Here we are, spending a couple of days in the Roanoke valley. We have had two amazing days.
On Friday we were able to meet with several hundred students at Oak Grove Elementary School, a public school in the Roanoke area. It was dress up day for the younger grades so we got to see all kinds of celebrities. Mario and Luigi, Disney princesses, Minnie Mouse, pirates, gangsters, and all sorts of other characters came out to the assemblies along with their other classmates.
It is always an honor to share with students about our books and the importance of reading, writing, and working hard at school. We had a great time with students and staff. It is also encouraging to meet hard-working, faithful, Christian administrator's, teachers, and other staff who are making a difference in the lives of students everyday. We met several professionals in this school who fit that description.
Later in the same day we were able to forge an exciting new business relationship with a well established book reseller that enjoys a national distribution. The story of Scripture Truth is one of those stories of how God took an individual committed to sharing his faith and accomplished so much more than anyone would have ever imagined. It was inspiring to hear their history recounted and to see their ministry in action.
Today we are honored to share in a local church, where the pastor has a direct tie to us. Pastor Frasor was a young man who sat under the ministry of my father over 50 years ago. David has had a wonderful ministry in the Roanoke area for years and we are very honored to be in his church this morning. It is always thrilling to hear from people all over the country who were impacted by Dad and Mom's ministry. We run into individuals in so many different places who come up to us and share how their lives were changed through Mom and Dad's influence and input into their lives.
Through out our days here we have been blessed by the love and hospitality of Ryan, Alisa, and Cohen. They are part of our family who live in the area. We had a great time sharing laughs, meals, stories, and sites together. It's great to see them serving Christ with their lives and in their home. It has taken some work to get Cohen to warm up to his old, bearded, loud-mouthed Uncle Tim, but last night we finally broke through - I got a treasured "night-night" hug.
On top of one of the mountains that dot the landscape around Roanoke is the Roanoke Star. It is a huge metal star that is lit up every night and shines over the valley to remind folks, of the fact, that Roanoke is a wonderful place to live and work. As you can imagine, I was reminded of the "Star of Bethlehem" and also of the fact that we are to "let our light shine before men, so that they can see our Father in heaven". We have met several "stars" here in Roanoke who are shedding light in their world. That has been an exciting thing to see!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away
These past few days have been interesting as I have watched God's hand at work in a myriad of situations. In some of these areas of life God has taken things away in His time and in His way. In other areas He has given in ways that have exceeded my request or expectation.
Today we will attend the funeral of a dear friend of many, many years. She was a sweet and faithful follower of Christ and has always been there to encourage our lives. Her family has followed her example of love and care for the body of Christ. She passed suddenly and will be greatly missed - The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away!
We received word this week that another close friend and brother continues to lose ground in his battle with brain cancer. Loss of sight, seizure, disorientation, and overall weakness is slowly taking its toll on his physical body. But he continues to rest and draw strength in God's faithfulness and daily provision of grace - The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away!
As our business enterprise grows we have taken a major step, at God's leading, to move away from one business partner and move closer to another partner. On the one hand we are giving up meaningful potential but also significant frustration. On the other hand, the Lord has provided a partner with visionary leadership, a strong desire to follow His leadership, and incredible opportunities for growth. This will mean changes in how we will accomplish the goals God has put in our hearts - The Lord giveth the Lord taketh away!
My prayer is that we will be aware of God's hand of grace in those areas where we see Him taking away, so that our hearts are filled with praise in the same way that we are given over to rejoicing, when we see Him pouring out on us so much of His grace in those parts of our lives where we are fully aware of His gifts that we see as adding blessing to our lives.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Today we will attend the funeral of a dear friend of many, many years. She was a sweet and faithful follower of Christ and has always been there to encourage our lives. Her family has followed her example of love and care for the body of Christ. She passed suddenly and will be greatly missed - The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away!
We received word this week that another close friend and brother continues to lose ground in his battle with brain cancer. Loss of sight, seizure, disorientation, and overall weakness is slowly taking its toll on his physical body. But he continues to rest and draw strength in God's faithfulness and daily provision of grace - The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away!
As our business enterprise grows we have taken a major step, at God's leading, to move away from one business partner and move closer to another partner. On the one hand we are giving up meaningful potential but also significant frustration. On the other hand, the Lord has provided a partner with visionary leadership, a strong desire to follow His leadership, and incredible opportunities for growth. This will mean changes in how we will accomplish the goals God has put in our hearts - The Lord giveth the Lord taketh away!
My prayer is that we will be aware of God's hand of grace in those areas where we see Him taking away, so that our hearts are filled with praise in the same way that we are given over to rejoicing, when we see Him pouring out on us so much of His grace in those parts of our lives where we are fully aware of His gifts that we see as adding blessing to our lives.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Birthday pies
October 16 - just another day on the calendar for most people. A few days after the 12th, which has significance because of a rather ancient Spanish adventurer, and few days before the 31st when so much is made of ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. The average person sees the 16th as one more day to grind out.
