Selfishness and Entitlement

Maybe it's just that I'm getting older, but I am really beginning to believe more and more that this world is not my home.

I have always tried to live by the Golden Rule. To do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I don't believe I am any better than any one else and don't believe that I should be put to the front of any lines. I knew that this practice was correct and I knew that I was in a minority, but I have been shocked of late at just how serious a minority it is in which I find myself.

Before I begin providing examples, let me tell you that I have many friends and acquaintances that are wonderful, giving, selfless people that demonstrate the love of Christ far better than me, BUT...

Drivers...when the lane ahead is going to end or when construction is forewarned--that is not the time to get in front of everyone else or speed around in the lane that is closing to get as far up as possible, then expect some good soul to let you in. You are no more important, nor is your destination any more important than that of the people you are going around.

...those of you who haul goods in trucks, especially dump trucks full of gravel, I recognize that gravel must be hauled but please cover your loads. A sign on your truck that states you are not responsible for damage caused by anything falling out of your truck is not enough. Windshields, headlights, etc. can be cracked or broken, paint can be marred, and don't even get me started on those of us who ride motorcycles being hit by anything that might fly off or out of your truck. Please consider others.

Walmart is a wonderful store where lots of people go to purchase the things they need or desire. I realize back to school time is crazy for all of us. But there are plenty of school supplies to go around. All of us need them and for you to block the aisle, break in line, push your way through or around, or to generally to make a fool of yourself is inappropriate. Relax, wait your turn, I have.

Those of you waiting in line at Walmart, or the post office, or in any public place. Hang up the phone until you are in a position to better handle the conversation. First, I don't need to hear your conversation. Second, you are unable to concentrate on what you are doing which exasperates the clerk and slows down the line behind you.

There are many more examples I could list but I don't want to think about them any more.

It's ok to want to get done with your chores as quickly as possible. But it's not okay to impose yourself on anyone else. The Bible tells us not to think too highly of ourselves and to love one another as we love ourselves.

"But I deserve it", may none of us ever get what we deserve and may we begin to understand that selfish people are the most miserable people in the world. Reach out and love, do something nice, be a good person, live together in harmony. Let me know I'm not the Lone Ranger!

Have a good day! Heaven knows I'm trying!

Too much, too fast

Do you remember that old "I Love Lucy" show where she was working an assembly line and couldn't keep up with the line. HELLO! Welcome to my world lately! I spent a week at Bogg Springs (Saturday to Saturday) serving as Camp Pastor. Truly enjoyed it, but I've had trouble getting back into the groove, probably because I had already nearly jumped out of it even before I left.

Lots of good things are happening though. I'm enjoying preaching a bit more. (Come to Faith Baptist Church, 109 Tanglewood in N. Little Rock Sundays at 6pm). I'm staying pretty regular with my workout schedule. (Anytime Fitness in Jacksonville. Ryan Parker is the MAN!) And seeing three blurs of activity (my wife and 2 daughters) as they speed through their lives. Actually Shelia is enjoying about 4 weeks break from her job at Sylvan Hills High. Jennifer is working at Arby's in Jacksonville, and Jessica found a 5 week temporary job at Ryerson Metals in the Port District. So busy isn't a problem!

My lovely bride and I celebrated our 25th anniversary this past Monday night (6/29) complete with a surprise party organized by our daughters (and friends). What a sweet night! Made all the more special because earlier in the month we celebrated my parent's 50th Anniverary (6/6) over in Alabama. Bittersweet though, because this month would also have been Shelia's parents 50th anniversary (Rest in peace, Mrs. Letha).

I think I'm still in the Patriot Guard. I've been so busy I've not been able to help much in that department, but I recruited a great helper, Big Walter, to take up my slack and what a fine job he has done. He's also my workout buddy at the gym. We both have a long journey ahead!!!

Well, I was approaching frustration level with all the work I need to do, so catching up with the blog was a welcome break and redirection of energy. Back into the fray!

Pop in and say hi when your get a chance!

Much love to ya!
Jeff

It's been a while

My apologies for my lack of posts of late. My time management has been whacked for the last few months, and honestly my frame of mind has been a little off kelter too!

Things are busy around the Hulsizer place. Jessica & Jennifer finishing up the school year with finals, papers, programs, etc. (Congrats to Jessica for making it through the first year of UCA's School of Nursing with a great GPA!--I'm proud of you! Now GET A JOB! :) Jennifer still has a few weeks, but has been busy with Choir Follies, she'll be on a choir trip to Branson this weekend, and we're all getting used to her having a job (Arby's in Jacksonville).

Shelia is happy to be running again. She stays busy with her "Women Can Run" clinic in Cabot and their activities, plus her work at the school, praise team at church, etc.

I've tried to be faithful to spend an hour or two at the gym 4 or 5 nights a week which eats into my blogging time. So there is it...my excuses.



Kind of a strange weekend shaping up for me. Tomorrow I'm moving Jessica out of her place in Conway and into a mini-storage as she's living at home this summer. I have Lisa & Lee's wedding rehearsal Friday night and their wedding at 6 Saturday. What a blessing to be asked to officate a wedding for a kid from my old youth group!

As I write this I'm anticipating a phone call regarding the details of a funeral service for a elderly lady that had been a big part of my life at Faith the last 9 years or so, Flodene Henderson. I'll be doing her funeral whenever it is planned, so I'm trying to gather some thoughts there.

