REAL Marriage by Mark Driscoll is a MUST Read!!!

In a few words, let me just say - WOW!  I loved this book!  It took what is an often discussed issue (marriage) and addressed it in a little different light than I have ever heard it taught on or discussed.  Mark and Grace Driscoll begin with the premise that marriage starts with a foundation of friendship and is built on that.  The intimacy and baggage we bring into our relationship is magnified greatly if we, over time, stop being friends and allow sin and lies to take our hearts away from one another.

Overall, I thought this book was great and a MUST READ for any and all people who are married, planning on being married soon, or interact with people who are.  They write in a very REAL way - so be prepared for the curtain to get drawn as they deal with real issues, real questions and present a biblical view of friendship, marriage and sex.  The topic that the write on is a difficult one, but the Driscoll's do a great job tearing down walls and opening up lines of communication within marriages.  They don't shy away from tough issues, hard questions and make sure to give scriptural evidence for their positions.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Awakening to the journey...

I know it is a little early for a title and a thought as deep as this one, but bear with me please...

I have been taking my time through the book of Matthew as of late, and the Spirit of God is simply peeling away the scales from my eyes so that I can see the power of the Word, the continuity of the Story of God and the unbelievable person and work of Jesus that is ever-present throughout the Bible.

What on earth am I talking about?

Glad you asked...

This morning, as I am tracking through Matthew, I came to the Sermon on the mount.  I have heard it said that it only takes 12 minutes to read through the entire thing, and I thought that it would be good to listen to all that we have recorded of what Jesus said that day - so I simply read through the whole sermon account, and than read it again looking for key words (kingdom of heaven, fulfill, etc) and for Old Testament references (Matthew is writing to a Jewish audience, so the Old Testament passages are extremely significant in this particular Gospel).

After my second reading of the sermon account, I decided to just go verse by verse through it as far as I could get and pray and contemplate through it...

I made it ALMOST through verse 1 :)

Here is Matthew 5:1

"When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him."

What do you read in that verse?  If you are like me, you probably saw basic geographic and situational information and nothing more; right.  Matthew is just filling in some basic info - so we know kinda the scene for the sermon, right.  The good stuff is coming up.

Or, is 2 Timothy 2 3:16 maybe in effect ("All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.")

Think with me a minute, as I am processing through this still as I type...

Matthew is writing to a Jewish audience.

The Old Testament passages and references abound throughout this literary work always for a purpose - to point to Jesus as the fulfillment of and supreme agent throughout the Old Testament.  Matthew is writing to point his Jewish readers to the Old Testament and basically say "see, here, this is what we were told, and HERE HE IS!! Messiah Jesus, is here; He's God, and been telling this story for a long time, believe it!!

So, what if, this is more than setting.

What if, Matthew is calling his readers to think back on Exodus 19 and 20 - where God comes DOWN to the mountain and calls Moses up to receive the law and commands for the people.

ONLY as we read through the New Testament (especially Hebrews) we learn that Jesus is the GREATER Moses, and so this time, instead of Jesus coming DOWN to the mountain to reveal to Moses the law --> He goes UP the mountain as fully man, fully God, sits down and waits for the people to draw close, and begins to clarify and fulfill and instruct the Old Testament law that He laid out for Moses.

Did your mind just explode with the majesty and awesomeness (thank you Kung Fu Panda) of our God!!!!

IF not, hold on, because here is where it really gets good....

In Exodus, the priests and the people are instructed by God to NOT come close to the mountain because they are unclean and cannot approach the holiness of God - they will die!

In Matthew, God has come to us, and eagerly awaits his people to draw close to him so he can teach and instruct them in how to love and obey the will of God.

BAM! that just happened.

I love that with the incarnation of Jesus (God became man) we see the line that kept us from God disappears.  Not because WE did anything, but because God DID IT ALL.  He came to us. Got cozy, walked up a mountain (that he created) and taught the people what He had revealed to Moses!

Like I said, I am still fleshing this out - but I do know this, as I read Matthew 5:1, I was exhilarated by the majesty of God, blown away by the singularity of the message of the Bible (it truly is all about Jesus!) and captivated by the personal relationship that has been made available to me because Jesus came down to earth, to make the unattainable attainable.

Reflecting on Christmas and my son's name...

This morning, as my household woke up and we began the fun of unwrapping presents, feeding our baby, feeding our coffee addiction, and enjoying Christmas music for one last day; I couldn't help but think about how cool it is to have a new baby to celebrate this Christmas season!

And, to top it off, the name God gave us for our wonderful little baby boy is "Levi" which means "joined in humility".  As I was worshipping Jesus this morning and thanking him for coming as a little baby (and holding my little baby) the way in which Jesus came and joined mankind in humility, to redeem us and set us free, to understand our suffering, to feel temptation like we do, to feel love, hunger, thirst, betrayal, tiredness and frustration as we do truly blew me away!

