Onward Christian Soldiers

In a very emotional moment, the General Assembly of the Church of God took time today to honor those ministers of this Movement who have died over the previous year. Men like Rollo Swisher and Clarence Roper, both of whom served in the same District in Central Cal that I now serve in; Howard Kernutt who I will miss seeing at the Senior Adult Retreat in 3 Rivers; Ray Cheeks with whom I served for four years on the Ministry Council and who died suddenly without warning after a church service; friends and mentors of mine like Wayne Stout and Bob Boyette. I keep noticing how many more of these names and faces I recognize over the years. Even one of my classmates from Anderson College was among the names of those who had died (Jim Fearnow). As each name was called a picture of the minister was flashed on the screen with the years of ministry emblazon on the picture and the widow or family member would come forward carrying a white rose with the name of their departed family member on it. At the front of the auditorium were a large group of young people (emerging leaders) - young men and women who feel a call from God to serve Him with their lives. They were carrying red roses with either their name on it or one of the emerging leaders across the nation who have indicated at a recent Youth Convention that they feel a call to ministry. The two would exchange roses and hugs. It was very emotional as we honored those who were now gone from the scene by celebrating those who are being called onto the scene. Following the service, two booklets were handed out. One with the pictures and names of the deceased ministers. The other booklet had the names of emerging leaders - those whose names were on the red roses. Those widows and family members will be praying for them. By the way, the emerging leaders list included Lacey Marshall, Rebekah Filer, and Karrah Sentman (all of whom I pastor). Kevin Stiffler, my former Youth Pastor and friend was on there as was Keah Kendall from Exeter and Corey Stocksdale, whom I pastored in New Albany. The ministry of Jesus Christ moves on from generation to generation. As long as we are faithful to share the Gospel, God will be faithful to use us to reach the next generation. What better way to honor those who have gone on to heaven!

In an Instant

We were on our way to IHOP for a late night snack after the evening service at Campmeeting. Sitting at the traffic light in front of Wal Mart, we were discussing the events of the day when all of a sudden the horrific sound of crashing metal shook all three of us in the car. It seems that as a car was moving across the highway at the traffic light on the way to Wal Mart, another car, coming the opposite way from us on the divided highway, never stopped for the light and went plowing into the unsuspecting car. No screeching breaks. These two cars just crashed into each other at a high rate of speed and ended up piled and crushed together at the front bumper of a truck that was just sitting at the light. Both cars had young children in them. One car had two kids under 5 in the back seat. The other had two children, one under 5 and the other about 10 years of age. In the truck was a mother with her very pregnant daughter. The two cars appeared to be totaled. The children were distraught but not seriously hurt (thank God for car seats that held them all and kept them strapped in). The adults seemed more dazed than physically injured. The police and ambulance workers were on the scene immediately. Joanie and I stayed briefly to provide any help necessary and left when the professionals got on the scene.
All I could think about was how life can change in an instant. This is a fragile existence we lead. You can't live in a bubble and you can't control some things that come crashing in on you. Life can change in an instant. Not just for the negative, but the gospel clearly states that life can change for the good in an instant, as well. The receiving of Jesus Christ as savior can change people's hearts, minds, habits, future, and present. It can change a person over night; in a flash; in the twinkling of an eye; in an instant. If your life is in need of change, remember: Jesus Christ is in the change business. You need not way for an accident to come crashing in to change your life. You can kneel and feel the love that has changed the world and can change your life...in an instant!

Random Shots of the Speedway

Gasoline Alley and the Track

Here we are on a bus. Not an exciting shot except the bus takes you out on the track and you get to see the 500 from the drivers point of view

The Brickyard

Yes, this is why they call the Indianapolis Speedway the "Brickyard". Originally the whole track was made of bricks. Now this one foot section next to the finish line is all that remains.

Caught in the Act

Hmmmm. Sharron shopping. How unusual!

Louisville Skyline View

The Louisville Skyline as seen from across the river in Indiana. This was our view as we stopped at a park on the Indiana side to do some devotions as a group.

Devotions at the River

One day we spent down by the Ohio River across from Louisville and took the opportunity to divide into groups for a time of bible study and devotions. Here is Shawna and Karrah sharing and studying together.

