rustymcmullen

New Endeavor...(We'll See)

2010-08-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

Constantly, as a minister, I preach and teach our students to devote themselves to the study of God's Word. When teaching such a lesson, it is essential to help their young minds understand that it's not about a duty to the Lord, but a love for the Lord. It's easy to list our faith into a form of check box systems, where we feel as though we haven't been being a good Christian if we haven't done our quiet time, prayed, shared our faith, or gone to church. On the contrary, the Lord doesn't want our half-toos, he wants our everything. I am learning when I am passionately seeking the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, the items I would place into a check list category suddenly become easy to perform with thoughtless devotion. God is calling for our all, not our conscious forming check-boxes! So here is my new endeavor:

Daily, I will blog what the Lord is teaching me through his word. This will include the scripture I have been studying for the day and what the Lord is speaking to me about. The reason, don't let this hurt your feelings, I'm not writing for you, my faithful few readers. I will be doing this so that I can look back at the end of the year and see where the Lord has led me day by day in my walk with Him. I am not a solid journalist, and if you are like me, I have 15 journals thrown around my office and home..."The Blog" is a great tool to keep all of my musings in one central location and excuse my typicalism..."go Green" way of keeping my thoughts. I do pray that my thoughts and growth patterns will help you along as you grow in your own spiritual walk, and that you will be challenged to join in with me as I make this endeavor. Yet again, this is not a checklist, if I miss a day of blogging, no fret, this is a tool to help me grow not to force me to do my quiet time...I will do that out of a love for the Lord daily, blogging or not.

My ultimate prayer for this time is that I would see myself pick up the mantle of Luke 2:52 "and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

Please pray for me as I grow, hold me accountable to the Word, and challenge me with your thoughts through your comments. Above all glorify the Father in Heaven with me as we grow together in this season of life. Let the Word of the Lord be a light unto thy path and a light unto thy feet.

Here we go...

Sweet Summer Time

2010-07-28T17:15:00.000-05:00

It's been almost 5 months since I last blogged...I'm sorry! It has been a crazy summer, filled with excitement, spiritual growth and a lot of traveling. So, I thought I would drop a few lines to update you all on life.

I have been to Super Summer at Oklahoma Baptist University, Falls Creek (twice), in Chicago for an amazing Mission time with the 8th Grade students, all over town for 6th grade BootCamp (orientation), and down to Broken Bow for a week at the lake with my family. It has been a long but rewarding summer.

We saw 38 people receive Christ while in Chicago, where we helped with a Soccer Camp and did an Arts Camp in the afternoon. We got to meet Chris Brown (the professional football player) and his family, as well as Patrick Ferguson (professional soccer player), the mayor of Aurora, and a state representative all while helping with the Soccer camp. The Lord did WORK...and we got to enjoy the benefits of his movement. Many relationships were built and the door has already become open for us to travel back to Chicago in the future to help.

At Falls Creek we saw 11 students receive Christ as well as 5 others dedicate their lives to full time ministry. We are doing follow ups with those students now and should see almost all of them baptized in a few weeks here at Quail Springs Baptist Church.

At Super Summer 5 of our leadership students also dedicated their lives to full-time Christian ministry. This makes (for those of you counting) 10 students dedicating to full time ministry just this summer. There are a total of 24 Middle School students, currently, that have dedicated to serve the Lord in full time ministry...AMAZING! God is definitely building a solid army!

Beau is almost 10 months and has started pulling himself up on everything he can get his hands on. He can't walk yet, but he is well on his way to being able too in the not so distant future. He still isn't talking although he does say DA and MA...he uses alot of words, I don't understand. It is truly a joy to see him growing up, but it is also bitter sweet. His helmet process is coming along fine, a mili-meter at a time. He has tried all kinds of vegetables and fruits. He loves them all.

Lindsay and I are doing well, anxious about the next season of our lives and what all the Lord might like to do with us in the future. We are just waiting patiently for the next direction. I am starting school back in the fall, hoping to finish quickly and move on to what's next in the education world.

Be praying for my dad, Gary, he faces another struggle with some masses they have found in his lungs. We should know more about it in the next couple of weeks.

Well, that's enough for now, I'll try to write some more often, now we are slowing down from the summer pace. Love you all...comment if you have questions about my life.

Dream Big and pursue it adamantly!

Rusty

For Those Who Serve Jesus

2010-05-12T09:28:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share a few take aways from a conference I attended in April; Catalyst West Coast. Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church was one of the communicators at the conference. I believe the points he shared are worth repeating for those who serve as pastors, missionaries, church leaders, Bible study teachers and just generally anyone who serves Jesus through their life.

By: Mark Driscoll
Founding Pastor, Mars Hill Church and Author, Doctrine

"Ministry is not what we do for God, it is what God does for us, in us and through us."
"Let's not add to our duties that which God has already done."

