Tomorrow is Today!!

It comes at you so fast, life I mean. Yesterday is already a memory and tomorrow is almost upon us. 2009 is a few days away and I can not believe the speed at which 2008 came and went. Life is a gift, a gift we are meant to cherish. Every day is an opportunity to make a good memory for yourself and others. I remember my son so clearly the day he was born, so full of life so wonderfully made. I was telling him yesterday how I could remember every year, and how much I cherished those memories and the ones we are making even today. Soon he will be grown and out on his own. I will hope he wants to spend time with me, but I will know that he will have others who are also depending upon his time. It's easy to let time slip away from those who God has entrusted us to build relationship with. My sons mother and I were divorced when he was only a year. I could have held on to resentment and he would have been lost in my life. I chose instead to learn to get along with the person I felt had wronged me and robbed me of being a true father to my son. Now I have a decent relationship with her and I get to see Gabe whenever I want! Resentments bad feelings and the like will rob us of our memories, we need to make every moment count. Forgive someone that has hurt you today, let it go and live life for the best not the worst. We have all been hurt, betrayed and used but so was Christ. The bible says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Wow, that's forgiveness that's perfect. I deserved allot of the things I have gotten over the years, brought them on myself. Christ did nothing but love, forgive and teach. Love and forgive today, you have a life to live, live it in love!

Good Song! Here's the words....


I came home from work And she was waiting at the door Had that bad day look in her eyes And I heard the sound of little feet across the hardwood floor And I knelt down with my arms open wide When I asked her what had happened She pointed to our son And said why don't you show your daddy What you've done Chorus: And I could see the writing on the wall Evidence of little hands Picasso with a purple crayon And I tried to act upset but I was smiling through it all Cause I could see the writing on the wall It was the first day of school Standing by the laundry door Wondering how third grade came so fast I took a ruler and a sharpie pen and I drew the line once more So amazed at how the time had passed With a backpack full of promise And wonder in her eyes I turned my head just so she wouldn't See me cry Chorus 2: Cause I could see the writing on the wall It seems no matter how I tried The pages of this life keep turning It's a roller coaster ride And even though I knew we had it all I could see the writing on the wall I got a cinematic memory playing pictures of the past adding to the story as we go Cause every day I'm learning that tomorrow comes too fast so I'm holding on the only way I know Chorus 3: I can see the writing on the wall It seems no matter how I try The pages of this life keep turning I can't stop the hands of time And even though I knew we had it all I can see the writing on the wall I can see the writing on the wall

Jesus Time

Wow it's hard to believe it's already Christmas eve-day. This year has went so fast I can hardly believe it. I don't know if I met many of the goal I had hoped for this year but I have spent more time in Gods Word than ever before. My Christmas hope for next year is to spend less time thinking about myself and more time thinking about others. I pray to give myself more to the things of Christ and less to the things of this world. I pray blessings for all and Christs love in every area of your life!
Merry Jesus Time!
Mitch

Promises, Promises...

Ever make a promise that you didn't keep? Say you'll do something and then not do it? Man I have, but I pray to be better at keeping my word. All the bull about changing America and ending the war from the politicians makes me wonder why we even have a voting system. I guess it's so we can pick the most convincing liar. The bible says we should keep our word even to our own hurt, even if keeping our word costs us something dear. Wow, that's heavy. Makes you want to keep a little tighter grip on what comes out of your mouth doesn't it? I realize that trying to change others just wastes the time we should be spending on making the necessary changes needed in our own lives. There is ONE true promise keeper though. His name is Jesus and His words are sure. He said that the ONLY way to the Father is through the Son and I know that is the truth. Any other religion that teaches another way is calling Christ a liar. People wanting to call Christians bigots and narrow minded need to remember we are just repeating what our Lord has told us. We believe in Him and in His words. Keep your word, but most of all keep the words of Christ. After all if your words fail people may be hurt but the Words of Christ can never fail, I bet my eternity on it.
God Bless
Mitch

