Words from Wyoming

The Memorial Stones of My Life.

2012-01-30T17:02:00.009-07:00

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!

2012-01-24T12:02:00.017-07:00

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?

2012-01-16T15:45:00.014-07:00

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!

2012-01-10T11:08:00.003-07:00

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!

2012-01-03T14:52:00.001-07:00

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?

Where’s my Daddy?

2011-12-20T16:18:00.009-07:00

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15).

Braving the mall at Christmas is a necessary task if you’re to find just the right gift for a certain someone. Close parking spots are at a premium. Long lines and lingering customers await your arrival. Have you noticed how people tend to linger in the place that you want to linger?

A fundamental axiom of physics is that no two masses can occupy the same space at the same time!

Meaning that the certain gizmo you’re thinking about buying for your Uncle Sylvester can’t be observed, if someone won’t move out of your way!

The Mall at Christmas time is…an obstacle course, only to be braved, by courageous souls, who are compelled by love, to endure… to purchase!

Just today (Tuesday) I ventured into the Rock Springs mall. I was on a mission, to find several things that would make my wife of 30+ year’s smile. I believe I succeeded, but won’t know until Sunday:)

On my way to pay, a beautiful little girl all of about 4 was walking in front of me, with her mom…..she started singing…"Where’s my Daddy”, "Where’s my Daddy"?

She looked back at me and in that same sing song voice (Without missing a beat) sang “That’s’ not my Daddy"…"That’s not my Daddy"!

He soon appeared, and she sang out “There’s my Daddy", "There’s my Daddy"!

I commented on how cute her song was.

While waiting to buy Laura’s incredible stupendous, wonderful gifts…I thought that little angel knew her Daddy, and she knew I wasn’t him!

I also wondered can others recognize our Daddy, our Heavenly Father…because we not only recognize Him (And live our lives accordingly) …but because He lives through us?

Are there Angels in the Denver Bronco’s Backfield?

2011-12-12T13:07:00.016-07:00


Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success! - Henry Ford

The recent success of the Denver Broncos has become a national sensation. Come back victories last second heroics, heart stopping finishes and a humble Christ honoring quarterback, Tim Tebow.... have made these winter months, warmer for me, and for millions who are enjoying the ride!

Last night the game against the Chicago Bears for all stated purposes was over…it wasn’t!

A veteran Chicago running back ran out of bounds, (That kind of mistake almost never happens at this level) giving the Broncos precious time to mount a comeback. That same running back, in overtime inexplicably fumbled, on the way for perhaps a touchdown, or for sure, incredible field position and an easy field goal for the Chicago Bear win.

That error gave the Broncos the ball back in overtime for a chance to win which they did with a Matt Prater 51 yard field goal!

It was one of the most thrilling exciting games I have ever seen. The before mentioned quarterback, had me off the couch and on my knees watching the improbable become probable leaving experts and fans sitting (Kneeling) in a kind of euphoric trance! How do you explain it?

Are there Angels in the Bronco backfield?

I want to go on record as a Pastor and a decidedly Denver Bronco Football fan to state that I don’t believe the Lord favors one team above another! In fact I think it’s important for players who do pray, to pray not for victory, but for sportsmanship and good health to prevail for all involved!

Marion Barber, the veteran Chicago Bear running back that made the two critical errors, loves the Lord and tweeted after the game:

‘I WILL REMAIN....STILL IN PRAISE.... (PRAISE THE LORD! LET ALL THAT I AM PRAISE THE LORD......PSALMS 146:1 NLT).....HALLELUIAH’

Did the Lord will Denver to win and Chicago to lose? I don’t believe so.

I do believe that faith and hope and hard work and preparation and grit and determination can elevate a team, and for reasons that we can’t explain, move a fifty year old off a Wyoming couch onto his knees in anticipation of an outcome that for more than three quarters seemed out of reach!

Are there Angels in the Denver Bronco’s Backfield?

No, just men who believe along with their entire team, that nothing is over until it’s over!

What a wonderful reminder to the rest of us who perhaps this Christmas season are feeling like our life is in the 4^th quarter and any chance of a victory be it emotional, financial or relational is too much to believe in.

If that’s you today, rest in this promise from Gods Word:

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11: 6).

Bonanza, Gun smoke and a lady named Laverne!

2011-12-08T10:43:00.006-07:00

I am blessed to live in a relatively small town of around 12,000. We have six traffic lights; one however is so long (our minister of youth calls it the light of eternity) that it makes up for others we don’t have. We are limited in restaurant choices, and other options found in larger towns. We have one post office and this time of year it’s a busy place.

A few days ago I was standing in a slow moving line at the post office. My phone rang out loud clear and disruptive, breaking the relative silence of people waiting to take care of their postal needs.

Being an ardent Bonanza fan (Television Western that ran from 1959-1972) my ring tone is the musical theme (Provided for your listening pleasure at the end of this blog) from that show. Before answering my phone, I decided to poll everyone in the post office…and asked (In a loud kind of preacher voice) name that tune!

It was a good question because almost everyone in that post office at that moment I surmised, based on my sudden observation, were from my generation, they appeared to be baby boomers, those born between 1946-1964.

A man near the front of the line with gray in his hair said Bonanza! Right, I replied, I then followed up with some Bonanza trivia, about it airing on Sunday nights, and another post office customer told everyone that it was the first show shot in color, and then we talked about gun smoke and how it ran for 20 years and was on Monday nights.

This impromptu trivia game, made the line move faster, and reminded me that we are all connected by events and television shows, memories and life… in more ways than we think…and sometimes we should break the silence, the monotony of everyday life and just have spontaneous fun!

As I made my way to the counter I overheard a tall man with a deep resonate voice ask for “Christmasie” looking stamps, then an older Lady named Laverne, walked in and I quickly learned that she was recovering from surgery and the postal clerk was genuinely interested in her health and hopeful recovery!

I observed, quaint, heartfelt authentic life, in a post office on an afternoon in Green River, Wyoming.

Come to think of it, who needs more things to do and a few more traffic lights?

A book on Spiritual Warfare, a Peach Snapple and a man named Wade!

2011-11-28T14:35:00.006-07:00

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing, during sleep. Each pause in breathing, called an apnea, can last from a few seconds to minutes, and may occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour.

I have it! I believe I have it because I have become far too familiar with Baptist Potlucks over the last 25 years! You may be surprised to know that 25% of those who have it are not overweight at all! I am, and I do:)

I wear a mask attached to a Cpap machine (Continuous pulmonary air pressure) that forces air down my gullet to ward off apnea. It took awhile to get used to it, and now the thought of not having it, and not being able to breathe is, as you can imagine spooky! This brings me to the subject of this week’s article.

Arriving in Colorado Springs last week, for a family Thanksgiving feast, I discovered late the first night that while I had my Cpap machine I did not have the power cord! No cord no forced air, no air, no breathing No breathing... no Pastor Mark!

My discovery came late…like 12:15 Am late! I know what you’re thinking…yes I am a night owl!

My mom had a cord that was close, but alas to big. Where do you find a cord at 12:30 in the morning?

Wal-Mart!

I hoped you could anyway. I was surprised by the many fellow night-owls that were there, no doubt stocking up on Pre-thanksgiving supplies.

I searched and searched to no avail! I was close to throwing in the towel, and facing a night of no forced air, and then I met Wade! Wade was over in the auto motive section stocking shelves; he saw me and my pitiful downcast face and said six words that gave me hope

“Can I help you find something"?

I have never met someone so helpful, he searched, and searched, and scanned every section where that cord could possibly be.

I thanked him profusely for going the extra mile, and walked away only to have him reappear 2 minutes later saying he found the cord…only it was attached to a $22.00 CD player. I asked him how did you find me, he said I watched the direction you were walking! How many Wal-Mart employees would do that? I thought about buying it then decided to trim my mom’s cord down to size.

I left Wal-Mart with a book about “Spiritual Warfare” and a peach flavored Snapple, (I had to make the trip worth it) and an appreciation for a man named Wade who went above and beyond to help a customer.

While on my way out I stopped and told a supervisor that Wade was awesome, and don’t let him get away!

By the way I almost had my mom’s cord working then an electrical prong broke off. I had one rough night, but I am still here…and my son Ben found the power cord!

Funny how the need for a power cord, ended up being a strong reminder of the importance of service and how when you see it in action, it blesses you!

Thanks Wade!

Life on the Edge!

2011-11-15T17:20:00.010-07:00

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ( Matthew 25: 37-40).

Imagine for a moment you are riding a bicycle with a cushion less seat and a bald front tire. You’re riding through Wyoming in November. Your heading for Phoenix, Phoenix is…13 hours 46 minutes, or 804.6 miles, from Green River, Wyoming.

That’s 13 hours 46 minutes by car, not bicycle!

I know what you’re thinking, the song “By the time I get to Phoenix”, has new meaning now…no your thinking, where did you get this scenario from Pastor Mark?

Your wondering has the Pastor recently subscribed to

“Foolish Bike, Outings of the West”? Or maybe, “How to freeze in 13 hours or less”?

Nope, no subscriptions here…not thinking up a would be situation to keep you thankful, because it’s almost Thanksgiving…no, I am sharing this with you because it’s a true story, and a reminder that many people live life on the edge, and when they cross our life's door, we should help them, if we can.

The bicyclist Andrew a 45 year old full blooded Apache, who walked into my study yesterday out of breath, after riding the before mentioned bicycle up to HillTop to see if he might find a friendly face who would put him up in a hotel for the night.

He needed to find a reprieve from the constant howling wind, of a cold Wyoming November late afternoon.

We met, and he told me his story of riding from Jackson, to Pinedale, to Farson, to Rock Springs, to Green River, via the gravel back road because a bicycle is not allowed on I 80. He told me you can spend the night at the Post office in Farson, because they don’t lock the lobby. He told me of standing on an on ramp for a long time, because no one would give him and his bicycle a much needed lift.

I told Him of God, and His Son Jesus and the reminder that what some people call coincidence, is in actuality the Will of God. I shared my own journey to faith in Christ, and how the Lord had a plan for him too. I gave him a Bible and a voucher for a nights stay at a local hotel. I prayed for him. He left.

I thought this morning on the way to Church, no way I will see Andrew again, who wants to ride uphill to HillTop ( There is a reason why our Church has that name) if you don’t have to!

I was surprised this morning, to hear familiar footsteps and a heavy breathing Andrew who came to say goodbye!

I gave him some chocolate, and a cup of coffee, and offered to give him a ride down the road. He refused... he gave to me, the reminder that there are people all around who need to know not only that God loves them, but has a plan for them, the people who because of unfavorable life experiences are living hard lives.

People who just like us....need the Lord!

As you listen to this wonderful song, say a prayer for Andrew, and all the people, who are right now... living life on the edge.

Attitude and Choices!

2011-11-07T17:14:00.010-07:00

¹⁵You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. ¹⁶May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, ¹⁷but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— ¹⁸may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus. (2 Timothy 1: 15-18). ESV

Attitude someone said determines altitude! I like that, and I believe it. There is just something about people who have an optimistic outlook. We all have choices in how we will treat the people, God puts into our lives! And ultimately we decide the kind of people we will be…the level of our service to the Lord Jesus Christ and to those who follow Him, and those who don’t.

Paul reminds us, that in our lives as Christians, we will meet two kinds of people.

People who will turn away from you:

¹⁵You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

Paul vividly remembers many people who had deserted him. Called to spread the Gospel, Paul needed to find a nucleus of those who would love Jesus Christ supremely, and be useful in seeing others come to know the joy of the Lord!

He then lists two people specifically, who when things became difficult and he (Paul) needed friends, they simply walked away from him!

As a Pastor I have met people who had sorry attitudes. The glass wasn’t just half empty, they questioned the quality of the water, the appearance of the glass and how much you should drink and when! Followed quickly by asking, ( If you dared to comment about their glass) and just who do you think you are to comment about my glass anyway?

Those people make ministry misery! I have a name for them they are “grace builders” there negativity will drive your prayer life to new heights! They make frequent withdraws from your life!

There the kind of people that makes retirement seem so inviting!

People who will turn toward you:

¹⁶May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, ¹⁷but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me—

Thankfully, there are those who will build your life. They will make many heartfelt deposits in your life bank! You know the folks I am thinking about, I know you do…you have met them…the people who genuinely love you. They know your far from perfect, and will in fact never arrive, on this earth anyway…but they believe in you!