Also in the tunnel of my concentration is the Children's Ministry Retreat next weekend at which I will speak, and a Youth Camp this June at which I will serve as the Camp Pastor. Wonderful opportunities, I just need to really set aside some intense prep time.

Lots of things to keep us busy, lots of things to keep us distracted, and lots of things to try to keep us from keeping the best things in mind. I'm reminding myself of I Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Lord, help me not to be distracted from the best things, by good things, bad things or any other things. Father, guard my heart and protect my attitudes to always be found an able vessel.

Hoping a great day and a fresh sense of the presence of the Lord in each of your lives my friends. Carpe Diem!

Goodbye for now...

This morning's first phone call was our Senior Pastor calling to let me know that a dear friend had passed away. Bro. Leon Halbert had been in poor health for a long time and the Christian side of me is relieved, even happy, that he has triumphantly gone on to his eternal reward. However, the human side of me is sad that my friend has gone away.

I have been sad a long time for Leon. His condition had kept him from being himself and I must admit I was none to faithful at going to visit him in that condition. But he and I were very close and had many, many long conversations and visits and it was just very hard to see such a previously strong, all-together type man like Leon in that state.

When I came to Faith church 8 1/2 years ago, there were two men in particular that became fast friends; Dub Carpenter and Leon Halbert. I don't what it was, exactly, that caused us to hit it off, but we did. We lost Dub a few years ago. That was hard on Leon. But now to lose Leon too, it's just sad.

Leon and I were visitation partners for a couple of years. We made a good team, he said. "You do the talking, I'll do the prayin'" He was always personable, I think he loved everybody and was never uncomfortable in any home we entered.

We always had planned to find a "project" to work on. Once, Leon bought a series of boxes containing a bunch of motorcycle parts. From that mess he assembled an antique Harley. He later sold that bike and I believe I'm correct when I say that it is now in the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain. He loved cars, bikes, tractors, he just loved machinery and was good with his hands. I'm sorry we never got that "project" started.

I said Leon was good with his hands. Leon was good with his heart too. What a gentle, giving saint. I love you brother. I look forward to seeing you again. Enjoy heaven my friend!

Viva la difference!

I’ve been pondering differences a lot here lately. Honestly mainly because of the difference in musical tastes and the possibility of misunderstanding within a church body. I don’t pretend to be wise enough to end the “what musical styles are acceptable for worship” debate that has loomed forever. But I do want to share a little personal perspective.

Would it be true to state that most of what happens on a Sunday morning is cultural? I believe that “Jesus loves the little children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight!” While it is true all these colors are represented in the cultural melting pot called America, there are also many different places in the world where the people look, act, speak and, yes, worship differently. Who pleases God more?

It is my contention that worship is more about the motivation and the content of the heart than the key, pitch, tone or rhythm of the musical vehicle that one employs to help take them to the throne of God.

While I believe it is absolutely true that Jesus is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6). I also claim the promise that if we knock, He will answer; if we seek, we will find. (Luke 11:9).

I’m afraid that too many times we let too much personal taste interfere with worship. It doesn’t matter what kind of vehicle you drive to church, it’s the attendance that matters. Likewise I believe that it doesn’t matter so much what type of music we sing, it’s that we are singing to our Lord with gratitude and praise. Praise the LORD! For [it is] good to sing praises to our God; for [it is] pleasant, [and] praise is beautiful. (Psalm 147:1)

…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ephesians 5:19).

And finally, consider Psalm 150 and then ask yourself which instruments cannot be used to praise God.

I will sing unto the Lord…

Count the Cost

I have wanted to ride my motorcycle out to my parent's place in Alabama for a long time. Last year my dad was to have some minor surgery and I had planned a trip for then but the surgery was rescheduled a couple of times and it never worked out for me to go. But over the holidays I got word that my sister's husband was going to be ordained as a deacon on Sunday night, January 4. My wife and youngest daughter were to start back to school the following day so I was going to go by myself anyway, so why not take the bike. I began watching the weather to make sure the way out would be safe and pleasant. There was rain early in the forecast but that all gave way to just cloudy skies, so I decided to make the trip.

I packed all my stuff (being cautious in sealing the clothes in a plastic bag inside my luggage just in case. Wired up my new cb radio system and antennae and planned to head out Saturday morning.

Everything seemed cool, I started out on the road and upon hitting the first good bump my cb lost power, the cigarette lighter I installed wasn't working right so goodbye cb!

But the weather was fine, even a bit warm for such a heavy leather jacket. I was thinking how glad I was that I hadn't brought the additional jacket I sometimes wear under the big leather one.

I stopped in Hazen and traded the cb headset for my iPod and hit the road again. No rain, just a little cloudy. Life was good.

I had opted to go across the Helena bridge and up through Tunica county to Hwy 302 across Olive Branch to Hwy 72, Memphis and motorcycles didn't seem like a good combination. So I pulled into the rest stop in West Helena and completely disinstalled the cb system and put it in my luggage. I was on my way. Hwy 302 was a nightmare. I hit every red light (I think they call it 302 as that seems to be the number of traffic lights there are!). Anyway, I finally hit 72 and I'm off. I get to Corinth, MS to stop for fuel and call my dad to tell him where I am. All is well, I'm still warm and dry...flying high.

I arrive at Mom and Dads just before dark and enjoy a nice visit. We get up the next morning and prepare for church and Bro. David Gregg gives me the blessing of asking me to preach for him that morning. What an honor. I did what I could and then head back home for a great afternoon visit with the folks.

