I took Jax to the zoo recently. What caused me to go with a twenty month old to the zoo all by myself – I was feeling pretty sure of myself. Taylor packed his backpack – snacks, diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. It looked like rain, so I figured we could get in an hour and half visit. Away we went.

 

We hit it like champions – we saw all the monkeys (lots of variations), a tiger, a bear, and a family of ant eaters. Then, we hit the backside of the zoo and hit the jackpot – penguins, giraffes, elephants, rhinoceroses and even a 4 foot black snack that wasn’t in a cage but made me and Jax’s stroller get air off the ground.

 

We had time for the one thing – the infamous stop at the water fountain that kids played in and splashed about. (Hence, the change of clothes). It is a big circle of small bubbling fountains about 2-3 feet tall.   There are about twelve fountains that are surrounded by a bigger circle of benches. Jax tentatively approached the first fountain, then moved onto the next one. He didn’t get into the water but got closer and closer. While this was happening, the benches were starting to fill with a huge group of school kids who were just arriving. (Bright neon yellow shirts still work for a group outing.) Finally, Jax put his hand in the fountain. When he did this, five girls from the group started clapping. I looked up and smiled while Jax was totally oblivious to the noise. He moved on to the next fountain and got up to his elbow in the water. More kids started cheering and clapping. Now, he perked up. The next bubbler got him to stick his knee in and more applause. It took two more fountains but he finally stuck his whole leg in and covered the spout with his foot. Water splashed everywhere. The group erupted and Jax faced them with the biggest grin, waving at them. One boy cheered, “Way to go, Buddy!” and opened his arms for a hug. Jax ran over and gave him a hug. More cheers! The teacher smiled and said, “It’s time to go. Let’s go see some animals.” Jax waved good bye to all of his new friends and even ran after them when the last few left the circle. I picked him up with a big smile on my face and a story that I have told so many times since then.

 

Such a surreal moment – so pure and yet, so many applications. Kids just excited to see someone “succeed.” I have learned so many leadership lessons over the years. This will be one of my favorites!

 

 

Another blog about what I love about church services – Water Baptism.

 

I remember vividly the gutsy journey of my parents to not only accept Christ, but to also change their lives so they would raise their family in a Christian environment. They changed the trajectory of my siblings and me. All of us accepted Christ and so did all of our kids – all eighteen of them. Now we have our own grandkids…wow.

 

I was baptized with my parents, brothers and my sister in our friend’s pool. We all went into the water together and my parents were baptized first, then the kids. Even to this day, I still get a thrill to see entire families baptized together. It is such a great memory since we all live so far away from each other now. I have enjoyed the honor of baptizing my kids. Taylor and Abby in pastoring in Orlando in a pool with our small group watching. Casey was baptized in the Seventh Day Adventist Church we were renting when GFC was in the early years. (I still ask people to close their mouths because he came out with a full load and sprayed it all over my face – then kissed me on the nose.   Love that guy.)

 

Why do I love it? It is such a simple, yet profound way of publically declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life. It’s in the Bible, Jesus did it, and we are told to do it. It doesn’t make a lot of natural sense – dip in the water. I love the challenge to Naaman by his servant in the Old Testament when seeking his healing. “If he (the prophet) had asked you to do something great, would you not done it?” I am like Naaman – if the Bible had asked us to do something hard, we would man up and do it. But this is all about surrendering.

 

Baptism seems so simple but it symbolizes so much. It symbolizes the death of the old, sinful nature. The birth of a new life and a new way of living. It demonstrates a simple picture of the transformation that God does in our hearts. It is a public declaration.   And in doing so, shares a message that words cannot express. It is so simple that any man, woman or child can do it. (Brilliant!)

 

Repent and be baptized…what a great start!

 

 

I recently was asked, “What do you enjoy most about a church service?”

 

It is a great question and has caused me to really ask myself some deep questions. Having pastored for over twenty-five years and accepting Christ in seventh grade, going to church can become very “routine.” I decided to do a couple blogs about things I enjoy most about going to church.

 

I still get very emotional about communion. I have taken it in many forms – real wine, grape juice, grape drink (bought the wrong stuff), Gatorade, and other liquid forms. I have taken wafers, real bread, matzo bread, saltines, dinner rolls and something that made cardboard packing boxes look appealing. Without going into a deep theological teaching on communion, I have taken the Lord’s Supper many times.

 

Here is why I love communion:

 

• It slows me down. I run at a fast pace and have a lot of things to accomplish each day. It makes me pause out of my day to remember. I need to remember Christ more on a daily basis.

 

• It reminds me there was a price to be paid. Sin always has a cost. I am a sinner and somebody had to pay the price for all that I have done. Communion reminds me that Jesus thought enough about me to pay that price.

