Just A Few More Chapters

There are only a few days left in 2006 and I am only a few chapters away from finishing my second year of systematically reading through the bible. Prior to that I had no plan and so I typically ended up reading from the New Testament (mostly Romans-Jude). I am ashamed to admit it but I was worried about getting bored in the Leviticus type books of the Old Testament to read them and I thought I had a good handle on the gospels to spend time reading them. Also, the book of Revelation was just a bit too weird for my taste, can you believe it, and so I stayed away from it too. I mean, who can understand it anyway?

Keri will tell you that I have always loved the end of a book. When I pick up a book I tend to look at the last page to see how many pages are in it and maybe read the final paragraph or two just so I know what to expect. My goal is not so much enjoying the story but completing the process.

I am telling you all this because maybe some of you can relate. For whatever reason in the past you may have never really had a plan for reading God’s word. Being this is a good time of the year to make a commitment why not decides to read the bible cover to cover in 2007? You will not be disappointed because it will bless your life!

So, go ahead, I dare you to look at the last page of the bible while you are thinking about it. I’ve been waiting to read those words all year long!

Roger, over and out!

Merry Christmas!!!

Are the holidays a time of fun or stress for you and your family? Checkout the youtube answer for families that need a break.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9-ctuBFAUg&NR

I have always enjoyed the holiday season. From the time I was a little boy I have longed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. Often we would travel back to WV for Thanksgiving and I remember hoping for snow to be on the ground so that I could go sledding down the big hill across from Grandma's house. Too often though it would not be cold enough and only rain would fall, but every year I still had hope.

Christmas Eve was next on my thoughts during the season. I dreaded the month of days that would follow Thanksgiving. Each day passed in slow procession. We did not have an advent calendar to help, and for me I am not sure it would have helped. Finally December 24th would arrive and of course the day would pass very slowly with the anticipation growing minute by minute. I don't know how my mom got through that day with all us kids (read me) getting on her nerves. Five o'clock would strike and mom had dinner ready on the table. We would enjoy a peaceful (yeah, right!) family meal together and then get in the car for the annual drive to look at all the Christmas lights. Dad was very good about taking his time and it drove me nuts. But, to be honest I really did enjoy the time in the car. Finally we would get home and open the wrapped gifts from one another. We had a tradition of everyone tearing into their gifts at the same time. No waiting around to see what each other got until after all the gifts we opened. That is my kind of Christmas Eve!

Evening passed and it was time for bed. Mom always made sure we had cookies, carrots and milk to set out for a Santa (surely he didn’t have enough to eat at all the other millions of homes he visited) and his reindeer who needed a little something to eat too! Then a sleepless night would follow. I thought it very good if I could hold out till 4:00 AM. It seemed like a reasonable time to me to get up because I had been awake the entire night! What came ever so slowly to me though for some reason came all too quickly for mom and dad. My role it seemed in the family was to annoy dad into letting us get up with questions like "can we get up now?" When I look back on it now dad anticipated Christmas morning as much as I did. Anyway, dad lingered in bed for a few minutes listening to my barrage of questions until he, and mom would get up and make their way down the hallway to the living room and light the Christmas tree. For some reason I was always pleasantly surprised that Santa considered me a good boy and each year would refill the Christmas tree area with toys. Mom and dad drank lots of coffee as we had a glorious morning together as a family.

I had the best family in the world growing up and I still do to this day! BTW: I still find it difficult to fall asleep on Christmas Eve.

What was your Christmas like when you were growing up?

Roger, over and out!

Chad Huggins

I have been struggling with how to express my emotions concerning the news I received Thursday evening and Friday morning. Chad Huggins, a 17 year old high school student shot himself Thursday around 5 pm. He was a member of the school rifle team and was in the stadium locker room by himself when it happened. Chad was life-flighted to a hospital where a medical team worked to save his life, but at 2:30 AM he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to his head. It has yet to be determined whether it was an accident or a suicide but either way the outcome is the same. A young man’s life is gone and I don’t know quite what to think or say.
I have known Chad Huggins since he was born. I remember the smiling cherub-like little boy that ran through the church building on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s when he was a preschooler. I remember after leaving Washington, PA and moving to Newport News that every time I returned to PA that he would come up to me and want to talk. He always made me smile just looking at him but now, when I go to church there, he will be missing and I don’t understand how to feel. Should I be angry with Chad for ending his life way too soon? Because I am. Should I be angry with those that were closest to him for not noticing something different about Chad that day? Because there must have been something different. Why didn’t they do something about it? Should I be angry that he was left alone with a rifle in a locker room? Where were his fellow teammates, coaches, trainers??? How can you leave a teen by himself with a loaded gun? There may never be answers to these emotional questions I struggling with this morning and I can’t even begin to imagine the emotional questions and heartache his parents are experiencing. I ask that you please pray for Chad’s parents, Ron and Loretta Huggins and for Trisha Huggins, his sister as well as the extended family. Also please pray for the church family in Washington, PA and especially for Richard Walton, Chad’s youth minister as they all strive to cope and help one another through this tragic time.
I’ll miss you Chad

Roger, over and out!

Joseph's Dilemma

On Sunday our middle school youth group is going to see the just released movie “The Nativity Story.” After reading a review of a scene from that movie it got me thinking…How often do we react to a situation that we feel sure happened the way we heard it or saw it? Let me explain by referencing part of the story of Mary’s pregnancy.

Matthew 1:18-19 (NIV) This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

I have read this many times in my life and thought I understood the implications for Joseph. But the movie brings out Joseph’s dilemma. His options include the following: He could expose Mary for getting pregnant by another man and thus maybe seal her fate of death by stoning or he could lie not only to the people that knew them but more seriously lie to God and say the child she was carrying is his. Neither seemed the right thing to do. So he just decided to say nothing…that is until the Angel of the Lord told him what was going on. That’s right, he had no spiritual revelation concerning Mary’s condition until after the fact and yet he did not think of himself and his reputation first but he thought of Mary’s instead.

