Grace Changes Everything

Grace removes the obstacles that keep people from coming to Christ Pastor DJ

The Naked Gardener's Classified Ad

When I was 5 years old, I wanted more cookies.

When I was 10, I wanted to go everywhere my big sister was going.

At age 16, I wanted a later curfew, a homecoming date, a driver’s license and keys to a car.

The endless list of things I’ve wanted over the years include: a master’s degree, a tan, a job, a better job, a raise, a girlfriend, a better …

How2B

I wonder what percentage of our lives we spend being discontent, anxious, unhappy... trying to get to what’s next?

Single—trying to get hitched.

Poor—trying to be rich.

Working this job—trying to get hired for another one.

Young—trying to be old.

Old—trying to be young.

The truth is: there are no perfect people and …

Where You Are Right Now

There are no perfect people.

There are no perfect places.

There is no perfect state of being.

Arriving at that next stage or new season doesn’t make everything perfect.

Challenges, struggles, problems and failures will follow you there.

We easily fall into the trap of pursuing greener grass (which exists in the always elusive elsewhere).

…

Cockroach Droppings

On Sunday, I showed a clip of Billy the Exterminator. He was on the job—dealing with an infestation of cockroaches.

People were squirming and laughing.

Billy began explaining how the younger cockroaches feed on the older cockroaches’ droppings.

The audience really started laughing when Billy said, “The older/bigger ones go crap in the corner, and the younger ones …

Out of the Dirt

He picks up the poor from out of the dirt,

rescues those who’ve been thrown out with the trash...

seats them among the honored guests,

a place of honor among the brightest and best.

Psalm 113.7,8 MSG

I’m thankful for a God who sees beyond my dirt—giving me value and worth.

Been Reading:

Here are some books I’ve been reading (enjoyed & would recommend)...

If Grace Is So Amazing, Why Don’t We Like It? by Donald McCullough

http://www.amazon.…

He Won't Keep a Safe Distance

My daughter and I watched a couple episodes of Billy The Exterminator last night.

That show always makes us laugh... and squirm.

Bugs.

Rodents.

Snakes.

Reptiles.

Infestations.

Mullets.

Braided, beaded chin hair.

Fingerless black leather gloves with spikes.

It&…

Dirty Dusty Dirt

If you were creating a masterpiece, what kind of raw materials would you seek out?

Maybe something unique, of high-quality, refined, rare, valuable...

For some reason, God chose dirty dusty dirt.

Yup.

Dirty. Dusty. Dirt.

His signature masterpiece, the crowning jewel of his creation - was formed from the raw material of dirty dusty dirt.

&…

Favorite Raw Materials

Which would you choose to work with...

Something old and broken?

Or something new and functional?

For some reason, God’s favorite raw materials are chaotic and dark, old and broken.

When the earth was without form and darkness covered everything, the Spirit of God hovered over it and said, “Let there be light.”

God takes darkness …

Gathered

We really are different, aren’t we?

Unique.

Special.

Deserving of the expression, “Well, bless her heart.”

It was God’s crazy idea to gather all different kinds of people and assemble them together as the church - the family of God.

Wouldn’t it have just been simpler to have us all go our own way and do our own thing?

…

What Math Homework & Parenting Have in Common

I enjoyed classes where I could depend more on my talent, charm and good looks than on paying attention...

So, I loved speaking and writing classes.

Math... not so much.

Math class required homework every day.

You have to pay attention.

You have to master every lesson.

You have to “show your …

Don't Put Your Foot Down. Take Their Hand.

Here’s my least favorite parenting method...

Let things get out of control for a long time. Snap. Then go Nazi on your kids.

Ugh.

This never works.

Why do parents give their children ridiculously harmful amounts of freedom and think they can successfully take it all back when they finally decide to put their foot down?

It&…

By the Hand

Let’s just clear the air: there are no perfect parents and there are no perfect kids.

I’m a kid and I’m a parent... and I’m not perfect.

I am blessed to have GOOD parents.

And I really want to be a GOOD parent to my daughter.

Over my 15 years of being a youth pastor, I observed a lot of BAD parenting and witnessed the tragic results of that BAD parenting …

"Bro, My Wife is Gonna Wake up Looking Hot Everyday"

I still remember the conversation.

It was in a van, somewhere near Spokane, WA.

At the time, I had been married for about 10 years.

The van was full of single guys - confidently talking about what they thought marriage would be like.

I got the sense from one guy that he was talking about a “Stepford Wife” - a …

No Perfect People, Marriages, or Families

Let’s be honest, there are no perfect people.

