Good Morning Everyone,
I love the rain!!! When I was hired to come to California I was told I better get used to not seeing much rain and in the beginning this was not a problem. But after being here four months and not seeing as much as a sprinkle I have to say I was having some major rain withdrawls. That all changed this morning. April woke me up before my alarm went off and told me it was raining which prompted me to spring out of bed and look out our window to see this glorious vision.
With this rain this morning came thoughts of the days when nobody on Earth knew what rain was. In the days of Noah rain was unheard of but God saw the wickedness of the people on Earth so he sent rain to flood the Earth. I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not know what rain was, in fact my time in California is the longest I can ever remember not seeing rain. As I think about the rain I remember the first time my oldest niece Madison felt the rain becuase I was the one holding her. It was a Sunday morning and we were leaving for worship and it began to sprinkle and hit Madison. I remember watching the wonder in her eyes as she began to know what rain felt like.
We live in a world where people take so much for granted and I belive the blessings of seasons and weather to be right on top of the list. I love the rain because I like walking in it and listening to it beat on the window but more than that I love the rain because it is a blessing from God falling down to us. This morning I want you to think about the everday things we all take for granted and take time to thank God for them. I hope you are all blessed today.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Who is going to carry your casket?
Good Morning,
As I sit here writing this morning I have just come from preaching the funeral of a man I never knew. As a minister this is a task that you get asked to do more times than you would like. This was the second funeral I have preached ever and this morning on top of preaching duties I was asked to be a pallbearer for a man I never knew. As I was helping carry the casket of this man to the grave I was reminded of my good friend Andrew Baker. Andrew was a sponsor for my social club in college and during pledge week he told us the story of a brother who had died suddenly and about his club brothers carrying his casket. Andrew told us that we were not joining a social club to play sports or go to club functions but to make friends who would be closer than brothers to us and who would carry our casket when our time came.
I grieve for the family of the man whose funeral I did this morning. I am sad they lost a loved one but sadder still that he did not have the kind of close friendships that would have taken care of carrying his casket this morning at his funeral. I hope this morning that you know who would be there to carry your casket at your funeral. I hope that you have good enough friends that love you enough to be there for you. If you are a member of the Lord's body I believe this would be the case for you. If you are reading this blog today and you have not yet named Christ as your savior and been baptized into his death I would encourage you to do that.
I hope as you read this today you know who would be your pallbearer if you were to die today. More than that though I hope you tell those people how much you appreciate them now while you still have the chance. I hope you are all blessed today.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
As I sit here writing this morning I have just come from preaching the funeral of a man I never knew. As a minister this is a task that you get asked to do more times than you would like. This was the second funeral I have preached ever and this morning on top of preaching duties I was asked to be a pallbearer for a man I never knew. As I was helping carry the casket of this man to the grave I was reminded of my good friend Andrew Baker. Andrew was a sponsor for my social club in college and during pledge week he told us the story of a brother who had died suddenly and about his club brothers carrying his casket. Andrew told us that we were not joining a social club to play sports or go to club functions but to make friends who would be closer than brothers to us and who would carry our casket when our time came.
I grieve for the family of the man whose funeral I did this morning. I am sad they lost a loved one but sadder still that he did not have the kind of close friendships that would have taken care of carrying his casket this morning at his funeral. I hope this morning that you know who would be there to carry your casket at your funeral. I hope that you have good enough friends that love you enough to be there for you. If you are a member of the Lord's body I believe this would be the case for you. If you are reading this blog today and you have not yet named Christ as your savior and been baptized into his death I would encourage you to do that.
I hope as you read this today you know who would be your pallbearer if you were to die today. More than that though I hope you tell those people how much you appreciate them now while you still have the chance. I hope you are all blessed today.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Let's put our heads together
Good Afternoon Everyone,
I have to once again apologize for not blogging as often as I should but things have been very busy around here lately. This morning I spent most of my time trying to answer a question asked to me by a good friend. I will spare you the details of the question but I will say that I could not have give an answer had it not been for the collaboration of those around me. I had the council of my lovely wife April, two youth ministers whom I love and respect and your favorite preacher and mine Jim Gardner.
