God Prepares You

As I start to see more pictures of my son growing and anticipate his arrival into this world early next year, I can't help but think about God and how he prepares us. Personally, I am glad I did not have kids in my early twenties. As 'The Way of the Wild Heart' words it, I was Cowboy/ Warrior and didn't know where life was headed. I was married out of college, bought a house and started a job all around the same time frame. I thought I was ready for anything, but God was the one who finally showed me how to prepare for anything and continues too daily. To be honest, my wife and I had no idea when we wanted to have children. Sure we had discussed, but life was always to busy. Little did I know that the big change God made in me was for something even bigger; a son.

What has God taught me over the last year that will prepare me for my future son?  Discipline.
One of the things Christ showed me was the power of discipline in my life. Saying one thing and living that same thing. I had to dig deep, deeper than I had ever before to become a man and a true son of God. It really started with reading. I had hardly ever read books and really had no interest or patience. What good are they? Well, I buckled down and read 'Wild at Heart'. Read this book if you have not yet. I know I have mentioned the book in many posts, but it is essential to a man's path. It helped show me a new path to walk, why I was doing the same thing my Dad always did and how to break the chains of those who walked before me.

"Start children off on the way they should go,

 and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

-Proverbs 22:6

How can I teach my son to become a man if I was not? From the moment I started reading that first book, God was preparing me for bigger things to come in my life and a whole lot sooner than I expected. With each line he was teaching me for the future and making repairs to my past. He showed me what a man yearns for and desires; the path a man takes through out his life; the true value or measure in a man; and finally a resolve to live up to these points everyday. When I allowed God to truly Father me, he did and so much more. He has given me essential life goals to live by and has now entrusted me with teaching my son to become a true man for God. 

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, 

bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

-Ephesians 6:4

How do I plan to succeed with this mission? The same way I am on a mission for Christ in my life. I have to continue to let him Father me. I have to be able to anticipate what will be coming next for my boy, just as Christ has done for me. I have to teach him, prepare him, pray with and for him, and show him the way. It will truly be the greatest adventure of my life and with Christ as our guide, the mission will get accomplished. Wait, Christ will be our Guide? Another thing I learned and hope to instill in my boy is that Christ is a Father to all of us, both of us. I have to take the lead in this idea and not only make sure that I understand it, but that he understands it. He will start life on a much different path than past generations. I pray he will be the generation that holds a firm faith for the generations to come.

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. 

For what children are not disciplined by their father?"

-Hebrews 12:7

How has God prepared you in your life?

'Unconditional' The Movie

As I was checking out my Facebook tonight, I ran into a link for a new movie. The movie was being promoted by the makers of the movie 'Courageous', so I thought it would be worth checking out. Take a minute and watch the trailer below. I have some information about the movie story line below it. 

IN THEATERS NOW!

Synopsis:

Samantha Crawford is living a storybook life: she’s happily married, she lives on a ranch where she keeps her beloved horse, and the stories she’s told and illustrated since childhood have become published books. 

When her husband Billy is killed in a senseless act of violence, Sam loses her faith and her will to live. But a death-defying encounter with two children leads to a reunion with Joe, her oldest friend. Inspired by true events, UNCONDITIONAL stars Michael Ealy (Think Like A Man) and Lynn Collins (John Carter). 

As Sam watches “Papa” Joe care for and love the kids in his under-resourced neighborhood, she begins to realize that no matter life’s circumstances, the love of God is always reaching out to us.

Check out the 'Unconditional' website.

Share some links and promote the movie! 

Wax Seal

We've all heard the horror stories related to the john, the pot, the throne or best known as the toilet. After a fresh installation, the possibilities to leak could come from so many places; the water connection in the back; the connection from the tank to the pot, and of course the wax seal. I write about this because this weekend was my first experience with replacing a toilet. I won't lie, anytime I do something new I watch a couple Youtube videos to see what to do and not to do. I download the information into my hard drive and off I go... to the pot. The toilet that was there worked, but had been there for a loooong time. I'm sure the gallons per flush were easily 3 or more, which today's standards are about 1.28 gallons per flush; quite the money savings over a long period of time. I know you probably don't care to hear about this, but, to be honest; it is good information to know. With the old toilet removed, I dreaded the new install. Like I said, with so many opportunities for it to leak, you never know how it will go after you turn that water back on. I can honestly say though, that it was a great and easy installation with no leaks. (so far)

Why does any of this matter or even apply to life. Well, you have to ask yourself 'where am I leaking'. Where am I letting things go or how am I making sure what gets in doesn't leak out? Consider your water source and its connection. With a simple turn of a handle, the water to a toilet can be on or off. Are you on or off? Are you allowing the water to flow in (leak proof), and flow out (leak proof)?

