Richard Foster said, "Even when all we see are the tangled threads on the backside of life's tapestry, we know that God is good and is out to do us good always."

There are times when someone will come to me and say, "I've really messed up." Then, a lengthy explanation of what that means unfolds.

I have heard admissions of breaking the law, infidelity, abuse. There is a very long list. I have listened to persons' frustrations with an unruly child, a wayward spouse, a tedious job or a lack of direction in life. I have also heard stories of great joy, of celebration, of overwhelming pride in something well done.

Life is never completely a smooth ride. There are all sorts of experiences tangled together. The ups and downs, the ins and outs are experiences of life.

Yes, sometimes things in our lives look like a huge tangled mess. We have hurts from our past, joys we have experienced, confusions that loom, reasons to celebrate.

Nearly everyone will "mess up" at one point or another.

Nearly everyone will experience the wonderful joys in life.

To look at each experience individually or in small clusters might cause you to think, "My life is a mess," but I encourage you to take a step back and look at the whole of your life to this point. Every experience you have gone through, positive or negative, has helped shape who you are today.

If all you notice are the trying and difficult times, you may have a dour attitude toward life. If all you look at are the happy times, you may have a "pie in the sky" attitude toward life. Both extremes are rather unhealthy.

But when you pay attention to all the experiences in your life as a whole, you will come to appreciate how all of them helped shape who you are right now.

What you thought was a tangled mess is actually a beautiful tapestry. Each event in life — positive or negative — has added its influence, its lesson, its perspective. How you focus on events will determine if you are a bitter or grateful person.

The trick is to step back, look at the whole picture, and give thanks to God for all you have become.

Then, as 2 Peter Chapter 1, verse 5 states, "Your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better."

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Life's more than the good or bad parts

A little boy was telling his grandma how "everything" was going wrong. School problems, family problems, health problems — you name it.

Meanwhile, Grandma was baking a cake. She asked her grandson if he would like a snack. He said yes, of course.

"Here, have some cooking oil."

"Yuck," says the boy.

"How would you like a couple of raw eggs?"

"Gross, Grandma!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Grandma, those are all yucky!"

"Yes, all those things seem bad by themselves, but when they are put together in the right way, and you add a little heat, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!" she said.

God works the same way. Many times, we wonder why he would let us go through such difficult times, but God knows when he puts his things in order, they always work for good. We just have to trust him and, eventually, something wonderful will be made.

Much in life is a matter of perspective.

Far too many people find it easier to complain about circumstances. Far too many people place blame on other persons for their own plight.

What would it be like for you, personally, if your perspective changed just a little bit?

What if, instead of griping about something, you looked for the bit of positive influence the situation can have?

What if you asked God for wisdom and insight to your current situation?

Do you have the patience to work through all the little seemingly disjointed pieces to achieve a much greater purpose?

Can you stand a "little heat" so you can grow in strength and stamina?

It's a matter of perspective. When the soldiers of Israel saw Goliath, they thought to themselves, "He is so big that we could never kill him." When David saw Goliath, he thought to himself, "He is so big that I cannot miss him."

Trust God. Change your perspective. Find life's blessings.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Problems? Try a different perspective

Many businesses operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Manufacturers keep factories running.

Places of entertainment — like Disney or Universal entities — operate every day including major holidays.

There is little time for rest. Even when people have the weekend off, many are rushing around doing personal errands and working around the house, among other things.

And if they are not doing chores, they are rushing around finding ways to entertain themselves.

In this third, final article on Sabbath rest, I invite your continued reflection on how much you engage in working, how much you engage in recreation, how much your mind is occupied by entertainment or matters that cause great stress as compared to resting and re-creating.

When do you rest — besides when you sleep? When do you intentionally rejuvenate your body, mind and soul to prepare for the days ahead? When do you focus your attention on God?

God created the Sabbath as one day a week set aside to recharge our body, mind and soul.

Many religious traditions now have Sunday, the first day of the week, as the Sabbath. This recognizes Christians starting the week with the celebration of our Lord rising from the dead on the first day of the week.

When you realize that the Sabbath — the day God declared as holy — is the first day of the week, not the last, it provides a different focus. It means that the week begins with our focus on God and his presence in our lives.

It means we give God the best part of the week, rather than the last part of the week when we collapse and give God what is left over. The week starts with a time of renewal, of rest, of reflection.

We keep the Sabbath holy by attending places of worship with fellow Christians also seeking restoration for their souls.

We do this by setting aside the labors and problems of the previous week.

We do this by focusing our attention on our Lord who created us, loves us and strengthens us for all things.

We do this by setting aside our worldly cares so we can delight in worshiping God, giving him our undivided attention during the day.