And they love the Lord and His Church, they don’t make excuses for why they don’t come anymore, they are decidedly people who genuinely love Jesus and His Church!

Simply put, Jesus died for the Church, and you cannot love The Lord Jesus Christ and not love something He died for!

They look at you with smiling eyes, and greet you with warm hellos. Those people make Ministry Magnificent! They will search for you, when you need help... they are there…the glass for them is always full, and they are the ones who will bring you water!

So? Are you turning towards, the Lord and His people or away?

Our Refuge!

2011-10-31T15:03:00.007-06:00

When you hear the word refuge, what immediately comes to mind? I think of a place of safety. Some isolated reinforced bunker like structure that one hopes to be near when say, an F-5 tornado is heading your way. Refuge is a secure word; it offers a harbor when the seas are just too rough.

Life is often rough. Goals we set, seem at first attainable, then setbacks cause us to reassess just how reachable they really are. We get weary. Dreams I have often said, are goals with deadlines. What do you do when the dream and the deadline can’t be found in the same calendar, or even year?

Pray! Pray? Yes…Pray! To who? To the only one who can synchronize dreams and deadlines! Let me explain.

I happen to Pastor a wonderful Church in Southwest Wyoming. HillTop Baptist Church is a growing Church. I will tell you why…loving Churches grow, and growing Churches love! And HillTop is growing, so much that we have been in a very lengthy building campaign.

A brand new 450 seat auditorium has been under construction for many years. We are closer than ever before. Yet the much needed completion seems to elude us. Progress… we have certainly seen it! It has been slow however, and that takes its toll on leadership and membership alike. We have often rested our souls on the goodness of God and He has made things happen that only He can.

Today after walking down to pick up the mail, I was reminded of Psalm 46:1-3:

¹God is our refuge and strength,
   a very presenthelp in trouble.
²Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
   though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
³though its waters roar and foam,
   though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3).

Why were you reminded of that passage you ask? In the mail today October 31^st 2011 was a card from a Church in another state. They are aware of our ongoing, continual, everlasting, enduring, protracted building project! The leadership of that congregation decided to help, to reach across the miles and in a tangible way remind us, that we are not alone, that we have a refuge!

Their kindness profound, their gift incredibly generous!

The Church, “Heart of the Springs Baptist Church” in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Pastor is my younger brother Mike. The amount... not saying or typing…until I share this Sunday with a congregation that will yet again be reminded….

¹God is our refuge and strength,
a very presenthelp in trouble.

Mike’s note in part read:

Our Church has been abundantly blessed, and we believe strongly that God has called us to be a blessing to others. We want you to know that we celebrate your growth, and the impact you are having for the Kingdom of God. Consequently it is our joy to come along side of you in your work and have apart in your building project- confident that God will carry it on to completion.

And the one, the only one who “can synchronize dreams and deadlines” is smiling!

The following song " You are my hiding place" always reminds me of our Lord...our Refuge!

How do we live, how do we love?

2011-10-24T13:55:00.008-06:00

Love, is something that is sometimes hard to express, but we know when we have been loved, when someone is genuine and their love toward us is so needed and welcomed!

As a Christian and a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, I should love. It’s really not an option for one who says he belongs to the very one who demonstrated what real love should look like.

The Apostle John who was the only Apostle not to be killed for his faith, the one who wrote 1, 2, 3, John and the book of Revelation reminds us:

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. (1 John3: 9-10).

God has a twofold expectation of those who are believers.

We are not to be habitual sinners

We are to love others.

The longer we know and serve the Lord we should be progressing. That is while we never will reach sinless perfection in this life on earth, we certainly should be sinning less! When we know what the Word of God says about an issue and choose to ignore it that is sin!

James wrote: So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17).

We are also expected to love others.

The early Church, the first century Church has always fascinated me. Notice how they fulfilled the expectation to care for others.

"In the ancient Roman Empire, secular historians record the gracious way that Christians cared for not only their own but also the poor, dying, and even the slaves at large in the empire. So effective was their social care for the people of the empire that the pagan Emperor Julian grew frustrated that the rest of the Romans could not behave like these Christians whom he called atheists since they did not worship his gods. The social and moral conditions throughout the empire were affected by the work of Christ's kingdom among His people". *David Curtis Berean Bible Church

It all comes down to this…how do we live, how do we love?

Why Denver Quarterback Tim Tebow will do well!

2011-10-17T10:45:00.005-06:00

I am so thankful that at last Tim Tebow will get a chance to show what he can do. I fully expect that He will do very well, and here is why.

1. He already has! In the games he has played in, he energizes the crowd,

he has a wonderful way of making people take notice, as in, it's not

an option! He can score on the ground, or in the air, he is in a word

electrifying!

2. He will continue serve up "hope" on a big platter! Just before

he came in against the chargers I was about to fall asleep on the

couch! Once he trotted onto the field I postponed the nap, and

watched him do, what he always does, play his heart out, and serve a

large portion of "Hope" to one starving stadium, filled with

deprived Denver hopefuls! On the last play, I was off the couch, on my

knees saying come on Tim, Come On Tim...And I am fifty!

3. He is fun to watch! I know it’s a business, and the goal is to win, yet

with this young man, there is joy in knowing that in a world of

inflated salaries and egos, in Tim Tebow there is truly something

special! Those who truly "Get Him" observe that He lives His life with

a contagious passion, and that is inspiring!

I wonder how much more effective a Pastor I would be if I ministered with the same passion Tim Tebow exemplifies in his life?

Knowing the Lord Jesus Christ!

2011-10-13T11:33:00.013-06:00

*Heaven is for Real is a book about a four year old boy named Colton who died due to a burst appendix and was brought back to life. The parents were surprised to hear of his stories of angels and Jesus.
Over the course of the next few years Colton’s parents would glean more and more detail from his extraordinary trip.

Since Colton had said he had met Jesus, whenever Colton’s Dad would come across a painting of Jesus he would show it to Colton and ask him if this is what Jesus really looked like. He dismissed all of them until he saw a painting called The Prince of Peace, painted by a child prodigy. That painting is the one you see above.

When he saw that painting, Colton just stopped and stared, then said “Yeah, that’s him.” He was especially drawn to Jesus’ eyes in the painting, which Colton said did a great job of expressing the love he saw when he met him.*Source Sonlight Pictures Blog

There is nothing that compares to knowing the Lord Jesus Christ! He has been the central and most critical relationship of my life, after receiving His forgiveness and being placed in His forever family as a teenager in North Carolina!

On that incredible day I heard a Pastor tell about The Lord Jesus Christ dying for sinners, offering forgiveness, and His friendship. He then asked if anyone would like to become a follower of Jesus. If so, walk forward!

I walked forward during the invitation, a time at the conclusion of a Worship service in Baptist and other protestant churches where those in the congregation have the opportunity to respond to the Gospel.

I knelt with a Godly man, who led me in a heartfelt prayer of repentance (turning away from sin) and asking the Lord Jesus Christ to come into my life, and forgive my sins, to be my Savior. I did, and He came in…and I have never been the same since that initial encounter with Gods Son!

The Gospel is God’s good news, the Apostle Paul wrote:

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9).

I am reminded of something someone once said that reminds us of the urgency of responding to Gods offer of salvation.

“The Gospel is only Good news, if it gets there in time”

Do you know Him? Have you received Him? If not, why not? What are you waiting for ?

Yesterday October 12^th would have been my Dad’s 81^st birthday. He only lived until the age of 50, my age now, which seems so young.

Three years before his death Dad, after not being in a Church for 20 years went, he heard the Gospel; he responded…he was changed! He discovered what I had, and what billions of people have discovered…if you genuinely offer your life to Jesus and sincerely desire Him, He will accept your surrendered life and make something wonderful out of it!

He would often tell me I wish I had not waited so long to offer my sinful life to the Lord for His cleansing, and forgiveness.

Today, right now…wherever this moment finds you, find a quiet place, sincerely ask Jesus to take your life, all of it, everything from what you want to be (Ambitions) to who you now are, and ask Him for forgiveness, ask Him to take the reins of your life, entrust yourself to Him.

If you do, I assure you He will keep His word, and you will discover for yourself:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I am asking God, for your new beginning!

The following song by Steven Curtis Chapman, sums up my earnest hope for everyone in the world.

Why does the movie Courageous work?

2011-10-04T14:26:00.003-06:00

I saw courageous last night with my wife Laura and several friends. After an endless stream of previews it started. I knew it would be over two hours long, and though I had heard it was an excellent movie, I had some misgivings. As a Christian and as a Pastor, I was concerned that somehow despite all the good things I had heard, the movie would come across as low budget; with poor acting…in a word I was thinking, will this be cheesy?

Why the concern for the cheese factor?

Because those who oppose the message of hope found in Jesus Christ, often mock and deride solid morals; they assume that believers are hopelessly lost in a time warp, and deep down want the world to resemble the 50’s instead of the times we now live in. If then, a cinematic offering appears to lack depth, or reality or whatever critics feel a movie needs to be relevant, they attack! And to be sure many critics have attacked Courageous, on everything from its length, to the message, to the multiple sub plots.

Funny thing is some critics like it! More than that viewers love it! Opening on just over 1,100 screens in select areas, it finished fourth in box office receipts, and earned 8.8 million dollars over this past weekend!

Exit polls have discovered that it is receiving an A+ rating, a very rare mark to achieve!

The movie cost one million to produce, one million to promote, and already a million people have seen it! Compare that budget to the average of 41 million or more to make most movies.

Why has Courageous been such a hit?

It’s an excellent movie! Well written, with a compelling script, where real life issues are addressed. My uncertainties within minutes gave way to gratitude that the Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany Georgia, dared to believe that they could make the foray into mainstream cinema with a positive message, and gain an audience!

They have, and the movie Courageous works because there is a strong remnant of people in this country who believe in God, who pray, who trust in Him to make sense of their lives, they believe in a God who is not remote, but near!

The critics will criticize, yet for the vast majority of people who take their seat in a darkened theater in select areas…there will be gratitude, because Courageous works!

Check out the trailer, and plan to see Courageous!

Just an Ordinary week?

2011-09-28T14:24:00.016-06:00

"Offer hospitality to one another without
grumbling"
(1 Peter 4:9 (NIV).

    They arrived this past Saturday afternoon. Seven men from Arizona, drywall experts, who we had contracted to come and tape and mud our new sanctuary.

Our Church has provided a camper and a fifth wheel on site and enough food to make them want to become Baptists!

They didn’t get started until Sunday afternoon. As of this writing they have done an incredible job, and most likely will have it finished by this Saturday!

What a difference a few days make!

Most of them have a difficult time with English, and I have an incredibly difficult time with Spanish. Yet a language they, we…. all understand is kindness and hospitality.

Our Church members had brought so much food that the Arizona Seven…had to say No mas…. (No More)!

On Monday night our mens group cooked hamburgers and hot dogs for our guests. After we prayed, I told them this story that one man translated:

“A man came across three masons who were working at chipping chunks of granite from large blocks. The first seemed unhappy at his job, chipping away and frequently looking at his watch. When the man asked what it was that he was doing, the first mason responded, rather curtly, “I’m hammering this stupid rock, and I can’t wait ’til 5 when I can go home.”

"A second mason, seemingly more interested in his work, was hammering diligently and when asked what it was that he was doing, answered, “Well, I’m molding this block of rock so that it can be used with others to construct a wall. It’s not bad work, but I’ll sure be glad when it’s done.”

"A third mason was hammering at his block fervently, taking time to stand back and admire his work. He chipped off small pieces until he was satisfied that it was the best he could do. When he was questioned about his work he stopped, gazed skyward and proudly proclaimed, “I…am building a cathedral!”

“Three men, three different attitudes, all doing the same job.”

I reminded them that what they were doing for us was so more than just an ordinary tapeing and mudding job!

What they are doing is helping make beautiful a Church, that is dedicated to helping people find Jesus and in doing so find hope and what life is all about!

One of our guys then went home and brought them each a Gideon New Testament, in Spanish!

Has this been just an ordinary week at this red brick church on a hill? Hardly…God's at work touching lives, reminding 7 men from Arizona that they were a part of something far bigger than they could have imagined!

They came to work; God brought them for a larger reason! How thankful I am to be a part of it all!

The day I thought I would die from thirst!

2011-09-22T13:50:00.011-06:00

If it wasn’t 115 degrees it was close! I wasn’t in Texas or Death valley. I wasn’t alone either, if misery loves company…I was with good company and we were all miserable!