1. Jesus is the senior pastor of the church (Acts 20:28)
"The Holy Spirit chooses the church leaders."
2. God gives the gifts for leadership
"Specialize in what your good at and recruit for weaknesses"
3. God empowers leaders for the church
"You do not possess the strength to do what God has called you to do."
"Empowering grace allows you to live according to your calling."
"It's not just about doing church ministry its about being a christian person."
4. God encourages leaders in the church.
"Your hope is in the mercy of God!"
5. The Holy Spirit speaks to leaders of the church
"We need to worship, fast, pray and read the scripture and let the Lord speak to us!"
6. God gives wisdom to those who lead the church.
THINK - Read the Bible; Speaking the Word of God requires reading, studying and praying over the Word.
7. God answers prayers of the leaders.
"We aren't able to solve problems or save the lost, but we are able to serve through praying for those who need God's movement."
8. Preach the Word of God, God falls when it's preached.
"The power is in the gospel"
"Always introduce Jesus"
9. Sometime God says NO!
"God loves you enough to say no, do you love Him enough to accept it?"

You can find more of Mark Driscoll's teaching at:
www.theresurgence.com
www.marshillchurch.org

And you can follow him on twitter at:
www.twitter.com/pastormark

Update

2010-05-05T10:07:00.000-05:00

Lindsay and I would like to say thank you for all your prayers the last few weeks, it has been long and sometimes hard but our God has been more than gracious to us. I wanted to write a little bit to share some updates about everything happening so you know.

Beau had his tubes put in a week ago today. So far, we have not seen any sign of another ear infection, Praise the Lord. He did fine with the process (you can read my other blog to know more about that) and came out on this side doing great.
He has been wearing his helmet now for 2 weeks and is doing very well with that. It hasn't slowed him down one bit and if anything we are thankful for the head protection it offers him as he rolls around on the floor. It does rub on his head in certain spots more than others, so Lindsay takes it in from time to time to get adjusted to keep from forming sores on his head.

Linda, Lindsay's mom came through her third surgery and is doing fairly well. She was able to come home on Sunday afternoon, and her dad and mom have been staying with her this week. Lindsay has been driving down every day to help take care of things around the house and dress Linda's stitches. She is in a lot of pain and does have to take pain killers often. But over all we are praising the Lord that the surgery went well, Linda is ok, and that prayerfully the procedure takes this time so she can be done with these surgeries.

On another note, I signed up for my first half-marathon yesterday. I will be running in the Route 66 Marathon on November 21, 2010. I have already started training for a 10K so that I can finish, for the first time in my life, the Falls Creek 5K this summer. I will start training for the Half in August. Besides that, I did some landscaping this past weekend, that turned out pretty nice, and I think I might go try to kill a turkey tomorrow for the last day of season.

That's it for now. I hope you have a great day! Dream Big and pursue it! God is Good!

Helpless

2010-04-29T09:55:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Lindsay and I learned a valuable lesson, or at least I did.
Over the last 3-4 months Beau has had 5 different ear infections; it has been miserable. If you have ever had a child with ear infections you know what I'm talking about, if not, it keeps him up at night, he runs fever quite often, he has to take anti-biotics that give him some of the worst diarrhea I've ever seen (which is pretty bad considering some of the cases I have had before). But really the hardest part of it as a parent is not being able to do a single thing for him. You feel so helpless, so unable to tend to his need for relief, so useless even as his parent.
So the inevitable took place yesterday, and we all (including Beau) are breathing a sigh of relief today, Beau had tubes put in his ears. Beau was in a great mood yesterday, laughing, playing and just enjoying life, he had no idea his day would be so interrupted. As Lindsay and I sat in the waiting room and they took Beau away from us into the "other" room, we became anxious as his parents. We want what is best for our son and we knew this would be the best thing for him; but that didn't stop a little bit of anxiety from sneaking into our hearts.

You know I think I learned yesterday that sometimes what will be best for my son isn't always going to be the easiest thing to go through for him or for us. I think sometimes it will be painful, sometimes it may be the hardest things to do that will turn out to be the best things.

So as we sat waiting Lindsay wandered if we would be able to hear what was happening to him, and sure enough, every blood curdling scream Beau let forth resounded between our ears. From the moment they strapped him to the table (he is alot like his dad, he doesn't like to be held down) through the process of actually putting the tubes in, we heard it all. He had left a smiling happy "hurting" child, he returned a broken "healed" child. The tubes will help to alleviate the anguish of multiple ear infections, even from the moment he was cut open the fluid behind the drums flowed out.
A true healing process.
And even though he came back broken and frustrated, he actually came back a different child, better because of the process.
Now you know me, I am a preacher, and this could easily be turned into preaching, but let me leave it at this...God knows what would be best for you, and He knows the process may be hard to fix it, but He's willing to do what is best for you, are you willing to let Him?
Have a great day and if you ever need anything, send me a facebook message of leave me a comment!

Being broken so I can be healed!