We would do well in life if we lived as Joseph did but too often we feel the need to respond quickly to save face in front of others. I for one have been caught a number of times making an assumption about a situation only to find out later that I had it all wrong. Had I just waited grief, embarrassment, shame, etc could have been avoided. The bible teaches us to consider others first and to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Now that sounds like a good New Years resolution to consider or maybe even a gift to give to someone you love for Christmas. Why wait to implement it on January 1st ?

Roger, over and out!

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Everybody it seems is looking for a bargain at this time of year with all the gift giving and parties and such. I heard about a great deal on basketball shoes that cannot be matched. Here is the advertisement.

Basketball shoes endorsed by NBA players can fetch astronomical prices. Air Jordans can retail for more than $200, and Kobe Bryant and LeBron James signature shoes can easily go for more than $100 on various web sites.

So how will a $14.98 basketball shoe from NBA All Star Stephon Marbury stack up against the competition? It's hard to tell, but the vision behind the shoes is a great one, and if early sales are any indication, it's a concept that many are finding embraceable.

The shoes retail for only $14.98, but Marbury claims that the Starbury One basketball shoes are the same as the most expensive shoes on the market.

Whether people are buying the shoes because of their quality; because of the Marbury name; or because they're tired of spending a what Marbury says for many is a "week's worth of groceries" on celebrity sneakers is unclear -- but they are buying them.

According to an article on Tennessean.com what was thought to be a month's supply of the footwear sold out within days at the more than 130 Steve and Barry's locations throughout the United States.

THE STARBURY LINE CURRENTLY INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

Starbury One: This is the big one.
According to the official Starbury web site, this shoe is "Exactly the same as the most expensive kicks on the market," and retails for $14.98. A mid-top shoe, this style is available in several different color combinations.
Starbury Crossovers: These low top Starbury sneakers come in a variety of colors and styles, and retail for $9.98.
Starbury Cyclones: Looking a bit like a retro track shoe, these shoes also retail for $9.98.
Starbury SXM: Though these aren't touted as being "NBA quality," buyers on various web sites claim to prefer these high-tops over the Starbury Ones. Retail price: $9.98.

The line also includes apparel like hoodies, jackets and jerseys, all priced at $9.98 or less.

What a deal…except that the Starbury One shoes are already sold-out. I guess we will have to be content with the other items.

When it comes to our spiritual needs we’ve been offered an even greater deal. Jesus has already paid the price for our salvation and all we have to do is take him up on the offer and the best thing is…there is more than enough for everyone to get in on it. Now that is a good deal!

Roger, over and out!

Christian Parenting

On Sunday morning I begin a class at church on Christian Parenting. The Bible gives us many examples of parenting, both good and bad, and guidelines for raising our children in the faith. Some questions I want you to respond to is…What sets apart Christian parenting from good moral parenting? Is the only difference the teaching of Christian faith? In terms of educating our kids, is the only safe option to either home school or private school? Do we shelter our kids too much from the “real world” when we do not send them to public school? Finally, what things in our culture create the biggest hurdle for our children to overcome as we raise them in the Lord?

Roger, over and out!

Thanksgiving

Okay, a week from tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Let me ask you "What are you thankful for that has happened this year?

For me I've got to experience several memorable moments. Another wedding anniversary (27th) with Keri (although I was in Mexico at the time) my youngest getting married, my middle son and his wife having a baby (our first grandson) and my oldest moving out of the house and into his own apartment. I am also thankful for the best neighbors a family could have living across the street. The Looney's are a wonderful couple and Keri and I are excited for them as they anticipate the birth of Jack, their first of many babies. :)

There are other things that have happened this year that have not been so fond like the passing of my friend Kevin Wolfgong and the recent passing of Vickie Ericksen. In incidents such as these it is difficult to be thankful but the bible says we are to do so anyway.

So how about you? Has this year been a blessing to you? If so, how?

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:4-7 (NIV)

Trunk-n-Treat

Well today is Halloween and tonight is dress up for many kids (and adults) as they go through the neighborhoods looking for some treats. Many churches and individuals denounce the yearly event as a Satanic celebration. Others, like Denbigh Church of Christ try to redeem the time by offering the neighborhood community a safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating by having church members park their vehicles on the church front lawn and giving away treats from each participants trunk.

We have been doing this for several years now and have found it to be a lot of fun. We have even had contests for the best decorated vehicle and best costume. I believe this to be a great way to meet our community and would like to continue doing this for years to come.

Tonight Keri and I and some others will dress up like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I will probably be "Dopey" as that probably best represents my personality. My question for you is "Should we continue doing this because it is a good thing or are we dabling in an area of concern because it falls under the "abstain from all appearence of evil" (KJV 1 Thess 5:22)

Let me know your thoughts.

Roger, over and out!

A Smiling God

Have you ever wondered what pleases God? What may put a smile on His face? In the movie "Chariots of Fire" the main character is convinced that he was given the gift to run fast and that when he did it pleased God. One of my favorite quotes from that movie is when Eric Liddell says, "When I run fast, I feel His pleasure."

Numbers 6:24-25 (NIV) The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you (read SMILE) and be gracious to you;

Have you ever felt the pleasure of God smiling on you? The passage above was a blessing that Aaron was to give to the Israelites. It is often used today as a blessing on the church at the end of a worship service in some congregations. I wish we used it more often then we do. I even like it as a song even though I get just a little confused in the seven fold amen section. Just thinking of God smiling over us is an awesome.

To look at me now you would not know it but when I was in school I was a track athlete. I ran sprints up through the quarter mile and also long and triple jumped. Some of my fondest memories came when I did my best and won. I felt like I was doing what I was gifted to do and it pleased God.

