Yesterday Lucas

You've Got Mail

2010-01-08T07:36:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I received a piece of mail that was shredded by the Post Office. No biggie, but it was obviously a donation to The Brook Ministries. No idea who sent it.

At least they care.

Squad Leader

2010-01-07T09:42:00.000-06:00

Yesterday David was promoted to Squad Leader in the Vine's High School Army JROTC, part of the Wildcat Battalion. Congratulation David! I am so proud of you, and I can't wait to see you in that ACU!

And whether or not David makes a career of the military, I'm thrilled to see him involved in JROTC. The men and women of our armed forces represent the best of the United States, demonstrating a level of sacrifice and service uncommon in this world. I'm proud to come from a family with a military tradition, including my father, sister, brothers-in-law, uncles, and my grandfather, among countless others.

My prayers go out today for all those serving around the world, whether on the front lines of conflict, or patrolling our borders. Thank you, Lord, for their courage and commitment. Bless them today, and guide them in their mission to bring peace and stability to a violent world.

When We Shine, He Shines

2010-01-06T07:22:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I received the conference notes from Dr. Jim Adams. Jim and his wife, Jenny, will be our featured presenters at our first conference for Costa Rican pastors. They will be developing the theme of how to handle conflict in the ministry.

As this is our first major event for Latin American pastors, I'll admit to being a bit nervous. As a reformed (okay, reforming) control freak, I've found myself in the uncomfortable position of having to trust many other people with major tasks. The upside is that it has been good for my spiritual growth!

Another upside, though, is that so far I've been overjoyed by what others have done. The notes I received yesterday were incredible--in fact, seminary level. (This makes sense, Jim is the president of a seminary!) I've also relied heavily on translators who have also done a fantastic job. And I'm putting huge trust in my worship leader and the Christian owned resort I'm using in Costa Rica.

With all this going on, I'm reminded of the powerful and practical truth of Ephesians 5:8-14. Summed up: when we shine, He shines. It is a truly beautiful display when the body of Christ functions in its giftedness and the efforts of individuals become the artistry of the whole, bright enough that the entire world can see a bit of the glory of Christ, Who is in us.

The Cure for Materialism

2010-01-05T09:14:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I took the kids on one last excursion before school starts back. We did a mall crawl. They used some giftcards and Christmas cash to pick up clothes and candy. I didn't buy anything. In fact, I may have discovered the answer to materialism. I don't want to overstate my discovery, but I truly may have found the cure for the plague of the 21st Century!
The cure for materialism is--hold on, be ready for it--live as if you have to move all your stuff! Woo-hoo! Free at last. Just a bit of visualization involving you carrying heavy boxes up stairs, or packing tiny things that contribute nothing to your life other than to require dusting, and you will be free of wanting anything. You can even imagine things breaking just after the warranty expires, or picture an empty bank account and see yourself surrounded by plastic idols to the god of this age.

The only downside to this mindset is the guilt that comes with it as you realize you should have learned the lesson years ago. Good news is, He forgives. Bad news is, your bank account is still empty and you are surrounded by garbage.

Face and Embrace

2010-01-04T16:22:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I heard a great message from Steve Pruitt at Bent Tree. Two key thoughts:

Face God as you are and tremble. (Exodus 3:5-6)

Embrace God as He is and be transformed. (Exodus 34:29-30)

The simple truths of God's Word are often the most difficult to apply. Before you glance past these two points, ask yourself if you really live them? How would God say you are doing with this?

Yeah, me too.

The Great Unloading

2010-01-03T23:01:00.019-06:00

Yesterday we took down our Christmas decorations. No biggie, eh? Well, we took them down for the last time, and gave them to our daughter. Only a few select ornaments and our nativity from Bethlehem will make the trip to Costa Rica. Everything else stays in Texas. The experience was both unburdening and surreal.

Every day we get a little closer to our international move. The Great Unloading has begun. Twenty years of accumulation without restraint has come to an end.

