Fathers Day

What is a father? God demonstrates to us the perfect father, and we are blessed to have examples on earth of a good dad.
Not everyone has a father they can call up today and thank, but even so there are always father figures in our lives that shape us and help us.
Today is a day to stop and thank God, not only for being the absolute perfect father, but giving the dads around you the ability to be good fathers as well.

A father is the man who taught you respect, who taught you how valuable a hard days work is. He's the man who taught you that working hard pays off and cheating never will. He gave you love in a practical way, he always had your back and he always had you on his mind. It's amazing how much a dad can influence someones character. Many of the good characteristics you have you can thank your father for.

So take some time and really think about the small things he's done for you, and let him know you appreciate it. And don't forget to do the same for God, either.

God's Plan (To Our Graduates)

Today we celebrated and honored our graduates of 2008. It really brings us joy at Lakeside to see people succeed in life. Today was a happy day, it was a joyous day.
Ken Leslie had some pointers for the graduates, and I think he hit the nail on the head. There was little I could add, so this will be brief.

God adores you. This is both to our graduates and everyone else. God simply cannot get enough of you. He misses you and desires a relationship with you and adores spending time with you. And, God is a just God. He will allow you to slip far away from him (to a point), because He will not impose on you. My advice is simple: seek God.

Through high school there are many mountain top experiences and God-highs at retreats and events. Soon those experiences will no longer come to you. I believe God steps back and says, "Okay, I'm here...and I'll wait." He wants you to demonstrate you care and love Him, too. That you don't just want Him around when it feels good or when you need a miracle.

Congratulations, not only are we at Lakeside extremely proud, but I know He is too.
I hope to still see you around!

Beating the Enemy-One Child at a Time

Sunday morning was interesting.
Many things were going wrong, and we knew exactly why.

Like Kenny said during worship, we are a generation away from being a Godless world.
This weeks message was extremely serious, and the enemy knew it.
So did GOD, though-and if HE is for us-WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?

All that being said, raising a child in general is hard enough, let alone raising him/her to be a child of God. It's very hard to take knowledge of God and transform it into a relationship.
Sharing how Jesus affects you spiritually, emotionally, and on an every day basis can help a child understand its more than just knowing about God, but knowing Him personally.

My only other word of advice is to give your child's walk with Christ to HIM. We cannot on our own power, lead anyone in the direction of Jesus.
Would you rather trust yourself, or Him?

How did this message inspire you or convict you this week?
Let me know-leave a comment!

The Perfect Parents

Being 20 I, of course, know everything. Well...not so much. In fact, I'm just realizing there is SO much about life I really don't know about. But, I'm finally in the stage where I can see that my mom isn't to blame for every bad thing in my life. No, she is not perfect, but she is the perfect mom for me. God made no mistake in giving you your specific children or parents. You, like any other mom or dad, have probably made a mistake here or there. You know its what you do with that mistake that teaches the real lesson.

One day your rebelious teenager will grow to see they need you, they love you, and they want you in their life. They will see that despite the rules ans arguments, that you love them and want the best. That alone makes it all come together and stay together in the shaky moments.

No one is perfect but Jesus. But you are the perfect parents for the children He gave you.

Good job.