But there were many times I did not win, in fact more times than not I lost. On those days I do not know if I felt God's pleasure. Paul though says that when we are weak that is when He can be strong in our life (2 Cor 12:10). I never thought about how God could have used my failures in running and jumping. I would just mope around for a while and wish things had turned out differently (like me winning instead of losing).

The idea of God using my human frailty (weaknesses) to bring about his good will is a comforting thought because just like in running I still fail more then I succeed. Nevertheless, to be totally honest I still would prefer being a winner in everything I do but if what Paul says is true then maybe I should thank God for my failures.

Maybe though what God really wants for me and for you too is to trust in Him in all of life's ups and downs. Then whatever we do as we walk in the light (1 John 1:7) is what really brings a smile to Gods face.



Roger, over and out!

Marriage For A Lifetime Part 2

Below is a brief excerpt of the latest news item from smartmarriages.com I received in my email this morning.


It seems a graduate student in economics at Cornell University released a study showing that men who are married are more likely to finish doctoral programs than are single men. ...Joseph Price’s new study shows that married men do better than single men in academe not only in finishing their Ph.D.¹s, but in publishing and landing a first tenure-track job…The study was based on data from 11,000 graduate students from 100 departments over a 20-year period.

There are many reasons for both men, and women by-the-way to get married and just as many reasons for them to stay married. The one mentioned above is just one example. But the greatest reason for men and women to get married is found in scripture.


God said, "It's not good for the Man to be alone; I'll make him a helper, a companion." Genesis 2:18 (MSG)
When the God of all creation recognizes the need for companionship then we should all take notice. There are other passages pertaining to the purpose of marriage but the one found in Genesis chapter two is relational. If marriage is meant to bring companionship then divorce just takes us back to square one “It is not good for man to be alone.”


God, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that's what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don't cheat on your spouse. Malachi 2:15 (MSG)

I like the quote found in Iris Krasnow’s book “Surrendering to Marriage: Husbands, Wives, and Other Imperfections.”


My dream is when my four sons 20 years from now are picking wives they look at marriage as a lifetime adventure. I hope they look at divorce as some ancient trend that came out of the hippie movement and just died.

While divorce as been around for 1000’s of years it seems that since the 1960’s it has become the normal and acceptable thing to do when difficulties arise. Let's start a new trend today by guarding our marriage relationship.

My question to all of us is… What are we doing on a daily basis to guard the spirit of our marriage? If you have let your relationship with your spouse slip recently why not take him or her out to dinner and spend some time together. It will not only reconnect the two of you but it will be pleasing to God.

Roger, over and out!

Heaven Is Waiting

This is my last installment thoughts on Kevin Wolfgong. Through out the year he faced many ups and downs in terms of fighting cancer. The joy of being declared cancer free one week to the realization that it had come back a few weeks later. The last email update I received from him was this summer. Kevin loved church camp and had looked forward to directing the teen week. When he returned he had this to say...

Greetings! I am happy to report that this update contains good news.
Let's all praise the Lord ... for His lovingkindness is everlasting!

First, yes I did go to Camp Concern for Senior Week,
and yes I did survive. In fact, I felt better during that week than I have
felt in a long time, and I have continued to feel good all of this week as
well. I thank God for allowing me to feel so good!

Kevin always seemed to look to God in both his good times and bad times. He continued in his email stating a number of other good reports from his doctors and ended the message with another thank you for all the prayers and encouragement on his behalf. This turned out to be his last update in his own words.

His loving wife Amy finished the email updates a couple of months later with the report of his passing on October 7, 2006.
She writes...

Kevin lost his battle with cancer last evening, Saturday, October 7th. He left
this earth peacefully around 6 PM surrounded by a few family members and friends at Shadyside Hospital... I would like to ask for your continued prayers for
myself and Heidi and the rest of our families in the days that lie ahead.

I heard from a friend who attended the memorial service and he said the evening could basically be summed up with much laughter in the midst of many tears over the short life Kevin had on the earth. Kevin will surely be missed by many but as I said in the first of these blogs a reunion will one day be held in Heaven with him waiting for us all.

Ray Boltz wrote a song titled "Thank You" that expresses in lyrics what it might be like for Kevin in heaven. I realize we have no clue what it will actually be like, but consider these words from the song as I close.

One by one they came
Far as the eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed

And I know that up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, my child look around you
For great is your reward

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am a life that was changed

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave

See ya soon Kevin

Roger, over and out!

Kevin Wolfgong continued...

Kevin's memorial service was held last night and from what I hear the place was packed with friends and family. Both tears and laughter marked the evening as the crowd celebrated his life.
Roger, over and out!

Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2005 2:23 PMTo: Subject: Second Follow-up to Prayer Request
I went to the doctor's office today, and I did receive the pathology report. The news was not the best ... but it was not the worst either.
During the surgery, 31 lymph nodes were removed. One of the lymph nodes had the squamous cell carcinoma in it. Normally, one lymph node would not merit radiation treatment. However, the section of the tongue that was removed showed evidence that the cancer had begun to infiltrate the nerve in my tongue. Because the nerve can serve as a pathway for the cancer to travel to other locations, radiation treatment will most likely be utilized sometime in the very near future.

I will admit that I am a little down because this is not the news that I was expecting to hear. Please continue to keep me in your prayers!

Thank you all!
Love,
Kevin Wolfgong

From: Amy & Kevin Wolfgong [mailto:kevinamy@fyi.net]
Sent: 7/20/2005 12:00:16 PM
Subject: Update on Kevin Wolfgong

I have been feeling pretty good. I was able to go to church camp last week, and I survived that week without any problems. My tongue is healing nicely, and my neck is healing as well. When I saw my surgeon last week, he gave me a continued positive report. In fact, he stated it something like this: "As far as I'm concerned, you are cancer free. We are going to prescribe radiation therapy as our insurance policy."

