A Pastor's Mind for God....

2010-10-05T23:32:00.001-05:00

Death's View: Tribute to Grandpa Jenkins

2010-08-27T11:34:00.001-05:00

I’m going to end your life. Where ever you are or whatever you are doing, in time, I’ll be there. Whether you are busy or whether you are asleep, when I get the nod, you and I will go for a walk. There you and I will leave those ailments behind that caused you pain: sickness, disease, dehabilitation, injury, stress or even a broken heart. You will thank me you know. Many see me as an event they despise. Like it’s my fault or something! Yet I am but a chapter’s end to a life created by another. If the other is an unknown to your soul, I’m sure our walk will last awhile for I cannot stand the heat down there! All that bickering, moaning and gnashing of teeth just isn’t my cup of tea.
Ah, but for the soul that knew the Creator that brought me to you, that walk will be such a more joyous one to walk! Whatever you were dealing with, whatever physical ailment that brought us together is no more a thought. It is no more a part of the soul that met me. These are the ones that make my job worthwhile! They actually LOOK FORWARD to meeting me! They put their arms around me and smile as we walk. They care about my day and what my journey has been like up to their arrival and LISTEN to me! And oh boy, when they see their greeting party at those big golden gates….it actually brings a sense of WOW to even my darken existence.
The other day I met yet another soul in need of transport and this one topped them all. Not only did I get a smile and an arm around me, he asked me if I would do HIM the honor of escorting him to meet the Creator and his family. I must say that I’ve never been told it was an honor to escort anyone, but this soul seemed anxious; anxious to the point of walking faster than I had before. When we arrived at those giant golden gates, his eyes just sparkled in amazement. Then you should have seen the amount of greeters! Led by a small, but precious soul surrounded by butterflies, they greeted him in mass. It was the most confirming moment of the Creator’s plan I have witnessed to date….and believe me, there have been PLENTY!
What is my point to explaining to you my view of myself? Because the day will come when I will end your life on earth. But don’t worry, if you’re anything like this last guy….I’m sure we’ll enjoy our walk together, with no memory of your pain to reside.  (For Grandpa Jenkins, 8/26/10)

NACC 2011

2010-08-20T00:06:00.002-05:00

Hey! If you haven't checked out anything with the North American Christian Convention....you are missing out! I went to the 2010 in Indy and it was an awesome experience. Right now if you haven't gotten to check it all out, the 2011 conference is in Cincinnati, OH and features people like, Francis Chan, Dave Stone and more!

Check out and sign up for their enews newsletter and get connected! :)

www.gotonacc.org

Please come quickly Lord....

2010-08-09T15:40:00.000-05:00

I'm not quite sure the text, but in the end times it is described that many believers will turn on each other which represents the time is drawing closer of the Lord's return. Never in my life thus far have I began to believe this as true until recently. Many of you that read this blog may even think worse of me for writing my heart, but my heart has been beaten so badly by ones who are professed followers of Jesus.

For the last 13 1/2 months my family and I have poured our hearts into service for a community that, for the most part, gave the love back in return....or so it seemed. Then recently when a young couple decided to take our lives into their hands, proceeded to desecrate our name to all who have grown to have faith in a leader of God again. Now the aftermath is hurt, betrayal and Satan's glory for the church is severely wounded.

No matter what may come now of this body, I pray the Lord keeps those who love Him the most and truly chisels the ones who have hurt His name to the community. The Lord is the final judge and exhausting the truth to deaf ears anymore has left me empty.

Be in prayer for the family in this church and that God will truly have mercy on their selfish decisions of persecution. For those who love you Lord I pray for a fulfilling place of your love so that they will never lose sight of you. For those who have held tightly to their own desires to be met....may you show your love to them also in the most reconstructive of ways to save their souls before your return.

We love you Lord, and forgive us if our emotions have gotten the best of us, yet love us the same so that we may pass on this love lessen to others worse off.

In Jesus Name.....Amen!

Love your servant,

Pastor Chad

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Flight #61!!

2010-04-19T16:19:00.005-05:00

Its been 17 years since my walk on Chrysalis #2 in Merom, IN. This past weekend I had the opportunity to come back full circle to where my old self lays dead...this time, as a pastor! 17 wonderful young men attended and it was truly a GOD weekend! The Lord knows what walls people have it their lives...better than they do. When we are open to His calling on our lives and say "YES" to His love for us...lives take a 180!

I love all these guys like my own brothers and I am proud to now call them family. If you haven't been able to experience a life changing moment like Chrysalis (ages 15-21) or Emmaus (ages 22+) you need to experience Jesus in a whole new light!!

God Bless and Hoo-rah! :)

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Emmaus-zing!

2010-03-10T00:06:00.003-06:00

This past weekend my lovely wife Amber embarked on her first ever experience with the Walk to Emmaus. If you are reading this and have never had an opportunity to venture such an experience, you are missing the true meaning of what scripture says through the intimacy of Jesus' walk to Emmaus with the two travelers (Luke 24:13-29)!