It happened in the summer of either 74 or 75. I probably use to remember the year, but that memory has melted from my cranium!

I know where I was, I was in South Carolina. I remember who I was with…My dad, my brother Mike and our sister Michelle. My mom escaped this adventure she was at work! Blessed woman!

I know what I wish I wasn’t doing at the time…picking peaches!

South Carolina has incredible produce, and the peaches are delicious. We went to an orchard, to pick if I remember right (And remember my melted memory condition) "just" a few bushels of peaches.

I know what you’re thinking how difficult can that be? That depends! Are you with someone who wants to get in, get it done and go home? Or are you being supervised (Think watched like a hawk) by the pickiest peach picker in them there parts?

As you may have surmised with your scintillating and UN-melted brain…dad was the latter. And we went up the ladders, in that orchard to pick peaches under his ever vigilant gaze!

We did not bring any water! Not a drop. There was no water in sight. He wanted us to examine (Think a forensic observation) each peach before it could be put into the wide open waiting bushel baskets. If there was even the slightest bruise…it was not to be plucked. If you did pick a bad peach, and he caught you, it was not a good thing Ha Ha!

Well what do dehydrated South Carolina Peach Pickers do to satisfy their need for hydration, when there is no H2O available?

You eat peaches! You eat peaches like peach eating is the grandest experience of life! I ate (we) ate so many juicy fuzzy peaches, I felt like I was turning into one!

At last, the last fuzzy acceptable, non bruised peach made its way into the baskets. By the way when dad was distracted by Mike or Shells peach picking peculiarities…I picked and threw in the basket every peach I could reach!

We paid for our peaches, and pleaded for a soda, when He stopped at a store we drank them so fast, we needed more! We were like the alien who landed at a soft drink company and said 'take me to your liter!

Well as you can guess I am still here, I still love peaches (Not as much) and look back with laughter on the day I thought I would die from thirst! My mom, I now remember didn’t go, because she would later can our collection of those fuzzy spheres!

Dad and Shell are now with the Lord, and one day, Mom, Mike and I will join them and we will reminisce about that day…hopefully by the river of life!

I pray your there, and after we recall that day, let’s go swimming, then sit on the bank and eat a peach!

Gummy sharks, string cheese and a boy named Q!

2011-09-14T15:46:00.010-06:00

But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. (Luke 18:16).

He likes morning hellos and a squeeze now and then. He likes to play piano, with me (The blues) and enjoys snacks; we have that in common for sure! He is partial to pajamas and string cheese. He is also apt to eat a shark or two (gummy) if offered. In fact if I don’t offer, He takes me by the hand and forcibly leads me to a small refrigerator in my office, and asks me along the way, “What you got”…what you got”?

He is all of two years old, and he makes HillTop Baptist Church a place of laughter and fun! He is also my friend, and when I said something to him this week, that he felt reached the level of humor (wherever that bar is set for, a toddler) he told me in a clear voice, “You’re funny Pastor”!

Just yesterday when I came to work, he was waiting…and rushed to me and squeezed my leg, a fine how do you do, from a boy named Q.

His name is actually Quinton, but I call him Q or Q baby. When I first met him (He is our secretary’s grandson) I called him Bubba Luscious!

There is just something about this boy named Q! He is friendly, and loving, and full of laughter…and there is nothing quite like hearing him say …Hello Pastor, pronounced Hellwoa Pastur!

As I have reflected on this boy named Q this week, I thought ...yes it is true if you have snacks, he is there…but if you don’t he is still glad to see you, and wants to be near you. I wonder are we like that with God?

As long as God has stuff for us, jobs, cars, relationships, travel, …we are there, we want to be near Him!

If for some reason we are in need, are we too quick, too ready to take Him by the hand and along the way say …What you Got, What you got?

Is it just enough to have Him? Are we just as thankful, to be with Him, to rush to Him at the first of the day and give him a squeeze?

This boy named Q has blessed my life; this boy has taught me that love can be felt and offered even if you are low on gummy sharks and out of string cheese!

When was the last time, you offered the Lord your gratitude, and love, without expecting anything, finding sheer joy at the thought of being His?

This incredible song reminds me of my friend Q, and the importance of showing the little ones in our life , the Love of Jesus...enjoy!

Where were you?

2011-09-07T11:13:00.008-06:00

Certain events are forever etched in our minds.We most likely can recall the first special someone who took interest in us, that first kiss…stays with you! We can remember first cars, first real dates, first apartments, or houses...Etc. First things simply refuse to step away from our memories. And first memories are often a wonderful gift. However, there are also lingering memories that are unpleasant. We wish our memories were not so clear, some times.

Life requires good and bad experiences!

One of my favorite Preachers the late Ron Dunn once said:

“Good and bad travel on parallel tracks (In our lives) and usually arrive at the same time”

Ten years ago on a September morning, all of us old enough to remember do. We know where we were, when maniacal and misguided terrorists hijacked fully fueled airplanes and steered them into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon…and if not for the courage of those on board, another plane…would have slammed into the White House!

Osama Ben Laden, by design chose “American and United” planes to be his missiles of hate. The targets were hardly coincidental…the twin towers represented Americas financial strength, the Pentagon our military might, and the White House, our democracy.

Where were you on that day? You like me, most likely were going about your day. I was in Colorado, getting ready to go to the Church I pastored. The images of that horror linger still.

Ten years later Osama Ben Laden is dead as is Saddam Hussein, and his wicked sons. More than 4,000 of our best and brightest have laid down their lives…to make our tomorrows more secure.

The United States flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The United States flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it. American soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them.

Where were you then, where are you now? I hope your faith is stronger, your trust deeper! As much as I love our country, my real security is found elsewhere.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm121: 1-8).

What about you? What are you trusting in? More importantly....who?

Dave and Mary’s Early Morning Influence!

2011-08-29T12:10:00.009-06:00

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

We may (wrongly) believe, and conclude that our lives are not making any significant difference in the World. Sometimes however, something happens, in such a unique unmistakable way that we know, that we have touched a life, and we smile. Events happen all around us, and I am sure, that we are more effective than we might realize.

Heaven alone will reveal the smile, handshake, gift, hug, card, call or other expression of concern that on a day, lifted someone’s heart.

Just yesterday (Sunday) after the first service, I was talking with a man who had never been to HillTop Baptist Church before. He lives in Rock Springs, travels a lot and we may not see him again, yesterday we did, I did…and I talked to him after the service.

He was having shoulder problems and he specifically, directly requested prayer. That is not unusual, as a Pastor I often am asked (And honored) to pray with people.

What was stunning to me was that he did not ask that I pray for him (Though I did) but that I ask Dave and Mary Breakfield ( A loving and faithful couple who love the Lord and His Church) to pray for him. He was almost insistent, it was a determined request, and later as I reflected on it, it moved me in a profound way.

Why? You ask?

Dave and Mary had never met him before! In that early morning Worship service during a greeting time, they had positively impacted him, with their warmth and kindness! Their Holy Spirit filled lives influenced this man deeply!

Be sure to have Dave and Mary pray for me!

Wow, as a Pastor I can’t tell you what that meant to me! You see all of us, are to reflect the Lord Jesus to those we meet. We are His ambassadors, His kids…and along the way of life, he has already planned occasions for us to care, to love, to warmly befriend the people He places in our path.

I will always remember…. Dave and Mary’s Early Morning Influence!

Just who will he place in front of your life’s door today?

How will you treat them?

This quote has always blessed me, and points vividly to the difference one life can make:

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again. ~ Steven Grellet

Weary?

2011-08-23T12:23:00.003-06:00

Life is often predictable. The sun rises, the sun sets, the seasons come they go…unless you happen to live in Wyoming where winter is reluctant to leave, and overstays his welcome!

We go to work, we come home from work, we check email, we check checking account balances, we eat a burrito, we check email, we look at face book, and we have a taco!

My point is that life is sometimes so continual, so normal, that we can sometimes get weary with it all!

Were you aware that America has the highest per-capita of boredom of any country in the world? How do you know that? Because of all the amusements we have! Disney land and World, Lego land, Universal studios Hollywood and Orlando, twitter, face book, TV, video games, movies, travel, etc.

I have found in the midst of all this business, I often find myself longing for something more…Pizza land!

Not really, actually I often feel a tug in my heart, for a place I have never been before. No, it’s not Hawaii, or any other earthly place. I long for home, no not Colorado or Wyoming!

Think of much much higher elevation!

I believe you know what I mean. I believe like me, you to….have felt that strange sensation, that there is something more than what’s offered on this spinning ball in space.

I am not being intentionally morose or gloomy, there is much to love and enjoy about earth.

As declared followers of the Lord Jesus Christ He however reminds us to not become so comfortable here (On earth) that we forget, that as a believer there is truly something more, and it’s all because of what the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished with His death, burial and Resurrection!

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14).

Famed writer and Professor C. S. Lewis expressed most accurately what I am trying to get across today:

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

I intend to keep living, really living as long as the Lord allows, but should my time here end soon, just know I am home, and I am waiting…for you…I will be the one eating pizza:)

This song has always left me feeling the anticipation at last...at being in my true homeland…enjoy!

Backpacks and the Lord Jesus Christ!

2011-08-18T09:22:00.008-06:00

"And the King will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me”. (Matthew 25: 40). Holman Christian Standard Bible

Life is hard. Moments, become hours and hours days, that often sap our strength, and leave us wanting, needing rest, or assurance that we are not alone.

We are not alone!

Life is meant to be shared, sufferings comforted….friendship offered. We need each other! Oh sure we have all read of hermits who hideaway in some out of the way spot, and dare anyone to trespass. Deep down I think they want someone in their yard…even for a moment to share life with someone other than themselves.

We need the Lord! Need is not even a strong enough word. Must have, is better and even then it simply will not offer the definition I need to point out, our desperate condition.

Life is hard, Life without Jesus, I can’t imagine it!

According to Matthew 25, our Lord Jesus Christ somehow, someway identifies with those who are struggling, those who find each sunrise a painful reminder that grueling hours of scraping and trying to live in a world that more often offers pain rather than purpose, are waiting.

That’s why the Lord Jesus Christ and tender caring hearts are so needed!

This August (Now) is the second annual back to school backpack drive at HillTop Baptist Church. Last year the Lord enabled us to place 60 backpacks (Filled with school supplies) into area classrooms for kids who are finding life hard. This year our ministry team meant and decided to place 100 backpacks in the hands of kids! As I am typing this (70 have been filled) I am so thankful for Church members and others in our community have stepped up to make a difference. Have they?

Read the following email written by a kind heart and decide:

Today I was told about a single mom that has 3 school age children. All of the kids need school supplies, of course. I contacted the family to see if the church backpack ministry could provide backpacks for the kids. Turns out the mom had gone shopping for supplies, but after everything was in the cart, did not know how she would pay for it as it was far more expensive than expected. After a great deal of stress and deliberation, she chose to put everything back and wait until her mom could come to town and help out with the purchase of the supplies. Due to various circumstances her mom has not been able to come and help. Interestingly enough, we have backpacks filled and ready to go and meet the needs of this family.

The mom was very grateful and could see that God had worked out a wonderful blessing for her and the children. Thank you to all who have helped. One family has already been blessed and relieved a great stress.

Relieved of great stress, blessed, encouraged ministered to!

I believe that when we care for children, and meet a need of a new backpack for school, it’s like giving Jesus a backpack!

Wild horse loop and an unexpected adventure!

2011-08-08T12:11:00.015-06:00

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1: 2-3) NLT

A wife of nearly 30years, a Fuji camera, and an opportunity to film wild horses, all of this on an early Friday evening in Wyoming! No wonder Wyoming’s state motto is “Forever West”!

Wild horse loop is a dirt road that winds above the city of Green River. Almost every time I have been up there I have seen Wild horses. Laura and I jumped in (Actually I haven’t jumped in years) the Jeep and away we went for our Western adventure.

Laura had a brand new (Wedding anniversary gift) Fuji camera, and the horses we hoped, were waiting.

Dirt roads, dust, and earnest searching revealed no horses….then I spotted some in the distance turned around (Laura wanted me to drive on, Oh how I wish I would listened to my wife) searching, realizing they were too far away for a descent shot…even if you happen to have a Fuji camera:)

I turned back around…suddenly the information console in the Jeep was telling us….a tire is losing air! Yikes, I have not changed a tire since Reagan was President, and when I did I was trim, and had never really partaken of Baptist potlucks! Definition- I was in shape then….now I am a shape… round!