Amy & I went for a consultation with the radiation oncologist today. In a nutshell, the plan is for me to begin treatment within the next 10 days to two weeks (after all of the prep work, such as CT scans, is complete).

There are, of course, side effects that will come from this treatment.

Finally, let me thank you again for all of your prayers and concern. If you will continue to pray for me--specifically that this treatment will be effective and that the side effects will be minimal--I would greatly appreciate it.
Love,
Kevin Wolfgong

From: Amy & Kevin Wolfgong
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 2:47 PM
Subject: Six-Month Update on Kevin Wolfgong
Hello! It has been six months since my surgery, and it has been a few months since I last sent out any kind of update. Many have been wanting to know how I have been doing in recent weeks, so please allow me a couple minutes to share an update with you.
I saw my surgeon today, and he said the latest CT scan looks good. There was a bit of a mix-up in the tests that should have been scheduled, so I will have to get a PET scan done in the near future, and then we will have a better report on how things look. This additional scan is not because of any kind of problem; it is merely routine follow-up, and I will have to have PET scans on a regular basis.
I am happy to report that I am feeling very good and that I am back to most of my normal activities. My tongue and throat are feeling much better, and I have been able to preach for the last couple months. My energy level, my weight, and my taste are still not back completely, but those are things that will continue to improve with time.
Please accept my sincere thanks for all of the prayers that you have offered on my behalf. God is good! He has heard our prayers, and he has blessed me beyond measure. Thank you all! And thank God!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Kevin Wolfgong

to be continued...

I Can Only Imagine...

The words of the song "I Can Only Imagine" are being realized by a brother in Christ I knew who lost his earthly life to cancer only to enter eternal life with our Lord!!! Hallelujah!

A friend of mine from Pennsylvania, Kevin Wolfgong, passed away this weekend after a long battle with cancer. His time on earth was very short (36 years) but the impact he had on those who knew him will be eternal. He leaves behind a young wife and three year old daughter, a loving extended family, and many, many friends. Kevin followed in the footsteps of his father as the pulpit minister at the North Hills Church of Christ in Pittsburgh, PA. Prior to that he was the North Hills youth minister for a number of years. Kevin was very active in Camp Concern, a local summer church camp, from the time he was a camper up through this past summer where he directed teen week. I remember Kevin in his early adult years being involved in RSVP, a drama troupe that toured local youth rallies and other church events. My two older boys remember him as a camp counselor. Kevin had a heart for teens and family. But his one true love was God. Through out his season of trial with cancer he always reminded everyone about God and his loving-kindness, as he puts it, in his final update this summer. With that in mind I want to share some of his thoughts with you. This may take several blogs but I want you to see what a person who is dedicated to God’s will looks like in the midst of suffering. From: Amy & Kevin Wolfgong Sent: Monday, June 20, 2005 11:17 PMSubject: Prayer RequestHello everybody! This is Kevin Wolfgong, and I am writing to ask you to be praying for me and my family. Several weeks ago, I developed a sore on the side of my tongue, and I realized after a few weeks that it was not healing on its own. My dentist referred me to an oral surgeon, and about 10 days ago the lesion was excised and biopsied. Today (Monday, June 20) I learned that the pathology of the lesion showed sqamous cell carcinoma, which is cancer. This is a cancer that is, as my Ear, Nose, Throat doctor emphasized repeatedly, "very treatable and very curable."I will be having surgery on Wednesday, June 22, at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. I will probably be in the hospital for two to three days. If all goes as expected, I should be back to full functioning capacity in a week to ten days.
If you would be so kind, please be praying for:1) the best case scenario, which would be that the initial pathology was incorrect2) me, Amy, Heidi, and the rest of my family and loved ones -- for our faith to be strong, etc.3) test results to verify that there is no cancer in other parts of my body4) complete removal of the cancer and complete healing5) a smooth, safe, complication-free surgery with no long-term post-surgical concerns6) the doctors, nurses, and anyone else who will be caring for me.
Also, please include a word of thanks for:
1) the problem being found quickly2) God's providence in bringing yet another doctor into the North Hills Church Family who helped me to be seen and treated by a doctor who is an expert in this field3) the blessing of so many loving friends and family members.
Thank you so much!Love in Christ,Kevin Wolfgong
From: Amy & Kevin Wolfgong Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2005 10:57 PMSubject: Follow-up to Prayer RequestHello again, everybody! First and foremost, please let me say a huge, heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of prayers, love, concern, offers to help, etc. I cannot put into words how thankful I am for all that has been done for us! I have been blessed in more ways than I can list in this brief email, but I do thank you for being a part of that, and I certainly thank God for blessing me so much!If I can be so bold, I would like to ask you to continue to pray for the things that I requested several days ago ... with an additional huge helping of thanks and praise for the "Yes" answers we have already witnessed to our prayers.
Love in Christ,Kevin Wolfgong

To be continued…

Roger, over and out!

Forgiveness Trumps Personal Retaliation

What a difference a few days make!

Rage and hostility on Sunday...remorse and repentance on Thursday.

Yesterday Andre Gurode said he's decided not to press legal charges against Albert Haynesworth following the NFL game between the Cowboys and Titans. While the repentant Haynesworth won't be charged with assault for cleating Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode in the face (requiring 30 stitches) he will still have to submit to a five game suspension and the possibility of not being allowed back on the field at all by his current team.

This story in my opinion though is more about Andre Gurode than about Albert Haynesworth. While football is a violent sport you cannot get away with abuse. There are rules to follow and penalties to mete out... and if flagrant enough legal retribution as an option to consider. If you saw this brutality on Sunday as I did (over and over again thanks to instant replay) you might wonder why anyone would forgo their right for legal justice as Andre did.