When I was 16 years old, I experienced a Chrysalis Walk (Youth version of Emmaus) and that is where I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. The same place where I died and rose again in Christ is where my soul-mate re-found herself! The light of the Lord in her eyes and the peace she has shown in her heart is unlike I have seen since we first got married. It makes me continually wonder why we do it to ourselves so much.

What I mean is, why we must feel that we are able to handle it all without God? Why we continue to be Satan's punching bag when BY GOD its not our fight anymore!!!! Through His love given by many willing sisters in the Lord, my wife is a new person in Christ. It is up to us to keep that fire burning! Jesus likes to have the match lit and holding next to our spiritual fuel...but WE have to let Him light it!

I challenge everyone to take the TIME for Jesus Christ in your life and let Him LOVE you! You are in NO shape unconditional of His love and if you want peace and freedom in your life away from this crap Satan deals us daily....then get your heart cracked open for Jesus to fill it! Walk to Emmaus with Him and realize that He is with you EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!

Praise the Lord! :D

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Deposits or Withdrawals??

2010-01-22T00:23:00.004-06:00

Your bank statement just came in today. Unfortunately your account has an under-draft fee. Apparently you haven't made enough deposits into your account for the balance in your life to be positive and thus you have nothing saved up. How's your spiritual bank account today? Have you made enough deposits to God through prayer today....this week? Pray to save up your positive outlooks this week!

Ever wonder if you're being heard up in heaven? By God or by Jesus....or even maybe that guy who is standing at the pearly gates? So many times I hear younger Christians base their beliefs or lack there of on the fact that God doesn't make their "wishes" come NOW!! What about God's wishes for us? Do we ever stop and think about how much we attempt to "withdrawal" from God's grace account? How about the low balance of His mercy account? (Assuming there is a limit to mercy when there isn't)

Each time you pray, is it the same ol' same ol' way of talking to Him? Do you feel your eye lids start to heavy more as you think of the next creative word to use...thinking deep down you may stump God? Stop right now....STOP! Take a deep breath...and let it out SLOWLY.....and just LISTEN! Not for a second, ten seconds or even just one minute! LISTEN....for as long as God leads you to. Hear that still small voice....pay attention to the God deposits to your life all around you.

Once you take the time to check your balance of the deposits He gives, with NO withdrawals....you will realize how far behind you are in your deposits and you have just your lifetime to try and catch up!

Talk to Him. Talk to Him NOW and don't candy-coat it, don't fluff it up. Just say your peace, your hurts, your frustrations, your confusions, your sense of loss....He's listening and enjoying the deposits coming in!

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." -Matthew 6:5 (NIV)

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reViVe Services are a Blast!

2009-08-26T23:09:00.007-05:00

Who Wants to be a Bible Superstar?

Well, reViVe service began a mere three weeks ago now after tonight and God is continually building our church's interest. The first two weeks there were 32 each night...tonight there were 38!! Tonight we played Bible Trivia and had lots of fun...you see your host below...."Pastor Chazzle" :)

God will continue to move and bless the excitement His followers show Him in fellowship and discipleship....won't you come join the fun?? :)

What are others painting about you?

2009-08-06T20:20:00.003-05:00

Ever felt as if your life is already pre-destined? That somewhere in the clouds there is someone painting your life's picture? Well, if you are a Christian you already know the answer to that, but if you are not....you might be pondering more as you read this. Depending on your family upbringing, your life's "picture" can come out looking beautiful, bright, and full of life within its borders. Others, hold a shade of more darker, gloomier and lifeless colors; reflecting the foundation of sin played out by those you love.

Family is tough. The slighest "malfunction in the junction" can cause relational streaks in your portrait. Streaks that even the best painters cannot fix back to its original purpose. I experience that same style of streaks even today as a pastor for my family holds a section of my portrait with darker colors. Most believers in Christ have a desire to be loved and accepted, thus a reasoning for their conversion and life changing moments.

"But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life."

Ephesians 4:20-27 (The Message)

If you allow someone else, other than your Heavenly Father influence or control your life your painting of life will not look like the masterpiece that was intended for you. Take the brush, submit it to the Lord and let Him paint your way to Heaven's glorious gallery where all your previous streaks are covered by the Master's seal.

An Act of Servanthood....

2009-07-29T22:48:00.005-05:00

Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-17 NIV)

1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

8 "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Thoughts: Many churches today seem to have lost their way. Going to church has become more of a task than an honor. More of an assignment to check the "good deed" off your list for the week than to be a guest in the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings house to spend time with Him.

Jesus made it plain and simple for many of us what it took to reach the world and nothing was more of a "smack in the face" than when He humbled himself to wash the feet of his disciples. No one saw it coming and no one would have desired to see someone of the stature of Jesus wash the most disgusting part of their body.

Peter represents many churches today when he told the Lord to not wash his feet or in more understandable terms; "Lord, we don't want you to do it all....we can handle this"; or "The Lord is too big and important of a Savior to be apart of this mediocre group of people....we are more comfortable without His influence here."

