Lessons from a Soccer photo

Today is one of those sentimental days.  My wife has gone north to visit her parents and enjoy precious time with them.  I'm taking care of a few things on the home front and getting some work done.  I've been a little nostalgic for sure.  It took me down the road and by the house we lived in for 19 years.  I love our current home, but I just wanted to see again the place where we have 19 years of memories.

Later, I found a picture of our son.  The picture is of his soccer days with the Salt City Raptors.  They were a powerful team.  He was a very good player.  I love the picture.  It has him heading up the field with a focus and determination that has been his heart from the start.  To be honest, I see that heart in each of our kids.  Dave, however, is a fierce competitor.  He doesn't like to lose.  I actually admire him for that.

Dave played with amazing alertness, quickness, skill, determination and a desire to succeed - or win.  I also love that the picture has his coach directly in the not so distant background.  If a picture is worth a thousand words - then here is how I translate it for us today.  We are all on the field of life, but this is no game.  We should live with focus, determination, a rightly directed passion, and desire to succeed - as believers - particularly in the will of the Lord.

The cool part is that our coach is also close by - He sees us, He knows us and He is coaching us - that is the Lord of course.  But better than that, He has given us the Holy Spirit who is in us.  He's not just watching us, He is indwelling us and empowering us.  That's amazing.  So, press on in the will of God for the glory of God.  On Dwight L. Moody's tombstone, in Northfield, Massachusetts, are the words in the old King James Version from 1 John - 'He that doeth the will of God abideth forever'.  Focus on God's will like Dave did that soccer ball and head up field with hope in your heart and don't give up on all that God is doing and wants to do in your life.

I talked with a friend today from out of town.  He is a precious gift from the Lord.  We don't talk often but when we do it is always valuable.  That's the way friends are.  I needed him today.  His last words to me this morning were 'win the day'.  Sort of reminds me of Jesus - 'live one day at a time'.  My pray for you today is - 'win the day'.  That's my new objective and I challenge you to make it yours.

Small School with a Big Impact

I walked out of the cafe on campus this afternoon.  It was time to head home.  I had taught my class, and then finished up the message for the weekend while at the cafe.  

I am privileged to teach ministry students one day a week at a small school in Johnson City, New York.  When you drive on campus, the size of the school does not overwhelm you.  When you walk into the main building, you are greeted by a rug that says, 'Pursue God'.  If you ever attend a chapel service, you will find that's more than a statement that greets you.  It's the heart of the campus and it flows from the leader.  The school is Davis College, and the President is Dr. Dino Pedrone.  

I first learned of Davis College while on a mission trip to Nicaraugua in the year 2000.  It amazes me how the Lord works.  I was joining another pastor from the United States to teach in a leadership academy housed in a home where young people came daily for classes to be trained to be indigenous Christian leaders.  The other pastor told me about this school near Binghamton that his family had been a part of previously known as Practical Bible College.  I had never heard of it before that trip to the best of my knowledge.  

This semester is my first to teach there.  I've spoken in chapel and at a couple of other events over recent years.  As I left today I was struck by the sight of Binghamton University that I could see in the distance.  More than 12000 students attend SUNY Binghamton.  I'm confident they have some very good programs that have helped a lot of people.  

As I was leaving the tri-cities area and heading north, I saw the exit to Broome Community College.  More than 6800 students are enrolled there.  Once again, I'm sure there are many opportunities that have helped many people at that school and from that school.  

Davis College has an enrollment of just over 300.  It's sort of a David and Goliath scenario.  What difference can a school of 300 in Johnson City, New York make?  It can have an eternal impact for many.  One of my professors in my Doctor of Ministry studies at Liberty University is the Provost of Liberty (the largest Christian University in the world).  He's a graduate of this little school in Johnson City.  In recent years my son-in-law is a graduate and is now in seminary preparing for a life of ministry.  

This semester I'm teaching nine men who are preparing for ministry.  Four area pastors are sitting in on the class as well.  We are discussing 'Strategies for Kingdom Expansion'.  With all due respect to the other institutions of the area, I didn't leave today discouraged.  I left with a great hope that something is happening in a small place that has made, is making and will make a big impact for the glory of God.  I pray it may be a place that sparks revival and that many souls come to know Jesus through those who are trained there, and serve there.  I'm blessed to be a part of it.  

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It has been for a long time, and continues to be.  It seems simpler and a little more stress free.  There is less commercialism associated with the holiday.  It's pretty much just family, food, and football.  Well - I don't need the football - but I'll take it.  It's also a profound time to reflect and be grateful.  Life slows down for a bit and the things that matter most are more clearly in focus.

Today I am most thankful for the cross of Christ, the resurrection of Jesus and the eternal hope we have in Him.  There is no greater gift than the Lord Jesus.  Today I am grateful for Norman Bell leaving North Carolina to come to New York and minister for a number of years from 1960 until the 1980's.  When I was two years old, God sent a man to New York who would lead another minister to the Lord about 12 years later and that man would be assigned to our church and become our pastor.

