Soulfari

Warrior Poetess – Guest Post

2012-02-07T09:05:00.001-05:00

Well, it must be guest post season here at Soulfari! This time it’s my oldest daughter Sarah returning with a poem…with a twist. My daughter is taking after her warrior poet Dad and I think she is extremely talented (of course), so read and enjoy! (BTW, You can read her first guest post Mission Possible here)

Waiting

A Life or Death Question:

Waiting, longing, hoping, and needing

Oh, when will it be for me?

Begging, entreating, moaning and pleading

What is my answer to be?

Groveling, sighing, practically dying

Still she is unmoved by me

Grousing, beseeching, basically screeching

Mom, can I have a cookie?!!!

By Sarah Cookingham © 2012

del.icio.us Tags: Sarah,poem,cookie

Speaking up Again…

2012-02-06T09:51:00.001-05:00

Today I'm honored to do a guest post on Longings End, the blog and labor of love by Michael and Sheila Kimball. This husband and wife team are terrific writers and have huge hearts towards Father God, I suggest you stop by often and be blessed by their gifts. As for my post...its a repost for me but one I thought that fit the flavor of Longings End, see if you agree and read it here.

Blessings, Jay

del.icio.us Tags: New friends,speak up,voice

Ponder and Muse

2012-02-04T09:31:00.001-05:00

I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; (3) I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. Psalm 101:2-3

This verse has me pondering and musing on my heart. It's a great reminder of the influence I have over my family, the impact I have in their lives. I must walk with integrity wherever I am but it is at home that it matters most!

The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.
~Thomas Babington Macaulay

May I offer a simple prayer for all of us?

Father,
Help me walk a blamesless path before you. Strengthen my faithfulness, enpower my character with yours and set my eyes on worthy things. Let my life reflect your life before my family and all I come into contact with. - Amen!

What do you think of this verse?

Strategic Family

2012-01-27T18:07:00.001-05:00

Many of you know about my ministry called Strategic Fathering (you can go to http://www.strategicfathering.com to find out more). Well, this ministry took a different turn than expected today. While I was at my desk working, Becky my 9 year old daughter came into the room and asked me how to spell "STRATEGIC". Thinking nothing of it, I told her and she was gone in a flash. Later on she handed my wife and I a very colorful, hand drawn flyer...this is what it said.

Strategic Sistering

1. Love your sister

2. Love God

3. Be happy

4. Play with a angel (She is studying Hebrews 13:2 right now." Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.")

5. Play with your sister

6. Share happiness

This is how to be a little sister.

So, there's a old saying that more is caught than taught...I think my daughter has caught something and I'm a very happy daddy right now. Thank you Father God for making me a dad!

What do you think? Is more caught than taught? How valuable is our example to our kids? I would love your feedback!

Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Beckyism,sisterhood

Father Prayer 2

2012-01-26T08:15:00.001-05:00

I woke up with this prayer on my heart for all of you this morning. I know the battle is hard and many are trying to hold it all together, do the right thing and be obedient to our Lord. Please remember who you are this morning…you are His son, His daughter! You have bought with a price by the greatest heart the universe has ever known. The Father’s focus on you is sharp, precise and never wavers. I pray this prayer for you…and me. - Jay

Father,

Strengthen and encourage my brothers and sisters today, infused them with vitality and a clear purpose. Enlighten their minds, focus their thinking and empower their plans with your will. Fill them with insight, discernment, knowledge, and give them wisdom to apply it effectively. Make them cunning against the enemy’s plans and lies. Make strong their hands for battle. Guard their hearts and ears against anyone that tries to define them less than what they are in YOU! Help songs of hope, songs of redemption and songs of restoration rise up from deep within, setting them free as they worship you. Love through them today, in powerful and noticeable ways, so all who see them…see your son Jesus.

In your name I pray and believe…amen!

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord, in all pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10

del.icio.us Tags: Father prayer 2

Joy Is – Warrior Poetry

2012-01-16T15:26:00.001-05:00

This poem is submitted as part of the Warrior Poet Circle hosted by Jason Stasyszen of Connecting to Impact. Click here (or the logo) to read some mighty fine poetry! Joy is such a marvelous gift from our Father and as I mused about that, I quickly wrote this down as it flowed out my spirit this afternoon…hope it blesses ya!

Joy Is

Joy is sunlight dancing across my soul
Giving breath to my spirit

Joy is the surround sound of completeness
Settling the anxiousness of my heart

Joy is the duplication of laughter
Pushing the deep sorrow from my bones

Joy is the fuel of fellowship
Igniting the freedom of who I am

© Jay Cookingham 1-16-12

del.icio.us Tags: poetry,Joy,warrior poet

Mission Possible

2012-01-04T06:29:00.001-05:00

This post, I promise, will bless you...my talented and beautiful daughter Sarah (21) wrote this "guest" post after a huge God moment in her life. Please read on and get ready for God to speak to you...I know He did to me when I read it. Blessings, Jay

“I’m not picking up that phone Ethan, because, you don’t want me on your team. I was in Croatia. I had one job, just one, and I failed.”

Ok. I am not a Secret Agent. I don’t work for the military, secret service, special ops..nada. The closest I get to being a spy is sitting here watching Mission Impossible 4 with my brother. And I love it! This quote is from a scene near the end of said film, where new team member Agent Brands is informing Ethan Hunt that he failed in his duty to protect his target in Croatia. Who was his target? Ethan’s wife, who was, as far as Agent Brands knows, murdered because he couldn’t protect her. He has carried this guilt around with him for a few years, and has to tell Ethan; he can’t accept his offer to be on his team, how can he? He failed to save this man’s wife from Serbian terrorists! You can see the pain and despair in Brands eyes; this isn’t something he could ever brush off, it effected his career; he stopped being a field agent after her murder. He’s just waiting for Ethan to tear him apart, kick him off the team, maybe even beat him up…and Ethan just asks him a question…

“How do you know she died?”

He’s so calm, so quiet about the whole thing. Brandt is taken aback. Ethan goes on to ask him if he ever saw a body, to which Brandt replies in the negative. Then Ethan, much to Brandt’s relief (the guy almost doesn’t make it as he fumbles to his chair) explains how he faked his wife’s death to keep her safe, and how he doesn’t blame Brandt.

“It was never your job to protect her” he says, looking right at Brandt,
“It was mine”

Wow! Brandt is beyond thrilled. He takes the phone, accepts the mission, and is back on the team. Ethan smiles at him as he leaves. All is good; Agent Brandt is set free from that debilitating guilt and restored to his former self. Ethan and his wife see each other. Ethan disappears mysteriously into the night. Epic music, movie ends.

Skip to after the movie, real life now folks. My brother and I are at the diner, talking, when we bring up a painful subject for me. It’s a friendship that went awry; not just any friendship, I lost my best friend. How it happened is not for this story, but suffice it to say that this has caused me to feel pain, doubt, guilt, anger, and hopelessness in abundance. This is not something I talk about with just anyone, haven’t even really talked about it with him. But I want my brother to know my heart.

As I talk about how God is healing some things in my heart, and the lingering feelings of regret and “could haves, should haves”, I tell my brother that, unfortunately, these doubts affect all my other friendships as well. I often think to myself, well, if I messed up one of the most important relationships in my life, what will happen to the rest? I don’t know if he is getting my point, so to illustrate it I say, “It’s like Brandt at the end of the movie, I feel exactly like that. Like I am saying to God, “God, You can’t possibly want me on Your team, to be in relationships with Your creation. I had my chance, I had one mission, and I blew it! Someone was lost because of what I failed to say and do. I failed one of Your daughters.”

As I sat there, hoping my point would sink in, my brother came right back at me with the next quote from the same movie, “And God is saying, it wasn’t your job to protect her, to save her, it is Mine.”

Boom! I was floored! And, just like in the movie, the shame and guilt lifted almost instantly from my shoulders. I felt just like agent Brandt. The one and only person who can blame me, doesn’t. God doesn’t blame me, or even hold me responsible…He wants me on His team. He is orchestrating how to save His children; that’s not my job. My job, my mission, and I hope I choose to accept it from now on, is to follow Him, be on His team, trust His plan. My responsibility is to rest in His grace and the truth that He has a good plan for me, for my lost friend, for all His children. It is a mission that, with God, is completely possible.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

- Sarah Cookingham

LiveJournal Tags: Sarah,mission

The Father Prayer

2012-01-02T18:47:00.001-05:00

"I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land..." Ezekiel 22:30

I posted this prayer way back in June of 2011 and I felt led to post it on my Facebook page this morning...then I started to reflect further on the words. I made a few slight adjustments (after some prayer) and decided that it will be the "Household Prayer" for the Cookingham family this year.

I call it...the Father prayer.

I plan on praying it everyday over my family and all the friends in my life. In my heart I want to see my family, my friends and all the people God brings into my journey with Christ...set free. I think that's the Father's heart and I hope to be used in that wonderful mission of standing in the gap...

Will you join me?

Father, hold my family this year. Hold them in your mercy, in your grace and your strength. Clear their vision, lift their heads and help them tighten their grip on you. Surround them, saturate and fill them with your love. Intensify their hope, strengthen their faith and overlap everything with your joy.

Open their spirits to you, to your plans and your desires for them. Help them embrace the wondrous journey with you in ways they once thought impossible. Open their hearts and draw out the gifts, the abilities and talents that you have given them. Erase the pain of regret and past failures and in its place plant deep the power of your purposes for them.

In all of this, let your name be known and praised...for you are a great God!
In Jesus name....Amen!

LiveJournal Tags: Father prayer,mission,God

More Bad Sheep - A New Song

2011-12-22T20:51:00.001-05:00

Seems like the Bad Boys of Wool still have a bunch of Christmas cheer to spread around. So, lets TUNE in and see what's going down in the pasture.

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep,Christmas

Bad Sheep Time - Christmas Humor

2011-12-20T20:58:00.001-05:00

Well the Bad Boys of Wool have been a little quiet for a while...too quiet it seems! Chop has once again been tossed from church but for what? Read on my friends...read on!

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep,Christmas,Mary,Stable

Wanting More

2011-12-17T11:47:00.001-05:00

“Please sir…I want some more.” – Oliver

In my heart today is an urgency of unsettledness…a mixture of inquisitiveness and hunger. I want more of something…but what? Christmas does this to me. It upsets my routine, overturns my mundane meanderings and consistently causes me to look at the sky. I try to imagine what I would have done with a star announcing a messiah’s birth. Would I leave my land, my comfort to follow such a sign? What affect would a shepherd story and angel songs have on my life? Would the presence of soldiers threaten me away from belief?

What affect do all these questions (and signs) have on me today?

I realize that I am not content with…contentment…that I want more. Not more stuff, not more possessions or material things, no. This is not a greedy, selfish cry for all of that.

The importance of wanting more is all about a Messiah and the deep desire to be closer to Him. I look at the nighttime sky, at all the beacons pointing to Him and wonder how I lose my way sometimes. Those other “wants” gain volume and attempt to drown out my Master’s voice and I cringe that I allow it to be so. Thankfully, His song penetrates through that gunk and reverbs within my spirit.

I believe the Father draws the “want” from us and direct it towards His heart with that reverb. It synchronizes our heartbeat with His, uniting our songs as one. The hunger for more is a God implant on our soul and it leaves us restless until we find our way to His presence.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. (2) My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2

Did I mention that Christmas does this me? It does so wonderfully. In a little village God reveals Himself in a powerfully humble and relational way. The Incarnation, the birth of Christ, the announcement of the Good News is both a historical marker and a cry to all time and space.

Including that hungry space in my heart.

Yes…please sir, I want some more…and that’s a good thing.

Are you hungry?

Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Want,Christmas 2011,Christ,hunger

The House-Band

2011-12-01T21:57:00.001-05:00

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person. - Mignon McLaughlin

The title of my post is not referring to a group of musicians who regularly play at your local bar and grill…although there may be a connection. One ancient meaning for the word “husband” was "the house-band"; a wonderful picture of connecting and keeping together the family. The harmony of marriage plays distinctive tone within a family and I believe my role as “house-band” helps everyone learn their part. My home is the place I play my best music, the surround sound of the songs I sing should deepen the relationships of my wife and children. Night after night the refrain needs to be the same…reminding them of my love and commitment to them.

When I put my children’s needs first…I sing a song.

When I lay my life down for my wife…I sing a song

When I faithfully guard my marriage…I sing a song

The songs connect, the songs unite, and the songs encourage and lift. The singing is a melody of strength when each family member is given room to lift their voice. A strong house-band assures that their voice gets heard and valued. My words, actions, prayers and sacrifices help keep the tempo of family growth steady.

Brothers, you have the count the measures, you can’t forget the words of marriage (the vows), the music you make together with your wife. Here the house-band has to play the loudest, drowning out all other tunes. This is the beautiful part of our strength as men…the ability to hold it together, to hold that note of love as long as God gives us breath.

Father God is the conductor, the maestro of the songs inside us. He orchestrates a man and a woman in the stanzas of married life to produce future life…in and through them. The chords, the downbeats, the riffs, and the rhythm of marriage need a strong lead vocalist…thankfully, He gives us voice to be (and become) a strong house-band.

