Family Christmas Letter

Well ... it has been a while since I've posted anything new, so I thought I would simply share with you my Family Christmas letter ... Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Well, here we are at the end of another year. It always amazes me how quickly a year passes and this was quite a year. In fact, I really have not caught that “Christmas Spirit” this year. However, the joy and the “return to normalcy” that I think my children are looking for needs to happen! So … with that, let’s do a quick recap of 2008.

For some … if not many or all … of you , much of what you will discover on this page is not new to you. 2008 began unlike many other years – the Tennessee Volunteers actually won their bowl game!!! Chris and I witnessed an incredible game from just 10 rows up in the end zone. As January proceeded, Caitlyn continued her Barbizon training. Denise continued teaching. I continued preaching. Nothing too out of the ordinary.

I suppose that is why God decided I needed a little excitement in life. Too make a REALLY LONG story short … things happened at First Christian Church of Inverness that were not admirable to God’s leading. (Any time you reduce “the lost” to “giving units” …) Anyway, after many left FCCI intending to simply worship elsewhere, the thought occurred to them … ‘why worship somewhere else separately when we could worship somewhere else together?’ And so, on May 14, a new church was born. A small group of 14 quickly grew to 25 then to 30 then to 40 then to … well, you get the idea. Through the “wise council” of my lovely bride and the continued knocks to the head that God was presenting to me nearly every day, I was approached by a good friend who simply responded to my question “what can I do to help?” with the words … “You can come and be our preacher!”

So, on Father’s Day, I concluded my ministry with FCCI and a month later began a ministry with Redemption Christian Church. We’re still in the same general area … in fact, I think RCC is a little closer to us! But, the way God is blessing this group is tremendous.

Well, enough about me! Caitlyn graduated from Barbizon School of modeling and is well on her way! She is going to Los Angeles in January for the International Modeling and Talent Association show and is also trying to get her foot in the door with Premiere Modeling in Ocala. (Not that I’m a proud Dad or anything!!!)

Chris is … well … he’s 9! Nuf said!!! Chris is actually doing very well … so well, in fact, that he would really like to be home schooled. He is typically ahead of nearly everyone in his class and he really wants to study some special things in the sciences and math. So … possibly in a year or so – middle school time – we may consent and start home schooling him.

Cassie and Jonathan are doing well. He is back in Iraq for a second tour of duty … hopefully his last! He’s only supposed to be there 10-12 months. Cassie is somewhat jobless right now! She is preparing to go back to school in January and will graduate in May with her A.A. in Nursing degree. She’s planning to pursue a P.A. degree and can get a good portion of it done while Jonathan’s is away.

Courtney and Daniel are doing well also. Both are still at Florida Christian College, although Daniel will graduate soon (I think!) and Courtney still has some time to go on her Elementary Education Degree but is really enjoying it (or so it appears!) Both are also doing really well at Universal. (I still think they’ll end up owning the place some day!)

That’s the ‘good’ update. There have been other things this year that have been challenging and I suppose that is why I’ve been a little tardy in this Christmas letter. In August, Mom went home to be with the Lord. For someone that never went to a doctor and seemed in relatively good health, her last days came very quickly. It’s been different not getting a card from her on our anniversary and Thanksgiving and now Christmas, and, while I know that death is a part of life … “a time to live and a time to die” … it is still a part of life I don’t like too much. Watching many of my childhood memories carted off by others at an Estate Sale and seeing the only home I ever have known simply sold off as a “part of the estate” is a memory I didn’t expect to make this year. Thankfully, Debby and Steve have really stepped in to handle the “legal” side of things that I don’t fully understand! Mom … in spite of being VERY meticulous in some things … never completed the will she had always talked about. So … the State of Florida VERY GRACIOUSLY stepped in to help!!

In October, Jonathan began his next tour to Iraq by first going to Texas and then flying to Kuwait the week before Thanksgiving. Then, just as soon as he arrived, we learned that his grandfather … one whom he had spent many a summer … passed away. Thankfully, the army allowed him an emergency leave and he was able to be home for the funeral.

