http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/ Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:03 GMT en-us Copyright 2012 Faith Family Church http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/2-4-12/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/2-4-12/ Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:03 GMT I have a friend who owns a powerful four-wheel drive truck. Recently his daughter and some of her friends were going on a trip through some muddy roads. He knew that if they took his daughter’s car there was a good chance they would get ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/1-28-12/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/1-28-12/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT We’ve all heard the old adage, “When it rains, it pours.” In other words, sometimes things are bad… and sometimes they’re really bad. I remember going through one of these “really bad” times just after ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/creating-environments-of-empowerment/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/creating-environments-of-empowerment/ Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT My family and I have had many pets throughout the years. And because we live in the country, there weren’t many animals we considered off-limits. However, one type of pet we never took interest in were snakes- especially poisonous ones. I ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/1-7-12/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/1-7-12/ Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” As kids, most of us heard this little saying at one time or another. And while it was probably used to help us ignore some negative teasing on the playground, ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/12-31-11/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/12-31-11/ Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:17:26 GMT I used to have two sets of clothes in my closet: one I could wear and another I was hoping to get back into in the future. But one day,when I got home from work, I noticed the second set was missing. My wife informed me that she had cleaned out ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/12-24-11/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/12-24-11/ Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:58:20 GMT E.B. White once said that “to perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year”. I think most of us would agree. In the midst of all we’ve got going throughout the holiday season, it’s ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/12411-blog/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/12411-blog/ Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:52:22 GMT Recently I came across a very interesting website called Deathclock.com.  On this website, you can enter personal information about yourself and your lifestyle, and it gives you the projected date of your death. Now I know it sounds a ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/confronting-challengers-of-change/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/confronting-challengers-of-change/ Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:01 GMT It is no secret that we live in an extremely competitive world. But the “dog-eat-dog,” “every man for himself” mentality has caused many of us to long for what is comfortable rather than what is competitive. We desire ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/10-23-11/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/10-23-11/ Sun, 23 Oct 2011 07:00:01 GMT Around this time of year, I’m reminded of many pleasant childhood memories of hunting with my Dad and older brother. I can still feel those cold Pennsylvania mornings and the warm hot chocolate as I sat and waited for that perfect buck to ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/10-9-11/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/10-9-11/ Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:00:02 GMT As a kid I considered myself one of the luckiest in the neighborhood because I lived right across the street from the bakery.  Mom would often send me over with money to get a dozen crème-filled doughnuts.  I actually looked ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/the-focus-of-encouragement/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/the-focus-of-encouragement/ Sun, 25 Sep 2011 07:00:01 GMT I’ve heard it said that what you focus on you move toward in life. If we focus on our health, we make better decisions about our health; if we focus on our relationships, we make decisions that cause the relationships we have to flourish ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/prayer-using-gods-power-for-his-purposes/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/prayer-using-gods-power-for-his-purposes/ Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:00:01 GMT Several years ago, my son was playing on a little league team that was fighting for first place in the league. We’d gotten ahead early in the game, so our boys were growing excited about a potential win. But that excitement quickly waned ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/how-to-use-gods-word/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/how-to-use-gods-word/ Sun, 04 Sep 2011 12:39:09 GMT Moses is one of the most well known figures in the Bible, and in the Old Testament, we see that he was given a pretty important task: leading God’s people out of captivity and into the land He’d promised them. Unfortunately, due to ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/walking-in-the-light-of-gods-word/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/walking-in-the-light-of-gods-word/ Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:06:35 GMT In Psalm 19, King David says that God’s Word is worth more than pure gold. Now if I placed a pot of pure gold on one side of you and a Bible on the other, which would you grab? I think I know what the majority would choose. But many of us ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/focusing-on-gods-ideal-in-the-midst-of-the-real/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/focusing-on-gods-ideal-in-the-midst-of-the-real/ Sat, 20 Aug 2011 07:00:01 GMT Have you ever come to the end of a day only to wish you‘d never gotten out of bed in the first place? I think we all have. Some days, the reality of our situations seems like too much to handle. Just thinking about a plummeting stock ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-by-the-book/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-by-the-book/ Sat, 13 Aug 2011 07:00:01 GMT  As a young adult, I had the opportunity to deliver Bibles to underground church members in the Soviet Union. Though it was a risky and somewhat scary process, I soon forgot any danger I was in as I watched the faces of those precious ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/a-vision-that-creates-purpose/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/a-vision-that-creates-purpose/ Sun, 07 Aug 2011 12:32:39 GMT “What could be worse than being deaf and blind?” That was a question once posed to Helen Keller. Her response was simply, “A life without vision.”  