Sure enough when I checked the air was leaving that tire, like a bootlegger leaving a Sunday school picnic!

I had my cell phone, started to call some Baptist Backup (Think Associate Pastor, or Deacons, who love Pastor Mark) I could not reach anyone!

Before I could send another distress call Laura uttered a string of words, which I did not want to hear! Let’s change it ourselves!

Thus began our unexpected adventure! I could not find even the tire lug wrench, and was ready to call again for help…when she did the unthinkable; she read the instructions on how to change our Jeep tire!

We quickly found the lug wrench, and all other necessary equipment to fulfill our tire changing needs.

Together we got it done!

We had no more congratulated ourselves on this mission impossible, when that blasted console informed us….that another tire was going down! One flat OK, I can see it, two flats no way Harriet!

Way:(

Funny thing was, it said the left front was losing air…I checked it, it looked fine. So we proceeded to get off that Mountain pronto! The console kept beeping, we kept hoping, and checking the left front, finding it OK.

We finally hit pavement, and heard the thud….that confirmed that blasted console ( It's only miscue, was to tell us the front tire was going down, when in fact it was the other back tire) is in fact accurate, and we discovered the back passenger tire ….looked like it had gone three rounds with a prize fighter!

We pulled into the Hampton Inn Parking lot, where the Jeep spent the night free of charge, and the next morning we got the flat fixed, and called in some Baptist Backup, to change the other one….thank you Deane and Jake!

Laura received a Fuji camera for our anniversary….and I am going shopping for tires, all because of Wild horse loop and an unexpected adventure!

What did I learn?

   1. I should have listened to my wife!
   2. Reading instructions is sometimes a smart thing to do.
   3. If you have two flats, do so close to home where you have friends!

Take a look at Wild horse loop, and the reason why we went...

My Second Favorite place to eat on planet Earth!

2011-08-01T12:35:00.017-06:00

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. (Genesis 1:29).

Growing up in Colorado Springs, Colorado and being raised by one of the world’s great cooks (My Mom), I have few and scattered memories of going out to eat as a child. I mean why would we go out …when you’re accustomed to the “Gold Standard” of southern cooking; anything else is just a poor imitation!

I well remember our family gathering around our kitchen table where we would feast on ribs, green beans, sliced and salted tomatoes, fried okra, buttermilk biscuits made from scratch etc! The above mentioned meal was standard fair, common place, like on a Monday!

The next night there would be a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes with shimmering butter doing backstrokes on the surface, fried chicken, the ever present and always welcome biscuits etc.

Why am I writing this before lunch and after a meager breakfast of two pieces of English toasting bread, and an uneaten banana? Thankfully our minister of youth just gave me a bottle of….Gold Peak sweetened tea, that should carry me to the end of this blog!

The subject of this blog is….My second favorite place to eat on planet earth, since you already know who has a firm, in fact eternal grasp on first place…. I want to write about my second favorite.

It sets on the second floor of the gateway mall in Salt Lake City Utah. It is perched above the California pizza kitchen….for me it looms... really like a beacon of bliss! Just the mention of the name and my tastes buds stand at attention like a line of elite soldiers! The name rolls off my tongue like it’s reluctant to leave! You can access it via an escalator, and you will be thankful to ride that escalator back down after experiencing the second best place to eat on the planet!

The second best place to eat on the planet for me is...(Next to Moms) …..Tucanos Brazilian Grill!

As I was typing the name my computer asked if I wanted to add it to my dictionary….yes! Here is how they describe their fair:

Come to Tucanos Brazilian Grill, where a dining experience rich in flavor and heritage awaits you. The Brazilian tradition of grilling, or CHURRASCO (shoe-HAS-ko), is a fusion of South American and European cultures. From its birth in the Pampas or grasslands of Brazil, to the sparkling beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Tucanos now extends this festive tradition to you. At Tucanos, meats and vegetables are carefully selected to ensure that only the freshest cuisine is served. Our meats are tastefully seasoned and cooked on skewers over open-flame grills. The skewers are then brought to your table where sizzling portions are sliced onto your plate. You may choose as many different flavors and cuts as you like.

The salad bar is beyond description! The staff superb! The price very affordable!

Our oldest son Brian ( He has never been to Tucanos) is flying to Wyoming on the weekend of August 12^th. Laura and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary with him, and just before he flies back to Colorado (From Salt Lake City) we plan to go, (You know where) and...I know, because I have been there numerous times…that we are in for an incredible time of laughter, and joy…..and tasting the finest food ( Next To Moms) at the second best place to eat on the planet!

Now, where did I put that banana?

In the in between times.

2011-07-25T12:29:00.006-06:00

Life is never static, oh I know it can seem that way, but it is fluid, something or someone is coming into your life, my life soon. And that something or someone can change your life. Today I have a vivid recollection of an in between time in my life, when I had prayed and waited for a resolution to my dilemma of not having a church to pastor.

I well remember graduating from Seminary in 1987 and impetuously, hastily moving back to Colorado, thinking I have spent seven years in Texas getting educated, I am going back home to Colorado! You would think a Seminary graduate would pray before such a move….but I really didn’t. Laura and I and our (then) young son Brian moved in with my mom, and waited for the call of God on my life to be realized.

It wasn’t! No church showed any enduring interest….and in the “in between time” I clearly remember writing the following note to God:

Lord, when will my dream be realized, when will I pastor…. where? Will I find that first illusive church before the snow flies this winter?

I waited a full year before a church gave me a chance. In the in between time, I went and talked to the Director of Missions of the Arkansas Valley Baptist Association. Bill Irwin graciously made time for me. I remember sitting across the desk from Him…pouring out my heart and asking him why?

His reply is etched in my mind to this very moment….

”One day Mark, perhaps you will sit where I am and a young man will ask you the same question, and you will tell Him how God made a way for you”!

Bill recommended me to the Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Rocky Ford, Colorado. The congregation took a chance on me, and I have never lacked for a place to preach since!

If you are right now in an “in between place” somewhere between hope and fulfillment, prayer and reality, I would council you to trust in the one who is always with us, especially in the in between places!

Steven Curtis Chapmans song “Believe me now” has blessed me many times in the in between places, of my life:

I watch you looking out across the raging water
So sure your only hope lies on the other side
You hear the enemy that's closing in around you
And I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand and...

Believe Me now
Believe Me here
Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe Me now
Believe Me now

I am the One who waved my hand and split the ocean
I am the One who spoke the words and raised the dead
And I've loved you long before I set the world in motion
I know all the fears you're feeling now
But do you remember who I am?
Do you..

Believe Me now
Believe Me here

Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you
And I am for you

So believe Me now
Believe it's true
I never have, I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been
I will forever be
So believe Me now

I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure
My words are true, and all My promises are sure
So believe Me now
Oh, believe Me now

Will you? In the in between times?

Lasting Friendships!

2011-07-21T11:08:00.010-06:00

My favorite quote from the movie “The Good old boys” starring Tommy Lee Jones and Sissy Spacek, happens at the end of the movie when, the character played by Tommy Lee, is about to ride off into the sunset, choosing the cowboy way of life over the love of his life played by Sissy Spacek….she says to him

“If wealth was measured in friendships you would be the wealthiest man in the world” He replies: “It is and I am”

Yesterday, our family road the historic Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to the beautiful Mountain town of Silverton.

The scenery was spectacular, the trip 3 hours and a half (each way) of soaring Mountain vistas and emerald green water cascading down the Animas River.

We even saw a bear on the way back down!

No wonder national geographic says this is the number one train ride in North America!

It is, but for Laura and I the trip was much more than that, much more than breathtaking views and the family memories made traveling all of 18 miles per hour!

Waiting in Silverton were friends, which we have known since I was their Pastor in my first Church in Rocky Ford, Colorado. A friendship established in 1988. Chad and Joanne Geist and son Cody were waiting when we arrived.

She told her son he could recognize me by my red-hair Ha Ha….maybe in 1988 he could have…. but not now!

I recognized Chad and Joanne same warm smiles and open arms. We had a wonderful reunion on the dusty streets of Silverton, then an all too brief lunch at Handlebars restaurant.

Our three sons and Cody were at the table next to us and became fast friends.

Sitting there looking into Chad and Joanne’s welcoming faces, the years melted away and we caught up as best we could….knowing that the scant two hours we had in Silverton would soon force a hasty goodbye.

We all ambled (That’s what you do in an old west town, or you can mosey) back to the train, where the train whistle blew four times, indicating our need to get on board. We waved goodbye to our forever friends, thankful that the Lord would grant us this 9,000 foot reunion.

Laura wrote this to Joanne on face book last night: Really enjoyed seeing you all today!! Thanks for making the trip - it was great to catch up. Let's not make it so long next time!!

Joanne replied: It was great to see u both, and ur boys. It sure was hard to see u leave. We do have to make it to see u sooner, somehow some way. Cody and I really enjoyed the fellowship. It is great how friends can just pick up where they left off.

Reflecting on our trip and our friends this morning I thought of “The Good Old Boys Quote:

"If wealth was measured in friendships you would be the wealthiest man in the world”

And I thought to myself….It is and I am!

Michael W. Smith reminds us of the value of true freinds....enjoy!

Just say Thanks!

2011-07-10T18:29:00.002-06:00

From time to time I have met them in my ministry. They linger after a service, and want and need to talk. It is always a high honor when I can offer a couple of ears, and many years, of life experience to someone who has something to share.

I certainly don’t have all the answers but I know someone who does! Today after preaching about the life of David, I had someone ask if they could speak to me. They waited until the congregation began to leave and we talked.

Guidance needed, council offered…and as I was walking away…this person thanked me, and even said that I had been a great help to their life.

Words strung together, in a parting statement that left me feeling valued, and needed:)

Oh I know….believe me, I know who gets the glory, all the praise goes to Jesus…because if anything I say ever lifts a heart…..or is useful in charting a new course of direction for a weary traveler…it is because the Lord Jesus Christ who indwells me, has spoken!

Anything I say or anybody says is just so much rhetoric and phrasing, it is Jesus who brings life to words, who applies them to hearts, to lives, at just the right time!

I am reminded now of something that happened in the life of our Lord:

¹¹ On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. ¹²And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,who stood at a distance ¹³and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." ¹⁴When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. ¹⁵Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; ¹⁶and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? ¹⁸Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" ¹⁹And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well." (Luke 11: 17-19).

^{Did you catch it, ten lepers freed from a horrific disease, released from the social pressure of being outcasts…and only one comes back to express what their heart could barely hold.}

^{That is the power of one; just one statement lifted from Luke’s Gospel….that in turn blessed Jesus!}

^{We to can bless others, when we stop long enough, when we pause and say thank you.}

^{Today someone did….and today my heart was strengthened.}

¹⁵Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; ¹⁶and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks.

Will you…just say thanks?

The Breath behind the Flag!

2011-07-04T15:52:00.005-06:00

The United States flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The United States flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it. American soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them.

Wow! What an incredible and moving collection of words! I am writing this on a rainy Fourth of July afternoon in Wyoming. I am thinking about the men and women who have served our country. I never had the opportunity to serve in the military. I came very close, as a senior in high school, I had signed up to join the Air Force.

Before heading up to Fitzsimons hospital in Denver for a full physical my recruiter decided to weigh me.

This was way before I was ever introduced to Baptist Potlucks! I weighed 191lbs! Oh how I would like to weigh that now….but I digest…I mean digress:) I was six pounds overweight! The recruiter told me to drop the pounds and come back…I lost the weight in a weekend, in the meantime my best friend in High School, talked me in to going to College. The recruiter did not mind a bit (Our nation was at peace then) and my entire life changed because of 6 lbs!

I went to College and Seminary and ultimately into the ministry. I have always loved and appreciated our military. They are my heroes. I well remember having the exciting opportunity on “Clergy Appreciation day” at Forbes Air force Base, in Topeka, Kansas flying on a C130 plane as it refueled jets somewhere over the Midwest that was incredible!

The precision, the control…was in a word….amazing!

From time to time, I have had the honor of having service men and women in the Churches I have served. I have observed their dignity, their class; they have a way about them…that is hard to put into words.

I am now writing through teary eyes, when I think of the many who will not eat a hot dog, or hamburger or watch fireworks burst into a Wyoming sky tonight…because somewhere…they willingly marched into harm’s way…and eternity.