We all have flaws, weaknesses, issues, problems, quirks, shortcomings and failures.

Heck, even Martha Stewart went to jail.

And the very first family - Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel - they messed things up pretty bad.

The Bible doesn’t give us stories of perfect people, marriages or families. Instead, we have raw …

We Laughed, We Sang, We Danced...

There was a party on Sunday, a Welcome Home Party.

We laughed, we sang and we danced the Cha-Cha Slide.

It was a big fun day - fo reals.

30+ vehicles in the car show!

A live DJ deejaying (and no joke, his name is DJ - Daniel Jose).

Cotton Candy. Big inflatable bouncy things. BBQ. Seahawks game opener. Spontaneous electric slide...

<…

We Must Party

Ya ever been commanded to celebrate?

Or told to party?

Yeah, me neither...

However, in the Old Testament, God told his people to party; He commanded them to celebrate.

Of course, we live in the New Testament era.

So... it’s a new day. We have grace and the heavy, impossible burden of the law has been lifted.

Unfortunately, we act as if …

Old Gold: Repost on Lightening Up & Being Serious

This is some old gold... a repost from July 8, 2008 -

“The Importance of Having a Sense of Humor & Being Serious.”

Some people take themselves too seriously and need to lighten up.

Others don’t seem to have the ability to focus and get serious.

The truth is, we need both: we need to have a great sense of humor …

Some Words Don't Go Together

Original + Copy

Act + Naturally

Meteoric + Rise

Non-Dairy + Creamer

Wireless + Cable

Fantasy + Football

Unforgiving + Christian

Boring + Church

Party Rumors Leaking

Rumors are starting to leak out...

There’s a party happening this Sunday.

The Cha-Cha Slide.

BBQ

Cotton Candy.

Car & bike show.

Big inflatables for the kids.

Seahawks game.

Giveaways.

Happy older brothers & sisters.

Younger brothers & sisters returning home.

…

So the Party Began

“So the party began...”

Live music. A feast. Dancing. Celebrating.

When his prodigal son came home, the Father said, “We must celebrate.”

It must have been some party.

As the older brother approached the house, he could hear music and dancing.

When I read this part of the prodigal son story, I’m convinced that we (the church)…

Score-Keeping Loses / Grace Wins

A man had two sons...

The younger son took an early inheritance, broke all the rules, left his family behind and made a big mess of his life. Humbled and broken, he came home looking for a minimum-wage job.

Instead, the Father received his wayward son - as his son.

The younger son’s dignity was restored. He was given authority. He was celebrated.

…

A man had two sons...

The Father wanted both sons to be happily at home: part of the family and personally invested in the future of their estate.

Both sons broke their Father’s heart.

The younger son broke his Father’s heart by leaving home, living foolishly - jeopardizing his own health and well-being.

The older son broke his Father’s heart by being selfish - a score-keeping, …

Where Are Our Younger Brothers & Sisters?

A man had two sons...

The older brother stayed at home and “did everything his father asked.” The younger brother left home with an early inheritance, partied and lost everything (yeah, I’m talking about the story of the Prodigal Son).

Here’s some food for thought:

Perhaps the older brother made life miserable for the younger …

Self-Perceived Status Disorder

A man had two sons...

You know this as the story of the Prodigal Son.

Both sons struggled with “self-perceived status disorder.”

When the younger son (the prodigal) finally came home, he begged for a place in his father’s household as a servant. He perceived his status with his father as completely destroyed or severely diminished.

He …

Two Sons

A man had two sons.

The younger son asked for an early inheritance and left home. He partied, made bad decisions and eventually came to the end of himself. Broke and starving, he decided to come home and beg for a “job” at his father’s estate as a servant.

The father had been watching and waiting for his son’s return. He ran to greet him.

The man ignored his son’s …

Yes it Does!

Today we had our Great Big Backpack Giveaway. Honestly, I was kinda nervous - wondered if anyone would show up. We’ve never done anything quite like this before.

Our intent was to be a blessing to our community, to demonstrate God’s grace in a real way.

The giveaway was a huge success! Two hours before the event was scheduled to start, people started lining up. That line grew and grew. When it was finally time to …

Great Grace Books

I’ve read and enjoyed these books. In my opinion, they’re worth your time and worth their price.

Amazon links included for each book below...

Grace Walk, Steve McVey

http://www.amazon.com/Grace-…

On The Grace Side

Someone changed the world.

Wasn’t satisfied to leave things the way they were...