Monday morning reality hits. There is rain all over Arkansas and Mississippi and most of Alabama, but I am convinced a little rain never hurt anybody, especially with a full face helmet and some rain gear. So I pack up again (plastic bags inside luggage) rain gear on and head for home.

I get about halfway down the Natchez Trace and realize I'm a mite chilly so I pull in to the Buzzard Roost stop and put my rain gear jacket on under my leather jacket and adjust my head/neck warmer and head out again.

Halfway to Corinth, MS I notice my rain gear pants are coming apart (or at least the layers are seperating) that's when I remember them being so economical when I bought them at the Bass Pro Shop in the hunting department (not the highway speeds on motorcycles department!)

I get to Corinth for fuel still dry and I throw the rain pants away (I will soon regret that decision) and head on down the road. At about Walnut I begin to notice that the windshield has some water droplets playfully wandering about on it to which I think, ha...this rain this is gonna be no trouble. Cut 15 miles down the road to where the rain has stopped being playful and is soaking me to the bone. I pull in to a gas station to readjust and being shivering. Not a good sign. I pull my gloves back on, zip everything all the way up and head back out. I think for a moment about not going through all the traffic lights on 302 again but remember the alternative is downtown Memphis...nevermind. So 302 traffic lights and rainfall looking for a place to stop and buy some decent rain gear. Which brings up the question, why are motorcycle dealers never open on Monday?

Anyway I make it to Walls, MS and call my other brother in law hoping he is at home and I am close by. Of course he's not home but close to my father-in-law's house so I tell him I'm gonna warm up a second and be back on my way. My flannel lined jeans are soaking wet and weigh 200 pounds. My boots (which are not water-proof) are holding water as are my long gloves and liners. I get a pair of uninsulated yet dry jeans out of my saddlebag and head to the restroom to find some form of relief. Thanks goodness for floor drains in bathrooms. My boots were full, my socks were soaked. I emptied my boots, wrung out my socks and changed jeans. I stumbled barefoot back out to the store tables to where a couple of city employees were taking a break discussing the miserable weather and began putting my wet socks back on. I smiled and asked them if they had ever seen such a crazy white boy, they laughed politely...I assumed the answer was no.

I bought a roll of trashbags and retrieved my duct tape from the bike and made some temporary plastic chaps for my legs. Maybe they would last the 22 miles to Pop's house? Nope, but nice try. When I pulled to the house Ms. Anne was aghast at the lack of wisdom I had shown starting out in this mess, but she found me a pair of sweat pants and some dry socks to begin my rehabilitation. A fried chicken dinner and I found myself under the electric blanket at 5:30 pm!

The next morning I hopefully tuned in to the weather channel hoping for a break in the action. No dice. The precipition was all over eastern Arkansas, but there was a potential lull in the early afternoon. Hopeful, I loaded up in a light sprinkle and headed for the Helena Bridge. These old highways are rutted up from use and heavy traffic and dodging standing water was quite the adventure, especially since the water was accumulating on my faceshield (which also fogs up with the slightest breath at anything less than 45 mph!).

I make it across the bridge and begin thinking, I'm not as wet (thanks to the roll of saranwrap I have wrapped around my legs) but I am colder. I stop at a laundromat in Marvel, AR and throw everything I can take off tastefully into the dryer. After a 30 minute break I'm back on the wet road looking for a break in the clouds. Have I mentioned I was wet and cold? When I got to Brinkley I opted to turn left on Hwy 70 rather than head for I-40...another mistake. Hwy 70 on a motorcycle bears a close resemblance to riding a bucking bronco in a rodeo. Plus seeing all the ice covered trees just adds to the cold I'm feeling. At Hazen I stop for fuel again and opt for the freeway. Much drier, much smoother but at a higher speed the windchill was brutal. I take the Remington Road exit and pray for just 12 more miles. I do make it, but when I pulled into my garage (covered by the way...I think my bike is still mad at me for leaving her out in the rain Monday night) I get off the bike and walk directly into the laundry room...helmet and all to begin disrobing and seperating myself from all things wet and cold.

I don't know I've ever appreciated a hot shower more. It took a good while to realize that it was, in fact, a hot shower. But I retained my normal skin color, found sweatpants, sweatshirt, terrycloth robe, socks and houseshoes and went looking for the hot soup. Life is good. I survived and boy, have I learned a lesson. When planning a motorcycle trip, check the weather for the whole trip...not just the first leg!!!

The loss of a dear friend

At 8:30 on Christmas morning, my phone began to ring. On the other end was 81 year old WWII Naval Veteran Herman "Shorty" Hagerman, a friend from the Patriot Guard. He was calling to wish me a Merry Christmas. We had a nice short conversation, he sounded great and seemed to be in a great mood, we exchanged our good wishes and told each other "love ya' brother" and that was it. I remember my wife commenting that was a sweet thing to do and I smiled to myself, "Yeah, Shorty is like that".

The next morning I got another call from a PGR friend, Big Ack this time, he was calling to tell me that Shorty had passed away earlier that morning. Imagine my surprise, initially my denial, as I had just talked to him! But it was confirmed that Shorty's big heart had played it's last beat just before 5:00 that morning. Then the whirlwind began. Funeral planning, notification of the rest of the Patriot Guard, mission planning, processing of the finality of it all, and honestly more than a few tears.