All of this collaboration made me begin thinking about the church. You read all the time about these institutions call "Think Tanks" well I believe the church as a whole makes up one of the biggest "Think Tanks" ever devised. I am constantly reminded of the fact that God really knew what he was doing when he instituted the church. God knew we would be called upon to answer questions from the world as a whole and that by drawing on the strength of those within the church we could come up with these answers.
Today I want to challenge us to not be afraid to ask one another questions and to not be afraid to put our heads together and learn from one another. Let's open our Bibles and study with one another and answer the questions of this world. If you have a question and you think no one wants to work on it with you e-mail me paul@wpcoc.com and let's talk about it.
Sunday morning the teenagers began a study of the book of Hebrews. I set the stage by presenting all the mysteries of the book of Hebrews and how that sometimes reading a mystery can help you solve some mysteries of your own. I want to leave you with the words of the Hebrew writer as we consider putting our heads together. I hope you are blessed today.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
I have to once again apologize for not blogging as often as I should but things have been very busy around here lately. This morning I spent most of my time trying to answer a question asked to me by a good friend. I will spare you the details of the question but I will say that I could not have give an answer had it not been for the collaboration of those around me. I had the council of my lovely wife April, two youth ministers whom I love and respect and your favorite preacher and mine Jim Gardner.
All of this collaboration made me begin thinking about the church. You read all the time about these institutions call "Think Tanks" well I believe the church as a whole makes up one of the biggest "Think Tanks" ever devised. I am constantly reminded of the fact that God really knew what he was doing when he instituted the church. God knew we would be called upon to answer questions from the world as a whole and that by drawing on the strength of those within the church we could come up with these answers.
Today I want to challenge us to not be afraid to ask one another questions and to not be afraid to put our heads together and learn from one another. Let's open our Bibles and study with one another and answer the questions of this world. If you have a question and you think no one wants to work on it with you e-mail me paul@wpcoc.com and let's talk about it.
Sunday morning the teenagers began a study of the book of Hebrews. I set the stage by presenting all the mysteries of the book of Hebrews and how that sometimes reading a mystery can help you solve some mysteries of your own. I want to leave you with the words of the Hebrew writer as we consider putting our heads together. I hope you are blessed today.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Friday, August 17, 2007
A slice of humble pie
Good Afternoon Everyone,
Sorry it is so late in the day but I had a busy morning. I want to begin today by telling you about a childhood friend of mine. Tim Gernand is the brother of my sister-in-law. We all grew up together in the League City Church of Christ. Tim was an incredibly smart young man. He made the Texas All-state band as a sophomore which is no small feat in Texas. Tim was awarded a Governor's scholarship to attend Texas A&M University and be a part of their ROTC program. Tim accepted his scholarship and attended A&M for a little over year and it is at that point he made a life changing decision.
Tim walked away from a scholarship at A&M to serve his country in United States Marine Corps. Tim completed his basic training and was accepted into the language training program where he trained for a year and a half to learn the Arabic language. In the midst of all of this Tim met and fell in love with the love of his life Kerry. Upon graduation from language school Tim was posted in Georgia but because of a need in our country's war on terror Tim was called up to serve in Iraq and Kuwait.
This week Tim was able to come home. He was met with a hero's welcome when he landed in Maine and for the next few days he is in San Diego California and that is where I spoke to him today. I have not talked to Tim in several years so it was great to talk to an old friend and catch up. I consider Tim to be one of the real American heroes out there. He walked away from school in order to better serve his country and he is someone I am privileged to know.
During our conversation Tim began asking me about the work I was doing here at Woodward Park. I told him about the great teenagers we have here and the parents whose only ambition is to see their teens grow into spiritually mature adults. I invited Tim and his wife to come visit with us anytime they were able to and it was at that point I got fed a mouth full of humble Pie.
Tim is a hero and someone that is extremely good at what he does and he has made a big difference in the war on terror. But when I told him about the work here at Woodward Park he told me "I'd love to come there and see you in action". I got goose bumps when my old friend said those words to me.
