Memorial Stone Two, The Greatest Invitation!

       As I remember it, it was a typical Saturday in rural Naples, North Carolina. How wrong I was! Little did I know, I was about to begin a quest that would lead to the greatest invitation of my life!
  
As a teenager living with my family in our modest home, I remember a knock on the door that Saturday.

The ones doing the knocking (A Pastor and his son) were from the Calvary Baptist Church, in Hendersonville North Carolina. They had a bus ministry and on that Saturday they "just happened" (what some people call coincidence, we know is the will of God) to knock on our door.

Because of their mission heart, and invitation, my brother and sister and I began riding the church bus week by week to the church, where we heard the Word of God preached!

I must confess I was more motivated by the candy they would give you if you attended!

 Their kindness would set in motion my personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, and sow seeds of truth in my brother and sister's life that would one day have eternal results...mainly their own conversion to the "Way, the Truth and the Life!" The Lord Jesus Christ! 

It was in that Church where I heard an invitation to  confess my sins to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in doing so receive His life in exchange for my own. He offered to forgive me, and become the Lord of my life. I said Yes! The most incredible transaction took place in a moment, I was a Kings Kid!

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. (Colossians 1:13).

 Speed ahead 17 or so years, I was back in Western North Carolina, as a speaker at a World Missions Conference. By this time I had completed college went on the earn a Masters degree and was Pastoring a church in Eastern Colorado.

I went up to the parsonage where the Pastor of Calvary Baptist, Buddy Mullinax was still pastor (He actually pastored Calvary on three separate occasions) when he answered the door...I said to him, "Sir I have come along way to thank you!"

He asked me in and I told him about that certain Saturday when he and his son Donny had stopped by our home....with an invitation to attend church...that now looking back was engraved from ...heaven!

Upon returning to Colorado I received a letter from Pastor Mullinax that started:

Dear Mark, Thank you for making my day, my week, my month, my year! In actuality, it was the tender evangelistic heart of Pastor Buddy and Donny that I am grateful for both now and forever!

I later was asked to be the key note speaker at Pastor Mullinax's 40th anniversary celebration! While there, the bus driver, who drove us to Church week by week introduced himself, and with tears in his eyes said "I often wondered if it was worth it, picking up kids...week after week, (I was thinking yeah, kids more interested in candy than the Lord) he said but today....God showed me it was!!

Wow, how thankful I am for those dear people who sacrificed their time, to be used of God to change my life, my family's life! To point me to the One who has changed my life in so many profound ways!

Incidentally, the events of that Saturday were published in "Mission Magazine" all over the country a few years ago!

My brother now pastors one of the leading Churches in Colorado, our sister has graduated to heaven, and our family looks back with gratitude to Calvary Baptist for providing the initial opportunity for her to learn about the love of Jesus, that makes her Home-going now easier to accept.


We will see her again!

Today, think about someone you can reach out to, with the love of Jesus, if we all just reached one, think of the possibilities, when one person says "Yes" to the greatest invitation!

The following song by Steven Curtis Chapman reminds me of that day long ago in North Carolina, how fitting that I write this on Valentines Day, how I celebrate the love of My Heavenly Father, His Wonderful Son...and the Holy Spirit!

My First Memorial Stone- Growing up in a Loving Home!

Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in. – Robert Frost

  

     My first Memorial stone, which I want to write about, is my home life growing up. Our home was not unlike perhaps millions of homes in the 60s and 70s, at least I hope so.

How do you begin to write about a place where you feel so valued so welcome so needed that even now having spent years away from that place, time has done nothing to diminish the memories that are rich and vibrant.... that have endured through my time on  this earth?

Robert -Dad- He was a man’s man who truly loved us and provided for us even after a stroke nearly ended his life. He worked so hard to carve out a hauling business in the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado that became very successful.  He was fun!   

I well remember Friday night shock theater that he insisted be viewed in the dark. The cloak of darkness gave him needed cover….to sneak up on us and scare us…every Friday night! I knew what it was to be disciplined by him, and I needed it, and it was never excessive (though I probably thought it was at the time) but timely and appropriate.

