Get Naked for Jesus

Interesting title eh?  But as I was reading through the book of Genesis and the Creation account it hit me.

Genesis 3, tells us that when Adam and Eve sinned they realized they were naked and ashamed of it.  So they hid! God looked for them (although He already knew what happened) and asked why they were hiding.  Adam, said "God we are naked and we are ashamed."  And then the blame game began.

What I realized reading through this is that God created them naked for a reason.  Because it's within the nakedness that nothing can be hidden.  I believe that being naked before God means that we are willing to be so transparent and so open that there is nothing hidden from God.  What's cool is that when Adam confessed to God what he and Eve had done, God provided for them.  He clothed them!

So are you willing to put aside yourself and be completely naked for Jesus!  What a revolution that would create!

Lessons in the Air

I enjoy flying and seem to know quite a bit about getting through an airport. I also know how to spot weather while flying. As I was mid-flight from Charleston to Washington D.C. I happened to notice the clouds

It was a perfectly clear and absolutely picture perfect morning. The kind you wish that you were an artist so that you could paint the picture. Midnight blue sky, with twinkles of stars. The sun just beginning to come over the horizon. And then the clouds appeared.

Dark, thick, and very uninviting. I knew we had to go through them to get where we needed to go, but I knew that turbulence would be inevitable. Sure enough on came the turbulence.

I was reminded of points in life when life seemed to be so good, so clear, and so calm. But the clouds appear and things get a little shaky. Jesus is there! He knows exactly how and when to calm the storm. He did it for the disciples while they were out on their boat, and he does it for his children when they need Him!

If your going through a storm, let Jesus calm it. If life is fine and dandy, let Jesus have it because a storm is just around the corner.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Piercing

I've had several people over the past several years ask my about my piercing that I have through my ear.  I have a very good explanation for it and thought it was time to share with some of you.  It is very personal and very spiritual for me...so here's the reason behind my one (AND ONLY) piercing.

I've always wanted my ear pierced, don't know why, just did.  I guess because a lot of my friends growing up had theirs done and my parents would never let me get it done.  SO I turned 18 my parents were away on a mini vacation and I went to my cousins house and she pierced my cartilage.  I seriously did it to tick my parents off, but when my parents got home...my Mom looked at me and she decided that she kind of liked it!  So, I did what any good kid would do who was trying to get under their parents skin, I took it out.

That was that.

2002 rolls around and I happened to stumble across Exodus 21:5-6.  When reading this it kind of caught my attention so I started researching what in the world was going on.  At the time I had been a Christian for about 7 years.  I discovered that Slaves served for seven years and if their master had been very good to them they could choose to stay with them.  If they stayed their ear was pierced.  I decided that I wanted to make a commitment to my Master!  My Master has been real good to me so I pierced my ear.  

I actually had an allergic reaction to the type of metal that my ear was pierced with so I took it out for a couple of years. Cyndi encouraged me to get it done again around our one year anniversary so I did.  Plain and simple I like it, it means a lot to me.  My Master is still good!

My Year So Far

2009 is in full swing and I am being blown away!

I decided that I was going to read the entire Bible in 2009.  It is something that I have never done and it is a BIG challenge for me.  So I logged onto my YouVersion account to take part in their New Year's Resolution - Read the Whole Bible!  And I am having a blast reading.  I am currently going through the books of Genesis, Psalm, and Matthew.  It is amazing to see how each book actually fits together in God's plans for His people (I will post more on this later).

Cyndi and I have been so blessed by friend's and family already this year.  In just a few short weeks we are going to be welcoming either Micaiah Jacob Brown or Peyton Renee Lee Brown into our home.  The blessings of clothes, crib, car seats, etc. are just so overwhelming.  We see how God truly works everything out for His good and I cannot wait to meet this little one that God is entrusting us with.

I'm also working on a project in which I need the help of anyone and everyone who is married. I am looking for your comments/stories/observations in married life that could be relayed to individuals just starting out in their first year of marriage.   They can be funny stories, serious moments, things that you have learned along the way, etc.  ANYTHING!  You can either post them in a response to my blog or email me, facebook me, or twitter to me!

I am having so much fun and have already been blessed in 2009...I cannot wait to see what GOD is going to do this year!

2008 in Review

Between a historic Presidential election, a huge economic crisis, and a world record breaking summer olympics, 2008 has been quite a year!

Here are my top memories/thoughts for 2008, broken down month to month.

Jan.

Under a Ton of Spiritual Warfare and God ROCKED my WORLD!

Feb.

Stepped down from the Church I was at in faith.  Had no financial security lined up.  But knew it was what God wanted me to do.

April

Spent some time in Jamaica

May

Celebrated my very 1st Wedding Anniversary with the greatest person in the world.

July

Went home to Indiana for a visit.  While there my friend Bryan who has had Cystic Fibrosis all of his life passed away.  Knew without a shadow of a doubt that he is hanging with Jesus!  

Aug.

God opened a door for a job as well as getting a student ministry started at the church we were attending!

Oct.

Cyndi and I witnessed our friends John and Jamie get engaged!  Went spent some much needed time in Jamaica with our little girl.  Also started the adoption process of Monecia. Moved to a lot cheaper place with a lot more space.

Nov.

Received news that we are also going to be adopting a newborn...due in Jan.  Had our first Thanksgiving ever at our home, lots of family and friends!  Celebrated Cyndi's 25th birthday!  GREAT MONTH!

Dec.

Had an awesome Christmas!  Stayed home for Christmas (first time for that too).  My Granny (grandma) passed away.  I performed the service.  Know that she is hanging with my friend Bryan but kicking it with Jesus.  Spent time with my family and celebrated a great year.

Okay, so my life may not be too exciting but this year in summary has been all about Jesus and my family!  I grew so much closer to Jesus (read through 12 Books of the Bible in detail) and spent a ton of time in prayer!  God has been opening doors and looks like He is opening even more in 2009!  But my family has also been a big part of 2008 and now we are going to increase our family in 2009!  GOD IS GREAT!