I learned that Jesus is the water source and in order for your life to go according to his plan, you have to make sure your valve is turned to 'on'. That first connection; that connection to him is of most importance and the seal has to be right. That first connection for the toilet consists of threads and plumbers tape. The plumbers tape is that extra seal, that little bit needed to make a tight connection. What is your connection like with Jesus? How do you make sure your relationship is tight; so that when he is ready to shine through you, you are ready?

Once that valve is turned on, you have to be ready to allow him to work through you. As the process of this takes place, you have to check the rest of your seals or connections. In plumbing these are your tank seals and bolts. In your life this could be your relationships, friendships, work, hobbies and more. How are you keeping the seals tight for Christ in these areas?

The last connection is the Wax Seal; this is where the water exits and is forever on a different path. The wax seal is the biggest connection for the toilet. You have one chance to get it right, and if you don't, you have to get a new one a try again. This relates to your expression of Christ to others; how do you treat others and how are you displaying Christ in your attitude? You can allow him into your life, you can keep your seals tight by living for him; but you when the opportunity is there to serve or speak about him, and you have to make sure all your connections are tight. This is the Wax Seal; this is where Christ can shine through you the best. Sometimes you only have one chance to get it right with people, and you have to be ready. It's not to say you won't get another chance, but that first impression can make all the difference.

OK, so this may be a slightly odd example of living for Christ, but I do believe the point is made.

How are you keeping your seals tight?

The Intentional Man

Intentionally comes from the word 'intention'. Intention means to do something deliberately, or a course of action that one intends to follow; to have a purpose or a goal. Another great description is 'intent implies a sustained unbroken commitment on purpose'.

I always find it interesting to hear people use words in the wrong context or use them and have no real idea of what it means or implies. Intention is a powerful word once you explore the meanings. I love the last explanation that says 'a sustained unbroken commitment on purpose'; sustained means to bear, or to hold the weight up, or to keep from giving way. Commitment means to pledge or to trust. So in other words an intentional man is saying 'I will bear all weights without giving in, I am able to be trusted at all times and I will do this on purpose'!

I think most men would agree with me when I say we are easily distracted. I like to refer to a dog stopping in his footsteps when he sees a squirrel passing; the dog stops what he is doing and stares or points right at the squirrel. Why do we have to look into the car next to us when it passes? Why are we so easily drawn to the woman walking by us? Who do we let things like sports, drugs or alcohol run or ruin our lives? Why do men not work, yet expect to be paid? Bottom line is we are easily distracted and we are not living the right kind of intentional lives.

'I will bear all weights without giving in,

I am able to be trusted at all times, 

And I will do this on purpose'! 

Living an intentional life is right in line with the theme for Manturity which is 'how a man develops a mature body and mind for Christ'. As we grow in age, we have to grow in maturity and that takes daily discipline. Daily discipline has to be on purpose! Here are some ways you can start to grow in maturity and be a more intentional man.

1) Access your schedule each day.

-What are you doing each day? Really? Are you making the most of your time or is it being wasted away to the TV or things that really don't matter? Write your schedule down if you have to and start rearranging accordingly. Be more productive, give more time to your wife and kids, and spend some time with God.

2) Evaluate your habits.

- Start really paying attention to your habits; like looking at the car passing you each time or breaking your neck to see the woman walking by you. What do you do with your wife everyday or how do you play with your kids? How much time do you give to Christ compared to the TV?

3) Start in the morning!

- Don't wait till the afternoon or until you get off work each day to check your life. Start each morning! Set a reminder somewhere by your bed or maybe in the bathroom. Write yourself a note and stick it somewhere or put a daily reminder on your phone calendar. There are so many ways to help you stay on track, but you have to be intentional about it! 

4) Tell a Friend.

- One of the most important parts of this process is to tell a friend what you are doing. Let him or her know you want to be more intentional about your daily activities and your daily walk with Christ. Keep in touch with him or her and share your experiences whether good or bad and talk it through. 

The real trick is to START NOW. Don't wait! This is where the enemy steps in and says 'ah, just start tomorrow' or 'you're doing fine right now'. I know you can handle it, so be intentional and get started!

The sluggard craves and gets nothing

but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 13:4

Manturity TOP TEN

I can't believe it, but Manturity is over a year old! Manturity was a crazy idea God showed me a year ago and it has shown and taught me things I would have never imagined. God took me through the darkest times in my life so that I could see the brighter side and also show people the brighter side of life. As I started to break free from the chains of my past, God started revealing to me a new way of life; a new set of standards that I was to live by each day. As they came to me, I wrote them down on two index cards. They were not anything fancy, but they were my new start; my new habits; my new life. Here they are listed below.

 1) Form Good Habits!

 2) What is your influence?

 3) How do you spend your time?

