When the Pastor preaches himself under conviction...

 

This was the question I asked in a series I'm preaching on Noah. I posed the question as part of the PowerPoint presentation.  The thought is compelling as well as convicting and the sanctuary grew quiet as each of us reflected on its implications.  First of all it speaks to the faithfulness of Noah's life; his faith and fellowship with God.  But it also calls for deep personal introspection.  There is definitely room for growth and improvement on my part.  May God help us to love Him and be loyal to His word not just as if the survival of the race depended on it, but because the love of God displayed for me upon the cross of Calvary compels and constrains me to do so.

Updating at Last

I've been chastised about my inability to update my blogs... sorry about that.  It's been awhile since I last posted.  We continue to miss Beverly and appreciate the impact she had on our lives.  Since this was Christmas and New Year season, her absence was more poignant.  But we know where she is and Who she's with... and are thankful for the hope we have in Christ.

I've been sick and missed 2 services over the past month due to flu and sinus issues.  I also missed out on being with Cathy to welcome our newest addition to the family.  Amanda and Andy welcomed their newest daughter into their family.  Lena Grace Justison has graced their world and we are indeed thankful for her health.  No doubt the love in their family will continue to grow.  Pray for them as they continue to raise funds for their ministry to Togo, Africa.

Jonathan, Kristine and the kids traveled west to us from their home in Washington, PA.  The work there is doing well and I'm proud of what they've been able to accomplish.  You can also tell that they love the lord and are leading their children to love them as well. 

Tim and Tamara are waiting with anticipation for the birth of their daughter.  Tim began EMT classes and continues to work at Landmark in the office as well as leading our Praise Team.  Please keep them in prayer as they continue to look for the Lord's direction in their lives and ministry.

It's Blogging Time Again

It's been awhile... again.... since my last blog.  Things are going well.  I'm always amazed at what God has done and is doing in our lives.  I am awed and humbled at watching my married children raise their children, my grandchildren, in the ways of the Lord.  Grandchildren are all that I've heard.  It's amazing to feel and see the love reflected in their eyes and in my heart as they spend time with us... for too short a time, and far too long between their visits.  Cherished moments that Cathy and I think about often.  They have truly grabbed our hearts, each of them.  And we celebrate the coming birth of our 5th grandchild.  I'm thankful and truly blessed.

Personal Blog ... Stardate ...

It seems that I'm not very good at keeping the blogs updated.  Too busy with other things.  IBI has much of my attention with teaching and administration.  But I am encouraged by what God is doing through the school.  Even if we are just the trail blazzers of this new format, I can see it's potential.  We had a busy summer, with camp, the EBA, and now IBI.  And on top of that, my responsibilities as a husband, father, and pastor.  I'm thankful that God has allowed me the privilege of being involved in His Kingdom work by pastoring one of His churches.  I am also thankful that all my children are involved in serving Him.  My son-in-law, Andy and my daughter, Amanda were accepted as AWBE missionaries to Togo, Africa.  That means that their children, (our Grandchildren) will be going with them.   They haven't left yet and already I'm missing them!  But God is in Control.  He has seen fit to call them to that field and I can only be thankful that they, willingly and submissively, have obeyed that call. 

Jonathan and Kristine are still serving as part of a church planting team in Washington, PA.  We've been informed that they are now expecting their third child.  That will make our fifth grandchild!  I am thankful for their service as well, and pray that God continues to bless their efforts.

Tim is doing well and seems to be recovering nicely.  He has been able to taste food now, although he states that his taste isn't quite normal yet.  He's seeking God's will for his life in ministry and we are praying that God will open that door and show him clearly the direction He needs to take.  He's planning on getting married, but that date is not yet set.  Pray for both Tim and Tamara as they seek God's direction for their lives. 

Too Long...

It's been too long since my last personal blog.  And it has been too long since all my children have been home at once, not to mention the grandchildren.  Tim's graduation was the reason for the reunion.  (He's doing great by the way; thanks for the prayers...)  The graduation went well, but the picture to me is one of the highlights for the family.  God has truly blessed us; and the grandkids... well they're just grand!

