"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

In Memory - Samuel Shane Kastler

It’s been an interesting month around our house, with the events surrounding the loss of our baby.  For the past couple of weeks we’ve been awaiting autopsy results to try and determine what happened.  We finally received those results last week, but they didn’t give us very much information.

            The baby was a boy, and we named him Samuel Shane.  On Tuesday we buried him at the LittellCemetery, east of Pleasanton. Andrew and I dug his grave the day before.  At one point Andrew mentioned he was tired and I suggested he take a break.  He said that if I would take a break he would too.  I told him that I didn’t mind if he took a break, and I would keep working.  He said, “Dad, if you don’t take a break, then I’m not taking a break—because I’m not letting you do this job by yourself.”  I was amazed because at that point he didn’t sound like my son….he sounded more like a good friend.  We took a break. 

            The night we buried Sam, we all wrote letters to him that we put in the grave, then we sang a couple of songs and read some Scripture verses and I closed us in prayer.  Before we left the house Savannah told me she wanted to take some of her money and put it in the grave too.  I asked her, “Why do you want to do that?”  She said, “Because he’s my little brother and I love him.” So we put 54 cents in the grave that came out of Savannah’s piggy bank. Then right before we covered the casket Karissa took the pacifier out of her mouth and threw it in the grave.  I went ahead and buried it with Sam as well figuring that could be Karissa’s contribution to the service.

            All in all, I think we’re all doing fairly well.  The doctor does want to do some tests on Erin to make sure she doesn’t have Lupus.  It’s extremely rare to lose two babies in the second trimester (for those who don’t know, we also lost a baby at 13 weeks in September of 2005)…and the doctor said sometimes it can be caused by Lupus, or something similar to it.  But she told us there would only be a 10% chance Erin had it.

            When it’s all said and done, we may never know every reason for why things happen the way they do. But we rest in the knowledge that we now have 2 children who will be awaiting us when we get to Heaven; and though we don’t get to spend the temporal years knowing them, we WILL get to spend eternity with them, which is a far greater gift.  God is still in control and we don’t harbor one ounce of bitterness towards Him for these events.  Trials are simply apart of living in a fallen world.  Some face trials less than this one, and many people face trials worse than this one; but trials come to everyone including us.

            In closing, I would like to thank everyone who has ministered to us in anyway during this time.  Cards, meals, words of encouragement, and prayers have been greatly appreciated and we are thankful for them.  May God bless you all.

--Shane

Update On Our Baby's Death

I wanted to thank everyone for the kind words and prayers regarding the loss of our baby.  Needless to say it came as quite a jolt to Erin and I, but we will carry on with the Lord's help.  Our daughter Savannah has had nightmares the last 2 nights about dying so I think its on her mind, though she's probably not sure why.  Early next week Erin will have to go into the hospital and deliver the baby by either natural means or surgery.  After that the hospital will tell us the gender and then release the remains to the funeral home.  I then plan to have a private burial at a cemetery here in Pleasanton.  Its been a great help that the local funeral director is a good friend of mine, so he's helping me work through some details that I never thought I would have to deal with.  I won't be preaching this Sunday. I can't imagine being in a service on Mothers Day while my wife is carrying our dead child in her womb, so we will be leaving town for a few days.  I don't think I could preach a sermon right now if my life depended on it. 

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned in a sermon that "whatever drops you to your knees will draw you closer to Christ."  As usual, God has given me opportunity to apply my own words to my life.  Thanks again for your prayers.

Many Blessing to you all,

Shane Kastler

I'm Back From Vacation: Thank You Will & Tim

On Monday, we returned from our 2 week vacation in Oklahoma and it was great to be back in our own beds again.  We enjoyed our time away as we were able to spend time with family, go to the Tulsa State Fair, go camping, and attend the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis.  This was the 3rd year that Erin and I have attended this conference and it is a highlight of our vacation everytime.  This year's theme had to do with persevering in ministry; which is always a much needed message for any pastor and wife.  John Macarthur, John Piper, Randy Alcorn, Jerry Bridges, and Helen Roseavere spoke about living the Christian life strong until the end of your life.  The messages were great, the worship was great, and the time away was great.

