The Awaited One... by Max Lucado

We were a wreath of Light around the stable, a necklace of diamonds around the structure. Every angel had been called from his post for the coming, even Michael. None doubted God would, but none knew how He could, fulfill his promise.

I’ve heated the water!”

“No need to yell, Joseph I hear you fine.”

Mary would have heard had Joseph whispered. The stable was even smaller than Joseph had imagined but the innkeeper was right- it was clean. I started to clear out the sheep and cow, but Michael stopped me. “The Father wants all of creation to witness the moment.”

Mary cried out and gripped Joseph’s arm with one hand and a feed trough with the other. The thrust in her abdomen lifted her back, and she leaned forward.

“Is it time?” Joseph asked.

She shot back a glance, and he had his answer.

Within moments the Awaited One was born. I was privileged to have a position close to the couple, only a step behind Michael. We both gazed into the wrinkled face of the infant. Joseph had placed hay in a feed trough, giving Jesus his first bed.

All of God was in the infant. Light encircled His face and radiated from His tiny hands. The very glory I had witnessed in His throne room now burst through His skin.

I felt we should sing but did not know what. We had no song. We had no verse. We had never seen the sight of God in a baby. When God had made a star, our words had roared. When He had delivered His servants, our tongues had flown with praise. Before His throne, our songs never ended. But what do you sing to God in a feed trough?

In that moment a wonderful thing happened. As we looked at the baby Jesus, the darkness lifted. Not the darkness of the night, but the darkness of the mystery. Heaven’s enlightenment engulfed the legions.

Our minds were filled with the Truth we had never before known. We became aware for the first time of the Father’s plan to rescue those who bear His name.

From An Angel's Story (originally published as Cosmic Christmas) Copyright (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2002, 2004) Max Lucado

Campout Pics

Here are a few pics from the campout. Thanks to Alan for taking these!

Campout was GREAT!!!

We had a great weekend at the campout in Morgan Mill, TX at Bent Tree Ranch. I have been told more than once that this was our best campout yet! It was possible because so many IronMen helped organize and participated. We had about 35 total people, 10 or of those were kids and they might have had the best time of all!



We shared with each other what it means to be an IronMan, how we can be better about leading our families, about our natural instincts and roles as men, and we learned about leadership from Joshua. I sure hope at least one of these discussions was beneficial for all those that attended.



Special thanks to Lane and Ryan for helping coordinate the food and drinks for the weekend. Thanks to Joel for sharing with us and helping me coordinate the spiritual side of things. Jim, we sure appreicate your generocity in letting us take over the ranch for a couple of days. It could not have been done without you guys!



We also got to ride horses, learn to rope from Bennie Peek (pro team roper), have quiet time in the woods, play football and roast marshmellows. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was finally getting to have a bonfire. The fire was awesome and we all enjoyed it!



Thanks to Alan Phillips for taking pictures (we will post them soon); Ken Boggs, Jeff Rackley and Bob McKinnon for preparing breakfast and lunch! Special thanks to our IM Comedian



Thanks to all IronMen that were in anyway involved. We look forward to next year's campout!



Stay Strong, PLD.

STP, an IronMan