Last night, for the first time in about 2 months or so, Christina and I got away for a "date night." First let me say, spending family time with us and Lil' is of utmost importance, but we also feel like spending some "us time" is also important. So, Grandma & Grandpa watched Lil' for the night and we went out on a date. Our first stop - Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise.

It was good. Christina had the famous mini-Cheeseburgers and I had the wonderful Baja Burger, complete with Jalapenos and Salsa instead of Ketchup. I also had a Strawberry Lemonade (with real Strawberries, of course. I mean, Jimmy Buffet wouldn't have it any other way!)

It was good. Entertainging, fun, and generally enjoyable. However, I must take issue with the movie's ending. SPOILER AHEAD!!!!

About two-thirds of the way through, Nick Cage and the crew began the entrance into this incredibly hidden cave to find the City of Gold. They have to go through many obstacles and clues to get through - you know, the classic "hanging from a cliff, about to drop" things. And they funally find it, but must escape. Under one of the Golden buildings, there's a tunnel that the water is flowing through - and long story short, they walk through it - about 20 feet, to daylight. So, the obvious thought is, why didn't they just come through that tunnel? And why hadn't anyone else found this "lost city" I mean, duh. So it was a serious with-holding of disbelief that helped me get through that part. And of course, there will be a third movie.

I'd say that we had a very fun time, and I look forward to next month's date night!

Tragedy, it's a fact of life. That doesn't mean it's normal, pleasant, or even acceptable. It only means that it happens. But why? Why do bad things happen in this world? I can't tell you all how many times I've been asked that question - and how many times I've asked this question myself.

About 2 years or so ago, my wife and I suffered a miscarriage. Our child died in her womb. And even though it was early on in the pregnancy, we still felt as though we lost a child, because we did. My wife's mother just passed away this last Saturday. She was only 45. Bad things, terrible things happen in our lives. They do. It is painful. It isn't easy. Often times, it seems impossible to get through.

And the only thing I can say, and I don't mean to belittle any tragedy you or I or anyone has went through - is this: We live in a fallen world - a world that is drenched in sin & death. And even though God is in control (i'm confident he is), these terrible things still happen.

If you're reading this, and looking for an answer - I don't have one. I often wonder why God allows these terrible things to happen. But I know that he sees everything, and has a plan. I know that I can trust him. I know because his Word says so, and I believe it. I know that if I put Him first, he'll take care of everything. And I know that if I love him, he'll work ALL things out for good.

In the midst of tragedy, it often seems impossible to see God's hand. But keep looking. Keep praying. Keep serving, and keep loving Him.

Does that mean you shouldn't grieve? Not at all! You need to. I need to. We all need to. And it's ok to ask God those questions. "Why?" Why this, why that. But keep in mind, we may never know.

I may never know why God allowed our child to die before he was even born. But I do know that one day, I'll get to meet him, hold him, and kiss him. One day, in paradise, I'll get to be with him. And I know that until then, he's being taken care of.

The truth is, I still cry about that - and it was two years ago. But I know that God is in control. God sees the big picture, and he will never leave us or forsake us.

So, be strong - God strong. It's only by His strength that I can get through each and every day.

Blessings & Love,
Pastor Elgin

Let me as a question. Do you care what people think of you? If you're normal - you do. My flesh is always seeking approval of people. And I hate that. I keep hearing how people are or have been disappointed in me or you or whoever - and the buck stops here. It doesn't matter what people think of me! It doesn't matter what people think of you! It ONLY matters what GOD thinks of me! And everything I do from here on out - I do ONLY for the Lord. I'm sick of getting down on myself when I hear that so-and-so is dissapointed or aggrivated with me. If you're reading this, you may be thinking that I'm mad at people. I'm not. I'm mad at myself for letting myself be governed by what people think of me. I'm sick of working for the approval of men - and I shall do so no longer. Seem radical? Seem a bit angered or over-the-edge?

Read 1Thess. 2:4-6
⁴On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. ⁵You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. ⁶We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

God's opinion is really the only one that matters. So, can I put my head to rest at night, knowing I've done everything for the Lord? That's the question. I do not any longer seek praise or compliments from people. I only seek approval from God.

Finally, I leave you all with another scripture.

Galations 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

If I seek to please men, I am no longer a servant of Christ. I will not let that happen to me - don't you let that happen to you.

In Christ Alone,
Pastor Elgin

*sigh* Times are tough. Times. Are. Tough. Trouble hits us left and right, and it is SO easy to get discouraged. I know - I've been there, as I'm sure most everyone has been. And if you haven't, just wait. :) Just a few Sundays ago, we had an evangelist by the name of Joshua Sullivan preach at our church - and boy was it incredible. There were many things that he said that really spoke to me, but one stood out more than others - and just today I was reminded of it when I read a blog that a wonderful Jesus-loving friend of mine wrote. I won't mention her name, because I didn't ask permission. But she reminded me of what he said - and it came and the best time, because - boy have I felt pretty junky today. Anyways, Joshua asked us if we were "enjoying the journey". By that, of course, he was referring to the journey of following Christ. And to be honest, sometimes I am, but sometimes I'm not.

I will second what my friend said in her blog - I hate when "Christians" act no different than non-Christians. And when I encounter people like that - it makes it hard to find unity in the body of Christ. I realize that we're all different, and none of us are perfect, but it still bugs me to no end!

And so I started thinking - how do I enjoy the journey - even when I sometimes don't enjoy the journeymen & journeywomen? I think there's really only one way. Hebrews 12:2 says "fix your eyes on Christ." And that's what we should do. We shouldn't look to have faith in each other, or our circumstances - but in Christ alone. And you know, when we do that, we'll fall so much in love with Him that our love will rub off on others - and it will really change our world! It will cause our journey to be the best it could ever be!

It really comes down to that. We've been studying the book of John at youth group for the last several (many) weeks. And this next week, we're studying John chapter 11 - and boy and I excited! As I read it over and over this week, I realized something. We always say we should be "In the world, but not of it." And that's good - but it's not enough to stop there. We - as Christians - should be in the WORD just as much as we're in the world! If not, we won't have the mind of Christ - no matter how many spiritual experiences or times of prayer we have. We must DIVE into God's Word so passionately that it permeates our very life & guides us in all we do.

Don't get me wrong - prayer & spiritual experiences are great and greatly needed. But God's Word is the basis of it all! It must be! As the psalmist, David, said in Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your WORD in my heart that I might not sin against you."

So, have you hidden God's Word in your heart? Have you been taking a daily dose of The Bible? We need to!

Ever since I got back from national youth convention, I haven't left my Bible behind anywhere. I've been taking it with me wherever I go. And not just that - but READING it too! We need to get hooked up to the I.V. of God's Word! Let's be Word Junkies! Ok, that was corny. Sorry.

But seriously - that's what we need to do. And we don't just need to memorize it - or get it in our heads. It needs to make that 10 inch trip from our heads to our hearts! Let's not just quote the Word - let's live it!

So yes - I am (finally) enjoying the journey. Today - I can say that. Yesterday, I couldn't. But praise God, his grace is sufficient for me. I thank God that he's patient with all of us, and that he is supreme in my life.

Let's not just quote the Word - let's live it! TOGETHER!

-Pastor Elgin