I'm especially appreciative of our Youth Pastor Will Douglas who preached in my place on September 30.  His message was a powerful word on Dealing With Sin from Psalm 51.  I have the audio of his message on this site under the "recent sermons" on the right hand side.  Thanks Will for so amply feeding the flock.

I also appreciate Tim Smith, from Calvary Bible College, who filled in for me on October 7.  Tim has preached in my place several times before and always does a great job.  This time was no exception as Tim spoke on the Sovereignty of God.

This past Sunday, I preached on the 7th commandment "Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery."  And plan to spend the next 3 weeks finishing up the 10 commandments.  We still have to deal with stealing, lying, and coveting---so it should be interesting.

Once again---it was great to be on vacation---but it's also great to be back in Pleasanton.  Now we can get back to our "normal" life......Whatever THAT is.

Vacation: Oklahoma, Minnesota, & Oklahoma Again

I will be on vacation and AWAY from my office (and keyboard) until October 8.  I probably won't do a lot of blogging unless I'm led to some specific issue.  I will be attending the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota from Sept. 28-30, with my wife Erin, and 9 month old daughter Karissa.  So I'm looking forward to a weekend of spiritually re-charging batteries....or just baby sitting one kid instead of 3 (the two oldest are staying in Oklahoma with family).  The conference theme this year is "A Call For the Endurance of the Saints" and has to do with perseverance.  John Macarthur, John Piper, Jerry Bridges, Randy Alcorn, and missionary Helen Rosevere are the speakers.  It should be good.  This is the 3rd straight year that Erin and I have gone and its always been excellent...and the theme has always been just what we needed to hear.

Next week, we are planning our ususal trip to the Tulsa State Fair; Andrew and I will be going to the PRCA Rodeo; then we'll be "camping" for a couple of nights at Lake Keystone.  We will also spend plenty of time visiting family, visiting playgrounds, and probably visiting Wal-Mart.

May the Lord be with you over the next two weeks.  We are hoping and praying He will be with us in a special way during this time.  Our phenomenal new Youth Pastor Will Douglas will be preaching in my place on September 30. And the always reliable Tim Smith from Calvary Bible College will be preaching on October 7.  It's a burden off of my mind to leave the pulpit in such solid hands. 

Until next time.......

My 100th Blog----A Stroll Down Memory Lane

It all began on June 9, 2006.  I was in the middle of jousting with the Kansas City Star over the latest lunacy printed in their “Faith Section.” I had written a Letter to the Editor, and was now going to leave a comment on their blog site….when all of the sudden …SOMETHING HIT ME.  Hey, I don’t need to waste my time on their blog site…I can start my own.  And so that’s what I did.

            Today, I’m one of about 40 million people in our world who “blog.”  Initially, I saw it as an opportunity to make extra sermon “stuff” available to the church.  A lot of times I’m not able to say everything I could say on Sunday mornings, so I planned to post additional things online.  My very first blog was called “The Only Way to Heaven.”  It was a Seeking Higher Ground article I wrote for the Linn County News that was just “basic gospel.”  When I launched the blog, I was in the middle of preaching a sermon series called “Death, Heaven, & Hell” so I wrote several blogs that had to do with eternal questions that arose.  In addition to this, many of the blogs stemmed from my Wednesday Night Bible Study on the book of Acts.  It didn’t take long for me to realize that the blog site had the potential to be a tremendous tool for evangelism, spiritual growth, and information.

            At times, my blogs were controversial as I’ve commented on concerns I have with various aspects of American Christianity.  At times, my blogs have been political, as I’ve unequivocally denounced some of the left wing rhetoric of the more liberal strands of our political landscape.  I’ve written several blogs on the horrific tragedy of abortion.  And I’ve tried to write blogs on some of the more difficult aspects of Theology, such as election, atonement, and providence.

            But not all of my blogs have been serious.  I wrote a blog detailing my purchase of a $31 laptop computer off of ebay.  I reported on the August 2006 church campout, and the unprecedented 240 degree heat we had that week.  And I wrote a blog on why I love (and hate) football.

            Some of my blogs have been “sentimental.”  I wrote about the late Charley Clay, pastor of The Blue Mound Federated Church, who wrote me a letter of encouragement just days before he unexpectedly died of a heart attack.  Then I wrote about his library, that his family gave to me after his death.  I wrote about my wife’s ultrasound, and it was on the blog site that I revealed our latest child would be a girl.