 

• Jesus thought of others, even in His last few hours. If I had a few hours to live, would I ever have thought of the last supper? Jesus did. In doing so, he set the disciples on a course to change the world with a message that has lasted over 2,000 years.

 

• The bread reminds of my brokenness. When I remember that Jesus’ body was broken for me, it tells me how broken I am. Put all the shine on the outside and God still knows about the broken inside. The fears, insecurities, and challenges of living on the inside. Yet again, his brokenness allows me to be whole in these areas.

 

• Shed Blood. Blood is the essence of life. I can’t even fathom the ability to give up my life for someone else so unselfishly. Humility, serving, and honor – I can’t even come close to the blood given for me to be in relationship with God.

 

• Finally, I always say “Thank you for your body. Thank you for your blood.” Gratitude flows in a special way when you receive communion realizing you did nothing to contribute to it accept say, “I will receive.”

 

Communion takes me out of the upper room to the foot of the cross…how about you?

 

 

 

“When is the last time you heard someone say, ‘I have all the time I need?’”

 

Almost every time I ask someone how he or she is doing, they say, “I am so busy.” (I am the guilty as well) Are we that busy? If so, why? Are we using good time management skills to work out time vs. our time working us?   Do we feel the compulsion to pack so many things into our days that leaves us worn out and frustrated at day’s end? Are we borrowing from one thing and neglecting another because we “just can’t make it work?”

 

One great lesson I got in “timing” came from watching Casey learn how to play drums. When he started at the age of eight, he was ready to pound away on the skins and make some music. (Disclaimer – if your child wants to learn the drums, invest in great “noise reducing” headphones…. or if not, learn how to sleep through a freight train going through your house…just saying.) Casey wanted to make music and veraciously would hit the practice pads with his drumsticks. His tremendous teacher would stop him and remind him he needed to include “rests” in his music. In fact, without a rest, his hits created noise. The rests translated the rhythms and sound patterns into music. Harmony achieved!

 

Your life is your symphony…your opus! If you don’t put in strategic rests, you will make a lot of noise, make an impact in a lot of lives, move some mountains and you will flame out like a bottle rocket. You will get so used to going at a break neck pace that you will get used to it. Until one day, something will give – your body, your mind, your spirit, your will…you were not designed to run on pure, high octane.

 

I recently went to a chiropractor after two months of aggravating shoulder pain. I have an inflamed anterior deltoid muscle and a small shoulder separation. He told me after the examination “We can fix it. We need to fix it. Your body isn’t created to be like this. When damaged, your brain get’s the message that you are in pain. Over time, that message changes to ‘This is the way it is going to be, nothing is being done to change it.’” Although you are still in pain, you actually notice it less because your body accepts it.

 

It was an eye opening explanation. Physically…and spiritually. If you are running a full schedule at a fast pace, you may miss the signals to slow down. If you avoid those painful things long enough, you can “accept” them as the norm. Until something breaks down…and it does.

 

Take a moment…take a breath. Listen to what you God is showing you physically, mentally or spiritually. It is time to live a different way!

 

 

I recently wrote and entry about my dad. Thank you for all the kind words about the blog – he is one of my favorite people. One person said, “That was a great article about your dad but how come you never write about your mom?” I promised to write something about my mom.

My mom is the best athlete in the family. Even in her seventies, is in amazing physical condition and works out each day. She has been a proponent of eating healthy ever since I could remember. She is short. In fact, I remember as an adult patting her on the head and saying, “You are a short thing.” She looked up with a sweet smile and said, “I can still take you.” As a cocky second grader, I came home one day from school bragging how fast I was. She challenged me to a foot race. In front of all my neighborhood friends and family, she beat me. (My dad will tell you it was in high school but he is just plain wrong.) Still today…she inspires me.

My mom is my role model of “hard work and discipline. She went back to college after having me and my siblings to get her degree in dental hygenistry. I remember the round table in the family room with all of her books and lab manuals. She had a full day of classes, family commitments and then she would study late into the night. She go on to work as a hygienist for thirty four years. We both agree I was one of her worst patients– I spit up a bunch of water from the “squirty” thing and got her pretty good. Ok, that did happen in high school. Today, her days are filled with working her farm, the garden and her animals. Still today…she challenges me.

My mom rarely sits still. I once read a quote from Mario Cuomo – “There is always something to be done.” My mom personifies this. She will maximize her days in a way to get the best results. It also comes from a heart to serve. She came from a family of six kids and was often involved in taking care of the house or others in the family. She hasn’t stopped since. Still today…I want to serve like her.