And then, while we were in Georgia for Thanksgiving, my little buddy … Fezzik … went to Doggie Heaven … if there is a such a place. Beth, our good friend watches our house while we’re away and she came in Wednesday before Thanksgiving and found that my little pug had apparently died in his sleep during the night. For some, it’s just a dog … but for me … he was truly ‘man’s best friend!”

There are years when life seems to throw a lot of curve balls at you and this has been one of them! But in all of that, there is one thing that I know for an absolute certainty … GOD is STILL GOD! THE gift of Christmas … Immanuel … still means “God With Us” … and He is.

Through the miles, our love and best wishes extends to each of you and our prayers for a wonderful 2009.

Through Christ … “Merry Christmas,”

Todd, Denise, Caitlyn and Chris

What About Bob?

It was a classic movie with Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfus. Murray played Bob Wiley - a man with nearly every physcosis known to modern science and then some. Richard played Dr. Leo Marvin, a cutting edge psychiatrist who's recent best seller, Baby Steps, was the catalyst for Bob's remarkable recovery. The bulk of the movie takes place at Leo's house in the country where Bob has tracked him and makes life miserable for Dr. Leo to the point that he tries everything he can to rid himself of Bob - including murder! Leo's family, however, has taken a certain liking to Bob and often asks Leo ... "What about Bob?"

Saturday, I used that phrase a few times ... mostly in jest - but certainly in disgust. Bob was the first vulture to show up. His stripped out station wagon was our first clue. His northeastern accent was identifiable. And ... with all due respect to those "honest" ones in the industry ... all Bob really needed was a good, bright, plaid jacket and he could have been a quintessential used car sales man!

Bob was a man on a mission ... a man with a purpose. Undoubtedly, he had seen the ad in the paper ... "Estate Sale" ... and he probaby began to salivate at that moment! As he entered our domicile, it was clear that he was a professional in the sense that the young ladies walking on Dale Mabry after dark are professionals! Bob quickly surveyed the material possessions that filled my mind with memories of all my 45+ years and I'm sure of my sister's __+ years. (She wouldn't want me to divulge her age since she is 12 years older than I am!)

Bob's vulturistic aim was to swoop in and capture the cream of the crop as it were ... to secure the most prolific deal that he possibly could ... and he did. Things that were ALWAYS there to me were suddenly, quickly, gone. Loaded and strapped in and on the beat up old station wagon for who knows where (probably Antique Roadshow), Bob departed ... his booty in tact. He would return once again to retrieve what wouldn't fit the first time and even to add one more item. Throughout the remainder of the day, occassionally, just to let out a little remorse, I would casually ask my sister ... "what about Bob?"

When mom died back in August, I guess it never occured to me that we would need to have an Estate Sale. All of those treasured "things" of the past are now living in someone elses home. I guess all that is left are the memories.

Of course, that's the best part! I wonder about the memories that will follow my life. Will they be good ones? I hope so. I guess I should wonder too ... "what about Bob?!"

Reflecting on Summer

This is a summer I will definitely not forget. It began with my leaving a ministry I had enjoyed for 7-1/2 years ... long story but it is a classic example of what happens when God's Word is overshadowed by man's fear. I pray for that church everyday in the hope that God will cleanse out those whose lack of faith is a detriment to the growth of the body of Christ.

Well, on to a new ministry - same city - new location - incredible people! What a joy it is to serve with folks whose desire above every desire is to change the world for Christ. I know that may sound rather presumptuous, but it is the truth. The folks at RCC are people who understand that faith in the Godhead is a relational and motivational concept. I believe God is and will continue to bless this effort ... after all, He is the one who began it!

August 4th and 5th, however, are days that will not soon depart from my memory. On Monday, August 4th, I received a call from a good friend in Largo telling me my mom had been taken to the hospital. Doctors were still running tests, but she probably would need to stay in for a day or two. All seemed well - even from the nurses point of view. Mom - in her determined not to disturb me mode - did not want me even to know she had been taken to the hospital, but through the nurse, assured me all was well. (I think she knew what was happening and didn't want me there to witness that)

Tuesday morning, I left bright and early for the 2-hour drive to the hospital. I arrived in time to discover that her condition had quickly deteriorated through the night - once she saw me, things went even faster. I was able to see her for just a few minutes before doctors came in to draw more blood - and then - as quickly as it began - it was over. Mom departed this world for the next around 1130 that morning.