But Jesus boldly told Peter that unless He wash his feet, HE HAVE NO PART OF Him. We are not called to strip off all the shoes and sandals of the people we come in contact with everyday and "invade their personal spaces" to make a point made abundantly over 2000 years ago. We are just called to take that act of servant hood and apply it to the church today.

Over 80% of people coming to church today come to church just to sit in the pew, either because they do not have the time to be further involved, or they do not want to be CONVICTED or bothered. There is no shame in servant hood. There is no political correctness blue-printing an act of love.

There is ONLY Jesus. There is only us Christians who can make that point known to the dying world today. We have only one chance to make an impression....to save a life.

What will you choose? Act upon faith and a knowing belief or sit in fear of the change that might occur within your soul when you follow through with your calling instead of warming the benches!

Happy 5 Years! :)

2009-07-24T10:54:00.002-05:00

5 years....and you can already see the affects! :D This picture is a signature of our relationship....we knew we'd grow old together...so we took the beginning venture photo....now, the here and now. Still growing old together and alittle more "comfortable" LOL

God has been good....blessing us with a beautiful daughter and a wonderful calling here at WCC. As we look forward to the next 5 and beyond, I am reminded of how I remember God described marriage: "“Have you not read athat He who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
5 and said, ‘aFor this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and bthe two shall become one flesh’?
6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”

May we all continue to keep the covenant of marriage in its place.....Thank you Lord for my soul-mate.... :)

*New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 19:4-6.

Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS....and again I say REJOICE!

2009-07-20T13:16:00.003-05:00

You wake up in the morning....eyes fluttering to try and focus and then your feet hit the floor. Do you thank the Lord for allowing that moment, or do you dwell upon the day ahead? Many people mourned the deaths of celebrities in the past month, but none more than Michael Jackson. Selling over 750 million albums and winning 13 grammys, Jackson seemed to have it all. Unfortunately his life ended with a dead end; the Neverland Ranch bankrupt and Michael living in a rental.

Worldly joy is seen as things within this world that people take joy in that doesn't last. Taking joy in a human being like Michael, idolized and near worshipped by millions, ended in a dead end just like Michael's life. Now millions are searching for that new "joy" to put their hearts into. I say this because too many people fight hard to obtain joy that never lasts but a short time, where Heavenly joy lasts forever.

Paul stated to Timothy in Philippians chapter 4 to continue encouraging others to retain their joy in the Lord. "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!" He continues to tell him to not be anxious over anything, but in EVERYTHING, with prayer and supplication, give your needs to the Lord, who surpasses all comprehension, will bring the peace of God to you.

Focus on the positives no matter how big or small and dwell of them (verses 8-10)!

I challenge all who read this, to find the Heavenly joy in your everyday moments and dwell on them; leaving your worries to God for that will show a faithful heart.

God Bless.....and REJOICE! :)

Hoosier Rooted AGAIN! :)

2009-07-17T15:04:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! It has been a long time and much has changed since my last posting! Many of you will be surprised to hear from me again on this blog, and others will be my wonderful new parishoners checking me out! :)

Since I lasted blogged, I have graduated with a Masters of Arts in Ministry degree FINALLY from Lincoln Christian Seminary. Shortly after achieving that goal, Amber and I placed over 24 resumes out over Illinois and Indiana in search of the Lord's guidance for where we were to serve. As luck would have it, the Lord undoubtbly called us back near my hometown in Indiana to serve Worthington Christian Church.

We have been serving there since Father's Day weekend and have enjoyed meeting all of God's servants to the Worthington Community. This blog will now provide updates and insights and even devotionals for parishoners and friends alike to read up on.

I pray you are blessed by reading this blog and will plan on making a visit sometime to our church located at: 105 E. Main St. Worthington, IN. 47471 The phone number is: 812-875-3125

God Bless and we'll chat at you another time!!

Will I Ever Be Heard?

2008-10-09T23:27:00.002-05:00

Its only a few hours away before we pack up for the next adventurous trip home to see my family, and another tie is bound within my heart strings that I can't seem to cut free. Have you ever been there? Being over three hours away from my roots I have learned to begin planting my own over here in a foreign state to my loved ones in hopes to "venture out" to some extent. However my efforts to leave the roots that have the mold of pain still seem to attach themselves to me. My mother and I have always had our differences and later in life, have had our good bonding times. I love my mother, deeply and sometimes frivalously after being told of the misery I still cause her so far away. In my growth, I have matured and become someone totally different than the picture she still holds of me as a misguided youth. I listen, I try to empathize with her ailments, however when I speak words of truth, the daggers begin to fly. I am not always innocent, my human side that still holds on to the vision of my youth flash back at her when I have no words to say; but I am confident that I love my mother and am only trying to help ease her frustrations in life. With a dial-tone left in my ear of the last conversation we had, we are hours away from being in reaching distance and she hasn't even mentioned my name to the others. Will I ever be heard? Will I ever be seen as the man before her now and not the youth that once was? To this, I give my recent poem that has some of the feelings of this wrapped inside of it.....who ever reads this I pray that if you are going through something similar that God will heal your pain and bring about maturity in your walk to minister to them. May my words hopefully help you know how important you are to God and how strong you are to Him and frail to this world's grip!

