A day in the life of...Mark Williams

Meditation: Filling our mind with the meaningful Word of God

I started teaching a new study this morning at our church.  The study is written by Kerry Shook.  He has written some excellent stuff.  We had a great turnout for the study, and I was encouraged by the desire of many to take another step in their faith journey.  Here are some of the highlights of what we talked about today.  

Psalm 1:1-3 speaks clearly to us delighting in the Law of the Lord.  We are to meditate on it day and night.  
My thought...We can't depend on 2-3 hours a week of "church" to grow us spiritually.  We MUST spend time meditating on The Word of God.  Meditation is filling our mind with the meaningful Word of God.  

Psalm 119 speaks to meditating on the Word as well.  Rich scripture.  

Meditating on the Word gives us a:
secure mind
productive life
fresh faith

When we look at Spiritual Disciplines, we often think of them as something that is no longer done.  This is probably true for many.  We won't necessarily like "the disciplines" all the time, but they will help us grow in our relationship with Jesus.  Just like when you are training for a marathon, the training hurts, but it prepares you and builds up your body.  

We can look at meditation as something that can help us focus on our relationship with Jesus.  Not just something else that we "do".  

Reading from November 2011-2012

I actually enjoy reading.  I think my Mom instilled that in me.  Along with many of my teachers along the way.  I'm not a "classics" reader though.  Last year, I read through the Bible "in a year".  I actually finished a little early.  I really didn't know how it would go.  But the richness of God's Word is incredible.  There is SOOO much there.  It is a gift.  It is what we need to feed ourselves with everyday.  So I read through the Bible.  But I also did a lot of other reading.  At some point, I'll go back and look at some of the books I read earlier in the year.  But starting at Thanksgiving, this is what I read through December:

The Hunger Games
Catching Fire (Second in the Hunger Games Trilogy)
Mockingjay  (Third in the Hunger Games Trilogy)

Quitter by Jon Acuff.  Excellent book!!

Shouting At God by Steve Rose.  (Friend from Arizona that I met after Hurricane Katrina)

Miracle in the Mountains by Lonnie and Belinda Riley.  Great book on the power of faith.

Currently reading:  Voice of the MSU Bulldogs: Jack Cristil by Sid Salter (a fellow Philadelphian)

Edit....Also reading Drew Brees' book:  Coming Back Stronger

Punching a bear in the nose

I've always heard that the way to survive a bear attack is to punch it in the nose.  Seems logical.  If you get punched in the nose, you are at least taken back for a moment.  But I'm not really sure where that came from.  I mean, who actually knows that if you can punch a bear in the nose, he/she will run away.  It probably just means that you are delaying the inevitable.  But....I can tell you this.  If I get attacked by a bear, I am going to do my dog-gone best to punch it in the nose.  Why?  That's all I know to do.  

That's how we respond to many things isn't it.  We don't know what to do.  How to respond.  We aren't prepared.  When you look at the circumstances of life, and the situations that arise, often people (including myself) aren't prepared.  The idea here is that we should be strong in our relationship with God.  We KNOW that Satan will attack.  We KNOW that bad things will happen in this world because it is fallen.  We KNOW that there is sin.  We KNOW that Satan comes to steal, and kill, and destroy.  The question is.....are you ready to punch bear in the nose?  

Live ready. You know it's coming.  

A life filled with moments.

Life is made up of moments.  Moments we remember.  Moments that make us remember why we live.  Moments that are full of life.  The kind of things that happen that make us thankful we have another breath of air in our lungs.  These aren't just happy, joyful ones.  They are moments that are full of hurt and heartache. Life isn't just about the happy times.  It's about making it through the tough ones with friends and family.  The moments where really, our relationship with God is the only thing that can sustain us.  Those moments of life can sometimes seem unbearable.  But we know that God surrounds us with people who help us through those moments. 