When you read her answer, it seems that maybe Helen got a bit got ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/finding-help-from-heaven/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/finding-help-from-heaven/ Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:00:02 GMT In high school, I got the nickname “Two-can,” referring to my personal limit of drinks at parties. I set that limit because I knew I had to pass Mom’s Breathalyzer test at the end of the night, and if I failed, there would be ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/giving-god-your-challenges/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/giving-god-your-challenges/ Sat, 23 Jul 2011 07:00:01 GMT We all know that life is a series of choices. And eventually we find that consequences result from those choices. While today, some of us are reaping consequences we enjoy, many of us reaping some we can barely endure. So how do we persevere ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/baptism-respecting-gods-guidelines/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/baptism-respecting-gods-guidelines/ Sat, 16 Jul 2011 07:00:01 GMT Have you ever had a believer approach you and say, “God’s going to do something great in your life”? As a young Christian, I often accepted that phrase as shallow encouragement and didn’t take it as seriously as I should ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/power-connection/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/power-connection/ Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:19:36 GMT This month, I’ve been a follower of Christ 34 years. Since then, I’ve had a lot of different experiences. I’ve had times I’ve been excited about living life God’s Way and others that I’ve had to endure. ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/gods-change-agent/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/gods-change-agent/ Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:36:42 GMT Everyone carries certain hopes in their heart. We all desire to experience God’s protection and blessing, and we want our loved ones to experience them as well. So how do we get to that place of watching hopes turn into reality?  By ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/elevating-people-to-reach-success/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/elevating-people-to-reach-success/ Sun, 26 Jun 2011 17:06:28 GMT President John F. Kennedy once said, “Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.” Isn’t that the truth? When we succeed, it seems that everyone around us wants to claim a part of that success. But when we fail, ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/training-children-to-win/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/training-children-to-win/ Sat, 18 Jun 2011 07:00:01 GMT Whenever I got into trouble as a kid, there was one sight that would quickly straighten me up: dad taking off his belt. Why? Because I knew what he was going to do with that belt, and I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. Though my dad was ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/engaging-in-the-fight-for-your-family/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/engaging-in-the-fight-for-your-family/ Fri, 10 Jun 2011 22:49:24 GMT My wife Tamara jokingly claims she had a drug problem growing up-- she was drug to church every single Sunday, whether she wanted to go or not. But now Tamara recognizes her parent’s persistence as a successful effort to train her and her ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/shutting-the-door-on-evil/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/shutting-the-door-on-evil/ Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:07:15 GMT I just finished reading President George W. Bush’s book, Decision Points. In it, one of his statements about the war on terror really stood out to me. He said that if we’re going to live protected, we must stop the enemy 100 percent ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/response-to-problems-determines-progress/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/response-to-problems-determines-progress/ Tue, 31 May 2011 13:13:10 GMT A number of years ago, I was facing an unfortunate circumstance in my life. I was discouraged about the direction it was heading and felt like giving in. But during this time, my mentor posed a question to me that I’ll never forget. He ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/accepting-our-privileges-as-children-of-god/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/accepting-our-privileges-as-children-of-god/ Sun, 22 May 2011 17:14:58 GMT I recently heard a story about a Sunday school teacher teaching a class of young kids about salvation. At the end of her lesson, she asked, “Ok class, what’s the first step to being saved?” One little boy’s hand shot ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/choices-in-crisis-determine-victory/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/choices-in-crisis-determine-victory/ Tue, 17 May 2011 13:21:38 GMT Have you ever had a bad day? I’m sure we all have. In fact, I can distinctly remember a time in my life when I experienced a bad year. First, just after my 25th birthday, my mother was diagnosed with cancer and was given only six months to ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/creating-environments-with-our-words/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/creating-environments-with-our-words/ Fri, 06 May 2011 18:12:05 GMT My wife loves to decorate. It seems that every other week I hear, “Jim, help me move this table over there,” or “Which do you like better—the green or the blue?” Though I admit this sometimes drives me crazy, ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/words-should-build-up-not-tear-down/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/words-should-build-up-not-tear-down/ Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:00:55 