Birthdays and Sundays

Evan and Crystal got together and planned a Saturday evening dinner for Sondra's birthday last night.  We went to a little steak place called the Cucamonga Brewing Co.  The location used to be the home of Omaha Jack's Steak House, but it's gone now.  Anyway, it was a fun time of all of us being together -- Evan and Callie, Shawn and Crystal and Bailey and Brynnlee!

After eating at the restaurant, we went over to Shawn and Crystal's house for birthday cake and the opening of gifts.  In addition to wathcing Sondra opening her birthday presents, Evan then showed some pictures from his trip to Hawaii, on the island of Maui.

Evan just returned from Hawaii this past Wednesday night (actually Thursday morning early by the time they drove back in from LAX).  Callie's family (dad and mom, grandmother and grandmother's sister, Callie's brother and wife, Callie's sister and friend) celebrated a week in Maui at a rented house on the beach.  Evan was invited to go as well.  It was Callie's dad's birthday that week.  Evan came back with a tan and good memories.  There are some more pictures from the week, but here are a couple of photos that Evan took with his cell phone camera.

Today was a great day at church.  We had three baptisms, all three being men with an addiction history now working at Coronado Stone and attending our church.   It was a time of spontaneous eruption of clapping, shouting and joy when the last of the three came up out of the baptismal waters!  I had a man who works at Coronado Stone (Michael Geiger) lead the Praise & Worship time, as I wanted to use all Coronado individuals in the worship hour.  Our guest speaker for the day was Pastor Michael Dotson, a man who came out of our church to start a new Vision Plus Church in Bakersfield.  Michael Dotson was previously a Coronado employee and part of the Sober Living Program there, who has now gone on to get his life on track serving the Lord.

This afternoon, I sat with two individuals (Gail Anderson and Jack Shelton) at lunch to talk about their upcoming wedding in our church on Sunday, March 25, immediately following the morning worship hour.  It will be a special day, indeed!

Sondra's Birthday

Much has happened since my last blog.

Yesterday was Sondra's birthday (February 22).  She worked until noon at her Intervention Teaching job here in the Rialto school district.  She enjoys the children and their responsiveness to her teaching.  We then drove down to Oceanside (30 miles north of San Diego).  Bill and Marti were there at a Wyndham timeshare apartment/condo, one overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Kirk, Tamra and little Ezekiel were there for a few days as well.

We wanted to hear about Bill and Marti's trip to Tahiti and cruise to Hawaii, so that was fun to sit around and catch up on their journeys, as they had just flown in late this past Monday night.  And, of course, Ezekiel is such a cute baby who loves to smile.  Kirk and Tamra are wonderful parents.

Sondra talked them into coming to dinner with us.  She thought it would be special to have some "family time" as we ate and celebrated the evening of her birthday.  It was so enjoyable.  We went to Anthony's Seafood Grotto restaurant and got a table by the window so we could see all the boats and the sunset and then the shimmering lights off the water as it got dark outside.

This last week and a half has been fun.  In fact, last week I went through some old movie films I had taken with our old Super 8mm camera in the 1970s.  I found 10 small reels that were of Jason, Evan and Crystal in 1979 and 1980.  Jason was five, Evan three and Crystal about one year old.  I took those to Costco and am having them spliced together to make a DVD.  My 8mm films also had sound (new for that time, just before VHS movie cameras).  Anyway, we are excited to see them in about four weeks when they come back.  I have many more reels to go through, but not enough money to get them all made into DVDs yet.....ha ha.

Last week I bought some flowers for Sondra on Valentine's Day and we went to dinner that night.  We enjoy those special times.  That morning, I spoke at Coronado Stone's morning devotional time.

I had planned on attending the Disaster Relief Training for pastors last Thursday through Saturday, but it didn't work out.  I had an appointment at VA early Friday morning, and we went over to California Baptist University for homecoming Saturday.  A friend I have known for 46 years (Ron Bryant) was there, and we got together with him and his fiance Nicole.  We ended up going out to eat at the Yardhouse there in Riverside.  It was a wonderful time of conversation, being with a long-time friend!  Ron and Nicole are planning to get married on 02-14-2014 (Valentine's Day in 2014).  I have been asked to officiate, so I am looking forward to that.