The good times, on the other hand, are full of joy and laughing.  I made one of those moments with my family over Christmas.  It started on Christmas morning with my son opening up his final gift:  2 tickets to the New Orleans Saints-Atlanta Falcons game in the Superdome on Monday Night Football.  The day after Christmas.  The joy started when he opened the tickets.  But the making of the moment lasted through the trip down to New Orleans.  Spending time with friends.  Eating cajun food together.  Taking my son to the Superdome and to his first NFL game.  Feeling the excitement as we entered The Dome.  Feeling the excitement of a packed out house.  Seeing Drew Brees break the single season passing record for yards thrown.  Seeing him wave the "foam finger" that I bought him.  Talking about the game on the walk back to the hotel.  Listening to him call his mom when we got back to the hotel to tell her Thank You too.  Eating beignets at Cafe' Du Monde the next morning.  Watching him take a nap beside me on the way back home. 

You see, that is a moment for us.  As a family.  As a father and son.  These moments are what make life full.  For some, it's taking your daughter for some Mom/Daughter time or Daddy/Daughter time.  For others it's going hunting.  Heading out for a "date" with your kid.  Those moments are made with our spouse as well.  We make these moments with our family.  We make them with friends. 

God blesses us with a life live.  Make moments.  Don't just buy things.  Do things together.  Serve together.  Work together.  Play together.  Worship together.  But most of all, live life together. 

 

Life is precious. Don't take it for granted.

The longer I live, the more I realize that we are only here for a short time.  Whether someone lives a "long" life or it is cut short, we are all here for just a brief moment in time.  I have been reminded of this over and over these past 2 weeks.  When something as simple as driving home from church can tragically change your life by losing a child in a car wreck, or the sudden loss of a parent to a heart attack.  My heart aches and the burden is heavy for people going through this.  Our God, though, is steadfast and loving.  He is the Comforter.   So what will I do:  Cherish this life that we have been given.  Live it to the full EVERY day.  Be a part of the mission of God.  We must live our lives as if each day is our last.  I know that sounds cliche, but it is very true. 

Love on your family.  Love on your spouse.  Give your kids lots of hugs.  Tell them that you love them. Share the Gospel with them.  Don't just spend quality time with them.  Spend quantity time as well.  Because your time is brief. 

Looking back on 2011. Pressing forward in 2012

2011 was a good year.  We continued to see some amazing things in the life of our family and ministry.  I started my 9th year working at Agricola Baptist Church.  Now, on January 1st, 2012, I am 5 months away from being here 9 years.  Wow!!  There are days when it seems like we just got here yesterday.  Other days, it seems like we've always lived here.  This is the only place Malaree has lived.  And really the only place Micah remembers. We saw many people come to know Christ this past year.  Working and serving alongside so many people that we live life with is rewarding in its own way. 

M4 Camps continued to grow in 2011.  We had our 5th year of camp as M4.  I am always amazed, and even more humbled when I look back on camp each year.  The thought that God has included us in His plan for reaching kids and adults through camp is awesome.  Our staff has continued to grow!!  We had some new faces on our staff this year.  It really is cool to see our staff "grow up" through the years, be used in ministry, and live for the glory of God.  We look at them working at M4 Camps as a way of "equipping" them for the work of the ministry.  The time we work at camp is fun, exhilerating, TIRING, but worth every moment.  My wife continues to amaze me at the creativity that God has gifted her with.  I believe that she and I complement each other well in M4 Camps.  We each have things that God has gifted us in, and we use those to bring glory to Him.  Our friends through M4 Camps continues to grow.  People like Curt Hale, Jack Bailey, Chris Layton, Gary, Permenter, and David Hatton are people who serve with us throughout camp.  Our friendship with them is something that I hold dear. Bryan Linkins and the Waukaway staff have become great friends of ours as well.  We work alongside them as we share the Gospel, the Truth with campers. 

Micah is now in the 5th grade.  He is in a 5th/6th multi-age class at Agricola Elementary.  He continues to love playing sports, but isn't consumed by it.  He loves to serve.  His heart is so compassionate.  Malaree started kindergarten this year.  Not a good thing for me.  That's my baby....and I didn't much care for her going off to "big school".  But one of the joys of being a parent is watching your kids grow into who God wants them to be. 

Family vacation:  We went to Florida at the beginning of the summer.  We love the trek to Ft. Walton Beach to enjoy a little relaxation.  In October, I had some skymiles saved up, so we took the family to Washington, D.C.  What a trip!!  It was the kids first time to fly.  We got to see SOOOOO MUCH!!  They still talk about the trip. 