GMT Golf is a fun sport, but if you’ve played you know it’s not as easy as it looks. I’ll never forget the first time I played. I went with my cousin, who’d competed several times before. As a baseball player, I thought ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/speak-life-to-your-situations/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/speak-life-to-your-situations/ Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:17:02 GMT In the Navy there’s a saying that “loose lips sink ships.” In the same way, loose lips can sink a life. Speaking negative words can cause us to fail in our marriages, families and careers, but speaking life will cause us to ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-in-the-transfer-zone/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-in-the-transfer-zone/ Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:16:35 GMT The other day, one of my kids asked me to listen to a song on the radio. I tried to show interest in the music, but because I couldn’t even understand the lyrics, the disinterest on my face showed. “Are you even listening?” ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/friendships-are-vital-to-fulfilling-your-purpose/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/friendships-are-vital-to-fulfilling-your-purpose/ Sun, 10 Apr 2011 12:26:34 GMT Have you ever hung out with someone for a few minutes, but it felt like hours? Then you hung out with another person for hours, but it felt like only minutes had passed? I certainly have! But I’ve found that this happens not because one ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/mentors-help-us-to-navigate-life/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/mentors-help-us-to-navigate-life/ Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:28:12 GMT “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” This is a phrase I often use with my kids. Not because I heard it from some wise philosopher, but because I’ve personally experienced its truth. Throughout my ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/gods-word-provides-protection-and-penetration/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/gods-word-provides-protection-and-penetration/ Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:11:28 GMT I’ve always loved history. It was my favorite subject in high school and my major in college. So I like to include historical research while preparing for certain messages. Recently, I studied Ephesians 6, where Paul commands us to ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/gods-word-lights-up-our-path/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/gods-word-lights-up-our-path/ Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:08:06 GMT I used to love watching NFL Primetime with Chris Berman. When a football player was struggling to stay on his feet or hold onto the ball, he’d often announce, “They’re rumbling… stumbling… fumbling!” I ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/better-thoughts-lead-to-a-better-life/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/better-thoughts-lead-to-a-better-life/ Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:38:22 GMT Have you ever gotten frustrated with your spouse? I think we all have. So let me share some practical advice I was given. Guys: no woman has ever fought with her husband while he was doing dishes. And girls: No man has ever fought with his wife ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/fulfilling-purpose-by-focusing-on-the-future/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/fulfilling-purpose-by-focusing-on-the-future/ Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:15:24 GMT My father-in-law was one of the most inspiring men I’ve known. He taught me many valuable lessons about life and ministry, but one in particular comes to mind often. Whenever I’d reach a point of discouragement, he’d counteract ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/awareness-with-alignment-brings-gods-best/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/awareness-with-alignment-brings-gods-best/ Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:16:56 GMT What is the Bible to you? A family heirloom? A rulebook? A price tag worth 34.95? Many assume that it’s just another religious book requiring man to relate to God in a distant, impersonal way. But once we take it off the shelf and devote ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-by-the-book/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-by-the-book/ Sun, 20 Feb 2011 13:21:35 GMT Albert Einstein once said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. This is one truth that becomes very obvious to me when I attempt to fix something around our house.  On my wife’s and my ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/upgrading-life-through-obedience/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/upgrading-life-through-obedience/ Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:05:57 GMT As a frequent traveler, I love to hear the phrase, “You’ve been upgraded.” I love it because flying first class means I get to trade in my peanuts for a real meal and can sleep in a big, soft chair with plenty of legroom. The ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/a-fathers-love-releasing-the-precious-in-our-lives/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/a-fathers-love-releasing-the-precious-in-our-lives/ Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:40:45 GMT Do you remember holding your child for the first time? If you’re like me, you experienced an incomparable feeling of love you likely had never experienced before. But pretty soon that baby opened his eyes, and you could almost read his ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/redemption-accepting-a-lasting-inheritance/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/redemption-accepting-a-lasting-inheritance/ Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:44:18 GMT It’s 3 o’clock and the teacher’s making her rounds, handing out the dreaded pink envelopes. Hearts are racing and hands are sweating as she approaches each desk. The room is silent because every kid knows exactly what it is ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/grace-what-you-give-you-get/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/grace-what-you-give-you-get/ Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:33:57 GMT Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? I don’t think anyone knows for sure, but we all know that when those things do happen, it