It was decided that the Patriot Guard would provide a flag line for Shorty's visitation on Monday night and that Big Ack and I would officiate the funeral services. The visitation was awesome, there were bikes and bikers and friends and loved ones all in and around the funeral home. We remembered and celebrated the life of this big,little man and we tried to show him the honor and respect he was due.

Tuesday morning was the time set aside for his service. Even more bikes it seemed had gathered and there was standing room only in the chapel and more standing outside as silent sentinels for this hero. As the friends and family came by Shorty's casket to pay their final respects I learned even more amazing things about my friend. I did pretty well until Shorty's brother came by and cried on my shoulder and gave me a hug that felt a lot like Shorty.

We proceeded to the gravesite where we laid Shorty beside the wife he had lost on Christmas day 1997, coincidence? Flagbearers surrounded the tent as taps was played, scripture was read, a prayer was said and a flag was folded in honor of a great man.

Smooth seas Shorty, you may stand down now. Take your rest and enjoy your eternity. We'll be together again soon. Until then, we will do our best to continue the work you took so seriously and we'll try to do you proud.

"Thank you Father for the promise of eternal life in Christ and the comfort we have in knowing that because of his faith in Jesus that Shorty is there in heaven with you even now. Keep an eye on him Lord, he's little but he's quick!"

I can almost see him now, smiling profusely while dancing with the angels. Bon Voyage dear friend, until we meet again.

Jeff, you blew right through Christmas brother!

Yes, my apologies. No posts for some time. Please find the our Christmas letter a reasonable facsimile for a Christmas post...

It’s hard to believe it has already been a year since we had such an awesome Christmas vacation to Pagosa Springs, Colorado where we skied, snowmobiled, rode a 2-horse open sleigh and just romped in the snow for a week. But calendars never lie.

It has been an active year in the Hulsizer abode (so what else is new?).

Jennifer is 16 now (scary) and she and dad are sharing driving lessons. She is actually doing quite well, it’s just hard to let go. She is a junior in high school and doing well in her classes in spite of lots of extra-curricular activities. She finished a run as Marty Maraschino in the Jacksonville High School rendition of Grease (and was the best actress on stage...of course), and just finished singing in the Jacksonville Choir’s Madrigal Dinner. She is still active with the Devilettes (the High School Dance Team). All this while juggling Youth Group at church and some boy that has started coming by the house. But we stay on her about Pre-Cal, French & Chemistry just because we’re parents and that’s what parents do..

Jessica (three months from 21—scarier!) is well into her first year of Nursing School as a junior at the University of Arkansas at Conway. Clinicals for the first semester were at a nursing home there in Conway where she surprised herself being able to handle some of the more earthy requirements of being a health care professional. Next semester she has been assigned to the Veteran’s Hospital in North Little Rock. I hope they’re ready! Jessica has done an awesome job keeping her grades up and keeping up with all the papers and assignments required. Her young man, Matty, is almost a permanent fixture around the house but Dad actually doesn’t mind, it gives him a good excuse to watch Monday night football and play in the garage. The last day of finals this month Jessica was hit from behind while sitting stopped at a red light by a big rental truck, there are no broken bones but we fear whiplash will be an issue. We covet your prayers for as few problems as possible.

Shelia has a new job now and we are very excited. She is the registrar for Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood. She had been filling for the previous registrar who had been waiting to retire while out on medical leave. She misses being at the same high school as Jennifer but a guaranteed salary was just too good to pass up after several years of substitute teaching. Shelia’s other big news this year is that she has taken up running again. She has already run several 5Ks and even one 20K. She is currently training for a half-marathon. We couldn’t be more proud. Shelia and her running buddy Sara run faithfully 3 times a week (weather permitting) and really have been good for each other.

Jeff would have started at least walking with Shelia but he forgot that gravity and mass are not friends of people his age. A jump that wouldn’t have been a problem a few years and few pounds ago ended up fracturing his left ankle and being in a cast and walking boot for 3 months. Right after he was released from the boot he led a trip of 11 church members on a mission trip to St. Petersburg, Russia to assist a mission couple there with work on their facilities and their ministry. Jeff continues to enjoy his work as Chaplain for the Patriot Guard Riders of Arkansas. This October we completed our 8th year at Faith Baptist Church where Jeff is the Pastor of Administration, teaches the Faith Bible Class and plays drums in the orchestra, Shelia sings in the choir, Jennifer plays trumpet in the orchestra and Jessica substitutes in the girls Sunday School department. We love our church home and feel blessed to be able to work and worship with such wonderful people.

We hope this finds you and yours happy, healthy and whole and enjoying this blessed Christmas season.

Our love to you all,
Jeff, Shelia, Jessica & Jennifer Hulsizer
Jacksonville, Arkansas

An Attitude of Gratitude

Yes, the actual season of Thanksgiving is over (and what a special blessing it was to finish out the Thanksgiving weekend by observing the ordinance of the Lord's Supper with my church family Sunday night!), but I have noticed that not everyone does a real good job of showing their gratitude.

I like to think that I am a happy guy. I enjoy laughing and cutting up and enjoying the days I've been given here on this earth. But I'm beginning to think I am in the minority. I know that as I get older my fuse becomes shorter and my attitude slips easier than it used to, but there are just some miserable people in the world!

Always finding something wrong with everything, looking like their gallbladders have backed up, and snapping at everything and everyone. Baby, we are too blessed to be stressed. I love the old hymn that reminds us, "when upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed...count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!"