Finally, mom calls me “Christian.” Yes, it is the name she gave me as a string bean of a baby. She named me and never let that go. Even as I wanted to create my own identity growing up, she called me her own. Now, as an adult, I have heard her correct people when they call me “Chris.” To her I am Christian – it means the world to me.

You gave me life…in more ways than you know! You are the Best! Love you Mom!

In Max Lucado’s book, Six Hours One Sunday, he wrote about how “Jesus put down the hammer and left the carpenter shop.” I have been mulling this one in my quiet time for a while.

We hear the famous speeches, see the images of the footprints and celebrate the achievement of the first steps on the moon. When my grandson took his first steps, the video went was uploaded to all of the family within minutes. It was met with a cacophony of exclamations, congratulations and emoticons. The celebrated kickoff of a trip, campaign or expedition is often met with well wishes and the expectancy of a tremendous result.

Jesus didn’t get any of this. Not one speech, captured moment, celebrated movement, recognition or even a card saying “Go get ‘em.” In total obscurity, he moved. Wow! Knowing where his path was going to lead him, that took some guts. He didn’t have a handful of letters to encourage him to keep going. He didn’t have any “likes” on his ministry page. He didn’t get a band, a party or a firework. He didn’t look back – he just took a step…and the world did nothing.

Let me challenge you today…what is causing you to not take that first step? If you feel like you are alone, you are not. There are more that are with you than you will ever know.

At least there is one who does and He is saying…”Take the step.”

As I write this, I am sitting on a plane that was two hours late in taking off. (I am on a bad streak when it comes to flying lately.) I have noticed lately that so many people I know are “waiting” on something.

I am now getting pretty used to waiting. And, I must say, if we have the right attitude, we will probably learn something out of it. One of the hardest challenges we ever had in waiting was the time Kristin and I felt we were supposed to give away one of our two vehicles. In our separate times of prayer, both of us felt the Lord impress on us that we were to give away our minivan that was an excellent car and in great condition. When I finally mentioned the idea to Kristin, she gushed back to me, “I have been waiting for God to show you this! I heard that a few weeks ago.” So with great unity and excitement, we gave it away…leaving us with one car, two adults, three growing kids and one remaining hectic life schedule.

You can imagine the anticipation and expectancy of the next few days and then, weeks. We looked at every opportunity and around every corner for how God was going to provide the next vehicle. Nothing happened. We got more earnest in our prayers, we got “serious” about seeking God. Nothing happened. When it got to six months, we started checking our lives for “things that would hinder the blessing.” Nothing happened. After a year, we cleaned out the garage in preparation for the new car. Nothing happened. Two years and two months later, we pulled our new vehicle into the garage. Did God provide it – yes, He did. It truly was His provision.

I have learned that God’s timing is perfect. Do I know all of it – no. Right now, I am waiting on a number of things. I am more at peace trusting in God rather than striving and pushing to make things happen. I want to hold things “palms open.” His will and not mine. Is it easy – not one bit! I struggle all the time. But this is the solution for me.

“And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:4

The year was 1986.

I was traveling with Circus Alleluia in the summer of my sophomore year in college.  We rolled into the Agape Farm in Pennsylvania where a “Jesus Festival” took place every year.  It was a huge favorite of the troupe, who had been there before, the stage ministries and the attenders.  We were there to minister at the children’s tent.  I didn’t know that I would learn a life lesson that still rings true in my mind today.

All the ministries were housed in an old barn converted into a dormitory. (It was pretty awesome!)  Large kitchen and eating area connected to a long hallway where the stalls were converted into bedrooms.  On my first day, it was great meeting so many people.  When they heard it was my first time, almost every person would end our conversation with the question, “Have you met Roger Cooper yet?”  After a few “No’s,” I began asking “who is Roger Cooper?”  It was met with a resounding, “You are going to love Roger Cooper.”  “He is the most amazing person!”  “He just makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room!”  I was very excited to meet Roger Cooper.

When Roger arrived later that evening, the room erupted.  We were all in the dining room and the buzz that he on the campus began to build. By the time, he walked in the door, people were making their way over for hugs, smiles and high fives. Here’s the bummer – I wasn’t really impressed with Roger.  I thought he would be a larger than life, tall, jacked up, eloquent speaker, amazing musician kind of Power Team christian leader.  He wasn’t. He was shorter than me and not terribly big.  Yet, he hugged every person in that room, including me.  When I told him my name, he said he was glad to meet me and looked forward to knowing me more.  Even when he was on stage, he was talented.  But not amazing, yet so many people waited to talk to Roger and get a hug from him.