“GOD, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that's what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don't cheat on your spouse.” Mal 2:15 The Message

LiveJournal Tags: Marriage,music,house-band

Making Room

2011-11-28T20:32:00.001-05:00

"Do not look for God to come in any particular way, but look for Him. That is the way to make room for Him. Expect Him to come, but do not expect Him only in a certain way." - Oswald Chambers

The Christmas season reminds me of many things, all of which requires room and the space for life to enter. Two thousand years ago, an unnamed innkeeper made room (unknown to him) for the Messiah to be born in the last space available…a stable. Perhaps it was compassion for the young pregnant woman and her distressed husband that moved the innkeeper to “make room”, perhaps it was simply a business deal. Whatever the innkeeper’s intent, this much is true…

When you make room for God, the miraculous happens.

And here is my challenge (and perhaps, yours as well) that despite the business of the holiday, the stress of my struggles and the difficulty of my journey…

I will make room for Him.

When I make room for God, miracles do happen, and things I may have not seen as miracles, shine with star power. When I make room for God, I have more space to dream, to love, to give, to follow and to be all I was created to be. When I clear out the soul clutter and open every room of my heart (not just the spare room) I’m ready to open myself to the people in my life (love-ones and otherwise). This is miracle time, when relationships strengthen, when lives are touched with the Good News, when prayers are lifted…all because I make room…for Him.

Let every heart prepare Him room…

LiveJournal Tags: Room,God,miracle

Gatekeeper

2011-11-13T20:24:00.001-05:00

“Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.” Proverbs 31:23

“A distant enemy is always preferable to one at the gate.” Emile M. Cioran

My perspective on the recent Penn State revelations of abuse and moral failure is twofold. Being a father of seven and the history of abuse I suffered gives me a unique dual look into what is going on that Pennsylvanian campus and in the lives of the victims.

A national figure, a legend in college football lost his job and perhaps his place in college lore. Worse than losing his hold on college football immortality was the fact that people under his authority hurt innocent children and other authority figures tried to cover up those horrible actions…seeking to protect not the victims, but an image…a brand.

Joe Paterno (and others at the university) failed those children because he wasn’t doing his job as an elder at the gate. His power, his influence over the “city” of Penn State was legendary in its own right; yet, somewhere a decision was made in favor of a coach abusing children in his care…that is not administrating justice at the gate. And there lies the danger for all of us.

In the Old Testament, elders met at the city gates to decide civic matters and make sure justice (right relationship between people) was upheld in the community. During my reflection time this week I read the following:

“In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people, (6) and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.” Isaiah 28: 5-6

We all have a “city” (our family) to protect, a “Happy Valley” (our community) to defend. Our personal comfort, our position and our preferences are secondary to that role of gatekeeper. We have been given huge responsibility, tremendous influence and according to the passage in Isaiah…a spirit of justice to judge fairy and wisely. We have also been given strength to turn back the battle at the gate. We can’t let anything interfere with that duty that God has given us.

This time of meditation led me to some deep questioning…

What, who am I responsible to guard?

Who do I let in my “gates”?

What do I hear, ingest, see and experience that potentially causes harm to my “city”?

These are important questions to ask and allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts in order to be wiser elders at the gate. This is why a company of men is God’s ideal for leadership in a community and to stand together in the defense of our families.

What battle are you turning back at your gate? How I can pray with you?

LiveJournal Tags: Gatekeeper,Elder

You know a long sermon is coming when...

2011-11-06T21:09:00.001-05:00

I was going to write a serious (seriously, I was) post tonight but I decided to re-post one of my famous Top Ten Lists...hopefully it will bring a chuckle or two to your face...which I pretty sure, needs one.

You know a long sermon is coming when...

1. You’re asked to bring a covered dish to share during the sermon.

2. There are coffee pots on the communion table.

3. All the clocks in the sanctuary are missing and you’re asked to surrender
watches at the door.

4. The ushers hand out snacks and cold drinks during the sermon.

5. The sermon notes are carried in by seven ushers.

6. An ambulance crew is standing by.

7. The pastor is hooked up to an intravenous coffee line.

8. The ushers ask if you’ll need overnight accommodations and a wake up call.

9. Your kids ask if it’s still Sunday.

10. The bulletin announces that the longer the sermon goes the more frequent
flier miles you’ll earn.

God Bless!
Jay

The With-ness of Christ

2011-11-04T20:06:00.001-04:00

"And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach." Mark 3:14

This is a loud Scripture for me, it speaks to the core of who I am. In this passage Jesus speaks purpose (appointed) and identity (named), which only happens...with Him. The journey as a disciple has to be WITH the Master, there is no purpose or identity without Him.

There's more..."and he might send them out to preach."

He also promises a direction to go, a mission to help complete the disciple's journey. This relational transference of purpose, identity and direction gives us life...empowering us to walk the talk, and live a life that IS the Gospel, not just sharing but imparting.

That's the with-ness of Christ...a closeness, a tightness, a understanding that I am no longer my own. It's following Him with my entire life wrapped up in Him.

No man can follow Christ and go astray. - William H.P. Faunce

LiveJournal Tags: disciple,following,Jesus

By Invitation Only

2011-10-26T20:51:00.001-04:00

Just a quick post about the sermon I gave this past Sunday...which turned out to be a huge blessing for me. There was a surprised guest and it threw me for loop...in a good way. The Mom of the family that is responsible for me walking with Christ came to hear me speak...I was hard pressed to keep it together. Her influence on my life gives a whole new look on disciple making...which is what I was speaking on. I invite you to listen in on more of my life story.

Blessings, Jay

Randomness Reunion

2011-10-21T16:09:00.001-04:00

No, I haven’t dropped off the face of the planet or even run out of life stuff to write about…I have been busy with that life stuff. So in order to answer the request of my many fans (wink, wink…you know who you are) here is few reposts of randomness to satisfy the blog crave you’re experiencing (or not) right now. BTW…(sssshhhh) I’m supposed to be sermon prepping right now so lets keep this quiet OK?

RANDOMNESS #1

A New Beckyism (My nine yr-old daughter) One Sunday not too long ago in church (http://www.bridgebuilderscc.com/HOME.html) our pastor was talking about discipline and he asked the kids a question.

Pastor Tim: “Kids, do your parents talk about discipline at home?
What words do they use?

Becky: (very loud) “Banishment”

Now we are are not talking about sending our children out in the wilderness to suffer but let’s say for example, that when they lose playing video game rights (because of poor behavior)…then they are “banished”. Of course my older kids starting yelling out things like floggings, mind control…I’ll get them later.

RANDOMNESS #2

My theory about what makes a good movie involves…chickens.

Every good movie has a chicken in it, mentions chickens or (in the case of Sci-Fi) has some creature that resembles a chicken. Really bad movies will try to fool you into believing that you’re watching a good movie by randomly throwing a chicken in. However, the attempt is usually lame and obvious.

Now that you know the secret, you’ll never look at films the same way again. Watch for the chicken…it’s worth it.

RANDOMNESS #3

If I meet you in person and we become friends, I will probably call you bro’, dude or studhead…provided you’re a male that is. Actually, I’ve moved on…now I don’t even have to meet you in person for you to get that honor!

RANDOMNESS #4

I once traveled in a Christian Band called Charismata…can you find me? Win a valuable prize…well, no prizes but you’ll feel really important if you do!

LiveJournal Tags: Randomness,Beckyism,Charismata

Summer Book Review – A Memoir of Don Volk

2011-10-15T18:58:00.001-04:00

"It was beyond my wildest dreams to become a military pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the young age of 18, serving my country in 'The Greatest Generation' of WWII in North Africa."
- Don Volk

Over the summer I had the pleasure of reading “Tractors, Planes, Golf and Dames” a book about Don Volk a man with quite a story. The good folks over at Five Star Publications contacting me about reviewing Don’s book and I’m so glad they did.

Don’s journey through life is a wonderful story to visit through the pages of his book. From growing up on a farm in the countryside of Utah to serving his country through three wars (WWII, Korea and Vietnam), he has a great story to tell. Add a post military career with the Professional Golf Association and the story takes on another interesting twist.

However, it was the love story woven through both of those legs of his journey that captured my attention. He shares the passion and the compassion that developed through his marriage (and His wife’s illness) with openness and dignity.

Don’s autobiography captures his incredible journey through life and offers up a tale that can inspire and teach us all.

Jay Cookingham

LiveJournal Tags: Book review

By Invitation Only

2011-10-09T19:25:00.001-04:00

“Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17

This the greatest ongoing invitation ever given…nothing else compares. Entrance to the Kingdom of God is open; Trinity fellowship is ready to be enjoyed and a quest prepared to be shared.

By invitation only…

No pressure, no arm twisting, no gimmicks, no hard sell, no fine print, no strings attached…

Just…Come follow me…

Becoming a disciple requires a choice to follow, a buy in, a sold-out surrender to the call and to the quest to “become”. The invitation is engraved…on our hearts and our reply is to become part of the invitation. We are sent…royal invitations…wrapped in a message of love to share the Good News. The address is applied by the Master, not the disciple, where we follow and where we are sent is in His hands. Thankfully, this is a message “hand delivered” by the Master…we are sent by and in His hands.

Come follow me…what a journey!

“Christ did not appoint professors, but followers. If Christianity ... is not reduplicated in the life of the person expounding it, then he does not expound Christianity, for Christianity is a message about living and can only be expounded by being realized in men's lives.” - Soren Kierkegaard

LiveJournal Tags: discipleship,Jesus,invite

Wonderful Lifeness

2011-10-03T22:05:00.001-04:00

“ You've been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.” Clarence, from It’s a Wonderful Life

It takes two men to make one brother. ~ Israel Zangwill

This past Saturday I was given a wonderful gift. A few weeks ago, God moved on one of my close friends (Tom) to arrange a special time of affirmation and prayer…for me. So, five of my closest friends and myself gathered at Tom’s house for three hours of sharing, prayer and encouragement with yours truly being the center of attention. I was completely blown away at this “It’s a Wonderful Life” moment as friend after friend took the time to share how I have impacted their lives. It was a very humbling experience.

There were humorous stories, some manly tears, huge amounts of encouragement and lots of prayer. Did I mention it was a humbling experience? The gift was more than seeing the impact I have had but also seeing the power of brotherness (yes, I know I have invented two words in this blog post). Father God takes men and (if they’re willing) rolls them into a brother. What a powerful gift!

“When brothers agree, no fortress is so strong as their common life.”
~ Antisthenes

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

This experience has reinforced my belief in brotherness, a friendship that can be described as a God knot, a cord that combines the best qualities of men together. The life I share with my brothers is a testimony to the Father’s commitment to His sons. I am stronger because of my friendships; they “tie” me to path that makes me a better man.

One more thing about Saturday, not only was I blessed by what my brothers said about me, it was their willingness to share their hearts with me that totally blew me away. I was already committed to them…but now the cord is a little tighter between us.

So my challenge is this…

Let’s find ways to strengthen those cords…

Let’s find voices to encourage…

Let’s find hearts to express how grateful we are for each other…

Let’s spread brotherness around…

Blessings,
Jay

LiveJournal Tags: brothers,prayer,God

River Song

2011-09-30T16:15:00.001-04:00

And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. Ezekiel 47:9

I spent a few hours by myself today, down by the Hudson River (pictured above), just a brief drive from my house. I went there to mediate and enjoy the beauty of God's creation...I was surprise how God choose to speak to me there,

First, there was a lot of letting go...my mind had to de-tangle the knots of everydayness, my spirit needed to remove itself from the noise of the now. Yes...letting go...bunches of it.

You don't "try" to enjoy God's beauty...you respond to the music of it. Enjoyment comes from our response and participation to the song of God in nature...His music of creativity. Listening to the song of the river today I hear the Master's voice. In every gentle wave at my feet I heard these words.

Waves of mercy...waves of grace...
Overlapping your sorrow, washing your feet...
I'm bigger than all your hold...let go and flow with me

I came to the river, not feeling burdened or troubled, yet God spoke to those areas. Rather, He sung to those places through the beauty of His creation! The artist in me responded to the...ARTIST in me, the Father of all creation.

How did I respond?

With worship...with wonder...and a song of my own.

Do you hear the music? Do you hear God's song? Take a break and take a listen...

God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

LiveJournal Tags: River,song,creation,Father God

Bad Sheep - All Cracked Up

2011-09-28T19:40:00.001-04:00

The Bad Boys of Wool are venturing into new territory but with their usual...unique view on life. Hope your enjoy their latest adventure!

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep 44 Humpty Dumpty

Elder (Life) Prayer

2011-09-24T09:39:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I step back into Eldership at my church, (Bridge Builders Community Church) and while I still covet your prayers, I want to share one with you. This is the prayer that the Father gave me this morning after reading Acts 17...the explanation for how it relates to the prayer will have to wait for another post. The role of elder is just another servant muscle for God to flex in and through me...that's a good thing.

I'm praying that the muscles that God is flexing in you will have maxium impact on your life and all you touch.