This year October 16 fell on a Saturday. Here in Western North Carolina it was quite a beautiful day. The air was brisk in the morning. A stiff autumn breeze rattled the trees. Leaves are reaching their annual peak of color. As the day wore on, the sun began to heat up the day. Jackets came off. Tee shirts, flip-flops, and shorts were still appropriate as the last hints of an extremely hot summer could still be felt.
I spent much of the day completing chores around the yard. There is limited time to accomplish all that must be done in preparation for the winter months. So I chased leaves out of the yard, cared for the horses, mowed grass, began clearing the garden, and stacked wood. These are activities that have often filled the hours of October 16th.
But, October 16 is not just another autumn day in my life. It is the annual celebration of the day "I discovered America". It is not celebrated with parades or special sales, or those other annual community-wide events that sometimes occur in honor of that other "discovery of America". Most of the folks in my community had no idea that this day had any special significance. If they found themselves celebrating, it almost certainly had nothing to do with my own personal reasons. Still, this day is important in my life.
Growing up I don't remember a lot of special parties and I can only recall a few birthday gifts, even though I have received hundreds over these past 50 plus years. What I do remember are birthday pies. That's right - not birthday cakes, although I have had my share. I remember the pies.
Being one of five children in the home of a pastor meant that celebrations were not extravagant events. Mom and Dad quickly learned that what could make these occasions memorable was to find ways to keep them uniquely special for each person. Mom knew that I loved her chocolate and her butterscotch pies. So each year I could count on the sounds and smells of homemade birthday pies being baked on October 16.
Joyce, my bride of over 35 years has maintained this time honored tradition for me. As I sit here reflecting on the events of yesterday, I am savoring the taste of homemade butterscotch pie (I'll have some chocolate pie a little later). I recipe is the same one Mom used all those many years ago. Yesterday was a rather quiet celebration. The kids called to extend their hopes that I had a great day. I was serenaded by my 3 incredible granddaughters, then Joyce and I were treated to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. Later on, as I watched my favorite college football team play unexpectedly well and a couple of my least favorite college football teams be unexpectedly defeated I reflected on another wonderful October 16th and enjoyed the taste of homemade birthday pies.
This year October 16 fell on a Saturday. Here in Western North Carolina it was quite a beautiful day. The air was brisk in the morning. A stiff autumn breeze rattled the trees. Leaves are reaching their annual peak of color. As the day wore on, the sun began to heat up the day. Jackets came off. Tee shirts, flip-flops, and shorts were still appropriate as the last hints of an extremely hot summer could still be felt.
I spent much of the day completing chores around the yard. There is limited time to accomplish all that must be done in preparation for the winter months. So I chased leaves out of the yard, cared for the horses, mowed grass, began clearing the garden, and stacked wood. These are activities that have often filled the hours of October 16th.
But, October 16 is not just another autumn day in my life. It is the annual celebration of the day "I discovered America". It is not celebrated with parades or special sales, or those other annual community-wide events that sometimes occur in honor of that other "discovery of America". Most of the folks in my community had no idea that this day had any special significance. If they found themselves celebrating, it almost certainly had nothing to do with my own personal reasons. Still, this day is important in my life.
Growing up I don't remember a lot of special parties and I can only recall a few birthday gifts, even though I have received hundreds over these past 50 plus years. What I do remember are birthday pies. That's right - not birthday cakes, although I have had my share. I remember the pies.
Being one of five children in the home of a pastor meant that celebrations were not extravagant events. Mom and Dad quickly learned that what could make these occasions memorable was to find ways to keep them uniquely special for each person. Mom knew that I loved her chocolate and her butterscotch pies. So each year I could count on the sounds and smells of homemade birthday pies being baked on October 16.
Joyce, my bride of over 35 years has maintained this time honored tradition for me. As I sit here reflecting on the events of yesterday, I am savoring the taste of homemade butterscotch pie (I'll have some chocolate pie a little later). I recipe is the same one Mom used all those many years ago. Yesterday was a rather quiet celebration. The kids called to extend their hopes that I had a great day. I was serenaded by my 3 incredible granddaughters, then Joyce and I were treated to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. Later on, as I watched my favorite college football team play unexpectedly well and a couple of my least favorite college football teams be unexpectedly defeated I reflected on another wonderful October 16th and enjoyed the taste of homemade birthday pies.
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Marvelous Perspective
The past week or so have been somewhat trying. Both Joyce and I have been battling some type of virus or flu. It was certainly more than the good old "common cold". Things are always sort of drab and dreary when you get back from an exciting vacation. In this particular case there were several thorny issues that we needed to handle. There is so much to be done before we hit the full stride of our Christmas season.
I am ashamed to admit that I was discouraged and dismayed as I waded into what seemed like some incredibly perilous waters. We committed our way to the Lord and began to work on the issues we faced. By week's end we had seen God once again prove that He is able to do "immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine". Then last night - Sunday evening October 10 we received some truly heartrending news. A very dear friend, incredibly gifted musician, and devoted disciple of Christ - David Carson has recently been diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor. Dave and I have laughed together, hunted together, eaten together, worshiped together, fought a family of skunks together, been neighbors, and friends. We toured together with a male quartet we helped form called the "New Beginning" too many years ago to admit. Dave has always had a heart for God. He has been a loving husband, father, grandfather, pastor, missionary, spirit filled musician and gifted Bible teacher.