Thank you is inadequate, and if I ever wanted to be more descriptive in my gratitude it is now.

The quote that inspired me to write today…sums up my feelings, read it slowly, ponder the implications...

The United States flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The United States flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it. American soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them.

Looking Ahead!

2011-06-27T11:34:00.014-06:00

I am the kind of person who seems to be always looking ahead, to what life offers, what awaits out there somewhere. In fact my mom says that is a quality that I share with my dad, who has been with the Lord coming up on thirty one years.

She still refers to me as her dreamer. It’s intended as a compliment, because by definition as it related to my dad, and now relates to me….it is simply a deep desire to set goals, to realize that life passes quickly, and before we know it opportunities that once beckoned, called to us….slowly begin to fade. Granted in the Lord Jesus Christ, life is ever new, and it…

“Is never too late to become what you have always wanted to be”

That said, the longer we postpone our goals be it for more education, or acquiring a skill that we at the moment do not have, while we wait to begin, we are making withdraws from the bank account of life and time.

The time is now for your dreams, don’t wait!

I well remember a Dear Abby advice column question from some years ago, where the writer, stated their goal was to be a Doctor…but the concern was that it would take four years of College, four years of Medical school, followed by a year of internship at a hospital…nine years! Dear Abby replied….

        “What will you be doing in nine years, if you don’t do it?”

What are you dreaming of? I hope you still have dreams, goals and hopes. Don’t relinquish those dreams until the Lord allows that desire to fade from your heart!

What might you be, what might you do?

I often ask people this question when they are struggling with life direction….

What would you do with your life, if money was no object, and you knew you could not fail?

The initial response often is the best one….and it clears away fears, and for a brief moment allows people to dream.

    Dr. Francis Schaeffer wrote to a young woman who felt quite dejected about her life and about her disappointed hopes. And he is urging her to believe that God can make something beautiful out of what was a genuine mess. He wrote,

“The Lord Jesus, in John 9:4-5, has told us what is true. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

“The night is coming when no man shall work. Our lives are short, shorter than any of us thinks, and we are not given to live them a second time”

Are you making the most of your life, your time?

I love the theme song from Forrest Gump, it reminds me of life and time and opportunity!

Hugs from Heaven!

2011-06-20T17:11:00.005-06:00

That’s how someone described notes that we receive that lift our hearts, that place smiles on our faces. I like notes! I value notes. I keep notes! Notes are all around me right now as I type this…OK I will count all the notes, that I have received that I can see in my office ready...30!

Thirty notes that sit on oak bookshelves as reminders to me, that on a day, someone was kind enough to write me. Thirty hugs!

I read once that a person needs five hugs a day to be emotionally healthy! How many notes do you think we need? I doubt any research has been done on that….but I know this a hand written note may seem old fashioned, but not to the one reading them!

As a Pastor from time to time (And I need to make more time for it) I write our members to let them know how much they mean to me.

I am a firm believer that we should give people “Roses while they are alive” Words from kind hearts….have a potency about them, they can remind of hope, of possibilities of potential….and of the Lords awareness of where we are.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
(Proverbs 25:11). Esv

Just this week, I received an electronic hug, a Face Book note from a young woman who I was privileged to Pastor some years ago. Because of modern technology and online sermons she found me!

No, she was not prescribed listening to my sermons because she suffers with insomnia….not at all:)

This is what she wrote…

Pastor,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for putting your sermons on the internet. I have been going through a rough couple of months after finding out that my birth mom has cancer and then my mom’s mom is no longer allowed or able to be on her own. Then I remembered your website and your sermons have been extremely uplifting and I wanted to thank you for that. I am not always able to make it to a church around here but knowing that I can always go back and listen to your sermons have helped me through this hard time.

Wow! Hug needed, Hug received…she through her kindness made a deposit in my emotional bank account!

Why did she write? Because she was obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and because she was, I am smiling as I am typing!

Thank you Danielle!

Who will you write to this week?

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
(Proverbs 25:11). Esv

Cuties and a kid named Brodie!

2011-06-13T13:35:00.017-06:00

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. (Psalm 84:11).

He often bursts into my office with a typical Hello Pastor! Brodie is a high energy kid, who lights up a room simply by walking in….walking is a bit to sedate a word, Brodie, doesn’t walk...he rumbles!

He is a Wyoming spit-fire, full of life! He is all of Seven years old and I just love being around him. He often shows me his latest matchbook car or transformer...or boots!

I watched him once in a Worship service as a drama unfolded. A girl sitting near him (Girls don’t sit next to him, other than His Mom) dropped her Barbie Doll….on the floor in front of him.

Brodie is a gentleman; Brodie is the kind of kid who should always wear a white hat….you know the kind, they grow up to be the kind of people you look to when you need help.

He was torn….do I break “Boy Protocol” to help this damsel? Should I …..touch a Barbie? As this is taking place, I am standing, Brodie is crawling (On the floor), and contemplating, crawling out and retrieving that Barbie Doll! What to do, what to do?

In the end the doll stayed where it fell, rescuing damsels in distress will have to wait…because in the Pastors office there are….cuties!

* Cuties are actually two varieties of mandarins: Clementine mandarins, available November -January; and Murcott mandarins, available February-April. Cuties have several distinct characteristics that make them the perfect anytime, anywhere snack. Unlike other mandarins or oranges, they are seedless, super sweet, easy to peel and kid sized-- only a select few that make it to Cuties high standards. *Cutiescitrus.com

My friend Brodie loves cuties! Just recently he was sick with a high temperature. His dad and a great friend to me, asked that I pray for Brodie. I had him put his son on the phone, I prayed with him on the phone, he said “Thank you Pastor” and I told him if your better tomorrow (This was on a Saturday night) you can come into my office and have some“Cuties” he replied…..what if I am not better? I told him either way, when you are, they will be waiting for you!

I thought about that statement after I hung up, Brodie was wise enough to make sure either way he would not miss out on what I had promised him.

Brodie reminded me that God takes care of us the same way! When we feel strong and healthy He is there…and when we don’t feel so well… He is there! Either way the promises of God are true. Thank you Brodie, for reminding me of that!

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. (Psalm 84:11).

I heard Brodie is feeling better….better go buy some more cuties:)

This song by Christian pianist Dino, is called "Jesus never Forgets" and it reminds me that we are always in the Lords thoughts, and He always has something wonderful waiting for us....always!

Coincidence?

2011-06-05T20:18:00.010-06:00

Coincidence is the word we use when we can't see the levers and pulleys. Emma Bull

Life is 70 or so years of randomness, where life just happens to fall in what is perceived to be orderly, directed…scripted events!

But that is all an illusion….. the people we meet, the places we live, the experiences we have are all by chance, no plan behind our lives….we are born, we grow up, we enter into a profession of some kind….a myriad of relationships frame our existence…then we inevitably bow to, submit if you will, to the biological progression of our own mortality.

Someone or many some-ones say so nice things about us, we are eulogized, and mourned for a season and our life is simply consumed into the vast nothingness’ of the universe.

There will be no reunion, life ceases to exist! Your life my life is forever covered by the sands of time!

Some people actually believe that!

It's the atheist who has to believe that almost all the people who have ever lived have been seriously mistaken about one of the things that mattered to them most. -C. S. Lewis

This blog, this day…is not by (design) a rebuttal to atheists. For that, check out William Lane Craig’s website www.reasonablefaith.org

No today I am thinking of how the Lord has done so much in my life! He has opened doors, He has guided my life, and He provided for my education. He sent a woman for me to love and sons to raise and churches to serve and students to teach.

Some skeptics would argue….oh really, I too have had my share, of unique experiences but to me it was just coincidence.

I would say what some people call coincidence is in reality the will of God, the hand of God!

For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. (Matthew 5:45). NLT

I know this much my life has been rich….and I can trace my fulfillment back to the early 1970's when a North Carolina teenager, discovered that God keeps His Word, and whoever calls upon Him shall be saved.

I did, and He did….and my life has been anything but random….and hardly coincidental!

Andre'Crouch's song "My Tribute" conveys what I am thinking about today enjoy...

On Getting Older

2011-05-30T11:02:00.014-06:00

Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore." (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Someone wisely said:

“You know you are getting older, when the phone rings and you hope it is not for you”

I am getting older every day! And so are you. What are we becoming, where are we going? Life is more a destination than a road-map, by that I mean life is not always predictable. To be sure there are days that stretch into months where it seems like one day is a carbon copy of the previous one, with only slight alterations.

Yet change is happening all around us, and within us

*Our body renews itself and changes in many ways. The first way is with our blood plasma, the liquid portion of our blood. It renews itself every ten days. Our white blood cells renew themselves every two or three weeks. Then we have our red blood cells and they typically renew themselves every 120 days. Our entire blood renews itself every three to four months. Even our skin renews itself every 28 days. Finally, our entire body renews itself every seven to eight years depending on whether you are a man or woman (seven for women and eight for men). Women have the ability to renew their bodies more quickly than men do. *Secret of the Fountain of Youth by Denny Waxman

Hmmm so how come the new me, feels like the old me?

Oh well we should not regret getting older, it is as someone said a “Privilege denied to many”.

With the years that are remaining, I want to fill them with what really matters. The filling by the way does not include more stuff (With the exception of books) I have plenty of things…and while they have their place, they often in time… take their place in an overstocked garage!

What matters most to me now as I peer into the future of my remaining years?

1. I want to know Jesus more intimately. I believe Evangelist Vance Havner had it right when asked if God had favorites he replied… “No, but he has intimates”

2. I want to value my family more than ever. I want them to have rich and vibrant memories of a fun Husband, and Dad…and Son, Brother, and Uncle.

3. I want to be a better Pastor, more sensitive to the needs of Gods people; I want to be a better preacher, because I paid the price…better “Prayed” the price to seek Gods Word, and its vast wealth to relate to His people.

4. I want to finish strong, when my time comes to “depart this World to be with Christ, which is better by far” I want the memory of my life to linger only for a moment in the minds of those who will come to celebrate my home going- then I want the Life and Love of the Lord Jesus Christ to be what is on their lips…what fills their minds….as they make their way out into the day…to continue to live for Him, until we are at last reunited!

Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore." (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Life is still quite pleasant to me…and the need to remember my creator more pressing than ever!

How about you?

Will Jesus Ever come back?

2011-05-21T18:26:00.005-06:00

*You may have seen one of the 1,200 billboards that are the work of one man: 89-year-old Christian preacher Harold Camping, owner of the Family Radio Network.

"You and I are living at the time of the end of the world," Camping said recently. His followers have spread the word of the world's end all across the globe, using donations to pay for it.

"There's going to be big earthquakes that will make the one in Japan seem like a Sunday school picnic," Camping said.

He says it will first strike Fiji and New Zealand, then work its way around the world. But it appears to be late. By Camping's own estimates, it should have hit there already, and it certainly has not. * (CBS News)

Predictions, assertions, in fact assumptions would be a better word. Misguided “Bible” so called Experts, trying to figure out something that only God knows.

Only God knows when He will return!

And so the question… Will Jesus Ever come back?

Yes! Soon? I don’t know! Furthermore our own Lord did not know when he would return, not on earth anyway, He divested himself of that knowledge during his earth ministry.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father’ ” (Matthew 24:36).
"You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him " (Matthew 24:44).
"Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour ” (Matthew 25:13).
"Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come” (Mark 13:33).

*It’s hard to imagine how Jesus could have been any clearer: we will not know in advance the time of His return. Yes, there will be signs; yes, events should warn us of His impending return; yes, we should be ready (see Mark 13:7–10, 26; Luke 21:28). But these things are not the same as speculating about the day and hour of His return.

No one but the Father knows, Jesus said—and we assume that this “no one” includes all those today who are still setting dates predicting when He will return. Jesus ‘words alone should cause anyone to reject all speculation that leads to time setting.

Jesus said, ‘It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

“‘Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: “Watch!” (Mark 13:34–37).

Jesus compares His leaving the earth to someone who, going away leaves his property in the hands of his servants. Note that the master doesn’t say, “I’ll be back in three months” or “in six months” or “in ten years.” Why not? Is it because the master doesn’t know? That’s possible, at least in the parable. But the Father does know the date of Jesus’ return. He just hasn’t told us.

Why? The key is preparation. The Lord wants us to be prepared always, at all times. And as long as we believe that He could return at any time, especially any time soon, we should be more inclined to be continually ready. It’s because the servants don’t know when the master will return that He tells them,

“Therefore keep watch.” If they knew for sure when the master was coming, why bother watching until that time? * Clifford Goldstein

Will Jesus Ever come back?