Blessings, Jay

Father,

I need you. Eldership is more than a position or title, it's an extension of your heart
through me to all your children. Express your love and delight through all I do in your name.

My King, I need you. I need your sovereign rule and reign in my life. When I bend my knee to you I am better gifted to serve. The spirit of humbleness I need is only found at your feet in worship.

My Savior, I need you. Without a Messiah I am lost, desperate for hope. This is the message and the prayer of my life...let your life live through mine.

Amen

Please Don't Stand By

2011-09-20T08:09:00.001-04:00

Soulfari will be on standby while I post a few reruns this week but I’m asking you to NOT standby. Most of this week is prep time for me...on Sunday I step into eldership (along with another brother) at my my church (Bridge Builders Community Church) and I could use your prayers. This is a step that I do not take lightly and already feel the weight of it...that is why I'm trying to take some time to reflect on all God is asking. So, would you please pray for Mike and I as we enter a new phase of our journey with Christ? I appreciate you all and thank you with all my heart.

If you want to drop me a note, a prayer request, advice, whatever…just send it to jcdude56@gmail.com

I'm re-posting a series on Band of Brothers that I hope will encourage you all. Blessings, Jay

We Stand Alone Together – Part 1

It takes two men to make one brother. ~Israel Zangwill

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 ESV

Recently I have been watching my DVD copy of the HBO series Band of Brothers, which tells the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division in World War II. Their motto was…Currahee! We stand alone together! I love this series, and I love listening to the actual accounts of the men who went through extreme sacrifice for their country and for each other. Years have past and these men talk about their “brothers” like they were still in the foxholes with them…their bond was that intimate and deep.

I have been musing about this for days now and the Father led me through an interesting exercise. The outcome of that exercise was mind blowing and I found out this…I am 313 years old…in friend years. Let me explain the exercise and give you a gist of what I discovered.

I wrote down my own band of brothers, using 13 (of my closest friends) as a cutoff number (there are 13 soldiers in the above graphic) and tallied up the number of years we have been friends. Here’s the rough breakdown.

Friend 1 = 47 years
Friend 2 = 37 years
Friend 3 = 35 years
Friend 4 = 35 years
Friend 5 = 35 years
Friend 6 = 20 years
Friend 7 = 20 years
Friend 8 = 20 years
Friend 9 = 20 years
Friend 10 = 18 years
Friend 11 = 11 years
Friend 12 = 7 years
Friend 13 = 3 years

Of these 13 there are five men who I meet monthly with in a group called PointMen, in that group the friend years add to 76. Do you want to know my discovery?

I am rich with friendship years.

I do not compare the stuff my band of brothers has gone through with the sacrifice that members of Easy Company made but we have locked arms through some difficult times…and remained friends. There have been times we have stood alone…together.

We have sat with each in hospital rooms and ER’s, consoled each other when dreams died, encouraged each other when hope were fading and challenged each other when we needed a kick in the pants. We have been together at celebrations and funerals, parties and prayer meetings, vacations and retreats…the common bond of Christ has kept us. I believe in them and I trust they have my back, in deed and in prayer.

Do you have a Band of Brothers?

Do they have your back…and do you cover theirs?

Bless ya!
Jay

del.icio.us Tags: Brotherhood,friends

Speak Up

2011-09-16T13:28:00.001-04:00

“Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.”
- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Early in my life (grade school) I had a huge speech impediment. How bad was it? Well, let’s just say that I sounded like I was speaking in tongues long before I knew what that meant! I’m not sure how it happened (I suspect my worn out 4^th grade teacher) but I found myself enrolled in a speech therapy class with a few other kids. We met once a week with a teacher-therapist person who had the unfortunate job of getting us all to speak clearly.

I don’t remember all the speaking issues represented in our sessions but one kid was a huge stutterer. Me…I was different, I slurred my way through the English language. When I got excited or nervous, I would slur all my words into one long word. Many, many consonants and vowels were injured along the way.

So, every week we would gather in a small room and try our best to repeat the words on the flash cards the speech expert would hold up…this was NOT a good plan. Between my slurring and the other kid’s stuttering I’m sure the other kids never had a change to try their hand (or their tongue) at this exercise. After weeks of slurring and stuttering flash card madness the sessions suddenly stopped. I’m guessing we drove that poor woman to leave and join a nunnery, taking (happily) a vow of silence.

Since those days of slurring sloppiness, God has helped me overcome most of my slippery diction. What remains is mostly unnoticeable and something I use to good-naturedly poke fun at myself. However, for many years I was afraid to raise my voice, to speak in front of people despite the call I felt on my life. I allowed my speech impediment dictate my boldness instead of trusting the Father to help form the words correctly as they rolled off my tongue. It took years, but finally I learned how to speak up and say what was on my heart. I have no problem standing in front of people and speaking and even if I mispronounce a word (or a few dozen) it doesn’t keep me from sharing.

What made the difference?

Believing that God gave me voice…that there was value in what I had to share and even in the way I share it. I’m not the greatest orator, the most compelling speaker or the best communicator you can listen to…but I have a God given voice with a message uniquely mine.

And so do you.

The message of what God has done in your life is huge. It needs to be heard, it needs to be told…by you. It’s too valuable to be stilled by imagined inadequacies, by the enemy’s reminders of what you lack. There is power in the voice the Father has given you…all you have to do is speak up…and trust.

“For I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!” Luke 21:15 NLT

LiveJournal Tags: Speech,Father,trust

What I Don't Understand

2011-09-13T17:41:00.001-04:00

Grace, full and free...given to me

The cost of Messiah love...spent on me

A King who washes the filth of feet and my soul

Mercy, undeserved and poured out on me

Forgiveness, mine...because He died for me

I don't understand any of these but I rejoice in all of them. What about you...what don't you understand but rejoice in?

del.icio.us Tags: grace,love,messiah,king,mercy

Fatherhood Tested – A 9/11 Response

2011-09-10T22:04:00.001-04:00

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14

“There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees.” - Victor Hugo

This is something I wrote ten years just days after the tragedy of 9/11. Like many Americans I struggled for meaning in the midst of overwhelming grief. I wrote and shared through the lens of fatherhood…that’s where it hit me the most. Today I pray for all the families that lost loved ones that horrible September day.

I’ve been struggling for words lately. As there is some distance (time wise) from the events of September 11^th, I’m afraid for me (and many others) there isn’t much in the form of distance for my emotional response. My heart breaks when I read the stories of those who lost ones in the tragedies on the ground and in the air. I look in on the peaceful sleeping figures of my children at night and wonder what emotions are in the heart of parents who lost children that terrible day. I make vows to appreciate more, to worry less and yet fell guilty when “normal life” invades my space and I forget for the moment that evil took normal and shoved it down the throats of America. The stories of courage and sacrifice amaze me and make me realize that such stories have always been part of our country and of the Church.

We are a people awakened to a great evil; we find ourselves challenged to have courage and the spirit of sacrifice in all we do from this day forward. The father in me has been slapped awake with the great loss of fathers, and what fathers have lost in the measured madness that was sent our way. The desire to protect, shelter and nurture my children has strengthened in its urgency, but also growing is the sense to prepare them for a world completely different that I grew up in. There is great reason to hope, our Father God is sovereign and is committed to his sons. The guidance we need to be the strong fathers our families (and our nation) need is there for the asking. We will be challenged as providers, as leaders, as comforters, as men of action and as men of faith.

Our fatherhood will be shaped by trials and difficult times, we will need to believe fervently in what the Father says and then obey Him with the tenacity of committed men.

It’s what our families needs…it’s what our nation needs.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: 9-11,Fatherhood,Tested

Bad Sheep - OT Time

2011-09-08T21:29:00.001-04:00

I have been crazy busy lately...so much so that Soulfari has been quiet for a few days. So, what better way to break that silence then the Bad Boys of Wool! Seems like Chop is adding to his frequent flyer miles again...

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep 43,Moses

Character Study

2011-09-05T08:39:00.001-04:00

I been thinking about passion and zeal…the full throttled excitement of following Christ and diving into all that He has for us. This musing and reflection led me to pray for passion to be released in my life…a good prayer don’t you think? Perhaps…but the Father spoke to me about a different approach.

“And endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:4

The channel for our passions, for our zeal must be our character. This character, forged by trials, tests, difficult circumstances and even successes, is a hope producer. Character produces hope because it can be counted on. It’s dependable, it’s noticeable, it takes a stand and doesn’t back down. Character shows up and hangs in when times get tough…it is a hero waiting for release.

Character is the throttle on my passion…and I need one…it controls the flow, regulates the release and…makes it more fruitful. I believe with all my heart that we need passion on this journey with Christ but it must be channeled through the character He imparts into us. This way we can passionately produce hope…and share it with people who desperately need it.

“Strong feelings do not necessarily make a strong character. The strength of a man is to be measured by the power of the feelings he subdues not by the power of those which subdue him." - William Carleton

What do you think? Is character and passion a good mix?

LiveJournal Tags: Character,passion

Book Giveaway - The Winners!

2011-08-29T22:52:00.001-04:00

As promised it is time to reveal the TWO winners of the God Makes Lemonade book. It took a highly scientific method to randomly pick the contest winners. Watch the exciting video below to see who the lucky winners are!

This is a fantastic collection of faith stories and I'm being blessed by the testimonies. So click on the book and find out how to order one...that is IF you are NOT one of the lucky winners mentioned below.

Lucky winners...please email me at jcdude56@gmail.com with your mailing info and I'll get your book out ASAP!

LiveJournal Tags: book winners,god makes lemonade

Lemonade Stand

2011-08-23T08:41:00.001-04:00

"The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Yesterday I came home to find two boxes waiting for me, these boxes contained 20 "God Makes Lemonade" books. Why is this so awesomely cool? Well, I was blessed to have had two of my stories published by these fine folks and now find myself (or rather, my stories) in nine different books (see here for the rest). "God Makes Lemonade" is a collection of inspirational stories that show God's power to change things around, even when they look bleak. I know you will be blessed to read the many accounts of God's faithfulness in the lives of His people.

While I wait on the word from a potential publisher of RETOOLED, these books showing up on my doorstep were a great encouragement to me. They speak to me of His faithfulness to make me a writer...nothing like a pile of books with your work inside to perk you up...if you know what I mean.

So, I would love to give away 2 copies of "God Makes Lemonade" and here's the way to win. Pick one or all…or make one up!

1. Leave a comment on this blog post by 12 p.m. ET on Friday, August 26th. Maybe leave a comment on how God made lemonade out of a sour time in your life.
2. Following me on Twitter. Click the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page. Maybe even Google friend this blog also on right!
3. Retweeting this contest, copy this tweet: Book giveaway! @strategicdad is giving away 2 copies of “God Makes Lemonade” to participants in this contest.

I'll pick the winners over the weekend and let everyone know on Monday the 29th!
Blessings, Jay

del.icio.us Tags: God Makes Lemonade,book giveaway

Warrior Poet Time – My way, His Way

2011-08-15T16:11:00.001-04:00

This poem is submitted as part of the Warrior Poet Circle hosted by Jason Stasyszen of Connecting to Impact. Click here (or the logo) to read some mighty fine poetry!

My Way, His Way

I breathe a
pilgrim's prayer
I walk a
pilgrim's path
Devotion songs
Truth words
Line my way with
faithfulness
It is His way
to do so.

Jay Cookingham 8-15-11

LiveJournal Tags: My way poetry,warrior poet

Where is He? – A short story

2011-08-14T15:42:00.001-04:00

The Gospel of John (Chapter 21) inspired this (very) short story…and the thoughts that followed.

The sea is calm this morning, the sun bright with early rays. It is a beautiful day for sailing, not so much for fishing. I scan the horizon, my hands covering my eyes against the glare from the water. I’m not sure what I’m hoping to see, we are floating on gentle swells but my thoughts are like a storm within me.

“Where did He go? I wonder, half mumbling under my breath. The others with me take notice but offer no questions of their own, at least out loud. I went fishing to clear my head but it seems all I’m doing is fishing for answers. He was with us…reassuring us, allowing Thomas to touch His wounds and then…gone again.

Where did He go? Why was He coming and going like the wind? Is He coming back? I hate doubting like this, but the questions rolling like an angry sea within me need the Master’s touch…need His peace.

Where is He?

My questions are interrupted by faint, familiar voice calling from the shore…

“Children…did you catch anything?”

Many of you reading are very familiar of this story in John (I still encourage you to read it) and the powerful stories contained in this chapter. However, as I read this I was struck with a thought. During those times of appearing and disappearing…I wonder…

Where did Jesus go?

I mean, it seems that Jesus is just randomly popping in and out of the disciple’s lives. He’s there one moment and then…He vanishes…where does He go? Did you ever wonder that? Am I the only strange one who thinks this is a bit particular? I’m thinking the disciples thought so…at least Peter seems to. Perhaps not knowing if he should wait around for the Master, he makes a decision…to go fishing.

He decides to go back to what was comfortable, he finds no comfort.