But what overshadowed the vicious cruelity on the football field was the senseless murder/suicide in the Amish community of Pennsylvania on Monday. A usually quiet and peaceful part of the country was plunged into violence that no one deserves to experience. However, what shook the heads of many people was the response of the Amish families. Instead of retribution they chose to pray. They even reached out to the wife of the murderer and invited her to the private funerals of those killed.

Forgiveness is a choice of the heart but it is not always easy. Forgiveness costs something each time it is given. In the case of the Cowboys football player it cost him his legal right to seek assault charges. Greater still I believe was the response of the Amish community. How could anyone be that compassionate? I believe that kind of compassion can only come from above.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34 (NIV)

When was the last time you forgave someone who intended to harm you? While there is a place for justice there is an even greater need for Jesus!

Roger, over and out!

Wrestling With Wednesday Nights???

I read this morning on Mike Cope's blog a discussion on Wednesday night church service and its need or lack of need for us today. I thought I might do the same. BTW: You can checkout his blog from the link on this blogpage.
Let me first give you my experience on Wednesday nights. I grew up going to church three times-a-week plus gospel meetings. My mother was a church member but my father was not. The neat thing was he always took us (mom and kids) to church each service before my mom got her drivers license. After that she took us and he stayed at home. When I was in elementary school I played baseball in the summer and if a game was scheduled on a Wednesday night I was allowed to play until we needed to leave for church. The coach knew this was important and did not put any pressure on me to stay (I don't think it had anything about my ability to play ball!). I hated to leave the game because I really did enjoy playing but it was kinda cool to go in church with my ball uniform on too so I did not put up any fuss about leaving.
When my boys started playing sports the times they had ball games, soccer or wrestling on Wednesday nights they were allowed to stay and did not have to leave to go to church. But when there was no conflict (the vast majority of the time) they were always at the building.
I still like meeting on Wednesday nights but think that just having a devo and bible class really minimizes our purpose as a church family. Has our culture changed and the need to attend no longer seen as important? Are our kids bedtime really all that important compared to what it was a generation ago?
I liked what the people from Mike Cope's blog said about how they do Wednesday nights and so my question to you is...what should we do? Keep it the same as it has always been or rethink it in some way?
Give me your thoughts and ideas!

See you tonight :)

Roger, over and out!

Are you a carrot or a kiwi Christian?

While this seems like a silly question to ask there is a point to be made. When I asked this question to some teens recently they told me that God wants us to be like a carrot because a carrot is the same on the inside as it is on the outside while a kiwi is different. It is brown and hairy and dry on the outside but green and seedy and slimy on the inside. Pretty insightful, huh!

God has called us to lead a consistent life. One that can be counted on when the going gets tough, one that is full of integrity, one that is consumed with loving God and others. But for us to live this kind of consistent life we must first be inconsistent with the way we were before Jesus.

In 1 John 2:6 (NIV) it says "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." To do this we need to know the ways of Jesus. God gave us his inspired word so that we might know him and chose to follow his teaching. There are many people who know the bible and can quote large blocks of passages, but there is a difference between knowing God's word and doing God's word. James describes this difference in his book. He writes in James 1:22-25 (NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.

The more we allow ourselves to change and become more like Jesus the more consistent our life will become with his. We will not only do godly things in godly ways that others will notice but we will have a heart that is in tune with a desire to please God and serve others more than anything else and that is what Jesus did.

So let's all be kind to carrots!

Roger, over and out!

Crikey

Who, reading this has not seen at least one episode of "The Crocodile Hunter" or at least heard a child or even an adult say (CRIKEY!!!)? This was his one word expression of surprise when he witnessed something he did not expect. Steve Irwin, known to millions as "The Crocodile Hunter" passed away this past week. He was filming a series on dangerous sea creatures when a barb from a stingray’s tail pierced his heart.

While he was a popular TV celebrity what really impressed me is that he was a dedicated husband to Terri his wife whom he married in 1992 and the father of two children. Terri co-stared with Steve on the show and their daughter and son both could be frequently seen with them. Steve's dad considered him his "best mate" and they made a great father and son team in capturing rogue crocodiles when he was younger. It is becoming harder and harder to find good family role models in entertainment but Steve certainly seemed to fill that role. I know some will say want to remind me that he put his youngest one in harms way at times just for effect but we all do things as parents that in retrospect we probably would not do if given a second chance. Steve loved his family!

The church is in need of good family role models too. God has called the church to care for one another. He has called us to honor our vows of marriage, to love our children and honor our parents. He has called us to love as he first loved us. By living as responsible Christian role models in our communities, the good news of Jesus will spread because the world is watching.

John 13:34-35 (NIV) "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."


Roger, over and out!

A Day at the Beach!

What a time we had at Virginia Beach last weekend. The outside temperature was just right, and the water was warm and not very rough. But just spending time with good friends is reason enough to head to the beach. Now, it might be a bit different in the next couple of days with Tropical Storm Ernesto arriving but last weekend was perfect...at least on the beach.

The plan was to either gather in front of the Old Coast Guard Station at 3 PM or meet at the church building at 2 and travel over in the church van. Due to the air conditioning being on the fritz in the van we decided to carpool instead.

It was clear sailing traffic wise until we got to Hampton. The traffic was at a standstill on I-64 near the HRBT and delayed us in arriving at our destination. Once we got to Virginia Beach, we then had to find a parking spot and that turned out to be a problem. It seems that many people had the same idea of going to the beach as we did and the parking area we generally use was filled so we checked another parking area. It too was filled and so we checked a third and alas, it was filled as well. With options running out we began to meander around looking for a place to park. By the time we found a place, we had lost those who were following us. Every man for himself became my motto. Finally, we got our parking spot and headed for the beach.