I'm not looking for pity or admiration. It is what it is. Personally, though, it has come none too soon. Lest I bind myself with golden handcuffs, the Lord has seen fit to move me in another direction. And though I'll likely never attain the great simplicity that our Lord demonstrated, I can at least move a little closer. Lord willing, I'll come to understand some day what it is to truly be a citizen of Heaven, and a foreigner in this land.

If It Is The Lord's Will

2010-01-02T09:49:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was great. At least, it felt great. As I am given to both reflection on the past and dreaming about the future, the turn of the year is a wonderful time to stow away the old and imagine all that is coming. However, the admonition of James 4:13-17 is always worth remembering.

So, if it is the Lord's will, I expect many wonderful and challenging changes in 2010. This year we will begin training pastors in Costa Rica, and also work to strengthen pastors from the United States. We will sell most everything we own. We will move our family 1,780 miles away. We will downsize. Big time. We will return to home schooling. We will all go to language school.

Of course, some things we expect to continue: we will pray, we will see miracles, we will depend on God, we will build deep relationships, we will love.

Suffering? Likely. Sorrow? Sure. Pain? Inevitable. Give up? Never. Because if it is the Lord's will, then it is truly up to Him how it plays out. Praise God for that.

This Turn Around the Sun

2010-01-01T14:04:00.003-06:00

Yesterday one of my kids said they made a lot of mistakes in 2009 that they didn't want to make in 2010. I agreed, but figured I would probably be making all new mistakes. But that's okay. Perfection is not quite in our grasp yet, so making mistakes--some sinful, others out of ignorance--is part of the journey. The trick is to learn and not repeat those mistakes, particularly those that might end the journey.

Personally, I love the new year. Ending a year feels like wrapping up a project, or checking something off the list. The year ahead is full of promise and potential, and not yet marred by failure or defeat.

So I say goodbye to the mistakes and sins of 2009, as waters gone by. And I look ahead to what the Lord might have for me this turn around the sun.

S Dates Redux

2009-12-31T09:19:00.002-06:00

Yesterday my wife and I went on our thirteenth and final S Date. As some may remember, the S Dates were an experiment in dating we started back in January. At the beginning of the year, I gave Angela a list of twelve words that start with the letter S. Each month she would pick a word, and I would plan a themed date around that word. We had a blast with each one.

To finish out the year, Angela planned another S Date--Sanctimonious. Please don't take that too literally. We don't really think we are better than anyone, and we try to avoid hypocrisy at all times, but for a brief night we pretended. It was quite fun.

But the S Dates are over. Long may they live in our memories.

Now, for 2010 -- drum roll -- The International Dates. This time, along with two other couples, we will celebrate the food and culture of a randomly selected country. The only nations not on the list are the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica. All others are fair game. We'll keep you posted.

Weekly Planning

2009-12-30T14:32:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I had an insanely productive morning, checking off a good number of items on my to-do list. Those who know me, know that I live and die by my to-do list. I'm an Outlook junkie and believe in planning, writing things down, syncing my phone, and never having to actually remember anything (because it is recorded in Outlook).

My problem came in the afternoon when I spent some time with the kiddos who are still on Christmas break. I know it was a good thing to do, but my work ethic generated false guilt about taking time with them. "I should be working" was the thought that kept floating through my head.

Wrong.

The truth is, time well managed includes what Covey calls Q2 activities--those that are important but not urgent. And another Covey principle--that of weekly planning--should allow me to schedule critical and important tasks, while also scheduling time for those things that are not critical, but important, like time with my kids, exercise, renewal, etc. My problem is that I have a bad tendency of skipping my weekly planning, even though it is on my calendar, set in red, every Monday morning.

No excuse. Just need to make it happen. Who needs the guilt (or false guilt) from doing something good. Not me. I don't have time for it.