“God so loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

There is no judgment against anyone …

Confession: I Still Call My Parents "Mommy & Daddy"

Confession:

I still call my parents “Mommy and Daddy.”

No, I’m not from the south. And I’m not trying to be Joel Osteen.

When we were kids, in our family, we called our parents “Mommy and Daddy.”

As I got older, I realized it didn’t sound very grown up or …

Embellished With Religious Lace?

Advertising is created by gifted truth-stretchers, exaggerators, embellishers.

The aim of advertising is to:

1) Get your attention. 2) Emphasize the desirable qualities of the product. 3) Get you to want it / want to buy it

Religion attempts to advertise itself to God.

Religion works to get God’s attention, emphasizes how good it is, tries to …

Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!

I’m a daddy.

I know my little girl’s voice.

it’s precious to me because she is precious to me.

When she was a toddler, I understood what she was saying even when other people couldn’t.

She used to say “alliou” to me.

Maybe you don’t recognize that... but I do.

She was saying “I …

Sine Intermissione Orate

I like my iPhone... still rockin the 3GS right now.

Gonna upgrade to the iPhone 4 someday.

People love to hate on AT&T, saying things like: “terrible service, dropped calls, no signal.”

‘Cause I’ve always been with AT&T, I really don’t know what the service is like with other providers.

I just know my signal strength isn&…

Who You Talkin To?

Ya ever listen to someone praying and wonder who they’re talking to?

Yeah, me neither.

OK, that’s not true. I do. Frequently.

There’s the 1611 Prayer, “Almighty God, we beseech thee...”

Makes me wonder, who you talkin to? The God who really loves Shakespeare?

Then there’s the God’s Name Filler Prayer, &…

Grace People

Grace people laugh easily at themselves.

Grace people are gifted at seeing the best in others.

Grace people pray for their enemies and bless them.

Grace people are calm, flexible and roll with the punches.

Grace people encourage, help and build others.

Grace people embrace change as a way of life.

Grace …

What's Missing Here?

We live in a tired, busy, stressed-out, medicated, broken, hurting culture.

What’s missing here?

Grace.

People in our city don’t need a lecture on how they’re responsible for the pain, suffering and failure in their lives.

They need grace.

Our job isn’t to dish out the blame.

Our job is to serve up grace!

…

500 Backpacks

Last night, 50 people from Fairwood Church went to World Vision’s distribution center to stuff 500 backpacks with school supplies.

It took us 2 hours.

The work party was super fun.

Can’t wait for the Great Big Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 28!

Decapolis Changed

Harry was a hot mess - like a squirrel on meth. He was stressed out, messed-up and disturbed.

He lived in the cemetery. Harry ran around like a madman screaming and howling. He cut himself. And here’s the real kicker... he was naked.

Harry wasn’t a healthy, contributing member of society. He was a menace, a freak-show and a nuisance.

Then one day, Jesus shows up and …

Happy Zach Pays Back

Zach was a white collar crook.

He used his influential position as chief tax collector to take extra money from hard working citizens who were struggling to pay their own bills.

Zach had grown very rich - yet he was despised and hated by most people.

When he heard Jesus was coming through town, he was curious.

Unfortunately, Zach was both late and short.

…

Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear

Have you noticed the warning “objects in mirror are closer than they appear” engraved onto your car’s side mirrors?

On the passenger side of an automobile, a convex mirror is used. This makes object appear smaller than if they were viewed in a flat mirror or looked at directly... this is known as perspective distortion.

I wonder how often we have …

I Can See Clearly Now, The Scales Are Gone

About 12 years ago, I had LASIK surgery on my eyes.

After the surgery, gauze-covered metal shields were taped over my eyes. These shields had to stay on overnight until my follow-up appointment in the morning.

For almost 17 hours, I couldn’t see (because of the shields) and didn’t know if my vision had been improved or not.

It was such …

Spittin Some New Lyrics

MC Saul used to spit some pretty ugly lyrics.

Murderous threats. Ill intentions. Slapping down some serious judgement.

“Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.” (Acts 9.1 NLT)

He saw people outside his tribe as a threat to the establishment.

He was fueled by hatred for the way others believed …

Do You See It?

Ya ever had someone point out something to you, something off in the distance... and you can’t see it?

I feel like this happens to me often.

It’s frustrating. I feel stupid. I’m tempted to just pretend like I see it - even though I don’t.

I bet we do the same thing with God - can’t see what he sees, get frustrated, feel stupid, tempted to pretend...

…

It Floats. It Coats.

Oil and water don’t mix well. The BP Gulf Coast oil spill is quite the visual reminder of this fact.

