Happy Birthday Mackenzie!

7 years ago, November 13, 2006, God blessed Sasha and me with Mackenzie Alexis Posey. She is a smart, loving and creative child.  She keeps us laughing. She loves music, art, softball and gymnastics. She is learning the word of God through Junior Bible Quiz. I love to hear her creative prayers.  

In his book, Praying Circles around Your Children, Mark Batterson profoundly writes, "Make sure the heavenly Father hears about your kids daily!" He discusses praying scripture over your kids.  

Here are a few of the verses that I pray over my girls.

1. Luke 2:52 (NLT) "52 Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people."

I pray that my girls will be like Jesus and grow in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and all people.

2. Ephesians 5:15 (NIV) "15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,"

I pray that my girls live as those who are wise not as those who are unwise.  I want them to have wisdom in their choices and in their relationships.

3. Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT) "9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you,we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"

I pray that God will fill my girls with the knowledge of His will, that they would live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way, that they would bear fruit in every good and grow in the knowledge of God.  

This Time

Last December, I got to live out one of those once in a lifetime moments.  Back in college, my friend, Brian, and I took off on an "excellent adventure" to Nashville, Tennessee.  Our goal simply was to meet our favorite singer, John Elefante.  Long story short.....we were successful.  In fact, we ended up with an invite to John's house to watch a Guardian recording sessions.

Fast forward to last year, this same friend and I were again invited to John's house, but this time we got to sing background vocals on a song for John's latest CD.  We sing the "whoa's" on the first song on the record.  Hey, don't laugh, it's my five seconds of fame.  LOL

On the CD, John has a song called "This Time." It is a powerful story song based on what may have happened with John's adopted daughter, Sami. Sami's biological mom was about to abort her when she made the decision to give Sami to a loving and caring family.  This song is touching lives around the world.  It has been made into a powerful video.

I want you to watch this video.

Do I have something to say?

In an effort at full disclosure, I have failed to blog for several reasons.

1. Time - other things get in the way and I forget to take the time to blog.

2. Is anybody listening? Am I wasting my time by blogging? Is anybody reading what I have to say?

3. Do I have anything of value to add? Am I wasting someone else's time by writing and promoting a site that doesn't serve a purpose.

Today, I am renewed with purpose and passion to make my blog a place that adds value to the world.  It has always been and always will be somewhat of a journal for me.  It will be a place I can share memories with my wife and kids.

In addition, it will be a place where I can provide resources, including devotional thoughts and/or ministry/leadership tips.  It may also include a music review or two.

As always, I may offer a hot sports opinion or two.  :)

I need your help!

A year ago, I made a decision to start a journey to be healthy. The first thing I did was completely get off of caffeine and sodas.....luckily, there were no casualties. :) After the summer rush, our church began a weight loss challenge called Texarkana's Biggest Winner. During that 12 week period, I lost 34.8 pounds. Total, I have lost over 50 pounds and am still going.

As I write this post, I just finished a 2.5 mile training walk/run for a 5k that I am participating in at camp (July 24th). This 5k benefits Speed The Light. Specifically, the money raised will go to purchase a vehicle for my missionary friends, Adam and Alecia Fogleman.  They will be leaving this fall to move their family to Tanzania.

My goal is to raise $10 per pound that I have lost.  That would be a grand total of $500.  One of my friends has already started the process with a $20 donation.

There are two ways you can give.  You can send a check to:

Rusty Posey
Northside Church
5801 Summerhill Road
Texarkana, TX 75503

Or you can give online at:

https://p2p.paperlesstrans.com/default.aspx?i=ncag

Be sure to write STL 5K in the comments section if you are giving online.

I need all money turned in by July 17th.  Thank you for your help! Many of you have been an encouragement and inspiration to me as I have been on this journey.  I can tell you I am not finished yet and look forward to breaking through another milestone soon.

A Tribute to my Granny, Mary Posey

On January 30, 2013, Heaven received a precious gift. My Granny, Mary Posey, entered into her eternal reward. I was asked to share a few words at her memorial service. I posted the transcript to my PawPaw's eulogy a few months ago and was going to do the same for Granny. However, we were able to get video of Granny's service and I thought it would better capture the love I have for her.

Honestly, this post is for me.  I want to always remember Granny and that is why I uploaded the video and am posting it to this blog.

Turning 40

Last Month, I turned the Big 4-0. My wife and students put together some things for my Birthday and threw me a surprise party.  I thought you all would like to see the videos they put together.  

Save Yourself

I was reading in Luke where Jesus was crucified. He was being mocked and ridiculed.

"They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” (Luke 23:37 NLT)

Jesus had a choice. He willfully chose to give up his life. He could have saved himself. Yet, he had already prayed not His will, but God's will be done.

We have a choice. We can choose to live for ourselves or we can pray God's will be done in our lives.

The choice is yours!