Letting go

Sometime those closest to us can upset us the most. Family, as much as they can be a blessing can also bring out the worst. My mom is a champion of defending family, even those who are a little distant. If you are related to my mother then nobody and I mean NOBODY better say anything negative about you (even if you deserve it). That's loyalty, that's faithfulness! I think that we need to be more like that. God puts us with people that we may not always agree with. Sometime they may even be doing things we really hate, but if you trust God then you know He doesn't make mistakes, you are right where He needs you to be. I said needs instead of wants because Gods plan for your life is perfect, and all you have to do is your part! Anger, selfishness, self-seeking, resentment all put you out of His best and the plan to place you in the center of His will. Holding on to bad feelings even for a day can be like a cancer in your body, eating away at your soul. Keeping our mouth shut when we want to argue or justify ourselves may be a hard fight but it's worth the effort. We can never take back harsh words, and if those words are directed at those we are related to the consequences can be long lasting. Take a moment today to forgive. Let it go. If you can't think of anything nice to say then just don't say anything. My mom has it down, she guards those of her lineage, we should all do the same, Christ does.
Thanks for listening
Mitch

Psalm 37

Psalm 37
A David Psalm 1-2 Don't bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked. In no time they'll shrivel like grass clippings and wilt like cut flowers in the sun. 3-4 Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best. 5-6 Open up before God, keep nothing back; he'll do whatever needs to be done: He'll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. 7 Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top. 8-9 Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes—it only makes things worse. Before long the crooks will be bankrupt; God-investors will soon own the store. 10-11 Before you know it, the wicked will have had it; you'll stare at his once famous place and—nothing! Down-to-earth people will move in and take over, relishing a huge bonanza. 12-13 Bad guys have it in for the good guys, obsessed with doing them in. But God isn't losing any sleep; to him they're a joke with no punch line.

Do good be good, the Lord will provide!
Love ya,
Mitch

Christmas Shoes

The Holiday time can be brutal in so many ways. We overburden to give more than we can and finances become a problem. We may feel insignificant if we don't have the money we wish we had to give everyone a present. It can be busy at your work and in your life. Take a moment, close your eyes and pause long enough to give thanks for what you do have, not what you wish you had. Every time I really feel sorry for myself, I think of those parents who may be watching a child struggling with a fatal illness just trying to get through the day. I think about the many people that overextended their budget to own that beautiful dream home and thanks to a crafty lender they have been foreclosed on and are much worse than they were before. What about the retiree who saved their whole life and now because of volatile stocks, have nothing. So many people have it worse that we do. You may think you don't have enough money to do for people what you would like this Christmas. Give them a gift that never stops giving. Stop, and pray for that person. Not what you think they need, but Gods best for their lives. His mercy, His grace and all the love He wants them to have. The Bible says its better to live in a small room eating veggies with love than a great house with all the rich food without love. Pray for love, Gods love, real love. The love that lasts forever....
May your hearts be full of Gods amazing love.
Mitch

I Hope You Dance

Many of the Christian leaders of today who proclaim a message of hope with positive expectation are being criticized by more traditional clergy. Joel Osteen and others like him are under an attack from the very people they will share eternity with! I don't get it. Certainly God warned the nation of Israel many times to repent for their sins and when they refused His wrath came down upon them. Certainly many preachers today have greed in their bellies and self-seeking in their hearts, but the bible tells us we will know them by the fruit of their endeavours. It is so easy to point the finger at everybody else when many times we need to point the finger at ourselves. Life is short. If you want to undo an injustice then bring some Justice to someone in need. The other night my wife and I were in the parking lot of Target and two young men approached us. The older told a story of how He was out of gas and needed to get the younger to another state in order to have an operation. My first thought was to tell him to come up with a better story! First off the younger (around 14)was wrapped in a blanket and had a sheepish grin on his face like "If this guy believes this I'm gonna crack"! The older guy was choking on his story and making it up as he went along. From the looks of them they weren't crack heads, probably just a couple kids who needed some money to eat or whatever. Anyway I could have laughed at their pathetic story but instead I reached into my wallet grabbed twenty bucks and said, "God Bless you". They took my offering with Gods blessing. He is at work in their lives even now! Negative or positive, which are you going to be. We will reap what we sow. I would rather error in the face of grace than judgment. Jesus was the ultimate optimist. He had no fear of His impending doom because He knew The Father would raise Him from the dead. The Bible says the same thing about Abraham, that he did not fear to put his son Issac to death by the command of God because he was certain God would raise him up.
You may have had some dreams die. Garth Brooks sings about thanking God for unanswered prayer. God wants you to have the best and not just what you may think you need at a certain time! When you absolutely know God is for you and not against you you will dance like never before. Believe in a great future, believe in great friends and a joy filled life. And if you feel God directing you, don't sit it out, DANCE!
Mitch