He decides to go back to what was profitable, he finds no profit

They have come full circle, this is where Jesus first met them and He is going to reaffirm their calling. He helps them finally understand that they can’t return to what was and find what they need. Following Him is the only way now: fishing at His command is the only true method for capturing the souls of a lost world. How does He do that? He starts with feeding them breakfast…He serves them again…showing the way they need to lead.

What does this mean to me? What is Jesus asking on the shores of my heart? I believe the same thing He asked of the disciples.

Come…follow me.

I don’t know where Jesus went in between visits to the disciples but I know there are times I ask the same question that I think Peter might have. Moments when I wonder where He is…or where did He go? The stormy circumstances sometimes make me seek out diversions, distractions or things I think will comfort me. I try the old “in my own strength” thing and find out that it just isn’t worth it.

“Jay…did you catch anything?”

My answer is always no (except for maybe trouble) …then He shows me how it works when I rely on Him…I catch more than I hoped for! The truth is that Jesus doesn’t go anywhere but we do try to sail away at times. I am grateful for a Master who knows where I am, where I need to go and is thrilled to lead me.

Where is He? Right by your side.

“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:20

LiveJournal Tags: Fishing,disciples,men

Bad Sheep - Therapy Time

2011-08-12T13:31:00.001-04:00

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

So often we forget to laugh and I know there is so much of life that is simply NOT funny. You take the words relationships, finances, health and I bet each one of us can find a crisis mixed in there...that is the way life is sometimes. So, here is my humble attempt to make to laugh, giggle, smile or perhaps just grin for a moment and in that moment remember...the Father loves to see you laugh. Have a great weekend everyone and God bless you! - Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Bad sheep therapy

Measure

2011-08-11T08:47:00.001-04:00

“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.” Psalm 138:3

I wrote this passage in my journal at the beginning of July and I starting wondering about the word measure.

“… my strength of soul you increased.”

I wonder…how do you measure that? How did David know his soul was stronger? Did he feel it? Was it noticeable to others around him…his royal court…his family…the nation of Israel? How do you calculate that inner increase with certainty? Maybe, it’s as simple as this…

That when you feel like you can’t go on…you do, you stand up and move forward.

That when you feel like you can’t love that one person driving you nuts any more…you do, you love more.

That when you feel like quitting, giving up, throwing in the towel, and running away…you don’t…you stay.

The increase is measured not in “feeling” but in being…being His. I encourage you to find ways to be “His” today…it usually starts with surrender.

Father,

We call on you today knowing you will answer us. We declare that the strength of our souls is increased by being with you, we embrace that, we celebrate that and we trust you for that. Let it be measure out in our love and boldness for you! In Jesus name…amen.

LiveJournal Tags: Measure,Increase

Dreams – Under Construction

2011-08-09T11:26:00.001-04:00

While RETOOLED waits in another publisher's pile of submissions (praying that this experience is better than the last one) I thought I update you all on my dream list. I wrote about dreams quite a bit lately (here and here) so I figured I give you a small peek into what I think God is asking of me. All these "projects" is part of my larger dream of encouraging men in their roles of husband, father and brother. Oh, BTW...this is the short list.

Co-writing a book with my wife on marriage called "Spoken For"
Finishing up a book called "Passage"
Finishing a book called "Strategic Fatherhood"

But wait...there's more..

About a month ago I felt like God was asking me to start a new project. I foolishly asked God if He's taken a look at my list of projects lately...let's just say that I am really blessed that God has a sense of humor. The idea that God gave me was to do a devotional book for men...so I began to muse about the idea and wondering who would want another devotional book...specially one from me?

A few days later I was at a graduation party and a close brother, someone I respect and listen to, (one of my point men) said I should write a devotional book...that was all the confirmation I needed.

The book is called "Journey365: A Strategic Devotional for Men" It will be a journal as well as a devotional and yes...God help me please...365 days of encouragement.

I need your help (prayers) and your feedback. Here is the cover design (yes, I designed it) but I would like to ask a few questions. Would you please comment and give me your opinion...I would appreciate it! Oh, yes this is geared towards men but sisters your opinions are important to me as well.

1. How do you like the cover?

2. Do you use a devotional book along with the Bible?

3. What would you like to see in a men's devotional?

One more question…any dreams you’re working on that I can pray about?

LiveJournal Tags: Journey365,devotional,dreams

Crazy

2011-08-07T11:57:00.001-04:00

“We all got pieces of crazy in us, some bigger pieces than others.” - Cowboy Proverb

Crazy (Slang)- an unpredictable, nonconforming person

“For he is rightly instructed; his God teaches him.” Isaiah 28:26

Do you think I’m crazy?

The verse above (it’s about God teaching a farmer to do farmer things, but I think it applies to me even though I’m not a farmer) and the word crazy have speaking to me the past few days. Add a small case of vertigo and my head is spinning both literally and figuratively…I wonder what God is after?

Am I crazy or am I not crazy enough? Sure it somewhat depends on the definition or perhaps who is doing the defining…maybe it only seems crazy. Maybe I’m crazy as a fox…maybe I’m so unpredictable that I seem unhinged. Or…am I rightly instructed and because of that I appear crazy to the world. This verse in 1^st Corinthians 1:18 describes it this way.

“The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 Message Bible

If I’m crazy then it’s “crazy” to…

Follow my God with everything I have

Continue to love my wife as Christ loved the Church

Love my kids as there were designed to be loved

Love the people that God brings in and out of my life

If that’s the definition of crazy…count me in.

What about you…are you crazy?

LiveJournal Tags: crazy,following Jesus

Dream Breeze 2

2011-08-05T17:30:00.001-04:00

“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnac

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 13:12

I wrote recently about a dream breeze (you can read part 1 here) but I guess the Father wasn’t done with teaching me. These thoughts came from a conversion with a brother at a graduation party and I think they help complete the thoughts I shared earlier. My friend asked “So, what is God speaking to lately?” So I began to share my thoughts and feelings connected to this whole dream thing and after listening for a while he said this.

“You know, sometimes your dreams might be fulfilled by someone else…are you OK with that?

That question was right from God’s heart and over the course of a couple of days it worked on mine. I think it still is but here are some thoughts…

Your dream is not your possession but you have to own it.

This is the realization that the dream is really God’s but our buy in to it is important. Not just for obedience sake but for the relational aspect of it. The dream is given to draw us in closer and participate in a Holy work with the Father. The dream is His and we are part of it…our hold is not on the dream but on Him.

Your dream might be fulfilled by someone else

My friend’s question made me think of my children. I do believe that dreams are in our seed that we pass on in our children. It’s naturally part of the heritage we impart along the journey with them. It may look different…our children look like us, but not exactly. So the dream-vision thing will look similar but not exactly. God will now express it through their character, their personality and their own journey with Him.

BTW…I am more than OK with that.

So, what do you think about these thoughts? I would love your input!

LiveJournal Tags: dreams

Miracle

2011-08-03T21:59:00.001-04:00

“Remember the miracles he performed, the amazing things he did, and the judgments he pronounced.” Psalm 105:5

The Father will often impress on me a single word for me to meditate on for the day…today that word was miracle.

It is a miracle Father God loves me…

It is a miracle my wife loves being married to me…

It is a miracle that my kids think I’m a great dad…

It is a miracle that I have totally awesome friends…

These are genuine miracles…things I contribute to, work on, but can not make happen. They are the result of a God who loves me and desires to rock my world with His presence. These miracles are God moments, holy reflections of His grace and purpose for my life. My participation is part wonder and worship…recognizing and acknowledging the personal touch of God.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~ Albert Einstein

I'm wondering...what miracles do you see?

LiveJournal Tags: Miracle,family,God

My Need

2011-08-02T21:05:00.001-04:00

What do you think of this statement?

"Often, it is so much easier to do something for God then to simply trust in God."

It’s a point that I once made in a sermon a few years ago and it stirred in my heart once again tonight. Walking with Jesus for 40 plus years I know how to do the “Christian Thing”. It’s like doing the hustle (sorry about the disco reference) but without the strange dance moves. But it is a hustle…it presents the “form” or religion thing and not the relational thing. To journey with God has nothing to do with our natural ability (or lack thereof), it doesn’t matter what we bring to the table or what gifts we possess.

What I need to realize is the fact that it isn’t the strength of my character, my experience or my wonderful grip of the scriptures that wins God over. It was simply my need…the need to have Him enter my life. We don’t obey rules and commandments to get us closer to the Father. Like Jesus, we obey and follow because we are already close to Him. Father God knows that on this journey, maturity comes, discipline comes and “right doing” will come. The journey with God imbeds us in a relationship that will change us and benefit the world around us.

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their afflictions, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27

“By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of god. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness.” - Kingdom of Heaven

Rules are good (most of them) we need right action; (anyone with kids knows this!) Following the Ten Commandments is a very good thing. Sacraments are good life practices. They can be the bridge, the step, and the one thing that awakes us to our need for more of Him. But we need to remember… just following rules and commandments, observing sacraments, are no guarantee of intimacy with the Father.

As I move away from a work list mentality, (and funny dance moves) I realize that I am here for a purpose higher and that like Jesus…I can go around doing good…because I belong to the Father.

That’s what I need…I need to be with Him.

What about you? Do you feel you have to earn your way into His heart?

LiveJournal Tags: Need,Father God,Jesus

Dream Breeze

2011-08-01T23:55:00.001-04:00

“Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.” - Eliza Tabor

“You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God." John 3:8 The Message

For a visionary guy like me; disappointments seem to be a close companion to the whole casting vision thing. You get a vision, you work on a dream and sometimes they don’t turn out the way you hoped they would…you get disillusioned…perhaps you think about giving up your dream…I know I have.

My spirit gets restless…I feel drained, spent. I look at promises through lenses of doubt and my hope seems blocked…stuck…dry.

What we need is a dream breeze…

We need a flow of God’s grace that awakens; refreshes and invigorates our sensitivity to His leading. We need to feel the cool against the skin of our dream, easing the sweat of our own effort to make it come true. Sometimes our dreams become stagnant because we try to define them instead of seeking vision refinement from the Father. By faith we open the windows of heaven with worship, acknowledging not the dream but the dream giver. At His feet, in His presence our dreams and visions are nourished and refined.

If you feel like your dream is dead, consider this (I had to)…perhaps it was never truly alive. Because apart from Him…they’re not! Many make dreams their life pursuit instead of a passionate following of the Father…no wonder many dreams die before they even take flight. Don’t get me wrong…I like dreams. I believe following dreams is important and to a certain degree, we need them. However, dreams are not reliable…but God is. Dreams are not forever…but God is. Dreams come to an end…God’s loves for us does not.

A dream breeze is a relational thing; it fans the connection between us and God. A breeze invites closeness; we’re drawn to it like a shade tree on a hot summer’s day. A dream breeze brings change…much more than just shaking the dust off or encouraging us. The Holy Spirit blows across ours and we become alive in ways that disappointments can’t touch. This breeze is a holy moment, bringing us closer to His heart.

Dreams are born there…

So...have your dreams disappointed you lately? How can I pray for you?

Blessings,
Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Dreams,breeze,Spirit,Father

Because you need to know (Repost)

2011-07-27T08:15:00.001-04:00

I’ve been so busy with finishing my book (done), writing up proposal packages (done), and rejecting a contract to said book (done)…that Soulfari has sat quietly for a little while. I decided to repost this because I think that in the middle of life’s pulls and pushes we need to know…really know….

The Father chose us!

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” C.S. Lewis

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you.” John 15:16

I like the word chosen, don’t you? It means handpicked, selected, preferred and claimed by someone. For us, that someone is God and chosen by God is a good thing. A chosen one can clearly see the relational status they have with God. It’s a humble position because we also see that we did not, could not make it happen on our own. We didn’t choose…He did! Fruit grows and remains (or endures) because of love we gain from understanding our Father’s heart. Walking closely with the Father will do that for a chosen person.

Do you KNOW that you’re a chosen one? You need to know…you’re chosen and you are loved. A divine romance indeed.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him” 1 John 4:16

LiveJournal Tags: Divine romance,know repost

S.T.U.F.F.

2011-07-18T21:31:00.001-04:00

Sad Tragic Ugly Fears and Failures…

We all have STUFF. Events that try to define us, wreck us, disrupt our walk, maim us and stunt our growth. STUFF that seeks to snuff out life from our dreams, derail our faith and slowly try to destroy who we were meant to be.

The problem with STUFF is that we often stuff it deep down inside of us…where it festers…it can become a deadly poison.

I have a STUFF list…you probably have one also. My list includes…

The loss of two babies…
My wife’s heart attack…
My childhood of abuse…
My failures…

This list haunts us, stalks us and lies to us…trying its best to discourage us from believing that we were meant for greatness…created to make a difference and fashioned for God’s delight.

I was thinking about my STUFF the other day…and I rejoiced! Why? Because God has my STUFF covered…although STUFF may mark us, even scar us…

…I am healed! (Isaiah 53:5)
…I am a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
…I am more than a conqueror! (Romans 8:37)
…I am a child of God! (John 1:12)

My encouragement is this…don’t let STUFF creep in…throw that list on the altar of the Father’s love…believe that He has your STUFF covered.

He does...He really does.