Beautiful

2010-04-27T14:03:00.001-05:00

BEAUTY

having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind (dictionary.com)

This week has been a restoration process for my soul. A week filled with thoughts and emotions about who I am and who God is. A week spent in toil and labor (though not actually physical labor, spiritual and metal) as well as in repentance and refreshing. This week uncovered damaged layers of my heart, wounds covered by hardened callouses developed to hide the morbid realities of struggles from current and past attacks. It's a very ugly thing. You look at the deepest parts of the human soul and you see wear and tear of years of striving and struggle, failures and defeats, laying everything you are on the line to have it all shoved back in your face. And something inside of you shuts down and layers those things up, determined to keep what little pride you have left, by hiding them in your inner most being unwilling to release them so others can ridicule over them. You stand confident that "you are able enough to carry them!" It's at this hardened, stubborn, sinful state you become aware of just how far you have pulled yourself away from people. But, OH so much more importantly, God. A true revelation of how your life has become what you determined it should never be...LOST! Hopelessness becomes your mindset, anger takes over your joy, bitterness steals your ability to rejoice; all the while Satan basks in the only true ability he has over you, PERSUASION. He has persuaded you to give up, to settle for the fact that you have no freedom, you are unable to overcome these burdens, you are hopeless. The truth is lost to your heart, you are persuaded away from the ability to understand the person of God. So where do you turn? What hope do you have left? It's UGLY! Your UGLY! And you can't change that!
But for...BEAUTY!
Many would and should consider the cross of Christ a very ugly thing. It is truly a symbol of torment, destruction, humility, anger and for the Roman empire justice. For us now, we should look at the cross much the same, torment, destruction, humility, anger and justice; but we should also consider it as something not represented to many who huddled under Jesus' body hanging upon the cross...LOVE! With one awful beautiful move Jesus set forth a love ever abounding. A love so beautiful those who looked upon the cross forever knew they were FREE! Ugliness was replaced by the beauty of Jesus Christ love, His sheer ambition to offer justice and atonement for a world that didn't deserve it led him to a ugly crucifixion. But it didn't stop at the cross! Jesus' beautiful death wasn't the end; it was the beginning. Resurrection frees us from death, from slavery, from satan's persuasion over us! We are free to fail, free to live life with joy knowing we are triumphant over the deceiver. Freedom wasn't free, and it wasn't cheap...but it is Beautiful. We are made new by the grace of Jesus Christ. New to be beautiful and cleaned of our former selves. We can lay down our fears, our hurts, our struggles. We can give up our anger, our haunting memories and allow the Beauty of the Justification to pour over our lives and make us new.
BEAUTY from ASHES!

Psalm 119:1-6

2010-03-23T15:24:00.001-05:00

"How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies. Who seek Him with all their heart. They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. You have ordained Your precepts. That we should keep them diligently. Oh that my ways may be established to keep your statutes! Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all Your commandments." Psalm 119:1-6

When we walk according to the law, no pretense can be brought against us. We are free from accusation or blame. Blamelessness can only be available through a true, step by step faith walk. Listening to the Lord and learning every moment from His still small voice proclaiming His ability to make you complete. But there is a need for us to do our part...Observe His Testimony - Seek Him with all your heart. Do no unrighteousness, walk in His ways.

And verse 4 established God's precepts as His true desire for us. That He and He alone has established them and set them into motion, so that we as believers would constantly be aware of our obeying these statutes. Diligently focusing on maintaining ourselves in such a manner as to proclaim the good and amazing name of God almighty. Through life, action and deed, that we would honor Him by being focused on lifting His name high!

Then we come to verse 5..."Oh that my ways may be established to keep your statues." Something about this passage declares a radical heart change. Our (my) ways never reflect God's statutes. I am unable to live according to the righteousness set before me on my own. My petty sins often rule my life - when I think I've overcome them is when I fail and fall the most. Do I learn from this failure or continue in vain selfish, prideful ambition to be the hero of my own life? "I can do this, I can overcome" become my motto! My failures follow me, cursing and laughing at my weakness, always conquering my vain attempts to follow, "But for the cross go I." I AM SET FREE! REDEEMED! Empowered to be established as God's child, heir to the throne - Brother to the one able! I can join in unison with the SON, Jesus declaring - FREEDOM! Established-set firm on the foundation that will not move or shake-abiding in God's perfect commands. "God establish my ways to look like your calling...establish me as your child, humbled to be called Yours."

Verse 6 reminds me constantly of my ability to over come in Christ! There is something about the greatness of God's commands that creates fear in us when we realize we have failed to follow them. That sinking feeling deep inside that is ashamed we were unable to refrain. Verse 5 - We are established in the power of Jesus Christ. Sin is our failure to allow the spirit to cauterize the humanity downfalls from our wretched lives. It is arrogance to hold on with all we are instead of letting go and letting God. When God overcomes we no longer stand ashamed, but humbled. Humbled that our wretchedness becomes righteousness. We are no longer condemned but victorious. Grace is victory laden...but insists a change. Repent and turn. Be completely free. Pursue holiness in victory and know each battle won gives God glory thus declaring "Well done my good and faithful servant."