Choose Life!

There once was a court jester who was known throughout the kingdom as a very smart, clever, and funny man. He had a knack for choosing the right jokes at the right time and was one of the only people who could make the king laugh. One day, however, the jester went too far and insulted the king in such a way that the joke was deemed to have treasonous intent and was therefore punishable by death. The king, feeling compassion for the jester, told him that he could choose the way he would die. Many people, without thinking, would have chosen a quick and painless death. The jester, however, had been practicing making choices his entire life. He paused to think for a moment and then replied, “I choose death by old age.”
We all get to choose. That is the criminally insane fact of this existence. "Why would God let this happen" is one of the most overused questions in devaluing our Creator and His purpose in our lives. The truth is the choices we make determine the life we live. In the story, the court jester made a bad choice, he insulted the king. That mistake brought a mandatory death sentence, but he still got to make a choice, and it turned out to be a pretty good one! We have all made some bad decisions in our lives. I made one bad enough to see my best friend die.
After a mistake, we must determine where our choices lead us. My choices led me to drinking and drugs and a unmanageable lifestyle. The good news is, that same power to choose brought me out of that life and into the life I now live. We can choose to live in light or dark, it is up to us. Choosing to live with Christ has to be a choice we make daily. A one time decision that is not acted upon has no power to save us. If an alcoholic one day decides not to drink and then drinks the next, his one day decision only helped that one day. If you choose light, if you have chosen Christ, make a conscious decision every day to live for Him. It will bring the Fathers favor into your life, I promise. If you have never really chosen Christ, do it today. Simply ask Him to forgive you and be your Lord, He's always ready! And if like the Jester you have made some bad choices, those days, months or years of making the king smile will bring with it compassion and grace. Who knows, what seemed like the end will really be you choosing a bright and shining new beginning! We'll see you at 100!
Gods blessing and favor
Mitch

One more time!

If you did not listen to this song yesterday, just sit back and enjoy! Enjoy your life! There are going to be some F#*ked up days! (Excuse my language but can I just be real?!). If we dwell in the negative and some false perception that nothing bad is ever going to happen then we'll just be sitting ducks for satan to knock us off! (Thats right I said satan!) Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people, I don't have the answers but I know where to put my trust! Jesus is the answer and remember He got nailed to a freaking cross! It ain't always going to be easy! But It can be worth it, and it can be awesome. A great friend of mine has a disease that he battles with daily. His attitude is amazing. He looks for people and places that he can do some good for. Everyday he wakes up knowing that he's sick and that some days just are not going to be that good, but he makes the most out of everyday! No matter how bad you think your life is, it could be worse! Enjoy the day! Smile and love. Communicate with Christ!!!! Simple prayer goes along way! And when the bad days come remember, "This too shall pass". You can get past this...Your best days are ahead and not behind!
Remember JESUS SAVES!!!!
Love and Peace,
Mitch