 4) Do you 'Feed the Machine'? (a song from the band 'RED')

 5) Careful not too judge.

6) It's NOT about YOU!

7) Give God your First.

8) What is your purpose?

9) Complaining is the opposite of Faith.

10) WATCH YOUR EYES!

These are some of the ways I stay in line with God's path. 

What are some of yours?

Firmly Planted...still

As it's been over two months since I last posted on Manturity, I can say I am still firmly planted. The timing of my absence has been mainly due to three things: wife, work and remodel. I'll give a brief background before I start back into the swing of things...

Work. I work in the commercial construction field, and to say the least, it can become very busy sometimes; most of the time it is at the end of the project. We were behind schedule due to issues earlier in the project and crunch time arrived about two months ago which meant long hours, intense problem solving and even longer meetings. It required my full attention on a daily basis and most of my weekends too. I would go home exhausted at night and my mind would be, well, blank. My wife would receive the rest of my energy and off to bed I would go. Thankfully, the job was completed with great success and the owners have moved in and are very happy with the building. I don't tell you this to boast or complain, but only to give a background on my absence.

The second and more important reason is that my wife and I are HAVING A BABY! We found out a few months ago now and are very excited. This will be our first child, and it has been a whirlwind of telling friends, setting up registries, celebrating with families and of course assisting my wife with whatever I can to keep her happy and comfortable. We were not exactly planning on having a child now, but after six years of marriage, we knew the time was approaching quickly. We will find out if it is a boy or girl next month and I'm sure some of my posts to come will be related to the baby and Fatherhood.

And finally, the remodel. As if we were not busy enough, my wife and I decided to remodel our kitchen and, well, most of the downstairs of our house. We have also been here about 6 years and decided it was time to make a few changes. The timing is actually great, because I don't think I'll have much time to work on things once the baby is born. Among some of the changes are; removing and painting the kitchen cabinets; removing the carpet and replacing with laminate flooring; and, now, soon to come will be the babies room.

Well, I hope I haven't bored you and thank you for respecting my absence over the last few months. I look forward to getting back to reading your posts and hearing you share your thoughts on my posts. I am still firmly planted in Christ and in his quest of building Manturity.

1 look, 2 look, 3 look, More!

I've read the articles about men and their problem with lust, adultery and more. I've experienced the fall myself and have heard of and seen many men fall into dark traps that deal with these issues. But where does it stop? Can it be stopped? And how? 


 The idea with the title is simple. It all starts with that first look. The first look, in my opinion, happens by chance or by the turn of the head. But the web really begins with that second look. Once that second look happens, your web starts to grow. You somehow allow or convince yourself that what is happening is 'suddenly' acceptable. This look is more involved and takes in a lot more information; height, weight, skin, etc. This, of course, allows that greedy third look at her. This may not be at the same moment as the first few looks, but it may happen shortly thereafter or maybe the next day. The third look is intense and convincing. This is the look that causes a married man to question his marriage. This is the look that opens your heart up and allows the little pieces of her to slowly seep in. This is the look that leads to the final stage which is 'more'. More is of course the most dangerous and can cause the most damage. More ends marriages. 'More' makes you do irrational things and makes you loose your typical senses. More is you completely tangled in a large, well built web that is difficult to get out of leads to big problems.


Life is certainly a tangled web that we have to crawl through each day. I always refer back to the enemy, because I truly believe that he inserts that female at the right moment, knowing that we'll be attracted just to test us. Just to see if he can start the process of the 'looks'. Once he can work his way into your heart, the process begins. This is simply a sport to the enemy and he is always looking for new players.


I say all this because I have been there, still fight the battle with the enemy and have found ways to cure it. The curing process is not easy and not always a fast process, but it is a process that needs to start now. It doesn't matter what stage of 'looks' you are on or how deep you are in, you have to begin to heal. The first step to healing is CONFESSION. I know, this is not the first nature of a man to admit that he is or was wrong, but that is the first step. Confession is a two step road. The first one is to find a friend. Find a friend from Church or just a friend that you can trust and open up your heart. Tell him everything that has happened or even fears of what you think will happen and be completely honest. A good friend will not judge at this point, but should aim to simply listen and advise if possible. Maybe you know of someone who has been through these issues and made it through? This would be a great person to talk to. Set up a personal meeting with your pastor and work it out with him. There are a lot of options to consider in this process, but you have to be WILLING to take the first step. The second part is to confess your sins to Christ. None of us are perfect, we all make mistakes and He knows. Ask him for his guidance and assistance and continue to ask him daily. Ransomed Heart, led by John Eldredge, has an awesome Prayer for Sexual Healing. Read this, study it, and pray it each and everyday and watch the amazing power of Christ heal you and your life. 

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"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. -James 1