            Some of my blogs have centered on “contemporary culture” as I’ve written about The Crocodile Hunter, Anna Nicole Smith, Brad Pitt, Kirk Cameron, 9-11, and Michael J. Fox.  I’ve also tried to address issues of how Christians should live and act in a world that is not their home.  I’ve made some people mad.  I’ve made some people laugh.  I’ve made some people cry.  And I’ve even made a few people cuss (though I usually delete their comments).  But, most importantly, I HOPE….I’ve made some people think.  Not everyone has agreed with me on every issue, and that’s OK.  Our ultimate goal is not to conform our life to Shane’s, but rather to conform our life to Christ’s.  I hope the blog site has helped people do that in some small part.

            Many blog readers have been people I don’t personally know.  They’ve heard about it through a friend, or they’ve done an internet search for one of the topics I’ve covered.  I’ve always welcomed and encouraged comments, even one’s that don’t agree with me.  And many of you have shared comments, both pro and con.  I appreciate them all.  After 1 year, and 100 blogs the web site has had:  9,327 hits and 257 comments.  I’ve frequently updated and expanded the site.  I weekly post the audio from the Sunday morning sermon, and I launched a separate “Sermon Archive” that has the audio from past sermons.  I changed the format a couple of times, and changed the official name of the blog from “Pastor Shane’s Blog” to “The Narrow Road.”  I did this once my blogs started to become more political in nature, so as not to run the risk of getting the church in trouble.  Some day I might choose to endorse a political candidate, and there’s currently an unconstitutional law on the books that prevents church’s from doing that.  Actually, I’ll go ahead and endorse someone now for the 2008 Presidential general election…I endorse whoever ends up running AGAINST Hillary Clinton, Barrack Hussein Obama, or John Edwards.  But I’ll write more on that later in the year (God willing).  I've also added another "web address" that's easier to remember -- www.narrowroadblog.com  -- will take you to the site as well.

            So, in conclusion.  Thanks for reading.  I hope the blogs have helped in some small way.  And if not, I’ll keep writing anyway because it helps me.  It’s amazing how your “thinking” skills improve when you force yourself to write your thoughts out.  So, I’ll continue to sound off on issues that I think need addressed.  I’ll continue to teach Biblical truth in cyberspace.  And, I’ll continue to blog until my gnarled, "carpal tunnel syndromed" hands can’t hack it anymore.  Or, until Jesus comes back or calls me home.  Whichever comes first.  Until next time….

            

            

“Kids Say the ‘Darndest’ Things” ….& Other Tidbits of Church News

If you have children, it’s a good idea to write down funny things they say. Not only is it good for a laugh and a memory….but it MIGHT make for good blackmail material in the future. With that said….I have a couple of funny things my kids said recently that I wanted to share. They don’t necessarily make sense…but they ARE funny (at least to me)……A few days ago, Savannah (my 3-year old daughter) and I were in the store. As we walked past the freezer that holds the bags of ice for sale, Savannah stopped and her face lit up as she said to me: “Oh Daddy, Look! They sell SNOW here!”

Recently, my 5-year old son Andrew and I were watching a documentary on the American Military. I noticed that he was fascinated as we watched soldiers going through basic training, shooting guns, getting yelled at, practicing martial arts, etc. So I asked Andrew if he thought he might want to be a soldier someday. His reply? “NO…..I’m afraid I might get killed.” I understood his fears, so I asked him what he was going to do when he grew up. I assumed he was looking for a nice, safe, desk job that wouldn’t possibly cost him his life. His answer? “I want to ride Broncos in the rodeo.” Well, at least he won’t have to worry about getting killed. Right?

One more. This one is a verbatim dialogue that recently took place between Andrew, Savannah, and me….see if you can follow along. Andrew and I were sitting on the couch when Savannah walked in………ANDREW: “Hey Savannah”---SAVANNAH: “What do you want Andrew”--ANDREW: “No, I don’t want anything, I’m just saying, “Hey Savannah.”--SAVANNAH: “What do you want Andrew.”--DADDY: “Savannah, when Andrew says “hey” he doesn’t want anything. He’s just trying to say “Hello, Savannah.”--ANDREW: “Hello, Savannah.”----SAVANNAH’S REPLY: “OH, You’re Welcome Andrew!”----??????????????