Poppy Time is Awesome

I've enjoyed spending time with our grandchildren.  Over the past few weeks, we've had the opportunity to visit with all of them.  To see their smiles and be the recipient of the their hugs... well it's simply awesome.  God's word tells us that grandchildren are a blessing and a heritage.  I've been blessed beyond measure.

Washington, PA

Cathy, Tim and I enjoyed spending time with Jonathan, Kristine, Niah and Josiah.  It was good to see family and worship with them.  Our special thanks to our family in Christ at LifePoint.  We enjoyed worshipping Jesus Christ with you, and getting an opportunity to get to know you better.  I am thankful for what God is doing in the lives our our children.  It was good to see Jonathan interacting and doing his part in the worship services.  For more recent pictures of Jonathan's family, see my Facebook page.

Special moments...

As I reflect on the blessings God bestows upon Cathy and me, I say a silent prayer.  As I see my grandson smile at me, and hear my granddaughter say, "I love you too, Poppy"  I am over whelmed and in the midst of praise and worship.  May God watch over you little ones, and give vision to your parents and grandparents.  May He also grant wisdom to the generation of leaders of this great nation which is struggling with great problems; the most of which is an apathy or antagonism against you Lord.  May your passion ignite my heart and may it be seen and shared by my family.

School Rally video

This is the IBI video that speaks to the need for church planters in our part of the country.  The video was prepared by Brother Chris Bocklage.

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7G776LNX

Still in Awe

I am still awed at how God is working in my life and the lives of my children.  As I spoke to one of them and they relayed to me what God was doing and moving them to do I whispered a prayer of thanks to God as well as expressing parental concern and compassion for the road that He was leading them to travel.  It has always been my prayer that God would use each of my children to further His glory and Kingdom; that they in someway might outshine the lives of their mother and father; casting a greater shadow and making a greater impact upon the world for the cause of Christ.  Graciously, God is allowing me the privilege of seeing it playing out as I see Him at work in them.  All I can say is thank you Lord, and please help me to see it as a wonderful privilege as you take them wherever it is that they are to go to fulfill your purpose for their lives. 

Thailand Trip

It is good to be back home.  I am always awed at the privilege of being a part of God's kingdom work and seeing His hand in the lives and ministries of His people.  Brent, Tawm and Owen Rosendal are doing great.  Owen and I became quick buddies.  Antioch in Chiang mai is also doing great and we enjoyed a great time of fellowship, even though by Sunday night I was struggling with jet lag.  Brent and I had the opportunity to go out and see the work at Kanetchu Baptist Church.  We had a time of teaching and discipling.  It was good to see how past efforts of the Barnetts bearing fruit as God continues to work through the Rosendals.  Things have been planned and set in place for future training sessions for the pastors in that area.  Please continue to remember these works in prayer as they strive to reach their world for Christ.

Preparing for Thailand Trip

Last minute preparations and prayer for the trip to Thailand.  I will be preaching on Saturday and Sunday at Antioch in Ching mai.  Please keep that a matter of prayer.  We will also be visiting schools as well as a trip to Kanetchu.  Pray for my family as well as for LBC while I'm gone.  David Slone, Associate Pastor of LBC will be filling in for me during my absence.  Please keep him in prayer as well.  Also, Brother Steve Maxie will be substituting for me in my classes at IBI.

LBC Happenings

God is at work at LBC.  It's awesome to see His hand at work in the hearts of the people.  We've seen several moves made for salvation and baptism of late.  We saw 19 saved at camp with 4 surrender to pastoral ministry.  One of those has committed to attending IBI.  That makes 3 freshman for the next school year.  Please pray that God will conintue to move and that His people will respond.

Catching Up

It has been awhile since I posted to my personal blog.  Things are busy, but going well.  We have enjoyed seeing visitors almost every week this year.  God has been blessing not just at Landmark, but in her ministries as well.  I am humbled and awed that God has offered me the privilege of being involved and engaged in His Kingdom work.  We are having services this week, praying for Revival and that God will use us to impact our community. I personally am seeking that God will find in me a submissive and surrendered spirit that will enable Him to use me for His glory.  I pray for our community and country as well.


I'm thankful for Cathy, my faithful wife and friend who has shared the journey with me as well as the ministry.  Her love for the Lord and personal walk with the Lord is an encouragement to me; as is her love for the children she teaches each week.  I am truly blessed!