Oil rises to the surface. It floats. It coats.

Stress does the same thing.

When you’re stressing, freakin, wiggin, trippin, flippin, buggin or tweaking (out)... you can’t really hide it.

It eventually rises to the surface. It floats. It coats.

<…

Even Prophets Need Naptime

Carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders can be both intoxicating and addictive. When doing important work, it’s easy to think...

“I’m working so hard, doing so much - I’m irreplaceable.”

“I’m the only one who sees, understands, and gets it.”

“Without me, everything will fall apart.”

&…

A Hot Mess

One definition of a hot mess - When one’s thoughts or appearance are in a state of disarray but they maintain an undeniable attractiveness or beauty.

Martha was a hot mess.

She looked good on the outside but was freaking out on the inside.

She was running around like a squirrel on meth trying to get everything just right.

The dinner table was perfectly set but she was …

Squirrels on Meth

Squirrels are busy, hardworking, quick and a bit fidgety...

Now, imagine a squirrel on meth:

Anxious.

Super fast.

Stressed out.

Repetitive, obsessive behavior.

Teeth clenching and grinding.

Dark circles under the eyes.

Lack of sleep.

Unpredictable.

Paranoid.

…

Relax

Do you stress, freak out and (over)react to things?

Do you take simple things and make them complicated?

If so... allow God’s grace to change you!

Here’s what Jesus said:

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers - most of which are never even seen - don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

…

Whale Spit

Jonah didn’t like the people of Nineveh. In his opinion, they deserved the worst.

He didn’t want to play any part in extending grace or mercy to “these people.”

He was so turned-off by the Ninevehites, when God called him to go preach to them, he ran...

Opposite direction.

Boat.

Storm.

Thrown in.

…

Looking For A Loophole

The religion scholar had just done a fantastic job of summarizing all the commandments - “Love God with everything you have, everything you are... and love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”

Jesus gave his summary an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

But the religion scholar started to feel trapped. It was a great summary of the law, but did he really want to be held to that standard? …

Devil Horn Glasses

You know those Groucho Marx disguise glasses? The ones with bushy eyebrows, big nose and a Mario-style mustache?

How about Devil Horn glasses? You ever see someone wearing those?

When we look at people, we’re either wearing Devil Horn glasses or God goggles.

Do you see people as God sees them or as are you looking at people the way Satan does?

The Bible …

Grace Brings Out the Best

I remember going to my Scottish great aunt’s house for dinner. Whenever we came over, she prepared the most amazing food and served it on her finest china. I felt like royalty. As a result, I was on my best behavior.

Grace brings out the best in others.

If you treat people the way they deserve to be treated, you just get more of the same behavior.

If …

A Pig in a Wig

No matter how dressed-up and decorated she gets, she is still a pig.

Miss Piggy might have fancy clothing, pearls, perfume, a handbag and salon-styled hair... but none of that changes the fact that she’s a pig.

Religion attempts to do the same thing as Miss Piggy.

It decorates, dresses-up and pretends to be something it isn’t.

Miss Piggy is silly.

<…

A Polished Turd

I once saw a Mythbusters episode where Adam learned the ancient Japanese art of dorodungo - creating hard, shiny, polished balls from dirt and water. The catch? Adam wanted to see if polishing a turd was possible.

Sorry - I know this is gross.

That’s the point. It’s nasty.

A polished, shiny turd is still a turd.

Religion tends to decorate the …

Fifteen Pieces of Flair

I remember this scene in a movie from the late ’90’s...

Joanna (Jennifer Aniston) is a waitress at Chotchkie’s. A customer named Peter asks her to explain what “flair” is.

Joanna answers, “That’s where, you know, suspenders and buttons and all sorts of stuff. We’re, uh, we’re actually required to wear fifteen pieces of flair. It’s quite …

"In These Economic Times..."

I feel like I’ve heard something about “this economy” or “our economic climate” or “in these economic times...” so often that the words have lost significance.

A friend of mine recently joked... Today, instead of saying “NO,” I’ll say “NOT IN THIS ECONOMY” - as in: “You want fries with that?” “Not in …

Fishwich Snack-Pack

I’ve had the responsibility of planning and providing meals for hundreds of teenagers at camps and conferences. This is no small task. I mean, have you seen how teenagers eat?

Trying to feed teenagers on a limited budget is quite the challenge.

200 kids. A week of camp. Thirteen meals provided. $2.75 per meal budgeted. Total food cost: $7,150.

I can’t even begin to imagine the …

Can't Touch This

Remember MC Hammer’s big hit: U Can’t Touch This?