OK, one more….but this one’s from someone else’s kid….but it involves me. A friend of mine in Oklahoma was recently explaining the concept of “shame” to his 3-year old son. He told him that “shame” is what you feel when you’ve done something bad. His son’s reply? “OH, you mean like Shame Kastler?” He was pretty close to having the concept down, wasn’t he? ……

NOW for some random CHURCH NEWS----In case you don’t know….I am now putting the audio of every Sunday sermon on the blog site. Just go to the right and see them listed under the title: “Listen to Recent Sermons.” I also have all of the series from last summer on Death, Heaven, & Hell on a different webpage. A link to that page is provided on the right side of the blog page under the title: “Listen to Past Sermons”-----And speaking of kids saying cute things……..I decided to “bar-mitzvah” Kolbee into spiritual manhood this Sunday by calling on him to say the closing prayer at the end of the service. And while he ALMOST fainted when I called on him….he hung in there and did a wonderful job……AND I INCLUDED HIS PRAYER ON THE AUDIO OF THIS WEEKS SERMON. So, if you click on the sermon for this week, then “fast forward” to the end, you can hear Kolbee’s prayer.  You may have to give it a minute or two to download. OR, you can actually listen to the sermon, and invitation, and the closing announcements, and then hear Kolbee’s prayer. …

Other Church News……Most of you know that I’ll be speaking at a House of Representatives prayer breakfast in Topeka on Thursday morning. We will be leaving at 4:30 in the morning, with the breakfast starting at 7:00 am….So I do ask that you pray for me this week, especially on Thursday morning. I’ve got 15 minutes to speak….and I hope to say EXACTLY what God wants me to say…..A special thank you to the Secrests for recommending me to our State Representative. Jesse and Kathy are going with us on Thursday, and Jesse has promised to bail me out of jail if my comments land me there. Kevin U. has predicted that the House will raise Linn County’s taxes to punish us for my comments…and John Rieder has predicted that I’ll be “tarred and feathered.” But I have nothing to worry about with people like John praying for me. John is convinced that the ACLU might want to place a “hit” on me because of some of my Linn County News articles, so he frequently prays for my protection….and I assure you, if there’s ANYONE in the world you want praying for you….it’s John. His 36 years as a missionary in Africa has given him a special "closeness" with The Father.  So join him, in praying for me this Thursday. I would be “much obliged.”

“IN” the World, Not “OF” the World: Jesus Christ, Santa Claus, & Christians

My children loathe Santa Claus.  And I’m OK with that.  I know that makes me un-American to some degree, but I can live with it.  My kids aren’t taking a stand against Santa for moral reason….they’re genuinely terrified of him.  Bye the way, I noticed at our annual Church Christmas party that my kids weren’t the only ones…….Karsten almost clawed Kolbee’s eyes out when Kolbee tried to get him on Santa’s lap.  Let’s face it….it’s not everyday you encounter a jolly man with a white beard and long hair, who wears a red suit and a silly hat.  It’s kind of intimidating to some kids.  The way Santa looks is scary enough…..but when my kids heard that Santa would be breaking into our house after we were asleep, it was just more than they could handle.  A couple of years ago Andrew was so nervous on Christmas Eve he couldn’t get to sleep….so you know what I did?  I told him Santa wasn’t real.  That year, our church Santa was Mary Jo’s brother Sonny….so for the next couple of years anytime someone mentioned Santa, Andrew would say Santa is really named Sonny and he lives in Kansas City and he’s Mary Jo’s brother.  Of course everyone thought Andrew was crazy. 

            This past Saturday, the Kansas City Star had an article from a woman who has chosen not to do the Santa thing with her kids.  It was a really good article (click here to read it).  She said she wasn’t necessarily “anti-Santa.”  She just thought there was already ONE hero at Christmas time and she didn’t see the need to introduce another one.  Strangely enough, many people seem to be irritated with her and her kids.  HOW DARE THEY PUT JESUS AHEAD OF SANTA!