Your Time

You could have been born in any other time in history, but you weren't. You were born now, in this time and in this place with a destiny so great you can't even imagine it. It is so easy to look back at our past mistakes (and some of them may have been life altering), but God promises to use even the worst for our best if we trust Him. Sometimes I look to the future and in my dreaming of what might be I miss what is, right now. Today is the most important day of your life, don't waste it. It will NEVER come again. If you have been harbouring unforgiveness (to yourself or others), let it go today! Live your life with expectancy of Gods favor.
Jesus Christ died for your life so that God may shine upon you, that is your destiny. Christ said we will have trouble, but to be encouraged, for He has overcome the world. Christ is saying trust Me, I will use the bad, the good and the ugly. I will help you to live the life you have been dreaming about and I will help you to start today! Today is your new beginning, your new start. Don't waste a minute of it, love more, forgive easier and hold on to those dreams. Your best life starts now!
Love and Blessing
Mitch

New Shoes

The feeling of the perfect fit! Man when you get that perfect pair of shoes, whoo, hooo! Comfort and love! I was talking to a friend of mine last night and he was saying how much better his relationship with his wife was as long as he kept a positive attitude. I'm the same way, my attitude dictates my relationships, if it's good it feels like those new shoes and everything rocks! Yesterday I just needed God to help me with my attitude and guess what, He did! I felt like the guy in the song, happy to be alive and ready to truck on and share that happy mood with anyone in my path. Ask God for an attitude adjustment when you need it, and fight to keep negativity out. You will be swelling and gelling!
Peace and Love,
Mitch

When I need You

God I need you today...

Love till it Hurts

Ever Love something so much it hurts? I know that may sound strange but if you have never had that feeling then maybe it's time. If you're a parent you have probably experienced this, but if you're not, this kind of love just doesn't come easy. If I had not become a father I don't know if I could have ever preached Gods love as passionately as I have. Do you know that God aches for a relationship with you? Just think if you had released a son or daughter out into the world and then never heard from them again, hurts just to think about it...God loved us so much He allowed His baby boy to die a horrible death that all would be made well between us and God. Wow...I don't think I could do that, I might die myself for people, but to allow my baby boy to suffer and die so that others may live? I don't think I could. God did. And now He is waiting to connect with you in away that would never have been possible except through Christs death. Love can hurt, The Father is waiting...Let Him love you today.
Mitch

Cowboy in Me

This song definitely defines my attitude. Man I don't know why sometimes I just feel like it's me against the world. The scary thing is...that's O.K. with me. The cowboy attitude doesn't mean you wear a hat and wranglers, it is just a way of thinking, feeling and acting. The cowboy in me is an independent spirit that has alienated me from groups and organizations that really just wanted to help. I have had some mind blowing opportunities but from fear of loosing my individuality have left them by the wayside. The life I live is the harder road. I'm constantly in a fight with the voice that says "relax, conform, settle down don't be such a hard ass all the time." I guess this is just who I am. Never really been that great with a team, more the loner type. I think I'm in good company though, a lot of people accused Christ of going against the norm and being independent. Now I'm no Christ! And I'm sure my rebellion has done me more harm than good, but I do pray that who I am is who God created me to be and that my cowboy spirit can be used for Gods best. Hell, this whole area west of the Mississippi was founded because of the cowboy attitude. I just want something more than the crumbs of the elite, I want to make my own way and do something great for God that is different that the stuff before. And if I never do the great things I hope, well at least I know I lived my life being me. Hey I know there are things I need to change, but I trust Christ to that, I'm just going Thank God that he got me to a place where I was broken enough to say "Yes Lord". The rest is up to Him.
Be Blessed, Be encouraged and never quit being you.
Mitch

