I Love Tuesdays

Tuesday is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week. Danna has class on Tuesday nights and I get the whole evening alone with the kids!!! I love being able to play with them, watch a movie or running after each other through the house. Did I say running? I meant we walk fast through the house, so I don't get in trouble with Danna. I love watching my babies grow and I love getting those precious few hours alone. Danna get to stay with them during the day and it is rare I get that chance. So I LOVE Tuesdays!!!

I thought this picture of Bonnie was cute and wanted to share it. My Mom bought her this chair for Christmas a couple of years ago and she loves to sit in it and read. However, she found something new to do in it. She takes after her Daddy!! (No wise cracks you two and you know who you are!!!!)

Last week President Bush gave the annual "State of the Union" address. I didn't watch it, I never do. I either do not know that it is coming on or I am involved in something else or I might watch it. It did get me to thinking though. The President always gives this address about the state of our country. I wonder how often we consider the state of our union with God.

Considering the President just gave the State of the Union, why don’t we ask ourselves some questions about our lives, our spiritual lives and consider our union with Jesus Christ. How is your relationship with the one you call Master? Have you given every aspect of your life to Him? Are there areas maybe you need to strengthen? I know we are twenty-eight days into the New Year, but take some and examine the relationship you have with Jesus? Resolve to make this year a year of growth and intimacy with the One who loves you more than any other!

It's Official "I'm Goofy!"

I'm sure many of you have wondered for some time or possibly even known it. (Go ahead Liz and Melanie take your shots!) I have often denied it but Bonnie has finally set me straight. Last week as we were coming back from Sherman I was singing the Mickey Mouse clubhouse song with Bonnie and Brennen. When we got to the roll call part Bonnie said, "I'm Minnie." I said "I'm Mickey," and Bonnie said "No, daddy!" Right as I looked at Danna and said, "If she calls me Goofy...," Bonnie says, "Daddy, you're Goofy!" So there you go its official: I'm Goofy!
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We had the opportunity to see a great High School theater production of Beauty and the Beast last Friday night. Jeremy Moore had the lead as the Beast and did a fantastic job. I was very impressed with the whole show with one exception. Jeremy needs to work on that kiss with Belle! I really enjoyed the evening.
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Have you ever wondered why or how God can love you? I wonder about that often! I have often tried so hard to be the man God wants me to be but sometimes I fail. No matter how hard I try or how bad I want to be that man I fall short. I beat myself up over that and ask God "How can you possibly love this?" "How can I possibly be of worth to You?" Then I remember that I am not perfect on my own but through the grace of my Lord Jesus. God does not expect me to be perfect. He does not expect me to always get it right. He expects me to be like His Son! God loves me for me but cannot and will not let me stay that way. He wants me to be like His Son. His love for me does not depend on always getting it right. Its not dependent on my love for Him. The God who needs nothing constantly pursues me in love because that is who He is. His love is not like ours because ours is imperfect, incomplete. God's love is total, perfect and complete. How blessed we are that God can love us like we are but will not let us stay that way. Goofy or not God loves me!
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As for the Jackson household. We are doing great! Danna starts school at Dallas Christian College on the 26th to work on her education degree. I started back yesterday. I am real excited about my current class, "Trends in worship". Then in February I will travel to Lubbock for "Preaching Biblical Genres: 1 and 2 Kings". Bonnie and Brennen continue to grow fast. Brennen is talking a lot more, which is good and bad. We love to hear him talk but hate hearing him tell us "no or leave me alone!" Bonnie continues to remind us that she is a princess. However, she is three. Do I need to say more? Last week she went into the kitchen, grabbed the grapes and brought the to Danna. When Danna told her she could not have any until dinner, Bonnie replied, "But Momma I'm three!" I'm trying something new this year with my Dad. We are both keeping journals. I have heard so many people talk about how it is a blessing to look back through their journal and see how God has worked in their life. I don't want to miss out on that blessing. God has already richly blessed me this year. I look forward to this year and sharing it with you. "Let go and let God!"

Quick Thoughts for the New Year

Happy New Year everyone! I am really excited about 2007 and how God will bless my family and the church in Van Alstyne. I know with all my heart that God has something special planned for the church and this community. My prayer is that this year will be a year of major changes for my family and me. I desire to be filled deeper and be closer to God this year than I ever have before. As my friend Liz Moore said this year will be a year where she will give up control to God. That is my prayer as well. That I will submissively give myself over to God and His plans for me this year. I know it sounds strange for preacher to say this but I often find myself grabbing the controls away from God.

My motto for the year: Now is the time; 2007 the year! My focus this year will be geared around this motto. In my ministry I want to be active in outreach and spiritual growth. There is no time like the present to reach out and make a difference in the lives of those around us. When December 31st gets here I want to look back and see how God used me to make a difference. I love Henry Emerson Fosdick's quote, "Christians are supposed to not merely endure change, not even to profit by it, but to cause it."

May God bless each of you in 2007! I pray that God's richest blessings will be showered upon you everyday!