After a long week of moving Rubbermaid’s and boxes we are finally home in a cabin more than 100 years old. I should say I wouldn’t wish moving on anyone but during this move we learned something really important. When we started packing my wife asked, “Should we keep this?” at least 50 times. My reply was usually, “Of course we want to keep it, we may need it”; whatever IT happened to be. Then 5 days before the movers were scheduled to arrive and after 40 boxes had been neatly packed and taped, I met Ken. Ken was with the company we chose to move and store our heavier items and remaining boxes we couldn’t lift or take to the cabin. He had come to give us an estimate.

The first thing I noticed when Ken stepped out of his car was a big smile. Then, after a brief introduction, we walked in the garage which held some of our already packed boxes. The next thing out of his mouth was, “You need to purge”. What?! I didn’t hire this company to tell me to get rid of stuff. They were supposed to move it. But I listened. He convinced me we were holding on to stuff we didn’t need or really want for that matter. I tried telling him we had already given a few things away but he said we still had a ways to go. When he left I called my wife and told her what Ken had suggested. I was surprised when she agreed we should start purging right away. Maybe they were in this together?

Nonetheless, we went through every box and started a give away and throw away pile.  Our boxes of neatly packed books went from 16 to 5. And it didn’t stop there. Before we were done 1 couch, 1 grill, 200 beanie babies, 8 sheets of uncut NASCAR trading cards I’ve kept for 20 years, bags of clothes, 13 pairs of shoes, 2 basketballs, 3 helmets, artwork, hundreds of CD’s, our kitchen table, a piece of furniture someone decided to call a Highboy, a nightstand, a freezer, movies, unopened cassettes, 1 large T.V., our front loading washer/dryer, a 7-foot Christmas tree, boxes of dishes, 2 beds, 5 pillows, a weed-eater, 1 electric hedge trimmer, a rake, a shovel, tools I’ve never used, lamps, mirrors and several chairs all found a new home. Funny thing is, I don’t miss any of it. We’ve since discussed a few items that we should have added to the list. I’ll admit we’ve also looked around for a couple things that we now remember giving away. It’s all good. It’s just stuff.

Fact is, our spiritual life can look similar at times. We hold on to a grudge and box it up should we need to remind ourselves of a past hurt. Talking about others becomes like dust that accumulates slowly turning us into bitter, old people. Secrets stay hidden, until they end up cluttering and ruining our lives. Why? It’s just what people seem to be good at.

I say it’s time to purge. It’s time to do an inventory and rid ourselves of anything that comes between us and God. Sometimes it’s our stuff that we think so highly of. Sometimes it’s our attitude or a car. Whatever it is, release it and walk towards God. The closer you get to Him the more your stuff will seem insignificant and the more He will become clearly the most important thing in your life. While we’re at it though, let’s give some more stuff away. I’m starting with a leather jacket I haven’t worn in 2 years.

Until next time,

Regi

 

 

Can you imagine hearing God sing over you? Can you picture Him rejoicing over you? What must that sound like? Look like? Take a moment and close your eyes and imagine. Allow your mind to picture the God of the Universe dancing, rejoicing and singing. Over you! Several years ago I didn’t know a verse existed that mentioned God singing. But tucked away in the third chapter of Zephaniah, verse 17, it was there all along.

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Wow. Think about it. Why would God, who is perfect, sing and rejoice over us when we aren’t? I know we’re his children but as kids I don’t think any of us remember our parents singing and rejoicing over us right after we disappointed them. Do we? I love that His promise isn’t based on what we do. It’s just what He does.

This blog is purposefully short. It doesn’t come with 3 points and a prayer. It’s simply here to remind you of the great truth found in this verse. If it’s the first time you’ve been introduced to the idea that God sings, welcome to another one of God’s blessings.

Put your trust in Him and know that even when you’ve had a tough day, or when you’ve failed him, He still sings over you. Here’s a link to a song written from this scripture. It’s also a free download if you’d like.

http://registone.bandcamp.com/track/god-is-singing-over-me

The scripture is full of powerful examples on the subject of worship. One of my favorite passages takes place in Genesis 22. It’s where God calls Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on an altar. Unbelievable! What really catches my attention is what Abraham said in verse 5 when he finally arrived at the place God had led him. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”  Wow! We will come back to you? We will worship? I’m certainly not an expert on worship but that has to be one of the most sacrificial and confident examples of worship found in the Bible. It’s quiet obvious that Abraham knew God’s voice. And without questioning why. That’s a relationship with depth that only comes from spending lots of time in someone’s presence.