When it comes to the subject of money, many people are singing Hammers’ tune...

It’s private. None of your business. This is between me and God. You talk about money too much.

U can’t touch this.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: Grace Changes Everything.

Grace changes …

Grace has Stones

When a bunch of crusty, mean, self-righteous, religious dirtbags caught a woman in the act of adultery, they pounced at the chance to bring judgment.

In front of a big crowd, they asked Jesus, “The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

They were having the time of their lives... a good old fashioned stoning was about to get underway, and they were confident their question would …

Grace Destroyed 38 Years of Trying

I celebrated my 38th birthday a few months ago. A certain Bible story captured my attention because it features the number “38” - it’s the story of a man who was sick for 38 years...

The Bible doesn’t give the guy’s name, so I’m gonna call him “Phelps.”

Phelps tried everything he could to get better. He spent his days hanging out …

It's not Fair!

I remember playing pickup basketball when I was a kid. Guys would usually “shoot for teams” - until the shooting went on and on for 20 minutes ‘cause nobody could make a free-throw... then we’d start selecting players using the team captain approach.

As the games got underway, new guys would show up and get assigned to a team.

I don’t know why, but it seemed like the last guy …

Your Story, Interrupted

The laws of cause and effect, reciprocity and karma have been interrupted.

Your story (the one you should have based on what you’ve earned or deserve) has been rewritten.

Grace changes the outcome.

Grace steps in and changes everything.

It interrupts, alters, intervenes, modifies, changes, transforms... it rewrites your story!

Paranormal Activity, KCMS & Maritime Ghosts

Recently, someone was telling me about the scariest movie they had every seen.

He said, “Paranormal Activity was so scary, I had to flip on all the lights in the house and turn on Spirit 105.3 KCMS.”

His reaction (turning on all the lights and Christian radio) cracked me up.

I haven’t seen the movie (and won’t), but I …

Fear Sucks

Fear sucks the life, strength and courage right out of you.

It distracts.

It paralyzes.

Grace, however, changes everything.

Grace fills you with new life, strength and courage.

It gives focus.

It mobilizes.

Where Jesus is - there is grace.

“Don’t be afraid... take courage. I am here!” (…

Today's Forecast: Free of Worry / No Room for Fear

When grace shows up in your life, some other things are forced out... like worry and fear.

Grace reminds us that God is good - he loves, gives and forgives.

“God is love.

When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us.

This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home …

Why I'm Bald

Note: this post isn't necessarily all about grace but I think it's still worth sharing.

Yesterday was Father’s Day. It got me thinking about all the things I got from my dad... like baldness. I have the exact same bald patches on my head as my father. I’m pretty sure it’s in the genes.

Another thing I got from m dad: my striking good looks - I’m just a younger version of him.

…

Grace Does...

When you get to know Jesus, you discover what grace is all about.

Know Jesus & you will know grace…

Grace loves, gives & forgives.

Grace changes everything.

Without it, we’re all sunk. But grace is our lifeline.

Grace is the good news.

Grace does what we can’t.

Open That Angry Fist

It’s impossible to remain angry while embracing grace... open that angry fist and get a grip on grace!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words... Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4.31, 32 NLT)

Tantrums, Sulking... and Murder?

You know the story of Cain and Abel, right?

The first kids... Cain was a farmer. His younger brother, Abel, was a herdsman.

The brothers brought offerings to God. Cain brought some produce; Abel brought a firstborn animal from his herd.

God was pleased with Abel’s offering but Cain didn’t get God’s approval. There are many theories and ideas …

Talk to the Hand

Remember the 1990’s’ expression “talk to the hand”? It’s a contemptuous way of expressing rejection, saying “no one is listening to you”. The phrase is usually accompanied by the gesture a traffic cop makes to stop traffic.

Contrast “talk to the hand” with a hug...

“Talk to the hand” communicates angry rejection. A hug communicates …

Bruised Egos & Fire-Breathing

I recently heard a comedian say, “I carry a gun for when I get my feelings hurt.”

My first reaction - giggle.

My second reaction - think about the sad truth of his joke...

Our bruised egos inspire terrible overreactions of spite.

Jesus was rejected at a particular village because He didn’t intend to stay there very long. …

The Horse & the Cart

If you’ve read the New Testament, I’m sure you noticed these words coupled together: “grace and peace.”

“May God give you more and more grace and peace...” (2 Peter 1.2)

It’s always in that order - “grace and peace,” not “peace and grace.” Why? Because that would be putting the cart before the horse.