Better Together

2009-12-29T10:48:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was blessed to meet with several Christian ministers throughout a busy morning: one who works for a local church, another who pastors in Central America, and another who leads an international evangelistic training ministry. More and more, days like that are common for me. But when I pause to reflect, I cannot help but rejoice that I get to rub shoulders with the servants of Christ.

Though most in ministry will remain relatively anonymous, known only by those they directly influence, all are famous in God's Kingdom. They are the warriors on the front lines of spiritual warfare, they are the doctors of the spiritual hospitals, and the teachers in God's school. They are people of prayer and faith. They are imperfect, but ever seeking deeper levels of submission to the One they call Lord.

There is not one minister on the earth today who can accomplish God's plan alone. They are singular parts of a body that is vast and diverse, made up of everyone who names the name of Christ.

Love them. Help them. Because we are all better together.

Timing is Everything

2009-12-28T08:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday after church we surprised our kids with one last Christmas present. We took them to a trendy store in the mall to get a jacket and a t-shirt for each of them. We are usually not so trendy, but our kids are so awesome we wanted to spoil them. They were totally surprised and very happy.

The interesting thing is, once in the store we found the sale going on was incredible. Some items were 70% off, and most everything was marked down some. The t-shirts were only five bucks! With everything, I ended up spending a third of what I had budgeted. Woo-hoo! Merry Christmas to me!

Lesson learned? Timing is everything. I wonder if I can talk the fam into postponing Christmas by three or four days each year so we can do our shopping on the 27th? All the love--at a discount.

Bleggacy

2009-12-27T19:10:00.001-06:00

Yesterday my baby girl began her first blog. I'm not sure if blogging is a new "coming of age" phenomenon, but it sure seems that way. Her desire to tackle this new venture was exciting for me personally. It felt something like watching your kid have their own child, but without as much drama, fear, or crying. And though I'm quite proud of her new beginning, I won't be buying her blog clothes or toys like I do for my grandson, Alex. At least, not yet.

Leaving something behind is the essence of legacy. And when someone you have invested in begins to build their own legacy, you can't help but want to claim some of it for yourself. I wonder if the Lord feels that way about us? I wonder if that's why His plan involves us reaching others when He could have done all the heavy lifting alone? Either way, the 2 Timothy 2:2 principle rocks!

If you are interested, check out the newest page on the web: 13 Lights

A Very Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T21:31:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The joy for us began with the reading of Luke 2, this year by Stephanie. Normally, we would pray and then dive into the gift giving, but this year was different. As I mentioned before, we decided to scale back and give fewer gifts. One reason we did it was to free up funds to give gifts to a needy family, which we did earlier in the week. Another reason, though, was to refrain from collecting any more "stuff" prior to our move to Costa Rica.

Instead of buying gifts this year, the kids opted to do something special for the family as their "gift" to us all. So after prayer, David sang "O Come O Come Emmanuel." It was incredible! Then, Stephanie presented a music video she had prepared with photos of the family to the song Crashing Down by Mat Kearney. (We can't share the presentation online because of copyright, but it was very moving! I tear up just thinking about it.) Finally, Maria made a beautiful chain with seashells for me and Angela. It was all wonderful, and made for a very merry Christmas!

The kids each received one main gift, with a few small things to go with it. But even then, the emphasis was on the people in our lives and not the stuff. As it should be. Every year.

Why we fall into the trap of believing that one more "thing" will make us happy, I'll never know. But I write this to remind myself that though I did not receive much at all this year in a physical way, it was the best Christmas ever. And what do I need anyway, since my Lord, the Righteous One, has given me so many gifts even beyond my salvation: gifts of life, love, family, friends, and a calling.

I'm Dreaming...

2009-12-25T11:13:00.000-06:00

Yesterday it snowed, just in time to give us a white Christmas. Unusual? Yes, the last time we had a white Christmas in Dallas was 1926. That was 83 years ago!