We had lost touch with Dave and Pam for several years, until late last fall when we reconnected in Apex, NC around a rather large pizza. It was a great time that both Joyce and I have cherished over these past few months. Then yesterday the devastating news. I must say there have been few things in my life that have been more disturbing to me than when we heard of Dave's illness.
I picked up the phone and dialed Dave and Pam's number hoping to be able to encourage Pam that we would be standing with them through what may very well be dark days. Instead, Dave answered the phone! As we talked, and he shared how blessed he and his family were, I was amazed and ashamed. How could I have let such temporal difficulties cloud my days. David continues to inspire. He knows that apart from a Divine intervention of miraculous proportions, his days on this earth are rather few. However, he shared how "glorious" (his words) the prospects of seeing Christ and experiencing His presence has become in his life.
What an incredible testimony, what an marvelous perspective. Thanks Dave for sharing your love for Christ to so many and allowing us to see Christ in and through you. You can be assured of my prayers and support as you fight the battle God has called you to wage.
"He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it!"
I am ashamed to admit that I was discouraged and dismayed as I waded into what seemed like some incredibly perilous waters. We committed our way to the Lord and began to work on the issues we faced. By week's end we had seen God once again prove that He is able to do "immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine". Then last night - Sunday evening October 10 we received some truly heartrending news. A very dear friend, incredibly gifted musician, and devoted disciple of Christ - David Carson has recently been diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor. Dave and I have laughed together, hunted together, eaten together, worshiped together, fought a family of skunks together, been neighbors, and friends. We toured together with a male quartet we helped form called the "New Beginning" too many years ago to admit. Dave has always had a heart for God. He has been a loving husband, father, grandfather, pastor, missionary, spirit filled musician and gifted Bible teacher.
We had lost touch with Dave and Pam for several years, until late last fall when we reconnected in Apex, NC around a rather large pizza. It was a great time that both Joyce and I have cherished over these past few months. Then yesterday the devastating news. I must say there have been few things in my life that have been more disturbing to me than when we heard of Dave's illness.
I picked up the phone and dialed Dave and Pam's number hoping to be able to encourage Pam that we would be standing with them through what may very well be dark days. Instead, Dave answered the phone! As we talked, and he shared how blessed he and his family were, I was amazed and ashamed. How could I have let such temporal difficulties cloud my days. David continues to inspire. He knows that apart from a Divine intervention of miraculous proportions, his days on this earth are rather few. However, he shared how "glorious" (his words) the prospects of seeing Christ and experiencing His presence has become in his life.
What an incredible testimony, what an marvelous perspective. Thanks Dave for sharing your love for Christ to so many and allowing us to see Christ in and through you. You can be assured of my prayers and support as you fight the battle God has called you to wage.
"He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it!"
Friday, October 1, 2010
Memories
Just wrapping up an incredible family vacation to Disney World. For years, Joyce has wanted to take the kids and grandkids to Disney as a part of her celebration of her retirement. Well retirement time came, and so we went to Disney, as planned. What a wonderful time, full of magical memories.
Something not so profound occurs to me. Everything at Disney is built around a common, human theme - Time.
There are reminders of the past. Everything from dinosaurs, to famous Presidents, to stories from "long ago and far away". There are entire sections of parks and massive shows and rides devoted to the future. There's everything from Tomorrowland to Buzz Lightyear. Then there are the reminders that we live in the present. The entire complex caters to your every whim or desire to fill the present moment with fun, laughter, and experience.
We've been here a week and we have made a wealth of memories to review in our minds and hearts. Seeing the girls' eyes bright with wonder and joy, sharing meals around small tables while recounting the last great roller coaster, and watching Joyce beam as the night sky exploded in incredible fireworks over a fairytale castle are all memories to carry from now on.
Time well spent with the one's you love is not time lost. The hours spent together will enhance our lives as we reflect on our memories of an amazing TIME together.
Something not so profound occurs to me. Everything at Disney is built around a common, human theme - Time.
There are reminders of the past. Everything from dinosaurs, to famous Presidents, to stories from "long ago and far away". There are entire sections of parks and massive shows and rides devoted to the future. There's everything from Tomorrowland to Buzz Lightyear. Then there are the reminders that we live in the present. The entire complex caters to your every whim or desire to fill the present moment with fun, laughter, and experience.
We've been here a week and we have made a wealth of memories to review in our minds and hearts. Seeing the girls' eyes bright with wonder and joy, sharing meals around small tables while recounting the last great roller coaster, and watching Joyce beam as the night sky exploded in incredible fireworks over a fairytale castle are all memories to carry from now on.
Time well spent with the one's you love is not time lost. The hours spent together will enhance our lives as we reflect on our memories of an amazing TIME together.
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