In Christ's Love,
Chad

Frail
I am a decoration of sorts, a mere addition to a beauty called to shade sin’s burn of life.
Strong at its roots, the branches of free-will blow where they may causing the riff of unbalance.
The force of an up and down life weakens the hold of the norm of life, breaking the foundation.
I am free floating, my support base fading away….alone in this sky of the world, I am frail.

What seemed so smooth, the break of discipline now tumbles mercilessly in a whirlwind of confusion; no focus
in sight, the dizziness of the moment vomits the left-over consciousness out.
The wind now dies no more guidance but lies, what happened to my family ties?
My eyes are closed, I see now nothing….as I begin to fall I am ripe for the hunting.
My choices have left me insecure, my blindness unaware; my hell is close, this fire I can tell….my God I am so frail.

Withered not dead, I’m gently faced down, crumbling all-around I ponder where went that gentle sound?
The songs of the birds of praise, the security of my foundational days; the grace that helped me know I’ll be okay?
Alone now I wait for whatever is my fate….for this world has taken its toll.
The nourishment I need is staring at me, yet I chose not to drink to grow my seeds.
From beautiful to dirty my life seems to stay, will my skin be cleansed, and these visions go away?
To be on the tree of life again, oh how I could be! Yet here I lie crushed by the feet of the world’s sexuality.
I am frail….weak and torn….I am frail Lord…..save me from this scorn….I am frail Lord I don’t want to drive another nail…..

Journey Updated....

2008-09-09T15:15:00.002-05:00

Well....here I sit in the class room I will be apart of for the next year about 1/2 hour from its beginning time. Sitting here in the Seminary again for the first time in seven years, I think about the meaning of this journey. Since I'm here to get a degree in ministry....where do I feel I desire ministry to begin when my chapter ends? Thus far, I am unsure of this....but I AM SURE that God will reveal it to me when it is time. So pray for that..... :)

We are back in the swing of a new year, Amber at school with Janelle and Angel back on her schedule in daycare....we just traded our Pontiac Montana in for a newer vehicle to better get us from point A to poin B without brake mishap. :) We purchased a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica.... :) Security is back where it belongs!

The apartments are still thriving as only they can.....more leaks I'm afraid that will be dealt with due to the rains....but I know God will shelter them as he has me. Pray for continual guidance in our lives and for God to shape His will in our endeavors hence forth. I pray this blog find you all well.....

Seminary Bound.....AGAIN! :)

2008-08-20T20:57:00.003-05:00

Well after 7 years of being lost and unsure where my path may lead me, God has re-opened the door for me to finish my Masters at Lincoln Christian Seminary. The frustration of how it all ended in 2001 left a bitter taste in my mouth of whether the school was what I wanted ultimately....but then growth, maturity and a desire to close a chapter or open a new one I needed. So....be in prayer, I have only 9 credit hours to do to complete my Masters of Arts....however, my focus is different now. I will have a Masters of Arts in Ministry with Special Emphasis on Pastoral Counseling....instead of my MA in Counseling as before.....

More Bible and more opportunity to spread my wings in more areas than counseling for future ministry opportunities! Pray for my strength to reshape my mind and to allow God to make me the man he wants me to be!

Are you ready?

2008-06-02T20:40:00.003-05:00

Its been awhile since I last wrote and it seems like so much has happened. Nothing tragic to us mind you, but my heart has gone out to all those who have suffered such Armageddon-like events in the last two months....from earthquakes to volcano eruptions, it seems more and more like Christ is prepping us for his second coming. I wrote this poem in hopes to share that emotion I felt while witnessing these past events and to try and encourage hope for tomorrow....for us all.

Signs of the Times

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....or so they are told.
Rhythms and rhymes, they mark the chimes of the music that express our reasons to mold.
To stand out and rise above for this is how we get our love; our blissful script of egotistical.
The surface can mock this figment of a whimsical wish as many hearts stay trapped within this deep sinful lisp.

The unforeseen now pulsates reality’s blood as it is spilled across our unexpected tragic loss.
Debris destroys what was once sturdy, unevening the lives between those alive and hurting.
This puzzle that lies beneath their feet symbolizes their securities shredded unable to piece.
The signs that shock and incapable to read leaves us wondering are these the times that won’t leave us be?

Reports and news flash one after another; do we choose these acts or are they sins that smother?
The story was written with an end already concluded; can we save at all what’s already polluted?
Young ones shot, divorce rate high, is this how our spirit shall die? Cancer engulfing, no money to buy....the simple things we need to survive. Is this the recipe for the signs of the times?