I'll miss my mom and I know my kids will. I never got to know my own grandparents and my kids had the privilege of knowing their grandma well. She was an inspiration to many, teaching a Bible School class of 3rd-5th grade girls for as long as anyone can remember. She will leave a void in our lives that is already felt. As a Tropical Storm approaches our coast, one of my first thoughts was to call mom and see if her house was okay.

I suppose I'll pick up the phone a lot in coming weeks ... just to check on her ...

6 Days ...

So ... here we are ... 6 days away from launching a new ministry. I CAN'T WAIT!!!! I am so excited about this and know ... beyond a shadow of a doubt ... that this is where God needs me to be. Of course, the rumor mill is still churning out its fair share of meaningless platitudes. However, as Jim Carrey said in Liar, Liar ... "AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!" (I think someone else said that too!!)

Anyway - if you are in the Inverness, Florida area this Sunday, July 13 around 10 AM and want to join us at the Inverness Community Center ... Please do so! We'd love to have you!

The End of an Era ... the Beginning of Another ...

Well, today was the end of an era for me. As a Pastor, you don't expect change, but you know that with God, anything is possible. That is true for me. I concluded a ministry this morning and have 4-weeks of well earned rest! Then, I'll begin a new ministry. The really cool thing is this ... I don't have to move anywhere!

God has given me the privilege of beginning a new ministry within this community. As this area grows, another Christian Church is going to be necessary and right now, the demographics are advantageous for that. The church I just concluded a ministry with became a church of particular comfort for many. The outreach and desire to seek those who were not like everyone else had long since taken over. My encouragement is my new ministry will be something brand new. It is exciting to see God work.

The only real unfortunate aspect of this for me has been those that we left behind. Many of them are so caught up in their own desires that they cannot see the forest through the trees ... they cannot see God's handiwork. I pray for them. I pray for you as you read this. I pray that God will touch you in such a way that you will reach out to him.

Have a wonderful week ...

Oh ... and GO TIGER!!!! What a golfer!

Neon

"Neon (Greek neos “new”), symbol Ne, colorless, odorless, nonreactive gaseous element that makes up a tiny fraction of Earth's atmosphere."

Colorless.....
Odorless ..............
Nonreactive gaseous element ....................
Makes up a tiny fraction of Earth's atmosphere.......

No wonder I missed it for so long!!!!!

God Never Lets Go

Several years ago, I had the privilege of spending time with David Crowder when he was a worship leader with Christ In Youth (CIY). I have watched as he has risen to superstar status in the recording industry and he is a remarkable writer. In light of events that have transpired in recent weeks ... both here at FCCI and around the world ... I thought I'd post what I believe to be one of David's most inspired songs. I hope it brings you encouragement.

David Crowder*Band - Never Let Go
When clouds veil sun

And disaster comes

Oh, my soul Oh, my soul

When waters rise

And hope takes flight

Oh, my soul Oh, my soul Oh, my soul
Ever faithful Ever true

You I know You never let go

You never let go You never let go You never let go
When clouds brought rain

And disaster came

Oh, my soul Oh, my soul

When waters rose

And hope had flown

Oh, my soul Oh, my soul Oh, my soul
Oh, my soul Overflows Oh, what love, oh, what love

Oh, my soul Fills hope Perfect love that never lets go
Oh, what love, oh what love Oh, what love, oh what love

In joy and pain

In sun and rain

You’re the same

Oh, You never let go

The Sin of Omission

Within the past Sunday's Sermon, I used a poem by Margaret Sangster that many asked about. Here is that poem. It is also found within William Bennett's masterful collection titled "The Book of Virtues"

The Sin of Omission
Margaret Sangster

It isn’t the thing you do, dear,
It’s the thing you leave undone
That gives you a bit of heartache
At the setting of the sun.
The tender word forgotten,
The letter you did not write,
The flowers you did not send, dear,
And your haunting ghosts at night.
The stone you might have lifted
Out of a brother’s way;
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say;
The loving touch of the hand, dear,
The gentle, winning tone
Which you had no time nor thought for
With troubles enough of your own.”