Slow Fade

Everyone wants the perfect church or at least the knowledge that the way they believe is sufficient enought to keep them on the "good" side of heaven. James (The brother of Christ) tells us that 26-27Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.
Last night I was relaxing after the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State game and I started to channel surf. I came upon a program about vampires and how the legends originated. There is a movie out right now that the younger generation is going crazy for that has a vampire as the hero, so I thought I would check it out. Pretty disturbing, when you hear some of the stories of true mass murderers that literally bathed in blood, drank it, sacrificed the weak and captive and all that other horrible stuff. Next I go down stairs and the Steven King movie "The Mist" is on. I only caught the last, but if you've seen the movie it's a pretty disturbing ending.
Of course my sleep was a mess and I literally woke up sick. My point is, we need to gaurd our minds from the way this world wants us to believe. WATCH WHAT YOU LET IN YOUR EYES AND HEART. I read on MSN today that 25% of workers with internet access look at porn while working. So many of us let things into our eyes and minds that just should not be there. Now I'm not saying I'm perfect, But I am learning to watch things that will build up my spirit and not tear it down. If you have Christ in your heart, you can overcome all temptation that comes your way. I know a lot of us may not be tempted by smut but the temptation to listen to gossip or to pick up a magazine on the hollywood lifestyle can tear down our spirit just as easily. Philipians8-9 says, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies". It takes practice, but the result is worth it. Guard your mind and God will fill it with true love and purpose. If you are having trouble in this area take a moment to repent and ask for strength. Pray something like this, "Father in Heaven I have failed you in the area of keeping my mind pure and seeking after the best in this world, I ask your forgiveness and ask you to help me to overcome the weaknessess in my life. I thank you Father that you hear me and are willing to help me develop into the man or woman who can be used for Your Glory. In JESUS Name I Pray, Amen!
Remember your mind is the battle field, so take the war serious!
God Bless
Your Brother in Christ
Mitch

Time in a bottle

Wow! This year has just flown by. I think as you progress in age the time seems to move faster and faster. I think at a certain age, we get more settled and routine takes over. We need to be careful, if we let everyday just be a slight variation on the one before it our lives can easily slip away. I have been attempting to learn new things, ways to interact with my wife, my son and those around me. The saying "Can't teach an old dog new tricks", must not apply to our lives. In order to grow we must be pushed, and many times we need to be the one doing the pushing. I have failed many times in many things. I think that much of that failure comes from not reaching a little deeper into myself and giving it one more shot. "Life is Short, Pray Hard", is one of my favorite motto's. The thing is God doesn't always answer our prayers in an easy way with no effort on our part. Our Father In Heaven loves to open doors of opportunity for us, then it's up to us to venture out, and with continued prayer and some trial and error we get to live, learn and grow.
My little puppy Bella, when she wants my attention doesn't just stand by and wait for me to pick her up, no, she barks! And barks, until I give her the attention she wants. We need to be after God with that same energy, desiring to change, asking for new opportunities that will glorify Him and bring purpose into our lives, Jesus said "From the days of John The Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffer Violence and the Violent take it by force". We must cry out for Gods PERFECT will in our lives. If we receive it, our lives will be full, our relationships will be vibrant and our futures incredible. Time is running out, it may feel like you have forever, but you don't. Love God, Love People and never surrender your time to a bottle.
Peace, Love and respect
Mitch

Seeing your treasure

I woke up with this song playing in my head, I couldn't remember all the words so I looked it up. Man our God is awesome. He will get our attention anyway he needs to. Thank you Jesus!

REELIN' IN THE YEARS
Your everlasting summer You can see it fading fast So you grab a piece of something That you think is gonna last You wouldn't know a diamond If you held it in your hand The things you think are precious I can't understand
CHORUS: Are you reelin' in the years Stowin' away the time Are you gatherin' up the tears Have you had enough of mine.
You been tellin' me you're a genius Since you were seventeen In all the time I've known you I still don't know what you mean The weekend at the college Didn't turn out like you planned The things that pass for knowledge I can't understand
CHORUS -
I spend a lot of money And I spent a lot of time The trip we made in Hollywood Is etched upon my mind After all the things we've done and seen You find another man The things you think are useless I can't understand.
I am the dumbest person on planet earth. My wife is the hardest worker I know. We have built a decent little business here in the small town of Burley, Idaho and by her hard work and perseverance it has paid off. We're not rich, but we do O.K. The first verse of this song sums up my whole stupid attitude, my wife is a diamond, period. She puts up with my childish behavior, (babe can't I leave a little early so I can mountain bike?). Cleans the house does the laundry and makes sure our bills are paid on time. I think that by showing up each day and doing my part I should be looked upon as the great savior, BULL! Man I am making a commitment today to do more for my wife, who even when she has the right to be pissed off at me will apologize anyway! I clearly do not deserve her, and she certainly deserve someone a lot better than me. Ephesians 5:25 (The Message)
25-28Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor—since they're already "one" in marriage.
Man I have failed my God and my wife, please pray for me. I want to think less of me and more of her. I need to die to anything that does not help her to grow and blossom.
Today, if you have a loved one you might have taken for granted, repent and ask God to help you change. You never know, you might not have the chance tomorrow.
Blessings and Honor
Mitch