He was a man of integrity, and insisted that his children be the same way.  He was friendly and courageous as he would walk with much effort and speak with much effort (because of the stroke) to contractors and building executives in securing bids for our family hauling business. He was affectionate with hugs and kisses and he loved my mom…it was that evident.

He came to know the Lord Jesus Christ in 1977 at the age of 47, and oh how the Lord changed his life. To this day I have yet to meet a more passionate and devoted follower of Christ. His death in October of 1980 (Most likely a heart attack while hunting) left us struggling with deep sadness and uncertainty, yet as He always does God made away for our family.

Alora -Mom -   If you were asked to build from scratch the perfect mom, I think the model would be my mom :)  Loving, kind, responsible, caring, cool, thoughtful, warm, funny, tender…that’s her! She can out cook Betty Crocker, she has more charisma than a movie star and she is friendlier than Will Rogers. I know what you’re thinking yea sure everyone feels that way about their mom. You may be right, but trust me this lady hits on all cylinders!

She could write a book on how to make people feel valued! She is the kindest person I have ever known. You should see her in action, everyone she crosses paths with she treats as if they are the most important person on the planet.  To her they are!

Our home was always clean, organized, and filled with the aroma of her recipe masterpieces!

I have this image running through my mind…of her hair in curlers tied up with a scarf, doing spring cleaning! I can still smell the pine sol! She was always there for her kids, coming to the games we played, the holiday school performances…she was there…she is there always!

She is always ready to counsel  when needed, but she is never pushy or opinionated. She believes in her kids…and each of us has basked in her adoration, love and affirmations. She makes us all feel like we could do anything!

Mike-Bother- For the first seven years of my life I was an only child. My dad told my mom that I needed a sibling. In November of 1967 my mom brought home this squirming blue eyed bundle of love…my brother! I still remember looking into his face that first day, I was so happy! And I still am, and even though there in nearly 7 years between us, he has always been so important to our family. He was so much fun as a kid. He loved to play inside or out, he loved riding his bike and building basement forts.

He loved sports and we played a lot! He loved my knee high brightly colored socks (1970’s remember) and often helped himself to a pair knowing that I would catch him, and he would get it! I am not sure what it was…but from time to time…. he got it :)  When we were together and I went through a Burger King drive through when asked what he wanted…his standard reply “I’m having what your having” Smart!

 He was a gritty kid who played football with passion…and later became all city as a defensive lineman.  There were times when we would fight as all kids do, but we worked it out, and we are still very close.

He has the ability to fix nearly anything. I am all thumbs, not him. He is mechanically minded and much like Dad loves the outdoors. Like me, he is a Pastor. He is much more creative than I am and an awesome preacher and a superb administrator. He has been to me a confidant and counselor many times. He has lifted my spirits when facing life challenges. He is a loving husband and father. He is my brother and my friend.

Michelle- Sister-. Where do I begin? This incredible ray of sunshine literally burst into our lives two years later to the day after Mike was born. We called her Shell. I made the mistake of calling her “Dirty Sally” a western Television character in the early 70s and got a much deserved whipping! She was, as a child… pure fun wrapped up in a child’s body.  She and Mike had neighborhood adventures daily! She had a lightening quick wit and an infectious laughter that rocked our house!

On one occasion Mike and I were “encouraged” to sit while Shell played her violin. She had not been taking lessons long, and what made it humorous for us is she was wearing an eye patch prescribed to strengthen vision in her uncovered eye.  It sounded like two cats with their tales tied together.

When you factor in the patch it was like listening to “Black beards” kid sister!  We all have had the experience of being in a place where to laugh was to bring unwanted attention. It did, and resulted in us being “Encouraged” (Is forced, a synonym for encouraged?) to listen to a scratchy “silent night” over and over again! The night was anything but silent, but that is a sweet memory that returns to me often.

