Men Of Conviction

Where are the men of conviction?  Where are the women of principle?  Too often in our culture, people are accustomed to lurking in the shadows passing judgements without investing personally.  This ought not to be.  We need people to take the point and lead.  I'm reminded of my childhood.  I grew up in Logan, WV and my backyard was Chief Logan State Park. 

We lived close to the entrance, as did many others, and we spent many hours walking the trails all through the park.  Since most trails were narrow, it was necessary for someone to take the point.  The point man would look carefully for spider webs and spiders as well as snakes.  Rattle snakes were not an issue, since they would make that specific noise, but alas the copper heads...a different story all together.  Thankfully, none of our group were ever bitten, but we had plenty of spider encounters where one of us would walk right through a large web...with the spider centered perfectly in the middle.  Yuck!  Still hate the thought of that.  Hence, the point man was responsible for taking care of others and looking out for every one's well being.  If one person became sick or injured, then we all had to safely return home for care.  Not much fun in going back home, so we all had to look out for one another.

So, are you looking out for someone?  Are you a point man for others?  Stop lurking in the shadows.  Get to the front and make a difference.  I once saw a poster that read: "He who never goes into battle, never will win."  Get out there and make a difference in the life of someone.

Yet another first...

Yesterday was a HUGE day for the Lee family.  Mary started kindergarten at Willow Springs Elementary School.  Wow, where did the time go?  How did we get here so quickly?  It seems that the other day I was holding her for the first time, and now she is waving good bye as she talks with her teacher Mrs. Alala.

I had my moment of tears a few weeks ago when she had her last chapel service, so this time it was for Lisa to have a tear filled moment.  Over all, it was a wonderful day!

Amazing Wonders Aviation

A few weeks ago, we celebrated a great week at Pleasant Grove with Vacation Bible School.  It was a fabulous time with terrific decorations that depicted a wonderful world that God created, plus we were able to travel to see them through imagination (remember "Sponge Bob" saying "imagination" while using his hands???).  The children has a grand time too while playing with friends during recreation, getting crafty, singing, exploring mission stories, and learning about God and His great love exhibited through Jesus Christ.

Absolutely, positively a wonderful week!

Many thanks to the people who worked tirelessly to ensure this would be a successful week.  Those who deorated, delivered snacks, nursery duty, teachers, craft leaders, sound technicians, recreation, and general flunkies.  Because of the sacrificial work, children heard the Gospel where seeds were planted and watered, and hopefully one day we will see the harvest.  However, we were faithful to God in doing our part.  Thank you!  Not many churches were able to hold a VBS because it's time consuming and requires many workers, but thank you for taking the challenge and exceeding it.

On another note, the children collected an offering each night to assist with the Appalachian Regional Ministries to help with school supplies.  We were able to collect over $1156.  Wow!!  Double WOW!!  Mucho gracias to all the families who participated and gave that week.  Indeed, a great week where God was honored through teaching His Word.  Thanks to you all!

Zing!

I have always desired for Mary to take after Lisa in all ways, except for one...I wanted Mary to have my sense of humor.*  Well, further proof arrived yesterday this week.  While driving out of our subdivision, I spotted a large rabbit while feasting on the grass of vacant lot.  I then called to Mary's attention to look over at the bunny, only for her to not see it.  She then asked if it was a baby rabbit or a mommy rabbit or a daddy rabbit.  I told her it was fairly big, so it probably was a mommy or a daddy.  She proudly heralded that it was a daddy rabbit.  Then she waited for about 3 seconds...asked if that daddy bunny also had a large belly.

I nearly wrecked!  I had to laugh, it was too funny not to enjoy a hearty chuckle.  I had just been zinged by a 5 year old.  Not new, but usually we tag team against mom.  It was so funny that I immediately called Lisa to share in the moment.  I wonder how long she had been planning that zing.  Well played my angel, well played indeed.


As for the asterisk...I shared with the congregation about desiring Mary to take after my sense of humor, and one young 9 year old heard this.  He spoke to his mom, "Why?  Pastor Jack's not that funny."  And he was serious.  Dead serious.  Oh well, at least MOST of the congregation appreciates my sense of humor.  Guess he was assuring me to not quit my day time job.

