A Broken Sprinkler Head & A Special Delivery

On the air yesterday I mentioned something that happened to me early on Thursday morning.

I was heading out for my daily walk/prayer time when I noticed a sprinkler head was pretty messed up in my front yard. Water was pouring out. Nice.

I turned off the system, and had a decision to make. Do I stay and work on the sprinkler head or do I take my walk with God?

The day was going to be crazy busy.

Take my older son Aleq to school.

Take care of the Zoo (3 dachshunds and a parrot).

Get ready for work.

Take my 3rd grader Nicolas to school.

Get to work.

Work.

You get the idea.

Not a good day for a "project" in the front yard!

So I made a decision. I decided to walk with God for 30 minutes.

During that time I just told Him.. "Lord... I know how to fix this thing but it's going to take too long. Can you help me take care of this quickly?"

Well I returned home, took my 16 year old to school, went by the plant nursery to pick up a couple of parts, and got down on my knees to begin the work in the front yard.

Just at that very moment my neighbor's lawn service pulls up.

"Hey.. amigo!" the man said.

"Need some help?"

Before I could answer he grabbed something out of his truck.

It was a special tool designed to quickly do what would take me a lot longer to do with my measly pliers.

In a matter of seconds old parts came out and new ones were put in.

He smiled.

I smiled.

And I thanked him with great sincerity.

Off he went leaving a tangible form of kindness hanging in the early morning air.

God bless him.

He hand delivered a message from God to me that day.

God cares about the details.

That's because He cares so much about us.

Walk With The Wise

If you want to be wise, walk with the wise.
So who qualifies as truly wise?
Those who fear God.
Psalm 111:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight. "
The best way to counteract living life in this crazy world filled with landmines and temptations is to focus on God and His Word.
The Bible is so practical!
As we're getting ready to start a new month why not try this:
Read through the book of Proverbs during the month of September.... a chapter a day.
Since there are 31 chapters you'll just about read them all by the end of the month.
Then you can read Proverbs 31 on October 1st.
I love Proverbs. In fact my wife and I always try to get our boys to build wisdom into their lives by encouraging them to read this Old Testament book.
It's just packed with Godly wisdom.
When it comes to Bible reading, I have to use a One Year Bible or I get lost.
These Bibles have everything broken up into daily readings.
You have a portion of the Old Testament, some of the New.. a Psalm and a Proverb.
It gives you a "balanced diet" of God's Word.
And you can really hear God speaking to you in that day's reading.
It never fails. There's always something I need to hear right at that time on that day.
It even works when I skip a day, or read a bit more slowly. Isn't that awesome?!
Then... choose a good study Bible to help answer any questions you may have as you read.
Also helpful is a good Bible commentary.
There's a website with some really good, reliable recommendations. Click on this link: http://www.bestcommentaries.com/
There's nothing like God speaking directly to you through His Word.

What I'm Reading

I admit it.

I'm a bookworm.

It's okay if that makes you smile.

I only hope that doesn't make me a wimp!

Actually, I've found that books from Christ-centered, biblically-based authors have helped me grow in my Christian faith. The Bible always comes first, no doubt. But God has greatly used the writings of men and women down through the ages to encourage and cheer on other believers.

I've had the privilege of interviewing so many of the authors God has used to help me in my Christian walk.

One of those is Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York.

He's got a new book out and man.. is it awesome. It's called "You Were Made for More".

When we open up to the "more" that God has planned just for us we find that sweet spot that gives us joy and most importantly, glorifies God.

I read this book in a couple of days. Maybe we'll have Jim back on Total Impact soon!

Speaking of which, I've already posted a quote here on the blog from another book I've been reading in recent days: "Wild Goose Chase" by Mark Batterson.

I'll be interviewing him next week for a future Total Impact.

We'll be taking about this book. It's all about what life is like for the Christian who truly follows the Holy Spirit.

What is it that holds us back?

Can our lives as Christians be an adventure?

What are we losing by playing it safe when God says.... " I want you to do this..."?

Check out the book and be listening for Mark's segments in a few weeks on SOS.

Finally, it's back to school week around the Goff house.

Both of our boys are in public school. And yep.. there are challenges!

But I found a quote from a book that has helped many Christian parents in recent months.