Conner Prairie

This is the group at Conner Prairie which is a living historical museum. We visited the villages that make up Conner Prairie and span about 100 years of development. The folks in period dress only talk to you as though it is still the 19th Century.

Indianapolis 500 Museum

Here is Joel and Shawna striking the pose at the 500 Museum.

IYC Nashvill Trip Summer of 2004

These are not from this summer but from last summer. I found a few of our IYC trip to Nashville last summer. This one is Jonathan, Sharron and Karrah at the Indianapolis 500 Museum. The other is a shot of the girls as they gather outside the museum. Enjoy!

Without Traffic

We traveled through Atlanta last night. There was hardly anyone on the road. We passed construction sites without any slowing down (other than the speed limit). Of course, we were driving through Atlanta at 1:00 in the morning! What a difference from trying to do the same during the day. Bumper to bumper traffic. Slow downs at most entrance points to the highway as incoming traffic congested the already congested lanes. What took us less than an hour last night would have taken us anywhere from 1-2 hours during the day.
I wonder if this is what Jesus meant when he talked about taking the high road, the one less traveled, the road to righteousness. It is not as crowded as the one that leads to destruction. There are fewer people merging onto it from their former lives. The road of sin seems to be the "right" road because it is so heavily traveled. But after going through Atlanta at night I can assure you that it is a much nicer drive when the road is less traveled and not nearly as crowded. No road rage, no near accidents, no quickly putting on the brakes - just a smooth ride to get you to your destination.
What road have you been traveling on? If you find yourself on the road of sin you will rarely find yourself alone. You will take consolation in the fact that you are one of many. It will seem to affirm the path you are on. You may not like traffic but there is something affirming in it (Maybe that's why Eve ate the apple and wanted Adam to eat some, too. Maybe that's why Adam ate what Eve offered - sharing in sin affirms that you should be in sin). If you have not been traveling on the road of righteousness you may want to give it a try. Ask Christ to put you on His road. It's not as crowded but the destination is much better.

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Another Moving Day

Well, the sabbatical is moving toward the halfway point and tomorrow represents another moving day in our vagabond existence. We will be leaving Florida for a trip back to Indiana. It has been so nice to be here. Dad and Tina are incredible hosts and we have felt like we were home, not visiting. Dad has lived in this home for over 25 years and it is the only home the boys have ever known for him. It is the place where Joanie and I intend to retire. It feels like home in so many ways. The folks here in Tampa are wonderful for us. We gathered with 5 other couples and some of their grown children to watch "The Blue Collar Comedy Tour II" the other night. It was a lot of fun. They are so generous to include us. Several of them are going on a cruise for their 50th birthday and Joanie and I are just on the north side of 50, so it is a nice group to relate to.
We will probably head north and take our time. We don't have to be in Anderson until Friday so there is no great rush. Eric and Lisa have offered their home to us at any point this summer. We have already spent several days with them and will probably do it again on the way back. It will be great to see the boys again. They are spending some significant time together this month, realizing that they will not be able to do this after they both tie the knot. Can I tell you what a joy it is to have your children love each other as much as Doug, Jonathan and Joel all do. I am so blessed.
I talked to folks at Fresno yesterday and today. I heard Bob Liddell did a great job preaching last week. That a boy Bob! I hear Filer is doing a bang up job too. What a blessing to have such wonderful men in the congregation who are following God's call. Talked to Doyle, Sharron, Jason, Shy, and Lisa over the last couple of days. What a great team! Thanks, guys, for all you do and for who you are. I love you all.
Well, I will write again on the way to Indiana. Special hellos to Bill and Ryan who are coming home for some R&R. Wish I could be there. Special thanks to Missy who is so faithful at reading this blog and replying to it. Love ya, gal! Bye for now.

PJ

The Healing Balm

I love to laugh. Surely this comes as no surprise to most anyone who knows me. When my son, Joel, was in High School his friends in the Drama Department always loved when I showed up for a performance. I was a one man audience. One young man, Ray Cooper, called me the "Happy Laughing Man". My laugh is loud, it is an outburst, and it is ongoing. I love to laugh. After church today we went to lunch with the pastor of the church we attended (Tom Bates and his wife Carole). We have been friends for years. It is a friendship I have always enjoyed and cherished. Over lunch we told stories and laughed. And then we laughed some more.