            To be honest, I’m glad my kids don’t like Santa.  It makes things easy for me as a parent.  Some people enjoy the time their kids spend in “childhood imagination.”  It’s sad when the kids get too old to believe in Santa.  I can understand that.  It’s hard to see your kids grow up.  When Andrew decided he didn’t like Santa, I could have fought for Santa’s role in his life.  I just didn’t see the point.  He didn’t want to believe in someone who isn’t real, and who steals Jesus’ thunder at Christmas anyway.  I’m glad he doesn’t believe in Santa.  But I DESPARATELY want him to believe in Jesus.

            Ultimately, it doesn’t matter too much whether your kids or grandkids believe in Santa or not.  In Santa’s case, the consequences for disbelief are not eternal.  But with Jesus it’s a different story.  Apart from Christ we perish.  Apart from Christ our earthly life is pretty much worthless.  Apart from Christ there is no REAL Christmas.  Santa is optional….Jesus is mandatory.

I think this whole issue ties in to last Sunday’s sermon entitled “Thou Shall NOT Love the World” from 1 John 2:15-17.  Of course John didn’t mean we shouldn’t love people, or the planet……he meant the sinful system that exists in our “world.”  Here’s the definition I gave Sunday morning for “world” in this context:  The sinful and Godless attitude and lifestyle that permeates our planet because of Satan’s influence and man’s depravity.  The world is a messed up and sinful place….and we are not supposed to love it.  We SHOULD desire to see it changed.  And we SHOULD desire to see it saved.  BUT, we should NOT love the world and desire to become like them in their sin. 

For the Christian, there is always the tension of being “IN the world, but not OF the world.”  How do you stay holy and pure, yet still be a witness to the sinful culture without being tainted by them.  Some would say to just immerse yourself in the world and become just like them….then try to win them to Christ.  Fat chance.  And besides, Paul wrote two of his longest epistles refuting that type of thinking (1 & 2 Corinthians).  Others would go to the other extreme.  Have NOTHING to do with the culture since it’s so depraved anyway.  But the problem there is two-fold.  First, how do you remove from a culture that’s all around you?  People like the Amish have tried, and in many ways their witness is very noble.  But you can’t really escape the culture can you?  Tragically, the Amish recently found that out all too painfully.  The second problem with this thinking is that God doesn’t call us to leave the world….he calls us to be lights unto it.  For the Biblical Christian, there’s only one real option….you must learn to be a light in the world….without becoming like the world.  It’s a hard line to walk….and it’s impossible without the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Christians will encounter millions of situations in their life in which they’ll have to decide how to be light without joining the darkness.  Sometimes you’ll have to take a stand that the world simply won’t like or understand.  The lady in the KC Star article is one example.  Her neighbors were aghast that her kids didn’t believe in Santa Claus.  Following Christ won’t win you a lot of friends in our world.  But following Christ will require you to try and reach those messed up neighbors for the sake of the gospel.  How do you do that without selling out?  How do you live in the world and be a witness to the world without becoming like the world?  I think ultimately Jesus provides the answer:  "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven”. (Matthew 5:16)  Your light shines because it’s different than the darkness.  And the world WILL NOTICE you’re different….and when they finish insulting you, and making fun of you, and hating you for it…..they may come to the point where they “glorify your Father in Heaven.”  They may even want to know the reason for the “hope that is within you.” (1 Peter 3:15)  And you tell them the glorious truth of the gospel.  Ironically, the only way to win the culture is by being COUNTER-cultural…..otherwise you’re SO MUCH like the world, you can’t really influence it.  Jesus ate and drank with sinners….but he called them to turn from their sin…that’s COUNTER-cultural.  As Christians we should be looked at by the world as oddities.  We may be the strangest people in town….but NO ONE loves like we do.  NO ONE cares like we do.  NO ONE lives like we do.  NO ONE acts like we do.  At least that’s how it SHOULD be.  And if it is….then even the lost souls of the world should be able to see Christ in us. 

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas….and seek the Lord’s will in how He wants you to be a light IN the world….without becoming a burned out lamp OF the world.     