Melanie is.....well, she is amazing.  I spoke of her creativity earlier.  But her love and commitment to me and our family is worth speaking of.  She is such an encourager, and lover of God.  I am blessed beyond any description to be able to spend my life with her.  We continue to look for new ways to give to others, minister to people, and stretch our creative muscles.

2012.  I haven't made any stated "New Year's Resolutions".   I do, however, have some goals and commitments that I'm striving for.  I'm not much for writing them on my blog.  But I may share some throughout the year.  My main goal for 2012.....to be more like Christ.  Yes.  More like Christ. 

Shouting At God....a book by Steve Rose

I just finished reading a book by a friend, Steve Rose.  The book is Steve's journey through his Dad's battle with cancer.  I have to tell you that the book was moving in that it dealt personally with the struggles that one goes through when a family member is dying.  Steve deals with some tough issues that give the reader a glimpse of what things look like from the inside.  

Because the book is so personal, that is its' strength.  The honesty of the emotions that someone experiences is raw.  It is real.  And it is something worth reading.  Steve paints a picture of the process of dealing with grief, anger, joy, and happiness that we go through when we realize that a loved one passes from this earth to an eternal destination.  The Hope we have in Christ is seen as the source for a family in difficult times.

If you know someone who is dealing with a friend or family member that is experiencing their last moments on this earth, this book is a great guide for helping someone see that there is hope.  And that hope is found in Christ.  Shouting At God is a well-written account by Steve Rose, who shares with the reader a transparent view of what it's really like dealing with "life and death" matters.   

Shouting At God on Amazon

Kids don't believe in "Later"

Just something to think about....I face this often.  Here's the scenario.  I've just come in from a full day of work.  My kids are finishing up their homework.  They want to play.  I want to sit down for a few.  I may have a project or something "I" would like to work on.  Maybe I just want to sit down for a few.  Maybe I want to watch Sportscenter.  Insert ______________ that YOU want to do.  Sometimes it's me wanting to work on a "dream" project.  Something that I love.  They want to throw the football, or have me watch them do flips or swing.  Or play dolls.  Or fill in the blank.  

Here's the thing I read in a book called, Quitter by Jon Acuff:  "The problem is that kids don't believe in later.  As parents we might think that in a few years, when they're older, our kids will appreciate and maybe even understand the long hours we put into following our dreams and working, but they don't.  Kids believe in right now.  That the only reality they understand.  I've never heard a 13 year old say, "My dad really wasn't around for the first ten years of my life, but I have a really nice bike now, so it all evens out."  Kids don't say that.  They might not have the ability to verbally communicate what it means to be lonely as a 6 year old, but they are when we ignore them for the sake of pursuing our dreams to create a better later."  

You can't substitute "later" for "now" with your kids.  You can't substitute "later" for "now" with your spouse.  It just never evens out.  That means that we have to HUSTLE at other times.  But don't cheat that time with them.  We may have to get up earlier or stay up later to do those things to chase our dreams.  But don't take the time from them.  

In a similar example, the last time we went to DisneyWorld, I told my wife that everytime my then 4 year old daughter asked me to pick her up and carry her, I would say yes.  Why?  Not because I wanted to carry her around everywhere.  I did, because I wanted to remember that time.  The next time we go to Disney, she'll be too big for me to pick up and give her a break.  But not that trip.  Everytime she reached those arms up to me, I said Yes.  And I carried her.  And I got tired.  But I did it because of my love for her....and the joy of the "now" and not the "later" that she wouldn't understand.  

This was a good reminder for me.  By the way, the entire book Quitter by Jon Acuff is worth reading!!

Our Trip to Washington, D.C.

Let me first say that we had a GREAT time in our nation's capitol.  It was a better trip than I expected.  My wife, kids, and my mom and dad all think I'm the "Turbo tour guy".  That's ok.  We got to see a TON of stuff in 4 days.  And we didn't just "rush" through it.  But we didn't read every little plaque either.  I would say it was a great balance.  If you want to visit D.C., below is how our days worked out. 

Here's how it went down. 