Yes absolutely, without question! How can you be so sure? Because the Lord always keeps His promises always….unlike Harold Camping!

Appearances can be deceiving!

2011-05-17T16:16:00.031-06:00

Sea of Galilee

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to Godmust believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6). ESV

For the most part I truly enjoy life! We all of course, have down times, when the rub and rawness of life leaves us wounded…and weary.

We all have known successes, triumphs, and celebrations when life just seems to flow…and we enjoy the journey…sometimes immensely!

Challenges come and go, as do disappointments. I read once….

"Disappointments, can be Appointments for God”

The people the writer of Hebrews is writing to, were people who loved the Lord! They believed in God that was not the issue. They were being persecuted for their faith and that reality had left them spiritually spent. They were not strangers to disappointment!

And so, God through the hand of this unknown writer strengthens their faith with these words…. whoever would draw near to Godmust believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Remember they believed, they knew that God was real; they needed to be reminded that no matter what the obstacle…in their case persecution, God was in control! That is to say God still was consistently dependable, even though it might appear that He is not!

We need that reminder many times in our own faith walk. That God is in control, that He is all powerful…that He still is….even though it may appear that he is not.

Appearances can be and are deceiving!

I often think of our Lords sleeping in the back of the disciple’s boat, only to be awakened by fear racked followers, struggling to keep their fisherman’s boat from capsizing, as they endured a storm on the sea of Galilee.

They were men of the water; they had made their living by enduring severe storms to bring a “catch” of fish to shore….and ultimately to market.

On one occasion when they had lingered to long in the water, a storm began to brew; powerful winds came down from the Golan Heights as they still do today.

And the disciples in surveying the situation said: "Save us, Lord; we are perishing”

The complete story is tucked away in Matthews Gospel:

²⁴And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. ²⁵And they went and woke him, saying,“Save us, Lord; we are perishing." ²⁶And he said to them, "Why are youafraid,O you of little faith?" Then he rose andrebuked the winds and the sea, andthere was a great calm. ²⁷And the menmarveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?" (Matthew 8: 24-27).

Ever felt like that? Life’s disappointments and adversity like waves continue to pummel your life’s boat! There seems to be no way out, or escape for you…and you conclude…."Save us, Lord; we are perishing”

When you feel like that, and you will. There is an anonymous writer, who steps out from the pages of the New Testament, to remind you, to remind me…. That, without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to Godmust believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6). ESV

The way may be dark for you just now, but the Lord knows just where you are. He may seem oblivious (Asleep) to the relentless waves, which you fear will capsize your life.

Remember....Appearances can be deceiving!

He is fully aware!

"Why are youafraid,O you of little faith?" Then he rose andrebuked the winds and the sea, andthere was a great calm. ²⁷And the menmarveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

He is God, He is near, He is aware!

Why not today, right now….rest in that truth!

This song from Larnelle Harris, reminds me where real strength comes from, when appearances are deceiving!

Kronski's and Salvation!

2011-05-10T10:44:00.023-06:00

      Kronski's – Are a four generation recipe of seasoned smoked garlic sausage, naturally hickory smoked in all natural casings. They are made in Rock Springs, Wyoming….and they are beyond delicious!

Yesterday I made the 15 mile drive to Rock Springs and Boschetto's European Market established in 1953 for a strategic Kronski’s pickup! As I walked in I announced my intentions, “I am here to buy those Kronski things."

I wonder if I am the only one in their 58 year old history who has made such a bold "Over the Top" declaration upon walking through the door:)

Directed to a display case there they were…..in all their seasoned glory! Planning to cook out with our Mondays Men group….I bought the biggest pack of Kronski’s they offered, 27 of them, knowing (in doing so) our guys would be blessed.

They were, I was….and Richard Tramp grilled all 27, by the time we had eaten our fill there was one left…and that one disappeared before the night was finished!

No! I know what you’re thinking…and yes, I did want it….but someone (Owen) made away with that lingering, smoked sausage from heaven!

Stuffed and smiling, we reconvened in my office, where the topic of conversation was the remarkable salvation offered by our Lord Jesus Christ!

It was an exciting discussion as we recalled what it was like before knowing the Lord, what it’s been like since…and what salvation means to us now.

One of the youngest men in our group commented that if it had not been for the Lord, he believed he would either be dead or in prison! On this chilly night in Wyoming, he was neither...but rather was warm, and celebrating the love of our King!

We were reminded that when the Lord Jesus provides our Salvation it means:

I have been Saved- I am Justified/ Just as if I never sinned!

I am being Saved- I am being Sanctified/ Setting a part for service to the Lord!

I will be Saved- One day I will experience Glorification- I am, because of the Lord Jesus Christ, heaven bound!

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ²Through him we have alsoobtained access by faithinto this gracein which we stand, andwerejoicein hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2). ESV

Kronski’s and Salvation on a Monday night in Wyoming….does it get any better than that?

On Meeting Rick Warren

2011-05-05T15:54:00.012-06:00

I have met a few famous people in my lifetime. I met former NFL running back Cullen Bryant (Los Angeles Rams) way back in the late 70s in the Citadel mall in Colorado Springs, Colorado when I was in high school. He was shopping and I was wondering is that Cullen Bryant? So I kind of hid behind an escalator and said (just a little bit above a whisper) Cullen, Cullen! He looked around, and I walked up and shook hands with a friendly NFL running back.

I once shared an airplane ride with NBA and Olympic great (Awesome Man) David Robinson. I was able to witness to him, provide him with a Bible tract….and a Bible courtesy of a man sitting behind us, who “Just happened” to work for the New York Bible Society. What some people call coincidence, we know is the will of God!

Several years later in his autobiography he wrote about being witnessed to by an evangelist on an airplane. In the book, it was somewhere in Europe, so might have been me, might have not been....but I did have that opportunity on a flight from Colorado Springs, to Dallas.

I met Josh McDowell a wonderful Apologetist (Defender of the Gospel) at an airport, he was very nice.

I met Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman, at a Nashville airport
(I need to fly around more often) I had just recorded my very own CD with a mutual friend Tony Ellenburg. Tony and I had just eaten breakfast….and I had egg on my shirt (Really) Steven didn’t seem to mind, he was very gracious, though the guy with him would not take home any awards for friendliness.

I have met several well know preachers….and almost all of them were nice :) Adrian Rogers my all time favorite (I met him five times) made me feel like the most important person he had ever met.

This past week while attending a John Piper (wonderful Pastor and prolific writer) conference, Laura and I met Rick Warren. He is the founding Pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forrest, California. Rick, after graduating from Seminary (Southwestern, Fort Worth, Texas) drove his family and a u-hall to Southern California in 1980, to start Saddleback from scratch!

In the years since, that Church start, had become one of the most influential Churches on the planet. Rick prayed the inaugural prayer when President Obama was sworn into office. He is also a bestselling author.

The first sentence of his book (The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold 30 million +) reads, "It's not about you" and the remainder of the chapter goes on to explain how the quest for personal fulfillment, satisfaction, and meaning can only be found in understanding and doing what God placed you on Earth to do.

*The book's 40 chapters are divided into six major sections, with the following titles.

What on Earth Am I Here For?
Purpose #1: You Were Planned for God's Pleasure (Worship)
Purpose #2: You Were Formed for God's Family (Fellowship)
Purpose #3: You Were Created to Become Like Christ (Discipleship)
Purpose #4: You Were Shaped for Serving God (Ministry)
Purpose #5: You Were Made for a Mission (Mission) *Wikipedia

Rick has repaid Saddleback for all the years they paid his salary, and now no longer receives a salary.

I had hoped to do the same with sales of my CD….but my Mom, could only buy so many copies ;)

Just before the Saturday session at the conference, there was a tap on my shoulder and Laura’s and there was Rick Warren…jeans, converse (Styling) and smiling.

He was friendly, and readily gave away his smile…and asked me if I had received a Pastors hug yet. After that warm exchange, I told him you have been hugged by a Pastor too. He was genuinely interested in us both…but had to go.

He left us with a memory of one of Gods choicest saints, who in that brief encounter revealed why God has used him so mightily...He is real, and He loves the Lord!

I just hope I didn’t have egg on my shirt :)

Our Suffering Prince...our Conquering King!

2011-04-20T16:23:00.003-06:00

For many years , The Los Angeles Times has refused to run certain "B.C." comic strips containing witty Christian messages during holiday seasons.

In March 1996, when the Times refused to run Johnny Hart's Palm Sunday strip, a national uproar ensued, reaching even the Washington, D.C., talk show circuit. The strip had Wiley—a brooding, poet-wannabe in B.C.'s cast of characters—sitting against a tree, tablet in hand, writing a poem entitled

"The Suffering Prince"

Picture yourself tied to a tree, condemned of the sins of eternity. Then picture a spear, parting the air, seeking your heart to cut your despair.

Suddenly—a knight, in armor of white, stands in the gap betwixt you and its flight, And shedding his 'armor of God' for you— bears the lance that runs him through. His heart has been pierced that yours may beat, and the blood of his corpse washes your feet.

Picture yourself in raiment white, cleansed by the blood of the lifeless knight. Never to mourn, the prince who was downed, For he is not lost! It is you who are found.

18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (1 Peter 3:18-22).

The Suffering Prince, in actuality who is the Conquering King....

1. Brings us to God

2. Declared His Victory

3. Is Sovereign Lord!

Afraid?

2011-04-17T20:52:00.008-06:00

Cape Cod Sunrise

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live. (John 11: 25).

*In Catherine Marshall’s classic biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, she eloquently describes how dark the night of grief can be—and how bright the new dawn of faith.

During the summer after Dr. Marshall’s death she returned to the summer cottage at Cape Cod, where everything from the boat in the yard to his old shoes under the bed spoke of him.

Seeking the solace of the sea, she headed beach ward that first tempestuous, lonely evening. As she gazed across the water, she suddenly remembered the last words she had spoken to him.

The scene was etched clearly in her mind. Peter was lying on the stretcher just inside the front door, waiting to be put in the ambulance. She leaned over him and he whispered reassuringly, “Darling, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Her last line is the best: “And as I stood looking out toward that far horizon, I knew that those words would go singing in my heart down all the years . . . ‘see you, darling, see you in the morning . . .”

That is our hope. When two people are Christians they never say Good-bye for the last time. Our Lord gives us the hope of a glad reunion!

Why should we be afraid of death? * The New Ministers Manuel Paul W. Powell, George W. Truett Theological Seminary

“Afraid”?

Afraid? Of what?

To feel the spirit's glad release?

To pass from pain to perfect peace,

The strife and strain of life to cease?

Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?

Afraid to see the Savior’s face,

To hear His welcome, and to trace,

The glory gleam from wounds of grace,

Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?

A flash - a crash - a pierced heart;

Brief darkness - Light - O Heaven's art!

A wound of His a counterpart!

Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?

To enter into Heaven's rest,

And yet to serve the Master blessed?

From service good to service best?

Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?

To do by death what life could not -

Baptize with blood a stony plot,

Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid? Of that? - E.H. Hamiliton

Liberty University Professor Gary Habermas once wrote:

“The Resurrection is a rock that can bear the weight of Christianity”

Are you resting the full weight of your life on the one who defeated death, and offers us not mere earthly hope, but hope eternal?

Enjoy MercyMe as they sing "I can only imagine"....a song about heaven! And just think because of Jesus, those who know Him, and are known by Him, one day won't have to imagine!

Love, the flag that should fly over every Christians Castle!

2011-04-12T17:01:00.013-06:00

Love, four letters assembled in just the right way…to give us hope!

When you think of love, what comes to mind?

Sometimes we think of early crushes as “Puppy Love” and young hearts are stung by our labeling them. After all, it’s real to the puppy!

The first girl I loved after my Mom…was a stunning blonde (Not Laura) named Fern! I met Fern in the second grade as I remember. She has several teeth missing….but those she had were as white as a snow capped Colorado mountain:)

I decided to let Fern know how much she meant to me….at recess, so I kissed her right on the …..Hand, she then let me see the back of it….up close and personal! It was over! I was crushed…and I understood that love especially unrequited love, hurts!

Our first fledgling attempts at love, understanding it, and attempting to capture what it means, are often clumsy…and were left wondering just what it this emotion…and (We wonder) will I ever know what it means... really?