If we stop for a moment and look outside ourselves, we can plainly see how blessed we are. Yes, there are potholes in the highways of our lives and sometimes it rains on our parade, but the easiest and least productive thing to do is to complain, to find fault, to get hung up in the blame game. Let's make it a point to rise above the ordinary and be happy, joy-filled people who actually enjoy the life they've been given. Go out of your way to lighten the load for someone else, make a friend, be good to someone else, it will make you feel better too!

We have bought the lie that it's all about me. Look out for number 1, but that doesn't lead to anything except an empty life and a miserable disposition. Selfishness is a killer.

Therefore, I've challenged myself to live a bigger life than the one within me and to look, think and live outside the box. I'm gonna be happy even if it ticks you off. Life is too short for whining, complaining and poor, poor me!

I'm a child of the King, an American, a member of the human race, a Baptist, a biker, a husband, and a daddy. What's better than that?

Christmas is coming people, you better get ready. The "reason for the season" might just bless your socks off just to see you squirm!!! Now get out there and play nice!

Thanksgiving

My apologies for the lack of updates of late. This is just a busy time of year and honestly, I’ve just not been up to it.

I guess the first update is this. After I got back from our Russia trip I just didn’t snap back from jetlag. I just stayed tired, washed out and began to show some other symptoms. Began to make me a bit nervous so I made an appointment with my great doc, Dr. Alan Johnston at the Jacksonville Medical Clinic. We did blood work and had an exam and found that I had picked up a virus or something. So we started an antibiotic and waited for more info from the lab. Long story short I’m taking a steroid for the fatigue and already feel better. My general mood is improving as well, so stick with me kids. I’ll be back real soon.

I have never doubted that I was blessed. But this week was a real roller coaster of emotion for the Hulsizer family.

Today is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We are at my parent’s home in Alabama enjoying a short visit. We arrived last night but before we started the trip I wanted to get the oil changed in the Expedition and had a mysterious noise in the rear brakes so I took it to the local Firestone (I had a coupon).

I got a call that they didn’t see anything obvious with the brakes but suggested I needed axle bearings (or that’s what we used to call them when the bearings themselves could be replaced). Anyway, you can’t just change out bearings anymore, it’s a hub bearing assembly…about $400 each side and you NEVER replace just one side. So I received a quote of about $1,100. Wow, what a shock! We said goodbye to Christmas and settled in to figure out how to tell the kids.

A couple of hours later I called to see when the work would be finished and received another evidence of the mercy of God. The mechanic began breaking down the car to get to the work and couldn’t find one of the caliper bolts on the left rear brake, which would account for all the symptoms. So the price went from $1100 to 12.95 in no time. What a blessing! God is so good to us.

So as we celebrate this thanksgiving I understand that it is not all fun and games, that life is no picnic. But God is on His throne and He loves us and He reassures us of that fact just at the right time.

Thank you God for your love and provision. Help us to be more thankful and give you far more credit than we do. You are good and you are good all the time. Thank you, most of all, for your Son Jesus!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Veteran's Day

Today is the day we set aside to recognize those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. This is no small thing. Surely, you all have seen the patch or heard the saying, "All gave some, some gave all"; this is an absolutely true statement. No matter if you served 4 years quietly during peace time or you are the recipient of a Purple Heart for injuries sustained while fighting on the front lines during wartime, I salute you. Your willingness to serve, to give, to take orders, and to lay down your life...if necessary...is a rare thing.

In this world today we live with the "me first" mentality. What's in it for me? Our military men and women have put themselves on the back burner and have done and some still do the things that most Americans never even consider. For this and a million other reasons, thank you and God bless you.

I personally try to observe Veteran's Day every day. I try to recognize those who have served and those who are currently serving. They all deserve our respect, our gratitude and our admiration. So today, and every day hence, be aware of the sacrifices made by our Veterans. Don't just trip through life blindly; spoiled, selfish and numb. We are not "turtles on a fence post". We didn't get here all by ourselves!

May God bless our veterans. May God bless our military. May God bless America!

Attention Smokers!!!

No this is not a sermon on the evils of tobacco, the harm that smoking does to your body, or anything of the sort. This is a rant from someone who rides a motorcycle and has felt the negative effects of your laziness, or worse...your desire to harm.

When you smoke in the privacy of your own vehicle you are harming no one else, assuming you are in the car alone (second hand smoke is another subject this is not addressing). BUT, when you throw a lit cigarette out your window you have invaded the public realm; especially if that lit cigarette happens to hand in front of a motorcycle rider or actually hit that same rider or his passenger.

About a month ago I was commuting home from work and someone threw out a cigarette butt right in front of me. It may have been a cigar because the ensueing explosion of sparks and debris was quite extensive. At least one of these sparks hit me in the corner of my face very close to my eye. I can only imagine what could have happened if I didn't wear glasses.

Then just a day or so ago I had a similar experience when a cigarette butt hit me square in the faceshield of my new full face modular helmet. Not to brag about owning a new helmet, but if I had not been wearing it where would the burning ash and debris have gone?

We are still mourning the loss of a fellow biker after an 18-wheeler lost a wheel or something relating. Folks, it doesn't take a large object like a wheel off a semi to do severe damage, even death. So please, either use the perfectly good ashtray in your car, rake the fire off the butt before you discard it, or just don't smoke while driving. Those of us coming up behind you appreciate it!