On the other hand, I spent some time on the phone with some of the members of the Church Pastoral Team back in Fresno. We talked of our lives and they shared some of the issues of concern that always take place in a church setting. It is the first time I've called the staff and asked about church concerns since I left Fresno nearly 7 weeks ago. (Aren't you proud of me?) I noticed that there was a lack of laughter as we talked about issues. Things became more serious. I understood why it was so, but it was in such contrast to the laughter at lunch. And so, I began to wonder if we laugh enough. And my answer is, no.

We see the serious side of life all too easily. The drama of living is always there. There are so many things about life that aren't funny and there is nothing to laugh at or about. However, as I have been reading the Bible this summer (and yes, I have been reading and praying) I cannot help but notice the emphasis on parties that are all over the Word. In the O.T. there are festivals, feasts, and special celebrations. In the Gospels Jesus spends so much time with the non-Pharisaical class eating and celebrating that they begin to question his sobriety and spiritual discipline. I don't know how you imagine Jesus but I am pretty sure he had a hearty laugh.

Working with people will either make you sour or cause you to laugh. I don't think Jesus was a sour man so, therefore, he must have had a great sense of humor. I think some of the campfires that he shared with the disciples were full of laughter. I am convinced that if we are to be like Jesus we have to learn how to laugh a little more. I know, the Cross wasn't funny and neither were the floggings. But Palm Sunday sure seems to be a blast and I think some of the times in Mary, Martha and Lazarus' house must have been a real hoot. We have to learn to laugh more. The saddest people I know are the ones who have allowed the pain of life to crowd in so far that they can't see the laughter for the tears.

Folks, laugh more. Not at people but with people. Experience more joy (You may have to turn off the news and cancel the paper but that might not be all bad). In the past 7 weeks I have experienced a real healing balm. I have laughed more than I have cried; chuckled more than I have been frustrated; guffawed more than I have been sad. If you are hurting, laugh some more. It truly is God's healing balm.

Making Holes into Wholes

I have been faithfully writing this summer. I am nearly finished with two chapters of my book. As I was writing tonight I spent some time reflecting about a statement that the late Dr. Samuel Hines once said. In sermon development you should "turn your holes to wholes". When he said that he was talking to preachers about preaching the whole counsel of God (being a series preacher rather than just preaching isolated, disconnected texts and themes from week to week). It was great advice. I wonder if it might not be great advice for you too?
We live such fragmented lives. While Joanie's mother lived with us my wife had too many jobs. She was a mother to her boys, a wife to her husband, a daughter to her father, a nurse to her mother, a teacher to her students, a pastors wife to the congregation, etc., etc., etc. It became excrutiatingly difficult to manage which role she was to have at the moment. Her life had holes in it - but not much of a whole to it. If a sabbatical has had any affect on me during these first six weeks it is to allow me the time and focus to turn my holes into wholes. You ever feel like that? Feel like you are just a series of holes? You are one thing at work, one thing at home, another at the store, something at night, another during the day, etc., etc., etc.? If believing in Jesus Christ is to produce anything in us it should help us to become whole persons. After all, one of the great blessings of salvation is that the holes in my life are forgiven and I am allowed to integrate the spiritual dimension of my life into the social, physical, and mental aspect of my life. The result is that, in Christ, I am allowed to become a whole person.
So, come on up out of the holes you have dug for your life and find the joy of being a whole person. Wouldn't it be great to be just one person instead of so many others? Welcome to the life of salvation.

The serious shot at the AU rock. The fun one is in an earlier post. 

Maria being pinned 

Opening Graduation presents 

Joel sitting with his future in-laws (Mark Klecka is on the left and Debbie Klecka is on the right) 

All three of my girls 

The after graduation party with Joel, Shafali, Grandpa, and Tina 

The Flores Family following the pinning ceremony (from L to R - Maria's grandmother, her mom [Janet], Maria, her brother [Paul], and her dad [Paul] 

The Happy Couple after Maria's pinning ceremony for her Nursing Degree 

Changing the Done to the Undone

I listened tonight to a sermon by the well known California preacher Dr. David Jeremiah. He quoted an article he had read sometime ago where the author said that the power of God was such that he could change the "done to the undone". Dr. Jeremiah quickly disagreed and talked about counseling a woman at the time who was pregnant out of wedlock. He said that God forgave her the sin but the baby was born anyway. His larger point was that there are consequences to our actions when we sin that God does not "undo". What do you think?