Thursday, October 6th.
Left Mobile, AL at 2:30 P.M.  Flew to Atlanta, then on to BWI in Baltimore.  We met my parents in the ATL airport, and flew to BWI together.  This was our kids' first time to fly.  They were champs!!

We actually stayed in Crystal City, VA.  It's by Reagen Intl airport, but it was cheaper to fly to BWI.
We rented a Super Shuttle for our transportation.  We did an exclusive van, b/c it was only $10 more than one that we would've shared with others.  And there were already 6 of us. 

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.  Very nice hotel.  Our check-in was smooth.  The hotel guest services was great in answering any questions we had (metro maps, possible tours, holding our luggage, etc.).  We had a King size bed in our room and a couch.  One kid slept on the couch each night, and one slept with us.  This was out of necessity to save on costs. 

Each morning, we took a free shuttle (courtesy of the Hyatt) to the METRO, D.C.'s version of the Subway.  This was our primary mode of transportation.  We bought prepaid METRO cards once to the station.  Paid for these with a debit/credit card.  We loaded $15 each on 4 cards to cover our costs.  We wound up having to add a little more to finish out our last day.  Total we spent about $21 each on the METRO over our time there.  BTW....you can download an app for your android phone that was a GREAT help for us. 

Friday, October 7th
Got on shuttle at Hyatt headed to Crystal City Metro station.
--Took Metro to Union Station.  Walked around for a bit to see the station. 
--Walked about 2-3 blocks to the Supreme Court building.  Cool stuff.  Saw the actual Supreme Court room.  Viewed some exhibits. 
--Went to Senator Wicker's office in the Dirkson building for our Capitol tour.  Met up with our intern/tour guide Brad.  He was great!!
--Capitol building.  Brad took us underground to the Capitol, and we got a full tour with him.  Viewed the Capitol movie (13 min. long). 
--Brad took us around the Capitol, and showed us some cool stuff.  (The cornerstone of the Capitol laid by George Washington.  It's basically in a small room that no one goes into.  One of those cool things you get to see on a private tour.) 
--Melanie's friend, Michelle, met up with us in the Capitol rotunda.  They cried.  Almost made me cry. 
--Went into the House of Rep. room.  The Senate was not in session and was closed. 
--We ate in the Capitol cafe.  Good food.  Plenty. 

--After our Capitol tour, we went back to Wicker's office to pick up our backpacks (can't carry bags into the Capitol).  Cameras....yes. 
--Library of Congress.  Saw some exhibits here.  Gershwin room, Kids' reading room, the building.  Bible exhibit.  Others.  Lots to see. 
--Then we walked down to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.  This was really good as well.  Tons of things to see!!
--We walked out onto the Mall....took a few pics and headed back on the Metro to Crystal City. 
--Ate at Ted's Montana Grill that night with Michelle and Mike. 

Saturday, October 8th (Marathon Day)
I had a plan this day.  I wanted to see as much as possible.  I was on a mission.
--Took shuttle to Metro.  Took Metro to Smithsonian metro station.  Came out right on the Mall.
--Walked to Washington Monument.
--Walked to World War II Memorial.  HIGHLIGHT OF MY TRIP:  Seeing the WWII Veterans on the Honor Flight at the WWII Memorial.  I was speechless.  So thankful for those guys.  They won't be around in 10 years.  It was something the next generation won't see.....the actual guys who fought for our freedom there at the memorial of those who were killed.  Amazing!!
--White House Tour.  We walked a nice little hike to the White House for our tour at 11 A.M.  No bags of any type.  No cameras.  Only your cell phone and keys allowed inside.  Wallets too.  You can only take pics outside.  Good tour if you can get one.  Not my highlight though.  Kids liked it.  And everyone should go if you could. 