LiveJournal Tags: STUFF,Father God

Bad Sheep Time - Tossed Together

2011-07-15T14:21:00.001-04:00

It's time for the Bad Boys of Wool to once again tickle our funny bones before the weekend kicks off. Seems like Lambo and Chop have been digging into my old stash of 45's...(am I dating myself?) Have an awesome weekend everybody!

This may or may not explain everything!

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep 41,Wooly Bully

The Pulse of God

2011-07-10T17:46:00.001-04:00

GOD is my strength; GOD is my song, and, yes! GOD is my salvation. This is the kind of God I have and I'm telling the world! This is the God of my father-- I'm spreading the news far and wide! Exodus 15:2 (The Message)

There is a rhythm to God’s ways, an order, a vibration, and a hum that seeks to tune us to notes of His heart. We are drawn to this chorus by an imparted genetic harmony resonating deep in our hearts. This is the pulse of God in us…our hearts synchronizing, in beat, with His. Measure by measure, the tone of our lives echo the purposes of the Master

When we lose our place, our rhythm and find it difficult to follow His lead…He is there. When our hearts are out of tune with His…He retunes us to the correct pitch. He conducts with grace; He orchestrates with love and arranges all for our good. The tempo of our lives is restored and our voice returns.

Life is a chorus of work and rest, challenge and triumph, pain and pleasure…life plays with our heartstrings. For me, it pays to know the music the Master is playing. Knowing the score harmonizes my life and helps me feel the pulse of God in me. Here I begin to sense my register, my range of faith and understand the extent of my rubato, my measure of freedom I have in Him.

I like the way that sounds…

What about you…do you feel the pulse of God inside you? Can you feel the subtle vibrations of His presence in your walk?

Technorati Tags: pulse,God,song,music

Random Catch Up

2011-07-06T20:43:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lapse between posts…and sorry for not visiting your blogs lately my fellow bloggers. I’m not even sure if I’m in the mood to write this post (or perhaps the right mood). So, I figured I throw some random thoughts down to update my faithful readers (both of you) on what’s happening.

‎ New Beckyism alert…

Overheard as my nine-year old daughter was trying to explain something to her older sister Sarah.

"I'm just moving the truth around a bit." Becky Cookingham

Powerful quote time

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” C.S. Lewis

I’ve hinted at the struggle my family is going through (What Am I Doing Here?) but we have been hit with another difficult challenge. My father-in-law has been diagnosed with cancer and has begun chemo treatments this past week. James Breden is a strong 77 year old and we trust that God will sustain him through this.
We’re all learning (in new ways) that peace can not be found apart from the Lord and that is a good thing.

Contract Smack Down

I tweeted recently (almost two weeks ago) about a book contract that I had been offered for my book RETOOLED…good news right? Well, long story short…I turned it down…yep, turned down what I have been dreaming about for years. It was disappointing and I will probably blog about it soon but I had a huge check in my spirit to not accept it…more to come.

My Prayer and Scripture Blessings

"For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" Matthew 6 :8

I pray that no matter where you are today you would believe, know and feel the awesome love of the Father. That every decision, every relational interaction, every thought would be washed by His love first.

I pray that your steps would be secure and bold, your prayers directed and full of faith and your joy be outrageously abundant.

May the Shalom of Christ comfort any sorrow or doubt, and may the overwhelming, extravagant love of God drive fear from you.

This I pray in Jesus name for you...and me. Amen.

LiveJournal Tags: randomness,prayer,becky

Poetry Morning – Seamless

2011-06-23T09:15:00.001-04:00

I was listening online this morning to HARBOUR LIVE (you should listen!), my friend and fellow blogger Tony Alicea’s Church (read his blog here) and got inspired to write this poem. I hope it blesses you! – Jay

Seamless

Standing in awe of you
Desperate for you
I need more
I hunger for more
More than my heart can hold
More than my mind can imagine
Focused on you
Lost in you
Until all is seamless
between us

Jay Cookingham June 23, 2011

LiveJournal Tags: Seamless,poetry,God

My Prayer…for You

2011-06-22T08:22:00.001-04:00

So many of you have asked me to pray for you lately and I do take that seriously. This morning as I was traveling to work this prayer came to me…I hope it encourages you today. Blessings, Jay

Father, hold my brothers and sisters today. Hold them in your mercy, in your grace and your strength. Clear their vision, lift their heads and tighten their grip on you. Surround them, saturate and fill them with your love. Intensify their hope, strengthen their faith and overlap everything with your joy.

Open their spirits to you, to your plans and your desires for them. Help them embrace the wondrous journey with you in ways they once thought impossible. Open their hearts and draw out the gifts, the abilities and talents that you have given them. Erase the pain of regret and past failures and in its place plant deep the power of your purposes for them.

In all of this let your name be know and praised...for you are a great God.

In Jesus name....Amen!

LiveJournal Tags: Prayer,God,Father,Jesus

Repost Madness - Carry

2011-06-21T08:05:00.000-04:00

There is so much happening in my life right now that Soulfari is not getting the attention that it “deserves”. I so want to share what is happening with you all but…it is not time, not yet. So, since my family won’t be going to Cape Hatteras for vacation this summer (sniff) I thought I “carry” a old post from last May (when I was in Hatteras) to today’s post. Plus, what God spoke to me that day still speaks to me where I am…I hope it does the same for you. Blessings, Jay

“And He said, My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. (15) And he said to Him, If Your presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here.” Exodus 33:14-15

It is somewhat risky to go into the ocean alone, especially here at Hatteras. The waves can take you in for a wild ride or carry far out to sea. So we have a buddy system in place to make sure that people don’t go solo in the ocean waves. That buddy system puts parental units somewhat at ease but I also think it’s a great system for life.

After 40+ years of following Father God I have learned this lesson (sometimes the hard way) that the success of the next step depends entirely on Him going with me. That Moses-like attitude has been and continues to be my response to His invitation and promise. Here are the same two verses in the Message Bible. I like its bluntness expression.

GOD said, “My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end.”
Moses said, “If your presence doesn't take the lead here, call this trip off right now.”

That’s where I am in my life right now…I need Him to take the lead daily or lets’ call the whole leg of this journey off right now. It is not worth it to try to find shortcuts or easier pathways, the cost is too great. When He goes with me His presence carries me, sustains me and identifies me as one of His kids.
We have another saying here…”Never turn your back on the ocean.” If you do you might just get hit by a big wave and have the summer vacation knocked right out of you! The connecting thought here is if He’s not coming with me…perhaps my back has changed positions. No, I need to face Him, constantly looking into His eyes for the way to follow.
That way, I know He’s coming “with” me…

What about you? Is there something I can help you “carry” in prayer?

Poetically Expressing Myself - Daylight

2011-06-18T15:07:00.001-04:00

Daylight

I chew on the crust of a
broken dream.
Trying to follow the crumbs
back to the beginning.

When did it become a fairy tale?
A fable?
A tall tale of adventure in the woods,
lost and alone,
instead of revelation?

I face the wolf of failure
with an axe of my own.
It is not a quick end but it is
quick enough.

I see with daylight
in my vision.
Bringing this dream to
an end.

Jay Cookingham 6-17-2011

LiveJournal Tags: Daylight,poetry

Bad Sheep Time – Something Smelly

2011-06-14T09:10:00.001-04:00

The Bad Boys are back bringing their own brand of "cheer" to my mundane day. Sit back and enjoy...I hope!

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep 40,smelly

Sunday Blessings

2011-06-12T16:36:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to share a simple Celtic prayer this Sunday.

If there is righteousness in the heart
If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.
So let it be

Praying that your week ahead is filled with His love and mercy! …Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Celtic prayer

What am I doing here? – God’s answer

2011-06-08T19:40:00.001-04:00

You can read part one here

What am I doing here?

The answer came to me over the course of a few days, maybe because I’m a little slow or perhaps God knew how to reach me (I’m banking on the latter).

“What are we doing here?” (Notice how I changed the question a bit, sly dog that I am) I asked my wife as we were sitting on the back deck. Could we, should we, move…to North Carolina…to Florida? Will the situation we find ourselves in…force that decision? We discussed a few options, tossed around a couple of ideas and discovered it really wasn’t a question of geography but it did concern our position.

After a while I blurted out this…

“I just don’t want to waste anymore time…or go through the motions…if we are going to stay that let’s stay with a purpose! I have such an ache to be free, to help others be free but what does that really mean anymore?”

Can you say conflicted? Later that night God provided the answer through a single word…the word?

Longing

Lately when I look towards the horizon, I’m longing for rescue, for deliverance, for a way out. My hankerings, my yen, my desires, my pining, although honest expressions; were not where my heart and soul should be.

“How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! (2) My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” Psalm 84:1-2

My crying was centered on me, not for a deeper relationship with my God. I mean, when was the last time I was so hungry for His presence that I almost fainted? Longing for freedom isn’t wrong…it’s just not the best use of my heart. No, the best is to be with Him, to long for communion with my King, my savior…my friend.

So, in the midst of a difficult battle I find myself longing, not for release (although I would welcome that) but for relationship on a whole new level.

What am I doing here?

I’m here for Him…

“Our natural will is to have God, and the good will of God is to have us, and we may never cease willing or longing for God until we have him in the fullness of joy.” - Blessed Julian of Norwich

LiveJournal Tags: question,vision,longing

What am I Doing Here?

2011-06-07T15:17:00.001-04:00

God often takes a course for accomplishing His purposes directly contrary to what our narrow views would prescribe. He brings a death upon our feelings, wishes, and prospects when He is about to give us the desire of our hearts.
- John Newton

The question above represents weeks of deep reflection and intense battle (is there any other kind?). The conflict surrounding my family right now seems unrelated to that question, yet…I wonder.

I can’t share with you right now what that struggle is (possibly on the other side) but I can share this. This battle is not about my marriage, my kids or my health (although all those elements of my life have been challenged during this time). This particular conflict is a huge threat and it saps my energy some days and makes me angry at the enemy on most days. However, this post is not really about struggle…back to the question.

What am I doing here?

The Father first posed this question when I was laid up with a hurt foot a few weeks ago. (It’s much better, thank you). He was using this question to stir me up, to mess with me a bit. I have to admit; I strained for an answer…one I hoped that at least “sounded” spiritual! What I found out during this reflection is that I was tired, not physically but tired of the status quo-ness that had crept into my spirit. I saw that I was allowing a small picture of God to ruin my view on life and my walk with Him.

Honestly, I didn’t want God to deal with me on this; after all…I was in a battle…a fight that was occupying all my attention. Shouldn’t He be concentrating on a way out for me?

What am I doing here?

God’s answer next time…

LiveJournal Tags: Purpose,struggle,question

Thirsty

2011-06-06T16:47:00.001-04:00

Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink. - The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

I'm a few days late on this one but fellow blogger Matt Windley (read his blog here) is trying to raise money for charity:water. His goal...to raise $1,000,000 in the month of June! So head on over to his blog and pray about what you can do for such a powerful cause. Here’s the link to his charity:water site

I remember growing up in rural New York, we lived over an auction house and it was not quite a home. We had no inside plumbing…no bathroom, no shower, not even a sink! I have many memories of going outside to a well pump to fill buckets of water for cooking and bathing. Hard, yes...but at least my water was safe to drink. 42,000 people die every week for reasons clean water could help cure. 90% are children. Please, please pray and respond as God leads.

Blessings,
Jay

LiveJournal Tags: water,charity,children

Finished is Just the Beginning

2011-05-30T21:06:00.001-04:00

“If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.” ~ J.M. Power

It’s taken longer than I wanted but RETOOLED is finished…well, all except the publishing part that is. I’m praying about my next step, agent or no agent, self-publish or try to reach a publishing company crazy enough to take a chance on me? Still, what a ride this has been so far! The book, my story, is so different then when I first started…mostly because I have changed during all those rewrites. The dream is not yet realized but I’m awake to the possibilities that God will bring my way through the journey still ahead.

May I encourage you with this thought? You are a gifted child of God, He wants to deliver His message of hope through those gifts. No doubt you have dreams of your own, maybe they seem impossible to obtain. Don’t give up…wake up! Father God gave you those gifts to honor Him…don’t wait for dreams…go for them. Trust in what He has asked you to do and trust even if those dreams look different than when you first dreamt them. Open your eyes…see what God has for you! His work in you is just beginning!

Blessings, Jay

“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible.”
~T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, 1926

LiveJournal Tags: finished,Retooled

They’ll Grow On You

2011-05-26T10:39:00.001-04:00

“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine inside your home. Your children will be like young olive trees around your table.” Psalm 128:3

I heard Dr. Tony Evans talk about olive trees this morning. He said an olive plant takes roughly about 15 years to grow into a tree. Olive trees can produce fruit for centuries...there are olive trees in Israel that are dated back to Christ...that's a long time.

Around our tables are young plants, waiting for our words to nourish them and help them grow into fruit bearing trees. My youngest, Rebecca (pictured above), turns 9 today and she is rapidly turning into a tree. My words, my life, can plant ideas, vision, and hope into her or leave her as dry and arid as a desert. I want my daughter and her siblings to be producing fruit well past the time I spend on this planet. That takes a huge investment of time, love and commitment…but the fruit is so worth it!