I wasn’t impressed.  I remember having breakfast on the last day and Roger came in.  After making his rounds of hugs and hello’s, he sat down next to me.  I asked, “Roger, I have to be honest.  How is it that so many people love Roger Cooper?  You aren’t the most polished ministry I have ever seen and there are more talented acts – why do people love you so much?”  (You can see – I have been blunt for a long time)  Roger looked at me and smiled and said, “People love Roger Cooper, because Roger Cooper loves people.”

The statement stunned me. It was that simple? That was a Life Lesson that I have not forgotten in almost thirty years.  Roger showed me the principle of loving people first.  I can’t say I have done this all of the time but I have made it one of my foundational principles to live by each day.  On a farm in Pennsylvania, so long ago, I learned it didn’t matter what you look like, how big/strong you are, how much talent you have, or even if you are awesome – I learned that if you love people first, most likely, they will love you back.

Words to live by. Thank you, Roger!

 

 

I ran this morning.

I don’t run anymore.

In 2004, I actually ran the Disney Marathon. Since then, I have changed my workouts and running has slowly become a low, low level of exercise. It hurts too much afterwards.

Yet, when I go to the beach, something draws me to run at sunrise. I actually got up and was going to walk. Which I did for the first song. But then, I had to jog the next one. Then, I walked a song. Then I ran the next one. By the time I was 15 minutes into this routine, I was smiling so big. It was fun. Then, the sun came up over the horizon and it was “game on.” I went over four miles, sweating like oil slick, huffing like a locomotive and smiling.

It must have been quite a sight for all those I passed along the way. Like the following people:

– Power walking lady – total power walk stride, water bottle in hand and determined look on her face.

– Two Grannies – these ladies gave the biggest wave and smiles while looking for shells, great encouragers!

– Middle aged runner…wait that is me.

– Older than me, middle aged runner – cool, collected, not a drop of sweat on him, short wave, grim smile. Makes me chuckle.

– 40 something male walking with his mom – sounds weird in writing it, but I think, how cool it is that he gets to see and be with his mom. Mine is in Tennessee this am – miss her. (She would be actually running faster than me)

– Jogging mom – step aside, she looks like she could and can run me over. She is faster, stronger and ready to plow right through me.

– Old guy who isn’t taking much ground and who really cares – love watching older people excercise. This guy wasn’t taking 5 steps for my one stride but he was out there. I am impressed.

– Couple out for a walk. – I will never know what a sunrise walk looks like because Kristin and I are on the “night and day” plan. Yet, I love going for walks with her at other times – usually one of the highlight of my trip to the beach.

– Finally, My shadow. I am amazed to see my shadow when I run. (Sounds goofy, but try it sometime.) My shadow doesn’t show age, aching bones or even graying hair – it still looks like an athlete to me. (Gotta laugh at that one.)

When I crossed the imaginary finish line at the life guard stand, I smiled once more because of what happens next. I love running on the beach because there is always a moment (it happens every time) when I stop and I look at the ocean with this beautiful sun cresting. I am reminded how little I am, a new day always comes and how BIG God really is. I prayed over all the situations and challenges in my life and laid them all at God’s glorious feet. I recognized all that I could do and how much God can do beyond my imagination or dreams. I walked towards the condo at peace.

God is on the throne again!

 

 

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” I Thessalonians 5:24

How many of you recognize that you are on a journey with God? Like many of your natural journeys, it has tasks, challenges, joys and wins. Just the word “journey” denotes a length of time and commitment. And all journey’s have at least one thing in common: you have to take the first step.

Isn’t that an amazing part? All the anticipation, excitement, preparation and expectation comes to fruition and you begin. You are full of energy and passion and you begin down a new road with great hope that all that you have done to accomplish your goal will be successful.

I was sitting with a friend in an airport recently and we were discussing our journey with Christ. We were both far from the beginning. We were far into our journey and had the bumps, bruises and scars to prove it. We shared some amazing highs and some challenging lows. And we both gave each other that knowing smile, “It was totally worth it.” I wondered out loud,”How does one keep going when the journey seems too long and has too many obstacles in the way?”
I heard a minister share the initial verse. Let me break it down for you…

“The one” – there is on who calls you whose name is above all names, everything falls under His authority. There is no one higher or greater than Him.

“Who calls you” – He calls us. By name, by relationship and by purpose…he continues to call.

“Is faithful” – This always makes me smile. The Creator of heaven and earth constrains himself by his word that He will be faithful. He will not slack off or miss it. He consistently, lovingly draws us to relationship.

“and he will do it” – We may not see it today, tomorrow or next day but if we stay on the journey, he will accomplish his will in us.

So, you have a choice. Stay where you are or take the next step. Go ahead…he’s got this.