Wonderful Gifts

Today begins my 59th year on the planet.

Yes, 59. That's only one year away from being a sexagenarian (which is NOT what it sounds like!). But all that aside, my 59th birthday is another special milestone for me and my family. Especially since, according to the "average statistics" it's a birthday I should have never seen. I had just celebrated by 54th when it was learned that I had fourth stage colon cancer. A large tumor, and a big chunk of my intestines, were subsequently removed. The doctors told me that the cancer was also in fourteen of the lymph nodes they removed, and was "scattered through my liver like grass seed". Eighteen to twenty two months are the average survival time, so, theoretically, I have been blessed with three extra birthdays that I should not have seen.

I am so blessed!

Birthdays, in general, are not big deals at our house. Basically it's just another day with a little celebration in the evening. The family comes over. There is a cake, some ice cream, a few cards, and usually some small gifts. The birthday person blows out the candles, and the occasion is noted for posterity with a few photos. Always a nice time, and a time for reflection.

My reflections this morning revolve around gifts. Not gifts like sweaters, and neck ties, and wallets, etc. Intangible gifts. Those gifts that cannot be held in one's hands, but gifts that really make life on this orb so special. I'm talking about gifts like:

• Family. I was blessed to be born into a wonderful loving family, with Christian parents, and good, godly grandparents, loving aunts and uncles, and a great group of cousins on both sides of the family. I was the first grandson on both sides, and was totally spoiled by the Adkins and Stidham clans. I have two wonderful brothers and we were all born at five year intervals. We live in three different states and don't often have opportunity to be together, but there is a tie that binds us closely together in love and care for one another. My two nephews and two nieces are some of the finest young people you would ever meet.


• Linda. One of God's greatest gifts to me. I met her forty years ago this month, and from that point on, she has been my love, my solid rock, my best friend, unwaveringly faithful and loyal, my chief supporter, my kindest critic, my sweet thing, and my prime rib. She has washed my clothes, cooked my meals, borne our children, and been the most loving wife, mother, and grandmother I have ever known. Ain't no woman like the one I've got!


• My Sons and their Families - Jay is a pastor and theologian. Benji is a teacher and coach. They are both good at what God has called them to do. He has blessed them with wonderful Christian wives who have been pictures of unconditional love and grace. The four grandsons that they have given us have been the light of our lives for these past (almost) 10 years. Quint, Will, Canon, and Asher are blessings to me that I cannot begin to describe with mere words!


• Friends. What can I say about the hundreds and hundreds of friends who have touched my life? They range from the boyhood buddies like Donnie Smith and Rick Hall, to school mates, military comrades, neighbors, kids I have coached, business colleagues, fellow service club members, band parents, athletic boosters, insurance clients, teachers, coaches, school administrators, friends of my children, and brothers in the ministry. The miracle of Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with some friends whom I haven't seen in more than 40 years. I love them all!


• Church Family. Mom and Dad took me to church from nine months before I was born until I left home as a young adult, and I grew up with a loving church family at Thomas Memorial Church in Huntington, WV. It has been my pleasure to serve in pastoral ministry to six congregations since 1976. I was an Associate Pastor (under Rev. Carl Vallance) at Central Free Will Baptist Church in Huntington, WV, and served as lead Pastor at Sousannah FWB, and Pleasant Valley FWB in Cabell County, Wayside Baptist and Ashland Baptist Churches in Kentucky, and for the past seven years at Westmoreland Baptist Church in Huntington, WV. I am happy to say that I feel that I could go back to any of those churches, and still feel right at home, and I still cherish the love and friendship of each of those precious congregations. In fact, I'll be preaching at Wayside's homecoming service this Sunday afternoon.


• Material Blessings. These are way down the list in importance, because they are temporal in nature, but appreciated nonetheless. I am thankful for a roof over my head, a comfortable home, the clothing I wear, dependable transportation, enough money to pay the bills (so far), and my library.


• My Health. I still see lots of doctors, but I thank God for the health care I have received, and that I am able to function physically and mentally (although some may think I am somewhat suspect in the latter category)


• My Savior. This is the greatest gift of all. The Grace of God reached all the way down to my fallen state, and brought me into a relationship with Him. He cleansed me. He forgave me. He brought me from death to life. Like the Psalmist said, "He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He sat my feet on a rock and established my goings. He put a new song in my heart". The means of this transformation is Jesus the Christ. He took my sin upon Himself and gave me eternal life.

Eternal life. That sounds good doesn't it"? Especially once the years in this one begin to mount into the really big numbers! I believe in Heaven and I know I am going there one day, but I am also thankful for the Abundant Life God has given me in the here and now. A line from John Denver's "Poems, Prayers, and Promises" has long been a favorite of mine, and kind of sums up how I feel on this 59th birthday, "I have to say it now, it's been a good life all in all. It's really fine to have a chance to hang around..."

If Everyone Else Jumped Off A Bridge ... ?

Remember those days when you wanted to do something that one of your friends was doing. Your parents, for their own reasons, said "No!"

"But everyone is doing it!" came your plaintive cry.

"Well" they answered with a wise, knowing look in their eyes, "If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?"

There was never an acceptable answer to that one. After all, NOBODY in their right minds jumps off a bridge, right? Well, not exactly.

Today near Fayetteville, WV, scores of thousands of people will gather to watch hundreds of otherwise competent human beings jump off the highest single span bridge in the world, just for the rush. The BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth) jumpers will dive from the surface of the span (which is off limits to pedestrians on the other 364 days of the year) into the beautiful New River Gorge.