What has the Lord taught you through the first 6 verses? These are just the ramblings from my journal as I memorized these scriptures. Feel free to comment and challenge others in what the Lord is teaching you!

Billboard

2010-03-16T10:12:00.001-05:00

This is pretty cool, Lamar Advertising of Oklahoma City, puts up peoples tweets on their billboards around the city. I got my tweet up there this morning. I wish it would of been something more im-pactful, like a verse, or a quote, or the gospel, but you get what you can I guess. Maybe I can get them to throw another one up some day...you should try it...follow @lamarokc, type a twitter message and add his name and see if he will throw it up there. Lets use this to make a huge impact for the Kingdom. Oh yeah and they were on The House FM this morning with Brent McCoy and Janelle Keith.

Psalm 119

2010-03-15T11:45:00.000-05:00

God has been impressing on my heart how important it is to "hide the Word in my heart, that I might not sin against Him." So as of last Wed. night some of the Compel Middle School Students and myself have taken up the challenge of memorizing all of Psalm 119 by the middle of the summer. We will be meeting before Compel Night Service, on Wednesday's at 6:00 to review the scripture and hold each other accountable to memorization. I would love to see you take up this challenge with us as well. I will post daily the scripture we are memorizing to the Compel Middle School Ministry facebook page. Find some people you are close to that will challenge you in being accountable to following through in memorizing this passage. This first week we are memorizing vs. 1-8.

On a semi-regular basis I will be writing blogs about the things the Lord is teaching me through the scriptures. Join with me as we grow to love the statues of the Lord more and more daily, leave comments on the blog about things the Lord is teaching you as well, so that others may be challenged by your thoughts. Let the Lord instruct you in the way you should go, be built up by the Word of the Lord and let it change you. Constantly gird yourself with the armor of God! This is going to be a great time of growth in the Lord and in accountability with others!

Psalm 119:1-8

"How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. You have ordained your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes! Then I should give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgements. I shall keep Your statutes; Do not forsake me utterly!"

Reading is Fun

2010-02-10T14:19:00.007-06:00

Just a quick listing of some of the books I have read in 2010:

Death By Love: By Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears

Very poignant! Mark Driscoll doesn't hold back from speaking the truth! His message is clear and straight forward, we all need a Savior. Driscoll has a tremendous ability to help his reader understand the gospel of redemption through language of modern society. I really enjoyed this read, but beware, there are some moments where you will wonder if the wording was necessary.

Integrity: By Dr. Henry Cloud

Integrity is a key to being successful. Character is the word often used to define a person's abilities but integrity is the basis for holding all of the characteristic traits together to produce a person that makes it all happen no matter the circumstances. Dr. Cloud hits on 6 qualities of character: connection, reality, finishing, embracing negative, increase, and transcendence. Great read!

Lead Like Jesus: By Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges

Where do we find a model for all of life? It's no different when it comes to finding a solid leadership model. Jesus Christ gives us everything we need for life, including a process of living a life of righteousness. Jesus is our ultimate example, we should strive to be like him. Blanchard and Hodges give us a focus of leadership through Jesus' life and put it into perspective for us to follow.

Flickering Pixels: By Shane Hipps

This book looks at the use of media tools to reach a new generation. We have often heard "The message doesn't change, but the method must." Hipps contends that the changing of the method will always change the message, even if it isn't meaning too. Great read, especially for ministry leadership.

The Heavenly Man: Brother Yun

Read it! It is always amazing to hear about the heros of the faith. This book will challenge and inspire you to find the warrior within yourself through the Spirit of the Lord. Brother Yuns story is truly one filled with the Spirit's ability to change a person into a radical-list. What are we doing to further the kingdom, are we so excited to share with others we will exchange our security and reputation to see one come to know Christ?

Persecution

2010-02-08T13:33:00.000-06:00

God's ability to speak even when we don't think we are ready or listing always surprises me! As I sat in a dear friends home in McAlester OK a couple of weekends ago, I was not expecting to be fed spiritually, in fact I was more just looking to catch up about life. Within a few minutes of sitting down to relax on his couch, he suggested I needed to hear a piece of the book he had been reading.
He went to his kitchen and brought back a book entitled "The Heavenly Man" with little explanation of what he was going to read he started in. It was about a man from Asia who had made his life's ambition to share the glory of Jesus Christ with everyone he could no matter the cost. This man has been persecuted in ways I can't possibly understand, beaten beyond recognition, imprisoned in a cell with little light, electrocuted with batons, kicked, punched, spit on, defecated on by his fellow prisoners...then released because the Lord was not finished with his life.
The part of the book read to me was when this man came to America to visit the churches of the "west." He came with excitement to see the zeal for God of an American nation that had sent so many to share the gospel in his home country. He came ready to join in fellowship with a fervant excited church breathing life into the lost. But what he found was far different than what he imagined.