Many have dreamt about, many have spoke about, many have wrote about.... sin’s final route.
Will I be a catalyst for the flipping of the switch? The spilling of negativity that will spawn Armageddon’s impulsivity? Will we cause the fight that will make us believers take flight?
No answers have been given, no predictions made truths; we will only know the how, the when will come only after the “then”....

Today I witnessed the flood that submerged a town of few, “then” hail the storms that brew.
Today I saw a mother and son punch, yell and fight, “then” the sky split apart to the light.
Today I heard I was going to be cut with a knife, placed in the morgue out of someone’s spite.
Today could be the “then” that could be life’s final written chapter due to an action done by me.

What are your signs of the times? Is it a birth or a death? Is it a hesitant pause or a still breath?
How will you live your last days untold? Will you worry the days to old? Or will you cherish that which you can hold? The signs are warnings to this we know, will HE tell you when its time to go? Or will you be the one looking up left alone?

Chad E. Taylor 5/31/08

Trying to Understand the MisUnderstandable....

2008-03-15T15:45:00.002-05:00

Trying to figure out life can be tough. Over my 32 years of life I have seemingly experienced alot. I wrote this poem the other day with a vision in mind of how the sinner in us tries to figure out the "whys" in our lives. I hope my vision on paper can bless you who read it.

The Purpose of “Why:”
A Tale of Mending

To close your eyes & relax the mind the thought of “why” is a motion somewhat sublime.
For the pinpointing moment of when the muscles are calm you are left with no words or psalms; the dessert of emotions blow recklessly, as you stare at the qualms.

No sifting of actions will leave the answer you seek; locating the purpose for “why” lies unforeseen and bleak.

One foot from the other you pace the dark, blinking your eyes holds no change or distinct mark; what’s said was said, no ears are blocked, another heart left with chains & lock.
The impulsivity of desires are deemed positive to one yet incarcerated in a rejective society.
Is there no bond to the “why” that’s scripted? Or shall all actions stay broken and unmended?

The “whys” they lie beneath the hidden shades of “whos” and “hows” awaiting to pounce the now; leaving a ever wondering cycle of confusion that leaves the spirit numb.
The pulsing of life that runs through your veins, now dead to the convincing of your defeated mind; a self-fulfilling prophecy that none can avoid nor try to explain.
What is the purpose of these “whys”? What gives them power within our lives?

It was at the end of this stick of dynamite that the scales were blown to a clarity of sight.
A cross that shadowed a distance reached out and touched my ever dyer existence.
Feeling the drops fall down upon me; the drops of a lamb’s sacrificial demoralizing.
Did you know the “whos” or the “whats”? That made you accept the fate given from Pilot?

These mere stumbles that we call tragedies can never compare to the thorns driven from Calvary; my name written upon your olive back erase the scars I bare in this world of lack.
The path that seemed so dark and lost now comes across as a walk with no real cost.
The purpose of “why” is not for me to decide, nor is it a fate to fear and hide.

From the “why” of then to the “why” of now I kneel down and bring a bow.
Submittance of par is the average to start, with a goal to mend shows this sinner as smart.
You’ve covered my thoughts, my fears, my sight with the answers deemed merciful after you risen that night.
The purpose of “why” can now veer to a shy, for man’s need to seed the thought has shriveled and died; covered by blood no one can deny, for each day that I walk defines my purpose of “why”.

Chad E. Taylor 3/12/08

Do you know this Child of God?

2008-03-11T21:44:00.001-05:00

Identity Theft

Dark and cold, my eyes open to the same; unfamiliar to where I am.
Exhaling my air I realize in the mist of the dust I’m kissing the dirt’s crust.
Beaten and bruised I call to you, the you to whom I am unaware....alone.
Sitting up I am still blind, to feel my face is a clean slate; my identity was left behind.

For years a name labeled the “who” or even the “what,” yet an unbeknown the “why” hasn’t been caught; the “runaway” that has been the allude.
The strived for seems to run its coarse in the maze of the unfounded, the life you wish you had, yet the reality that which you try to focus through.
What is your picture? What is your movie? Has your identity left also through the butt of a “doobie”?

Your purpose to breathe is to forward a life, yet with each inhale you feel the bumps of brail; fingering around yet another unknown translation.
Your mind desires to speak, yet your words are gibberish; you are a mute.
The heart paints the vision of the masterpiece you wish to be; all of your colors though run like the stream, the identity of all your dreams.

Crying can shed no more tears due to their own evaporating of these unknown fears; emotions are kept dormant like reality’s understanding.
Unplanned failures mimic unexplained behaviors each baring weight upon the shoulders dropping a spirit to the depths of this dark prison again.
The cycle, to which continues, victimizes my being since I first knew you.

You....the one I think to know, yet still fades to memory when a need is in a rut; to the loved ones they see the “me” I truly need to dig out and be.
Sifting the negative, the lowly, the confused and the slow; what seeds would be left to let the Son groom and grow?
To be planted in the field of purpose with each day to sow; my frailness needs to understand and come to know....know the “who” and the “why” this life bestows.