I'm thankful for Lanny Fox, who preached Jesus at the Burke Methodist Church and influenced me to Christ.  I'm thankful for Frank Wood - our pastor from 1978-1982 who in just four short years, baptized me, licensed me to the ministry, ordained me to the ministry, directed me to the right seminary, believed in me, prayed for me, was there for me and my family when my father died, preached my father's funeral, and performed Kathy and my wedding ceremony.

I'm grateful for my father and mother.  I have a great heritage and I'm forever grateful.  I'm grateful for growing up on a farm and learning the values of faith, family, and hard work.  I'm grateful to have witnessed the laws of sowing and reaping for many years and helping prepare my heart for ministry in a way that God still uses to this day.

I'm so grateful for my wife.  No one could be a better partner in life and in ministry.  I cherish our marriage and our memories.  I look forward to making many more memories together until we see Jesus.  Kathy keeps me balanced.  She believes in me, loves me, encourages me and stands with me.  Next to the Holy Spirit, she will always be my greatest cheerleader.  I love her so much.

I'm grateful for our kids.  It's hard to believe that 8, 5 and 2 are now 29, 26, 23 and 14.  This thanksgiving we are spread out.  Kathy and I will host dinner at home.  Dave and Emily will join us and my Mom is with us.  I'm grateful for this day.  Our two oldest daughters are cooking their first thanksgiving dinners and hosting friends and family in their own homes - one in Ohio and one in Michigan.  I'm proud of them and blessed to be their Dad!  I miss them but celebrate the blessings in their lives.  Andrea and Charity, you are amazing women and I love you!

I'm grateful for two godly son-in-laws.  Matthew and Joshua.  I'm grateful they know Jesus and love Him first.  I'm grateful they love their wives who happen to be my daughters.  I'm grateful they are good providers, protectors and spiritual leaders.  I'm blessed to have them in my life.

I'm grateful for two beautiful granddaughters.  The love I have for them is greater than I could have imagined.  I pray for them and I bless them in the name of Jesus.  They bring great joy to my life and put a smile on my face every day.

I'm grateful for the call to serve Jesus.  Last night my wife and I went to a hospital emergency room to minister to a family in an hour of great need.  I'm nobody - but Jesus is everything.  To be the reminder to a hurting family that the Lord has not forgotten them is one of the greatest privileges in life.  My heart still aches for their pain this morning - but I know the Lord will sustain them even in life's darkest hours.  He is the good shepherd.  Everyone needs a pastor - including me - and I'm thankful for mine for the last 19 years - Jeff O'Brien - as we've served the Lord together.  Even this week, he was helpful and offered me great counsel on a simple decision.  I'm grateful for that.

I'm grateful for the seasons of life.  To be honest - I struggle a little with this one - but today I am choosing to move forward with nothing but gratitude.  I miss the days when all the kinds were here - but to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.  God has a plan.  It's fun to watch it unfold.  So - I'm about to enjoy what I have for 55 years of life.  Family, friends, food, and football!

Most of all I'm thankful for faith - the Lord Himself.  He is the hope that is steadfast and sure.  He is the anchor for my soul.  From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, the Lord's name is to be praised.  Hallelujah!  and - Happy Thanksgiving!

Memories on a Beach

            More than 18 years ago, God opened a door for our family to come to a beautiful island in North Carolina annually.  Our three children at the time were age 10 and under.  Today they are grown and joined by their younger sister.  For years, sometimes twice a year, we have enjoyed this remarkable place. 

            This week I had the privilege of introducing our leadership team from Northside to this place.  We are seeking the Lord together for the coming months and years.  God is working in our midst and I am very grateful. 

            Today during a break, I headed to the beach and enjoyed a walk/run.  I wanted to get to the area that is where our family enters the beach when we are here.  As I approached it at first I didn’t think much about the family that was there.  But soon I did a double take.

            You see this is the off-season.  There aren’t many tourists here, though it is mild and a beautiful time of year.  I’ve never been here in the fall.  God speaks in this place.  He never fails to personalize a message profoundly.  So – back to the family I saw.

            A Mom and Dad and three kids were playing on the beach.  The children were young and so were the parents.  I instantly flashed back to our first trip here with three young children.  Then slowly the tape fast-forwarded in my mind I was overwhelmed with memories all the way up to the week this past summer that included two granddaughters being here with us. 

            Life is fast and furious at times, but I will never regret slowing down the pace to meet with Him, and to spend time with my family.  I want to encourage you to find a place and make great memories.  You may already have one.  Even Jesus would withdraw to rest.  We must do the same.

            This past Sunday morning, spending time with the Lord alone at the beach, I read this:  ‘But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.  I will sing to the LORD because He has treated me generously.’  Psalm 13:5-6.  I was reminded of that again today taking a walk on a beach . . . 

Beauty at the Lake

            It’s a beautiful day in Central New York.  It’s one of those perfect fall days.  It’s sunny, warm and calm.  It’s been a very busy week.  Kathy and I began the week by worshiping and serving at Northside, and thank God for all He is doing there.  Then we headed to Buffalo area for the Baptist Convention of New York annual meeting being reminded again that even churches are better together.

