Reconnecting

Last year I was criticized for being on facebook, now it seems those who criticized are now on facebook - or their wives are! One great benefit of this social network is that I have reconnected with some of my old youth group from First Baptist Church in Los Gatos, CA. I was there  25 years ago. Our first years of marriage living in a very small apt. and then owning our first home are great memories. Katie was born in Santa Teresa Hospital in San Jose. We had a great time and God did some wonderful things in our lives and in the lives of the youth!

I remember many late game nights with the guys, many basketball games in our driveway - we even had to get the city to reroute the power lines to the house because they interfered with my favorite shot! Lynn one day poured a whole bowl of oatmeal on Cindy Riggio's (now Cripe) head just because Cindy knew Lynn was too polite to do it! The youth helped repaint my home, Steve R. reminded me I "let him" til my yard! He put it this way in a recent facebook note.

It has become abundantly clear as the years have passed how short your time in California really was. As I look back it seemed like you were there for many years than you were, what an influence you had, and if I recall you were quite young as well. Thank you for the time and energy you spent on us kids. I have always been involved with youth since I was able, I give you and Steve Hammond a lot of credit for keeping me on the right track and not fearing scaring me off when you checked me. I am not able to make fun of your accent through words, I miss saying "Pastor Ken", also thanks for introducing me to golf, you have given me years of agony and wasted $$s, and at some level I still play, although I haven't improved much. Your turn, catch me up on your end. Say hey to "Lynn", do you remember the peanut butter sandwiches she made, with homemade bread, Oh and thanks for letting me till your yard, I dont even do my own yardwork, See Ya....

Steve is the one with the red shirt looking back at the camera!

One very memorable event was a "Choir Cruise". We cruised from San Jose to LA in a school bus that broke down on the way home. Jayne, seen asleep in the bus, lead the choir - they were really good, and we visited many churches singing and sharing Jesus. The big idea was for the youth to see how others worship, knowing the they would be spread out in many directions as the years passed. I still pray for these guys and for some I am still pastoring them and being pastored long distance!

For all my friends that have never seen my chin - enjoy the picture!

Weddings & Joy afterwards

Got these pictures from a proud Grandpa! I was thrilled to be a part of this wedding! Good memories and this is a good family! Adeline Templeton, Parents: Matt & Natalie, Proud G'parents - Lee & Anne Templeton.

Answers to a good question

I got an e-mail from a precious friend that honestly wanted to know what God was teaching me today. My first thought was to tell her what I was reading, what sermons I listened to lately or about the great sermon I heard on Psalm 27 yesterday preached by Phil Covert at Carolina Pres. But instead I allowed my mind to simply bring up random things I have learned in the last couple of weeks - or have been reminded of. So her are 12 thoughts. I want to challenge you to make a comment on this blog and at least list 6 things you are learning. I am not into tagging people but if that provokes you to make a comment consider yourself tagged.

1. What am I learning? That when God humbles someone, those around them are affected too. It happens all the time. So be careful who you get into a boat with - some sailors found that out with Jonah.2. We are always in transition - will be until we get to glory.
3. Real friends are precious
4. Not all real friends know how to be friends
5. It is easy to withdraw but harder to return to the land of the living.
6. It is easier to doubt when you are on the sidelines
7. There is no quick fixes to sanctification - it is a marathon
8. God is using a lot of people for his glory - we tend to only see a few.
9. Time moves the same for all of us (that is the theory) it seems to move quicker when you relax.
10. Good fellowship is precious - enjoy it when you have it - it can change overnight.
11. Family is so important -
12. I am insignificant.

Missing My Good Friends

The last week has been a good week with the family. We have had two bonfires in the fire pit given me by good friends. I have worn clothes a good friend bought for me at the coalition in SP. I admire a special paddle in my room carved for me to look like the elven paddles of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Carved with love by a good friend. I caught a fish with a rod and reel that a good friend gave me 20 years ago. I have pictures in my bedroom of good friends that asked me the perform their weddings. I have an architectural picture drawn by a friend that initially designed the building for the church I pastored. Facebook helps keep in touch with those that have reached out to me  - but ...

A good friend that I knew as single lady that later met a man online (One of my duties was to check him out when he came to visit)  now has 2 beautiful children and lives in another state reminded me of this passage yesterday:

1Therefore, 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. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Her emphasis was on "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." I know I am following the race/path God has for me - but I miss my friends.

Turf Counseling

Had a great time today with my long time friend Harry. It was the 2nd time all year I played golf. We had a great day and the weather could not have been nicer, a welcomed break from the humidity. The competition was fierce but Harry won with 2 birdies at key times - the way we play a birdie anytime if wonderful. I had one today on a chip in from the sand - Darrell would have be proud of that shot! So both of us had enough good shots to keep our clubs for another round in the future.

But we don't play to compete - but to laugh and ask good questions of one another and to simply care for one another. The Scriptures do say the we are in debt to one another and the payment is love!

Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Thanks Harry for being an example of this verse in my life!

Happy Anniversary Rich and Anne

I hope  dinner at Magnolia Inn was wonderful last night and the steak we worse than the one we had together Monday night! Just kidding! 

One year and many many more!