This morning, as Stephanie and I were driving to pick up Flora and Alex, Stephanie postulated that perhaps it was a gift from God, just for us. She figured that next year in Costa Rica, snow would be impossible. So, as a gift to our family--a sort-of going away present--God sent the snow to bless our Christmas. And what a blessing it is.

Preparation

2009-12-24T22:20:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was for most a day of preparation. Hmmm. Honestly, I have no idea if most people were preparing, but I know I was, and I tend to project. So it is simpler to go along with me and accept the notion that most people were getting ready for Christmas. At least, they should have been.

In any event, my wife and I were doing some last minute cleaning before my dad arrived from Houston. We also wrapped presents and put them under the tree. There are fewer this year, but I like it that way.

I wonder how much more time is spent preparing houses and trees and presents as compared to hearts and lives. I don't want to lay it on too thick with a "remember the reason for the season" message, but I'm not so sure it goes without saying. The Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life have become so much a part of our culture, that even their message of the importance of family and the value of the individual seem lost in our ability to outquote the guy next to us. A "double dog dare" for anyone?

So get prepared if you haven't already. And for those still putting bikes together at this late hour, I have no sympathy for you. Okay, maybe a little.

Advent Conspiracy

2009-12-23T09:09:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, the three families of The Brook joined together to bless a family with Christmas gifts and toys as our way of giving back. Inspired by the Advent Conspiracy, we decided this year to Spend Less, Give More, Love All, and Worship Fully.

The recipients are a low-income family with three kids, who recently took in three more kids (relatives) after their mom said she didn't want them. Hit by an unfortunate circumstance a few weeks ago, they were not able to afford gifts for the kids this year.

Pictured: Stephanie Lucas, David Lucas, Steve Ezell, the daughter and mother who came to pick up the gifts, Angela Lucas, Maria Lucas, Kelly Ezell. (Not pictured: the Benoit Family.)

Good Choices

2009-12-22T13:22:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I received a call from one of my daughter Stephanie's friends. He wanted to know if Steph could make it to a party he was having at his house. I'd heard about this kid, and knew he was a good friend of Stephanie's, so we let her go.

When we dropped her off last night, we had a chance to meet the parents. It didn't take long to discover that not only were they dedicated Christians, but very missions minded on top of that. Another parents was dropping his kid off, and made a comment that demonstrated his faith as well. I left the house thanking God that my daughter had chosen such good Christian friends.

When it comes down to it, we have very little control over our teenagers. The best we can hope for is that the lessons we worked to teach them in their formative years would lead to good choices in their teen years. I know my kids aren't perfect and make mistakes, but I'm thankful for the kids they are.

The 60 Day Challenge

2009-12-21T07:01:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I heard the best exposition of Luke 10:38-42, the story of Mary and Martha, by Pete Brisco at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship. It has not been posted online yet, but I promise to link to it as soon as it is. A definite "must listen to" for everyone wanting to understand the "one thing" that is needed.

As part of the message, Pete challenged us to read Scripture and journal consistently for sixty days. Legalism? No. Rather it is an opportunity to deepen our intimacy with our Father in Heaven, to truly "sit at the feet of Jesus" as much as it is possible today.

Now, for me, I can honestly say that I'm in the Scripture every day. In fact, I'm well into a new "Read the Bible in a Year" plan that I'm going to continue as part of this challenge. However, I've been coming up short as of late in the journeling category. While I was listening to the message, my wife nudged me as said, "You need to get back to blogging." Subtle. And even more subtle was when Pete suggested for those struggling to journal that they start each entry with, "Yesterday." Funny! That's how I've started nearly all of the 408 entries of "Yesterday Lucas" since beginning in 2006. A sign from God?

So, from henceforth, I shall write my blog every morning as a dedication to my Father, after reading the Word and reflecting on the previous day. No promises. It's not for you anyway. It's for me. (But you are welcome to join me in the journey.)

Gringa Day

2009-12-16T11:01:00.000-06:00

Just a little over six years ago, I was the father in a typical family of four. Today, I'm one of four fathers in what has become an extended family of 20. Adoption, marriage, and even birth have grown our number. What a blessed life we have. Happy Gringa Day!