It's called "Going Public" by David & Kelli Pritchard.

I haven't read the book but I like the quote:

"If you send your kids to public school the most important thing to teach them is what Jesus said is the most important commandment:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30).

Nothing is more important. Nothing is more foundational. Nothing will steer your child more effectively through the complexities, distractions, and temptations of a day at public school."

Wow... good stuff!!

This first week of school I've been praying for my boys.

Maybe my prayer tomorrow will be that I can communicate to them the importance of loving

God in an authentic and winsome way.

To really believe what we say we believe.

In fact, maybe I'll pray that prayer for myself first.

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

So much random stuff always ends up on the show.

In our "Revenge of the Critters" segment yesterday I mentioned a 45 year old woman who accidentally shot herself in the foot while stalking a woodchuck in her garden.

It reminded me of this little ditty I learned as a child and proceeded to use on the air:

"How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?"

How could I know this would be of interest to anyone else?

Well.. it was.

In fact one caller gave me the answer to the question:

"A woodchuck would chuck all the wood that he could if a woodchuck could chuck wood."

Bravo!

It got me to thinking though.

What in the world IS a woodchuck anyway?

That's the kind of question that will keep you up at night.

Or at least, can keep me up at night!

So after a little research... here are the facts:

1) A woodchuck is also known as a groundhog

2) A woodchuck would chuck as much wood as a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck COULD chuck wood

3) While it makes for a great tongue-twister, the sad answer is: probably none. Woodchucks aren't particularly tree-oriented, and while they can climb to find food, they prefer being on the ground.

In fact, they got the name "woodchuck" from British trappers who couldn't quite wrap their tongues around the Cree Indian name "wuhak."

More commonly (and accurately) known as groundhogs, these animals are closely related to squirrels, marmots, and prairie dogs, with which they share an affinity for burrowing.

And actually, a burrowing woodchuck can chuck dirt, in the form of tunnels that can reach five feet deep and as much as 35 feet in length.So, based on that number, New York State wildlife expert Richard Thomas calculated that if a woodchuck could chuck wood, he could chuck as much as 700 pounds of the stuff.

Whew!

Now I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Quotable Quote

After using a quote from Pastor Mark Batterson's new book "Wild Goose Chase" on the show today some folks called and wanted it posted here on the blog.

So... here it is:

"If you want to impact someone's life, love them when they least expect it or least deserve it.

When people blow it, you have an opportunity to impact their lives forever.

You might think, but they don't deserve it.

That's the point isn't it?

Do YOU deserve the grace of God?"

By the way.. I'll be interviewing Mark in a matter of days for our Total Impact segment.

Stay tuned!

Helping Tyler

Tonight on Total Impact is the story of a young Christian man in Montana who needs some help.

His name is Tyler Boshae.

He has a severe case of Tourette Syndrome.

This condition causes a number of distressing symptoms.

For instance there are the involuntary muscle spasms, or "tics".

In Tyler's case they've gotten so bad it's not uncommon for him to be bruised up from hitting himself. Recently he had to be heavily sedated so that he could get some rest from the tics.

Through all of this, he and his family have been hanging onto their Christian faith.

And there's great hope for Tyler!

A brain surgery can help. The cost: $1.4 million.

But doctors and all involved have been so touched with Tyler's story they have knocked the cost of the surgery down to $200,000!

Still a lot of money to be sure.

But Tyler's Christian friends are trying to help.

You can find out more by clicking this link: http://www.clubtwitch.com/

To hear about Tyler's story in detail, click this link to listen to our Total Impact segment: http://www.box.net/shared/ssxi1kr6yj

Please pray for Tyler. He needs a God-sized miracle right now.

Back To School Bash-Free School Supplies!!

Last night on Total Impact we featured Bobby Tyler from Lifesong Church in the Southern Highlands area of Las Vegas.
The church is hosting an awesome event this evening at Stonewater Park.
It's a back to school party featuring free school supplies!
As I mentioned on the air the list of supplies required this year is huge for our boys.
Especially for Nicolas. He's our 3rd grader.
And so the higher cost is something many parents are thinking about.
You've got clothing, shoes, backpacks, and the supplies.
Lifesong Church wants to help as many families as possible.