On Sunday morning, I preached on evangelism and the joy of sharing our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  On Monday morning, George Nelson and I drove over to Torrance (near Long Beach and Los Angeles) for a two-day Evangelism Conference.  It was an inspiring couple of days, listening to various preachers and pastors from around the nation.  Pastor Roy Flint, a volunteer staff member at our Vision Plus Church, drove over and joined us for both days also.  It was cute to see Kirk at the conference with his son, Ezekiel, in tow.

One of the special moments for me was spending some time with Pastor Abel Galvan.  Abel served with me as a Youth Director in 29 Palms, when he was still a student at Cal Baptist.  When I was called to pastor in San Diego, Abel came there also and worked with the youth.  When I left San Diego, Abel was called as Interim Pastor and followed God's call into the ministry full-time.  Abel "blames" me for his call to ministry, as I helped him grow and learn what it meant to follow in vocational ministry to the Lord's call.  His pastor from childhood, Ken Reed, was at this conference.  Pastor Reed baptized him as a 13-year old.  He got us together for a picture, as he wanted a photo of himself with the two men who had influenced him the most for the Kingdom's sake.  It was very humbling and a time of great joy.

Well, I must go as I have blood lab tests at the VA this morning.  Tomorrow, I see my primary doctor for my 6-month checkup.

It's Raining Today

Yes, it is raining hard today.  That may not sound like a big deal, but we are well below our annual rainfall total for the year.  I like the rain and its soothing patter on the house.  It is a little colder than usual also.

Last week, our church took a trip to Hollywood for the taping of "The Price Is Right" show at the CBS studios.  There were 14 of us that went.  It was an all-day affair, as we left the church parking lot about 9:30 am and got home around 11 pm.  We stood in line, we waited patiently to get in the queue for the show, we were interviewed as possible contestants, we enjoyed the show and stopped to eat at Chili's restaurant on the way home.  It was an awesome day of friendship and fellowship.  None of were chosen as contestants, but it was a great day to spend together.

Last Wednesday, I led a Bible study on Elijah from the book of 1st Kings.  It shows Elijah in a state of sadness and dejection and near depression.  Even people of God struggle with emotions and feelings and moods at times.  Elijah felt this even at a time of great victory over the prophets of Baal.  When Queen Jezebel called for his life, he felt somewhat hopeless.  He had excessive fear.  He felt overwhelmed by problems and tried to run and escape.  He was tired and weary.  He called for God to take his life, where some even feel he had suicidal thoughts.  He held feelings of total rejection.

God's call to Elijah brought healing to his spirit.  In 1st Kings 19, God called Elijah to:
     (1)  Rest.  Our bodies need physical rest.
     (2)  Nourishment.  Our bodies require proper nutrition.
     (3)  Worship.  We need personal and intimate time with God.
     (4)  Search within.  We must examine ourselves and say, "What is the real problem?"
     (5)  Trust God.  We must address the faith issue within and obey God's instructions.
     (6)  Repent.  We must turn from wrong thinking, allowing God to correct our thoughts.
     (7)  Be courageous.  We must fight the spiritual battles with boldness, convinced of God's victory!

On Sunday, my message was about "True Love," as we are approaching Valentine's Day and the topic of love.  When we cannot adequately define love or even describe love, we must demonstrate love.

Love is demonstrated...
     1.  ...through unwavering commitment.
     2.  ...through undying patience.
     3.  ...through unfailing sacrifice.

Today is a holiday of sorts (Lincoln's Birthday), where banks and schools and government agencies are closed.  So, Sondra does not work today.  She has been quite sick these last few days with a deep cold - congestion and cough.  We will just take it easy today and rest.

As I looked at the calendar this past week, I was reminded of an "anniversary" of sorts.  On February 8, 2009, I suffered a heart attack and then had triple-bypass heart surgery.  Wow, three years have gone by quickly.  I am doing well these days.

Busy With Life

Last week was full of trying to get things sorted out -- old photos, scrapbooks, pictures albums, writings and such.  It is a never-ending process.

Shawn and Crystal began the move from their house in Ontario to another house in Fontana over the weekend.  The Fontana house is a little bigger, as it has three bedrooms.  The trouble was, Shawn hurt his right elbow after a freak accident climbing down onto a ladder in the garage.  Wednesday evening, Crystal took him to ER for stitches (actually staples) to fix a bleeding wound from the fall.  They took X-rays and there were no broken bones.