Ramblings Regarding Russia

I have recently returned from a mission trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. I am so proud that our church is a very mission committed church and, as such, we take several trips each year to encourage missionaries and give our people the opportunity to experience a little bit of missionary life. We meet the people and see the field and find ourselves far more able to pray for and be concerned about the various missionaries we support.

On this trip there were 11 members of Faith Baptist Church; myself, Lynn & Brenda Raburn, Betty & Terry Reece, Mike & Melody Shoptaw, DeLynn Hearn & Buryl Dunlap, Danny Douglas and Bob Moore. We left Little Rock on a Friday afternoon, flew into Memphis then on into Amsterdam and the St. Petersburg. It was a long night of flying but a strong tailwind and the anticipation of a great trip kept us going.

Upon arriving in Russia we got our first glance into this proud land. The sky was gray and overcast, it rained most or at least a good portion of every day, not a soaking rain, just a constant drizzle. We got our bags packed into a van, got ourselves packed into the van, a taxi and Tammy's car and headed off for our home for the week.

The missionaries who hosted our visit were Kevin and Tammy Plaster, veteran missionaries who have been in Russia for roughly 15 years. It is a extremely difficult field as the Russian Orthodox church is basically the only thing these people have any experience with. They have a small congregation of Christians that have found Kevin and are doing a great job. Kevin is a faithful evangelist and soul winner. He distributes gospel tracts by the thousands counting on God's promise that His Word will not return unto Him void. His wife Tammy is the principal at an International School for the children of those who find themselves in Russia from other countries. We were able to bring lots of supplies for the school with us that made the staff very happy. Everything from a vacuum pump, to musical instruments, to a preserved rat for biology class. We also had the opportunity to work with Miss Yoko Sato, a missionary helper from Japan that works with the Plasters.

Our work for the week was to remodel the church building; painting, sheet rock, relocating a radiator, etc. and also help publish and distribute gospel tracts. Along the way we saw the city's sights, sample the city's food and came elbow to elbow with the city's people.

St. Petersburg is a beautiful city. It's architecture is amazing, the people of Russia are beautiful people, but they don't seem happy. There is very little eye contact on the street, mainly looking at their feet as they quickly go from place to place. I mentioned the dreary weather, there was a dreary tone that hung over the whole country that I took to be the lack of the sunshine of God's love. I know it must be frustrated for Kevin to know that he is working so hard to share with them the solution to their problems and the secret to real happiness and contentment but to have them blindly ignore it. Perhaps in time.

I certainly enjoyed my time in Russia. Kevin and I are very much alike in terms of a pretty bizarre sense of humor. But I really have a soft spot in my heart now for the salvation of the Russian people. I look forward to a return trip someday and hope that the revival will have begun!

Recent Russian Remembrances

Ahoy faithful blog followers, sincere apologies on my lack of entries over the past couple of weeks. It's been a very busy time around the church getting ready for the missions revival and the mission trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. We had a successful trip, I believe, and as soon as I can put a couple of moments together I'll file a full report with some awesome photos. Until then, thank you for your prayers. We all stayed safe and well during the trip and have arrived home safely and have entered the foray of overcoming jet lag while returning to the hustle and bustle of daily life.

I've got some Patriot Guard responsibilities today and a very busy week starting this weekend, but I really want to share this trip with you. Stay tuned, my friends.

Living vs. Existing

There is a group of people out there in the world that I simply do not understand. They are called “adrenaline junkies”. People who parachute out of airplanes or off cliffs, people who jump off bridges or towers with a rubber band tied around their feet. I just can’t identify. But, I do like roller coasters and I love motorcycles, does that mean I may be mildly affected?

I love movies. Adventure movies, car chases, fist fights. I don’t like the horror movies, that’s too much. But set me in front of a good western and I won’t move for 2 hours.

Nobody likes to be bored, every needs a little excitement from time to time. I contend that we were designed for more than just a meager existence.

We were fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. What for? I think Jesus gave us the answer in the book of John.

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Before we can live an abundantly life we need to figure out what it is. I dusted off my trusty Greek lexicon and looked up “life” and “abundantly”.

Life: life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ.

Abundantly: over and above, more than is necessary, superadded.

We were created in God’s image. We were built according to a plan, modeled after the pinnacle!
We are filled with His spirit. Gasoline is a subject on most people’s minds these days. What kind do you use? Whatever’s cheapest? I have to use premium in my bike.
How about your body? How many of you take vitamins? Why? It matters what goes in your tank doesn’t it. (diets, fuel, etc.) God offers us the highest octane fuel ever known to fuel our spirits, our lives, the holy presence of Jesus Christ.

For what purpose?

Abundant living…so people will notice and see a difference.
We are to stand out. To be a peculiar people. Not affected by the same things the world is. To find beauty, grace and power in godly things. To live an abundant life that others will be curious about.
We are to react differently than the way the world expects. We are to have a joy and happiness that is unusual to the ordinary.
We are to live fearlessly and fully knowing that it only gets better from here.

Victorious living…to win the lost, the rescue them from the very pit of hell.

I mentioned Westerns and Action movies a little earlier. What do we love about them? Brave, strong heroes doing battle against the bad guys. And don’t you want the good guy to win at the end?

Westerns are cool because you can always tell the good guys from the bad guys. How? The good guys wear a white hat! Friends…I don’t see too many white hats anymore; I don’t see too many hats at all. But bless our hearts if we’ve been born again we wear the white robes of a child of God! I don’t know about you but my robe is bigger than my hat!