--We then started what I will call "the Trek".  Although it probably started that morning with the Washington. 
--We ate a block West of the White House at a Cosi.  Great food for lunch. 
--Walked to the Vietnam Memorial. 
--Walked to the Lincoln Memorial.  This is what Malaree really wanted to see. 
--Walkedd to the Korean War Memorial. 
--Walked to the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. 
--Walked to the FDR Memorial.  This is mine and Melanie's favorite.  We arrived right at 2 p.m. and got to walk through it with the Ranger talking with us.  Like a personal tour.  We LOVE this Memorial. 
--Walked to the Jefferson. 
--Walked to the Bureau of Engraving.  Closed on the weekend. 
--Took Metro back to Hotel. 
--Ate at a Chili's not far from our hotel. 
The above proved to be A LOT of walking.  We did not "rush" through these.  But we didn't read everything either.  All of this can be done in a day.  If you wanted a day not quite as rushed, do the above without the White House tour. 

Sunday, October 9th
--Took shuttle to Metro. 
--Took Metro to Arlington National Cemetary.
--Went to Kennedys' gravesite.
--Went to Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
--Watched the Changing of the Guard. 
--Got back on Metro, got off at Smithsonian metro station.
--Went to Holocaust Museum.
--Ate lunch.
--Went to Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. 
--Took Metro back to Crystal City Station. 
--Ate at Portofino's Italian restaurant.

Monday, October 10th
--Checked out of hotel.  Left our luggage with guest services. 
--Took shuttle to Crystal City Metro
--Went to Dept. of Archives to see Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights.  Many others exhibits as well.  Went into the vaults. 
--Ford's Theater.  Where Lincoln was shot.  This was REALLY COOL.  I walked with the kids up on the balcony and walked right up to the booth where he was sitting when he was shot.  They have a great museum here. 
--Ate lunch at another Cosi's. 
--Petersen House.  House where Lincoln was taken after he was shot.  This is where he died. 
--Smithsonian Museum of American History.
--Sculpture Art Garden/Park.
--Navy Memorial.
--Paul's.  A real pastry type shop.  Had an awesome Chocolate Beignet.
--Took Metro back to hotel. 
--Picked our luggage up from guest services.
--Took Super Shuttle to hotel near BWI. 
--Ate at G&M Seafood.  Great crabcakes.

Tuesday, October 11th
--Fly home.  BWI to ATL to MOB. 
--Arrived at home. 

The church being the church.

It's always good to see the church being the church.  Over the past few days, I've seen the church worship together, serve together, laugh together, grieve together, and be on mission together.  It really is a great thing to be involved and engaged in.  What do I mean?  What has been happening?  Well....here ya go...

...we have a team with two of our staff in the Andes mountains of Peru.

...the church has been ministering to a family who has lost a dear loved one.  Seeing the church grieve together is a good thing.  But our hope is in Christ, and that gives us victory over death. 

....we saw the work and progress of Project Leakesville yesterday up close and personal.  Thankful for all who are a part of this.  

...late this afternoon, as I was playing with my kids outside, I saw a group of ladies packing up on the church van to go and minister at The Haven this evening.  

....Yesterday, had the opportunity, along with our pastor, to talk with someone who had recently gone through a divorce.  People are hurting all around us.  

....I saw people meeting in the church and outside the church studying God's Word together.  

...I'm seeing guys coming together to raise money for missions and ministry through a hobby/sport they enjoy.  

...I see people taking a day to teach all the kids in the school about virtues on Virtue Day.  

...This isn't all.  There is ministry happening all the time that we don't know about.  And that's ok.  

I like seeing the "Sending Capacity" of the church rising!!  

3 random thoughts about changes in perspective

I used to say, "I watch college football b/c it's pure.  They don't play for the money."  Well.....I can't really say that any more.  Because it isn't true.  My perspective has changed because the reality has changed.  It is about the money.  Maybe directly.  Maybe indirectly.  But for most, it's about the money. Change of perspective. 

I'm reading in Job right now in my Bible reading.  Job's perspective changed when everything was taken from him, including his family.  His outlook changed.  What used to be important was no longer important.  Change of perspective. 

When our life situation has changed, our perspective changes.  When we find out our health situation has changed, our perspective on life changes....usually very quickly.  When a new child enters our life, our perspective changes.  You can prepare some for this, but never completely.  When life changes around us, our perspective changes.  And you can be guaranteed this, life changes.  It's good to have a different perspective.  That's what gives us a view of the world through others' eyes.  I am reminded that our paths are all different.  And we can learn a lot from looking at the path that someone else has walked down. 