However, Friday night Shawn was back at the hospital as some infection had set in.  They gave him antibiotics and he will be fine.  It just made it a little more painful as they rented a truck to move all day Saturday, with help from a few friends.  Sondra and I took care of Bailey and Brynnlee overnight Friday, so that Crystal and Shawn could finish packing and get everything set for the move on Saturday.

Since yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday, I preached on what it takes to be a fanatic, which is a person who shows excessive enthusiasm and undying devotion to a team.  I used this as a basis and framework for being a "fan," a fanatic, for Jesus.  The seven principles for being a fanatic are:

1.  Pick a team.  We choose to be on the Lord's side.  To not choose Jesus is to choose the opposition!
2.  Be verbal in your support at every opportunity.  Have a ready testimony.  Be not embarrassed to be a Christian!
3.  Attend and cheer.  Be at church to worship, study the Bible, have fellowship and praise God!
4.  Show support financially.  We give to those things in our life that have highest priority.  Let's give to the Lord!
5.  Get involved where needed.  Anywhere - church cleaning/repairs, lawn maintenance, nursery care, visitation!
6.  Be passionate.  You will find passion when the things of the Lord consume you!
7.  Stay loyal.  Be faithful every day, be faithful in  the face of opposition, be faithful to the end!

Early Spring Cleaning

We are trying to get rid of items that have been stored for several years in a storage site, and that will also help us cut costs at the same time.  I have way too many books and too many items from past mission trips and vacations.  It is painful for me to give these up, but the time has come to do so.

Sondra and I have been at the storage unit several days last week and two days this week so far.  I have found some of my writings from college days, as well as other writings from the years of pastoring.  Also, we have found many photos of years past.  It is interesting to see the stages of life through pictures, both black & white and color.  That says how old I am.....ha ha.

Both Shawn and Evan have helped on different days, and we have sure made good use of Shawn's pickup truck.  We are trying to get everything finished this afternoon, so we don't have to pay another month's rent on the storage unit.  So, everything these past six days has revolved around rummaging through personal stuff and throwing out needless stuff and giving away good stuff.

Sunday was a very good day of fellowship and worship.  We took part of the morning worship time for testimonies and praise reports.  It was Day of Prayer for the Southern Baptist Convention, so my message focused on Stephen in the book of Acts and his prayer before being killed by an angry mob.  Stephen was martyred by those who felt his faith and belief was heresy, as Stephen proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah.

As he was being stoned to death, Stephen's prayer was for those who were killing them.  He asked God to forgive their sins and to "lay not this sin to their charge."  Through this powerful act of grace in prayer, the seed was being planted for a young man named Saul to come to faith.  Saul, on a journey not too much later on the road to Damascus, would be faced with the challenge to believe and obey the call of Jesus.  The prayer of Stephen had great effect ultimately.

We, as Christians, need to have that kind of faith.  That kind of prayer life comes from a Spirit-filled lifestyle.  Stephen, in several verses, was said to be "full of the Holy Spirit."  When we are full, there is room for nothing else.  When we are full of God's Spirit, there is room for nothing else to crowd in and distract or deceive us.  We are to be focused and full of what the Lord has for us!

Sondra attended a Bridal Shower for Gail Anderson, who is engaged to Jack Shelton, in our church.  They had a great time, from all reports.

After eating at The Hat, a wonderful place for pastrami and potato salad and french fries, Alden and I went home and watched sports most of the day -- golf, Pro Bowl football game, Lakers, Clippers and all.

So, yesterday and today we have been back to the grind of sorting through memories and trash.....ha ha.  I will sure be glad when this is done!

Feeling Much Better

The flu bug hits and just kind of hangs around.  For the last two weeks, I have not felt up to par.  Some days I would feel OK, but most days I was very tired and weak.  Last Wednesday evening, I had the Bible study all ready but did not feel like I should be pushing it.  So, I took the lesson over to the church and handed it to a man who fills in for me from time to time.  He was so gracious and told me to go home and get back in bed!  I am finally feeling like I have my energy back and no flu symptoms.  It's amazing how health issues can cramp your lifestyle!

Last Monday I used some Christmas money to buy me a Dockers wallet, Dockers belt and a shirt.  It is interesting how new clothes can actually make one feel better!  On Tuesday, Pastor George came over (as is his usual custom) to spend the night.  He leads our Celebrate Recovery ministry meeting for the parolees that night each week.  Afterwards, he comes over for dinner and we have a time to catch up on what is going on in his church start work in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles.  Last Tuesday, two of the men from the Sober Living Home came with George, and we had a lively dinner together.