Okay Dave, Just for You!!

So I've been reminded that it has been a while, January 28th to be exact, since I posted a blog. SORRY!!! So I'll make an attempt to share some words of wisdom!

How about these words ... Never, never, never give up! Those are easy words ... those are profound words ... those are perfect words ... IF ... we actually abide by them. Last night was a good example of those words. There were 7.1 seconds on the clock. My beloved Lady Volunteers were down 46-45. Candace Parker - the perenial All American was not on the top of her game following a twice seperated shoulder in a previous outing. Alexis Hornbuckle hadn't even scored 1 point all night. Only 45 points for a team that is used to dominating the game seemed quite shallow. And, with only 7.1 seconds left and the Lady's on the lower standard of the score, it seemed as though LSU was finally going to a National Championship game.

The inbound pass went to Candace. With her long frame she easily took the ball down the floor in just 4 or 5 steps. She dished off to Nicki Anosike, who herself was having a rough night. The "easy" lay-up was not even close. But, Alexis grabbed the rebound and dropped in a bucket ... literally within the last second. As the ball went through the net and the clock stopped at .7 seconds, the Lady Vols were up 47-46 and all LSU could do was hope for a miracle ... one which never came.

7.1 seconds for most people is nothing. The first paragraph took me longer than 7.1 seconds to write. 7.1 seconds ... easy to give up that much time ... however, time is our most precious commodity. It is the one thing that doesn't change with inflation ... it is the same every day ... 24-hours ... 1,440 minutes ...86,400 seconds every day. In the grand scheme of things ... 7.1 seconds just doesn't seem to amount to much.

Just remember though ... it just could be the difference between going home and playing one more championship game. Don't ever underestimate the value of a few seconds. It could be the most important seconds of the game!

I Know It's Been A While

Greetings!
I know that it has been a while since I last blogged, but I've had a lot on my mind and figured it might all come out in one jumbled mass! However, today as I was reading one of my favorite fellow bloggers - his words really jumped out too me. So - I want to share them with you. This is from friend, fellow blogger and minister, Aaron Chambers ...

Monday, January 28, 2008
They Like Jesus But Hate The Church?

In a meeting I attended recently with some church leaders from around the country I heard this phrase spoken as a sample of how young adults view the Church: "They like Jesus, but hate the church."

Interesting.

And impossible.

If I understand New Testament ecclesiology we don't have the luxury of separating Christ and his Bride.

Jesus and the Church are one and the same.

When Saul was on his way to Damascus to continue his persecution of Christ's Church a blinding bright light appeared from heaven, Saul fell to the ground, and he heard a voice from heaven saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"Acts 9:4

Who was Saul persecuting? The Church.

Who did the Lord accuse Saul of persecuting? Himself ("Me")

What's the lesson? Jesus was taking the persecuting of his church personally. What you do to the Church you do to Jesus. What we do to--and say about--the Church, we're doing--and saying--about Jesus.

We can't like Jesus and hate the church. It's a false dichotomy (Jesus on one side-His Church on the other).

That's like saying, "I like Arron, but hate Rhonda (my wife)." Here's a little advice: Don't say that within swinging distance of my right arm. :)

How you treat my wife is how you treat me.

I understand the angst reflected in the statement ("I like Jesus but hate the Church"). Many young--and older--adults are frustrated with the legalism, traditionalism, and divisiveness they see in their congregations or the church as a whole. They love Jesus and want to see his Bride become all she can be, but I think they're . . . we're . . . going at it the wrong way.

In my opinion the best way to help the Bride of Christ (the Church) to become stronger, healthier, and more unified is simply to love her--and her Groom--even more.

"Amen and Amen!"