on the ground I will rise
Cause He Who is in me
Is greater than I will ever be
And I will rise" ~Shawn McDonald

What are the ashes in your life?
He wants you out of them.

"Those who hope in The Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary." - Isaiah 40:31

God, Thank You for the reminder to hand over our ashes to You and You alone.

In His Dust,
DCC

God's State of The Union...

2012-01-25T09:14:00.014-06:00

What if God were to appear and give His State of the Union Message....Maybe in that message, He would talk about important issues facing us....He might even offer His ideas on solving the nation's problems,
including suggestions for new laws and policies....
He might know of better ways to behave...better ways to treat each other
Wouldn't that be something?!
He might read a speech or talk from His Heart.

If we were all sitting there, would we pay attention or take heed of His wisdom?

Or would we be too busy texting...or checking our emails.

When He was finished, would there be an opposing response?
Would it be from you?
Would it be from me?
Would we be the ones offering God our ideas and solutions on how to improve things?

Sounds absurd doesn't it?

Absurd, but familiar...

It appears He has written a "speech"...we refer to it as The Bible.

God, Thank You for continuing to deliver Your Opinions, Ideas & Desires through Your Word.
May the "state of our union" be pleasing in Your sight.

In His Dust,
DCC

Sweet...

2012-01-23T08:58:00.008-06:00

Pinterest, I wish I could quit you.
You are taking up alot of my time.
Example.... Lloyd Dobbler. In your eyes, The light the heat....in your eyes, I am complete.
This is the reason I was late to lunch?

Things hit an all time low this am, when I actually stopped to look at these.Kakie and Carrie will be thrilled to know I am making them for Fiesta.
(I don't think Lisa will wear one.)

Of course the best part of Pinterest, is the virtual buffet that I am in line for.Krispy Kreme had a baby with a box of brownies...and gave birth to....
Krispy Kreme Brownies.
Are you kidding me???!!

In my mind- with all the food I am "enjoying," I am within 5 minutes from having Montel Williams show up to "tow" my 500 pound tush out of the house.

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth"
~Psalm 119:103

If I spent as much time in The Bible as I do on social media....the possibilities would be endless.

God, Thank You for the reminder that your word is sweeter than a Krispy Kreme Brownie.

In His Dust,
DCC

Precious Life...

2012-01-17T09:23:00.005-06:00

We dealt with three suicides in the past 7 days....
So, here is what I have to say.....well, what God has to say.
He has a plan and a purpose for every life, your's included.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

When things go wrong or life overwhelms you?

"You will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." ~Jeremiah 29:12

Many times in life, there are no words...although there are notes left behind.
There is no sense to be made of things...although some may try.
There are no answers...although there are multitudes of questions.

Thanks be to God at those exact times...and all others-God is still speaking.

God, Thank You for our precious lives.

In His Dust,

DCC

Take Heart...

2012-01-09T09:44:00.005-06:00

"Jesus didn't come so we wouldn't be unsure anymore,

He came so we wouldn't be afraid anymore" ~Bob Goff

Love this-
Jesus flat out said, no bones about it..."in this world you will have trouble."

but lest we forget,
He also flat out said, "but take heart, I have overcome the world" -John 16:33

He has the tightened the fear nozzle. Let's leave it alone.

God, Thank You for constantly reminding us, that there is nothing to fear.

In His Dust,

DCC

Christmas Eve...

2011-12-24T08:25:00.000-06:00

"So That At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Will Bow." Phil 2:10
May you and I bow, at the very thought, of what God has done for us...

"Glory to God in the Highest Heaven and Peace on Earth to all whom God favors."

God, I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude....Come again Lord Jesus.

Merry Christmas everybody,

DCC

Christmas Haircut...

2011-12-19T06:17:00.006-06:00

“God has given a son to us. His name will be Wonderful Counselor.” -Isaiah 9:6

This is what someone's hair looked like as he fell asleep.

However, the same someone (allegedly), decided "his bangs were really long and hanging all in his eyes"

Naturally, he did what any non-licensed-professional-7 year old-beauty-school-drop-out would do....
He took the law (or the scissors) into his own hands.
He made an executive decision, along with the support of encouraging and giggling cousins.

By sunrise? Problem solved.

No more bangs.

Sometimes Christmas doesn't exactly, look like what you think it should look like

Plans change...
People are missing...
Hair isn't perfect for pictures...
Chairs that used to be filled are empty....

One thing is not empty?
The manger.

He came for you.
He came for me.

God was there then.
God is here now.

God, Thank You for leaving perfection to come to the place where there are broken hearts and jacked up bangs.

In His Dust,
DCC

His Wings, His Peace...

2011-12-12T09:55:00.005-06:00

"He will cover you with His feathers. He shelters you with his wings." - Psalm 91:4

It's rainy...and cold...it's crowded...there is nowhere to park...it's the hustle and bustle of Christmas!
Recently, I have been forced to slow down and thus able to recognize in the midst of it all-
there is a stillness...
a silence...
a peace...

"Therefore I will not fear, nor will I be dismayed, for behold,
The Lord will save me from afar, and I will have rest and be quiet."
~Jeremiah 30:10

God is good. God is faithful. God is closer than the very breath you just took.

God, Thank You for blanketing me and my family with Your Protection and Peace.

In His Dust,
DCC

Thank You God for Momo....

2011-12-02T08:32:00.013-06:00

Today is Momo's 88th bday.....and although she is celebrating in The Very Presence of God Himself, I thought she deserved an earthly "shout out"

So, Happy Birthday My Little Momo....I sure do miss you.

Your family, by your example, has

"Strength and gladness in place" ~1 Chronicles 16:27

For we know that right now,

you are surrounded by loved ones that you have missed for so very long.

We also know, full well, that God has

"turned your sorrow into joy and your mourning into good days" ~Esther 9:22

We bless God for His Promise of resurrection...for life eternal...for complete healing.

No matter what life may bring, we will enjoy the ride, just like you taught us to do.

God, I bless you from the depths of my heart today for Susan Cherry Mims Blair, "Momo".

I bless You for her life, her love and her laughter. I know she has heard from Your Own Voice,

"Well done good and faithful servant...You fought the good fight, you finished the race, you kept the faith."

In His Dust,

Susan Blair's Granddaughter

Linus and Mikey...

2011-11-16T09:17:00.006-06:00

Yesterday morning, before the sun came up, in strolled a bleary-eyed, bed-headed Mikey D.
He held out his empty little hands and handed over the blankie.
Mikey: "I'm done."
Mom: "With what?"
Mikey: "With my thumb and with blankie. Take it."
Mom: "Way to go Mike! Why today? Did something happen?"
Mikey: "No, because I said I'm done. So I am."

Pretty impressive for a 7 year old.
I enjoy a man with integrity!

Flash to 8:30 that night...." The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. He again found them sleeping,
because their eyes were heavy." ~Matthew 26:41b, 43

God, Thank You for comfort.

In His Dust,
DCC

Not In Vain...

2011-11-14T08:33:00.012-06:00

I had the privilege of talking to a group of 8th grade girls at
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery yesterday.
It was a somber, inspirational, humbling blessing....as going there always is.“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” ~Psalm 23:4.

We talked, we walked and we asked questions, as we wandered though graves.

Finally, our group stopped here.
Upon closer look....this is what we saw...A hometown hero. One of their own.
Their faces dropped as they realized he had walked their school hallways...
played on their football and baseball fields....eaten at their restaurants...
Overseas battles that used to seem so far away, were suddenly before their very eyes.

After hearing their questions and seeing their eyes, I have full confidence that these girls are going to make sure that Ben and all of our fallen heroes,

will not have died in vain.

They sat and wrote letters to troops....They listened and contemplated, with tears in their eyes…They watched with compassion and appreciation, as grieving family members sat, kneeled,
decorated and cried their eyes out at tombstones.