As God always tends to do, he uses the common every day stuff to show me more of who He is and take me to a deeper love and appreciation for what He came to do for us.  This Christmas, the gospel rings true for me and I pray that it rings true for you as well!

Dancing with Jesus...

Early this afternoon, my oldest son and I (really weird referring to Micah as my oldest) were searching through movies to try and find a movie to settle in and watch for the evening.  I was hunting for Christmas movies and he was hunting for movies that he is too young to watch, but wants to try and scam his way into watching (Gremlins).  I came across a movie I bought on Black Friday last year for $1 but never even bothered to open; Evan Almighty. 

I remember watching the movie once a long time ago and thinking it was pretty clean, and a pretty funny movie so we (meaning I) picked that as our family feature film for the evening and we settled in, just the four of us, to watch the movie.

Micah loved it, he thought the animals were cool, the boat was awesome, and that Steve Carrell was hilarious (especially since he is continually hitting himself with a hammer or being pooped on by birds); but what struck me came at the very end of the movie...

Steve Carrell has spent the whole movie doubting God, fighting God, and doing his best to rebel against God's will for his life - to build an ark to save the town and change some legislation to protect the forest and the animals.  In the end, Steve's character begrudgingly submits to God's will and ends up not only being the town laughingstock but the towns savior (little "s" is vital) as well!

He emerges from this journey God (Morgan Freeman - a great choice for the role in my opinion) has had him on with a better outlook on life, a better understanding of how to be a dad and a husband, and a much better view of God.  As the movie is concluding, he and his family head out on a hike with a picnic lunch and they are laughing and running and hugging when Steve looks up and sees God leaning under a shade tree smiling.

He leaves his family behind to go meet with God under the tree for a few moments (I'm sure there's a lesson there somewhere about priorities) and as they chat and talk about the events that have transpired over the last few months, Steve's character realizes that at every turn - God knew what he was doing!  That God was in control!

And, here was the cool part...

All throughout the movie, whenever Steve's character does something noteworthy or exciting (always self-centered and selfishly motivated) he has a cheesy cornball dance move that he does (think Kevin James in the movie "Hitch" but worse!!).

BUT...

That day, under the shade tree as he meets with God, God invites him to not only do his dance of celebration for obeying His will, but JOINS HIM IN THE DANCE!!!

As my family and I sat on our couch and watched this movie, I realized that I so often have a stuffy and religious understanding of God, that I lose sight of the fact that He wants me to enjoy him, to be silly with him, to make him laugh, to dance, to sing, to play!  He loves it when my family gets the giggles.  He loves it when I learn new things, or play with my boy, or enjoy coffee with friends.  God is not so serious as to avoid doing a silly dance with me.

God forgive me for always thinking that I need to be serious and "reverent" with you.  Forgive me for thinking that the BEST way to approach you is through rituals and practices that man put in place to limit your ability and increase their own. God, set me free to dance under the shade tree with you.   God, free me to be silly for your glory!

What a journey...

We get to go home today!!!  It has been a long few days in the hospital but our boy has captured our hearts.  He exited the womb at 10lbs 11oz; and will be going home at 9lbs 12oz.  Typical baby stuff to lose some weight straight out of the womb which truly is unfair, Levi has been out of the womb for 3 days and dropped 10% of his body weight!  Best diet plan ever!!!  His cheeks look less puffy, his legs are long and skinny, his fingers are long and already like trying to go up my nose or tangled in my beard, but what an amazing little boy he is!

On our first day in the hospital, I was driving back from an errand to pick up a fan to help my hormonal wife keep her temperature down as she came off of the drugs from surgery, when I had a crazy flashback....

This is not our first time here at St. Joe's Women's hospital together.  Probably close to 10 years ago, when Katie and I were on one of our first "dates" (she was still figuring out if she would tolerate the chunky monkey named Nathan and I was still delirious that someone as amazing as her would consider riding in a car with me, let alone date me!!); we came to St. Joe's Women's to visit a friend in the mommy area of the hospital after she had just had a brand new baby.

I remember looking at the mommy, the baby, and how natural it looked for Katie to hold the baby, interact with the mom and be a part of that world.  I, on the other hand, sat awkwardly in the corner and longed for the time when Katie and I could leave and go eat dinner somewhere (surprise, surprise, I wanted food).  I walked away from the experience scared. Scared because I remember thinking that Katie was born to be a mommy; and I wasn't comfortable around babies.  I remember thinking that if our relationship progressed, one day it would be her in that bed, and what would I be doing?  It is no longer socially acceptable for the dad to sit in the waiting room smoking cigars; so what's a guy to do?  I can remember being scared for the first time about our relationship; not because of what it wasn't, but because of what it was...REAL.

Fast forward God's story about a decade and here we are, at St. Joe's Women's Hospital and this time it is my wife in the hospital bed, having just given birth to our 2nd child.  This time, I do not sit in the corner awkwardly waiting for food.  This time, I wrap my arms around our little baby and snuggle with him.  There is no hesitancy in me about picking him up, loving on him and caring for him.