Little Dude and a Vet

2009-11-12T17:38:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had breakfast with my oldest daughter and my grandson, Alex. What a cool guy. He's 16 months old and mellow, and seems to know the secrets of the universe. I pray he can hang on to that quiet confidence for the rest of his life and not learn from the rest of us to stress on insignificant things. We could all learn a lesson from him.

Later in the day, I was blessed to have lunch with a veteran--on Veteran's Day! And though I've had lunch with him before, and respect him tremendously, it was cool to see the attention he got at Applebees, as well as the free lunch. I'm only glad we got there early, because by the time we left vets were lined up out the door waiting for their free lunch. Kind of sad, though, that we need an occasion to honor those who gave so much to protect our freedoms. Even more sad that we can sit idly by watching our freedoms being taken from us, and not by a foreign enemy, but by our own government. What would our founding father's say?

Maybe they would point me to Alex, and remind me that there are some secrets to the universe that keep everything in perspective. One secret I've learned and will share, just promise not to tell anyone: this is not our home, we're just passing through.

Doing Time

2009-11-06T08:01:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I served as a judge at a local elementary school history fair. I figure it is part of my civic duty to volunteer at the schools my children attend (and in this case, the one my wife works at). And, yes, I used the word "duty." If you know me, you know that children are not my thing. I love mine, but few others. I think it's probably because I can't discipline other people's kids, and honestly most kids need more correction. Oh, well.

Being a history or science fair judge is by far the greatest school volunteer work that one can do. On this I have no doubt. Actual contact with children is limited to the potential winners, which means you usually get the cream of the crop. This was true yesterday. As we were interviewing some of the kids, it was amazing to see the vast difference in maturity that can exist at the same grade level. One fourth grader was clear, focused, and articulate, while another could barely express herself or look you in the eye. Is this not the way of the world though?

I find it interesting to see how we develop spiritually. There rarely seems to be a correlation between how long a person has followed Christ with how spiritually developed they are. You would think that the longer one walks with God the more they look like Him. However, in my experience, the friends a person associates with is often a greater influence on spiritual growth than just time. At the history fair, the brightest kids were often grouped together!

I'm thankful this morning to have friends that love me and challenge me to grow. Otherwise, I might just be doing time.

That's My Girl

2009-11-05T18:00:00.001-06:00

Yesterday morning I was in my office taking care of some email. I had already had my quiet time, and was starting to crank on a few things before taking the kids to school. My baby girl (who turns 13 in less than a month) walked in.

"Dad?"

"Yeah, Steph?"

"I did my Proverbs this morning." She flashed her journal in my direction.

"How was it?" I asked.

"It kinda stung." And with that she opened up and shared her application of God's Word better than most sermons I've ever heard.

That's my girl.

BLTA

2009-11-04T14:07:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I met some guys in McKinney for a Bible study. The guys meet weekly, and the location changes from time to time. It's casual, and always enjoyable. Guys show up as their work schedules allow. I make it a few times a month. Right now we are working verse-by-verse through James.

While I'm normally averse to blogging about food, I just have to tell you that they have the best bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avacado sandwich, particularly when ordered with the side of tomato basil soup. It gives me chills even to write about it. Yes, it is THAT good.

Check them out: http://www.spoonscafe.com/

The Proverbs Challenge

2009-11-02T11:17:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I challenged my kids to read through and journal the Book of Proverbs during the month of November. Please understand, my kids are great and they love the Lord, but like most teens (and adults, for that matter), faithful Bible reading is a difficulty. Sensing that my days of influence may be waning, I figured I would push them to discover the benefit of daily time in the Word, without it becoming a heavy-handed mandate.

This morning, it was a joy to see them reading their Bibles and journaling about what they read. And yes, my wife and I are taking the challenge as well. Stay tuned.