We talked at the end about how important it is to thank our service men and women, no matter where they are. Stop what you are doing....approach them and thank them for serving our country.
Period.
No excuses.

As 4 year old Kate just told me: "I saw a tamo person" (camo to those of you who might pronounce your "c"s) "I told them thank you so much- you saved country."
You're right Kate.

They did save us.
They do save us.
They will save us.

Now, the question remains, what can we do for them?

God, Thank You for the great plans you have for all of our lives, the fallen included.

In His Dust,
DCC

So do you...

2011-11-07T09:07:00.009-06:00

Hmmmmm..... should Kardashian have divorced so quickly? Is Bieber really a daddy? Did Cain do it? Why didn't Paterno tell? Is Sandusky guilty? How long will Conrad Murray be in jail? Why isn't Lindsay Lohan ever really punished?

My first reaction? “Point my finger"
Jesus' reaction? “Go get water.”

I feel, like it's my duty to decide whether they are wrong or not.

Jesus feels, it's my duty to, “love them.”
My attitude: If they are in the wrong, they deserve to pay a penalty.

Jesus' attitude: You’re right, but so do you..."

God, Thank You for forgiving us, in spite of ourselves.

In His Dust,

DCC

Amen...

2011-11-02T09:12:00.007-05:00

"Blessed be The Lord, The God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Let the people say Amen." ~Psalm 106:48

One of the most widely known words on earth is amen.
However, is it's meaning that widely known?

Contrary to the thoughts of my youth...
it does not mean the prayer just ended or it's time to go to Luby's...(although ironically, both used to occur as soon as the word was uttered.)

Amen is a Hebrew word, that means, “surely, indeed, truly.”
It comes from a root form, aman, which signifies “to be firm, steady, trustworthy, faithful.”

So, in English, what you and I are saying, when we say "Amen" is...

or....

"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress,

may The Name of The God of Jacob protect you. "~Psalm 20:1

Amen.

God, Thank You for the depth of Your Words.

In His Dust,
DCC

At Your Door...

2011-10-31T09:13:00.008-05:00

Oh, make no mistake about it...

He IS at your door.As well as the car next to you....
behind you at HEB....
in front of you at Tekas...
He's everywhere, just might not look like what you'd expect.

God, Thank You for your constant presence among us.

In His Dust,
DCC

Taylor...

2011-10-26T07:13:00.011-05:00

We went to Taylor Swift last night...wow!

It was as if Broadway, Disney, Cirque de Soleil and Taylor had a baby...

and it was witnessed by almost 15,000 people shaking their glow sticks among other things

A certain Godson may or not have been a slight nap in a few of the slower songs, towards the end....I couldn't blame him.....it's tiring jumping for almost 3 hours while trying to convey your love to Taylor, over a crowd of this size.

What a great way to end the day...you have danced your heart out...you have sung all the songs...you have "left it all on the field"....you have yelled "I love you", to the point of physical exhaustion.

The snoring snuggled up on my lap this was the sweetest thing I heard all night.

God, May we be heard, saying I love you, above all other noises and then resting in Your Arms.

In His Dust,

DCC

Wrestlers...

2011-10-24T09:25:00.016-05:00

Big Mike D is fascinated with Wrestlers...it's all we hear about 24/7...stats...nicknames...moves...terms...To be honest I am not quite sure if any of it is in English.

For his birthday present his daddy took him, with a friend, to see the real deal...live...front row!

Or as Mikey told me, "The row is called front."Why are they wearing masks?
Why are they beating each other up?
Why are they saying things like, "you can't see me?"
All good questions.

Oddly enough, I am afraid I might recognize some similarities
in their behavior and mine.
We are ALL wrestlers, aren't we?

We are wrestling God for control....

We are wrestling The Lamb for His Crown...

No matter what we are calling it...our anxiety, our fears....our restlessness....

make no mistake, we are wrestling

God, Thank You for Your Patience with our weak attempt at wrestling You.

In His Dust,
DCC

Stamped...

2011-10-17T09:17:00.006-05:00

"God has ordained work as something good. So whatever you do,

do it as if Jesus is stamping his name on your work" -Max Lucado

Everyone seems tired today...
Seems like an easy day to take short cuts...
to be impatient with others...
to blow off commitments...

Whatever you do- do it, "as if you were serving The Lord and not merely people"~Ephesians 6:7

We must remember "the stamp" we leaving behind us, in all things we do....is not just our own.
More importantly, we must remember The Stamp, of God Himself, that we have on us.

God, Thank You for loving us enough to Stamp us with Your Name.

In His Dust,
DCC

Not Forgotten...

2011-10-14T07:52:00.012-05:00

"I Am The Resurrection and The Life.

He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." ~John 11:25

"I am with you always, to the very end." ~Matthew 28:20God has not forgotten us....and neither shall we forget Him.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Surely Your Goodness and Love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in The House of The Lord forever."~Psalm 23:4,6

I have seen God working in every detail of the past 7 days.

I have literally watched Him, "work all things together for good."

He has brought calm into chaos.

He has brought peace into strife.

He has brought laughter into grief.

He has brought His Plans to pass against difficult circumstances.

As usual, I am blown away by the Might Presence and Love of our God. We are not forgotten and neither is Ben.

God, We ask you to continue to reveal Yourself to Ben's family and friends. Thank You for providing The Way to dwell in Your House forever.

In His Dust,

DCC

High Beams...

2011-10-10T09:21:00.009-05:00

Bob Goff says, "We need to be the right kind of light.
If we leave our high beams on all the time, we'll just annoy everybody"

One of my pet peeves is, people forgetting to turn their high beams off.

The minute I see them coming at me, I start flashing mine over and over...
as if they are shooting fire balls at me.

I was reminded this morning, to watch how I let others lights effect me.
To not be so easily offended.
Which, in turn, also reminded me to watch how I adjust my own lights towards others.

"A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger." -Proverbs 15:1
"Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near." -Philippians 4:5

God, Thank You for constantly and patiently teaching me.

In His Dust,

DCC

Ben...

2011-10-07T09:44:00.009-05:00

"Greater love has no one than this:
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." ~John 15:13

Ben Schmidt....one of all time favorites.

We shared a birthday....albeit a few years apart.

I got an email a few years back from a good looking TCU Phi Delt- He had questions about searching for more than just a party.

Told me he was joining The Marines.

We shared thoughts via snail mail, email and Facebook.

We talked about our faith, the dangers of serving....and the great sacrifices made by those in uniform.

He was always particularly interested in my grandfather's sacrifice. (who was KIA in WWII, Battle of The Bulge...in his early 20's.)

Ben was always so respectful, intrigued and so grateful for those that sacrificed it all.

He had a firm understanding of what he was doing.

He had a firm understanding of what it meant to search for more

He had a firm understanding of what it meant to expect more of himself.

When most people have this kind of revelation in their life, they may come across as judgmental- not Ben.

He had a firm understanding of his faith.

He took this picture in Afghanistan, September 2010.

He also had a firm grip on how to have a great time-
he was the life of the party.

Today, Ben's "firm grip" on things, has met it's match.
For I believe Ben finds himself IN The Firm Grip of God Himself.

I know he has finally found the depth he has always looked for in The Very Face of Christ Himself.

We are more than conquerors...

"In everything, we are more than conquerors.

Everything has changed and death has lost it's sting

because You died and rose again for us.

Your empty grave has broken death's hold.

Nothing can prevail against the Power of The Lord our God."

-Ross King song- based on Romans 8

God, Thank You for the life of Benjamin W Schmidt. Please continue to reveal Yourself in big ways to his family, friends and community.

In His Dust,

DCC

Just Enough...

2011-10-03T08:33:00.007-05:00

"Give us each day our daily bread" ~Luke 11:3

Let the words fall in....

