Simple Prayer

The longer I live the more I am reminded that I am incapable of a lot of things. What can I truly accomplish on my own? When I accepted Jesus as Lord and Master of my life I allowed Him to come in and make some much needed changes. He not only changed my life, but He gave me a sense of purpose, understanding and direction. For the first time in my life the storms of life did not seem so bad. Wow! How awesome is it that the creator of the Universe cares about us. That He reaches down and sets our feet on a solid rock.

I start off each and every day with a simple prayer. I say “God thanks”………..then I reflect on the things that I am thankful for today. I tell Him about it because I want Him to know that I am thankful for what He has done in my life. Why? Because without God I would be a hopeless wreck and I am truly thankful every day that God has given me a brand new day to life out.

I know that I cannot see what tomorrow will bring, and that I am incapable of a lot of things, but I serve a God who cares about me and He is truly capable of all things.

I encourage you to bow down daily and declare “God is awesome, and I am not.” See what a difference it can make in your life.

To He alone be all the praise, honor and glory. Forever and ever Amen!

In Christ,
dave

Tired

Ever hit a wall? Ever feel like you are completely out of gas? I am usually the last guy to ever feel like I have nothing left in the tank. It is a strange feeling for me. Again, I don’t usually run out of gas.

If you are close to me then you already know that I have been walking through more drama in the last few months then I have ever walked through in my entire life. But what makes this time particularly hard for me is that it has been coming from virtually every angle possible. I just finally feel real, real tired. Stacey is the best. She always tries to lift me up, always. Today she reminded me of a simple truth that we both already know and believe; God is still able and He is faithful.

I think that the worst is over but if you think to say a prayer for me, pray that God’s peace and joy rushes in to renew my strength, strength for the road ahead. A fresh new start.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-31

Amazing Grace

That song meant a lot to Grace Mae Shepard, or simply Granny to us. She was truely amazing, everything that a Grandma is supposed to be.

Granny was a simple woman who loved to talk about Jesus. She was always available, always willing to talk and share. She always had a warm smile and a kind word for you. She was always glad to have company and she would never let you leave without a great big hug and saying a word of prayer.

I remember many nights coming home from a late night gig hearing her in her room, waiting up and quietly praying for me. Wow! If not for those prayers and her persistence I may have never accepted Jesus into my life.

So today we have not only lost a loving Grandma, but we have also lost a sister in Christ. A child of God anxious to hear her name called, anxious to finally go home and be with her Jesus.

Praise God for His mercy and His amazing Grace.

We will all miss you Granny!

Grace Mae Culpepper (Shepard) 1921-2009

The vision of You

In my quiet time tonight I felt moved to grab my guitar and sing a song unto the Lord. I just felt led to find a song and sing. No one audience, no one in the room but me. As I searched for the right song for the moment the song "Vision of You" by Shane & Shane came to mind.

As I began to play and sing out to Him, the spirit of God rushed in and stilled my tongue. It became a real and much needed moment for me. A moment for which there were no words. Nothing coming out. Only tears. I was clearly overwhelmed.

If I were able to sing I would have said this to Him....

Come meet us, King Jesus
Oh wind of change blow through this temple
Sweet Spirit of God, come and mend our hearts
For all we have are songs, unless You come

Awaken what’s inside of me, tune my heart to all You are in me
Even though You’re here, God come
And may the vision of You be the death of me,
And even though you’ve given everything, Jesus come

Come free us, King Jesus
It’s the only way that freedom’s given.
From You and You alone, in the work You’ve already done
For all we have are songs, unless You come

Here we are, Lord in this place
Crying out for Your embrace
To hear Your voice, more than songs
Please come, Jesus come

Some how I know He heard every word, if only from my heart.

blessings,

dave

Life at the beach

Today I was sitting on the beach thinking about my kids. You know it really has been amazing watching these kids grow up in what seems like a very short period of time. Today I am also reminded how very different they all are. Four boys, four totally different mindsets.

Adin (2) feels content to fling sand everywhere and sing to himself, occassionally asking for some more water in his bucket and then destroying whatever was recently built in front of him.

Josh (7) bounces back and forth collecting what he sees as rare and priceless shells that the ocean gives up. Trying his hand at a wave or two but never really getting in above his knees.

Caleb (11) took to boogy boarding like it was his job. He is the calm and cool one who could probably spend all day out on the beach if it was not for the fear of getting too much sun.

Zack (14) never really likes to try new things. At first he sat back and watched us boogy board and it didn't look like he was having much fun. Then all of a sudden he was out there with us. Smiling from ear to ear as he caught small waves moving him just a few feet at a time.

You see, some times we just gotta go out there and do something. We can't ever really enjoy life just sitting there and watching it go by. Too many times we take life and even our own family for granted. Sad!

Life is too short to let it slip away. Take a moment and thank God for what you have in life. Then go out and do something about it.

blessings,

dave