Thursday, Sondra kept grand-daughter Bailey for the afternoon, just to spend quality time with her alone.  When little Brynnlee is with us, Bailey naturally does not get full attention and play time with Grandma or me (Papa G).

Last Saturday morning, I attended a Men's Prayer Breakfast with several of the men in our church.  We went over to the La Sierra Baptist Church, where Pastor Mike Yeamans serves.  Mike was our Worship Leader and Associate Pastor at Vision Plus for the first seven years of our church start, beginning in January 2001.

It rained most of Saturday, and I enjoy the wetness, the freshness and the clean air the storms bring each time.  Sondra also enjoys making a fire in the fireplace when it gets quite chilly.

Yesterday, church was exciting and different.  I had set up a time during the worship service to do a Skype (internet) interview with my niece Jennifer (daughter of my brother Roger) who is working in South Asia after graduating from California Baptist University.  We are careful about how much information we share about her work as it impacts her ability to stay and work in that country (which we are careful not to disclose).

Anyway, we had a computer set up in the sanctuary and did a live interview with Jennifer.  It was a wonderful time in which she was able to share with our congregation what is going on in her life.  It was informative, interesting and lively.

Following that, I had lined up a guest preacher for the worship hour as well.  Pastor Joe Lick, a church planter in the Riverside area, came and brought the morning message.  He has worked with college campus students, as well as being deeply involved in the homeless ministry at Fairmount Park.  His message focused on the meeting of Jesus and Zaccheus.  Zaccheus was short and needed to climb a tree, just to see Jesus.  Zaccheus did not let a physical hindrance stop him from seeing Jesus.  Pastor Joe reminded us in his sermon, that there are countless barriers that will hinder us from "seeing Jesus."  We must be strong and determined, just like Zaccheus, to overcome all obstacles and barriers that keep us from taking time to be with Jesus and serving him as our Lord and Savior.

After the invitation at the close of the service, we took time to bring a lady named Christina forward.  She is facing cancer surgery tomorrow (Tuesday).  About 20 people gathered around her at the altar area to lay hands and pray for God's healing power to be seen in these circumstances.  It was a very moving time.

After church, two men came to me and talked to me about baptism.  Both of these men are in the Sober Living Program and have spent time in prison in the past.  It was a great way to end the day at church.

Yesterday afternoon was spent with Alden, Shawn and the two girls (Bailey and Brynnlee).  We all watched the football playoff games (Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers vs New York Giants).  I was rooting for Baltimore and San Francisco both to win to meet in the Super Bowl in two weeks.  I must have been a jinx, as the Patriots and the Giants won!  Anyway, it was fun with all the distractions of two little girls.

Oh, one last thing.  A couple of weeks ago, Sondra and I went down to Hollywood with some friends (Lorn and Sharon Harrison).  Sondra and Sharon needed to buy some tickets for a play, and it is much cheaper at the box office than on-line with all the fees.  So, we went down on Tuesday, January 3.  We also did some sightseeing on Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard -- Kodak Theater, Pantages Theater, Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Hollywood stars on the sidewalk.  We left early that mornng because we wanted to get back early as well. 

But, before heading home we stopped for lunch at a famous Chicken 'n' Waffles restaurant there in Hollywood.  I had never had fried chicken and waffles together, so I had to try it!  Amazingly good, I must say.

Feeling Better But Not 100% Yet

I never left the house for almost four days (Saturday evening through Wednesday afternoon) last week, due to the flu bug.  I was not extremely ill.  I was just weak and tired and chilled and feverish, off and on.  I know I am not feeling good when my appetite goes away.....ha ha!  Anyway, I was feeling better by Wednesday morning, so I pushed it to get ready for church prayer meeting that night.  I led a Bible study on Proverbs 3, in which Solomon gives 10 Principles of Life:

1.  Let love and faithfulness always abound in your life.
2.  Trust in the Lord completely and totally.
3.  Do not depend on your own wisdom for right living.
4.  Honor God with all your income and possessions.
5.  Accept God's discipline with understanding and humility.
6.  Find wisdom by seeking God alone.
7.  Do not fear anything here on earth.
8.  Give to others without reservation or manipulation.
9.  Do not plot or scheme to hurt others.
10. Do not imitate the violence of others.

