Is the stress of everyday life weighing on you?  Are you physically and emotionally drained causing a loss of enthusiasm and joy?  If so, maybe what you need is to very simply take a break from the action and rest.  Everybody needs a time of relaxation to rest their bodies from the daily grind of life.  It is when we don’t allow time for proper rest that burnout and even health problems could arise. That is why each of us must learn to recognize the rhythm of life.  I read where one man challenged another to an all-day wood chopping contest. The challenger worked very hard, stopping only for a brief lunch break. The other man had a leisurely lunch and took several breaks during the day. At the end of the day, the challenger was surprised and annoyed to find that the other fellow had chopped substantially more wood than he had. “I don’t get it,” he said. “Every time I checked, you were taking a rest, yet you chopped more wood than I did.” “But you didn’t notice,” said the winning woodsman, “that I was sharpening my ax when I sat down to rest.”

This story illustrates that a strategy to being successful is setting time aside to rest.    Have you ever noticed it is much more difficult to be motivated when you are tired?  Fatigue can be devastating when trying to pursue a goal. That is why it is essential for you to relax and enjoy life.  Your productivity can increase just by getting away from the office, the house, the cell phone, or anything that competes for your time to relax.  In fact, Jesus Christ said, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31)  Christ understood that the key to His effectiveness was His ability to stay focused.  He would consistently pull away from the crowd and find a place to rest and spend time with His Heavenly Father.  We likewise must spend quality time alone with God in order to be effective in our daily lives.       

It is when we don’t get adequate rest that fatigue begins to set in.  Fatigue plays a major role on the emotional well being of a person.  I have heard the phrase; tired eyes rarely see a great future.  That is a powerful statement.  You can stretch yourself thin with so many daily activities that your joy can be depleted.  In order to maintain a healthy and happy life you must learn to live a life of balance.  I encourage you to create a list of your daily activities and learn to prioritize what is most important and work your way down.  If you don’t complete everything on your list, don’t sweat it.  The world is not going to come to an end.  As a reminder, when you begin to prioritize your schedule don’t forget to add some down time.   Incorporating rest and relaxation into your schedule will determine the success of achieving the other desired tasks.  You may want to take a bike ride through the neighborhood with your spouse, watch a movie at home, or as a family put together a puzzle.  Be creative with your time of rest and watch yourself come back to your daily routine with renewed energy and sharper focus.

This fall, NRB Network will apply for a channel on DISH Network.  If they are successful, their programs will reach into another 14.4 million U.S. households – nearly doubling their potential audience!  You can help their efforts by contacting DISH’s programming department and making your desire to access their channel known.  Below is a link to learn more.

Presently our television broadcast, Message of Hope, airs on the NRB Network on DIRECTV Channel 378 potentially reaching into over 18 million U.S. households. 

www.nrbnetwork.tv/SUPPORTNRBTV/Pages/DishCampaign.aspx

Three years ago I remember making one of the biggest decisons of my life.  It was on July 7, 2007 (7/7/07) that I stepped from my job as an analytical chemist working in a pharmaceutical laboratory into full-time ministry.  It was so difficult.  I remember how nervous and scared I felt that day.  My faith by no means was huge.  It was about the size of a mustard seed like the bible describes in the New Testament, but I knew in my heart that God was transitioning me into full-time ministry.  I was very apprehensive trying to figure out how God was going to do what He was going to do.   I knew God was speaking to me, but I also knew I had to wait upon God and His timing. 

As I reflect back on these 3 years I stand amazed in what God has done.  He has opened some incredible doors of opportunity to share His word.  I am so thankful that God honors the faith of His children.  No matter how big or small our faith may be, God can take the faith that we give Him and use it to accomplish miracles in our life. 

Today, I want to encourage you to give God your faith.  No matter what you are facing simply give your faith to God.  The bible says in Hebrews, “Without faith it is impossible to please God”.  In other words the scripture indicates to us that when we give God our faith it pleases Him.  It puts a smile on His face.  Today put a smile on God’s face and give Him your faith and watch what He will do.  He will never fail you.