When Jesus asks for bread, He literally asks for "just enough for today."
That shocked me.
He could have asked for tons of it. But He didn't.
He knew then and He knows now, every day is different.

Some days feels like you are getting an entire loaf... Some days you feel like you are getting the crumbs and
might even wonder if He forgot....or left your portion in the toaster....
Some days might even feel like,
He gave someone else a big fat bite of your piece.

Bottom line, He knows what we need.

We don't.

Not a day has passed by, in my lifetime or your's, that we have not been given the exact portion we needed.

God, Thank You for Your daily gift of bread and the perfect amount of it.

In His Dust,
DCC

God's Ripples...

2011-09-26T07:29:00.015-05:00

The Finger of God is spoken of several times in The Bible.

When He moves it...there is a ripple.

It goes well beyond what you can imagine or even think to ask for.

I believe anyone who is aware of the Drew Boynton story....

has witnessed The Finger of God move.

The ripples in this story look something like this....

front pages of several major metropolitan newspapers...

Emails from complete strangers and friends...

"I was able to talk to my children about Drew and how God makes everyone different & special."

"I am so proud of Alamo Heights"

"Drew has taught everyone to love and laugh"
"Fantastic, uninhibited joy and pride!"

"In 85 years I have never been so touched by a story in our city, much less our school district."
"State championship doesn't hold a candle to this."
"I just moved here and have a child with special needs- I know God placed us here."

"It's as it should be."

Every news station in San Antonio covered the story....

Over 1,000 hits on this blog within a few days.
Visitors ranged from our own back yard to across the United States, England, Australia, Malaysia, Turkey, Canada, Spain, Egypt, North Korea, Honk Kong, India and the hits keep coming....

Quite simply, when God moves......it is nothing short of astounding!!

You can’t stop God's Ripples.

You also can't predict where they are going.

You can, rest assured, the ride is going to be FANTASTIC!!!

God, Thank You for allowing us to witness as well as be a part of Your Royal Ride.

In His Dust,

DCC

We Did It!!!!

2011-09-21T20:37:00.021-05:00

I have been associated with Alamo Heights High School since...well, before I was born.
I graduated from there in 1985-
It has always held a very special and active place in my life.

Never in all my years- have I been as proud to be associated with Alamo Heights as I was Wednesday night.

This is Drew Boynton.
Drew is a graduating Senior this year.
He was nominated for Homecoming King- which is voted on by the entire school body.

The nominees stand in front of everyone- while their families and friends hold their breath until the name is called... There was a drum roll....and then we all heard it.
THE 2011 HOMECOMING KING is.......DREW BOYNTON!!!!
Drew's response???
He yelled- "WE DID IT!!"
and he yelled it...about a hundred times.

Not one time did I hear him say- "I did it."
It was all about "we"
and he is right,
we did.

We ALL won.

A true community that loves each other won...

A community that has taught their children that we are all equal, won...

Young boys- who have grown into gracious young men, they won...

Pure Joy Won...

Peer Tutors and loving kids won...

Goodness and Mercy Won....

Mentors won...

College friends and family that went nuts on Facebook,Twitter and texting....they won

Parents that have left it all on the field for 18 years and will continue too, they won.

Then I looked up and saw "the king" glide across the field, to join his class at the bonfire. At first he walked alone- looking like a blue darth vader, waving his Mule Cape....

then slowly, they gathered him back under there wings.

I'm not sure which shined more brightly,

The flaming AH...

Drew's smile....

Or his classmate's smiles as they watched him....

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." ~John 13:34-35

Congratulations Drew, you won last night!
But then again, didn't we all?

God, Thank You for showing Yourself so clearly all over the place last night.

In His Dust,

DCC

Emmys....

2011-09-19T08:41:00.016-05:00

Did you watch The Emmy's last night?It's always fun to see shows you like win awards.

It validates my hours in front of the tube.

Not to mention, looking at gorgeous guys in never a waste of time... even when it's Sheldon.

I was also reminded that there are shows that I am not interested in.
I am sure they are great shows-
I am just not their target audience.

I was also reminded that Ashton Kutcher really, really needs to cut his hair and shave.

The face below should not be covered up.

What does this have to do with God?
It's a reminder that you and I are constantly & unconditionally THE target audience of God.

God, Thank You for Your consistent watching of me-regardless of awards I win or lose.

In His Dust,
DCC

Noise...

2011-09-14T10:51:00.007-05:00

"Jesus isn't going to try and speak over the noise in our lives;

He doesn't always whisper, but He never competes." ~Bob Goff

God speaks in many ways.
Sometimes loud like thunder... Sometimes gentle like a whisper...

Hearing God can be hard not because He is not speaking clearly,

but because of our own noise.
Our lives are loud. Most of us operate at a near frantic pace all day long.

But the facts are....our lives aren't changing- they aren't going to suddenly be still or silent...

The noise, demands, and distractions of our lives are real.
Ironically, these are the places we really need to hear from God.

Don’t think you have to wait for a retreat or a literal silent moment, to hear God.
He is speaking to you in the middle of everything you are doing.

Including right now. Yes, right now as you read these words.

God, Thank You for your patience with us.

In His Dust,

DCC

Psalm 46:10...

2011-09-12T08:36:00.010-05:00

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
God is within her, she will not fall God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts his voice, the earth melts.

He says, Be still, and know that I am God;

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." ~Psalm 46

One of my all time favorite verses- "Be still and know that I Am God." In the midst of difficulties we face in life, no matter what they look like; Earthquakes, car wrecks, fires, floods, unexpected funerals, ear infections, falling towers, flat tires, sick children, stubbed toes, etc.
The command to be still does not come from a lack of troubles. It comes from a steady trust and recognition of God's Presence among us.

So if your world is crumbling around you, God says, stand still — not because you understand or accept what is happening. Be still because of what you know about God.

God, Thank You for being with us wherever we are suffering.

In His Dust,
DCC

Fire...

2011-09-06T08:36:00.010-05:00

In Central Texas more than 25,000 acres and at least 476 homes have been destroyed.

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will calm you with his love." ~Zephaniah 3:17

"When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze." ~Isaiah 43:2 "Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I Am your God." ~Isaiah 41:10

Be strong and of good courage; for The Lord
your God, He is the One who goes with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you." ~Deuteronomy 31:6

There might not be literal fire in your life right now.
It might be a mental, emotional or spiritual fire-
Whatever it looks like to you, make no mistake-

He is with you in it.

Do not trust your eyes- trust His Heart.

God, Thank You for being with us in the fires of our lives.

In His Dust,
DCC

Geese...

2011-08-31T08:52:00.010-05:00

I was reminded this morning by one of my favorite people, Dave Meaden, the lesson of the geese.

"When one is too tired and cannot continue another one will always drop out and care for the tired one.
This is the stuff sermons are made of. No rights reserved" -Dave 3:16

Here are a couple of things you might need to know about geese...
and people for that matter.

As each goose flaps its wings, an "uplift" is created for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Geese and people for that matter, who are going in the same direction, get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling off of the momentum of each another.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing." ~1 Thessalonians 5:11

When a goose falls out of formation, it instantly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone.

It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

How's your honkin'? Is it encouraging or just loud? We must be quality honkers people!

God, Thank You for creating us to fly alongside each other and most of all for flying with us.

In His Dust,

DCC

The Help...

2011-08-28T19:34:00.016-05:00

I couldn't get this song out of my head all weekend....accept the version I was singing was

Come on Irene.
Was it just me?

Between the 24 hour coverage of Irene, aka Eileen, and people complaining about how flipping hot it is, including myself....

I escaped all of it, along with everyone else in America, to go see "The Help."

I had not read the book and did not know the story.

Among many thoughts, the main one was-

If God wanted to, He could and fairly should,

treat each and every one of us as hired help.

But He doesn't.

In His Eyes,

We are not His puppets-

We are not His hired help-

We are not His indentured servants-

Not even close.