Since the parking garage we parked in was five blocks down from where we wanted to be we began the long walk. Good thing the weather was nice! When we got to our meeting spot, we began to look for familiar faces but we saw none and so we waited, and waited and waited. A band was playing in the background so it was not a total waste of time but I was more interested in getting on the beach. I knew some had gone on ahead of us and so I combed the beach looking for them but never did find them. It turned out they were there but just not where I expected.

Finally, through a series of cell phone calls, the remainder of the group arrived and so we found a good place in the sand to claim and put our stuff down. It was now two hours after our original planned time to be on the beach but we were determined to make the best of it and so we played in the ocean, threw the football around or just soaked in the sun.

We spent a total of 90 minutes there and everybody was ready to leave and get something to eat. I had planned that we would be there from 3-8 PM but nobody at that point wanted what I wanted. To be honest I did not want what I originally wanted either. Nevertheless, the time we did spend together was good.

Was it worth it? Hey, like I said the weather was nice, the water was warm and we got to spend time with some good friends. What more could I want? God is good!
Phil 4:4-5 (NIV) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Being A Hero

I came across an interesting story from a daily devotional I receive from AllPro Dad. It was about a student at the University of Central Florida who was accused of setting a fire to a sofa on campus as a way to meet women. He figured that as they were escaping who could help them and be a hero. Can you imagine the thought process that would cause someone to do such a thing? Whatever happened to just strinking up a conversation verses striking up a match and igniting a couch?

I don't need to hear any WVU football jokes concerning the burning of couches either!!!

While this was an extreme form of manipulation we are all probably guilty of doing a little manipulation from time to time. You know, trying to work things out so that we look good in front of others. Whether it is to get job, or meet the right person, or look good in front of a certain crowd we want to impress. But we forget who we really are. We are the children of God and we need to have integrity in all we do.

With so many opportunities to serve others at home, at church or in our local communities we don't need to make up situations. Next time you want to be a hero think of what Jesus did when his disciples argued who was the greatest and do likewise and then give all the glory to God.

Mark 9:33-37 (NIV) They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." 36 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Roger, over and out

Hymns and Hounds

H Y M N S & H O U N D S Dog-Friendly Church I came across this website while checking out another and I must say it has some appeal. Keri and I are currently raising a Springer Spaniel puppy and have noticed that he gets a case of separation anxiety when left home alone. He has destroyed several TV remote controllers (I don't have to tell the guys how heartbreaking that is!!!) and chewed up assorted other items of lesser value. It seems the only time our home is safe is when we are present or when he is with us away from the house, otherwise who knows what debris we might find waiting for us when we return. We've taken an extreme next step by getting him "Calm" an over the counter herbal drug (doggie valium) to see if that will help...stay tuned!

But what if we could take our pets to church with us? What if we at Denbigh could reach out to other pet owners with a pet-friendly worship service like they do at Hymns & Hounds Church? Their proof-text for supporting this worship addition comes from Psalm 150:6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!" I guess dogs have breath so why not include them in worship, right? I'm not sure how to apply our mantra "decently and in order" to this outreach effort but we could surely give it a try... couldn’t we?...PLEASE!!! I don't know if I can take another ruined remote control. :)

PS: On their website is this message "Due to our meeting place moving and not having enough room for us - services will be on hold til further notice!" I guess they grew themselves out of a meeting hall.

Roger, over and out!

Soaring As An Eagle

I'm back!!!
It has been a busy month for me and I will use that as my excuse for being lax in blogging regularly. This summer I've had a child get married, another child have a baby and still yet a third child move out of the house. I've traveled to Mexico with a bunch of teens on a mission trip, traveled to South Dakota for a wedding, traveled to North Dakota to see my first grandson (Ethan Thomas Brown), and traveled to Athens, GA to visit with the newlyweds. It has been a good summer but I must refocus on the task at hand.
Last night I had the honor to speak on behalf of one of the teens in our high school youth group. Matthew Bean was awarded the Boy Scouts highest rank of Eagle Scout and he asked me to be a part of the ceremony. I've gone to several of these in the past but this was my first to be involved. To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout you must complete and master over 350 specific tasks by your 18th birthday. How many specific tasks have you mastered? I know that would certainly be a stretch for me. What is truly amazing is that this is nothing new for the troop in which Matthew is a member. They have only been in existence since the 1990's but over two dozen scouts have achieved this level of excellence and leadership and it is not because they have hundreds of boys in the troop. As Matthew noted in his talk it is because of the strong dedicated leadership of the adults involved including the parents. They operate like a well-tuned machine for the benefit of the boys.
Scouting holds the boys to a high standard of living called the "Scout Law." The tenets of the "Scout Law" state that a scout must be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Whether a boy is a Tenderfoot, the beginning rank in scouting, or an Eagle Scout, he must pledge himself to this ideal.
As Christians we too have a law to live by. The Law of Christ states that we are to “carry each others burdens.” The law of the Spirit of life in Christ sets us free so that we can bear fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us what the fruit looks like. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
While we may not all be eligible to be a Boy Scout we all are called to a high standard of living as Children of God. Bearing fruit is our proof of membership. How do you like those apples!!!

Roger, over and out!

Marriage For A Lifetime

The wedding day went without a hitch and the weather even cooperated. The next week though seemed to bring everything but cooperation. From the long drive through the night to find a motel that was open, to car troubles and reluctant rental car companies, to locked keys and bad directions, our honeymoon was stressful and less than perfect Had it not been for a young bride who refused to be discouraged and looked at these "troubles" as adventures to remember we may not have lasted being married even a week. That was 27 years ago and we are still married.

This weekend I have the privilege to perform a wedding ceremony for another young couple (Matthew and Kasey) who have a desire to stay together no matter what...only time will prove this out because their marriage will be tested like all marriages. The wedding day may go perfectly but the marriage relationship that follows will have its share of troubles.