God rested from his labors on the Sabbath. Jesus rested from his labors on the Sabbath. Who are we to do otherwise?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Give God the best part of your week

CRESTVIEW — Homecoming at Oak Ridge Assembly of God Church is coming soon.

The event is set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at 5297 Shoffner Blvd.

Dinner will be held on campus; bring a dish to share if you attend.

Call 682-8811 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Oak Ridge sets homecoming service

CRESTVIEW — Victory Baptist Church has set their first service at a new location.

According to a church media release, "Victory Baptist Church has grown into a vibrant church family since it began six years ago. In 2010 the church started as a mission of Victory Baptist Church of Milton.

"The first services were held in the meeting room at Crestview’s Holiday Inn Express Motel. Consistent growth has required the congregation to move several times. Now, an average of 100 people worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings," the release stated.

“If someone asked how we grew I’d have to say it was all of the Lord,” Pastor Wayne Matheson stated.

The first service at the new location is 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at 5451 Old Bethel Road in Crestview. The community may attend the celebration.

The church looks forward to expanding its community outreach when settled at the newly renovated and larger facilities on Old Bethel Road.

For more information visit www.VBCcrestview.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Victory Baptist celebrates move to new location

Labor Day — it's the unofficial end to summer vacations and “leisure” time. At least, this is what it signifies for many people around the country.

It is often celebrated with sales in many stores, a long three-day weekend, and parties.

But Labor Day was not established as a day of rest from work, as most use it now. Rather, it was born out of extreme adversity. In short, it was established as a way to quell labor unrest and violence against rail workers who engaged in a wildcat strike because of unfair labor practices and poor pay practices.

In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation that established a national Labor Day. The intent was to recognize the strength of labor forces around the country. Parades were held in cities around the nation.

Labor Day has evolved to workers having a day off from their labors to enjoy a day of rest. Many work establishments are closed, although a growing number no longer observe this holiday.

I find it interesting that it took an act of the United States government to write into law one day a year on which to not engage in labor. God, on the other hand, has given us the gift of one day a week in which to rest from our labor. It’s called the Sabbath.

Whether you read the commandment about keeping God’s Sabbath in Exodus 20 or Deuteronomy 5, you will find that the admonition to keep the Sabbath holy is the longest of all commandments. This speaks of its great importance.

God knows our penchant for working hard and long hours. For some, it is a necessity to make sure all bills are paid. Others seek wealth and the trappings that can go along with that wealth.

Yet, when we engage in such endeavors to the point they become all consuming, our attention is drawn away from God — which leads to disastrous results.

We need to remember that we are the ones who create our work and our busyness. And we are the ones who can put a stop to it — for at least one day a week.

We are called to take one day a week to rest and replenish our body, mind, and soul. The Sabbath is not to be a day for more work or running around with various kinds of distractions. We are to rest from our labors to refocus on the God who created us and calls us into relationship with him.

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Keep the Sabbath holy — even on holidays

We live in a world of contrasts. People would like to think that all matters are cut and dried, this or that. The truth is, there are a lot of gray areas in life. Things are not all the same.

There are people who do good things and people who do evil things. There are good circumstances and hurtful circumstances. Good things happen and bad things happen. And a whole host in between.

Does God cause bad things to happen? Some people say yes. “God is punishing you for something you did.” That is definitely an Old Testament point of view.

Does God cause bad things to happen? Absolutely not. Does God allow bad things to happen? Yes. And there is a huge difference.

Remember that God has given us the ability to make choices in our lives. Those choices have consequences for good or for ill — not only for ourselves, but for other people as well. And just as our choices affect others, so do others’ choices affect us.

Freedom of choice is part of our God being a loving God. He doesn’t manipulate us, nor force us to behave in certain ways. In love, he plants seeds and then allows us to let those seeds grow to maturity, or to let them remain dormant forever. The choice is ours. The consequences are ours. But God is always there to help pick up the pieces and heal our broken spirits — when we let him.

In Romans 8:28 we read, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” People have no problem with this as long as it pertains to good things in life. But God also works in the bad times — which, when looked at through the proper lens, can turn a “bad situation” into a good one.

When you look back at your life and remember the bad, challenging and difficult times, do you not see growth and strength that came from them? Do you see how those times helped shape and mold you into a better person? Much growth in life takes place through difficulties.

We are unable go sailing through life without challenges or difficulties. Life happens! But when you place the Lord at the center of your life, you come to realize he is there in the midst of it all, helping you gain blessings from even hurtful events.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Freedom of choice is part of God's love

The other day, I was perusing a number of photos of U.S. military personnel serving overseas. The montage showed these men and women performing random acts of kindness toward local persons where they were stationed.