He says "Before I traveled to the West I had absolutely no idea that so many churches were spiritually asleep. I presumed the Western church was strong and vibrant because it had brought the gospel to my country with such incredible faith and tenacity. Many missionaries had shown a powerful example to us by laying down their lives for the sake of Jesus." He goes on to say, "I've struggled while speaking in Western churches. There seems to be something missing that leaves me feeling terrible inside. Many meetings are cold and lack the fire and presence of God that we have in China."

Church it is time to wake up! We are blessed as a nation with the freedom to worship as we so desire, our availability to the throne of God is free and unhindered yet we lay aside basking in the protection of a governmental system that keeps us from being slapped in the face for our beliefs and grow comfortable with being conformed to our self-seeking lives. God's call is to lay down all that you are and pursue Him adamantly, with-out reserve, leaving behind fears and doubts of not being secure and comfortable. Jesus taught this when he told the rich young ruler go and sell all you have and come and follow me, He (Jesus) knew the ruler was basking in his self-centered, secure life and he needed to be freed from the prison of temperament. The rich young ruler walked away sad because he had alot of wealth. Understand, the wealth of the rich young ruler was by man's standards, NOT GOD'S! We wrap ourselves in a neat little life and think we know Jesus in His suffering and death because we prayed a prayer, but Jesus' sacrifice is worth so much more than we make it to be through a 30 second prayer identifying our lives with His.

"The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, and if children, also heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ-seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." -Romans 8:16-17

We are to be found as Co-heirs by suffering alongside Christ so that we may claim our glorified being with Him! Persecution is necessary for a mature faith. But the reverse to that statement is that a mature faith is necessary for persecution to take place. The world sees the righteousness taking place in your life and they don't understand it, "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn't understand it." (John 1:5) The world doesn't understand the glory that shines from a life lived pursuing the Lord whole heartedly! This is our calling! To so love the Lord that all men may look upon our lives and see nothing but the radiance of the Holy Spirt coming from every aspect of the way we live. So step up, step out...be bold and courageous! Forsake sin and cling to forgiveness and allow the Spirit to do in your life what it will do instinctively, so shine before men that they see the good works of your Father in heaven. Be persecuted for a radical faith, a fool non the less for Jesus!

So Much To Catch Up ON:

2010-01-20T13:12:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry it has been so long since I last blogged! We have officially gotten First Light Hunts off the ground, with duck hunts booked every weekend for the last month and a half...I must say Props to those who make guiding hunts their full time profession, it is not easy! We have two weekends left of hunts, and I am ready for them to be done! My family has been very patient with me as I pursued this endeavor, but if nothing else has been achieved from this experience, I have learned that sometimes it is best to keep your hobbies as hobbies and not make them a job!

Anyway, I am sure you all are wondering what has been happening with our son...it has been so long since I published, let me see...He is almost 4 months old, he weighted in at 15 lbs 10 ounces last time we were at the Dr.; that is in the top 90% of babies his age. He loves to play and eat! He had a great first Christmas although I am not sure he really knew it was happening! I will post some pics of the last few months for you to check out soon.

We survived the Blizzard of 2009! Although we were trapped in our house for 5 days! I quickly realized how much I enjoy relaxing as I get older. The Lord is teaching me new things about Himself daily, I am learning to be patient and wait on his timing for all things in life! Currently I am learning that in our weakest moments we should rely on the power and sufficiency of Christ to provide all of our substantial needs! Jesus is able to uphold us with His grace in our most vulnerable moments. We just need to realize the days we live in are evil and we need to cling to the righteousness presented to us through the life of Jesus Christ!

I promise to be more consistent with the posts as time progresses, continue to check back to my blog often! In all things remember Paul's words of encouragement..."Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties for Christ sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong!" -2 Corinthians 12:10

Here is a teaser photo of the ones that will be coming soon...

Post more soon! Have a Blessed Day!

Living Life To It's Fullest

2009-10-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

I'm not 100% sure why people keep reading my blog, but every-time I post I am completely surprised by the number of people that check it out. I guess people just want to know what dumb thing might come out of Rusty's mouth next, or maybe you all just want to see the awesome pictures of my cute little boy (again, I'm biased!), you know on second thought you may just want to see how nappy my beard is getting (is that it? Grizzly Adams style!) Yesterday I had a great time hanging with a few buddy's of mine from the Middle School Ministry here at Quail, Kale Dumas and Tanner Lewis. We went to Old Navy and Orange Tree and hung out for a bit, good times! Kale and I decided we are going to create a running total of man points accumulated over his next three years in our MS Ministry and see who comes out ahead, me or him. I got 15 initial points for being married and having a son, plus a few for the beard. He got man points just for being named Kale! I love working with students...they keep me young and on my toes. You know as I get older I am realizing that I don't want my life to just pass me by, I want to make the most of everyday; this has really come into perspective as I come home from work everyday and realize Beau is getting bigger and bigger. What is it today that needs to be most important, am I living life just to get by, or am I living life the way the Lord intended it to be lived. Jesus says He came to give life and to give it in abundance. If your going through the motions day to day and letting it slip by your missing the joy of a life of abundant living according to Christ. Kingdom focused with an extra dose of living. The most exhilarating thing you can do today to live your life to the fullest is share with someone what God is doing in your life!