           

The “Highlights” of Game Night---Singing, Fellowshipping, and Flying Dinosaurs

What looks like a dinosaur, has wings, has a large growth in its throat, and has something to do with Revelation? Give up? One of the “horses” of the Apocalypse, as drawn by Brian in a game of Bible Pictionary. Wanna try another one?: What looks like fire, has flames shooting into the sky, and is red? Give up? Moses parting the Red Sea, (as drawn by Kolbee). One more----What is tall and has 5 squiggly lines coming out of it? Answer? The Tower of Babel (as drawn by Harold). OK---one more---What do you call an embryo driving a lopsided chuck wagon? Answer--Elijah riding on a Chariot of fire (again, thanks to Brian). Alright, I’ll admit, my art work isn’t any better. In fact I noticed that NO ONE (except maybe Mary Jo) had the ability to draw an animal. They all kind of looked like blobs of goo with legs sticking out and we were supposed to guess if it was a camel, donkey, horse, or pig. But that’s all part of the fun of a roaring game of Bible Pictionary.

Saturday night we celebrated Pastor Appreciation month by having a “game night” at the church. Lynnae served as “game show host” to our modified version of Pictionary. In our game, all of the cards had Bible scenes, and it was our job to draw them, without using words, in such a way that our teammates could guess what it was. Yes, I admit, my team lost: 27 ½ to 27 (or something like that)---Though “Team 2” didn’t win because of their knowledge so much as because of their “bonus points” for singing “Zaccheus was a wee little man.” One thing is for certain---anyone who says Christians don’t know how to have fun should see our church embroiled in a game of Bible Pictionary. If you had walked in off the street you may have thought we were having a keg party---there was laughing, singing, a lot of hollering, more laughing, and even some crying (from all the laughing). So what was the point of Saturday night? The point was a church family getting together and having fun in the name of Christ----otherwise known as “fellowship” or is it “socializing” or is it both?

In Sunday morning’s sermon, I spoke of the difference between “fellowship” and “socializing.” Socializing involves people getting together with other people and having fun. Fellowship is getting together and enjoying one another’s company, in a spiritual way. Socializing isn’t necessarily bad, but its not the same as fellowship. Socializing is sometimes needed. Fellowship is NECESSARY to the life of a church.

In many ways, game night was like the church campout. It was just intended to be fun. There wasn’t a Bible Study or a worship service. But there was a lot of love in the Spirit being shared. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. It felt very much like a “family gathering” which is really how all church functions should be. Some family members have been in the family for decades, others for only months, but they should all feel apart, welcome, and loved. That’s what we experienced Saturday night, and what we need to cultivate more and more in our church. We need the days of fellowship, so we will know and love each other enough to get through the days of trial. Families laugh together…..and when dark days come, families cry together. We’ve experienced both in the past, and we will experience even more in the future. But just think…a day is coming in which we as Christians, along with all other Christians, will enjoy perfect and eternal fellowship in Heaven….with each other, and more importantly…with GOD!

This IS the gospel. Fellowship with GOD the Father, through Jesus the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Fellowship with Perfection, granted to people who are completely without perfection. Fellowship with a Perfect Creator, granted to His imperfect creatures. God gives us more, WAY MORE than we deserve….yet he continues to bless us. He blesses us with His Presence in worship. And for those days when we need the “physical touch” he provides us with fellowship in the Spirit, through each other.

Until that day of perfect fellowship in Heaven, we need to enjoy as much fellowship as we can on Earth. We need to enjoy each other’s company. We need to spend time together and love each other like a family. We need to laugh, and cry, and play, and sing together. We need. We NEED. We need…..each other. Its how we were designed. Its part of God’s plan. And when true “fellowship” happens….its beautiful to be apart of. Regardless of whether it happens at a “game night” or a “camp out” or a “carry in dinner” or in the Great Throne Room of our Lord. Heaven is coming. But until it does…let’s carry on in the “fellowship” of the Spirit for as many days as HE gives us together...on the Earth.

CHURCH NEWS: Officers Elected, Mike’s Leaving, and I’m Back

Yesterday was quite a big day at church. Our annual church officer elections proved to be somewhat routine (thankfully). All nominees were elected unanimously. That’s what we expected, but you NEVER KNOW when something strange may happen at church. The elections were good news….Now for some “bitter-sweet” news…

…

Our Youth Pastor Mike announced to the Youth on Sunday night that he was resigning. While it was quite a jolt to the kids, we know that God has a perfect plan for Mike AND our church. Mike and Rachel will be missed, but we rejoice to see them being used of God in other places as well. They have had several opportunities coming their way, and Mike will probably end up doing something in the area of evangelism. Be in prayer for Mike and Rachel as they move into the next phase of their life. And be in prayer for our Youth Group. They’re good, solid, kids…but they’re obviously saddened by the news. Youth Pastor/ Youth Group breakups are never fun. I remember my own days as a Youth Pastor and the tremendous pain of telling my kids I was resigning. I think it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Its tough for all involved…but the world keeps spinning, God’s still on His throne, and He will lead the way if we are willing to follow.