It has been noted by a number of marriage counselors that when couples are more willing to invest in a "perfect wedding" rather than in a lasting marriage then when troubles come they will not have the foundation to ride out the storms of life
.
As committed as Keri and I are to each other and determined that nothing will separate us, our relationship with God is really what has given us the perseverance to succeed in our marriage.

I pray that the couple I marry this afternoon will have God as their foundation in marriage too.

What have you found helpful in your marriage or in the marriage of those you have observed? If you have any tips on what to do to make a marriage strong please respond and lets build a compilation of things a husband and wife can do to strengthen their marriage. I will then pass this list on to these newlyweds.

A time to decompress

What an incredible week we had serving at the City of Children from July 29-Aug 4, 2006. Our group of teens and adults was of minimal size and were not able to accomplish what larger groups were able to do, but God used us anyway to His glory.

For those who do not know about the City of Children let me give you some information about this wonderful ministry. The City of Children is located on the outskirts of Ensenada on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico and has been in existence since the 1970's. Its purpose is to heal the spiritually, emotionally and physically needy Mexican children. The City of Children is an orphanage, but not just any orphanage. It was created to save the troubled children of Mexico from poverty and abuse and in turn, raise them in a loving Christian environment so that they can come to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mission groups travel there and over the course of the week usually conduct a VBS, do work projects in and outside the orphanage, and most importantly, just spend time loving and playing with the kids.

Our week was not unlike other previous groups in that we conducted a VBS, did work projects and just spent time with those living there. There is a longing for the gospel among these people. They don't need nor desire to be Americanized but they do need Jesus just like the rest of us. Moreover, as other groups have reported the impact on us is as great as or greater than our impact on them. We go to serve and in turn are served. God is great and God is good!

Because of this ministry, many Mexican children (over 600) have been saved, and hearts have been touched because of God's refuge for his children in Ensenada, Mexico. Because of this ministry, many Americans have been saved and or revived in Christ as well.

To learn more about the work at the City of Children and Baja Missions, and how you too can support this ministry please visit their website at www.cityofchildren.com.

Roger, over and out

WWJD?

Well it is the end of another good day at the City of Children. The house we were assigned to insulate and drywall was compleated ahead of schedule because of the desire of some of our men wanting to do more. That left us with what to do for today. Pilar, the director of Baja Missions in Mexico showed us a home that already had half of it compleated and so Jim Craig, from Winchester Church of Christ donated the cost of materials to complete the other half. This gave our Wednesday crew another opportunity to share the love of Christ with others.
Without Jesus and the impact He makes on our lives we would be left to fend for ourselves. Some, like the guy in the picture may think things would be better without Jesus. When I first saw this picture I was angry and did not think kind thoughts about him. But now I'm mostly sad. Jesus died on the cross while the rulers sneered and the soldiers mocked. He died not only for those in the first century but he died for all of us and the neat thing is that he died for this man too.
What do you think? Was this man worth dying for... and if not, are we?

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[
Luke 23:34 (NIV)

Roger, over and out!

Anticipation (winds of Change)

A recurring discussion here in Mexico is the weather. Everybody is tired of the heat and humidity caused by the warm ocean water (78 degrees). What has some of us excited is that for the next few days the temperature is supposed to be 80 degrees or cooler and drop into the 50's at night. Wow, I can't wait.
Our VBS this week is taken from the last chapter in Max Lucado's book "Experiencing the Heart of Jesus." We have the honor to discuss the Hope of Jesus and his return. Tonight the focus was on waiting forwardly with patience for Jesus to break through the clouds and take us home with Him. I related how when i was a little boy I could hardly stand to wait for Christmas. And as the days drew closer and closer I grew more and more excited. When the day finally came the hopes I had were realized...mostly. I did not always get what I hoped for even though what I received was enjoyed. That is where the analogy breaks down. When Jesus comes we will not be in the least disappointed. He will exceed all our hopes and dreams as he takes us home.
Do you feel the winds of change a blowin'? Maybe it is not just the weather that is breaking but Jesus himself coming to take us home.

Romans 8:25 (NIV) But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Experiencing the Hope of Jesus

The weather was warm today at the City of Children and a little humid, but not like back home. After the worship service this morning in which Tom Byrd led three songs in English and Reuben Haught led us in prayer we were treated to an authentic Mexican lunch. As always it was wonderful. However, our Betty is doing a great job in the kitchen too. Patty, the director’s wife and Sylvia, both of the City of Children came in to the kitchen tonight and said they heard that the evening meal was very good and wanted to try some. They both liked the hamburger pie so Betty gets kudos for her creativity. Tonight we started the first of our classes on the Hope of Jesus. The statue of Jesus in this message is on top of a hill on the way to Ensenada and represents the hope we have in him. Our theme verse comes from John 14:1--3 in which Jesus tells us that we can trust Him to come back and take us to a place specially prepared for us. Let me tell you that it is not easy teaching with a translator. By the time a sentence is spoken and then translated and feedback is made the train of thought can be lost or worse become a train wreck. Several times during my class with the Mexican teens I paused not knowing what to say next. Nevertheless, they were very gracious and attentive and responded to all my questions. I had three American teens with my class and they too did a terrific job in interacting and trying to follow me. The rest of our teens were involved in the three other classes going on at the same time and were very helpful. All have been doing a great job of interacting with the Mexican children.
Tomorrow starts our work groups and promises some new experiences. Please keep us in your prayers each day. I'll leave you with this question...When was the last time you prayed a big prayer thinking all along that maybe it is too muck to ask? Check out the verse below and let it strengthen you to trust in our amazing Father.

Eph 3:20-21 (NIV) Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.


Roger, over and out!