Thankful

Being thankful should not always be because of our current circumstance. Some of us may have it pretty crappy right now. When I don't feel very thankful I think about the most amazing gift I ever received, Jesus. Then I think about how different my life could be right now. Ever see the "Butterfly Effect"with Ashten Kutcher? He had to keep going back and attempting do different things in an event that would shape he and his friends lives. I'm thankful that I don't have to do that. I know God is involved in my life to the smallest detail. I want to be thankful even when I don't understand why things have happened in my life and the lives around me. The Movie showed the correlating effect of our actions and the potentially devastating effects of wrong decisions. I know I've made some bad mistakes, but the Bible promises that "All things work together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus and called according to His Purposes" Romans 8-28 I am thankful that God is in control and I am not! We may never know of the disasters that have been averted in our lives until we get to heaven. If Jesus is your Lord, you have a destiny so great that our Father in Heaven will do anything to help you live it. If you have not made Jesus your Lord I can't think of a better way to be thankful. Just ask Him to forgive you and change you and your life will be changed forever! Tell someone today you love them and are grateful they're in you're life. They just may be waiting for a reason to be thankful, you may be that reason!
May all your days be blessed and beautiful.
Mitch

The Dark Side

O.K., I have this dream every once in awhile. I'm a wrestler, not high school, but like the pro guys, all dressed up and in costume. Anyway in most of these dreams I vanquish my opponent and in the spiritual I guess I made some kind of break through. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Last night however, first I slept through my match and then after getting a second chance I looked in the mirror and BEHOLD I was the bad guy!
They say he wrestles with his demon, or he has demons to deal with, but many times maybe it's us who just choose to do the wrong thing. I'm not saying this makes us horrible I'm just saying that is what makes us human, fallible, and in need of help. King David said "Please Lord don't let the people fall because of my actions". I also need to say that. Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament told people to imitate him as he imitated Christ. See Paul was taught as a Pharisee, a very strict interpretation of the law, if you messed up, you're out! Most of us were just raised by good parents doing the best they could. Paul was raised under strict standards that made it easier for him to do right most of the time. I used to want to be a Pastor, have a great church and teach people about Christ, then I read James. He warns us that not many should want to be teachers of Gods Laws because they receive a stricter judgment! Not me man, I need GRACE and Lots of it! If every Christian acted like I do a lot of the time, well...lets just say peaceful, gentle and self controlled are not what comes to mind. We do have Gods amazing grace though. And I think I'll bank on that, trust that Christ died for my bad attitude, temperament and self indulgence. Oh, I'll keep working on the areas of weakness I need to, but I gotta do most of that praying for help in those areas. And when the Dark Side comes out, I just hope nobody thinks the worst of my Lord for my mistakes, I'm just a child of God in training.
Oh and by the way, I read on MSN that it's dump your jerk week, so I gotta run and get my beautiful wife flowers! Maybe she'll hold off one more year!
God Bless!
Mitch