<…

Trouble-Free Was Never Promised, Overwhelming Victory Was

A trouble-free life was never promised to any of us.

If you’re alive, you’re gonna face some troubles...

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Romans 8.35, 37).

Having troubles doesn’t …

A New View

On Saturday, I ran a half marathon - from Tukwila to Alki. After running a few miles through an industrial area, a new view came into sight: the Seattle skyline.

This new view was in sharp contrast to what I had been looking at. The old view was ugly and cluttered. The new view was majestic, clean and beautiful.

The city skyline was there all along.. I just wasn’t close enough to see it.

…

Learning to Live Freely & Lightly

Listen to people talk... you’ll quickly notice themes (like your computer’s desktop wallpaper / theme):

“Things are really difficult right now.”

“It’s just challenging.”

“Life can be hard, you know?”

-and-

“Things are great!”

“I’m …

A Cult Waiting to Happen

Imagine an airplane that is just a few degrees off it’s course at the start. If it doesn’t adjust, with time and distance, it will end up at a completely different destination than originally intended.

If the church lacks grace - and it doesn’t adjust - with time, it will become something entirely different than originally intended.

A church without grace is a cult waiting to happen.

…

The Signs are Obvious

When the church lacks grace, the signs are obvious:

“us” versus “them” language and attitude

finger-pointing, accusing, condemning and judging

fear of the future; desperately attempting to hold on to the past

defending how “we’re” right and other ministries or churches are wrong

becoming more …

Grace Changes the Church

The church is a cold, dark, cruel place without grace. Yuck!

Without grace...

- the church quickly becomes a place where “insiders” climb the religious ladder of success. From their elevated position, insiders look down on “outsiders” and cast judgement.

- the church points out all the reasons why others don’t …

Some Guy's Evil Toy

This will only make sense along with yesterday’s post: My Daughter’s Evil Toy...

I went to a movie with a friend last night. Good times. Late drive home.

We were on Petrovitsky - a 50mph road that connects Renton and Maple Valley. On a particularly dark stretch of the road, we noticed a wrecked motorcycle and helmet in the ditch.

We parked, got out …

My Daughter's Evil Toy

Two weeks ago, my daughter was playing with her “Skip-it” - a simple looking toy that has a ball connected by a rope to a small hoop.

The hoop goes around your foot. The objective is to swing the ball around in a circular motion and jump over it with your free foot... kinda like jumping over a helicopter blade.

The toy is pink and cute and innocent looking.

…

Something Beautiful

The root meaning of the word grace is “beauty.”

In the New Testament grace means, “God’s unmerited favor.”

Grace is God giving me something I cannot obtain on my own.

Grace is being accepted by God even though I do not deserve it and am not worthy of it.

God gives me grace because He loves me.

…

The Stain on the Couch

Several years ago, we were at my sister-in-law’s home for a family gathering. Someone accidentally spilled grape juice on her denim couch.

Everyone sprung into action - trying to clean up the juice before it stained the couch.

My mother-in-law got a soapy dishtowel and started scrubbing the stain. At first, it seemed to be working - the dark purple color of the stain began to …

New Song: Grace Already Won

We're going to sing a new song this Sunday - "Grace Already Won" by Carlos Whittaker.

Wanna listen to it? http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ragamuffin-soul/id367484742

Here's the lyrics:

Set your eyes on the cross
And your heart will see
There is freedom for us
And victory
Set your hope on this love
And your soul …

Out with the Old & in with the New!

My last home was in Yakima.

My new home is in Maple Valley.

The distance between them is about 130 miles - a little over 2 hours by car.

My old home no longer belongs to me.

The title deed for the new home has my name on it.

Driving to the old home in order to change my clothes or fix something to eat would be an exercise in …

The Game-Changing Message of Grace

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “game-changing”.

Recently, “game-changing” was used to describe Apple’s new iPad. Because it’s such a new product, the jury is still out on whether or not it is a real game-changer.

Will the iPad change how we use computers? Will it change the industry?

I …

Stephanie McNeilly's Comment:

Right now, Grace is helping me get through the tantrums of my two-year-old with love and compassion instead of my usual \"frustrated mommy\" reactions.

Brian Dolleman's Comment:

God's grace has been demonstrated to me thru his understanding, love, kindness, patience, generosity, faithfulness & forgiveness. Now I can give grace to others... demonstrated thru understanding, love, patience, generosity, faithfulness & forgiveness.

Angela Hagebusch's Comment:

12 years ago today my dad was hit by a drunk driver. I'm so thankful for God's grace in my life, which has allowed me to be filled with love and forgiveness, rather than anger and bitterness.