Exciting lives…not just an existence.

I’ve got to admit, I get in a rut way too often. I let things get me down; I become hindered by the pressures of this world and the stresses of day to day living. But we have the power to overcome all that and live above it.

What gets us down?

Health…I just don’t feel good. Friends, I believe in a healing Jesus and I believe He is standing just outside our consciousness desperately waiting to bless us. Like I mentioned before, it matters what we put in to our engines. We don’t need to allow ourselves to be weighed down by the temptations and empty pleasures of this world. They only last a season. We need to fuel our bodies, our minds and our spirits with good!

Money…now you’re starting to meddle. Yep, but I’m preaching to myself here too. There’s never enough. But how many of you know from experience that 90% goes a lot farther than 100%. It’s a God thing. Why is it that when the economy turns bad that contributions are the first thing to be cut? Do we trust God or not?

The future. My God doesn’t only know what the future holds, He’s in control of it. If I’m living in unison with Him then the future can’t hurt me.

Folks, we are not bound by anything except ourselves. We are blessed beyond measure. We have an eternally secure future and God loves us even more than we love ourselves. What are we worried about? What are we sad about? We are the children of God. He holds all things in His hands. He is truth, He is love, He is power. What else is there?

We have no reason to fear.
We have no reason to worry.
We have no reason to be sad.
We have no reason to be bored.

God has called us to be His agents; to step up to the plate and live the adventure, the adventure of doing the extraordinary, to make eternal differences in people’s lives, to be a hero, to rescue the doomed, to celebrate the victories, to be in battle mode every day.

It’s when we forget what we are that allows us to begin to be affected more than we affect. To be weighed down with the burdens that shouldn’t have any effect on us. Stop it!

Quit living vicariously through the movies or books or anything else. Stop waiting for something to happen. Stop whining, stop complaining. Start living! You are a warrior, a knight in service to the king, you are on the winning team, you have been called to the most fulfilling, exciting life ever imagined. Go get it! There are no good excuses!

It’s a matter of attitude. If you think you can, you can.
If you trust and follow…God will lead.

September 12, 13, 14, etc.

As horrible and terrible as the events of September 11, 2001. There are other tragedies that seem to go unnoticed. On September 11, 2001 over 3,000 innocent Americans were killed. But on September 12, 2001 over 3,000 more innocent Americans were killed, and again on the Sept. 13 and again on every day since then.

WHAT! Where are the news reporters, where is the public outrage? Who were these people? Where did this happen?

The answer is, there is no outcry, the press doesn't care. These people were unborn children killed before they had a chance to live. But we don't call it first degree murder, we call it Abortion, really we don't even call it that. We call it "choice".

It's not a political topic, or even a social topic. It's a crime. Does life begin at birth or conception? DUH! Ask a pregnant mother if the child in her womb that is kicking the daylights out of her is alive! It's a woman's right to choose what happens to her body. YOU'RE RIGHT! But the choice happens when she chooses to have unprotected sex! Not after the fact! What about rape and incest you ask? In 2000 less than 1% of abortions claimed rape or incest as the reason to abort the pregnancy.

In a study conducted in 1998 the choices abortion was chosen included 25.5% want to postpone childbearing, 21.3% cannot afford a baby, 14.1% has relationship problem or partner does not want pregnancy, 12.2% too young; parent(s) or other(s) object to pregnancy, 10.8% having a child will disrupt education or job, 7.9% want no (more) children, 3.3% risk to fetal health, 2.8% risk to maternal health, 2.1% other.

I am so pleased that the Pro-Life platform has seemingly gained some ground in the current political arena. It is out of control and I'm afraid God's patience with this abomination is thinning. Americans...Be responsible! All of us...MEN AND WOMEN!

Oh by the way, since when is the opposite of Pro-Life - Pro-Choice? By all other standards the opposite of Pro-life is Pro-death. Think about it! Please...think about it!!!

Remembering

I was just a kid when Kennedy was shot. I remember my mother waking me up to see Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. I remember when Reagan was shot, when Elvis died, and when John Lennon was shot. I also remember when John Denver's plane when down. But no memory is emblazoned so clearly in my mind as September 11, 2001.

I was on my way to the church office and needed to stop for a haircut (no comments from the peanut gallery!). I was listening to the radio when the first plane hit and assumed, I guess like most of America, that this was a very tragic accident. Then while sitting in the barber's chair another patron came in and announced the second plane had hit. I knew then that this was no accident, but who...and why? Then the plane hit the Pentagon, then another crashed into a field in Pennsylvania!?!

I went to the office and we hooked up a television to watch the coverage. I remember the whole office paralyzed, sitting watching helplessly, hopelessly as the towers fell. The first attack on America soil in...oh my...the devastation, the loss of life, the fear.

I will never forget that day. I will never forget the billows of smoke, the video of people leaping to their deaths from the towers, the towers themselves crumbling into piles of rubble, not knowing how many innocent victims were still in the buildings. Then the stories of heroism. The policemen and firemen who saved lives, many at the loss of their own.

I can remember the anger, the need for revenge...retribution. I'm still angry. I still want those who planned and carried out this cowardly terrorist attack on innocent people including women and children brought to justice...Old Testament justice.

No, I am not a lover of war. But I also know that war is sometimes necessary. Yes, it is expensive, not only financially but more importantly in the lives of the soldiers who are called to fight the wars.