This week I leave home for McAlester (home away from home away from home) to hunt the biggest deer I probably have ever seen! I hope to score a trophy, but if not it's just a blessing to be able to go! God is gracious to me and blesses me beyond what I deserve and I want to give him praise for it! I think there should be man points for that! Have a great week...
DREAM BIG AND PURSUE IT ADAMANTLY!

Oh Yeah and here is another picture of Beau at 25 days and full of gas (like father like son)...

Beau...Lindsay...Other Stuff in Life...PLUS THE BEARD UPDATE

2009-10-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

Beau is 19 days old, I might be just a little biased, and cuter than ever! I have never been around babies much but I quickly learning that this baby thing is tough work...I give full credit to my wife, she is an amazing mom! The last couple of nights have been real strains on her sleeping pattern as Beau is making more noises at night. But Lindsay is taking it like a champ, I am so proud of her! I could not ask for a better wife or mother of my child! And in-between crying, feeding and sleeping he is so much fun to watch and hold...God is revolutionizing my view of His love in giving His Son for us! John 3:16 all of a sudden takes on a completely different meaning..."Oh how He loves us, Oh" It's truly amazing! Thank you to everyone who has helped us over the past few weeks with meals, or gifts and especially prayers, they are coveted!

On another note, I am in the process of starting a new business, First Light Hunts, LLC. If you have known me for any amount of time you know that a passion of mine is hunting! I love it! This past week I sat through a hunters safety course with my buddy Jonathan Kennedy, during the class they taught about the 5 stages of hunters. The last of these 5 is the hunter who longs to teach others how to hunt. I have quickly moved, during my hunting career, into this stage. Our companies focus is to take inexperienced hunters into the field and teach them how to replicate the hunt we take them on. Most guide services are out to make big money and simply put you on birds, our desire is to teach a man to hunt so that he can do it for a lifetime! Our cliental will be dad and son or daughter groups and groups of men or persons who have a desire to learn to hunt but just don't know where to start. I love hunting but I love my God more, so with our business the ultimate goal is to help people see and understand all that God gives us including His love and grace. It's cool to mix a couple of passions together! God is blessing us big time, we have almost all of our weekends booked, we have been invited to several churches in the state to set up booths and talk about our ministry and business, and we have partnered with some other companies that develop waterfowl hunting gear.

I am now into the 49th day of beard growth and it is getting out of hand, I told the students I would grow it until Falls Creek if they will fill our cabin by early bird deadline. We'll see...for now the pictures of the progress is on the right hand side of the page...Check it out!

Hope everyone is doing well...I look forward to catching up with you real soon! Dream Big and Pursue it Adamantly! Blessings!

Life, The Last 2 Weeks

2009-10-12T14:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry to all of my faithful readers, and to those non-committal few that check out my random thoughts from time to time, for having not updated you in a while. The last two weeks have a been a whirlwind! I am guessing there is something about a drastic change in the life of someone else, that people are very interested in, my last blog update received 54 hits on the day I posted it. I know if was probably all you women wondering what a mans mind thinks about pregnancy, but either way, thanks for reading! So yeah, Beau is now 11 days old, he is sleeping about 2-3 hours at a time (with an occasional 5) and I can't stress enough the joy of having him in our lives! It is truly amazing, and the birthing process...AMAZING! I did watch by the way, and I did cry...at least a little! The only word I can use to describe is MIRACLE! I got peed and pooped on for the first time, both happening within 24 hours of each other, lesson learned - cover up! Lindsay has done an amazing job with Beau, she took the birthing process like a champ, I would of cried at some of the pain she was going through (have you ever seen the needle they use for an epidural?). I am so proud to have married such an amazing woman and mother...I am Blessed! Not alot more to say at this time, except...Beau was born on the first day of Bow hunting season, Lindsay's aunt's birthday is the same day, so now I have three reasons to celebrate October 1st! It is an awesome time of year! I'm a dad, football is in full swing and hunting season has officially started! I will be updating more often now that things are getting back to a simi-regular schedule. Have a wonderful week and live life to the fullest!

