I leaned against a huge red fir tree and prayed. “Guide my steps, Lord. Please God, guide me straight to him. Lord, I am not sure what to do or where to go, but right now I need you to help me please.” It was just this last Saturday that I stood in the forest praying that prayer. Let me give you a bit of the story of why I was asking God for his divine intervention and guidance. Crash! Crash! Crash! A bull elk came charging down the hill […]
Two weeks ago I began helping coach my boys’ football team. It’s really my first steps back into a world I left almost 20 years ago when I was injured playing football in college. The joy of hearing the shoulder pads pop and kids running around the field trying to tackle each other has been healing for me. Football in Texas is pretty crazy and I could go on for pages about how sports can be a distraction. Whether it be parents trying to live a sports life through little […]
I was in college, dating my wife-to-be, Amber, and I stopped by to visit her parents. Amber jokes that I never really dated her, but I actually dated her parents. I did spend a great deal of time with them, and in some ways, she is right. On this particular day I stopped by because Amber’s mom needed help pruning their huge apple tree. I remember when I pulled into the driveway Joan was already well into the process of cutting off all of the suckers. Suckers are the vines, […]
What distracts you? Lately, I’ve asked myself that question often. I began to think about the distractions in my life and what tends to divert or even trap me spiritually? I thought some of you might be able to relate and I decided it was a great topic to blog about. So, the next few weeks I will be sharing my own journey as God illuminates for me the things that tend to distract me in my walk with Him. I hope some of you will be able to apply […]
As my friend and I met at a local coffee shop frequented by many Christians who enjoy coffee, relationships and the Bible, we poured over scripture about the early church and how they loved each other. We discussed the impact they had on their community and How God used them to change a society. Because of the witness they had, God continued to add to their number daily (Act 2:42-47). While we discussed the beauty of the church caring for those who were hurting around them, I overheard many in […]
My friend and co-laborer, Judy Cintron, wrote today’s blog post. She has a heart of compassion and a heart to serve the Lord. -Brandon I’ll never forget the story of a young mom from Chicago. Her husband lost his job and they lost their home. The three kids piled in the car for the long drive to California for a new beginning. Her husband had big dreams about a fresh start but had no job lined up or any concrete plans. Like any family with three young kids (two were in […]
For 27 years my dad and I hunted elk in the same general area of North Idaho. Each year, in the late spring, we would load our 4 wheelers and head up to begin scouting for the coming fall. First, we would walk down some of our hunting trails to check out the damage that winter had done. We often found old, dead trees that had finally succumbed to winter’s harsh blow no longer standing, but now blocking our trails. I remember one year in particular we were riding on […]
Several weeks ago my wife took my daughters to the mall on a rainy day. They were having some quality Mom/Daughter time. When they returned, my girls were excited to share with me a gift they bought for me. It was a simple gift that cost very little, but it definitely represented me and I was touched that they had me in mind when they bought it. It was a sacrifice for them to spend their own money on the gift. I love seeing my kids think of others and […]
The last few weeks I have been blogging about some of God’s characteristics. We’ve looked at the awesomeness of God and His incredible mercy. This week’s characteristic is faithfulness. When I think of God’s consistent, unshakable faithfulness to us, His children, I am reminded of how He fills in the gaps for me as a parent. Emma, my oldest, was turning 3 years old. Our house was filled with grandparents and friends. My wife, Amber, had worked hard all day on the cake, and decorations were placed all over the […]
Broadway plays were never something that I had a desire to see. This was problematic for me because when Amber and I began dating, I quickly learned that plays, musicals and the world of the arts were very important to her. Her favorite was the Broadway musical, Les Miserables. I have to admit that before I met Amber I had no idea what it was even about. I mean come on, no football playing, bow huntin’, North Idaho boy would be caught dead watching some French play. At least that […]