Then of course there’s King David, another worshiper who wrote music unto the Lord. The book of Psalm is full of examples of him bringing worship to the Lord regardless if he was exuberant or in total despair. I want to worship like that. So, recently I decided to enhance my worship by writing out scripture every day for a month. I’m not sure what I thought writing it would do, but so often when I read scripture I’m on verse 13 before I realize it, and I have no idea what the 12 verses before even said. So, I chose Proverbs, mainly because I was in process of praying for wisdom. When I started writing, God’s voice didn’t fill the room. I didn’t light up like a light bulb. Angels didn’t appear in the air above me. But I did connect in a tangible way with God’s word. I read verses I’d only glanced over in previous attempts at reading through the Bible. Our worship is a journey that takes different paths depending on where we are each day. So, I encourage you to find time to get alone with God’s word and you just may find something amazing take place. The scripture will become alive to you. And I promise that will change your worship.

I’m excited my wife Kimberlee has written Part 4 of this story. If you haven’t read the first 3 parts then I’d encourage you to stop here and read those first.

The phone call from Regi came out of nowhere. I was in the bathroom putting make-up on to go to my job selling make-up. Life was miserable. And I sure didn’t want to hear my cheery husband calling from an exotic location where he’d probably ordered room service the night before while I ate a bologna sandwich. (Okay, so Kansas isn’t exactly exotic, but at the time, anywhere was better than the hole I was in.)

To top things off, he called with a story about a baby. The last thing this woman dealing with infertility wanted to hear was about some rosy-cheeked baby he held between services so I tuned him out. I don’t know at what point I started listening, but I remember sitting down as my freshly applied mascara turned into big black tears. As if God were whispering in my ear, I suddenly knew this baby girl would be ours.

Two years earlier, my doctor confirmed my suspicions of infertility. So after many tests, my last option was outpatient surgery. All I remember as I lay in the recovery room is Regi telling me that it would be nearly impossible for me to have a baby. Instantly everything became clear. God had kept a record of my sins. Every scripture I’d ever highlighted in bright yellow had been a big lie. Too angry to cry all my tears, I determined that when the Big Guy and I got alone, we’d have it out once and for all.

You know that feeling you get when your electricity goes out on a night when the moon is hidden by clouds? That’s what the next two years were for me. Anger. Tears. Guilt. More tears. Ugly, ugly night. Eventually I would learn that the darkness has to come in order to give way to the light. It was during this time that I found my way to a 13-week Bible study and embarked on a journey of learning about God in a whole new way. A funny thing happened when I got honest with myself and God—my heart began to heal. Finally, two years later, I began letting go of things that I had no right to carry.

And the lights came back on.

I stood firm in my faith and acceptance of God’s love for me just the way I was. I found scripture I never knew existed. And I wrote through the pain. Before long, it was the beginning of a new year and I believed in my heart that I would become a mom this year, that my body would be healed this year. The days came and went, with nothing. Again I questioned…Are you there, God? It’s me, Kim.” I even tried to take back all the anger and guilt I had given Him, but He couldn’t remember where He put it! Helpless, I looked up and said, “What are you gonna do? Drop a baby out of Heaven into my arms?”

I guess you could say that’s what He had in mind.

Upon returning from Kansas, the man who had never even discussed adoption with me could hardly be contained. We wrote some letters, scrounged up the best pictures of family we could find, and took pictures of an empty room that we hoped would be filled, before sealing our dreams in a FedEx envelope. We waited for one very long week until the phone rang at 11:00 p.m. on April 15^th. Thankfully, it wasn’t the IRS.

It was JoAnn, an angel from heaven in the form of a social worker. She told Regi, “Before you go to sleep tonight think pink. You’re going to be a father.” She said something to me next but all I remember is hearing the word “Mommy” and then crying. This time, the tears didn’t hurt.

We headed to Kansas on July 4^th and by the next day we were at the hospital awaiting our precious daughter to be born. It seems crazy that we shared so much laughter and excitement with the birth parents and their siblings, parents, friends, and my sister who flew in from Florida. But it was like a puzzle taking shape before our eyes. No fear. No doubts. No anxiety. Just peace as the pieces began to take shape.

When my baby girl was placed into my arms for the first time, it was like the hand of God was handing her to me. She looked at me and all I heard God say was, “See how much I love you? You had to wait because your gift wasn’t ready. I’ve never left you. I’ve never turned a deaf ear to you. And I haven’t punished you like you thought you deserved. Don’t ever forget how much I love you.”