"I no longer call you servants. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." ~John 15:5

A friend of God's?

Yes, You are!

Yes, I am!

I loved thinking of Him- looking at each one of us- and reminding us...

God- Thank You for Your Friendship. For freedom and forgiveness that come from The Same Hand.

In His Dust,
DCC

Customer Service...

2011-08-24T08:40:00.007-05:00

I've spent the week stewing on my displeasure with

"customer service."

I am pretty sure this is who I waited on hold for 40 minutes to talk to.

"My dear brothers, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and slow to become angry." ~James 1:19

Since I follow The Rabbi, known as The Prince of Peace,
Why am I covered in the dust of rage, anger and despicable language.

I need to get dustier from my Rabbi when it comes to handling frustration.

He is righteous.

He is fair.
He does not sin in His anger.

"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9

God, Thank You for patiently removing things from my lap.

In His Dust,

DCC

Each & Every Classroom...

2011-08-22T08:38:00.012-05:00

I am walking by empty football fields Empty sidewalks... Empty hallways... Streets are just starting to buzz with the "sounds and smells of school."

The sun is breaking through and shoving clouds out if it's way.
It's the first day of school!Seniors in High School....Freshman in College....

Some are meeting for a "misery loves company cup of coffee"
after their firstborns head to Kindergarten... Some are struggling with dropping off at the high school and junior school... Correct me, if I am mistaken, but didn't we just leave there?

Now we wait and and trust the seeds from...
Sunday School and VBS will sink in...
The manners taught at home will grow...
bedtime prayers will echo in their ears...
The goodnight kisses and last minute hugs will last...

"Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it."~Proverbs 22:6

Lots of goodbyes.

But take heart, The Morning Star is upon us- and them.

God is with us.

God, Thank You for walking every hallway and entering every room with them....and us.

In His Dust,

DCC

Broom Tree...

2011-08-17T09:41:00.013-05:00

"My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in."
~Psalm 121:2,5,8a

I used to picture "shade in the desert" as humongous sequoia.
Upon standing the actual Negev Desert-
I quickly realized I was sorely mistaken.

Oh, there was shade my friends, but not exactly a comforting amount of it.

This is a broom tree.
This is the "shade" David writes about.

The sun literally beats you down out there.

Maybe you are "in that desert" today.
You can't imagine one more minute of this.
You're emotionally melting.

God is right there.
As close as your very own, stretched out, right hand.
Go ahead, reach up as far as you can.
Farther.

He is never farther than that.

He promises to be, "your shade on your right hand"
Please know that God has, God does and God will continue to give you just enough shade.
For the moment.
For the day.

It may not look like much from afar, but when you recognize it and "sit under it,"
you will know...it is Him.
God "replaces broom trees" in our lives with....
You.
With me.
With us.

We are to be the shade for one another.
Don't know what that looks like?
You might be surprised to know- it looks smaller than you think.
A text.
A phone call.
An email.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing." ~Thessalonians 5:11

God, Thank You for providing exactly the amount of shade we need.

In His Dust,
DCC

For All...

2011-08-15T09:50:00.007-05:00

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16

He came for all.
All means all.
All means each person.

This includes...

The guy on the motorcycle who just gave me a "special number one" sign, for no reason.

The person that wants to sue a governor for praying in public.

The person who debates fiercely that God does not exist.

The person who dropped the nail and caused my flat tire this am.

The person that wants our government to do the exact opposite of what I think should be done.

The person that lied to your face and mine- without thinking twice about it.

The lady that won't tell me her darned dog's names. (Shout out to Joseph Blake 10 year old super sleuth, who got their names for me; "Beauty"-Great Dane and "Beast"-Chihuahua).

Yep, those people.

God, Thank You for not treating us as we deserve.

In His Dust,
DCC

Mr Rosary...

2011-08-10T09:16:00.010-05:00

I've got a new buddy on my walk in the mornings.
I haven't gotten his name yet, but, trust you me....I will.
He walks up and down Broadway with his rosary beads.
He never speaks.
He always smiles.
He is always "Praying the Rosary".Usually about the time my mind starts wandering off to important thoughts,
(like...what's for lunch?)
Here comes Mr Rosary.

First time I saw him, I looked at his rosary beads, said hi.
He grinned.

The next morning, I said hi and gave him 2 thumbs up, while pointing to his Rosary beads.
He grinned and nodded.

The next morning- I said hi and looked for the beads.

This morning I was so focused on writing a children's sermon, that he, one of God's actual children, stopped me.
He opened up his hand....pointed to the beads and then....to himself.

I realized that, often I am so focused on what I am doing for God,
that I am missing people he's putting in my path that need my eyes and ears- not my words.

All too often, I am so wrapped up in the work of God, that I'm missing the children of God.

God, Thank You for the reminder to look at the faces and not the beads.

In His Dust,
DCC

Get Up Meatheads....

2011-08-08T16:08:00.014-05:00

I was at The Wash Tub yesterday....it was packed, with only a few places to sit.
The crowd was mostly women, some of them elderly.

Except for a father and his son.
They were sitting in the only seats.

Did they offer their seats?
No.

Did we all stand around them while they rested and read their papers?
Yes.

Saddest of all, did He just each his son what to do when ladies don't have a seat?
Yes, yes he did.

I refrained from yelling "Get up you lazy Meathead!"

If I sound anti-feminist or out of style, good.
I make no apologies.
I believe a gentleman should offer his seat to a lady.

While I'm clearing things up, here are a few more things that are not out of style:
Standing up when a lady walks in the room.
Helping her take her coat off.
Opening the door for her.
Letting her on and off the elevator first.
Standing up when she leaves or returns to the table.

I paid close attention to people and their manners the rest of the day...including my own.

It wasn't long before I found, guess who? None other than the "dogs with no names,"
Their lovely and ever-so-friendly owner, has decided that the Cambridge Elementary School Playground is now a bathroom for her great dane and chihuahua.

Bad manners takes on all shapes and sizes. (As did what they left behind.)

I suppose there is a possibility she expects this?

while she relaxes with a cheap cigar.

But then.....Eureka!!! Proof that Chivalry ain't dead.

(It was just asleep at The Wash Tub today.)

I walked out of Teka's at lunch and there was a sharply dressed gentleman that stood outside in the sun, in order to hold open the door for all of 5 us.

"A man's manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait."

~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Good manners are Biblical and some of the simplest ways we can serve others.

God, Thank You for so many opportunities to serve others, in such simple ways.

In His Dust,

DCC

Astronomy 101...

2011-08-03T09:37:00.008-05:00

"We don't need to just see Jesus from afar; we get to go with Him. Be astronauts, not just astronomers" - Bob Goff

I came across this quote on my early morning walk. While straight above me were still stars...to the East the sun was peeking through the clouds and over the trees.

I thought back to my painfully boring astronomy classes in college.
Yes, I actually took more than one.
Why?
Ummmmm....the Zeta house may or may not have had the "test file" for Dr. Crawford's classes.
As an added bonus to an easy A....the classrooms were filled with hot Phi Delts and KAs.

The studying of stars in a book, or on a globe, was, at the very least, mind numbing.

Now, going on the roof, to look at the stars, was a different story-

(especially with cute Phi Delts)

"When I consider Your Heavens, the work of Your Fingers,

the moon and the stars, which You have set in place." ~Psalm 8:3"What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?" ~Psalm 8:4

We are given a choice by God, each and every day....
we can read about Him,
we can watch Him,
or we can walk alongside, The Actual Maker of the stars themselves.
God, Thank You for inviting and encouraging us to walk with you.

In His Dust,
DCC

Pagers, Pillows, Fonzie and Jesus...

2011-08-01T09:11:00.010-05:00

So, I had the pastor's pager this weekend.

Yes, I said pager

No, your time machine did not just send you back to 1995.