I support our President, I support the soldiers who have gone, who are there, and who are going. Not only to Afghanistan, but to Iraq as well. I believe there were weapons of mass destruction there, but the American press gave Saddam Hussein plenty of time to move them. Even the Democrats who are discrediting our President for the invasion of Iraq knew they were there (at least they did while Clinton was president).

But I don't want to go off on a political tangent. I want Bin Laden and everyone else who had a part in 9-11. I remember. As such, I will continue to remember and will remember why our men and women are fighting this war and I will support them. I will never forget and hope you won't either.

A wise man once said, "those who choose to forget history are destined to repeat it."

May it never be so and may God bless America and protect her forces and her allies as they fight the hidden enemies of freedom and right.

Until we meet again...

Freshness

Being a southern boy I love iced tea, but I like it fresh (and sweet). Being a southern boy that is a bit too large I've sacrificed and made the switch to artificial sweetener. BUT, I can't find a substitute for fresh. Have you tried tea concentrate, YUCK! Tea is made to be enjoyed within the day it is made!

Do you like stale chips? Neither corn chips nor potato chips are good after they've become stale. Bread and other baked goods are yummy when they are fresh, but not so yummy after they've become stale.

Am I just hungry or do I have a point? Well, it's Monday morning and I love new beginnings. Are you going to have a good week? "Well it depends", you say. You're right, it does. It depends on how we choose to react to what the days bring. If we see our challenges as opportunities and if we choose to trust God to handle the big things and not fret then possibilities for joy become a lot greater.

I'm in the mood for a fresh week, a brand new day, a real opportunity to enjoy some awesome things. How 'bout you? Then decide!!!

Check the 'tude dude

Do you have days where you just really don’t seem to be having a good time? I do, I’m afraid that I might even be prone to depression from time to time. The pressures of life, the busyness of work, the expenses of raising a family (especially when one of them is in college!), and then the added “yuck” of recovering from a broken leg—all can converge to just suck the life or at least the joy out of life…if we let it.

One morning this week I was “enjoying” attending my own little pity party and dog-gone-it if the Lord didn’t send me a little sump’n-sump’n to yank me back where I needed to be. I almost always listen to K-Love Christian radio. (I believe the human brain is like a computer, you only get out what you put in. GIGO-garbage in, garbage out) Anyway, a song came on that I have heard a million times and always liked but this time it hit me like a ton of bricks. Philips, Craig and Dean’s “I am a friend of God” started in, “Who am I that you are thinking of me, that You listen when I call.” Continuing to remind me that the God of the universe loves me, want’s to hear from me, and calls me His friend. That knowledge will ruin a perfectly good pity party. No the problems don’t go away, but a least you know that God is there with you, loving you, caring about the trash you’re dealing with, and really wanting to help.

My question is, how can I feel so relieved and loved, and then a day or sometimes even a few hours later, be back in the doldrums or under the grip of depression? Think about it, the devil is a roaring lion, roaming around, looking to devour or destroy us. What’s better for him than no Christian at all?--a sour, bitter Christian misrepresenting the Christ who saved them. Heaven forbid that I should send a message or represent that Christ hasn’t fulfilled all my needs and blessed me exceeding abundantly more than I deserve.

There it is…whenever you are feeling low, count your blessings nice and slow!

Go on poetry man!

I’m feeling better already…how ‘bout you?

Birthdays, blessings and brethren

So yeah, today is my birthday. 47 years I've inhabited this orb. God has been good to me. I hate to admit it but sometimes I have to be reminded of that important fact.

I felt a little aged this morning as the first things I reached for upon achieving consciousness were my glasses and my crutches, but then I got a call from my mother who I am very blessed to still have with me and who, along with my father, is in very good health. Thank you Lord!

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I get to preach the message at church this evening, but I know the mission report from the Teen Mission Trip will go long and I won't have that much time, but hey I get to preach and everyone loves a short sermon!

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Have you been watching the Olympics? I think there is a new malady affecting many of us. We stay up late cheering for Michael Phelps and the rest of the Americans and by the time the competitions are over it's very late, but we are all keyed up from the thrill and we don't sleep well or very long and morning comes way too early! Now I know why the Olympics only happen every 4 years!

But isn't it amazing to look at the different people, the nationalities, the ethnicities? People from different countries look different (for the most part). One of the questions I will ask tonight in my sermon is "What does a Christian look like?"

As one blessed to have been able to travel to some interesting places, I have seen Mexican and Mayan Christians singing about Jesus at the top of their lungs. I have seen Romanian believers love one another with a love that could only come from Christ. I have wonderful friends who share some wonderful Christian friendships with African, Russian, Chinese, Mongolian and many other "types" of believers. But aren't we are all united in Christ?

Along that line, what does real worship sound like? What is appropriate dress for church? Isn't it true that most of what happens on Sunday morning is cultural? I'm not saying that's wrong or bad, but just that we need to be aware and not allow ourselves to become judgmental.

God is God alone, but His children are different and special and He loves each one of them just like and just as much as He loves you and me. So how do you suppose He wants us to treat our brothers and sisters? Even if they are different!

Thank you Father for being a big God, not only global and able to love everyone in a way they can understand and find comfort in, but exceeding abundantly more than we ask or think. If you can love us in spite of our obvious flaws and downfalls, how can we not love one another. Love through me Father when I don't have the capacity in myself. Let me be a vessel through which Your love can flow.

Until next time...