leaves us asking why? Why does it appear that God pours out all of ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-guilt-free/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-guilt-free/ Sun, 16 Jan 2011 19:34:58 GMT Recently, I went snowmobiling with my two sons, Michael and Geoffrey. Because we were new to the sport, we decided to hire an instructor to teach us the basics. During our short lesson, he taught us how the machine worked, showed us the boundary ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/overcoming-the-fear-of-intimacy/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/overcoming-the-fear-of-intimacy/ Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:35:22 GMT Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future. If you attend Faith, you’ve certainly heard me use this phrase before. I say it often because I know what can happen if we approach failing relationships from the wrong ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/learning-to-fail-forward/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/learning-to-fail-forward/ Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:35:55 GMT What’s your most embarrassing moment? I hate that question. But every time I’m asked, one story in particular comes to mind. It was 1988. My father-in-law had gone to speak in Germany, and he’d asked me to preach at Lakewood ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/adopting-a-no-fear-attitude/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/adopting-a-no-fear-attitude/ Sun, 26 Dec 2010 19:36:29 GMT A few months ago I took my son, Geoffrey to see the movie Inception. In it, people were hooked up to machines that caused them to see imaginary things and live in dreamlike worlds. They were saying and doing things they wouldn’t have ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/character-of-christmas-joy/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/character-of-christmas-joy/ Sun, 19 Dec 2010 19:36:53 GMT I really enjoy tapestry. I love seeing the intricate designs and vibrant colors interlace perfectly to bring an artist’s vision to life. But as a young boy, I didn’t quite understand how the process worked. I’d often sit on ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/a-call-to-christmas-joy/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/a-call-to-christmas-joy/ Sun, 12 Dec 2010 19:38:11 GMT I’m one of those people that crave Christmas. I love everything about it—the music, the lights and of course, the food. I’m kind of like the little boy who got so excited while opening gifts he exclaimed, “This is great! ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/ending-friendship-and-family-failure/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/ending-friendship-and-family-failure/ Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:38:39 GMT I recently read a statistic that counted 1/3 of American families as “blended” families. This means that there are step-parents, step-siblings or some bond other than biological involved. Though some of the best families are ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/redefining-your-relationship-culture/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/redefining-your-relationship-culture/ Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:40:18 GMT Everyone wants to fit in. There’s just something about feeling like you belong that makes you feel good. I still remember walking down the halls of my high school hoping someone would notice my new high-tops. But, as you can tell from that ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/experiencing-multiplied-blessings/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/experiencing-multiplied-blessings/ Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:41:01 GMT As a boy, I was very inquisitive. In fact, I’m pretty sure my first words were, “who,” “what,” “when,” “where” and “why.” You can bet my mother was ready for me to grow out of ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/embracing-extravagant-generosity/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/embracing-extravagant-generosity/ Sun, 14 Nov 2010 19:41:27 GMT Can you remember a time when your generosity was tested? Mine is challenged just about every time I’m with my wife. Tamara is one of the most generous people I know, and unfortunately for me, that often results in more animals in my house ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/youve-gotta-serve-somebody/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/youve-gotta-serve-somebody/ Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:42:01 GMT “It may be the Devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” Recently I was driving to work and started humming this old Bob Dylan tune. I listened to “Gotta Serve Somebody” many times ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/whos-on-first/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/whos-on-first/ Sun, 31 Oct 2010 19:42:20 GMT Those that know me know that I’m a huge baseball fan. So it wouldn’t take them by surprise when I say that one of my favorite comedy routines is Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s On First” routine.  In it, ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/accepting-gods-challenge-leads-to-blessing/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/accepting-gods-challenge-leads-to-blessing/ Sun, 24 Oct 2010 19:43:02 GMT I did pretty well in school, but every now and then I’d be stumped by a test that made me certain the teacher had it out for me. In those moments, I often thought to myself, “I bet he couldn’t even pass this test. It’s ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-absolutely-blessed/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/living-life-absolutely-blessed/ Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:43:41 GMT My mother was a legend in my town. In fact, I think she was more popular among my friends than I was. Her homemade cookies and hot chocolate rivaled the famous town bakery and could lure even the most dedicated ball players in from the cold and ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/experiencing-life-outside-the-comfort-zone/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/experiencing-life-outside-the-comfort-zone/ Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:44:07 GMT Have you ever pushed yourself to venture outside your comfort zone? Maybe you accepted a new job and moved across the country, or maybe it was as simple as introducing yourself to a new person. Whatever the situation, you