She grew into a beautiful woman, and had a job in boulder, Colorado that she loved. I am writing this through tear filled eyes In just three short months ( Early Summer of 2009) Shell, went from a healthy professional, enjoying life, in Boulder County, Colorado as an HR specialist, to struggling with a brain disease (Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease) that is not only untreatable, but incurable.

She went to be with the Lord on September 15^th 2009. I think of her daily. She reminds me of a C.S. Lewis quote, " Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything".  Our family rests in the following promise:

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4: 16-18). ESV

There you have it, my first memorial stone growing up in a loving family.  Thank you Lord!

This song reminds me of those comforting memories of home...enjoy!

The Memorial Stones of My Life.

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, ² “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, ³ and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” ⁴ Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. ⁵ And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, ⁶ that this may be a sign among you. (Joshua 4: 1-7).

*The monument stones were placed midway between Jordan and Jericho!  They placed their memory halfway between Gods mighty deliverance in the past, and the unknown challenges of the future! That moment reminded them that there was no retreat, the God who opened the Jordan before them, closed the Jordan behind them! They were to advance into the future, for there could be no retreat into the past! * Joel Gregory

The many and varied ways the Lord leads us are amazing. We often miss the significance of what we perceive as incidentals, as we move through this life! As people enter in and out of our life's door…we can and sadly often do miss their importance.  

Certainly there are the unforgettable characters that line the hallways of our memory! Have you ever considered, that in the simple day to day experience of living…there are things happening around us, propelling us in new and thrilling directions?

We take for granted, a phone call at just the right time, a recommendation, a letter of reference…a timely conversation. Life happens fast, and we need to remember that, God wants to direct our steps…to make away for us.  

And as He does…and when He does we need to remember! Why?  Because we forget!

I am planning on taking the next three months (12 Weeks) and sharing my memorial stones. The places, experiences... and opportunities that have shaped me....molded me.

Beginning next week, I will write about:

    1. My First Memorial Stone- Growing up in a loving home

    2. The Greatest Invitation

    3. The most important real estate decision of my Dads life

    4. The girl next door to the girl next door

    5. A walk through the Valley of death/Texas sized Education

    6. Called to Preach

    7. Our first arrow

    8. My first Church/ Our second arrow

    9. A burning desire/ Our third arrow

   10. Church Reflections

   11. New beginnings in a land that is forever west,
        another walk through the valley of death.

   12. A World Wide opportunity

Reading through the Bible in 2012!

  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105).

  I have made it a goal to read through the Bible this year. So far I have not missed any days, but did have to read several days in one setting, to catch up!   I am using the “One year Bible” where there are daily readings for each day of the year.  I would highly recommend it. 

What I am learning and being reminded of is God’s Word is a “Love Letter” its God reaching down to His creation to offer purpose and direction. I am being reminded that God always has a plan!  

The Bible reads like a thrilling novel, and even though we know the outcome, of how things turn out, there is freshness and warmth that reminds us that God was not only faithful and gracious centuries ago…we discover, He is just the same today! 

What I have seen so far:

 I see His power in speaking the World into existence! 

 I see His tenderness in caring for the first couple.

I see his guiding an aged Abraham from his homeland to a new land, and fulfilling a promise to give Him and Sarah a son.

I have read of his plan for Joseph to take him from a pit to an Egyptian palace, and a renewed relationship, with a dysfunctional family (His Brothers) that had sold him into slavery.

I have read and been reminded of the importance of wisdom, in Proverbs, and the Psalmist day by day reliance on God for deliverance from very real enemies.

All of that, and so much more…. in just the last 24 days! 

There are 341 days to the end of the year, and the end of my reading the Bible through this year! 

In actuality you never come to the end of reading God’s Word, it is always new, always captivating…always!

Why not order a “One year Bible” for yourself…and join me on the adventure! 

If you do, I promise you, you will not be the same person you are now! God's Word affects us, alters us, deepens us!

Enjoy this song, that underscores the importance of Gods Word!

Will you speak up?

    

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:15-16). ESV

According to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, "Martin Niemoller was a Protestant pastor and head of the anti-Nazi Confessing Church. Arrested for 'malicious attacks against the state', he spent seven years in the Dachau and Sachsenhausen Released in 1945 by the Allies."