I hope that in your life you have those humble pie moments. I hope that someone you love and respect takes the time to pay you a compliment like the one Tim paid me this morning. More than that though I hope that you pass those compliments along to someone who looks up to you. As Christians we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ here on Earth and it is our privilege to lift up those who need to be lifted up.
So today I issue a challenge to all of my readers. You know who looks up to you and whose life you make a difference in. I challenge you to find those people and make them feel good about who they are and what they do. This challenge comes with a time constraint in that I don't want you to put it off do it right now. I hope you are all blessed today for reading this and I hope you can bless someone by stepping up to the challenge.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Sorry it is so late in the day but I had a busy morning. I want to begin today by telling you about a childhood friend of mine. Tim Gernand is the brother of my sister-in-law. We all grew up together in the League City Church of Christ. Tim was an incredibly smart young man. He made the Texas All-state band as a sophomore which is no small feat in Texas. Tim was awarded a Governor's scholarship to attend Texas A&M University and be a part of their ROTC program. Tim accepted his scholarship and attended A&M for a little over year and it is at that point he made a life changing decision.
Tim walked away from a scholarship at A&M to serve his country in United States Marine Corps. Tim completed his basic training and was accepted into the language training program where he trained for a year and a half to learn the Arabic language. In the midst of all of this Tim met and fell in love with the love of his life Kerry. Upon graduation from language school Tim was posted in Georgia but because of a need in our country's war on terror Tim was called up to serve in Iraq and Kuwait.
This week Tim was able to come home. He was met with a hero's welcome when he landed in Maine and for the next few days he is in San Diego California and that is where I spoke to him today. I have not talked to Tim in several years so it was great to talk to an old friend and catch up. I consider Tim to be one of the real American heroes out there. He walked away from school in order to better serve his country and he is someone I am privileged to know.
During our conversation Tim began asking me about the work I was doing here at Woodward Park. I told him about the great teenagers we have here and the parents whose only ambition is to see their teens grow into spiritually mature adults. I invited Tim and his wife to come visit with us anytime they were able to and it was at that point I got fed a mouth full of humble Pie.
Tim is a hero and someone that is extremely good at what he does and he has made a big difference in the war on terror. But when I told him about the work here at Woodward Park he told me "I'd love to come there and see you in action". I got goose bumps when my old friend said those words to me.
I hope that in your life you have those humble pie moments. I hope that someone you love and respect takes the time to pay you a compliment like the one Tim paid me this morning. More than that though I hope that you pass those compliments along to someone who looks up to you. As Christians we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ here on Earth and it is our privilege to lift up those who need to be lifted up.
So today I issue a challenge to all of my readers. You know who looks up to you and whose life you make a difference in. I challenge you to find those people and make them feel good about who they are and what they do. This challenge comes with a time constraint in that I don't want you to put it off do it right now. I hope you are all blessed today for reading this and I hope you can bless someone by stepping up to the challenge.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Oh What a Night!!!!
Good Morning Everyone,
I am pleased to say that we had a great night as a youth group last night. The boys had a guys night out last night at Black Beard's and the girls had a sleepover at the Lane's house. The last count I had was about 24 total teens in attendance that is such an encouragement!!! Special thanks to Mike Avedikian for providing some script for Black Beard's and to the Lane's for allowing teenage girls to invade their house.
We are going to have one last lunch bunch this week so if you have not made it out to one yet this is your last chance on Thursday August 16th 1-3PM. Lunch bunch has been such a great experience for me because it has allowed me to get to know so many of the teens and their parents in a very relaxed setting.
On Saturday August 18th we are going to have a wiffle ball game here at Woodward Park from 5-8PM. This will be our last big activity for the teens this summer so I want to encourage all of you to come and bring a friend. Thank You teenagers for making my first summer here at Woodward Park one of the best ones I have had in a long time. I hope you are blessed as much as I am today!!!
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
I am pleased to say that we had a great night as a youth group last night. The boys had a guys night out last night at Black Beard's and the girls had a sleepover at the Lane's house. The last count I had was about 24 total teens in attendance that is such an encouragement!!! Special thanks to Mike Avedikian for providing some script for Black Beard's and to the Lane's for allowing teenage girls to invade their house.