10 Reads Rusty Enjoyed!

2009-09-25T10:25:00.006-05:00

I have never considered myself studious, and for those of you who know me well, I am about as deep as the shallow end of a drool pool that collects on a pillow during a deep sleep. I did what I could to get by in school, just enough to pass, nothing more. I was on the Deans honor roll one time in my 4 years at OBU (which my mom still has proudly displayed on the fridge at home). This honor came during a Summer Semester that my classes were Interning 101 (or some soft class of this nature) and a Recreation class. Needless to say I haven't always desired to be known for being at the top of the class. But as I have grown and matured in my understanding of life and Godliness I have come to the understanding that God desires me to pursue Him with more than just my half-hearted approach I have always taken in my studies. God's desire is for me to chase after Him with every fiber of my being! To fully devote myself to the constant chase of better understanding my position in His great story. Make no bones about it, the life we live is a role in the biggest story of all time, God's Glory Revealed. While your role isn't necessarily a large one, the role you play is important! God desires, although He doesn't have to, to use you to glorify His holy name, and to show all man kind His sovereign work of grace. My role is to be all that God wants me to be, by using my full heart, soul, body and mind to present Him praise. With all this in mind I have taken up a challenge to increase knowledge of who God is and what He wants to do with my life...over the past two years I have been challenging myself to read at least 1 book a week (52 books a year). Last year I read 45, this year I am on mark to complete my goal. I am throwing together a list of the 10 Reads that kept my attention and helped me better understand the former. This list isn't comprehensive and I would challenge you to read 1 contemporary author for every 1 historical author you read. So, here it is, my 10 Reads Rusty Enjoyed:

1. The Bible
I know that this may be a "duh" answer but I believe it is important to read the Bible just as much and more than any other reading you do...It changes your life. This is the only book that has had power to change my actions thoughts and life. Billy Graham was once asked if he could do anything over in his life what would it be...He answered read the Bible more and mans books less. Mans knowledge is foolishness in light of God's wisdom.
2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
3. I Am Not but I Know I Am by Louie Giglio
4. What Every Christian Ought to Know: Essential Truths for Growing Your Faith by Adrian Rogers
5. Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
6. The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine by A.W. Tozer
7. In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
8. Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster
9. Wide Awake by Erwin McManus
10. Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Read them for yourself and let me know what you think. Use your mind to glorify God! Happy Reading!

13 days to Beau

2009-09-21T11:14:00.000-05:00

Beau is 13 days away (that's his due date anyway, hopefully he will be here before then), and I have a feeling life is about to be drastically different (which is ok with me). There is a word that will serve me well in the next few months, it is hard to use and difficult to decide when to use but it must become a vital part of my vocabulary...NO. I am not very good at using this word and often bite off way more than I can chew. What makes one thing worthy of this word and not something else? I once had lunch with a very wise friend, as we sat and talked I told him of my extremely busy schedule, and I will never forget His words..."Did you make that schedule or did you let the Lord make that schedule for you?" What a slap in the face! I go about my days making schedules and saying yes to everything that is asked of me, and very seldom slow down to ask the Lord "what is most important." What makes the most kingdom impact? I was challenged recently by a tweet from a friend of mine (yes, I am obsessed with sounding like a bird as many of you are!) "Ever walk through an entire day and ask what did I do to further the Kingdom?" (Thanks @sullivansp, Scott Sullivan) We have to choose to be persistent in living a Kingdom focused life. A life that is so adamant in it's pursuit of making much of the Kingdom of God that we recklessly abandon the business for business' sake! I, ashamedly, am guilty of making my own schedules and giving away my time for things that aren't Kingdom focused. As I draw near to having my first born son, I pray God gives me discernment and direction for my time. We all are given the same amount of time in our lives, no one has more, no one has less..."How arrogant of us to think we have any less time than anyone else, we have ALL the time there is...what is our excuse then" (also a tweet, from @sherahw). So, as Beau draws near, my time becomes more and more valuable, and the Lord's desire for me to make wise healthy decisions with it becomes my front and center focus...the family is a wise investment for your time! Let the Lord set your schedule and you will never run aimlessly!

Limit on the Line or Doves aren't Dopes

2009-09-13T09:49:00.003-05:00

I went for a little dove hunt on Friday morning with two great gents...Brian Hobbs and French McLemore. The company was awesome the coffee was great and the birds were flying! I started the morning with 100 shells in high hopes of taking a bag limit with a little better SPB (Shell Per Bird) than my previous outings this year (14 SPB). As the sun rose and the first birds of the morning sailed over my head, I thought to myself "Self, this is going to be a great morning of dove hunting!" I raised the gun took my first three shots...and the rest is history. I walked away from that early Friday morning hunt with 54 shells and a whopping total of 0 birds (needless to say this brings my SPB down a few notches). My fellow sportsmen faired a bit better than myself downing 9 birds between the two men with around 60 shells fired total. I would like to say congratulations to Brian Hobbs for the magnificent exhibition wielding the power of the mighty 12 gauge! Great shooting buddy...so what's the point of this blog, besides the reduction (yet again) of my man points, which by now I am undoubtedly low on, and to acknowledge the shooting accuracy of my confidants? As I drove home from that hunt, I had an epiphany! I looked to the sky not 2 minutes from my home and saw the sight of 15 doves (a bag limit) perched high on the power lines that provide energy for my home...Isn't that just like God's sense of humor? My life's provisions are met by God not my ability to make things happen! Although this could be an easy excuse for why I can't shoot, I quickly came to the realization that I don't have to worry about having the things I need, God knows my needs and He provides for them! He is my provision! Take heart today in knowing that God will meet your needs and will "work all things out for the good of those who LOVE HIM!"