The event starts at 6pm tonight at Stonewater Park (Southern Highlands & Stonewater Lane).
I recommend you arrive super early because the free school supplies for each child will be given out on a first come first serve basis. And only while supplies last.

But there's more than just the free school supplies.
The kids will have tons of fun!

There will be:
*Bounce Houses
* Face Painting
* Food
* A Concert
* Movie in the Park

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
Also, there's the ministry aspect.
A prayer tent will be set up for those who need prayer.
For all the details go to the church's website: http://www.lifesonglasvegas.com/

Also, for great back to school tips try this: www.backtoschool.about.com

The Next Rung Life

There's no such thing as serving the God of the universe in a small place.

Some places may seem bigger than others. But it's WHO you're working for and not WHERE.

Our culture encourages us to make it to that next rung on the ladder no matter what.

After all, it's a "bigger" place with a "bigger" paycheck and "bigger" responsibilities.
And don't forget the "bigger" amount of prestige you can enjoy being on the next rung.

But what if the "next rung life" means you have less time to invest in your relationship with God?

That's where our power comes from as Christians.

From being in His presence and hearing His voice. Following the "still small voice" means turning down the volume on life each day.

Personally, I'd rather stay in the so-called "small place" and have God and His power than go to a place where I need even more of His power and have none.

But if God puts you on the next rung He'll still be saying... "Stay close to me. I will be with you just like I have always been. Investing in my presence will be your success.

And your peace.

The World's Fastest Recliner!

One of our loyal listeners... a guy who also has the first name Kurt... sends me fun stuff all the time.

This really made me smile:

Teens Arrested For Motorized Recliner

German police have confiscated the world's fastest recliner and arrested its 17-year-old inventors.

The duo added a lawnmower engine, brakes and a metal frame to the chair and were reported to be driving it all over the streets.

Police did not comment on the chair's handling or acceleration.

That's the actual news report.

He's obviously packing some "heat".
My grandfather used to call that thing on the side of a recliner the "gear shift".

He was ahead of his time.

Is God Most Important?

As a follower of Christ, do you ever read the Bible and BAM... some verses just jump off the page?
Suddenly it's like... okay God. I think you're trying to say something here!
That very thing has happened to me in recent days.

Here are the verses: Psalm 84:10-12:

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a sun and a shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing will he withhold from those whose walk
is blameless.

O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you."(NIV)

I wouldn't trade a day serving God even in the most lowly position for being "Top Dog" in the world.
A guy named Ephrem the Syrian once said this: "He who will not serve the Lord alone will serve many masters."

Greg Laurie: I Still Believe

More than 11 thousand people made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ this weekend at Greg Laurie's Harvest Crusade in Southern California!
It's only been a few short weeks since Greg's son Christopher was killed in a tragic car crash. In spite of his grief, Greg is still boldly proclaiming the Good News. His faith is strong.
As he puts it so well... "heaven has never been so near".
This life can be over so quickly.
Do we know where we will go when we die?
Check out Greg's messages at http://www.harvest.org/
Also, keep the family in prayer as they grapple with the loss of Christopher.
I've had Greg on our Total Impact interview segment many times.
I always enjoy our conversations. In fact, I spoke with him just days before Christopher's accident. We were talking about his story... how God used him despite a horrible family background and some poor choices.
You'll find details in his book "Lost Boy".
There's also a DVD available on the Harvest website.
If you'd like to listen to my conversation with Greg, click on the links below.
Part 1-http://www.box.net/shared/n0fdnitgkl

Part 2-http://www.box.net/shared/xs05fsq9cb

World's Tallest Woman Dies

Wow. When I saw the news reports about the death of 7 foot 7 inch Sandy Allen, I was taken back a few years.

When I was working at Channel 3 here in Vegas I spent some time doing a story on her visit to the city.

She came by the TV station and we did an interview, shot some video, and shot some hoops as well. We had a basketball court there and hey.. who can resist a quick game with the tallest woman in the world?! And yes, she won.

What I remember most about Sandy was her personality.

She was always smiling.

Always humble.

Always quick with a funny comment.

Despite her challenges she lived a life free of bitterness.

We never spoke about faith issues, so I don't know if she ever accepted Christ.

Looking back, I wish I would have brought that up.

The news reports focused on her height.

I remember the size of her heart.