Apparently our church IS pager friendly.

If there is an emergency after hours, you punch in a code and it pages a pastor.
Whenever I have it- people start dropping like flies.
Par for the course, within 24 hours we had 3 deaths.
(With only one pastor in town, this was sure to be a fun filled weekend!)

That's when I did what all great theologians do at a time like this....check my Twitter feed.
I considered it no accident, when this tidbit crawled across my page, "Jesus is cooler than the cool side of the pillow." This reminded me that The Bible speaks of Jesus, on a pillow."Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake,

so that the waves swept over the boat.
But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying,
“Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. ~Matthew 8:23-26

Unlike Don, in that storm, there was no warning and all action.
In the midst of chaos The Prince of Peace was resting His Head on a pillow.

Now, THAT is cool.

Basically, we've got Fonzie at the helm!!

Jesus wasn't disturbed by circumstances then, or now.
We are on board a ship driven by Jesus- not by circumstances, or beeping pagers.

God, Thank You for riding ON the boat with us. No matter what the weather, I know You are at the helm....maybe even with Your thumbs up.

In His Dust,
DCC

No Name...

2011-07-27T09:13:00.007-05:00

On my walk this am, I passed the lady that walks her great dane and her chihuahua. As some of you may recall, I have written about her before.
Our first and only conversation went something like this...
Me: "Hi, I live right here and see you walking all the time. What are your dog's names?"
Her: "Seriously? I refuse to name my dogs."
Me: Silence....nervous grin.
Her: Gone.

Clearly the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship.

Anywhoski...when I see her now, it makes me sad that her dogs don't have a name.

I had just heard about the passing of Dan Peek, lead singer of 70's band America.
Yes, you do know who they are.
They sing/sang: "Daisy Jane" "Sister Golden Hair" "Ventura Highway" and....

“A Horse With No Name.” See, told you, you knew some of their songs.

So, let's review what we have here, as of this morning's walk.
One horse.
Two dogs
Zero names.

I asked God, what was the message in it for me? For you?
I got a quick and clear answer. (Love when He does that!)

I'll tell you who does have a name. You.

I'll also tell you Who knows it. Me.

“Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My Hands." ~Isaiah 49:16

God, Thank You for knowing each and every one of us by name.

In His Dust,
DCC

Sense of the Senseless...

2011-07-25T09:20:00.013-05:00

Senseless murders in Oslo, Norway...

Senseless arguing over the debt ceiling...

Senseless brutal murder of an innocent Jewish boy...

Senseless death and addiction...

Doesn't make any sense.
Not one morsel of it.
Yet, we spend our moments, hours and days trying to decipher why and how these things are allowed to happen.

As I write- I hear two things.
Sirens in the background, contrasted with Chris Tomlin singing "Our God" on my iPod.

"Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind
there's no one like you none like You!
Into the darkness you shine, out of the ashes we rise
there's no one like you none like You!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against us."

As much as I love the song and appreciate the reminder. The Words are straight out of Scripture.

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us." ~Romans 8:31

God, Thank You for the reminder that You will make sense out of the senseless.

In His Dust,
DCC

Comb Overs...

2011-07-20T09:42:00.009-05:00

"Acting like we have more faith than we have is like pretending we have more hair than we have. No more comb overs" -Bob Goff

The rare "comb over." It's like a train wreck...you can't not look at it.(much less stare, which I assume is the opposite of what they are going for??)

So, what do we know about the comb over? Two things...sham and shame.

We may not all have bald spots that we are trying to cover up with hair...but certainly we have things that we are trying to cover up?

You know people who appear extremely confident, some of their lives are falling apart. Their lives are a "comb over."

You know the "gorgeous people" that always look put together and perfect? Some of them feel hideous- their lives are a type of "comb over"

You know the really wealthy people who have everything? Some of them have nothing. Their lives are a "comb over"

Bottom line-maybe the comb over isn't so rare after all.

God, Thank You for loving us and seeing beyond the covering.

In His Dust,
DCC

Weekend at Brady...

2011-07-18T07:25:00.012-05:00

"Six days you shall do your work,
but on the seventh day you shall rest."

~Exodus 23:12

"In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." ~Job 12:10

"Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. In His Hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." ~Job 12:7-10

"Praise the Lord from the earth, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds." ~Psalm 148:7-10

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." ~Isaiah 55:12

"By his breath the skies become fair.... and these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him!" ~Job 26:13b,14b

"Through Him all things were made;
without him nothing was made that has been made." -John 1:3

God, Thank You for reminding me through a weekend in Brady, that You are revealing Yourself to each of us, at every turn and in every face.

In His Dust,
DCC

I Win...

2011-07-13T07:39:00.005-05:00

When the San Antonio Firedawgs left the country a month ago they were
"just another adult co-ed softball team for people with intellectual disabilities."

At San Antonio International Airport, on July 6th, they had a new name,

Team USA, Olympic Gold Medalists!

I hugged and congratulated this precious guy.
He looked me square in the eye, and said, "I win!"

There was a huge and loud crowd of greeters for the team. It consisted of family, friends and complete strangers. They were holding signs, balloons and American flags

It was hard to tell that these Gold Medal Winners just arrived from a 36-hour plane flight, all the way from Athens, Greece.

Rather than tired kids with disabilities, I saw victors, conquerors, overcomers and champions.

The San Antonio Firedawgs represented America, yes, of thee which I sing,

in the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

One of the mother's of the athletes said,

“It's an ‘in-your-face' to the doctors who said he would never do all the things he can do.
Doctors who diagnosed him with cerebral palsy had predicted that he would never walk, talk or see. Now he comes home with the gold medal. It's huge."

There they stood, proving all doubters wrong,

each athlete with a gold medal dangling from his or her necks.

As we were leaving, I noticed the back of this shirt....and was quickly reminded....

"For nothing is impossible with God." ~Luke 1:37

God, Thank You for showing Yourself to each of us, through each other.

In His Dust,
DCC

Left Behind...

2011-07-11T07:23:00.010-05:00

There they went......

I waved goodbye to a busload of Godchildren, as they departed for Camp Longhorn yesterday. It was interesting to watch the difference in the way each of them approached it.

It was a mere 800 degrees, with 400% humidity, as we stood on black pavement. The air conditioned buses helped coax the kids on to the buses, as well as the smell of hundreds of boxes of fried chicken.

Some waved goodbye to their parents from the bus-
and had to be told to get off, for a goodbye hug.

Others wanted to hang on until the very last minute.....
Some got real quiet and a clingy...

Some found a new appreciation for a sibling...

Some tried to look cool, while holding back crocodile tears in their eyes....
Susan Glover said it best, "Now I cry. Not because they are gone and about to have the time of their life, but because of those precious faces, yet, awkward smiles. Young enough to love us, but getting older and trying so hard not to need us."

then there were some....
that were left behind.My prayer for them is this....

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you.

He will not leave you nor forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6

God, Thank You for going before us, with us and absolutely never leaving us behind.

In His Dust,
DCC

Authority...

2011-07-05T08:25:00.012-05:00

"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. "-Romans 13:1,2

I have been wrestling with God over this all summer. Not The Scripture itself, but the principle behind it.

God has placed all kinds of authority in our lives. Our government, our offices and our families. I don't like being told what to do or how to do it...not sure of anyone that does. Respecting and submitting to authority is far from easy.

When authority figures make a decision I don't like, or don't handle a situation exactly like I would....usually, I criticize. Respect is the last thing on my mind.

God is pointing out to me, that criticizing those He has placed in authority over me, is essentially criticizing Him.

I am not called to agree with all decisions of my authority figures, but I am called to show respect for those that makes them.

God, Thank You for Your Patience in this lesson.

In His Dust,
DCC

Tweet Lord...