 

All In

All In.  This phrase can mean so much.  Hold nothing back.  Give everything you have.  Do what it takes.  We use this phrase when talking to our staff at camp.  We want to be All In so others that are at camp will be "All In" too.  If you lead out in something, the leaders have to be All In, if we expect others to give everything as well. 

I've been leading a study on Francis Chan's book Forgotten God.  He makes a statement in regards to giving up everything if we were asked to.  And he goes along the thought of "it's harder to be All In the longer we live this life....because we have more".  When we have little, going All In isn't as hard.  And very few of us in America fall into that category. 

Think about it.  We start building up our American dream.  The family, the kids, the dog.  The comfortable living.  The necessities are just a short trip to WalMart or Target.  Most of us aren't worrying whether our roof is going to leak or not.  Most of us aren't worried whether we're going to have a meal for breakfast, lunch, or supper.  No thought that there wouldn't be food at the house in the pantry or refrigerator.  Matter of fact, we have so much that we buy an "extra freezer".  I do.  I've got an extra freezer.  Please understand, I'm not against these things.  I just think that when I think about answering the question, "Would you be willing to give this up?" I think it's harder to say yes because of what I've become accustomed to. 

We have a road ahead of us when we follow Christ that isn't an easy one.  I don't see in scripture where people were called to comfort.  They simply answered the call of "Follow Me".  That plays out different for different people around the world.  But there is a commonality among all Christ followers, and that is we are called to deny ourselves.  And sometimes I struggle with that.  I suspect I'm not the only one.  My prayer is that I will constantly be following Jesus, and ready to say "Yes...I'm willing". 

The Countdown on my phone alarm

Each night at camp, I would use my phone as my alarm clock.  Actually, I believe most of the staff did this.  I know that the function on my phone and on Melanie's phone has this one feature:  When you set the alarm, it tells you how long before the alarm will go off.  I.e.  "you have 5 hours and 23 minutes until the alarm will go off."  There were MANY days that the time was less than 6 hours.  There were maybe 1-2 days that it was in the 6 hour range.  And...I remember one day that it was actually over 7 hours. 

It was always a great joy knowing we had a little longer to sleep.  It wasn't such a joy when we looked at that and it said 5 hours and......you get the point. 

Our lives are not like this.  God has a set time for us to be on this earth.  However, He hasn't given us that time.  So what should we be doing?  Ahh....Matthew 28....making disciples.  If you ever wonder what you should be doing with your life.....make disciples of Jesus. 

I'm actually glad the countdown isn't known on my life.  What a dreadful way to live.  What about you?  What are you doing with what God has given you?  My prayer is that we Make Disciples. 

2 Phrases heard at camp

We use phrases at camp to describe certain things.  We shorten words, we use a camp "slang" often among the staff.  F.C. (Friendship Center), D.C. (Director's Cabin), etc.  Here are two phrases that we hear often. 

"All In."  We use this phrase with campers and staff when talking about doing whatever it takes.  It's usually used for campers or adults attending camp that will be crazy or do something big.  If you paint your face, we'd say you went "all in". 
But when we are talking about following Christ, we need to be "All In" as well.  He doesn't ask us for part of our life.  He asks us to give up our entire life for the sake of the Gospel.  My prayer is that I will always be "All In" for the Gospel.

"Be flexible."  We use this with our staff.  Sometimes, things don't go as planned or scripted.  You can't go into something as big as camp unscripted.  And you also can't go in being inflexible.  The status quo changes.  It rains.  Something gets cancelled.  Something takes longer than anticipated.  That's ok.  We have to be flexible. 
I'm reminded in scripture where it says that our ways are not always the Lord's way.  Our thoughts are not always His thoughts.  We have to be flexible, and submit ourselves to Him.  It's fun to see the Holy Spirit work and rearrange our plans. 

We have more phrases that we use throughout camp as well.  But these two stuck out to me this morning. 

Some pics from M4 Camps 2011

I thought I would share this link to some of the pics we took at M4 Camps 2011.  We should be adding some to this later.  Enjoy!!

 

http://m4camps.smugmug.com/Camp/2011/M4-Camps-2011