Time is short and we must take advantage of every moment around our "table" by speaking life into our kids. We’re not just raising a family…we’re growing sons and daughters of the King!

How are your olive plants today? Are they growing?

LiveJournal Tags: Olive,Becky,growth,daughter

Deep

2011-05-24T14:47:00.001-04:00

On Sunday I shared this message at my home church (Bridge Builders Community Church). I fought my way through it, holding back tears all the way. When I started speaking I felt the weight of God’s mercy like never before. It was overwhelming and wonderful at the same time. The by-product is that this “sermon” is only 21 minutes long. I would appreciate your feedback on this DEEP subject.

Blessings,
Jay

You can listen on iTunes as well (HERE) or at my SF website (HERE)

LiveJournal Tags: Deep,mercy

Celebrating Today…with Bad Sheep!

2011-05-19T11:00:00.001-04:00

Your families are extremely proud of you. You can't imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money. ~Gary Bolding

Just a quick post today as the Cookingham clan prepares for a major milestone for my daughter Sarah. My oldest princess graduates today and I couldn’t be more proud of her, she has accomplished much with her hard work and winning smile. Many of her professors love her and have raved such to her parents…who of course, already knew how wonderful she is. She makes my heart happy.

The second thing we get to celebrate today is the scholarship awarded to my son Matthew for next year’s tuition…not for all of it, but it makes my wallet happy. Matt’s first year was a huge success and I am proud of him for all his hard work.
He made the baseball team and still made the honor society…that was a great thing for his parents to see.

This has been an interesting two weeks for me…my injured foot, time off for reflection and we find ourselves in the midst of a extremely trying time. Yet, we will pause and celebrate today…our God is good and is worthy of all praise.

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! —Psalm 105:1-2

Take the time to celebrate all He has done…tell others…sing…dance! Enjoy the blessings that He has given you…that will please Him for sure!

Oh…the Bad Boys of Wool have something to add…although I’m not sure it’s a good idea.

BTW…Please forgive me for not posting on any of your blogs this past couple of weeks. My time has been spent in finishing my book, preparing for a sermon and wrestling with some issues. Please know that your words, your writing and your lives are a huge blessing to me. Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Graduation,celebrate,Bad Sheep

The Questions of God

2011-05-17T10:07:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody! I’ve been off from work since last week, one week for an injured foot and now I’m on vacation…yay! I’m trying to finish my book, meditate on where God is leading me and hopefully get some rest. What I would like to share today is something from an old newsletter I wrote a few years ago. Reading it this morning gave me some insight into what my heart should reflect on this week. I hope it speaks to you as well. I appreciate you all, God bless! – Jay Cookingham

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?”
Isaiah 40:21

The Father really knows how to ask a question. From the garden, questions that included “Who told you were naked?” to the lord’s own question of “Who touched me?” Throw some of God’s questions to Job in the middle and we can sense the position of God in our lives. When He asks me a question its always to get at something in my life. He knows the answer, so He is not seeking information.

What is he after then? I believe He is giving me a heart shakedown, making me check out my heart from the inside out. Through such questions God causes us to (hopefully) re-think where we place Him in our lives. Go on, check these beauties out.

Where are you? Genesis 3:9

Why are you angry? Genesis 4:6

Where is Abel your brother? Genesis 4:9

Where is Sarah your wife? Genesis 18:9

What is your name? Genesis 32:27

But who do you say I am? Mark 8:29

Know what I believe? I think God asks more questions than we do, trying to wake us up to the purposes of His Kingdom. The Father stirs our memory with His inquires, reminding us of His presence in all our reflections. He corrects attitudes and marks the difference between right and wrong with righteous queries. God uses questions to show us the expanse of just who He is and drops us in the middle of it all to demonstrate the largeness of His love for us. I really find out more about who I am when I paid more attention to the questions my Father is asking me. When I listen closely to the way He poses the question I discover even more.

A few years ago He flooded new insight into my world when I heard Him ask the following; “What if I make you a ________?” (I’m leaving part this blank for a reason, if you really want to know you can e-mail me).

For a day or two I paid more attention to the blank part of the question. Then He
enlightened my heart and I revisited the question this way. “

What if I make you a ________?”

Then I saw that my focus should be on the “I” part, the part that God was reminding me of His position in my life. The anxiousness I felt was unnecessary, I now understood that He would work through me, my striving was not needed. Discerning the question made the difference, oh I like answers, but it this case the Father taught me a mind-transforming lesson.

Father, bless us with your questions today. Rock our world with your penetrating presence, changing us from the inside out! Amen!

LiveJournal Tags: Questions,God

Without Grace – Reflective Poetry

2011-05-11T17:48:00.001-04:00

Without Grace

Without Grace
I face the current alone and
bear the scars

Without Grace
I am driven by want not need
and my spirit grows numb

Without Grace
I fear my place and
doubt the strength given me

Without Grace
I find myself drawn to you
and drown beneath an ocean full

Jay Cookingham © May 11, 2011

LiveJournal Tags: Grace,poetry

Is that All?

2011-05-10T13:25:00.001-04:00

There are many enemies that threaten my security daily; I suspect that you’re familiar with them as well. Health concerns, worries about finances and the future…these can turn on you in a heartbeat. I’m walking through stuff…you’re walking through stuff; life can be really hard sometimes. We can lose heart and our faith in God’s promises during difficult circumstances. Know what I think? I think we need to be “All-struck”.

Psalm 34 carries one little word that excites me…it’s the word “All”, it’s a powerful word, one that covers…well, everything! Fears, troubles, afflictions…ALL covered

Verse 4…and delivered me from all my fears.

Verse 6…and saved him out of all his troubles.

Verse 17…and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Verse 19…Many afflictions…delivers him out of them all.

Not some…ALL

Not a few…ALL

Not just the easy ones…ALL

Not most…ALL

In the midst of your struggle, the Father is there with you, seek Him…you will lack no good thing (Verse 10)

Is that all? No….not really, in verse 1 is our part…

I will bless Jehovah at all times; His praise always shall be in my mouth.

Praying for you all…Jay

LiveJournal Tags: all,faith

Mom Went Home

2011-05-08T12:06:00.001-04:00

This story is a bit hard but there is a point, please hang in there until the end. - Jay

When Juanita Elizabeth Beesmier married Frederick Cookingham some 70 plus years ago, she may have thought life was going to be good. She may have been filled with the same hope and dreams that many brides have when they start the marriage journey. I don’t know because my mom never shared about those heart matters with anyone. In retrospect marrying my father was a huge mistake; her life became an emotional prison of fear and pain.

I have shared stories of the abuse I endure from the hand of my dad (here) but I believe my mom suffered worst treatment form him. My dad was extremely jealous of the affections mom would show her kids, so much so he forbid any signs of fondness between us. To break that law meant misery for all of us but mom would take the brunt of it all. Dad’s cruelty finally forced my mom into a childlike state and she ceased to grow as a human being. My father had no only vacated his dad responsibility but he stolen my mom from me as well. Her home had become a harsh and lonely cell and she was powerless to change it.

My most vivid memory of mom comes from her long hospital stay due to emphysema. It was apparent she was not leaving the hospital alive and every visit saw her frail frame weaken more and more. There was one topic that would brighten her right up and that was the birth of my first child, due any day. She was so excited about meeting the little one and she did her best to hang on to see her youngest son have his first child. One day my mom went into cardiac arrest and nearly passed away. As she lay still and motionless on her hospital bed I told her again about Jesus and the love of the Father. When I asked if she wanted Christ in her heart, she signed yes by squeezing my hand threes times. My mom was now a follower of Jesus.

Late in the evening on March 2, 1989 I received a call from the hospital that my mom had passed away. Just five days later I attended her wake just hours after my first child (Joshua) was born. My son had entered the world and I was overjoyed and even though it was difficult to attend the wake for my mom, it also was a relief.

My mom was now living like never before, she had a home like never before and she had a Savior who would love on her for all eternity! For me, it’s all good…I have a mom waiting for me but it is so wonderful knowing how free she is.

Mom went home…Happy Mother’s Day Mom!

“A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands. But a mother's love endures through all.” ~Washington Irving

“Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, extend to the skies, and Your faithfulness to the clouds.” Psalm 36: 5

LiveJournal Tags: Mother's day,life

Calling

2011-05-03T20:24:00.001-04:00

"So don't be afraid: I'm with you. I'll round up all your scattered children, pull them in from east and west. (6) I'll send orders north and south: 'Send them back. Return my sons from distant lands, my daughters from faraway places. (7) I want them back, every last one who bears my name, every man, woman, and child Whom I created for my glory, yes, personally formed and made each one.” Isaiah 43:5-7 The Message

How many really want to know their calling? I’m going to use my huge prophetic gifting and tell everyone’s calling here…ready?

If you’re a dad…you’re called to father.
If you’re a grandfather…you’re called to father.
If you are alive and breathing (and a male) …you’re called to father.

A call to father is simply following the example of father God, fleshed out in the life of Jesus, and how He draws us into a relationship with Him. The power of fathering is born in the spirit of adoption, the extreme makeover of people into sons and daughters.

Strategic Fathering is a purposeful, planned and practical incursion into the lives of our children. It’s actively seeking and wanting a potent relationship with them. It’s more than raising “kids”, it is a focused journey alongside them.

God strategically planned for our salvation. He deposited Himself right in the mainstream of humanity, desiring deep relationships with His creation. Through this powerful covenant He awakens purposes and plans in us, and releases dreams through us. That power to help transform lives, already divinely deposited in us, is designed to be released through fathering.

Why am I sharing part of the mission plan for my ministry?

Because…It’s time to man up

The ability to bless, to impart and to impact has been given to you by the Father’s own hand. It’s written on your spiritual DNA, you and I were wired to be huge in someone’s life! There are huge opportunities all around us, the world is crying out for heroes…I pray that God will make me one!

Will you be one?

LiveJournal Tags: Calling,fathering,heroes

God is Forgiving

2011-05-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

I have the awesome honor of guest posting over at Making a Difference To One hosted by my Sister-nation member Ginny. I hope you’ll head on over and leave a few insightful comments! Bless ya! Jay

The deepest part of the ocean at 36,200 feet (11,033 m or 11.03 km) is an alien looking place called Challenger Deep, within the Marianas Trench. This cold, deep dark is far beyond the reach of sunlight and is as remote of a place as you can find on this planet.

Imagine for a moment a place so far away, so unreachable and unseen that it boggles the mind. (Read more here)

LiveJournal Tags: MADD. Forgiving

Bad Sheep Time – Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

2011-04-28T16:26:00.001-04:00

I love baseball and so do the Bad Boys of Wool. In my season of crazy busy I needed a laugh in a big way and Lambo and Chop pitched in. Hopefully, the boys won’t strike out on this one!
Blessing, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep,Baseball

I Am Midnight - Poetry

2011-04-25T08:59:00.001-04:00

This poem is part of The Warrior Poet Circle hosted by blogger, fellow warrior poet and friend Jason at Endless Impact. Read more great poems over there! The topic is Midnight.

I wrote this early this AM…very early AM….

Midnight

I am midnight
I hold the cuff of your sleeve
as you peer into future places
Neither dark or light
fear or courage
simply wondering
if sleep will come first
or the morning

Jay Cookingham 4-26-2011

LiveJournal Tags: warrior poet,midnight,sleep

Sketchy Reflection 3

2011-04-22T15:45:00.001-04:00

It’s been fun rediscovering a long dormant part of the gift God gave me…and it also has been ministering to my spirit. I pray that these few rough sketches have been a blessing to you all as well.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; ²⁶ and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Man of Sorrows

Man of Sorrows
Felt for me
Man of Sorrows
Gave for me

Man of Sorrows
Bled for me
Man of Sorrows
Hung for me

Man of Sorrows
Went for me
Man of Sorrows
Rose for me

Have a blessed Easter everyone! – Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Resurrection,Jesus

Sketchy Reflection 2

2011-04-20T20:51:00.001-04:00

Today was a stressful one at work but near the end of the day I managed to get alone and run some diagnostics on a computer in another department. While the tests ran I did another sketch while I reflected on Jesus and His sacrifice.

While I was still a sinner He died for me…for He so loved…He gave. I walk in newness of life…all because of a man of sorrows.

LiveJournal Tags: Jesus,sacrifice,love

Sketchy Reflection

2011-04-18T21:51:00.001-04:00

Tonight while uploading a cover design to my publisher I started sketching on a scrap of paper…and reflecting…

What manner of love…while we were still sinners…sacrifice…redemption…all these powerful expressions of His love and more. He felt and He gave for me…and for you.

Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Jesus,sorrow,love

Stirred Up

2011-04-12T22:06:00.001-04:00

Something really powerful happened to me recently, something that has changed the way I see myself. First a little back-story…I apologize for the length.

Work has been insane; I’m entrenched in server migrations, web design, book design and my everyday IT duties. Late hours and countless meetings suck the creativity right out of me on a daily basis and resentment crept in like a fog over my spirit. I was a mess inside…but I kept on like a good solider.