know that pushing ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/giving-better-so-others-live-better/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/giving-better-so-others-live-better/ Sun, 03 Oct 2010 12:19:38 GMT I used to love the Charlie Brown cartoons as a kid. Of all the characters one always stood out to me—Pig Pen. This guy had a cloud of dust that followed him everywhere he went that (as if the name wasn’t enough) made it clear that he ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/spurring-others-onto-success/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/spurring-others-onto-success/ Sun, 26 Sep 2010 12:10:27 GMT What is a spur? If you’ve lived in South Texas long enough, you know exactly what it is. A spur is a spike on the back of a boot that’s used to drive a horse ahead. It makes the horse just uncomfortable enough to realize it’s ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/relationships-and-life-giving-partners/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/relationships-and-life-giving-partners/ Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:08:19 GMT Picture this: you’ve been stranded on an island in the middle of the ocean. Unlike the characters on LOST, you have no others with you. There’s no one to talk to or help you process what’s going on. You’re on your ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/people-or-puppets/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/people-or-puppets/ Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:04:28 GMT People or Puppets? I’ve heard it said that there are three kinds of people in the world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who find themselves asking, “Whoa, what happened?” If you’ve ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/good-logic--good-life/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/good-logic--good-life/ Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:50:00 GMT When I was a little boy, I loved the story of Peter Pan. The fact that he could fly was so amazing to me that one day I thought I’d give it a shot. After all, if Peter Pan could do it, I could too, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, happy ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/walking-honors-way/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/walking-honors-way/ Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:33:33 GMT Have you ever played follow-the-leader? As a kid, I used to love playing that game with my brother. We’d jump on our bikes, and anything he would do, I would try my best to imitate.  The truth is we never really grow out of that game. ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/experiencing-an-abundant-life/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/experiencing-an-abundant-life/ Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:19:46 GMT Some people ask me if I have a hard time talking about money in church. And they often look surprised when I say that I don’t. It’s not because I’m especially interested in the topic or claim to know everything regarding it. I ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/are-you-hungry/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/are-you-hungry/ Sun, 18 Apr 2010 14:47:35 GMT Have you ever had a craving for a certain type of food?  I’m talking about that meal you just can’t wait to devour after a long day.  For me that food is enchilladas.  Living in South Texas you just can’t get ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/reaping-the-rewards-of-generosity/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/reaping-the-rewards-of-generosity/ Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:53:10 GMT A couple of years ago my kids got me a GPS for Christmas. I gladly accepted the gift, though I recognized it as a subtle hint to their directionally-challenged dad. I knew my kids weren’t giving me the GPS because it was something ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/experiencing-new-freedom/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/experiencing-new-freedom/ Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:58:40 GMT I had a professor in college who didn’t believe in original sin, but that philosophy quickly changed once he had kids. And although we hate to admit it, the natural instinct to do wrong doesn’t fade with age. But if you have ever ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/easter-celebrating-the-sacred/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/easter-celebrating-the-sacred/ Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:43:51 GMT As a kid, Sundays were always pretty predictable at my house.  After church we would pick up my grandmother and bring her home to enjoy lunch and the afternoon with our family.  Sunday lunch was quite a feast, something I always looked ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/god-can-clear-up-the-confusion/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/god-can-clear-up-the-confusion/ Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:20:30 GMT Can you remember the last time you felt clueless?  I can.  Recently my wife, Tamara, spent a few days with her college girlfriends and I was left in charge of the household details.  Her annual get-togethers serve as a powerful ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/a-heritage-of-freedom/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/a-heritage-of-freedom/ Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:17:45 GMT Understanding our past is a great aid to choosing a better future.  That’s why God calls us to understand our heritage.  It gives us needed insight for a more stable and successful life.  The Bible is packed full of ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/take-glory-in-his-story/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/take-glory-in-his-story/ Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:18:50 GMT Have you ever tried to share your faith and convince someone that you were right?  It often turns into debate with no clear cut conclusions or decisions.  Or maybe you’ve tried to share Christ with an unbeliever but found you ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/focus-on-what-matters/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/focus-on-what-matters/ Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:18:02 GMT Sunday we celebrated the day of love, Valentines Day.  For some of us we may have asked that special person out on a date or perhaps you took your spouse out for an enjoyable evening.    