He penned the moving and oft quoted poem:

In Germany, they first came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. 

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. 

 Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Catholic. 

Then they came for me -- and by that time there was nobody left to speak up. 

Martin Luther King Jr. wasn't afraid to speak up. This excerpt from a message he spoke in Memphis the night before his death has always moved me: 

"Like anyone, I'd like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go up the mountain, and I've looked over and I've seen the Promised Land. I might not get there with you. But I want you to know that we as a people will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!" 

Someone well said: “A silent friend is no friend at all"

Listen to Dr. King and decide to not be silent when your voice is needed!

Basement Dreams and the best candy on the planet!

If necessity is the mother of invention, then I want to give a shout out to the creator of my favorite candy on earth!

*"H. B." Reese (May 24, 1879 – May 16, 1956) was an American inventor, and founder of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and of the H. B. Reese Candy Co., he was born in York County Pennsylvania on a farm. Said to have worked odd jobs such as butcher or salesman in his youth, he eventually married around 1900 and went on to have 16 children. 

He first moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania in 1917, where he worked for on a dairy farm owned by The Hershey Company. He did well until the farm was closed by Hershey's. Not long after moving his family to Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, Reese moved back to Hershey, again working for Hershey's. Inspired by his work, Reese began experimenting with candies in his basement, developing some candies he named after his children, the "Lizzie Bar", and the "Johnny Bar". 

After several failed candy-related business ventures in the region, by 1920 he was manufacturing peanut butter cups—then called penny cups because they sold for one cent—among other small candies and assortments Reese initially sold these candies in retail, and soon also in bulk. It was not long before he started the H. B. Reese Candy Co.*Wikipedia

H.B. was willing to risk. His Hershey career was streaky…and so he went down into his basement and began experimenting! 

Wouldn’t you have loved to be his lab assistant!  Mark? Do you think this Peanut butter cup needs more chocolate or more Peanut Butter? Well…H.B. let’s do more taste testing;)

Is there something that you have dreamed about, a business venture a new direction, and for whatever reason you have hesitated? Remember “Risk Takers” have the best stories ;)

?  What would you do with your life if money was no object, and you knew you couldn’t fail?

Your initial answer is your heart answer…and just maybe it’s high time you went down into your basement, and start experimenting!

This is the 1970's commercial that launched my admiration for Reese's....thanks H.B.!

Christmas Day at the Petro Truck Stop!

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32).

 

     From Green River Wyoming to Laramie Wyoming is about 222 miles. Laramie is a great place to stop…gas up and snack up if you’re traveling on to Colorado Springs as Laura and I were on Christmas Day.  

We were still celebrating and commenting on two incredible services (Christmas Eve) and Christmas Day at HillTop Baptist Church.  Strong attendance, warm and loving people and the reminder that God so loved the World that He gave…the greatest present this world will ever receive... the Lord Jesus Christ!

The many miles we traveled across the black ribbon of Interstate 80 gave us ample time to reflect on Gods goodness. That very morning the congregation presented us an amazing financial gift…to remind us that we are valued and loved. 

Stopping in Laramie at the Petro Truck Stop I went in while Laura stayed in the Jeep.  Snacks in hand, I made my way to the counter where a lady looked at me and with a sigh said…."Guess I am feeling the empty nest today".

I asked her to tell me about it and quickly learned that she was from California, where her grown sons are now, she now living and working in Laramie and missing them, on Christmas Day.  I told her that I understood, and felt the same way…I told her that I was a Wyoming Pastor…and our sons lived in Colorado.  

I let her know, I had reminded our congregation the night before (Christmas Eve) that you can feel lonely as a Christian, but you’re never alone, if you know the Lord…because He is always with you!  

In our brief encounter... at her counter, she also told me that she was a Christian I shook her hand and walked away thankful that the Lord had prompted me to stop, to offer a lonely heart the encouragement that only the Lord can ultimately provide.

How many such opportunities await each of us in 2012?