We are going to have one last lunch bunch this week so if you have not made it out to one yet this is your last chance on Thursday August 16th 1-3PM. Lunch bunch has been such a great experience for me because it has allowed me to get to know so many of the teens and their parents in a very relaxed setting.
On Saturday August 18th we are going to have a wiffle ball game here at Woodward Park from 5-8PM. This will be our last big activity for the teens this summer so I want to encourage all of you to come and bring a friend. Thank You teenagers for making my first summer here at Woodward Park one of the best ones I have had in a long time. I hope you are blessed as much as I am today!!!
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Monday, August 13, 2007
Back to School
Good Morning Everyone,
It is hard to believe that just a little over 3 months ago April and I were rolling into Fresno to begin our new life with the Woodward Park Church of Christ but one church camp, a bunch of devos and one VBS later here we are. I can't believe it is almost time for all of our teenagers to head back to school. It makes me sad that no longer will I have a chance of running into teens out and about during the day anymore and that I will no longer have a Lunch Bunch to hang out with on Thursdays.
This morning I want to ask all of my adult readers to make a commitment to pray for our teenagers everyday as they go to school. Yesterday in our Bible class we discussed the implications of returning to a worldly school and I could see the fear in the eyes of the teenagers. Our teenagers want to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord but it is hard when they are bombarded with Satan's lies all day at school.
I hope that everyone reading this is doing well today. I was privileged to preach twice yesterday and I am glad to say that Jim will be back in the pulpit this week. I hope you all have a blessed day.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
It is hard to believe that just a little over 3 months ago April and I were rolling into Fresno to begin our new life with the Woodward Park Church of Christ but one church camp, a bunch of devos and one VBS later here we are. I can't believe it is almost time for all of our teenagers to head back to school. It makes me sad that no longer will I have a chance of running into teens out and about during the day anymore and that I will no longer have a Lunch Bunch to hang out with on Thursdays.
This morning I want to ask all of my adult readers to make a commitment to pray for our teenagers everyday as they go to school. Yesterday in our Bible class we discussed the implications of returning to a worldly school and I could see the fear in the eyes of the teenagers. Our teenagers want to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord but it is hard when they are bombarded with Satan's lies all day at school.
I hope that everyone reading this is doing well today. I was privileged to preach twice yesterday and I am glad to say that Jim will be back in the pulpit this week. I hope you all have a blessed day.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Monday, August 6, 2007
Back in the Saddle again
Good Morning Everyone,
Something strange happened to me Saturday. It was like any other Saturday April and I spent the day together and went out to the Flint's for supper that night. There was nothing that physically happened that day that was any different than any other day but I felt differently.
I dwelled on the feeling I had all day and it finally occurred to me what I was feeling...comfort. For the first time in several years I finally feel comfortable. This is not to say that I am satisfied that the person I am right now is the person I want to be forever but I finally feel like I belong someplace.
April and I are so happy here in Fresno. I have been happy from the moment we rolled into town but this is more than happy. I feel a sense of ease here I have never felt before. I have discovered my love for teaching all over again. I credit this first and foremost to God. Secondly I have to thank all of you here at Woodward Park for giving me a chance and being sensitive to the fact that moving to a new place can be difficult sometimes but you have all made it better.
This morning I hope you feel a sense of comfort in your life. I hope that you find that comfort in the Lord's church be it at Woodward Park or wherever you choose to worship. This feeling is as good as gold and it feels good to be home. I hope you are all blessed today.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Something strange happened to me Saturday. It was like any other Saturday April and I spent the day together and went out to the Flint's for supper that night. There was nothing that physically happened that day that was any different than any other day but I felt differently.
I dwelled on the feeling I had all day and it finally occurred to me what I was feeling...comfort. For the first time in several years I finally feel comfortable. This is not to say that I am satisfied that the person I am right now is the person I want to be forever but I finally feel like I belong someplace.