It has been almost 10 years since that night at the hospital where I internally panicked for the future, and now I can say that 10 years ago I was correct.  My wife was born to be a mommy.  And it took me a while, and while it was not as natural for me as it was for her, I am meant to be a daddy. 10 years ago, God allowed a glimpse into my future.  He began softening my heart and showing me where He would lead me if I would simply follow Him.  And now, today, I get to go home with my amazing wife, my 2 sons and begin life with my crazy blessed family of 4.

I am so excited for what God is teaching me, and more aware of how life is one long story, that God is weaving and speaking into existence.  I am not the main character, I am a supporting role, and my job here is to reflect the glory of God back to him, while I enjoy all that He is and does for me.  Today, a few days before Christmas, probably just like Joseph would have felt, I am a proud daddy of a very cool baby boy.  I swaddle him, I help try and feed him, I soothe his cries, I change his dirty diapers, and the whole time I look at him my heart swells with love.  Joseph's little boy was the God-man, who would set me free from the slavery of sin.  My son, well he's a boy who won't be God, won't die for mankind, and has NO ability to free anyone from sin - he will be raised to know, love and trust that little baby who would grow like he will and is now ascended to the right hand of God our Father.

Today, I am thankful that this is God's story, and ecstatic for my role in His narrative.  And just like I want to shout from the rooftops and tell people about my sons, that is what His story is about - telling people about His Son.

and then there were 4

So...

Yesterday my wife gave birth to our 2nd child.

She was a trooper and did a phenomenal job, and our baby boy was born 10 lbs 11oz!  For those keeping track at home, that is a HUGE baby!  He measured in at 21 inches long with a 14.5" circumference for a head.

I was a little worried when I found out we were having another boy, because even though you hear moms and dads with multiple children say that you love each one fully - I thought maybe I was different.  My first born, Micah, is amazing.  He was such a great little baby and has turned into such an amazing young man (already calling him a man at 5 years old, because he is gonna be a man - not a boy who shaves!!).  But, it concerned me that because he was so good - our 2nd boy would be continually measured against the awesomeness (thank you Kung Fu Panda) of our 1st.

Well, I can honestly say that there is nothing special about me.  He came out - and while he was still all blue and lizard-looking, I would have laid my life down for him.  He was mine and nothing was going to change the way I felt about him.  I loved him fully and completely - just because he was my son.  Not because he was HUGE. Not because he turns his head, opens his eyes, eats like a champ, or could very easily beat up all the other babies on this floor - I love him because he is mine!

As I sit this morning, a little sleep deprived, a little hungry, but enamored with my family and our newest addition - I can't help but reflect on how God feels about me.  He must, if I am an imperfect father (which I am), feel all that I feel towards his children and MORE!  He must look down on me and just marvel at how dear to his heart I am.  Not because I preach well, or study a lot. Not because I work hard to avoid sin, or search for ways to let people know I love him. Not because I am faithful to my wife or because I try to train my children (wow, I have CHILDREN!) in the ways they should go.

But, because I am his!

What a liberating thought. This concept, this understanding, that God doesn't need me, or value me based on my abilities or performances; changes what I believe about my relationship with God and how I live my life.

I know this is not revelatory or anything brand new and it was something I would have said yesterday just like I am saying it today - but I feel like God has drawn me in closer and revealed yet again, that his love for me is not based on works, merit, or even impacted by how good those around me.  He doesn't look at the men I work with, the guys on TV, the other seminary students and husbands, and say "Nate, look at how good they are...I can't love you like I love them. You aren't as awesome!"

No, that is not the heart of our Father.  His heart swells with love and longs to wrap me up, hold me close and whisper words of love and tenderness into my spirit - because it is only there, in His arms that I can begin to understand who He is, and who I am because of His love.

Thank you God, for freeing me from religion, from works of my own hands.  For separating the curtain that kept me out of your presence.  Let me not wander in the wilderness of works and avoid the greatest treasure available - your spirit through your son.  Jesus, thank you for making me a son. For righting my wrongs and allowing me to be adopted into the family of God.  For making the impossible possible.  For loving me when I was most unloveable, valuing me when there was nothing worthy of value. For freeing me to worship and love the rest of my days.  May it start with you and flow from there!

The 360 degree leader by John Maxwell

Ever wondered what it takes to make a great leader?  Ever felt trapped by your position (or complete lack thereof) within your company?  John Maxwell's book on how to lead effectively from wherever God has placed you within your company is the perfect tool to equip you to become a better leader.  Within this quick and fascinating work, John helps the reader understand that your position isn't what stops you from leading, it is your mindset.  That a great leader, is the man/woman who embraces the job he/she has today, and works hard to better those around them, and the company as well.

I thought this book was very helpful for me, a young leader, who feels surrounded by older and wiser leaders.  It helped me feel equipped to speak out in meetings, embrace ideas, and run in the areas where I may be gifted differently than those around me.  The tools that John Maxwell gives throughout the book has helped me become a better leader, a better follower, and a more effective communicator.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255