The interaction of soldiers and children showed laughter and smiles all around. There was pure enjoyment while large, fully equipped soldiers attempted to ride a child’s bicycle, or awkwardly dance in full uniform.

Soldiers were shown shaking hands with adults, providing supplies of water or bits of food — again, with smiles and laughter all the way around.

Pictures showed soldiers helping elderly or wounded persons by carrying them, supporting them or providing medical treatment.

A couple of thoughts struck me about the photos.

One was, regardless of where these military persons were stationed and interacting, all human beings have the capability to smile. All have the ability to show gratitude for acts of kindness.

Another was, there was a sense of true joy or genuine concern on the part of the soldiers and those with whom they interacted. It didn’t matter that they didn’t speak the same language. It didn’t matter that they had different cultural backgrounds.

What mattered most was human interaction, generosity, kindness; a desire to interject a bit of happiness into otherwise difficult and fearful lives.

Doing random acts of kindness, no matter how small, can turn an enemy into an ally. Sharing a smile can defuse a potentially hazardous situation. Saying “I’m sorry I hurt you” can go a long way to healing festering anger, animosity or hatred.

The madness — literally and figuratively — that appears to be taking over the world destroys our ability to care for or about those who are different from us.

It is much easier for many to want to do away with someone who is different than it is to try to understand another’s point of view. It is much easier to want to destroy an enemy than it is to pray for one.

Still, Jesus tells us to love our enemy and to pray for those who persecute us. What a radical concept! This is difficult for many to do because it takes a great deal of internal strength and perseverance.

What would your life be like if you followed this teaching of Jesus to love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you?

I challenge you to find out.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Love your enemy — a radical concept

Most people work hard in life. For some, having more than one job is a necessity. For others, two or three jobs are held so they can make more money to buy “stuff.” Others throw themselves into their work, because they believe it will bring meaning to their existence.

But working more than one job just to purchase “stuff” isn’t really worth it. In fact, there is much suffering because of that kind of mindset. There is too little time or energy left to spend with spouse, family, friends, children.

Tony Campolo, author and lecturer, told of something that took place in his home. One night, when his children were very small, his wife called him into the children’s bedroom. She pointed to them stretched out in their beds. He could see the angelic expressions on their faces and their peaceful innocence. His wife whispered in his ear, “Look long and hard, Tony, because they’ll never be like that again.” Years later Tony said he wished he had taken more time for such reflection.

Being overly busy causes us to miss truly important aspects of life. We can justify just about anything. But we cannot regain lost opportunities for relationships with the people who matter most.

If you have lost a healthy perspective in life, now is the time to reflect. Ask yourself if you are keeping busy by working in order to simply keep up with the neighbors, or to purchase items that others say will make you happy.

Ask yourself if you are feeling a restlessness or an emptiness that you are trying satisfy.

Honestly, the things we can acquire on this Earth bring only short-term relief. If you want a life-long sense of purpose and enjoyment, do this…

Make sure God is put into the picture. Everything in life begins to make sense when God is in the center. As Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then all these things will be added to you.”

God put you on this earth to enjoy life. True joy comes from him. So seek it from God and you won’t miss a thing. When you have the joy of God in your life — a joy that comes in knowing him through his Son, Jesus Christ — you will learn to enjoy this life God has given you.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Make sure God is in the picture

In various ways, people seek recognition. This is often an attempt at finding a sense of purpose. It is an attempt to find meaning. It is an attempt to know their life is worthwhile and that they are loveable.

When normal relationships are somewhat lacking, a person turns to avenues that say, “Hey! Look at me!”

Some search for fame. Some look for accolades by coming up with new inventions. Some perform evil acts against other human beings.

Such endeavors often turn up empty.

There is only one who can give life meaning.

God has created each one of us with a place in our heart for him alone. It is a hole that only he can fill. Nothing else we try to fit, jam or force into that hole will work.

There is no meaning in life without God in our hearts. He will give us meaning if we let him.

When you realize God’s presence in this world you are able to recognize the beauty of what life is all about. You can see the beauty of a sunrise; of a sunset. You can recognize the wonder in a child’s birth, and even in the death of an elderly person who lived a long, fulfilling life.

And the way you let God fill that hole in your heart is by accepting Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.” He has come to fill that space in your life so you can have an abundant, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

He said, “Come, all who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest.”

He is the one who will make all the difference in this world.

He is the one who will erase what feels futile.

He is the one who will helps us find meaning and purpose.

Searching for purpose and meaning in life will turn up empty results. A life without God makes no sense at all.

But with God, everything falls into its proper place.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Seeking God gives life meaning