I assure you that the road to Kansas and finding my way to being a mom was a difficult one. I felt so forgotten, so unloved, and so disgusted with myself that I didn’t think there was any hope for my dreams to come true. I know now that the path God carves for us in the mud sometimes takes a completely different route than we imagined. You can’t be afraid to trust where He leads just because you might get a little dirty. Do you need to hear from Him? Then search for Him with your whole heart. I remember praying that someone would come my way who could help me through my depression, who I could talk to when the pain got unbearable, who would simply understand me. Know what I heard God say? “I’m not sending anyone to help. This is about you and Me.” And it was in His true faithfulness that God met me, at my lowest pit and changed my life for good. Oh, I’m grateful for the children that call me Mom. I’m grateful for my husband who obediently went to Kansas because he thought he was there to sing a few songs. I’m eternally grateful for the brave girls who chose life and gave us the privilege of becoming parents.

But more than that, I am forever grateful to a merciful Father who loves me. Who works all things together for my good. Who never leaves me or forsakes me, and who doesn’t deal with me according to my sin or repay me according to my iniquities.

He has written a story we’ll never get tired of telling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some years ago we found out we couldn’t have children. That was tough to hear. And living with that reality was even harder. We thought the first Laparoscopy would take care of everything. Then the second. And yet a third. Have you ever gotten your hopes up only to have them dashed like waves against a rock wall? It leaves you breathless. Unsure of how to cope or communicate. You make decisions you wouldn’t ordinarily and life feels like a fog that won’t lift. That was our world for two years.

“When are you guys going to have kids?” This was the question we heard more than too many times. Baby shower invitations were difficult to open and it wasn’t long before depression moved in like a cloud over our home. Been there? Writing about it brings up memories of great difficulty but living on this side of pain reminds me just how far God has brought us.

I traveled almost every weekend during those years which left my wife home alone. Alone, to deal with the pain. Even when I was home I wasn’t present when it came to discussing children. I can’t find any explanation why I didn’t communicate with her, but I didn’t and time dredged on. One particular weekend I was at an event when a gentleman approached me and introduced himself as Pastor Joe. He asked about my family and then the question came. Do you all have children? I told him we didn’t and then for some reason I told him we couldn’t have children. I didn’t mean to tell him it just sort of spilled out before I realized it. He said he was sorry and told me he and his wife had struggled with infertility year earlier but that God had blessed them with a beautiful baby girl through adoption. He told me with a smile, that they now were enjoying their grandchildren. Before he left he asked me to contact him to discuss coming to his church as music guest. Since he had never heard me sing or play, I figured it was a nice gesture and that I’d never see him again.

Six months later I contacted Pastor Joe and was invited to a 4-day conference at their church. I didn’t realize meeting him in the midst of thousands of people would be the beginning of a truly amazing story.

Part 2: https://www.registone.com/2012/05/you-cant-have-children-part-2/

Regi

 

Recently I was saying prayers with my 9 year old. Actually, he started the prayer like this: “Dear Lord, thank You for Mom, Dad, Sophie, me, Roxy (our dog), Java (our dog who went to doggie heaven last year) and everything and everybody in the whole entire world.  Amen.” Short and sweet. I asked if he’d like to be more specific. He said, “Dad, I just prayed for everybody and everything in the whole entire world. I think that just about covers it.” He always makes me smile.

I lay there for another minute until it was very quiet. Then he asked, “What does Heaven look like?” He said he’d like to cut a hole in his ceiling and peer into heaven. Wow. I don’t remember ever wishing that. I stayed to see what else he’d like to discuss. With passion in his voice he said, “Dad, I’m so anxious to see it.” I didn’t know what to say. We talked for a few more minutes before I headed back downstairs. When did I stop longing for Heaven and start settling for what Earth has to offer? I mean, I like it here but it’s almost like we’ve created our own little heaven on Earth. Of course I’m not suggesting that we start ‘hating’ life. But, it’s with the understanding, as Paul suggests, that living here on Earth is like sleeping in a tent.

But do we really see it that way? I have a Tempurpedic bed with cozy pillows and blankets. I drive a nice car to a comfortable office with flat screen T.V.’s and cushy furniture. I talk on an iPhone, use an iPad and iMac, and eat good food. What about that compares to sleeping in a tent? However, when we read John’s description in Revelation 21:10-27 we get a different picture. Jasper, gold, pearl, and every other precious stone you can imagine. No tears. No sickness. No IRS. No toothache. No worry. No allergy. No autism. No heart attacks.

Can you imagine?

No tragedy. No death. No bugs. No job loss. No depression. No infertility. No abortions. No denominations. No fighting. No debt. No embarrassment. No surgery. No cancer. No homelessness. No abuse. No divorce.

Are you getting it yet?