It sure got me wondering. There are consequences to everything. When we obey God there are consequences. When we don't, there are consequences. The real question is can and does God change that which is done and make it new, undone - does he overcome the present circumstances to create a new reality. I believe He does. God changes the done. Have you ever found yourself in a very negative situation? I have. David certainly did. He had done no wrong but the situation was done. The King was after him and his fate was sealed. Yet, God changed the done to the undone. Not only did David survive but he became the King. When Jesus was arrested and sent to the Cross God did not interfere. It was done. But by Easter Sunday what was done God had undone. I know there are consequences to sin. But I also know that we serve a God who can change even what has been done into something that is undone. I'm not sure that child born out of wedlock wants to be known as the consequence of sin. We have far too many children today who think and believe that about their lives. What was done in sin God can undo in Grace. I wonder who that little baby will grow up to become. Certainly he or she has the opportunity to be the gift of God and not just the consequence of sin.

Need anything undone in your life that has been done? He may not change everything but He can and does change some things. Even the consequences of sin can be undone by the God of the Universe. Have hope - he is still undoing what mankind has done. That is the gospel story.

Being Helpless

It was a lovely shot. Maybe the best one I made all day on the golf course. A little pitching wedge hit over a large mound and traversing the length of the green ending up less than three feet from the hole. A lovely shot. I wish I had seen it. After swinging I hit the ground. After paying a lot of money to play this lovely and challenging course, I was on the ground at the ninth hole, a victim of my back going out. What a way to spend a sabbatical. Expensive, too. The pain was so great that by the next day I was limping into the chiropractors office. At least he got me walking a little better. But I have spent two days not going anywhere but on the couch feeling helpless.

Helplessness is a most interesting feeling. You cannot do for yourself. You are dependent upon others. Even the basic actions of life, any movement whatsoever, becomes all consuming. Looking to be free of pain becomes more important than food or sleep. Nothing you do can change the condition your in. You are at the mercy of the physical effects that have the control. You are helpless.

I am not sure that God desires that we be helpless. It is not the natural state of humankind. I am learning afresh and anew the difference between being helpless and being dependent. Being dependent on others or on God is very different than being helpless. My dependence on God is a joy to Him precisely because I am not helpless - I have a will and can exercise it even in rejecting God's will and plan for my life. To be dependent, then, is a choice I make concerning the love and respect I have for God and His will for my life. When I am tempted to follow my own way, it is my dependence on God that wins the day rather than my helplessness toward the nature of sin.

I am learning to be dependent. As a matter of fact, I have always been learning dependency. I am dependent on my wife, my family and friends, upon a whole host of things that allow me to do the things I want and need to do (like this computer that I am typing into). Being dependent is not something you are as a child and lose when you become an adult. The secret to being a mature adult may very well lie in knowing how to be dependently independent. If that seems like a contradiction in terms than I would suggest you think about it a little more. It is precisely what we all need to learn.

Jesus was not helpless on the Cross. He was depending on God to accomplish in Him what could change mankind. The Holy Spirit is not helpless in accomplishing the work of the Lord in the world but when we are dependent on Him to fill us and use us, then the Will of God is done. God is not helpless. He chooses to depend on us to be His instruments to change a lost and dying world. There is a difference between being helpless and dependent. Thank God. I'll sign off now, my back hurts and I am depending on God for help.

Meanderings

I know its been a few days since I last wrote anything. At least, wrote anything on the blog. I have been writing my book. I have completed the first chapter, table of contents outlining the full book and am working on Chapter 2. I have no idea if it is worthy of publication but I am enjoying the experience. I will know more when I submit my information to Church of God Ministries. We will see.

I picked up a book about the Christian Writers Market (a research book about the intricacies of trying to write and get things published). It is a little overwhelming. I realize I am out of my element when it comes to all this. But, you have to start somewhere. I am going to continue to write and see where it leads me. If nothing else, I will have a heck of a research paper ready if I go back for my doctorate! Ha!