2011-06-29T09:21:00.004-05:00

Something about The Pope tweeting, let alone from an iPad, makes me happy- for 2 reasons.
One reason: He is adorable.
Even more importantly, as my favorite teacher, Ray VanderLaan has taught me to ask,
how can we change our culture, if we don't know the language?

Jesus was not afraid to use secular pictures to teach God's truth. In His day, He saw images from the theater and ancient politics as an avenue for him to reach people who would not understand "religious" language.

The "church" communicating in a way that "the world" communicates?
I believe gives Jesus something to smile about.

We know that Jesus understood Hellenistic culture.
We know He knew the daily experiences and concerns of people who lived in a pagan world.
We know He used word pictures and stories that people would easily understand.

Jesus frequently used the word "hypocrite," a word describing actors. In one case, he encouraged people to avoid praying and fasting like "actors", who put on an exaggerated face and performed for the audience's applause.

“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full." ~Matthew 6:5

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting." ~Matthew 6:16

Jesus used, spoke and taught about and with the language of His Culture.
Which leads me to think, He just might very well be Tweeting, Blogging and Facebooking His Father's Message today.
Being that He is not physically here, it might very well just be up to us.

Pope Benedict XVI tweeting from an iPad, "Dear Friends, Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ! With my prayers and blessings, Benedictus XVI."
is a great example of how to change the culture by speaking it's language.

God, Thank You for the many opportunities You give us to show You to the world.

In His Dust,

DCC

God Using Us???

2011-06-27T09:19:00.011-05:00

Ever wonder what in the world God could possibly use you for? Me too. I was thinking about this on a pre-sunrise walk this am.

As I questioned and doubted, I was reminded of countless examples in The Bible as well as on this very day, that God most certainly, without a doubt- does use each and every one of us. We are His Powerful Instruments in this broken world. We are also surrounded with other powerful instruments. What a great reminder of God's forgiveness and His belief in us!

I came across some thoughts from Max Lucado on the subject. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Abraham- God took what was good and forgave what was bad

and used “old forked tongue” to start a nation.
Moses- would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten Commandments? God did.
David- his track record left little to be desired, but his repentant spirit was unquestionable. Jonah- God put him in a whale’s belly to bring him back to his senses. But even the whale couldn’t stomach this missionary for too long.

On and on the stories go: Elijah, the prophet who pouted; Solomon, the king who knew too much; Jacob, the wheeler-dealer; Gomer, the prostitute; Sarah, the woman who giggled at God. One story after another of God using man’s best and overcoming man’s worst.

The reassuring lesson is clear. God used (and uses!) people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans or geniuses, but people. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars–he uses them all. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.

Jesus later summarized God’s stubborn love with a parable. He told about a teenager who decided that life at the farm was too slow for his tastes. So with pockets full of inheritance money, he set out to find the big time. What he found instead were hangovers, fair-weather friends, and long unemployment lines. When he had had just about as much of the pig’s life as he could take, he swallowed his pride, dug his hands deep into his empty pockets, and began the long walk home; all the while rehearsing a speech that he planned to give to his father.

He never used it. Just when he got to the top of the hill, his father, who’d been waiting at the gate, saw him. The boy’s words of apology were quickly muffled by the father’s words of forgiveness. And the boy’s weary body fell into his father’s opened arms.

The same open arms welcomed him that had welcomed Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah. No wagging fingers. No clenched fists. No “I told you so!” slaps or “Where have you been?” interrogations. No crossed arms. No black eyes or fat lips. No. Only sweet, open arms. If you ever wonder how God can use you to make a difference in your world, just look at those he has already used and take heart. Look at the forgiveness found in those open arms and take courage.

And, by the way, never were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who’ll come. A hen gathering her chicks. A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world.

No wonder they call him the Savior." -Max Lucado

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Still wondering if God can use you?

Look around, I bet He just did.

God, Thank You for believing in us. Please, teach us to follow Your Lead.

In His Dust,

DCC

Puzzle Pieces...

2011-06-22T09:39:00.009-05:00

I am type A.
I like puzzle pieces to fit together.

From our view point in life, sometimes they fit...and sometimes they don't.
It looks like there are pieces shoved where they don't belong.
And all too often, pieces that are suddenly missing.

Our tight knit community is in the midst, again, of a missing piece.

What can we do about it?

We can remember and remind each other, that we belong to LOVING God. The Bible is packed with this truth and promise, all the way from Genesis to Revelation.

"His unfailing love fills the earth." -Psalm 33:5b

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” -Romans 8:28

We can rest assured, that from where He sits, the puzzle makes sense.
We can remember, that He loves us with a love that is incomprehensible to our human hearts.
We can be certain, that He hears each prayer and catches each and every tear.

God, Please continue to blanket The Dibrell Family and Sam's buddies with your love and peace.

In His Dust,
DCC

Hurricane Jesus...

2011-06-20T09:53:00.023-05:00

It's quiet this morning...very much unlike last week...

during which, about 400 kids blew through here like a hurricane.

I refer to it as Hurricane Jesus. It was Vacation Bible School 2011- the theme was "Pandamonium."It's a nationwide curriculum. Many of you are, or soon will be, very familiar with it.

It's my favorite week of the year-to work in the church.Within each corner's turn-
there was a strong reminder of what Christ is focusing on. In our sanctuary were over 400 shorties,
singing and dancing their hearts out to Jesus. While right outside those same doors...sat many homeless and hurting families-
waiting in line to receive help from our "Hope Center."

As the VBS kids left the sanctuary- I watched as they each waved, smiled and made eye contact. I do believe if they had understood what these people needed, dare I say,

they would have given it to them. It reminded me beyond the shadow of a doubt- EXACTLY why Jesus said...

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." ~Matthew 19:14 It was a visual buffet of who and what Jesus wants us to focus on.
children...
the hurting and/or homeless...
fellowship...
hospitality...
joyfulness... Jesus, in His Own Words, says,
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." -Matthew 25:40

God, I pray that we will have the focus and passion of the kids towards the least of these.

In His Dust,
DCC

Who Gets Credit...

2011-06-15T09:34:00.007-05:00

Sunday Night TV was a toss up between The NBA Finals and The Tony awards.... while both were entertaining, I found more of a Biblical lesson in the game.

Lebron, don't you know, have you not heard, did you not pay attention??

"First pride, then the crash-

the bigger the ego, the harder the fall" ~Proverbs 16:18

Taking your talents to Miami? A they aren't your talents, they are God's.

As I sit here in judgment, I am suddenly aware of my own pride.

Where am I taking credit for my talents and successes?

Oh, make no mistake, we all do it. It sounds like this:

"I got the job...I got rid of my cold...I worked it out with my spouse...I got in to UT!...I have beat that addiction...The chemo is working..."

Is our language giving credit to God, or man?

God, Please remind me when I am taking the credit.

In His Dust,
DCC

P.S. Congrats to the Mavs on a well played season and a well deserved win.

It's still 4-1.

Airtime and Dirt....

2011-06-13T09:41:00.008-05:00

"Who you become depends on what you give the most air time to;
be picky" -Bob Goff

Over it....sick of hearing and discussing...Weiner and.....his.

The sermon yesterday was on Jesus' parable of the sower.
The title was "How's Your Dirt?"
I gave the children's sermon which means I got to translate the Scripture for minds that think more like....well, mine.

Jesus says that there are different types of soil and each type receive the seed differently.
He then goes on to explain that the seed is The Word of God and the soil is our hearts.
So, I've been thinking about my dirt...aware of what I am giving my "air time" to.
Stress? Negative comments? Judgemental thoughts? Busy-ness? Worry?

I need to be much much pickier.

God, thank You for continually planting in me and giving me fresh dirt to work with.

In His Dust,
DCC

Steve....

2011-06-08T09:19:00.005-05:00

"All combined together we make one really cool person.