Russ Larson's Comment:

Grace has taught me that it is safe to trust God for my needs. Sunday we were ministering in prayer to a friend concerned about family finances and God gave this verse: Habakkuk 3:17-19.Great encouragement for them, and for all of us. Thanks God!

Shawn Seeley's Comment:

Grace changes who and how I love. Rather than just loving those who deserve, I'm able to love other people unconditionally. Grace changes my attitude toward giving. Instead of hoarding, I can give freely and graciously.

Brian Dolleman's Comment:

Grace is calming. I don't have to be uptight, worried or anxious about my relationship with God. Grace is received - not earned or worked for.

Russ Larson's Comment:

You can give without love, but you can't love without giving.

Amy Carson's Comment:

I was lost without Grace, I see things different and feel better about a lot in my life and know as long as I have Grace all will work out in the end.

Russ Larson's Comment:

Grace has changed my relationship with God. I no longer look at God as a harsh Judge wielding a heavy mallet of the law,to be feared. But now I know him as my loving Father that simply wants a relationship with me and to lead me to places of blessing.

Gillian's Comment:

His grace makes all things and people beautiful! The "unloveable" to the naked eye are now seen in a new light. The light of Christ's love. Flawless and blamless...Oh!...HOW SWEET THAT IS!

Katie Jones's Comment:

Grace has made me rethink the way I see others. None of us are perfect, but through God's grace, that's how He sees us.

Andy Jones's Comment:

The Law exists to show me my faults; it can only produce behavior modification. Grace exists to show me that I am already in right standing with God; it produces life transformation. Grace changes the way I relate to God.

Sheryl Mittleider's Comment:

Grace is what causes temporary deafness and permanent memory loss in those that could have been hurt when I've said something I shouldn't have or expressed a wrong attitude.

Rachel Schoenfeld's Comment:

The first time I remember really knowing God's love for me was the father's day after my dad was killed in Africa. I was missing my dad and crying. I felt God's presence in my room and I could feel his arms around me. He gave me a huge bear hug.

Andy Jones's Comment:

Shari's Comment:

I wake up each morning to discover that I am "more loved by God" and I don't have to live "less loved" trying to earn my good standing with God. Thank you so much!

Russ Larson's Comment:

There was a time when I thought of God as being very stern, serious,and well, humorless. Now I know better. God smiles. He laughs, He loves a good joke and He loves a good party-especially a wedding feast! Think of it- our God smiles.

Denise M. Larson's Comment:

I realize that no one deserves it, but everyone can get it!

Randy Hain's Comment:

Circumstances dictate, you aren't going to find a job, you'll lose your house and everything you have. GRACE says fear not for GOD is with you, GOD has my back. With GOD on my side through His unwarranted grace who can stand against me? No room for fear.

Russ Larson's Comment:

Went to a classic car show yesterday. Lots of beautiful cars-many of them "fully restored". That means they are better than new. Cleaner, shinier, better parts, etc. It occured to me that Jesus does the same for us- fully restores us. Now that's Grace!

Scott Simpson's Comment:

I'm still alive after ink on the white carpet & spraying someone with soda pop (adult life). But's it's more than getting paroled. More like the feeling you get with any awesome gift I didn't deserve. Any attempt to payback is replaced with gratitude.

Shirley Robinson's Comment:

Grace keeps me in a place of gratitude. I am thankful for all God has allowed me to do as a single mom, the time I am able to spend with my children and the provision made available to me through His grace and love. I am aware of His grace daily.

Shari Vallie's Comment:

God's grace loves & accepts me where I'm at. It gives me permission to try again & strength to face challenges. It invites me to discover who God is & who I was created to be. It changes hearts-the more I understand it, the more I desire to give it away.

Shari 's Comment:

I don't live a stressed out life trying to be perfect or change everyone else around me. God is our good Father and He is at work in us. So I can relax and trust His perfect plan. Thank you God- it's fun to be your girl. :)

Russ Larson's Comment:

Grace has made me a giver. Walking in Gods grace has created a heart of generosity and a love to see others get blessed.

Shawn Seeley's Comment:

Grace has changed my anger into understanding and love. Grace has made me more humble. I'd rather be known as loving, humble and understanding than angry, proud and arrogant. Grace is changing my thoughts about God, others and myself, changing my actions.

Stephen Wakefield's Comment:

Grace affects how I view my salvation; instead of "do, do, do" to earn God's love and forgiveness, I know that through Jesus' finished work on the cross it is already "done, done, done." Grace. Changes. Everything.