Love should be the flag that fly’s over the Christians (Home) castle! Love, which has found its home in the great heart of God that knows no limits!

Last night I decided to read the book of first John. John was an Apostle. Apostles were men who: were called to represent (Think Ambassadors) God, by Jesus himself and who had been eyewitnesses to His resurrection life!

Someone once said: Paul was the Apostle of Faith, Peter the Apostle of Hope and John the Apostle of love!

The first epistle (Letter) of John is generally divided up into three parts:

God is light (1:1 - 2:27

God is love (2:28 - 4:21)

God is life (5:1-21)

I learned this week that (Love, loveth, beloved), from the word agape, is mentioned 51 times in the Epistle of First John.

Fifty one times!

One of my favorite passages from this incredible book is found in chapter 4…

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. ⁸ But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8).

I pray that you will experience love…for you their just might be a Fern or a Fernando out there, who when you kiss their hand, won’t slap you!

If it doesn’t happen or hasn’t just yet…I have found that there is no love that compares to God’s….and its always available…always, all the time…even at recess!

Love should be the flag that fly’s over the Christians castle!

Is that true of your castle, your life?

The following song, sung and played by a "Four Year old" named Zoei, is what it's all about...

Windy Wyoming!

2011-04-05T13:16:00.020-06:00

A cowboy commenting on the Winds of Wyoming said:

It's so windy (In Wyoming) that you can watch your dog run away for two days if he's headed upwind....downwind, he's in Nebraska in 3.7 seconds!

As I am writing this blog, the wind is whipping about; making howling sounds that makes you look over your shoulder, to make sure nothings gaining on you!

Strong constant Wyoming wind…that can blow a teenager off their feet…. frequently shakes chubby preachers and allows birds to break speed records!

Walloping Wearisome Wyoming wind is something you have to accept if you live in the 9th biggest state (Land size) in the union!

Rock Springs, Wyoming…a place of many Rocks and Springs I have yet to see, was the location for an encounter with the above mentioned wind.

At the time I was driving a 1999 Dodge Durango. The driver’s power window was broken, and I being a frugal (Think Cheap) owner had it held up by clips. While driving on an incredibly windy evening….the window fell down. I got out to raise it up for re-clipping….and the wind blew my brand new adidas cap off of my head. It took off like it was launched off of Cape Canaveral!

Stand by Durango owner too cheap to fix window….we have cap liftoff!

In almost any other state in the union….if your new Adidas hat blew off you would make an attempt to find it. Ha! Not in Wyoming, not on a windy day….forgetaboutit!

In researching why Wyoming, is so windy I learned:

The Great Divide, coupled with the latitude of Wyoming relative to weather coming off the Pacific, make it a pretty sure bet the wind is goanna blow.

That explanation sounds logical to me. I am just glad I don’t have a dog….that has leaving on their mind!

By the way if your reading this somewhere across the Atlantic, should a burgundy wind blown newer adidas cap land at your feet….enjoy!

My thoughts on the Kindle!

2011-03-29T10:58:00.031-06:00

Kindle-

a. To build or fuel (a fire).

b. To set fire to; ignite.

I resisted the kindle for years. Oh I heard about it, and had people encourage me to check it out. I persisted in my resistance! I like books, no I love books! I like the way they look, the way they smell, the way they fit on bookshelves, I even love book shelves! Real bookshelves made of wood ( from real trees, that squirrels climb) not press board!

For me, there is nothing more inviting in a driving Wyoming blizzard, than the sanctuary of my office, and the opportunity to read.

The Church I am blessed to Pastor has provided the most beautiful and inspiring study a Pastor could ever hope for…pray for. Whew, I digress!

Back to the subject of this blog, a slate colored electronic reader named the kindle. Why do they call it the Kindle you’re wondering?

The name Kindle as your aware means to ignite! And reading has that ability. Reading can set intellect ablaze, enable us to visit lands we have never seen, to spend time with the finest minds of the ages, and be less dull in social situations!

Readers are leaders after all…and reading is a passion I believe God put in to my life for the purpose of being a more informed, and hopefully a better prepared and more effective (well read) minister.

The heretofore resisted Kindle sits at this moment within arm’s reach and beckons to me to open and discover a device that:

Holds Over 3,500 Books- The ultimate travel companion, Kindle weighs 8.5 ounces and holds up (Worth repeating) to 3,500 books!

You can Get Books in 60 Seconds- Whispernet utilizes Amazon's optimized technology plus Wi-Fi networks to enable you to wirelessly search, discover, and download content on the go.

I am hooked! Oh I will still read regular books that are made out of pulp and glue. I will always love bookcases…but this Kindle, it’s something else!

I will never be without one again!

Oh I forgot to write, you can read at night in bed with a built in light (Leather cover with light $60.00 extra and worth it)

And you can download mp3s and listen while you read!

No I am not a paid consultant or salesman for Amazon, but I am one superbly satisfied customer!

I purchased three books today! (actually four) Shh h... don't tell Laura;)

And somewhere, a tree smiles as a squirrel scampers across a limb!

A Childhood long long ago!

2011-03-21T15:32:00.008-06:00

A friend sent this to me it was to good not to post!

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE

1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers
Who smoked and/or drank while they were
Pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing,
Tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes..

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs, in rooms painted with bright colored lead-base paints!

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles,
Locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode
Our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.

As infants and children,
We would ride in cars with no car seats,
No booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day
Was always a special treat.

We drank water
From the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends,
From one bottle and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon.
We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar.
And, we weren't overweight.
WHY?

Because we were
Always outside playing...that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day,
As long as we were back when the
Streetlights came on.

No one was able
To reach us all day. And, we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps
And then ride them down the hill, only to find out
We forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes
a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Play-stations, Nintendo and X-boxes.
There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable,
No video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's,
No cell phones,
No personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS
And we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth
And there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt,
And the worms did not live in us
Forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,
Made up games with sticks and tennis balls and,
Although we were told it would happen,
We did not put out very many eyes..

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and
Knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just
Walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.
Those who didn't had to learn to deal
With disappointment.
Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law
Was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best
Risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.

The past 50 years
Have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility,
and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of them?

CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others
who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the
lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives
for our own good!

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know
how brave and lucky their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house
with scissors, doesn't it ?

Anxiety-free people!

2011-03-14T17:36:00.007-06:00

Worry, is a word we sometimes wish was not a part of our vocabulary. There are words that by definition move to the front of the line, words we more than like, we love. God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, family, friends, love, kindness, trust, provision, purpose, joy , laughter, tenderness.

I could go on…but worry….back of the line if you please…and take discouragement and fear with you!

Worry, wants to be included, in our thoughts, in our conversations, and often is demanding and downright rude, interrupting a perfectly good day or evening, thoughts that lift, and fill us with hope….are often forcibly shoved aside so that "you know who" can get some attention!

Worry, is an insult to God! Worry grabs tomorrow’s clouds and covers today’s sunshine! I have used phrases like these for years, and I believe they are absolutely true, yet worry is tenacious, worry is persistent….and worry is a chief tool of a very real enemy, who wants you to doubt the goodness of God!

Worry wants you to forget the countless ways God has made away for you in the past….wants you to have “Spiritual Amnesia” so that you will doubt God’s nearness, and ability in a world of so many, to take care of you.

I know this is in many ways a dangerous world, a hard place to live…earthquakes can in a moments time claim the life of thousands, job loss can leave one feeling hopeless and afraid. Amidst all of life’s uncertainties there are the promises of God’s Word:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6).

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

²⁶Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? ²⁸And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? ³¹Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

³²For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. (Matthew 6: 25-33).

Pastor John Piper provides some much needed perspective:

The main point of all this is clear and unmistakable: Jesus does not want his followers to be anxious. He does not secure his kingdom by keeping his subjects in a state of worry. On the contrary, according to verse 33, the more primary, the more central his kingship becomes in our lives, the less anxiety we will have. Jesus came, lived, died, rose from the dead, in order that he might reign as King over an anxiety-free people.

So come to Jesus. Forsake all other allegiances. Take your vow of loyalty to the King of kings. And seek first in all you do to make known his kingship over your life. This and this alone is the way to freedom from anxiety.

After all, His eye is on the sparrow....and I know he watches me...

Life is a series of hellos and good-byes!

2011-03-10T09:32:00.012-07:00

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. ³⁷Andthere was much weeping on the part of all;they embraced Paul and kissed him, ³⁸being sorrowful most of all because ofthe word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. Andthey accompanied him to the ship.
(Acts 20:36-38).

The Apostle Paul is saying a teary farewell to people that had come to mean a great deal to him. He is on his way to Jerusalem. His life had been re-directed by the will of God, for a season they walked together.

Too often we assume that the people in our life now, the ones that add and benefit us, will always be there. After all life takes on a sameness, everything seems to continue as before, as it always has. The sun rises, and sets, the seasons come and go, the people we know are there, sure others are introduced to the circle of our lives, but for the most part life can have long stretches of relative predictability.

We should know, and I believe do know, that life while appearing stagnant, is anything but. It’s not a pond, but a moving, meandering river….time is flowing, life is changing…and the people who are often thought of as fixtures, are in fact being reassigned to a different place by the hand of God…who is always at work around us.

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. ³⁷Andthere was much weeping on the part of all;they embraced Paul and kissed him.

The emotion the quick tears that sprang to the faces of those whom Paul loved, and Paul himself, happened because life had abruptly changed, and farewell, became the un-welcomed topic.

Similarly, we in Southwest Wyoming will soon be saying farewell to Howard, Lavonna, and Laurie Daniels, as they return to Texas and the Pastorate of Howard's home church in Alvin. Howard for 2 years and three months has served with distinction as our Director of area Missions, His wife and daughter have been equally precious to all who have known them.

It seems like yesterday we were looking on the faces that have now become so dear to us, as the Daniels shared their call to pioneer missions here in the great state of Wyoming.

Our Lord determines the direction and duration of our time, and His call for Howard and family necessitates this soon farewell.

Dr. George W. Truett long time Pastor (47 years) of First Baptist Dallas, Texas once said

“The workman die, the workman move on, but the work goes on”

And so it does, but we will never forget the impact this sweet family has had on all who have had the opportunity to know them here in Southwest, Wyoming.

The reminder stands:

Cherish life’s moments, because that’s what life is…one moment after another, and in their collection, will be the farewells of life, that teach us to value and hold carefully each and every valued friendship.

Singer Songwriter Billy Joel once wrote in a song:

So many faces in and out of my life ... some will last; some will just be now and then. Life is a series of hellos and good-byes, I'm afraid it's time for good-bye again. ~ Billy Joel

Aren’t you glad that Christians never say goodbye for the final time.

Until we meet again...

Thoughts on turning 50!

2011-02-28T18:34:00.009-07:00

Fifty...five decades! How? Why, so fast? I have been alive for fifty years! I don’t feel it. I know I look it, and sometimes looking in the mirror I wonder….who is the old guy?

I first noticed that I was getting older when men, older than me, would call me sir! They were respectful, kind, but strange somehow, I thought to address me as sir, I should have been calling them sir….but they beat me to it, hmmm... faster thought process?

I walked into my 20^th High School reunion, and immediately walked out concluding that I was in the wrong room, the people in there could not have been the friends of my youth…but they were, and I walked back in.

Oh I don’t mind getting old, after all as someone said “It is a privilege denied to many”

I often think now, have I contributed, have I made any significant difference at all. Have I helped people along the way?

Has it been good that I have been here 50 years?

I suppose that is for others to decide, and I have found the people that have lined the hallways of my life, quite kind to me along the way.

What have I learned?

Life is a joy; it is a whimsical, thrilling and increasingly short experience. I have learned that when it comes right down to the bottom line…the only constant I have discovered is the all consuming, exhilarating love of God. A God who would allow His one and only precious son die to open the door to eternal life.

I have learned that Christ’s love prevails, endures, and lasts.

I have also learned that family is a gift, and we should treat the people nearest and dearest with great care…because in the tuning of a calendar they just might be gone, from this life.

I have been loved by a beautiful woman, honored by three wonderful sons, been blessed by great parents and siblings, and many numerous and wonderful friends.

Fifty years, it's gone by in a blink!

I am reminded of something Scottish Preacher Peter Marshall once said. He died by the way at the age of 46…

"It’s not the duration of a life that counts….but the donation”!

I pray, I really do…that in these five decades I have donated.