Separately, not so much." -Bob Goff

Once again, our community has gathered around a grieving family.
Once again, it is really cool to watch how "real" community works.
Some cook, some bake, some pray, some visit, some cry, some laugh, some plan, some choose verses, some choose hymns, some contact priests, some write obituaries, some encourage, some teach, some plan a birthday party, some make calls, some plan to pick up pieces in Boy Scouts, some run errands, some answer phones...

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-8

No matter what it is....everyone using their individual gifts, in different areas....
to hold up a family....
to honor a life...
to make it easier, in even the smallest way possible.

To Glorify God for a life well lived and battle fought hard.

God, Thank You for the faithful examples we are surrounded with.

In His Dust,
DCC

William...

2011-06-06T09:25:00.010-05:00

Jesus Himself said -"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
There is no commandment greater than these.” -Mark 12:30-31

Dear William, (aka Number One, MoMo)

I went to your 5th grade graduation last week. As always, before you had done anything I thought you were perfectly wonderful.
I was proud as a peacock.

Then the students started walking across the stage- as they cringed at their middle names being made known to the world....a teacher read their best memories of Woodridge Elementary.

Most kids said their favorite memory was "a day trip to TBarM" or "Field Day" or "winning a contest"...No one person, was mentioned as being a best memory.

You were not on the stage yet, so I may or may not, have been playing Words with Friends when I heard her say these words:
"John's Best memory of Woodridge was that "he had Will Dehlinger for the very best friend he had ever known, all this time."

Time stopped.
My eyes swelled.
My heart matched my eyes.

I must explain, I was not the slightest bit surprised to hear that someone thought you were a great friend- what I was blown away by, was who had said it.
I had never once in 5 years, seen or heard of this little boy. I had not heard you brag or even mention being nice to a lonely boy who didn't necessarily "fit in."

You, my precious Godson, have impacted someone's life so greatly, that the way you treated him was the best thing he will remember from 5 solid years.

As you walked across the stage- your humility and character were unmistakeable.

(As were the tears of your mom, your dad and me.)

You have been The Hands and Feet of Jesus to that little boy, just as you were to Robin.
Thank you for teaching and reminding us how to treat people.It does not go unnoticed. It never has. It never will.
God is watching you.
God is guiding you
God is applauding you.
As am I.

God, Thank You for putting this precious life in mine. Please, Bless Him and Keep Him, make Your Face to shine upon Him and be gracious unto him. Turn Your Face to Him and give Him peace.

In His Dust,
DCC

Fresh Shot...

2011-06-01T10:01:00.005-05:00

"We have a shot at honoring God today by what we do rather than just flattering him yesterday by what we said" -Bob Goff

So.....yesterday, I was driving through the Quarry.....the speed limit is 20 or 25 mph.
Which would have been fine if the person in front of me, didn't seem to think it was 10 mph.

Naturally, I did not have time for this.
Those of you that know me, will not be surprised to know, I may or may not, have passed her.
Let me be clear, this was not a "rude-fast-passing"...but rather a "slow-waving-how ya doing-sorry, gotta get somewhere-kinda passing."

I got to Wolff Camera, got out of the car and began talking to an elderly, but sharp as a tack, lady from church in the parking lot. We were having a nice chat- discussing my grandmother, etc...

when all of a sudden....
she, that thought the speed limit was 10 mph,
drove up and appeared right next to us....
Her: ARE YOU IN THAT BIG OF A HURRY!!?!!
Me: (To myself) "Do not engage-smile- keep conversation going with Mrs C."
Her: EXCUUUUUUUSSSSSEEEEE ME!!! ARE YOU IN THAT MUCH OF A HURRY!!!!??
Me: (to myself) "I said- ignore her- you are talking to a friend of your grandmother's - be a lady.
Her: EXXXXXCCCCCUUUUUUUSSSSSSEEEEEE ME!!!! WAS THIS WORTH YOUR BIG RUSH?!!"
Me: "Actually, yes. Sorry to bother you."
Her: "I WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT!!!!"
Me: (To myself) "Ignore her- do not interact. Mrs C is talking to you and listening to your response. Pretty is as pretty does."
Her: EXXXXXCUUUSSSSSEEEEEE ME!!! HAS ANYONE EVER TOLD YOU - YOU ARE A HATEFUL B*****!"
Me: "Hmmmm.....I have been called one of those words- but not both."
Her: ......zooooooooooooooommmmmed off!!

My response to this maniac - was controlled and calmer than usual, for one reason, and one reason only, Mrs C. sitting there-smiling at me-just watching and listening. She knows full well, "who I belonged to"
I thought to myself as I walked off- I wish I had her following me around everyday-
Better yet...and even scarier- I have Jesus.....watching....listening....leading and defending

God, Thank You....for holding me accountable and being my Great Defender at the same time.

In His Dust,
DCC

Just Do it....

2011-05-25T09:53:00.009-05:00

"Yes, sometimes God does work in mysterious ways -

but often times He is really, really obvious." -Mark Hart

"Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. No, The Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." ~Deuteronomy 30:11

Love this.
What a great reminder and way to clarify.

God is not interested in "tricking us" into following His Commands.

Nor, is He giving us light advisement.....

He is very clear about it.So, then why do I treat it like advice from an untrusted friend?

God, I am sorry for treating Your commands as suggestions.

In His Dust,
DCC

That Was Awkward....

2011-05-23T09:06:00.011-05:00

"No one knows the day or the hour."-Jesus

This includes you Mr. Camping and any other clowns that might follow a man's words and not God's.

Harold Camping sure ain't no prophet and it seems his biggest problem has nothing to do with what didn't happen Saturday.People spent millions on billboards announcing the day and the hour only to be proven wrong.

There weren't piles of clothes sitting around....

Harold Camping, found himself yesterday subdued and somewhat "flabbergasted."

Some of them say, their math might have been off.

Ya think?

I feel sad for the people that sold their goods.....and stopped their lives.

I will give them this- they had some serious chutzpah.

I am just hoping that we can all be as merciful as God when thinking or speaking about the lost and disappointed followers, including Mr. Camping.

Make no mistake I believe with everything in me that JESUS IS COMING BACK.
I also believe with everything in me, we will NOT know when.

God, Please show me where I am "miscalculating" Your Word.

In His Dust,
DCC

Transmit....

2011-05-18T09:02:00.005-05:00

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character"

~1 Corinthians 15:33

Don't we all have them in our lives?
Toxic people on transmit.

You know who they are....
The ones that are always telling you how busy they are.....(since you aren't busy.)
or how stressed out they are....(since you aren't stressed.)
or how unfair their lives are....(since your's is totally fair .)
I feel swamped by these people lately.
While on transmit only, they hammer away at you with their complaints.

Jack Canfield describes them as "energy vampires"
These people will wear you down and suck the energy out of you.

Lest you think any of us are victims- think again.
You and I get to choose who we spend our time with.
Choose wisely.

God, Thank You for listening to me when I am on transmit....especially when I am the negative one.

In His Dust,
DCC

One Word...

2011-05-16T09:14:00.006-05:00

"The words we say not only have shelf life but have the ability to shape life.

Choose well" -Bob Goff

On my way to work this morning, I found myself next to a jacked up truck with pitch black windows.
It caught my attention not due to it's look...but to the sound coming out of it.
It was a blaring-thumping-racially-offensive-ignorant-song.
This guy was like an ad from the 80's..."if you can't thump it...dump it."

Since I am such a great Christian....
I responded, to myself, with one word.
"Jackass."
It was within moments of coming across this on Twitter.

"The more talk, the less truth;
the wise measure their words." ~Proverbs 10:19

Hmmm.....

God, Thank You for not looking down at me and using the same word.

In His Dust,

DCC

Warriors and Heroes...

2011-05-11T09:16:00.010-05:00

We went to the Warrior Family Support Center in Fort Sam Houston last night....