This weekend we celebrate the birthday of this great nation, the United States of America.  Many people will gather with family and friends to enjoy an afternoon cookout and later watch the night sky light up with a colorful array of fireworks celebrating our freedom as a nation.  It is a wonderful time of the year.  May we also remember the great sacrifice of our military men and women who have fought and are fighting for the continued freedom that we presently enjoy. 

In my studies I came across these staggering facts about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.  Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence.  Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families.  Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died.  Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.  Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army.  Another had two sons captured.  Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war.  Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy.  He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty.  At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson’s home for his headquarters.  Cornwallis quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home.  The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.  John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying.  Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed.  For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished.  A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion.

We live in the greatest nation in the world.  People who were stirred by their convictions fought for what they believed in.  Because of their stand we have freedom and liberty today.  Thank the Lord for this great nation.  Let us continue to pray for our military, national and local government, law enforcement, as well as our emergency personnel.  Never let us forget what this great nation was founded upon – the Word of God.  GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Here is the latest picture of the new family.  As you would expect everyone in the following picture is having to make some adjustments.  Mama, daddy, baby and yes Jordan.   Jordan, our little Yorkshire Terrier, is doing well even though he is not getting all the attention that he once received.  Wendy and I are having to make sure we spend extra time with him and let him know he is not forgotten.  I don’t think he is so much jealous, but I believe he is going to be protective.  Time will tell.  Just to let you know Wendy and London Grace are both doing great.  Today London is 1 week old.  Amazing how quickly the time has gone by.  I see why you have to cherish every moment you have with them, because they do not stay little forever.  Well I better go.  I am looking forward to holding and kissing little London tonight.  She is a such a baby doll.

As we close out the month of June and look ahead to the month of July a thought came to mind – the future.  When we think about the future we can have mixed emotions.  Sometimes we are fearful and sometimes we look ahead in anticipation.  The future is an unknown.  Maybe you have wondered if God is concerned about your future?  Maybe you are struggling with a decision in your life today.  Remember that God is already at your tomorrow and He has a great plan for you.  God is working behind the scenes and is getting all the props in place.  God is sovereign and He knows what He is doing.  Trust Him.  That’s right, trust Him.  To trust God is to very simply take Him at His Word.  God is faithful to His Word. 

No matter what you are facing today be reminded that God is in control.  He is up to something in your life. You may not know what tomorrow holds, but Praise God you know the One Who holds tomorrow.

Today as I kissed my little girl on the forehead and stared into her beautiful blue eyes, I just began to thank God for His bountiful blessings.  As I drive, while I work, even when I sleep I cannot help to think and dream about my precious little girl.  Then my mind begins to think about God’s love towards us.  A love that is indescribable and that is immeasurable.  We as God’s creation are the apple of His eye.  Each one of us are on the heart and mind of God at all times.  Today, I just want to encourage you that God has not forgotten you and He loves you!  That’s right, God loves you with an everlasting love.  His arms are always outstretched to you.

Sorry for the delay of this update.  We were able to go home today from the hospital.  It seems really odd, but wonderful, walking into your home for the first time with a new family member.  I was also thinking about how quickly the time has flown by over these 9 months, saying to myself that 6 months from today is Christmas day.  Isn’t that crazy.  6 months from today is Christmas!  Wendy and I received our Christmas gift early this year.  God has truly blessed us with a precious baby girl.  Words cannot express the gratitude and feelings that we have.  I will never forget the first time holding London Grace in my arms.  It was an incredible experience that I will treasure forever. 

Wendy and baby are doing good.  Last night was quite an experience.  We were up most of the night and I am sure there are many more restless nights to come.  We did alot of rocking, singing, feeding & changing.  As expected, Wendy is totally exhausted and is resting trying to regain her strength.  Our families are with us and are a huge help.    Thank you again for your congratulations and well wishes!  It is greatly appreciated.  God bless and I will be posting some videos and additional pictures very soon.