We are enjoying the time here in Tampa. Dad and Tina have been great. Joanie has finally relaxed (no more laundry to do for two kids). I am playing some golf and enjoying being with friends we have made over the years. I get to go golfing tomorrow. I am looking forward to that. This Sunday is an open Sunday for us. We went to Oak Grove last week (the church my father pastored for nearly 20 years - we spent a year attending here before leaving for California and I still consider this my "home" church). I will be attending the church at Safety Harbor on Fathers Day to hear my good friend Tom Bates preach (he is one of the guys I am playing golf with tomorrow). We may try and explore around for Sunday or just go back to Oak Grove. We will see. Until later, thanks, again, for reading these meanderings. God bless.

Surrounded

I never went to the Library much when I was in college. I was a stubborn young adult with a penchant for believing I knew too much and could skate by on charm and the ability to write well. I fooled myself into believing that I could get by without going somewhere that was surrounded by books. After all, I had books in my dorm room and classes where everyone carried their books along with them.
When I started into ministry, I was an Associate Pastor in Hickory, N.C. One of my first assignments was to begin a new Sunday School class for Young Married Couples. We ended up being assigned a classroom - it was the library in the older section of the church. The class was a success and I found myself spending more and more time during the week in the library. It was quiet and I could study there. I picked up a Readers Digest book and read the story of the Johnstown Flood. It was riveting. My attitudes toward being surrounded by books began to change. It felt comforting. Empowering.
The Senior Pastor at Hickory was Forrest Plants. Forrest was a book hound. He loved books. When he died years later his family found boxes and boxes of unopened books in his basement library. Books he bought but never got to read. His office was filled from one end to the other and from top to bottom with books. Every Christmas I received a present from Forrest. It was always a book. I became infected. I am now a book hound.
When we packed for Sabbatical we filled the car from the front seat to the trunk with things to take. Four months is a long time. Most of the room was taken up by suitcases and hanging clothes. The rest was taken up by booksand writing materials. I have made a little corner of the dining room and Dad and Tina's house my own. There are four cases of books and materials. Even that is not enough. Today I am writing this to you sitting just down the street from the house. I am at a library. I found my membership card to the Temple Terrace Library still in my briefcase. It has books, research materials, and access to the internet. What else do you need?
When was the last time you read a book? Visited a library? Joanie read Frank Perretti's newest novel, "Monster" in two days (It was one of Joel's graduation gifts so we couldn't take it with us). I have read Chuck Swindoll's Elijah. Together Joanie and I have been reading "Worship Evangelism". I took out 12 books from the Anderson University Library to take with me as part of my research for . . . what else . . . the book I am writing. So, put up the DVD for a night and turn off the video games. There's nothing that interesting on TV anyway. So, find a good book, snuggle up in your favorite chair and walk into a world you could never get into except through either a wardrobe closet in an upstairs bedroom or through the magic world of books. Read.

Downpours and Semi-Trucks in Life

"April Showers bring May Flowers..."

I know it's true but you haven't seen rain until you've lived in Florida. Last night as we drove from the Florida State Line to Tampa, we ran into some rain. Actually, we ran into tornado warnings. What we drove through for about an hour or so was a torrential downpour. The kind where the windshield wipers can't go fast enough to get all the water off the windshield. Then, inevitably, an eighteen wheeler comes passing through and what was a torrential downpour becomes blinding water as he passes you and the water from the road and his tires splashes all over you.

Why is it then when things are tense in life and you are having to do everything you can to hold on to the wheel so your life doesn't go careening off into the ditch, that something else always comes by to make things that much more difficult? Have you ever felt like semi-trucks drive by you when you can least afford the extra rain in your life? Maybe I'm the only one, but I suspect that most all of us feel like "when it rains, it pours". Bad things always seem to come in threes. I've heard folks say, "God will never give you any more than you can handle". I believe that. I also believe that God has greater faith in my capacity to handle my problems than I have in my ability to deal with difficulties. I say that because I get to the point where I don't think I can handle any more and more still comes my way. Yet, I survive. Somehow. By the grace of God, I seem to survive.

So, if you feel like life is raining on your parade, just remember, you can make it through. At 2 a.m. we pulled into Tampa and parked in the driveway of Dad's house. No worse for wear. No rain coming down. I could hear the trucks driving by on the highway. They seemed a distant worry now that we were home safe. I trust that the same thing will happen to you on your life's journey. May the problems all dissipate like the rain and may you all be left with the sweet smell of May flowers that follow all the April rains.