Russ Larson's Comment:

Grace has impacted my attitude towards people. It is not for me to evaluate people for their worth or usefulness, but rather to simply receive people for what we all are:flawed pilgrims on life's journey, all needing the bread of life: Gods grace.

Brian Dolleman's Comment:

Grace gives me peace... Grace makes me right with God, which means I have peace with God. Because I have peace with God, I have no reason to stress, worry or fear. If God is for me, who can be against me?

Angela Hagebusch's Comment:

Grace is something we all long for. Even those who don't know Jesus. Our job is to show them where it comes from.

Russ Larson's Comment:

Grace covers me with God's warmth and presence: Like those great flannel footy pajamas we wore as toddlers. Grace lets me "cozy up" to God without fear or shame.

Logan Howarth's Comment:

Grace is how God relates to us. He creates us, chooses us, redeems us, and gives us his righteousness. Grace gives us a relationship with Jesus, which is above everything. We are faithful when we receive Grace!

Brian Dolleman's Comment:

Grace puts a smile on my face because I know God loves me & has good in store for me.

Pastor Russ's Comment:

Grace has taught me to look for the "Jesus" in people. Some folks are challenging for me (I suppose that some people find ME challenging, too), but viewing people without judgment,or by my expectations, lets me to love and accept even challenging folks

Andy Jones's Comment:

God's Grace carries me through the difficulties that come my way. I know it's not God's judgment or wrath that cause bad things to happen. His judgment was emptied on His Son at the Cross. Grace allows me to love, hope, & depend on Him through it all.

Shari Dolleman's Comment:

I can relax & be me & enjoy life with God as my creator, cheerleader, best friend, healer & restorer. I have hope for others too & can live in a way that encourages them & builds them up.

Russ Larson's Comment:

"Grace is a verb" I used to think that grace was basically passive, that it was all about simply receiving.Then I discovered grace to be the great motivator-as I understand the cost of grace, I feel compelled to respond with loving,thankful, service.

Shawn Seeley's Comment:

If we, as fallible people, fail to meet our own standards, how can we expect to meet the perfect standards of a perfect God? We need grace (free, unmerited, unearned favor and blessings).

Russ Larson's Comment:

I used to think of Grace in a basically pragmatic way: it freed me from legalism & perfectionism, and allowed me to live daily with hope and joy. Good things all.But now I see what grace is about- I am free to love God-without barriers or reservation.

Christine Welker's Comment:

Grace makes me more accepting of others. It teaches me to see others the way Jesus sees them. Grace has shown me that God can show his Grace through a small and innocent and by the worlds standards an imperfect child but by God's standards beautiful.

Pastor Russ's Comment:

"Be OK with foibles and flaws"-Anne Lamott. I used to be a perfectionist. It served me well in sports, music, and school. But it betrayed me in relationships. Now I have learned to love myself and others-flawed and imperfect, but all beloved of God.

Laura Sprague's Comment:

God's Grace has shown me that it doesn't matter who I've been or what I've done. Because of His love & Jesus' death on the cross for me, I'm able to come to Him & He forgives me. It's by Grace that I'm saved! It\'s a precious, undeserved gift given to all!

Stephani Rasmussen's Comment:

God's grace has shown me the savior that I needed. And He continually and gently reminds me of my need to show grace to others in love and reference for what He did for me. He remains gracious to me as I too slowly learn this.

Pam Chester's Comment:

The grace that God gives has allowed me to be freed from the obstacles of the past and allowed me to let HIM into my heart and move forward with a warmth in my heart and soul... GRACE SAVES!

Shawn Seeley's Comment:

I have right standing with God and I know he will never leave me, condemn me, or stop loving me; not because of anything I have done or am doing or ever will do, but because Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins.

Pastor Brian's Comment:

Instead of depending on myself to be righteous (which always leads to failure & frustration), now I depend on Him to make me righteous (which leads to freedom & joy). Grace has changed my failure to freedom and my frustration to joy

Pastor DJ's Comment:

Grace removes the obstacles that keep people from coming to Christ

Joseph Prince's Comment:

Knowing that you are completely forgiven destroys the power of sin in your life.

Pastor Russ's Comment:

Our faith never begins with what we do for God. It always starts with what God has done for us

Sep 12
The Tale of Two Sons (Welcome Home)

Sep 5
The Tale of Two Sons

Aug 29
Grace Changes the World

Aug 22
Grace Changes How We Pray

Aug 15
Grace Changes Our City

Aug 8
Grace Changes Our Focus