I Think I'm Loved

I heard this song on Good Morning America today. What a simple and direct song about love. I love the way my little puppy Bella comes running to me as soon as she knows I'm anywhere near. It's funny how a little animal can make you feel special. Bella loves me because I love her. I have cultivated trust and friendship that comes from me actively pursuing her. And now I reap the reward. My beautiful Bella running to my arms when she knows I'm near. The Bible tells the story of a young man who walked away from that kind of love and acceptance, but after loosing all he had he wanted to come back. Even though he was afraid, he returned home, not to an angry or resentful father but to one who came running to greet him. That is how God is with us, waiting. If it's been awhile that you have spent time with God, don't worry He is ready to take you back, protect and Love you. Maybe that's why I have Bella in my life so I can know what it feels like, just a little, when God Comes running...
These are the lyrics to The Partridge Family's song, "I think I Love You". Enjoy!
Mitch
I'm sleeping And right in the middle of a good dreamlike all at once I wake up From something that keeps knocking at my brain Before I go insane I hold my pillow to my head And spring up in my bed Screaming out the words I dread: "I think I love you!" (I think I love you) This morning, I woke up with this feeling I didn't know how to deal with And so I just decided to myself I'd hide it to myself And never talk about it And didn't I go and shout it When you walked into my room."I think I love you!" (I think I love you) I think I love you So what am I so afraid of? I'm afraid that I'm not sure of A love there is no cure for I think I love you Isn't that what life is made of? Though it worries me to say I've never felt this way Believe me You really don't have to worry I only want to make you happy And if you say, hey, go away, I will But I think better still I ought to stay around and love you Do you think I have a case? Let me ask you to your face: Do you think you love me? I think I love you!

Steve, Peter and Maybe Mitch!?!

Gotta love those Baldwin Brothers! They just keep going and going, Alex who has regained fame from sitcoms to my favorite Baldwin Stephen, He says he wasn't actually serious when he announced on Fox News that he would leave the country if Barack Obama became president.
"The liberal Democrats who didn't get that I was joking need to lighten up," the born-again actor tells the New York Post. "Obama is obviously talented and intelligent, and I have great respect for the man. He's got my full support, and I'm gonna be praying for him and his administration."
Stephen has a web page at http://www.stephenbaldwin.com/ that is 100% ministry minded! This guy is a radical for Christ! I am going to step out on a limb (branch) and say Steve and I are going to be involved in some events to share Christ to the nations! We ultra believers (those who activly pursue Christ and the building of His Kingdom), need to stick together! The bible tells us we will be looked down on and persecuted but if it's for the Glory of Christ, AMEN!

(Out Of 1 Peter)
A New Life
3-5What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
6-7I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
8-9You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
10-12The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah's Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamored to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
A Future in God
13-16So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
17You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
18-21Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
Amen!
Life is Short, Pray Hard!
Mitch

Faith, Hope, Love

But the greatest of these is Love. The Bible teaches that we can be men and women who believe and proclaim Jesus is Lord, but many are lacking the ingredient that fuels our faith, LOVE. What is love? The Bible tells us that we need to Love God and Love our neighbor as ourselves. If we do this then ALL THE LAWS RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BIBLE are fulfilled! O.K. I got some work to do in my life, I need to Love God more by getting to know and Love Christ, I need to Love my neighbor as myself, now I have to work on that. My neighbor cut down my favorite tree that was barely (inches), more on his property than mine! I have to Love my neighbor who walks over to my garage at 6 am while me and my buds are lifting weights (and probably being a little loud), and gives me the kill look and storms off while I'm tying to ask him if I can help! Oh, and worse, Jesus said our neighbor is not just the guy next to us but the one down the street who has that dog who's always doing business in your yard! Jesus also said that your neighbor can be anyone near or far that you may or may not even know. I'm kinda a mean sucker sometimes, and I know that the company I keep is the person I'll be. If you or the people you surround yourself with are negative and self centered you are probably not going to learn much about real love. Jesus said it's easy to love those we are related to, anyone can do that, but only a few can love those we hardly know. Spending time with Christ is the only way to learn real Love. The kind of Love that is going to please God and change your soul. Jesus is the WAY The TRUTH and The LIFE! Give your burdens to Him, He will always be there, He will Never Leave you or Forsake you, even if you did throw a rock at your neighbors nosey dog and then smile so innocently when you ran in to them at the store!
God Bless, Have more Faith, have more Hope but above all, Love with all your heart!
Blessing,
Mitch

Share your Joy!