And just so you would believe the epiphany God gave me, I pulled over to the side of the road and took a picture of the "Limit on the Line."

And if you counted the birds there are only 13 pictured, 2 more were closer to me I just couldn't get them all in the picture and still be able to tell they were birds...

DREAM BIG AND PURSUE IT ADAMANTLY!

The Beard

2009-09-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

As I flipped through the pages of my "Field and Stream" magazine, so generously donated to me by Ray Griffin (shameless plug: www.raygriffin.net, as he throws yet another copy on my desk!) I came across an ad that deeply inspired me to take on a whole new persona. This picture moved my heart and soul, and it was like a light came on for me...THIS IS WHAT I NEED TO BE! In the picture stood 5 burly men draped in camouflage clothing, dawning beards that would make a school boy cry at the sight of the masculinity oozing from their pores. I sat in enamored shock as I gazed into the masculine portrayal of the modern day Davy Crockett. Instantly I knew, this was my life's calling! Oh to have a beard of this magnitude...the joy that must come from people walking by and getting lost in wonderment at the streams of locks flowing from my lower face. So I put the razor away and I took up the journey...I am now 6 days in, and I am quickly realizing "this may take longer than I expected!" Those guys must have started growing facial hair when they were 12...this thought makes me really jealous. Well, just for fun, I will post my progress through pictures on the lower portion of my blog. If you want to make fun of me at any point feel free! I have also posted a picture of my inspirtation (the men from Duck Commander: www.duckcommander.com)...kinda scary! Lastly, Doug Burrows and myself have begun taking reservations for our newly formed duck hunting guide service, First Light Hunts. We would love to take you out and introduce you to a day of hunting Oklahoma ducks! If you are interested check out our blog site: www.firstlighthunts.blogspot.com!

Dove Season is Here!

2009-08-31T14:13:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year! The weather is cooling off (it is currently 70 degrees), football season is beginning (Gig Em Aggies), the kids have gone back to school and hunting season's are finally starting! Dove Season begins tomorrow in the great state of Oklahoma! And while typically I am most focused on my duck hunting, I welcome the opportunity to get back in the field and wipe the rust off of my shooting abilities. After a long grueling summer there is nothing like stepping into God's creation and relaxing your mind and body, knowing you have nothing to do but harvest that which He has provided for man. It is in those moments that God gently reminds me, I am His and He is mine and I can rest under his provision! With all that said, let me encourage you to make time to get out of the hustle and bustle of your life and make time to slow down in the presence of your creator and all He has created for you to enjoy (whether its family, outdoors, or the quietness of your favorite chair at home).

As for dove hunting...I thought I would throw out a few websites that offer good dove hunting tips to make your day out this season a better day of shooting not frustration. So here they are...take the wisdom of those who know I always say!

http://www.gameandfishmag.com/hunting/doves-hunting/

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&&mode=article&objectID=30229&objectType=article

Be safe, be smart and have fun! Happy Hunting!

Dream Big and Pursue it Adamantly!

Is Blogging a Chick Thing?

2009-08-28T10:42:00.000-05:00

I've been doing a little searching around this morning, and I am not so sure blogging is suppose to be for guys! Most of the guys "blogs" I have looked at seem to be heavily influenced by promotions, articles and political vendettas. No man really wants to write his thoughts and feelings about life for the whole world to see, does he? Well I guess I will just have to give it a shot and see where it leads. For the time being, I am a man. I enjoy doing manly things (except putting together model anythings). And I am so very much looking forward to having our first son! He is expected in 37 days, although sooner wouldn't be so bad! I'm gonna be DAD!! I'm gonna go try to change the oil in my truck. We will see how that turns out!
Dream Big...Pursue it adamantly!

Getting Started

2009-08-27T13:45:00.000-05:00

Welcome world to the mind of Rusty McMullen...

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts produced by my mind might be dangerous, crazy or just silly sometimes but no one ever said you had to read them!

Within this blog you will see a wide range of topics including: hunting, fishing, Jesus, book reviews, family, the raising of my wife Lindsay and I's first child and much more. You may also see random pictures of whatever I encounter in my days of living in OKC & things that happen in my life.

I do believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I will very often write about new thoughts He is teaching me about Himself, if this offends you like I said before no one is forcing you to read....

Check back often as I will update pretty regularly, and be sure to follow me on my twitter account...RustyMcMullen.

DREAM BIG AND PURSUE IT ADAMANTLY!