Since the beginning of 2011 I felt like Father God was going to release me into my dream (read Stepping Out here) but now, almost 4 months later I am more entrenched at work than ever. The past few weeks I have been in and out of funky town (put a song in your head didn’t I?), which was most unpleasant. I discovered on one of these trips that I had made a huge agreement with the enemy.

Somehow I decided that God was protecting me from…me. He knew that I would fail as a speaker/author/ministry guy so He was keeping me SAFE at my job. God knew that I didn’t have what it takes, so He was giving me what I could handle…and I bought this big time! I walked around with this agreement for weeks and it was slowly undoing me.

One day last week God asked me to read Ezra…

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, (2) Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.” Ezra 1:1-2

After reading these Scriptures God asked me an interesting question….

God asked me, “Jay, what are you building”?

Honestly, I didn’t know any more so I just closed the Bible and decided to ponder that question for a while. It didn’t take long for God to give me direction and correction.

I was clearing out some old paperwork and came across a letter that my wife wrote to honor me on one of my birthdays, I won’t bore you with the whole letter but there was this one section that grabbed me by the throat.

“Some men build massive skyscrapers, awesome bridges, complex computers, things which can be destroyed. My man builds lives.”

I realized that I had forgotten what God has called me to, so I asked God why did I believe a lie? Here comes the correction part.

“You have been so busy asking your own question, “When are you going to let me do what I want?” to hear the truth about yourself.”

Ouch…but that gentle rebuked stirred up in my spirit and I feel the charge again of my Father to build lives. It is not a matter of getting what I want; it’s a matter of obeying the call of the Father. I broke the agreement I made with the enemy and I see clearer now than I have in months.

“God often takes a course for accomplishing His purposes directly contrary to what our narrow views would prescribe. He brings a death upon our feelings, wishes, and prospects when He is about to give us the desire of our hearts.”
- John Newton

“When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.” Psalm 119:59 (The Message)

What about you, have you allowed agreements with lesser things to rob you? What is the Father charging you to build? I would love to hear your thoughts and to pray for you.

Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Stirred up

Bad Sheep Time – Birthday Wisdom

2011-04-09T21:04:00.001-04:00

The Bad Boys came out for a special birthday greeting for my good friend Joe Cohen. Happy Birthday Joe!

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep,Birthday

Father Ache

2011-04-05T23:07:00.001-04:00

It’s late and I hope this makes sense, but it’s heavy on my heart so I’m sharing these thoughts that ran through my spirit today….Jay

The father who would taste the essence of his fatherhood must turn back from the plane of his experience, take with him the fruits of his journey and begin again beside his child, marching step by step over the same old road. ~Angelo Patri

It’s a deep feeling, one that stays with you, not necessary a pain but it does hurt a bit. The make up of this feeling includes dreams, hopes, plans, and concerns. It tends to keeps me up at times (OK, a lot of times) and distracts me in other ways I can’t really explain.

I ache for my children

My hope for them on their journey with Christ is far greater than I exercise for myself. I see greater potential, giftedness and ability in each one of them…they have been blessed by the Father. This small nation of seven is made up of terrific and good kids, each with a healthy relationship with Christ. Yet, they have struggle at times with their faith and they have failed in some areas of their life because of those struggles.

In each of their struggles and in every success there is a tug on my daddy’s heart. My prayers cover both so that neither failure nor success dominates their heart, only their love for Him. This ache is a passion for them to fulfill the purposes that the Father has for them, to stay the course and remain faithful. I don’t consider this ache a bad thing at all, for it drives me to my knees. Because of those prayers (and God’s faithfulness) I have begun to see the fruit of the Scripture below.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

What about you…do you ache for your kids? In what way?

LiveJournal Tags: Fathers,heart,prayer,ache

Artist in the Shadow of God - Repost

2011-04-05T08:51:00.001-04:00

This is a repost from last November and since I'm in a bit of a blue funk this was a encouraging reminder for me this morning. When the creative juices get a bit dry it's good to remember where our gifts come from...His anointing and His impartation. I pray it encourages you today. - Jay

“To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted.” ~ George Kneller

Since I was about seven years old, I have always found some area for my talents to be used. I have painted murals, designed every thing from T-shirts to logos, written studies and sang in just about every choir that you can imagine. I even did a one-man play of the Prodigal son story (that was a blast). My creativity grew every year but not the opportunities…my main talents are in the realm of graphic design, writing and teaching…not the usual suspects for the worship part of the Sunday gathering.

Yet, when we create, when we explore our gifts and push the envelope of who we are as artist I believe (are you ready for this?) we are worshipping. With all my heart I believe the Father’s heart is made glad when we dive into the fullness of creativity…that He has deposited into us! The best part may just be the “canvas” we paint on doesn’t have to be used just on Sunday to be a blessing to the church. Of course I’m talking about the Church with a cap “C”.

I’ve been studying this artist guy found in the OT…Bezaleel (His name means “in the shadow of God”). The Word says this about him.

"I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship. Exodus 31:3

Bezaleel was charged with designing the Ark and for the Tabernacle and it blessed the heart of the Father and all of Israel…that’s a major deal right there. We are all artist in the shadow of God…anointed with the same Spirit and we can worship Him with what we create.

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” — Henry Ward Beecher

What are you dipping your brush into today? Do you feel inspired by a Holy God?
Love to hear your thoughts!

LiveJournal Tags: Artist,shadows,God's will,creativity

Bad Sheep Time – When Somebunny Loves You

2011-04-01T18:10:00.001-04:00

Well you may have noticed that Soulfari has been a little quiet for a few days but no more! What better way to break the silence than the Bad Boys of Wool! Have a great weekend everybody!

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep 37,Bunny

God Is…Approachable

2011-03-28T08:18:00.001-04:00

Approachable - easy to meet or converse or do business with; "a friendly approachable person"

That definition did not fit my father.

I grew up in an abusive home; my father’s cruelty was part of everyday life. His words and name-calling crushed my spirit, for years the verbal abuse continued, it stunted my emotional growth and I grew callous and hard. When I turned twelve, another darker form of abuse started, my dad began sexually assaulting me. It was all I could handle, I felt ashamed, hurt and betrayed. Somehow, I began to think it all had to be my fault. I turned to drinking and drugs, trying to dull the pain and the guilt I held inside. (Read the rest here)

LiveJournal Tags: Guest post,MADD. Approachable

Something Squirrelly This Way Comes

2011-03-24T07:11:00.001-04:00

It’s time for Pleasantly Disturbed Thursdays over at Duane Scott’s blog and I’m doing my part to add to the…ummm…culture that Duane has started. I included a film by my son Josh…which I believe fits right in.

Squirrels and a Nut - Final Mockumentary

LiveJournal Tags: Disturbed

Bad Sheep Time – A Small Problem

2011-03-21T17:58:00.001-04:00

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep 36

Passion

2011-03-18T11:54:00.001-04:00

"One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested."
— E. M. Forster

“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14

Two reflections today…One, I’m feeling overwhelmed with the goodness of God and with a growing awareness of my passions. So, let my words be few and maybe you’ll share this reflection with me today. Here is a poem I wrote a few years back…

Passion

Where does passion go?
It leaves in the drip
of the mundane
The ooze of whispering
mediocrity
The allowable choices of
letting the dust settle
too often
Cooling the fire
in my blood
Echoes of such burning
fades
into a kind of blue
And dreams flicker
Like candlelight

Jay Cookingham 2005

Father,
May our zeal for you never fade and the burning desire to follow hard after you never grow cold. Stoke the passion for your presence, blow upon the flames of our heart so that we are consumed by your love. Let this be the motivation of our hearts, that we are a people called by your name, ready to obey and move in your purposes for your glory. – Amen

LiveJournal Tags: passion,poetry

Push Me, Pull Me – Faith and Hope

2011-03-16T21:39:00.001-04:00

“To the best of my understanding, faith is trusting God enough to obey what He has said, and hope is having the confidence that God will do everything He has promised. One pushes you; the other pulls you.” Erwin McManus

Joshua my oldest (22) has been home from Indiana on Spring Break and it has been great having the tallest giant back in my house for a while. The weeks leading up to coming home were tough for Josh, he was struggling to make some major decisions and it was testing his faith. His relationship with Father God wasn’t where he wanted it to be and Josh was questioning his own character and his heart. He wrestled, he prayed and he repented…I believe it was his first “dark night of the soul”.

Oswald Chambers talks about this in his book, "Abandoned to God". "The mystics used to speak of 'the dark night of the soul' (or 'night season') as a time of spiritual darkness and dryness, not the direct result of sins committed, but rather a deep conviction of sin itself within the heart and mind. It's a time the person 'is being brought to an end of himself,' and made aware of the utter worthlessness of his own nature when stripped of all religious pretensions. Moreover, there was the willingness to abandon all for Christ's sake, to deny - not only his evil self but also his good self."

On the way home from the airport after picking him up, Josh said this to me…

“I realized just how important it was to be right before God.”

That attitude and desire drove him to make difficult, hard, but ultimately, faith strengthening decisions. His hope was that God would meet him in that dark place and bring some much needed light. The end result…he felt free. For a Dad that’s an awesome thing to witness, one of my children cementing their faith in a way that makes them free. It made me think…

That faith and hope enables us to do what is right and positions us
for God’s promise of freedom.

“And you shall do the right and good in the sight of Jehovah, so that it may be well with you, and so that you may go in and possess the good land which Jehovah swore to your fathers.” Duet. 6:18

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11: 1

How is your faith pushing you? How is hope pulling you?

LiveJournal Tags: Hope,faith,joshua

Warrior Poet Time - Lonely Lesson

2011-03-14T18:41:00.001-04:00

This poem is part of The Warrior Poet Circle hosted by blogger, fellow warrior poet and friend Jason at Endless Impact. Read more great poems over there!
The topic is LONELY and I based my on the following Scripture.

"God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched lad."
Psalm 68:6

Lonely Lesson

A bitter cry of solitude
A lonely lesson
Unwanted and unneeded
Yet, accepted and learned

It traveled with him
bringing an uneasy comfort
Like chasing daylight
with no hope of capture
Almost like being there

It cheated of course
and urged a shadow existence
A lonely lesson of dark corners
and mask wearing
A solitary confinement of
his own choosing

Over the call of desolation
a new song delivers family words
The pleading of loneliness
fades backwards into its
own emptiness
Daylight is here and so
is my new home

LiveJournal Tags: Warrior poet,lonely

7 Promises Podcast – Promise 1

2011-03-12T16:51:00.001-05:00

Around 20 years ago I wrote Seven Promises from Your Husband to honor my wife during our anniversary. I thought it would make a great series for a podcast, so I recorded number one yesterday. Please, (be your best friend) check it out and let me know what you think. Oh, my wife listened and gave her approval…just in case you were wondering.

Promise one: I am committed to love you as Christ loved the church and give up my life for you daily.

BTW, you can listen to this on itunes or my media page here.

LiveJournal Tags: podcast 1,husband,promises,one

Bad Sheep Time – Lenten Humor 2

2011-03-11T17:32:00.001-05:00

This particular Bad Boy episode has been inspired by a close friend of mine, Dale Blue. Dale is a member of my Band of Brothers and a important part of my life. Our children and our wives share friendships, we have shared Skyline Chili, and countless other wonderful meals together. He called me up today just to tell me of a crazy pun he thought of…that I considerer a honor. Thanks Dale, I’m glad we’re friends!

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep 35,Lent,fish

Five Questions

2011-03-10T16:59:00.001-05:00

"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions." ~ Naguib Mahfouz

Just a simple five questions…nothing too tough. Would you do me the honor and answer these? I’m just a bit curious how some of you will tackle them.

Also, can I ask you to pray for me tomorrow? I’m recording another podcast Friday afternoon and the theme will be on the best gift we can give our children (besides a Godly example)…the gift? Loving their Mom the way she deserves/needs to be loved. The framework for that discussion is a piece I wrote called Seven Promises from You Husband (see here). I believe that God wants to speak to men’s heart on this one, so I covet your prayers…thank you!

Now on to the questions…

If you had a motto, what would it be?

What was the best compliment ever given you?

How did your relationship with your dad influence the kind of parent you have been?

What is the craziest thing you ever done?

Who is the person you admire the most? (Not counting Jesus)

Here are my answers...

1. No matter where you go...there you are!
(Can you guess what movie this came from?)

2. You remind me of Jesus...(seriously)

3. I grew up in an abusive home...it drove me to be a better man and father.

4. Drove through a carwash...with the window down.

5. My wife...she's the greatest!

LiveJournal Tags: Five questions

Pilgrim’s Passage – Poetry for Lent

2011-03-09T08:59:00.001-05:00

"Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God's sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God." ~Thomas a Kempis

Pilgrim’s Passage

I go without
To go within
The passage, a pace of mysteries
First a sacred bow
Leads to a sacred now
A pilgrim focused on discovery
On Knowing

I find an undiscovered place
A dwelling that fits the pilgrim in me
Here, with Him, My God
Is the beginning of many such journeys
Set free, not to settle, no
For how would that suit a pilgrim?
Set free to remain in His love

LiveJournal Tags: Poetry,Lent,Pilgrimage,Passage

Bad Sheep Time – Lenten Humor

2011-03-08T12:25:00.001-05:00

It’s time for the Bad Boys of Wool and their particular sense of humor…Bless ya all! – Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep,Lent

Birthday Musings

2011-03-07T13:08:00.001-05:00

“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” Psalm127:3

It was a cold, windy but sunny day 22 years ago, when 8 lbs 6oz changed my life forever. Joshua’s birth made me a dad for the first time (6 more wonderful people would follow) and started me on a journey to become a better man. His birth marked a change of direction for me and I believe he was chosen for that task. God used Josh to teach me many things, like patience, faithfulness and trust. The most important thing he used our relationship for was teaching me more about love, how to give and how to receive…love.