Just now...after finishing this blog entry, several of our church kids here on a Monday night....came into my office with balloons and sang happy birthday to me! One had a note inside...

"Pastor Mark, I hope you have a joy and fun filled b-day"

How could I not, after their donation!

The following song from my favorite pianist Kevin Kern called "Joy of the journey" reminds me, that it has been!

The Road Unseen!

2011-02-21T16:33:00.007-07:00

Living in Wyoming, I have developed an entirely new appreciation for respecting road conditions…and for the many people who promise and do pray for you when you travel.

Just this past Saturday Laura and I were driving back to Green River from an awesome trip to Ogden Utah.

The roads were fine, but a 15 car pileup had left I 80 closed. By the time we arrived to that closed section, it had gone from bad to worse…leaving many people stranded and scrambling for hotels in Evanston, Wyoming. Gassing up, I struck up a conversation with a man pumping diesel into his white pickup. Remember, “White Pickup” it’s an important part of this story.

He told me he was from Kemmerer, and knew how to get there another way. I thought to myself, you can get to Green River via Kemmerer!

He began to tell me the way to go…I lost Him after He said you go…down here, turn left….follow 89 toward Yellowstone, head to Randolph….you get the idea. I interrupted with this statement: “I don’t know how to get to Randolph’! He replied with two words that were like “Listening Gold” to this Wyoming Pastor…”Follow me”.

By the time I turned around to do just that there were two “White Pickups” leaving the Flying J gas station…one went right, the other went left and I went uh oh! I asked Laura which one was which….she said …"It has to be the one going left, because that’s the right direction". Well alrighty then!

Off we went, and that guy in the White Pickup had no aversion to speed! Soon we were following that White Mirage…through the wintry, foggy, spooky landscape of Highway 89, for miles, forever! We began to wonder about our guide, this was a possible Steven King Novel waiting to be written!

We crossed into Utah, we began to wonder, was that the right truck? Are we going to Yellowstone? Look at the deer! The Fog….the sign….at last Randolph! This is where the Hallelujah chorus should play!

A few more miles, and more deer sightings later, we were turning right, and ultimately to the road that skirted the closed Highway, and brought us safely back to Green River!

The man in the White Pickup…got out and said a hasty goodbye (Winter in Wyoming) is no place for prolonged farewells! I told him the great scout Kit Carson, could not have done better! He disappeared into the long stretch to his home. Mission accomplished, and appreciated!

The road unseen by me, was known by my guide...and we were never in trouble!

Now warm, and safe in my Wyoming study…I am reminded that when we trust in the Lord with all of our heart, and lean not into our understanding, in all ways acknowledging Him (The Lord) He makes away for us!

After all the road might be unknown and unseen to us...but our guide knows the way!

Laura, reminded me just now, that we need to trust our guide, especially when were not sure of our own directions! Gods way is best! And He will make away for you!

But next time, I think….I will make sure my guide is driving a red truck!

The following song from Janet Paschal based on the people of Israel leaving Egypt crossing the red sea, reminds us that...God will make away!

The Place called Heaven!

2011-02-14T12:28:00.034-07:00

Heaven is a beautiful place, filled with Glory and Grace...I want to see my Saviors face, because Heaven is a beautiful place!

I taught that song to my boys when they were very small.

The reality of a place called heaven looms larger now in my life than perhaps any other time. I can say with all sincerity I am homesick for that place. I of course have never been there, and yet I feel an upward tug, a pull that I can’t shake. It’s something I wouldn’t shake if I could!

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis

I am not being morbid on this Monday, even though Mondays are often tough days for me. Why you ask? The buildup of the week, the excitement of Sunday, bringing Gods Word to His people, then wondering “Did I do all I could, and was the Gospel clearly presented”?

I know of no other calling in the World where the eternal state and stake of human beings hangs in the balance! To preach is the highest honor. Think of it, to speak on behalf of God, week by week, to have the attention of people, who maybe more than any other time of the week, have a chance to listen, to be attentive…to hear news that can liberate, and set their feet toward the place called heaven….is an honor, and a heavy responsibility!

I am often cognizant that my next sermon could be my last sermon. Every Pastor should preach…

1. As if it was the first time.
2. As if it was the best time.
3. As if it was the last time!

Live each day as if it were your last, because one day it will be!

When that day comes for me, I will be with the Lord Jesus Christ, and the redeemed of the ages! Why...

It is because as a teenager living in North Carolina I asked Jesus Christ to forgive my sins, and be my forever friend. He did, and I am heading someday, one day for a place called heaven.

The Apostle Peter writing of our Lord Jesus and his incredible courage displayed on the cross wrote:

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ²³When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten,but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. ²⁴He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin andlive to righteousness.By his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵Foryou were straying like sheep, but have now returned tothe Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1^st Peter 2: 22-25).

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth., meaning everything he said, everything he did…was always true, always trustworthy. He has promised me a home! I have loved ones who have gone on, and wait for me. Soon faith will give way to sight!

Until then, I want to live for my King, I want to love my family, and I want to serve His people….along the way to the place called heaven!

The song that follows was sung by Chip Dorton, a graduate of the prestigious Julliard School of music, Chip left this life to depart to be with Christ, not long after he sung this song...about a place called heaven!

This place we call home!

2011-02-07T12:34:00.015-07:00

I love our country. To begin to list the many and varied reasons would take more than one blog. I love our freedom, perhaps the most.

Because the world is shrinking (thanks to technology) any unrest anywhere is instantly known. Problems in Egypt.... we are aware of it before some Egyptians are!

I am reminded, that the World is a dangerous place, and not everyone experiences freedom, as we do.

I know we have are own set of issues, real problems that will take more than human brilliance to solve.

Don't you think it's time to just stop, and be thankful for what we do have, what we do enjoy?

I know things, seemingly are always going up, be it the cost of electricity, College tuition, utilities or our weight. Yet, there is something to be said about just enjoying, what we have... even for one brief moment.

Yesterday during the pre-kickoff of the Superbowl the declaration of Independence was read by famous football players, standing with other Americans. In that regard (Being American) we all have equal footing, the segment reminded me of the courage of our For- Fathers and Sisters who dared to stand against Britain and declare our freedom!

Just before the Kickoff yesterday Christina Aguilera, missed a line while singing the national anthem. She has been taken to task for it, and has since apologised. I love that about Americans too, we will hold you accountable, but for the most part have big hearts and offer second chances.

Here is some interesting insight about "our" song:

In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem, Defense of Fort McHenry. The poem was later put to the tune of (John Stafford Smith's song) The Star Spangled Banner became the U.S. National Anthem in 1931.

Here is the first verse, that we all should know:)

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

For some reason today, I needed to go back to Whitney Houston's, Superbowl and Superb, rendition of our National Anthem sung at the 1991 Super Bowl, during the first Gulf War.

It provided the obligatory goosebumps....as you listen to her, perhaps sing along with her....stop afterword and thank the Lord for this place we call home!

Honoring Others!

2011-01-29T12:10:00.008-07:00

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12: 10).

To Honor is to attach high value to something or someone! Relationship experts Gary Smalley and John Trent in a conference study manual wrote:

1. The most important thing we can do is to honor God as the highest priority in our lives.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3: 7-8).

2. The most important thing we can do is towards building loving lasting relationships is to learn to honor others.

Honoring someone is a decision which is not based on emotional feelings. Deciding to honor our spouse or other loved ones begins to change our feelings toward them.

Deciding to DE-value them is a quick means to losing our emotional feelings for them.

Relationships are the glue that makes life work. I have been blessed to have many wonderful and fruitful relationships in my life. I am sure I have failed my friends from time to time, but I can say without contradiction, I don’t want to!

It seems to me that too many discard friendships and relationships as if it’s no big deal. It is a big deal! People matter, and so do their feelings.

However, the Bible is clear not all relationships endure.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18).

Paul clearly says ...if possible, sometimes people are very hard to like, much less love!

What are we to do?

Make every effort to invest in the lives of others, take your time, and value them! I can promise you if you will value your spouse, children, and co-workers, if you will choose Romans 12: 10 as your theme verse:

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor, you will be amazed at the life and friends the Lord will give you!

Recently I was watching “Little House on the Prairie”; the story was about a widow with three children who discovered she would soon die. She on a Sunday morning stood in front of the Church people, told her story and asked that they pray about taking in her children, after her death.

She died, at the graveside service the Pastor read a note that she had written:

"Remember me with smiles and laughter; for that's the way I'll remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all."

You will be remembered, how you will be remembered depends…will you honor those in your life or not?

Friends in High Places!

2011-01-24T14:35:00.008-07:00

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. ²⁰ He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. ²¹ Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. (1st Peter 1:18-21).

Every person if they admit it or not, needs to belong, to be wanted to have value! It saddens me when I think of the vast majority of humans who attempt to find a sense of meaning in anything other than God.

Why the sorrow?

Because anything else but a relationship with the Eternal God....simply does not last. God is Eternal for a reason. Because that which is eternal within each human being, (Our souls) cries out for purpose and validation. And the best of this life...is far from enduring or lasting, certainly not eternal.

We need to know, really know that our life has purpose, that we are headed somewhere....that we are on our way.

Did you see it, really see it? For our sake, for our benefit....for us! He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake!

There is nothing that comes close to knowing the one, who for our sake....was revealed! And it's because of the Lord Jesus Christ (The greatest of friends) that I have friends in "High Places"

Singer Larnelle Harris reminds us that we have so much to look forward too!

I've got hope when things look bad
And I can smile when I should be sad
I've got friends who lift me up when I'm feeling low
And they watch over me wherever I may go

I've got friends in high places
So high but not so far away
I've got friends in high places
And I'm gonna be with them someday

There's the Father right by His Son
And the angels, each and everyone
And other friends I miss so much and I long to see
But knowing ill be with them one day comforts me

I've got friends in high places
So high but not so far away
I've got friends in high places
And I'm gonna be with them someday

Why should I run
Why should I hide
What's there to fear
When my friends are on my side

I've got friends in high places
So high but not so far away
I've got friends in high places
And I'm gonna be with them someday

I've got friends in high places
So high but not so far away
I've got friends in high places
And I'm gonna be with them
Yes, I'm gonna be with them someday

When Pajamas are dangerous!

2011-01-17T11:19:00.003-07:00

In the great state of Wyoming I have observed a strange and unusual phenomenon! Maybe you have seen it too? No, I have not seen alien aircraft, nor have I heard weird sounds…..I have not had a big foot sighting! What have you seen Pastor Mark?

So glad you asked….brace yourself I have seen with my own “Baby Hazels” people wearing pajamas in the day time….outside, in public! Often with accompanying giant slippers!

This is strange to me. Pajamas outside….in plain sight? Oh yes…..it’s a regular occurrence in the “Equality State”.

Why? Comfort or ease of wear….a fashion statement? I am not sure since I have not done any official “Pajama Interviews”. That said….

I think I know….and what I have found is.... “Pajamas can be dangerous”

Recently I purchased my very own pair of plaid comfortable and cozy pajama bottoms. My intent is they would never leave the house….unless I am traveling.

One night last week, a potentially overdue net flick needed to be returned. In a desire to save a $1.00 late fee….I decided to take it back. It was nearly 9:00 pm on a cold Wyoming winter night.

You guessed it I was wearing those Pajamas. I deliberated changing…then concluded who could I possibly run into in 2 minutes of vulnerability?

Well, I found out I could run into Dave and Dee Dee Eaton….church members, who had no business being out! They saw me (Not too hard to miss) in all my plaid glory!

I told them they were sworn to secrecy….and seeing me in Pajama bottoms was similar to a “Big Foot” sighting…..rare….and they couldn’t be sure they saw it at all, and people might question their sanity!

So why blog about it, when the Eaton’s have yet (As far as I know) to spill the pajamas….I mean the beans? Because I now know why some people in Wyoming wear Pajamas in public…..they are comfortable, but before you venture out on a wintry night thinking the coast is clear….remember... they can be dangerous!

By the way the net flicks movie had to be back by 9:00 …I returned it at 9:04….and had to pay the extra $1.00 anyway!

The Charlie Schulz Philosophy!

2011-01-12T12:11:00.004-07:00

The following was sent to me by a friend. Some things that find their way into our email in-box are too good not to share:)

Enjoy!

The philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions Just ponder on them.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

  How did you do?

The point is none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish..
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people with whom you enjoy spending time.

Easier?  Yep.
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money...or the most awards.

They simply are the ones who care the most.

Thank you Charles!