…

This Sunday was my first Sunday back after being on vacation for the past 2 weeks. It was nice to be back in the pulpit (at least it was nice for me, maybe not the congregation). We began our new series on 1 John, and I was planning on preaching through the first four verses…but God had another plan and I spent the majority of the time on verse one and decided to save the rest for next week. Incidentally, last Wednesday night in Bible Study I didn’t get through all of the verses I had planned either---SO, since coming back from vacation I’ve prepared two sermon/ Bible Studies, and didn’t finish either one of them. Of course Wednesday night wasn’t completely my fault----we got immersed in an interesting discussion on “demon possession.” I won’t say who (Marilyn) got us off on that rabbit trail (Marilyn) but I’ll (Marilyn) give you a hint (Marilyn) her initials are M.M. (And her last name is Michels). But I wouldn’t want to reveal her identity.

Seriously, it was an interesting Bible Study and its always fun to see how the Holy Spirit will lead our discussion time. Of course on Sunday mornings I do all the talking, so I have no one to blame but myself…But I like to think the Holy Spirit leads the way on Sunday mornings too.

One more thing of note I’ll mention from Sunday. Debi U. announced that Toy Express would now be run by Emergy-stat (aka--the ambulance people). We will still be able to donate Bibles or tracts, so it’s a “win-win” situation. Thank you Debi for all your years of hard work and faithful service to the children of Linn County. You have a crown awaiting you on the other side…And we’ve got PLENTY of things for you to do around the church starting in January (like writing my paycheck). So don’t be surprised to see me going out of my way to be nice to Debi now.

….

Well, there it is. A day in the life of FCC. A new slate of church officers look to begin serving in January. Mike looks to begin serving in a new area very soon…And I just continue to preach until Jesus comes back or the noon whistle blows, whichever comes first. See you next Sunday…

Back on the Blog (After 2 Weeks Away)

We arrived back in Pleasanton on Sunday evening after spending the last two weeks on vacation. Needless to say, we were glad to be back at home. The vacation was nice, but everyone was glad to get back to the “normal life.” Savannah began to get homesick for Pleasanton after about 10 days. She would whine a lot about wanting to go back home. I started asking her if she missed various people in Pleasanton, just to test her. “Do you miss Amber, Lynnae, Kathy, Caleb, etc., etc.?” I named almost everyone in the church and she said yes on all except one. I asked her, “Do you miss Kevin?” Her response: “NO, but I do miss Debi.” Sorry Kevin. But, she was smiling when she said it, so maybe she was just joking…(but then again...maybe not).

Andrew, on the other hand, was quite content in Oklahoma and not really eager to get back. Two weeks of riding Grandma’s horse, fishing, camping, going to the fair, and overall “spoil-ation” by grandparents, aunts, and uncles--suited him just fine. But by Sunday, he too was ready to get back to his friends. Neither Andrew or Savannah said much on the way home, until we got to Fort Scott---then all of the sudden the “lights came on” and they got excited because they recognized where we were. Its probably the only time in human history when two people were actually “excited” to see Fort Scott.

… … …

While we were gone, I did write a couple of blogs. But for the most part I stayed away from the computer. Many of my blogs spring out of my work in studying for sermons so two weeks out of the pulpit left me “blog-less.” But that should change this week. I’ve been immersed in the study of 1 John and I’m looking forward to starting the series on Sunday. What a powerful book! I don’t know if you can study it without being changed in one way or another (encouraged, angered, etc.).

I’ve also been continuing to study the book of Acts for our Wednesday night Bible Study. In this week’s episode---Revival breaks out in Ephesus (Acts 19)--and a demon possessed guy whoops 7 brothers. To hear more, you’ll have to be at the church at 7:30 tonight.

…

In closing, I want to say thanks to everyone who “held down the fort” while I was away. It was good to be away. But it’s even better to be back home…….Until next time…