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
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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.