A 12,000-square foot Texas ranch-style home adjacent to BAMC and the Center for the Intrepid—a cutting-edge rehabilitation center for burn and amputee patients.The project, funded entirely through the generosity of the San Antonio community.

The buildings will stand as a testament of America’s promise, that together with our wounded warriors and their families, this battle will be fought and won.

We had the privilege of making dinner for the wounded warriors and their families....
we served them....and visited with them...and held their children while they ate....
we prayed with some and laughed with others...I wish you could see each one of these men and women...and thank them for their service.
I wish you could thank their children for their sacrifice.
They are some of the most gracious and kind people I know.

This place is a symbol that will never allow our heroes to be ignored or forgotten.

This place is the very life and future for the men and women who are willing to lay down their lives for us...so we don't have to.

look for an opportunity today....
Pick up their tab at lunch or dinner....say thank you...

God, Thank You for our freedom.

In His Dust,
DCC

Shalom...

2011-05-09T17:50:00.004-05:00

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." ~John 14:27

Shalom- which we quickly translate as "peace" is a very "under-translated" Hebrew word.

Shalom has much richer meanings....including completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. When the world around us looks or feels completely chaotic....and nothing whatsoever like the picture above.....

We must remember, that God Himself wants desperately, to give us His Shalom.

God, Please help us reach out for You and Your Peace...and then may we extend it to others.

In His Dust,

DCC

Cinco De Weezo....

2011-05-05T07:50:00.007-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!

"You are the light of the world.

A city on a hill cannot be hidden." ~Matthew 5:14

God has been using you to light up lives and rooms you enter, since day one-

You are THE original giving tree. You are an answered prayer.

"Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.” ~Proverbs 31:28,29

Thank You God, for choosing the perfect friend to be my mother and the perfect mother to be my friend.

Beyond grateful,

DCC

Guarding...

2011-05-04T09:36:00.006-05:00

"Even some of the guards became followers;

the trick is for the followers not to think they need to become guards"- Bob Goff

Some of us are so busy guarding God, making others think just like we do...
rather than opening those gates and let them in.

Let them think for themselves....
give people space.

Stop guarding....
Start guiding....

God, Thank You for the reminder to get out of the way.

In His Dust,
DCC

We Rolled...

2011-05-02T07:03:00.025-05:00

What about our freedom and this piece of ground...

We didn't get to keep 'em, by backing down

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?We had neighbors still inside, going through a living hell

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?

To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown awayHave you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going through a living hell.

We vowed to get the one’s behind Bin Laden...

Have you forgotten all the people killed?

All the loved ones that we lost and those left to carry on.
Don't you tell me not to worry about Bin Laden.
Have you forgotten?

I want to be perfectly clear......

I am not rejoicing in a murder.

I am rejoicing in justice.

I am recognizing that we have not forgotten.

"This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done." ~President George W. Bush

"His demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
Justice has been served." ~President Barack Obama

"I want to congratulate -- and thank -- the hard-working men and women of our Armed Forces and intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance that led to this success.
I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice." ~Speaker of The House John Boehner

Bush promised, "we would not relent to find the perpetrators."

Obama continued and completed this pursuit.

The fine men and women of our US Military are the ones that meted out justice.

Having said all of this- God is The Only One Who can and will do the judging.

THAT is what we must NEVER forget."Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you."~Hebrews 13:5

God, Thank You for never forgetting us.

In His Dust,

DCC

Still Empty...

2011-04-25T09:50:00.004-05:00

It's still empty!!!!
After thousands of years....
After thousands of people searching for Jesus' Body....

It's still empty!

God, Thank You- may we live a life worthy of what you have done and are still doing.

In His Dust,
DCC

EASTER SUNDAY... HE IS RISEN!!!

2011-04-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

The stone was not rolled away so that He could get out....it was rolled away so that we could see in- Nothing, including death or a stone was stopping Him...

THE TOMB IS EMPTY !!!

I imagine the disciples the night before, had finally passed out from exhaustion, hoping to dream away the horror of the previous two days. To forget the faces....the sounds...the smells...Mary's tears...Jesus' Voice...

However, when Sunday came, they woke up knowing the events were not merely a bad dream.

Jesus had died.

Then, the news came..HE IS RISEN!!!

It does not come as a surprise to me that the disciples did not believe the women's report that Christ had risen. They knew that Jesus had been crucified. They knew he had been taken down from the cross and put into a heavily sealed and guarded tomb. But now the women claimed he was alive and the tomb was empty! Had their exhaustion clouded the facts?

Knowing this and them...Jesus appeared to them. Their joy must have been unspeakable. I know it is unspeakable and indescribable by me, some 2000 years later.

All their hopes, shattered two days before, were restored in an instant.

All their fears were now proven futile.

"Heaven unplugged the grave's power cord, and you and I have nothing to fear.
Death is disabled." -Max Lucado

All of their future was suddenly taken care of.
and guess what...
The same thing goes for each of us.

Easter blasts in and announces for every single one of us

Our own resurrection, and restored hope for the world!!!

Christ has died; Christ has risen; Christ will come again!!!

While in Israel a few years ago...Ray VanderLaan told us that he believes Jesus burst out of that tomb at one second passed midnight! I loved that vision....BOOM!

Easter-Where defeat meets Triumph--

Thanks Be To God!!!

God, Thank You for buying our ticket to eternity.

In The Name of our RISEN and LIVING SAVIOR,
DCC

*post from 2008

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!

Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Tetelestai!

2011-04-22T10:03:00.003-05:00

Just before dawn...Jesus goes on trial before Pilate and Herod Antipas.

He was scourged and beaten with metal and leather whips. He barely survived this...as most do not. He was spit on and made fun of- He was taunted and ridiculed with a crown of very sharp thorns- and yet, He still found it in His Heart to say, "Father forgive them...they know not what they do."

At exactly 9 am, they nailed Jesus to the cross.

"At noon the whole country was covered with darkness which lasted for three hours." Matthew 27:45 (The Light of the world is being crucified)

God said it would be just like this in the Old Testament book of Amos. “On that day…I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight….I will make it like the mourning for an only son, and the end of it like a bitter day.” Amos 8:9-10

After 6 hours of unspeakable grueling agony, at exactly 3 pm,

Jesus looks up at His Father, yells-

"IT IS FINISHED!!!" ("TETELESTAI") and dies.

"Tetelestai" is the Greek word for "It Is Finished."

When a servant was sent on a mission and then later returned to his master, he would say, "Tetelestai" which meant, "I have done exactly as you have requested or "the mission is now accomplished".

"Tetelestai" was also the equivalent of the Hebrew word spoken by the high priest when he presented a sacrificial lamb without spot or blemish.

"Tetelestai" was also,in a secular sense, the word used in the business world to signify the full payment of a debt. When a debt had been fully paid off, the document on which the debt was recorded was stamped with "TETELESTAI," which meant the debt had been "paid in full."

Which is what Jesus did for you and me when He paid the ultimate price for all of our sins.

One more thing..."Tetelestai" is in the perfect tense. This is very significant because the perfect tense speaks of an action which has been completed in the past with results continuing into the present. It’s different from the past tense which looks back to an event and says, “This happened.” The perfect tense adds the idea that “This happened and it is still in effect today.”

When Jesus cried out “It is finished,” He meant “It was finished in the past, it is still finished in the present and it will remain finished in the future.”

Finally on this Friday,

Jesus was placed in a strongly sealed and highly guarded tomb.

“The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” John 1:29

"These six hours were no normal six hours. They were the most critical hours in history. For during those six hours on that Friday, God made it possible for you to know that: Your life is not futile. Your failures are not fatal. Your death is not final" `Max Lucado

Your face NEVER left the Mind or Heart of The Lamb of God.
and to this very moment.....still does not.

Tetelestai was for each you and me.

God, There are no words for the humility and gratitude I feel. I love you.

Humbled and grateful,

DCC

*post from 2008