A Round of Applause...

And 9 Other Things From My Week

1. This Weeks Standing Ovation Goes To

Trinity Kanyion!

When Trinity was born she and her twin brother, Gabriel, were 10 weeks early and had to stay in the NICU. A lot of prayer took place during each visit. One time I prayed God would preserve them and that he would make Trinity an instrument that fills many people’s with joy. It’s great to see one of the ways he is already answering that prayer.

2. One Thing I Learned This Week

Everybody knows the quote, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…” This week I learned that there is more to it. The full quote is, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” — Oscar Wilde

3. A Reflection From my Week

Over the last month, I spent too much time doubting myself, doubting God, about whether I would get accepted into the ThD program. That time was wasted on negativity. If God calls us to do something he will make a way for it, our qualifications do not matter one bit. I knew this, I’ve preached it, but I didn’t live by faith.

Lesson learned… again.

4. Quote of the Week

When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. — C.S. Lewis

5. YouTube Video Worth Watching

This is an old one, but I just saw it.

6. Song of the Week

“As” by Stevie Wonder. An oldie, but a goodie. Here is my favorite part:

We all know sometimes life hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet your lifetimes that and twice it's double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
So make sure when you say you're in it, but not of it
You're not helpin' to make this earth
A place sometimes called hell
Change your words into truth
And then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren
And their great grandchildren will tell
I'll be loving you

7. Bible Character of the Week

Joseph… the one with the awesome, colorful coat. He had a few bad breaks, some were self-inflicted. Nobody told him to tell his family about his dreams! All those brothers and this is what you choose to share over breakfast?

BUT! God used it all!

I love the scene when he finally revealed himself to his brothers: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20).

This reminds me that nothing will be lost. God can and will scoop everything up and make something beautiful from the bad breaks and broken things in our lives.

8. Question of the Week

If you could travel back in time and tell your 10-year-old self anything what would it be?

My answer: “Don’t try and fit in. Get really good at the things you enjoy. Don’t worry if people think they are weird. Also, convince your parents to invest in Amazon! Also, life gets hard, but God will always be with you, even when you can’t see him. Lastly, grow your hair out NOW… trust me.”

What would you say?

9. Inspiring Story of the Week

Last weekend, Ashanti and I visited some friends—a young family with two beautiful girls. They recently moved out of an apartment into an absolutely stunning house. As I walked around the house, I was quietly appraising it. Either they won the Power Ball, or they’d been holding out! This place was easily worth over $1 million!

The house belonged to one of their distant family members who, instead of selling it and making a profit, decided to do some good and be a blessing!

Reader, take this to heart: we are blessed to be a blessing. It doesn’t have to be huge splashes like this; a blessing the size of a cool mist is enough to refresh someone's day. You never know what impact your intentional act of goodness will have on someone's life.

Forget all that random acts of kindness stuff, let’s do some intentional acts of goodness!

10. What I’m Looking Forward To

Next Sunday is Confirmation Sunday. My son, Eli, and 10 others will be getting Confirmed. Also, I’m not preaching for the next 3 weeks! I love preaching, but a break from sermon prep is always nice.

THANK YOU!

Finally, I’ve been reflecting on all I’m grateful for, including everyone who subscribes to this Substack. Having people read what you write, or listen to what you say, is a blessing! Thank you!

I especially want to express gratitude to those who have become paid subscribers. There is no added benefit; that means you gave simply because you are generous!

So… Thank you to:

Tom Clark, Sharon George, Kingsley Adi, Ginny Kindberg, Andy Fuqua, Nikki Cebula, Kathy Moore, Andy Sweeney, Linda Wulff, Lisa Wachenfeld, Jean Gerhardt, Chris Philpott, Jason Greene, Marilyn Clark, Carole Hains, Nermine Banke, Martha Ewalt, Harlan Diller, Amy Snow, Tony Cole, Jim McElhose, Doug Spangler, Jenny Motley, John Hopkins, Cheryl Marty, Blair Hersha and Lindsey Bobby!

I pray that “God will generously provide all you need. [So that] you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

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