Exhaustion has cost my senses to see, frustration continues consuming me.
Let the paint dry, the masterpiece defined! Then a heart could embrace the “who am I”?
Knelt down you are back where you came, still pondering the whom to blame; lying in the fetal, the picture is left...why am I the victim of this identity theft?

Chad E. Taylor 2/29/08

Angels Among Me.....

2008-01-18T22:39:00.000-06:00

Never in my life have I been aware of the Lord's Angels among us as I was last night around 1a.m. I was coming home from overseeing my apartments "late-night" activities and was traveling home to be with my wife and daughter and then, the light turned green.....I continued to travel on as normal and out of the corner of my eye I saw a unforseen light....crashing into me. I spun around and around 3 times and came to a halt along side the road laying on my back. Immediately lights came on outside my car and a policeman was coming up to the intersection at that exact moment and saw the whole incident, saw if I was okay (thankfully I was) and I proceeded to experience shock.

About 3 minutes later another policeman approached me in the car asking me if I wanted to warm up in his squad car because it was about 25 degrees out. I come to find out later that he was my insurance agent's husband and immediately told his wife the next morning about my needs. I was lucky, and with the soreness lingering in my body even as I type this to you...I know there are angels among us.....I met a few that scary night where my life laid in their hands.....and now, safely home with my family. I don't know what I would have done with out them. Believe! Believe that God loves you enough to watch over you always. Thank you Lord, for saving my life so that I may share more of your proof-positive love to others.

A New Year, A New Path to Walk....

2008-01-10T23:39:00.000-06:00

Wow, its been quite awhile! I apologize that I haven't written in awhile....many new experiences have been moving like the midwest wind this past 4 months. A new year!! A new path.....have you ever wondered just why you are on the path you are right at this moment? Why you woke up this morning with the thoughts that floated in your mind or the TV station you turned to have a story that captivated your attention at that very moment?

We are given a new year every 365 days and right now we only have 354 days left! What am I going to to with this time??? What adventures will I chose to venture that will enscript my life for all eternity this 2008? For those of you who read and for those of you who care about what is read....take a deep breath.....exhale it out SLOWLY and with each pulsating moment you notice as you do....you'll make the most out of the 354 days you have left. Hmmm....wonder why?? You just began the new path of your days this 2008 with....CONTROL! Let yourself enjoy this year with your family, friends and even your pets! If this may be your last year of life....make the Lord proud you made the most of it with what He gave you and breathe.....as you see your horizon bless you with its coming beauty.

God bless you this 2008.

Don't Forget!!

2007-10-21T12:20:00.001-05:00

Hey there all!

Don't forget that my family's television debut is on the week of October 29th through November 2nd on Wheel of Fortune! Amber, my wife, will be in the audience being shown on the October 31st show and my actual game is on November 1st. Be sure to check your local time and station the Wheel is on to make sure you don't miss it! Let me know what you think and see for yourself how awesome God is!

Love in Christ,
Chad & Family

Pat, Vanna & Me....

2007-10-12T23:46:00.000-05:00

Well, here I sit in my hotel room atop the 9th floor of the Radisson Hotel after my most adventureous day to remember. Today was the day that I fulfilled a dream by being a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune. Without exhausting all the details of my day I can summarize as this: Meeting 19 other outstanding competitors and now friends of a common blessing. I was the only "Midwestern" there and the tallest as well. Seeing the studio, it is MUCH smaller than invisioned on TV, yet the fasination of it all was just as I dreamed it would be.

God answered my prayers that day, giving me what I don't deserve and withholding what I desired to show how awesome and in control He is in. He blessed my life through this experience with what He wanted, like I prayed for. Never underestimate how much control of your life God does have even when we are too self-centered to see the actuallity of it all.

I'm sure more thoughts of this weekend will come in the coming weeks....for now, everyone needs to know that the show will air NATIONALLY on NOVEMBER 1st, 2007 on whatever local station shows the Wheel of Fortune....so tune in and see what God has done.

Until another time my friends....

Positive Fortunes....

2007-09-27T16:39:00.000-05:00

Wow, it seems like forever since I've been able to update my blog, but I must say, its for good reasons. Ever been at a time in your life when you just don't know which direction at the crossroad you need to take? The whole month of September seems to have many crossroads that I have been given the opportunity to decide which way to venture....but so far, God has led the way.

Right now a great humbling has been surrounding my life starting with my factory job I am now working at, which has been pleasantly great, but the environment is a struggle due to its ever increasing negativity and cursing. God is helping to hypersensitize my boundaries as a Christian and I must say, its a teder-toder right now.

God is good and many roads lie ahead for me and my family and for those keeping tabs, we are doing better than we have been! Also a pleasant venture lies in our waks on October 12th when FINALLY the Wheel called! :)

Yes, Amber and I will play our fortune on the Wheel of Fortune gameshow on October 12th in LA. Pray for us that God will help us make the most of this amazing opportunity and for us to give all the glory for what comes of it, to HIM.