We Finally Made It

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Hey everyone, we finally made it to the City of Children Saturday afternoon. The trip from home to San Diego was quite the adventure. We flew out of Norfolk a few minutes late but made up time in the air. It was the leaving from Newark, NJ that did not seem to want to happen. We sat in the plane for over 90 minutes before we were allowed to take off due to severe weather (that was what they said) out west. When we finally took off we had to head for Atlanta and then go west to avoid the "severe weather" (wink...wink!) so our flight was longer than it was supposed to be. Boy, airline seats can sure get uncomfortable after several hours being cramped next to the window. We finally arrived in San Diego about an hour after our scheduled arrival time so all in all it was not too bad. One of our teens had a more trying time. Her flight was delayed in Norfolk and because of the tight layover schedule she was never going to make them. The airlines made arrangements for her to fly on another carrier but it was not going to fly out until 2 pm and she was not going to get to San Diego until 8 pm Thursday night. Everything went smoothly though and we got her to the hotel to join up with the rest of the gang.
The weather is warmer and more humid than I remember from past years and Stan Stout said the water temp is around 78 degrees instead of the typical 68 degrees so the cool breeze is not happening. But what is there to complain about. We got to fly over 3000 miles in less than half a day, stay the night in beautful San Diego, cross the border safely on Saturday without incident and have pizza with a bunch of Mexican teen Christians at the City of Children. GOD IS GOOD!

Paul told the Philippians to Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life (Phil 2:14-16) This is something that I can certainly work on in my life...how about you?


Roger, over and out!

Teen Mission Trip

Well, it's only a couple of more days and God willing our team from Denbigh will be in Mexico on the Baja Peninsula. We got a scare a few days ago when we heard it was well over 100 degrees but it looks like the temp is back down to normal. For those that do not know about the City of Children in Ensenada it is a refuge for Mexican children who have either been abused, abandoned, or neglected. Their stories are all sad but they now reside in a place that is filled with Christian love and acceptance. Every child’s future is changed for the better because of the dedication of the staff to meeting their needs physically, educationally, emotionally, and most of all SPIRITUALLY. This place is living out the life of Jesus and his love for children. Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 (NIV) "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Our plan is to meet up in San Diego with a group coming from Washington, Pennsylvania and another small group from Winchester, VA. on Friday. After spending the night in the Quality Inn we will head on down to Ensenada on Saturday and begin our mission to provide friendship, support and assistance both at the City of Children and the local churches. We will stay through the following Friday and then head back to the states and on home. It makes for an exhausting week but everyone who goes will have a memory to last a lifetime and will make a difference not only in the lives of those we come in contact with but also with one another.

Some questions for you to respond to...Have you ever gone on a mission trip? Why or why not? If so, how did it impact your life and relationship with God? Were there any scary moments for you while you were away from home? Would you consider going again?

Roger, over and out

Power of Intention

Who all have been tattooed or been tempted to get a tattoo? Of those who got one or two or three or more what prompted you to do it? Did you do it because you were looking for peace and joy? If not maybe you should have gone to Crystal Zen instead of where you got your body art from. I ran across the spam below while sifting through my old email address and thought I would share it with you.

"How do you imagine your life to be? Do you see yourself in peace and joy? We at Crystal Zen hope your life is filled with serenity, love and celebration. Our tattoos are specifically designed to offer your body spiritual healing and positive inspiration through the power of intention. These unique gifts slip easily into greeting cards for your friends or family."

The two questions at the beginning of the ad captured my attention and the nice sentiment that followed was good too. We all are looking for these experiences in life because we all have struggled and been miserable, discontented, apathetic and not in the mood to do anything worth celebrating. So maybe if a tattoo can bring me these things then maybe I ought to consider getting one...but then again maybe this is all about making a buck and they don't really care one way or the other about my life. I mean, come on, I received this message from Crystal Zen as spam mail and not from somebody who knows me and cares for me.

But I/we could all use some joy and peace and celebration in life. While the answer may not be in a tattoo parlor there is a place we can all go. Paul told the Christians in the city of Philippi the source of these things in his letter to them. Check out what he said.

Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God is the source of these experiences because he is the one who created them in the first place. Rejoice (celebrate) in Him because He is the giver of PEACE!

Now, about that tattoo...

Roger, over and out!

Creature From The Black Lagoon

When I went home yesterday for lunch I took a few minutes to turn on the TV and do a little surfing. As I surfed I came to the AMC channel and noticed that they were showing some old movies (duh!) of the horror kind. The movie that was on was "Creature of the Black Lagoon." My how sensitivities have changed. What once was meant to be scary is now just campy because our taste for more is never satisfied. Everything needs to be bigger and better than it used to be...the movies we watch, the amusement park thrill rides we go on, our houses we purchase, the cars we drive, our incomes, our clothing and with it closet space to store them in, our TV's, etc. When will it ever stop, or does it need to? How does God want us to live in our culture of more and more?

I leave you to respond with the answer to that question. But just a reminder, the full answer is not to go back to the ways of old. In our musing we might be tempted to say...Ah...the good ole' days when everything was right with the world!!!? Times were not perfect then either. Soloman said...

Don't always be asking, "Where are the good old days?" Wise folks don't ask questions like that. Ecclesiastes 7:10 (MSG)

Let me know what you think on the subject...I'll be waiting.

Roger, over and out!

Grandpa Brown

Hey, I'm a gradpa! My middle son and his wife just had a baby on July 12 which just happens to be their wedding anninversery too. Ethan Thomas is a healthy 8 pound 14 ounce little boy who is probably the best looking baby ever born, at least by my standards. I hope to be able to go see him in person soon but in the meantime I will just have to settle for pictures. If there is anyone reading this blogg who has some friendly advice on being a good grandparent please respond.
God has blessed me with blessing upon blessing for I have lived to see Ethan Thomas Brown!

Psalms 128:5-6 (NIV) May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children.

I'm open for comments

Hi everybody. I've just stepped into the world of blogging.