I remember back when I first met ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/be-the-inspiration/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/be-the-inspiration/ Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:25:03 GMT How do others view our life?  I ask myself this on a regular basis.  Many times we see ourselves very different from how others do.  The way we live our life can actually speak louder than words.  This plays out in the big ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/whos-counting-on-you/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/whos-counting-on-you/ Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:45:58 GMT This entire week I have been reflecting back on those who have inspired my life.  Some of these individuals took time to mentor me while others never knew the impact they made on my life.   I truly thank God for those ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/cooperation-god-blesses/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/cooperation-god-blesses/ Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:15:25 GMT Dear Family at Faith, This is such an exciting year!  It is so inspiring for me to see your heart rooted even more in what God promised to reward. Most people are enthusiastic about change when a new year begins, although some feel ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/gods-pathway-to-hope/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/gods-pathway-to-hope/ Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:05:39 GMT Have you ever wondered why the Holy Spirit is called our “Comforter”?  He is not called our “Challenger” though He also challenges us to believe. But Jesus made it clear his role is to bring comfort to all ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/change-hype-or-hope/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/change-hype-or-hope/ Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:37:37 GMT This is the time of year when most of us are focused on new realities we want to experience.  We set new goals for better health, better relationships and for increased success at work.  Sadly, for many the resolve is mostly gone by ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/keeping-the-door-open/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/keeping-the-door-open/ Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:16:52 GMT  I recently read a statistic that counted 1/3 of American families as “blended” families. This means that there are step-parents, step-siblings or some bond other than biological involved. Though some of the best families are ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/an-exciting-weekend-ahead/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/an-exciting-weekend-ahead/ Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:33:02 GMT Dear Family at Faith, I am so excited about this weekend!  We are going to learn from God’s Word, how to relate to God the Father in a way His hopes and dreams for our lives are realized.  I know we all feel heartache for people ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/fractured-to-fulfilled/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/fractured-to-fulfilled/ Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:17:32 GMT Few people my age would argue that the spirit of the American family has shifted greatly in my lifetime. We’ve gone from Dick Van Dyke to Desperate Housewives and from Father Knows Best to basically just doing what we think is best in ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/when-love-is-work/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/when-love-is-work/ Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:36:40 GMT There is just something in us that craves love. Everyone wants to be accepted. It is a natural desire God created us with. But here is the challenge—even though we crave love, most of us were never taught how to recognize or build the kind ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/how-love-works/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/how-love-works/ Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:10:50 GMT Have you ever been in love? If you have, you’ve probably considered classifying the feeling as an addiction.  Well, guess what? You were right. That’s why we all look like a bunch of drug addicts when we’re falling in ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/all-you-need-is-love/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/all-you-need-is-love/ Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:28:10 GMT The Beatles’ had a popular song in the 70s titled “All You Need Is Love”. Just humming this tune brings back memories of the long hair, flowery vans and peace signs from that time, but for many of us, we’ve learned that ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/turning-wrongs-into-rights/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/turning-wrongs-into-rights/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:49:02 GMT Do you remember the lyrics from the popular '70's song that says, "It can't be wrong when it feels so right?" Though probably not intended to teach us a lesson, these words rightly depict the way many of us view sin in our lives. The Bible says ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/following-gods-blueprint-/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/following-gods-blueprint-/ Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:57:01 GMT Have you ever heard the saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?” If you grew up in a home like mine then you know no line could be more accurate. You see, my mom was stronger than vinegar. She allowed no ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/from-despair-to-fulfilled-dreams/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/from-despair-to-fulfilled-dreams/ Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:07:26 GMT Have you ever heard the term “quick-fix”? It is one that’s used often in our society. Products and programs are offered to us claiming they can help us achieve goals without much effort. Various ads claim that you can ... http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/overwhelmed/ http://www.faithfamilyvictoria.com/pastor-jims-blog/overwhelmed/ Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:22:00 GMT Wow, what an incredible day!  You not only surprised me but you touched my heart very deeply.  I thought I was ready for the day.  After all, I celebrated our five, ten and fifteen year anniversary already right?  But when we ...