Last night I got a call from a young man who has gone through some incredible troubles the past couple of years. Going from standout athlete to convict in one year can crush your soul. As we talked it became apparent that what he really needed at this particular time was to share his story, to remember what God had done for him in his time of need. The bible tells us to recount the times that we know God has intervened in our lives, to tell those stories to glorify Christ and to encourage others. It should not take a cataclysmic event for us to turn our heart to Jesus. If your thankful today, tell someone! Tell Jesus that you are thankful for the blessings in your life today, and if today seems kind of bleak, thank Him for the coming joy. If you believe you will receive. The Bible says God is a rewarder of those that believe. I know that Christ has already done an amazing thing for you, He died a sinners death on the cross. For that alone we should be eternally thankful! Have joy, it is your strength in the Lord!!
Love in Christ,
Mitch

Get Tough

Get Tough:
The Get Tough Men's Conference was Awesome! Bill McCartney gave a great challenge to the men and the response was incredible! I was totally blessed to speak to the men and share what I felt God has been saying to me about the role of a father. The biggest surprise was Gordon Banks. I had not heard of him before this event but WOW, what an exciting preacher! He had some incredible insight into the Lords Prayer and I know everyone in attendance was moved and transformed! He reminded me so much of a man I owe so much to, Johnathan Owens. He sounded so much like him and with the same energy that just moves your soul! What a treat! If you ever need an inspired word from an great man of God Gordon Banks is the MAN!

Moab:
What a great time I had with my great friend Don Odom. He always works so hard to make mountain biking fun. Moab is HARD! I can't wait to go back and settle the score with some of those trails that kicked my behind! I better train hard and get back there next spring.

187

Me in my 20's ,30's and now 40's (O.K. O.K., I haven't been in the skimp suit for awhile)!

I was looking at some pictures of me weighing 187. I was a few days from a contest and in great shape. At 255 right now I know I can loose plenty but to 187? Hmmm... I always used to go low carb and it always works but it's so short term and the rebound is fast. I think that cutting portion size is the way I can loose and keep the weight down. Strength Ministry is over for me and I want to be lean and healthy 4 life! I also want to be a biking machine and at 187 I should rock!

Monday

In less than two weeks I will speak at the "Get Tough" Men's conference with Bill McCartney. Being with the leader of the Promise keeper Movement makes me realize the incredible honor it is to speak to men about getting closer to the Lord.

My guitar playing has hit a wall. I need to get energized, I have not been putting in the practice time. I did play my Gibson for awhile this morning, I admit it was total distortion, always sounds good that way.

Hope to be going to Moab mountain biking this next weekend. It will be awesome hanging with my old buds from Capital Christian Center. Man I miss those days and the innocence of being a new Christian. Love ya Pastor Ken you are a mighty man of God!

Mental Help

Some pics of Preaching the Word, my Beautiful Wife, Mom and Sis and my Great kid Gabe!!





So here is a thought,
How about completely changing our lives at 45. I'm thinking I need a major overhaul. Most of my faithful friends know that I'm a Jesus following, sold out christian soldier. But I am sure I've done allot wrong. First I want to apologize to all those I've hurt by talking Christ and not liven' Him. I can be a little intense (No really!), and I am going to focus more on what I do than what I say. It's funny, seven years in strength ministry and I have seen God do some amazing things. I know there will be many more who hear the gospel though these strongmen for Christ. I just don't think its gonna be me. I'm ready for the next level. I have been getting up between 4:30 and 5:00am almost this whole year to get closer to God. I want to change. I want to be a better husband to my wife who has put up with me leaving for weeks at a time and then dragging her from church to church, whoever will let me speak. I want to be a better father to my son who needs a friend and a mentor. I want to be a better son to my parents who I put through hell the first 21 years of my life. (Well at least from 15 to 21). I want Gods BEST and I want to give others my BEST. My best attention, my best compassion, my best love and friendship. I want to finish one of the 4 books I've started. And I want to serve Christ in the capacity that brings me close to Him and others. I know it's a tall order but I also want to get in the best shape of my life, get a masters degree, do a marathon, a triathlon and buy a 68 Camaro.
Well I gotta go get started!
See you soon.