Live according to God's ways, and you have the promise of longevity, prosperity and peace.  God curses the proud, while He blesses the humble.  God gives shame to the foolish, while He gives honor to the wise.  The wicked are cursed, while the righteous are blessed.

On Thursday morning, I was scheduled to lead the daily devotion time at the Coronado Stone Products manufacturing plant in Fontana.  So I got up early and spoke on the call of Joshua and his victory over the enemies of Israel.  I ended with a challenge for us all to be "champions" for the Lord in fighting the spiritual battles we face.

Having been "cooped up" for several days, I wanted to get out and do something.  So, that Thursday afternoon, Sondra and I went to see "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" at the local theater.  It had an intriguing plot, but the movie was slow and boring.  I felt like I wasted my money.  Anyway, it was good to get out, go to the Market Broiler for dinner and see a movie.

On Friday, I had a meeting with the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of Coronado Stone, Brian Coulter, and the head of Men's Ministries and Disaster Relief for the California Southern Baptist Convention, Don Hargis.  We met to discuss the partnership efforts that can be done in the future in disaster relief efforts in the U.S.  Coronado has a network of construction and building companies to help bring building supplies to areas hit hard by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and such.  This is a plan that is developing and is exciting.

I have known Don Hargis since the Landers earthquake in 1991, because our church in 29 Palms was just about 20 miles away and our community suffered some damage as well.  We mobilized our church to assist Don and his Disaster Relief Team (from the Fresno office of the convention) in the feeding of both earthquake victims and the local disaster relief and Red Cross workers.  I saw first-hand how ministry to hurting people can really make a difference.

From Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon, we took care of Bailey and Brynnlee.  Keeping them overnight is always special and eventful.  Feeding, entertaining, changing diapers, bathing, watching cartoons and everything else is great fun.  Sondra sleeps close to Brynnlee's bassinet and, naturally, Bailey is close by.  So, through the night, Sondra is up and down with one or the other.  The lack of sleep is offset by the enjoyment of taking care of them.  On Saturday, Sondra offered to take Bailey to see the new Chipmunk movie, while Brynnlee went home with mommy and daddy (Crystal and Shawn).  I stayed home to get ready for Sunday.

At church on Sunday morning, we took communion in the worship service.  Having the Lord's Supper is always a high time of reflection and praise.  The time taken to remember that Jesus died for our sins is very humbling and very moving.  My morning message was taken from Mark 14, where Jesus sat down with his disciples for the Last Supper, the meal of the feast of the Passover.  I did a brief recall of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, where the last plague was the death of every first born in the land.  The sacrifice of a lamb, with the blood sprinkled on the door posts and lintel, would spare the death of the first born in every Israelite's household as the death angel would "pass over" them.  In that same sense, the death angel "passes over" us as we trust and obey the Father in heaven for eternity's sake.

In preparation of our hearts for taking the Lord's Supper, I reminded us as a congregation that we need to "come to the table" with:

1.  Clean hands (a clean life through forgiveness, restoration and response to Jesus).
2.  Good appetite (ready to eat from God's goodness, not the "junk food" of sin).
3.  Attitude of fellowship (ready to savor the time of togetherness with God's people).
4.  Harmony (a unity that discourages and dismisses conflict or divisiveness).
5.  Thankful heart (gratefulnees for salvation, not taking it for granted).
6.  Faithfulness (loyalty and trust in Jesus, with undivided commitment to him).

During the invitation, many came forward to express their love and commitment to the Lord.  The taking of the elements (unleavened bread and fruit of the vine) was a very special time.

After church, a man in the church (Michael Geiger) asked if I (with Sondra and Alden) would like to go to the Cal Baptist brunch with him and his new roommate (Juan Carlos  Cuevas).  I didn't hesitate.  So, our music minister (Dan) and his fiance (Pam) joined us for a great time of fellowship and lunch.  It was the first time at the buffet for Juan, Dan and Pam.  It is a fun way to spend your time at lunch on a Sunday afternoon.

It was raining a little as the afternoon progressed.  We need the rain, so I was not complaining.  The rest of the day was filled with naps, football and the Golden Globe awards show.

Today (Monday) is the Martin Luther King holiday.  I will probably be lazy and relax most of the day, since it is still sprinkling a little.