April and I are so happy here in Fresno. I have been happy from the moment we rolled into town but this is more than happy. I feel a sense of ease here I have never felt before. I have discovered my love for teaching all over again. I credit this first and foremost to God. Secondly I have to thank all of you here at Woodward Park for giving me a chance and being sensitive to the fact that moving to a new place can be difficult sometimes but you have all made it better.
This morning I hope you feel a sense of comfort in your life. I hope that you find that comfort in the Lord's church be it at Woodward Park or wherever you choose to worship. This feeling is as good as gold and it feels good to be home. I hope you are all blessed today.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Thursday, August 2, 2007
A great man
Good Morning Everyone,
Several weeks ago I wrote to you about Willie Sandlin who passed away. This morning with a heavy heart I want to tell you about another man named Don Bell who went to be with the Lord this past Tuesday evening.
Don was an elder at the Crockett Road Church of Christ in Palestine Texas. My family helped to start the Crockett Road Church and Don served with my Pap-paw as an elder. Don was a pillar in the community of Palestine. He ran an insurance company and tried to help those who seemed helpless. Don loved the church. If Don was not at home or at his office there was a good chance you would find him at Crockett Road tending to the business of the church.
Don loved congregational singing. Nobody ever accused Don of being the best singer but he always made a joyful noise to the Lord. Don was a good husband, a loving father and a doting grandfather. The memory of Don that is burned into my memory happened December 23rd 1999.
I was staying with my Pap-paw at his house and my Mam-maw was in her last hours of life here on earth. Mam-maw's breathing had become labored and she was not responsive vocally any longer. Pap-paw was at the end of his rope and Don knocked on the door. Don came in and talked to Pap-paw and I and reminded us of the good times we had with Mam-maw. Very soon after his arrival Mam-maw went to sleep and never woke up. Don called the ambulance and stayed with us until they took Mam-maw's body away.
I know this is not the happiest memory of anyone you have probably ever heard but this story has a purpose. Ten years from now most of you will not remember who Don Bell was. But I hope that in your life there are Christians who make kind of impact on you that Don made on my family. More than that I hope that all of you reading this will seek to make an impact of the life of people you meet like Don did. Don was not the most polished person or the richest or even the most popular but he loved people and in my book at least that is worth noting.Please pray for the Bell family during this time of loss. Meet people and make a difference in their life...that is the message for today. I hope you are all blessed.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Several weeks ago I wrote to you about Willie Sandlin who passed away. This morning with a heavy heart I want to tell you about another man named Don Bell who went to be with the Lord this past Tuesday evening.
Don was an elder at the Crockett Road Church of Christ in Palestine Texas. My family helped to start the Crockett Road Church and Don served with my Pap-paw as an elder. Don was a pillar in the community of Palestine. He ran an insurance company and tried to help those who seemed helpless. Don loved the church. If Don was not at home or at his office there was a good chance you would find him at Crockett Road tending to the business of the church.
Don loved congregational singing. Nobody ever accused Don of being the best singer but he always made a joyful noise to the Lord. Don was a good husband, a loving father and a doting grandfather. The memory of Don that is burned into my memory happened December 23rd 1999.
I was staying with my Pap-paw at his house and my Mam-maw was in her last hours of life here on earth. Mam-maw's breathing had become labored and she was not responsive vocally any longer. Pap-paw was at the end of his rope and Don knocked on the door. Don came in and talked to Pap-paw and I and reminded us of the good times we had with Mam-maw. Very soon after his arrival Mam-maw went to sleep and never woke up. Don called the ambulance and stayed with us until they took Mam-maw's body away.
I know this is not the happiest memory of anyone you have probably ever heard but this story has a purpose. Ten years from now most of you will not remember who Don Bell was. But I hope that in your life there are Christians who make kind of impact on you that Don made on my family. More than that I hope that all of you reading this will seek to make an impact of the life of people you meet like Don did. Don was not the most polished person or the richest or even the most popular but he loved people and in my book at least that is worth noting.Please pray for the Bell family during this time of loss. Meet people and make a difference in their life...that is the message for today. I hope you are all blessed.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