His birthday is also significant for another reason. After his birth, I left the hospital to prepare for another event…my mom’s wake. She had been in the hospital for weeks leading up to the birth; she tried to hang on to see my first born, but passed away 3 days prior. It was a strange day, going to hospital to funeral home and back to the hospital later that night. I was happy-sad if you know what I mean. The good news is that my mom accepted Christ in her hospital room just a few days before she passed away. So, in a way, I was celebrating two birth-days.

Josh’s connection to this is one of hope, yes I know he didn’t choose that connection but God did. Josh, like his siblings, is the great reward of my life. They are the trophy for a job well done and a testament to what God is doing inside of me.

Josh is a man now, one I’m very proud of. We are friends and brothers as well as father and son. We share a special relationship that causes me to rejoice and thank God for. The song that I have included speaks of that relationship and the hope for more.

Happy Birthday Josh…I love you! Dad

"You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. If you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes." - Walter Schirra Sr.

LiveJournal Tags: Birthday musings,josh

Grace, A Sunday Reflection

2011-03-06T12:53:00.001-05:00

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace. – Jerry Bridges

Stayed home from church this morning, complements of a bad sinus headache, but it did allow me a moment of pause from what has been a very busy week. I decide to crack open a new journal (a gift from a Christmas or two ago) my Bible and jumpstart a discipline that I have gotten away from.

The discipline is this…I like to ask Father God for a word (or phrase) for the day and then pray and see where He leads. It’s a terrific way to spend time with Him and helps me focus on what is on His heart instead of mine. I also wanting to get back to writing in a journal, something I have stopped doing. This blog has taken the place of that and that has been good, both in sharing and receiving. However, there are thoughts and feelings that require a private place to reside, a place where it is only between Father and I. (Does that make sense?) There will be times the Father will give permission to share from those pages…today is one of those moments. I pray that these simple reflections will bless you today.

Grace…

Grace is fluid, a dance of mercy, a song of favor…a gift of redemption.

“and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24

The Greek word for redemption describes the price paid for a prisoner of war…the price is paid and they are set free. We are all former POWs.

Grace is liberating, grace ransoms us.

Grace is how God greets us and meets us…it release worship in us. It is God’s breath of Grace in us.

“through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2

“By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.”
- The Message Bible

Father,
I thank you for grace, I know it’s a gift, something I did not or could not earn. I love the way it frees me to be more yours. I love how it changes me and invites me into your presence. Help me to walk in your grace and give it freely towards others. Amen

LiveJournal Tags: grace

The Slow Rain of Promise

2011-03-05T08:45:00.001-05:00

The Slow Rain of Promise

I roam a wasteland of desires
Seeking to plant heaven seeds
The dry and dust everywhere

A fresh breeze of Spirit choosing
disturbs my parch with hope

Bitter crust surrenders its hold
Fertile soil reveals its depth as
The slow rain of promise falls

“You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. (10) Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor. Psalm 68: 9-10

You may be in a very dry place today, your dream may seem like a waste of time and not worth pursuing. The place where God is leading, feels foreign and desolate and leaving you to think that there is no hope.

That is not the truth. Can I remind you that you are spoken for?

“You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and you shall be My people, and I will be YOUR GOD” Ezekiel 36:28

You are hand picked, selected, preferred and claimed…the purpose inside of you has been designed and packaged by God. Trust in what the Father has spoken into you.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you”
John 15:16

LiveJournal Tags: Promise,hope

The Over/Under

2011-03-04T15:18:00.001-05:00

An over-under or over/under bet is where people wager that the actual number in the game will be either higher or lower than a score posted by some “legal” gambling institution. However, that is not what I’m talking about. I’m thinking today about the over/under of the Father’s authority…and here is what I mean.

I believe coming under God’s authority is a gamble worth taking, and we are a guaranteed winner when we do. God’s desire for us is to “get over” our shortcomings, our struggles, our “selves”, and all the things that hold us down. We also need to get over to where we need to be…closer to Him.

God does not want to be our boss…He wants a close
relationship based on love

Authority is not meant to drive us away from him. “Under” is a safe place, a protective place that keeps us. Yet, it’s more than being out of harm’s way, it’s being IN the place that we can operate in all His purposes for us. You begin to care less about personal gain and more about how your journey with God affects the world around you. A person under authority travels with a lot less “what about me?” moments.

Obedience…driven by deep relationship is true submission.

“Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” 1 John 3:2

How’s your over/under today?

LiveJournal Tags: over under,obey

It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy

2011-03-03T17:24:00.001-05:00

My friend Duane Scott is having a poetry contest…not just ANY poetry contest.

It seems his favorite snack is the orange dusted Styrofoam know as Cheetos!
So here’s my entry…and the rest you can read here or by clicking on the bag of Cheetos!

It Ain't East Being Cheesy

No, It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy
When you've eaten Cheetos
until you're queasy
When your fingers tarnish
with a orange hue
Stick to your Coke can
like ninja glue
So remember this my cheesy friend
named Duane
Choosing between crunchy and puff
can be a real pain.

Jay Cookingham 3-3-11

LiveJournal Tags: poetry,cheetos

Death Grip

2011-03-02T21:10:00.001-05:00

"Not everyone is meant to make a difference. But for me, the choice to lead an ordinary life is no longer an option." Peter Parker-Spiderman

"For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:20

If I was a superhero, my name would be “Death Grip”…yes; I’m bad (but in a good way). For such a small guy, I have this unique power and it has to do with my hands.

They’re not large but I do have a death grip…I can grab hold of something and my grip is nearly impossible to pry off. This is extremely useful when I’m wrestling with my sons (most of which are now larger than I). I can get them in a bear hug and immobilize them before they can really hurt me…Muwhahaha! It’s quite a display of strength if you ask me…you were going to ask me weren’t you?

Unfortunately this power manifests itself in non-physical manner as well (Don’t all supes have a weakness?). That same amazing gripping power holds on to something I wish it didn’t…my “self”! The bulldog like grip wraps itself tightly around my selfish desires, motives and plans…it is ALMOST impossible to remove.

The power needed to break that hold is from the Messiah, the power of Agape Love. Jesus has the ability to convict, convert and correct…that’s the Kryptonite to my superpower. Believe me, I’m glad to be stripped of that power, it frees me to use a much more potent superpower…the Love of Christ. His power transforms this mild-mannered 55 year-old into someone He can use. My hands don’t glow and spark (I wish they did) but I am able to love the way He does…I’ll take that new grip on my life any day!

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

LiveJournal Tags: Superhero,deathe grip,love

Because you Need to Know

2011-03-02T08:16:00.001-05:00

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” C.S. Lewis

You need to know…you’re chosen and you are loved.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him” 1 John 4:16

LiveJournal Tags: Father's love

Hidden Exposure – Warrior Poetry

2011-02-28T11:00:00.001-05:00

This poem is part of The Warrior Poet Circle hosted by blogger, fellow warrior poet and friend Jason at Endless Impact. Read more great poems over there!

Hidden Exposure

My fear

silenced by truth

My worry

hushed by compassion

The voice of my past

is speechless

All accusations

now without bite

I am hidden in Christ

exposed to His love

Jay Cookingham 2-28-11

Colossians 3: 1-3

LiveJournal Tags: warrioe poet,Hidden

Gangsta Rap

2011-02-27T14:52:00.001-05:00

Gangsta Rap

I've got a dead gansta deep inside of me
A poison persona I don't want you to see
So I dress up smart and smile real big
Hoping you don't discover my fake out gig
I need some cross love and I have some on tap
Messiah Jesus, heals the soul of gangsta rap

Based (loosely) on Colossians 2:13-15

LiveJournal Tags: gangsta,poetry

Bad Sheep Time – Trouble Brewin’

2011-02-25T22:31:00.001-05:00

It’s late on Friday night and I just had a Bad Sheep epiphany. So the Bad Boys of Wool emerge out of the shadows to give ya a chuckle…I hope! Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Bad Sheep,coffee,Hebrews

Shy Freedom

2011-02-25T08:43:00.001-05:00

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Do you want to be free? Unshackled, unfettered and…unashamedly free? What does freedom…life changing, rock your world freedom, mean to you?

Why are we afraid to be free?

We peek at it (freedom) from around the corner, standing half hidden in the shadows of fear, only to divert our eyes when it turns to stare back at us…why?

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Really…do we believe that?

If so, then why doesn’t more of my life shout out with the liberty
of a free man?

I suspect that I have made some agreements with lies made by the enemy (or myself) that fog up the truth. Lies that form doubts about deserving freedom and the availability of such a life. Don’t get me wrong…I walk in a whole bunch of freedom; so much of my life is filled with the benefits and fruit of that gift.

Yet…there is more. I grow tired of looking over my shoulder, peeking as through some veil at the absolute freedom that has been promised for me. I know it has to do with love…and the total surrender of myself to the Father. (read Dear God, a letter from my past).

There is a hunger growing in me and that is good…to be really free is to be more of His.

Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me. I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
St. Ignatius Loyola - 16th century

So…do you want to be free? How can I pray for you?

Blessings, Jay

LiveJournal Tags: Freedom,liberty,Father

It’s Heeeeere!

2011-02-22T21:56:00.001-05:00

Ok, it might not be as exciting to you all as it is to me, but I just finished my first professionally produced podcast last weekend! My friend and fellow crazy person, Tom Zahradnik and I recorded the first Strategic Fathering Podcast and had a blast doing so. Tom is creativeness on steroids and loves Jesus passionately, you can follow him on Twitter (here) or (here). Tom is a member of my Band of Brothers and we have been friends for over 20 years.

So I am asking you to listen and give me me feedback on this intro to my mission. The future podcast will cover some specific topics and I might ask (hint, hint) for some suggestions…maybe a phone interview with some of you.

So what did you think?

LiveJournal Tags: podcast 1,beginings

God Is...Loving and Approachable

2011-02-21T11:26:00.001-05:00

I have the cool honor of guest posting over at Making a Difference To One hosted by my Sister-nation member Ginny. I hope you’ll head on over and leave a few insightful comments! Bless ya! Jay

The parable in Luke 15 shouts with the love and compassion the Father has towards us. See if you can spot the lessons He would love for us to learn from this story.

"So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."

See how the father was expecting his son’s return! (read the rest here)

LiveJournal Tags: prodigal,guest post,MAD21

Soulfari

Warrior Poetess – Guest Post

Speaking up Again…

Ponder and Muse

Strategic Family

Father Prayer 2

Joy Is – Warrior Poetry

Joy Is

© Jay Cookingham 1-16-12

Mission Possible

The Father Prayer

More Bad Sheep - A New Song

Bad Sheep Time - Christmas Humor

Wanting More

The House-Band

Making Room

Gatekeeper

You know a long sermon is coming when...

The With-ness of Christ

By Invitation Only

Randomness Reunion

Summer Book Review – A Memoir of Don Volk

By Invitation Only

Wonderful Lifeness

River Song

Bad Sheep - All Cracked Up

Elder (Life) Prayer

Please Don't Stand By

We Stand Alone Together – Part 1

Speak Up

What I Don't Understand

Fatherhood Tested – A 9/11 Response

Bad Sheep - OT Time

Character Study

Book Giveaway - The Winners!

Lemonade Stand

Warrior Poet Time – My way, His Way

Where is He? – A short story

Bad Sheep - Therapy Time

Measure

Dreams – Under Construction

Crazy

Dream Breeze 2

Miracle

My Need

Dream Breeze

Because you need to know (Repost)

S.T.U.F.F.

Bad Sheep Time - Tossed Together

The Pulse of God

Random Catch Up

Poetry Morning – Seamless

Jay Cookingham June 23, 2011

My Prayer…for You

Repost Madness - Carry

Poetically Expressing Myself - Daylight

Daylight

Bad Sheep Time – Something Smelly

Sunday Blessings

What am I doing here? – God’s answer

What am I Doing Here?

Thirsty

Finished is Just the Beginning

They’ll Grow On You

Deep

Celebrating Today…with Bad Sheep!

The Questions of God

Without Grace – Reflective Poetry

Jay Cookingham © May 11, 2011

Is that All?

Mom Went Home

Calling

God is Forgiving

Bad Sheep Time – Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

I Am Midnight - Poetry

Sketchy Reflection 3

Jay Cookingham © 2011

Sketchy Reflection 2

Sketchy Reflection

Stirred Up