Until next time, God bless you all.

East to West....

2007-09-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

How far you ask? How far does the line of forgetfulness go? Listening again to the Casting Crowns new hit "East to West" and on the same day I get a phenominal devotion from Joel Osteen entitled "Free From Condemnation" where he reminds us how when we asked Jesus into our hearts, which is truly an experience only validated between YOU and GOD and never to be doubted by others, he tosses our sins away from us as far as the east is from the west. With the recent occurrances happening in my family's life, I cannot help to but to express to those reading how awesome it is to be reminded of the fact that God doesn't see our past, doesn't focus on it and works with the evil one to bring you down when you may stumble, but to embrace you and remind you that all He sees is "white as snow".

Feeling attacked? Being reminded that your mistakes of your past have to be seen in your future? Remember this:

"God actually chooses to forget your sins! That means your sins are completely removed. In fact, they aren’t even yours anymore. Don’t let the enemy dig up your past or try to make you feel guilty for something that happened a long time ago, or even yesterday. The enemy is called the “accuser of the brethren”, and he works overtime to bring you down with false accusations. Be confident that God doesn’t remember your past. You are free from condemnation through the blood of Jesus Christ. The next time the enemy brings up your past, declare that you are free from condemnation in Jesus’ Name!"

SLAM!! Was that the door???

2007-08-27T11:15:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you can't see it coming and for most that do, you try to plug your ears so the emphasis it brings won't hurt as bad. The slamming door....the door forcefully shut in your face by someone who doesn't want you anymore. Many interpretations can be seen by the imagery of the door slamming; however the true meanings seem to hide themselves awaiting the Heavenly translator to interpret the engravings left on your forehead.

This past week an unexpected door slammed in my face bringing with it shock, uneasiness, pain and a surprising peace unlike any experienced before. I had been asked to resign from my Youth Ministry position at Crestview Christian Church. The reasoning??? I had a sinful past that couldn't be overlooked since it danced its way out of my closet by an old acquaintance. A past where many mistakes of immaturity were made by me and at a time where God was tucked away in the crevice of my back pocket only getting the gaseous reminisces of my already devoured actions.

I had a past that I was afraid of to share and too ashamed of as well. God has returned back to the place he belongs in the center of my life and this "stain" upon my life was still viewed as a stain by a body of believers whom are taught to see the white cleansed by the blood where the stain once was....however, that was not what happened.

I am not writing all this to gripe in bitterness the happenings at Crestview, I am here to testify a much greater purposed shown to me by God by the slamming of this door! You see, when your life seems to be going well and you THINK that God is blessing your every move, that is when you have to see that YOU are being glorified, not God because you expect it. The unexpected happenings are the results of faith where the control is immenently in His hands, not yours....that was my problem. The Youth program was growing little-by-little and the spirit of the congregation was positive....but I accepted the ego boost, not the humbleness that God's power brings over my own....causing me to get too confident, and causing me to let down my guard and boundaries that I had made.

Now the walls are crumbling between God's will and my ego boosting mirror allowing my spirit to feed off of God's intentions, not my own for whatever comes next for my family and I. The reconstruction of my stained past is not over yet and may never be by the time our Savior returns, but when God sees I'm ready to do GREAT and POWERFUL things, even beyond my ministry at Crestview....I can't wait for that door to open!

May you as well see the doors opening and closing in your life, whether bad or good to you on the surface, and see the power God will reveal to you!

Get Over Yourself!

2007-08-07T17:43:00.000-05:00

Somebody once told me.....and told me....and told me yet again that the only way to let God in to work, is to "Get over yourself". In ministry your goal and prayers are that these moments will become fewer and farther between, yet somehow, some way, when God deems in necessary, He gives you a reminder of how its not about YOU, but about HIM.

Life comes at you fast sometimes and the passing moments are hard to recollect and make sure they are the passing thoughts and comments you want them to be as they travel from your lips and display from your body to another. God doesn't take second place anywhere or anytime, He's the most aggressive Father you'll ever have and more than not, will show you more "tough love" than even your parents can give.

I express this as a pastor who falls short everyday of the glory of God and knows that sometimes when you let your accomplishments of the PAST overshadow the decisions of tomorrow, you push God away from the reigns of control and then you have to wait out the crazy ride that lies ahead. Its like driver's education all over again, let the instructor teach you all the tricks to keep you safe out on the road of this world; don't think you know what He'll say next and then wreck the car (and your life). So I say to you now....GET OVER YOURSELF, and Get back into God!

A Honor to Meet you.....

2007-07-27T19:27:00.000-05:00

July 23, 2007--A day that will live in my heart forever as a day that my heart was deeply touched yet again by an artist who truly seeks the Lord's approval. It was our day, Amber and I's to celebrate our 3 year anniversary and we did it in Six Flags in St. Louis. A day of relaxation, rides that make you sick (literally), hand holding and reflexing on the love you bound some three years ago, and a night of worship amist the noisy confinds of the park. We wound the evening down with "the man"....who for a better lack of description mimmicks the 21st century "David" of the Bible in the way his ministry "seeks after God's own heart."