I am also thankful for the fact that my children are in church and serving the Lord.  My grandchildren are a blessing and I'm thankful for their godly parents; praying that God will even now begin working in their hearts as they grow and reach that age of accountability.


All in all, I am awed and thankful for the blessings God has sent my way.  He's an awesome God!

Rejoicing for Josiah

Cathy, Tim and I were in Washington, PA to see our newest family member.  Josiah was born February 2nd. Both he and Kristine are doing well.  I am amazed at the blessings God has bestowed upon us.  He kept us safe as we traveled through the ice and snow that hit the mid-west and eastern part of the country.

LifePoint is doing great, and Jonathan is seeing results for his work with the team there.  Keep them in your prayers and that God will lead more to support their ministry.

Catching up...

As I reflect upon all that God has given me; all the blessings as well as opportunities to grow and serve, I conclude that I am blessed.  I have seen God working in the hearts of people who are facing hardships and coming out the stronger for it in their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.  It's awesome to be a part of God's kingdom work, and I look forward not with trepidation, but with anticipation of what this new year holds.  For Cathy and me, it is coming to know our granddaughters more and watching them grow.  Is is also being introduced to our grandson who is soon to arrive.  Truly I am blessed.  I pray for my children and grandchildren.  I pray too for our nation and her leaders.  But most of all I pray that I and the church I pastor will glorify God and represent Him in this world with integrity of love, truth and service.

Feeling Better... Thanks for Praying

I have the privilege of pastoring a great group of people who love the Lord and have been supportive friends over the years.  Yesterday was a day that was a blessing.  Although still recovering from a bug, I went to services prepared to preach.  The people had prepared a lunch for pastor appreciation day.  Inspite of not feeling good, the love and support of God's people warmed my heart.  I appreciate the love, expressions of support and gifts.  I'm feeling better... not 100% yet... but am busy getting things done for classes tomorrow.  I continue to marvel at God's blessings and grace toward me; not just through Cathy and the kids, but my extended family at Landmark.  I thank God for each of you... and pray that God will continue to bless our church and efforts as we work for Him.

Contemplation

I am awed at the fact that God has blessed me as He has.  I'm thankful for a wife who is supportive; a strong Christian woman who is my partner in life and ministry.  I'm thankful too that my children are saved and in service to the Lord.  I have a great son-in-law and daughter-in-law who are saved and committed Christians as well.  God has blessed Cathy and me with two wonderful grand-daughters and a grandson we've yet to meet.  (He's expected to make his entrance in January 2010.)  As richly as God has blessed, I find I'm also much in prayer for them; for their continued commitment to Christ; for their health and safety; for their future.  Truly God has blessed me far beyond my expectations.  I pray that He will continue to bless them as well as the ministries of each of us.  My desire is that through my life, and that of my family, God might be honored, and the Kingdom magnified in them and through them and me.  I serve a great and awesome God... what a privilege!

Into the 21st century

We've discovered the video cam for family time.  We've had the capability for a while but not necessarily the motivation... that is until grandkids.  We get to see the family with realtime video.  It was need to see Nora and see her reactions to our voices.  It is also a way that missionaries are able to keep up with their families.  But seeing isn't the same as being there.  And when you see the smiling face of your loved one, it isn't like getting to hug them... at least so says Cathy, and she's right; but it's more than just a phone call especially when one of them can't really carry on a conversation.

They're Here!

Well, Jonathan, Kristine and Niah are in transit in the move to Pennsylvania.  In the meantime, they will be staying with us this month as they visit churches on deputation.  We are praying that there will be a growing list of monthly supporters for them, and that their house sells back in Arkansas.  The good news is that there was a bid finally on the house.  We're praying that it can be worked out.  We know that God is in control, and appreciate your prayers.  In the meantime, Memaw and Poppy are enjoying their company and the opportunity to spend time with Niah.

On another note, we had the webcam set up and got to see Andy and Nora.  It was such fun to watch Niah and Nora react to each other on the webcam.  I have a feeling that Cathy will be learning how to use the webcam and Skype so that she can see all her grandchildren live...