Milestone

Last week we encountered another milestone as Mary graduated from preschool.  Our time with Mother's Morning Out has been an amazing journey over the last three years.  We have celebrated sharing, playing politely, potty training, good manners, knowing numbers, reciting the pledge of allegiance, knowing letters, scripture memorization, and many, many more.  Sadly our time at MMO has come to an end, but we are not saying good bye, just merely farewell.  We are endebted to Carla (director), Beth (assistant), and Mary's teachers: Janice, Marjorie, Candy, and Vicki (plus all the other teachers).  Each of you have poured your love, wisdom, insight, knowledge, attention, and passion into Mary.  Each week brought laughter and smiles into her life that has helped develop her character and personality.  You are a blessing to the Lee family, and we will cheish you always.  Thank you for all that you do with children entrusted to your care.  It's a joy to know you and see you in action modeling Christ's love.  You are the best!

Mary at the mall...she did a back flip too!

Listening to tunes at Lifeway

We are now counting down the days to kindergarten at Willow Springs Elementary School and Mrs. Alala's class...starting July 11.  Yeah!!!

"Do Over"

I remember from my child hood the long trusted policy of "do overs" echoing from ball fields and backyards.  Many a time we would call out, "do over" after a failed attempt, but hardly did anyone chide the response.  In fact, most (if not all) everyone would concede to the request of getting another try.  Now in my adult life, we still evoke that same request, though now we call them mulligans. 

Mary has started to display an interest in sports (much to my delight) and now she loves to take a small bat and ball in the backyard to play with her old man.  I'm loving this.  Even when she throws the ball far away from me, I'm reliving a great memory of playing catch with my old man.  Good memories.  And yes, dad, I'm trying to teach her to make a good catch and make a good throw.  She will often cry out "do over" when something doesn't work according to her plan, and I'm quick to grant that request.

Typically, I need mulligans on a daily basis.  Since I'm charged with an awesome responsibility (and loving it) to speak into lives the redemptive love of Christ, I make many mistakes.  Many.  Did I say many?  I mean many.  In fact, I often ask for a mulligan on that shot, and calmly drop another ball.  In my feeble attempt at playing golf, I always (and I mean always) carry at least three golf balls in my pockets, since I play golf, hunt, and fish at the same time.  Hunt for lost balls in the woods and fish them out of the water...while actually playing golf.  There are many times that I need mulligans in my speech, actions, facial expressions, or internal prejudices.

It is quite difficult to represent Christ in a challenging culture without requiring a mulligan.  Yet, Christ really does want us imperfect human beings to speak into the lives around us.  My neighbors see the best and worst in me.  They see my good days and my bad days.  They see me dressed in coat and tie, and they see me in shorts and t-shirt ready to be tossed into the dumpster.  They see me laugh, and they see me ready to explode in anger over a delightful 5 year old.  They see it all.  That is why I need mulligans in life, so they can see I'm not perfect, just forgiven, and God desires to offer hope to all who will seek Him.

The next time you make a mistake, just remember that God allows mulligans...ask Him.

Remembering You

Well, I knew it was coming, so no surprise there, but it stings.  This is my first Mother's Day without mom this side of heaven.  I'm normally good at suppressing emotions (at least in public), but this time not so easy.  It started earlier this week with seeing commercials about this celebration, then at prayer time with Mary, and finally today with Mary's kindergarten orientation.  Mom would have been the first to receive an anxious phone call describing the days activities from an overly excited 5 year old.  However, we still have our conversations with Nana, just not the same though since we cannot hear the sound of her voice as she too sounded excited and asked lots of questions.  That is probably what I miss most...her voice.  From laughter to advice to preaching to praying...her voice made huge impressions on my life.  So mom, Happy Mother's Day as you continue to enjoy your rewards in heaven through listening and telling stories.  We love you and think of you each day.

enjoying some laughs this past summer at Dollywood

Since mom loved to laugh...I call this one "family reunion"