After the second song, Amber and I's eyes were closed in worship over the words being sung by Jeremy. His passion for Jesus, his love others, and the passion within his words all came out in his testimony of song. If you haven't heard him, thought much of his music, you are truly missing out on one of the greatest ministries of music we have to listen to today. I was privileged to hear him for the first time live and even better, was blessed to meet him, get his autograph, pray with him, and forever capture the moment with him in picture. He's lived a life thus far that reflects God's grace, love and perserverence and has a lot to share to encourage those who hear his voice. To him, maybe someday he can read these words....THANK YOU, for blessing my life everytime I was spiritually in need, his music was there; and as he hugged me goodbye and stated he would pray for me and my ministry, I knew he was sincere.

God bless you in your ministry Jeremy and may those who get a chance to hear your voice in music, be blessed forever.

Visit Jeremy's website at: Jeremy Camp or his MySpace at: Jeremy Camp

Happy 3rd Anniversary!!

2007-07-22T11:53:00.000-05:00

Some time ago.....actually 3 1/2 years ago, I was serving a family at a local Cracker Barrel in the month of December. Many laughs and singing occurred during this time of service and I grew to like this family very much. God was somewhat stagnet in my life at the time and seeing a family in tune with the Lord and enjoying life made me somewhat realize I was missing something precious I once had.

A few more weeks past and the family continued to visit Cracker Barrel and request my service for them, to which I gladly abiliged. During that time I grew to know one of their daughters better and something inside of me seemed to click....a "click" that I was at the time running from. As much as I prayed for God's intervention to stop the tempting of my mind to seek another relationship, He kept placing her and her family before me...even outside of Cracker Barrel.

Finally, one snowy night they waited for me to get off work in 4 inches of snow so I could "hang out" with this daughter. We took a ride in my red dodge ram and did donuts to begin the trip in a Menards parking lot....sometime afterward some 7 months later....we were married. Its been an awesome dizzy spell of love, commitment and true Godly soul. I love you my "Ber", my one and only greatest TIP I ever received in service to God thus far. Happy Anniversary baby. Love, Chad

Zzzzzz......

2007-07-11T09:35:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt so tired that you've accidently head banged your desk at work? Or fell asleep while your spouse was talking to you about their day? People today are taking on more than they're physically able to handle and yet, are unaware most times its even happening. Take me for example; I have 5 JOBS! Four part-time jobs and then one full-time job, to which I am at right now writing this, and it all begins at 2am! If a person, who isn't tired, thought about the time placed in a day to those active jobs (4 of them), that's over a 12 hour day, everyday! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say I'm "Superman" or nothing...I am bringing forth humbleness to you all in the "net" world and say that you might, like me, need to SLOW DOWN and enjoy the little things you're missing!

The Lord said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest;" so why are we shying away from comfort? Do you feel, right now as you read this, so mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually drained from your day that you are leaving your passions, enjoyments and loved ones out? If you are, ponder this....when driving down the highway and you happen to look to the left or right, you travel approximately 500 + feet before you turn back to the front; missing enough space that you could have ran over something or swerved on the road! Each time you do this in your everyday steps, you might miss out on; a life-changing event in history, your spouse saying their potentially last words to you, your child's first steps or words, or even our Savior's return.

Take time....to hug your pillow more;
Take time....to say the words you mean to say;
Take time....to hold your loved ones longer;
Take time....to admire the beauty hidden around you;
Take time....to feel the breeze tickle your hair on your neck;
Take time....to just BE YOU. If you don't know you....FIND YOU!

Life is passing by us all too quickly and the appreciation of the GOOD in life is looked over while the negative has the main focus. Give it the boot and reclaim the good in your life God has given you and still is at this very moment. Writing this to share has blessed me today, I hope it does you as well.

Pastor Wick "Can I have a new baby, Pat?"

2007-07-09T15:14:00.000-05:00

Since my brother in Christ, Pastor Chadwick Anderson, Youth Pastor extrodinaire here in Decatur, IL along with me and we were recently BOTH chosen to be future contestants on the Wheel of Fortune Show, I had to shout out a big-time CONGRATULATIONS to him and his wife on their expecting of a new edition to their family in February 2008! So when you get to LA and play the Wheel with yours truly, remember not to be distracted and ask for a baby, not a vowel and lose all that money to ME. :P

Check out my brother's blog spot at: The Wick

2007-06-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

The Heart of the Journey
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Our Angel....

2007-06-25T14:02:00.001-05:00

This is our Angelique, our sweetness, our life-changing event that has been the best roller-coaster ride of our lives. When I think of being "called" by God for service in my life, it begins at home. It begins as a husband, a father and a friend. When you look at someone as innocent as this, what makes you know you are doing your part? What makes you realize that you are providing the service of Christ to even your child?

I challenge those of you who visit my blog to see how you are called to ministry every day of your life. God Bless.