Heaven is different. Really different! But how how often do you think about Heaven? Take 5 minutes and write down all the things that you won’t miss about the Earth. You may find yourself realizing you’re living in a strange place that’s not your home.

Until next time,

Regi

 

 

 

What do you do when you feel like throwing in the towel?

A couple years ago I was on a plane heading to a conference when I struck up a conversation with Gene, sitting next to me. The flight was nearly 4 hours long so we had plenty of time to solve most of the world’s problems and a few of our own. “What do you enjoy doing” I asked. Running, was his answer. I smiled and told him about the 1/2 marathon I had run the year before. He smiled and told me about the 41 marathons he has run. Full marathons. I couldn’t believe it. As we settled in to our trip we talked about our families and shared pictures of our kids. His last picture he shared was a picture of his wife. I said she’s beautiful. He thanked me and then told me she had passed away just 2 years before. My heart sank. “I’m sorry” I said. He smiled again with a thanks.

Gene had such a calmness when he spoke. He smiled as if it was second nature. How could he be so happy when he had suffered such pain, I wondered? He talked of faith but I couldn’t imagine the difficulty he’d been through. And, with 3 children to raise on his own. I asked him if he ever wanted to give up. He answered by saying that running gave him a way to talk with God both when he was angry and calm. But how do you run through pain? He had mentioned earlier that in 30 years he’s probably only missed 3 weeks of running. What??? I asked him what his secret is and he shared it with me. It’s going to seem so easy when you read this but I promise you it’s the hardest part. At least Gene told me it’s the hardest part of all. Ready? Here it is.

You’ve got to get out the door. See! What did I tell you? Sounds easy right?

So what has you wanting to throw in the towel? Are you a worship leader who is weary? Do you have an addiction you can’t seem to shake? Do you live with fear? Do you worry all the time? Are you angry? You have to get moving. Dave Ramsey, who many of you know says when you lose your job you need to start working out. Don’t let your rear become attached to your couch. Get moving!

Prayer is always a great thing to add to your life. Reading God’s word is another component that adds life to your soul. Forgiveness is another great way to start. Addictions can be overcome through Jesus Christ and by seeking professional help. Get involved in a vibrant church. Yes vibrant and preferably not dead. Chances you know someone like Gene or maybe it’s you. I encourage you to get out the door and start living. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it count!

Until next time,

Regi

I’m sitting in the living room enjoying a cup of coffee. It’s quiet. It’s early. While I relish this peacefulness, in the next room my son is sleeping and from the kitchen I can hear a gentle whooshing sound coming from the dishwasher.  It’s really quiet. Usually by this time most of the day has been planned. A box that needs to be packed (we’re moving) or lights that need to be replaced 22 feet in the air, a room that needs cleaning or a car that needs a good wash. Hang on let me pause to get back to the quiet. Okay. That’s good. I almost got a little worked up there. Breathe in. Breathe out. There. Where was I? Ah yes, I can hear birds chirping outside. My coffee is perfect. The dog is sleeping on the couch beside me. There are no plans for the day. Bliss. But I have a guilty feeling engulfing my thoughts. 

Why can’t we find time to sit in the quiet without feeling guilty? Is it some perceived expectation someone has of us? Is success only achieved by those who work non stop? I’m certainly not suggesting that hard work doesn’t pay off. It usually does. But what I’m suggesting is that hard work requires moments of rest too.  I find when I’m working without much rest my creativeness comes to a standstill. I lose the desire to think beyond the mundane. But here surrounded by the silence there is a strength found in the calm. Don’t believe me? Try it sometime. It may take you a few times before you recognize the importance of your mind and especially your body unplugging. The first time you will probably get up after 5 minutes because you’ll feel uncomfortable in a space you aren’t used to. The first time I tried unplugging I lasted all of 10 minutes before running to my phone to see what this craziness had caused me to miss. Nothing but a few tweets, a few emails and one missed phone call. All I missed that day was the opportunity to learn how important unplugging really is. 

Many of you reading this may start your morning late which shifts into overdrive because now you’re hurrying to work or a meeting or getting the kids off to school. The tweets have to be checked. Facebook messages have to be read. Now you’re in the car with music and advertisements coming your way one after the other and then you’re at the office and before you know it you’re back home to start all over again.Some won’t make it this far in this blog because they couldn’t imagine trying to unplug anything. For those of you still here we’re almost there. I dare you to try this. Take one morning each week for one month and don’t check email, phone, Twitter or Facebook until after lunch. You’ll be amazed how much you’ll enjoy your lunch without your flipping phone.  During your unplugged morning find a place to take a blank agenda and be alone in the quiet. You may enjoy it so much you’ll add more unplugged days to your week. I’d love to hear how your mornings go.