            Upon our return home, my mind quickly turned to the message I would preach this weekend.  It was a process for sure as I agonized and prayed over the direction and the message.  This morning, I came to the office early.  Then I headed to the gym for a workout.  Following that, I returned to the office to continue work and sermon preparation.  After hours of contemplation, prayer, study, and preparation, the outline came together.  I was ready for a break. 

            I texted my wife and asked if she would like to go for a picnic at the park by the lake with me.  She was all for that and it was perfect timing for both of us.  We both grabbed a book – she was reading one by Kelly Minter, and I’m reading the new ‘All In’ by Mark Batterson.  Lunch was great at a picnic table by Onondaga Lake – where from Willow Bay you can see the city of Syracuse on the horizon. 

            We ventured out on the rocks and sat by the marker that is by the channel leading to the river.  We talked.  We laughed.  We heard the sounds of a fish that was doing some jumping out of the water.  We read.  We were challenged by the Lord there today and refreshed by the one who is the redeemer of our souls. 

            I brought a second booklet with me, and after finishing a section of ‘All In’, I proceeded to work through the Matthew Manual for tonight’s training session for ‘My Hope with Billy Graham’.  It’s all about bringing people to Jesus.  God is amazing in so many ways and one of those ways is His timing.  Just before we left a boat came up near us, stopped, turned on the trolling motor, and two men began to fish within a few yards of us. 

            They both caught fish!  I’m reminded of Jesus telling Peter – you will no longer catch fish – but people.  God is in the people business.  I was also struck by the fact that two fishermen caught more than one alone.  My prayer is that every believer sees the urgency of bringing people to Jesus and reaches out with the love of Jesus constantly.  That would be a beautiful thing.

            I made some important decisions by that water today.  I was touched in my heart by my beautiful Savior.  It was beauty at the lake today.  The beauty of the day for me was the beauty sitting next to me, my wife of 31 years.  She makes me stronger.  She shares my dreams.  She loves me and encourages me.  I love you, Kathy.  We really are better together.  Yes, today was beauty at the lake.  I pray for many more days just like that.  Until the next one, I’m going fishing and I’m going to teach some people to fish . . . for souls.  

A Night to Remember

Somehow I knew this day would come.  The truth is, it has come quicker than I thought it would.  18 years ago, our family began to vacation on a beautiful island on the coast of North Carolina.  Ocean Isle Beach, became like a second home to us.  It was and is a place of rest, rejuvenation, and revival. 

            Our kids were 10, 7 and 4 that first trip here.  Today they are 28, 25, 22, and since then we were wonderfully blessed with another who is 13.  As the years have gone by, they have all been here many times but in recent years, life, jobs, family, and timing didn’t always allow us to be here together.

            Through the years Kathy and I would watch as families would come to various rental properties and we realized that there would come a day when we too would rent a larger place and invite our family to join us and bring their families. 

In recent years we began talking and anticipating that moment more and more.  This summer begins that new season.  In the words of Richard Blackaby – that’s not a winter – but another spring – in the seasons of life!

            Kathy sent out the email to our kids weeks ago and we set the date and secured the property.  Our oldest daughter and her family, our son, and our youngest daughter are all here with us.  # 3 and her husband are missing due to a recent move and job/school transitions.  We miss them a lot but are hopeful for next year!

            Tonight, I asked our oldest granddaughter if she would like to go to the ocean.  That eighteen month old beauty seemed interested and soon we had an entourage.  Her mommy, her uncle, and her young aunt and grandpa were headed a few yards to the beach access and the biggest sandbox this girl has ever played in. 

            Emily (our youngest) was carrying my granddaughter, and we lagged behind our oldest two a bit.  I watched as #1, and #2 child – now 28, and 25 and all grown up, walked together to the beach.  It’s a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I thought of how little they see each other, but how much they love each other, and how glad they were to be together again. 

            As we approached the ocean, I watched three of my kids make their way into the ocean and swim together and I cherished the thought that they were renewing and strengthening their already strong relationships.  My son-in-law was on a fishing trek on the other end of the island, that I’m sure was a wonderful experience for him and for that I was also grateful.  My wife was being grandma and cherishing time with the youngest grandbaby back at the rental house. 

            And me?  I was playing in the sand with our oldest granddaughter.  I could have stayed there forever.  Life moves quickly but God is so good.  Cherish the moments, and make new memories.  

The Blessing of a Godly Wife

As I'm approaching Father's Day, I'm grateful for a lot of things and many people.  I'm thinking of my father, and my father-in-law and will have more to say about them in another post.  This afternoon, on the eve of Father's Day, I'm reminded of the many reasons I love my wife.  I want to list sixteen of them.  They are in no particular order.  

1.  She is hard working.

2.  She is pretty.

3.  She loves Jesus.

4.  She loves her family.

5.  She loves me.

6.  She is very giving.

7.  She loves the Word of God.

8.  She has mercy and grace.

9.  She lives free.

10.  She is loyal.

11.  She seeks God first.

12.  She is easily content.

13.  She loves her parents.

14.  She loves my family.

15.  She loves life.

16.  She loves the local church and ministry.

For all these reasons, and a million more, I would marry her a thousands times again without a second thought.  I love you, Kathy Aubrey.