Bridge Day is a big celebration in central West Virginia, bringing as many as 60,000 people to Fayette County. It began as a celebration of the 1977 completion of the span and has grown in scope each of the 32 years since it's inception. Rappelling is also allowed on Bridge Day, but the BASE jumping is the big draw. Three jumpers have lost their lives in the 876 foot fall to the New River on the floor of the gorge through the history of the event.

Even though there is not the slightest chance that I will ever (voluntarily at least) jump off the New River Gorge Bridge, I do share one thing in common with the jumpers.

It's called faith.

These folks put all their faith and trust into the parachutes and auxiliary chutes strapped to their bodies. The jumpers literally trust their lives to them. The parachutes are designed to guide the jumpers safely to a relatively soft landing, and thus far have only failed thrice.

I have trusted my life, indeed my eternal destiny to one whom I know to be able to deliver me safely home. Forty years ago (eight years before the completion of the big bridge) I took a leap of faith, trusting in the one who has NEVER failed. He has never lost a soul, and He never will.

Burdened down by the weight of the guilt of all my sin, I turned to Jesus. The message of Grace and Forgiveness to me was tremendously strong that night. Was it "irresistible",? Well, I honestly don't know, but somehow that night I KNEW I needed Christ. I knew that there was no hope for me apart from His saving power. I knew I had to have that relationship to which He was calling, and I came to Him. Life has never been the same.

The BASE jumpers talk of the rush of those few seconds that they are free falling, and the joy of seeing the chute unfurl above them. The BASE jumpers must have that small twinge of doubt as to whether or not the chute will open in time. While it may be exciting for a short time, I'm sure it can't compare with the rush I have in knowing that all along the way, He has promised that He will "never, no never, not ever, forsake me or leave me alone."

THAT is faith. That is assurance. For the long drop, I am never out of His grip of Grace!

Comings and Goings in NOLA

I arrived here in New Orleans on Friday evening. The main purpose of the trip was to attend the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Board of Trustees semi annual meeting. However, since four precious members of my family live here I try to come a couple of days early, or stay a few days after the meetings to visit with them.

It's been a nice visit.

I had the funeral service last Friday morning for Beverly White, a dear member of Westmoreland Baptist Church (whose husband's funeral I had done only 86 days earlier). My flight was scheduled to leave at 1:00 so I didn't get to attend the dinner for the family that had been prepared by the ladies of our church. I appreciate Darrell Clark taking care of the committal at the cemetery, and for the wonderful outpouring of love from our church.

Saturday was a great day with Jay. He was scheduled to do the prayer at the opening pre season game of the New Orleans Hornets. That's right! An NBA game that opens with prayer! How about that? Anyhow we got the VIP treatment, food in the hospitality room, and sweet seats in the private sky boxes. My first NBA game - and although I never watch the NBA until playoff time - I really had a great experience.

Then it was off across the parking lot to see the Herd win a solid victory against the Green Wave of Tulane in the huge Louisiana Superdome. That's TWO conference road wins in a row for Marshall! It would be wonderful if the magic continues this Saturday at Morgantown. (I can dream can't I?)

I preached Sunday morning at First Baptist Church of Westwego. Great crowd, sweet Spirit, good music! God has richly blessed Jay and his ministry in this most secular of cities.

Yesterday I had opportunity to show four young folks from back home around the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Leeah Weber and Garrett Duff are seeking God's leading as they plan to further their Christian Educations. NOBTS is a possibility for them. Had opportunity to set up meetings for Leeah with Dr. Darryl Ferrington of the Music Department, and with Dr. Allen Jackson of Collegiate Ministries for Garrett. Leeah and Garrett sat in on one of Dr. Jackson's classes yesterday afternoon. They will probably head home after Chapel service today.

Joey, on the other hand, is already an On Line student here at NOBTS, but he has never been on campus here. He and his friend Jordan (from Marshall) drove in yesterday afternoon. I spent some time with them and hooked them up with Student Enlistment office for a campus tour. They will be sitting in on one of Dr. Paige Brooks' classes this afternoon. Their itinerary is not as time cramped as the one for Leeah and Garrett, so they will be able to stay in New Orleans a couple of extra nights. They'll be staying at Jay's Church in Westwego. I am so happy that these young folks are considering NOBTS for their theological education.

I have two days of Trustee meetings with Dr. Kelley and the administration team of the Seminary, today and Wednesday. These are important and informative meetings. Our newly elected Trustees will be with us in this weeks meetings. Please pray for us for any decisions that we may be called upon to make. May God bless our fellowship and our focus on the Mission of this Seminary.

One thing I will miss today is the maiden voyage of the USS New York as it passes through New Orleans on it's journey to the Gulf of Mexico, on it's way to New York City. The New York was built in the nearby Avondale Ship Yards and it is constructed with 29 tons of steel taken from the ruins of the fallen twin towers of the World Trade Center in NYC. Officials are welcoming the public to line the levees, in memory of those killed in the terrorists attacks of 9-11, as the USS New York passes by. I'll be in Trustee meetings at the time, but sure wish I had opportunity to be on the levee when she sails by today.

My flight is scheduled to leave Louis Armstrong International Airport at 7:30 Thursday morning. President Obama is scheduled to land there on Air Force One about the same time. He had only scheduled another campaign style Town Hall Meeting here in town for his first post election visit, but local officials demanded that his visit have a little more substance. So, they have scheduled a visit for the President at a school in the Katrina ravaged Lower 9th Ward. It's always a big deal when the President comes to your town - any President. Obama is both loved and deplored by folks here in NOLA. I am personally appalled by many of his policies, but I respect the office, and my responsibility is to pray for those in authority over us.

One of my prayers is that his arrival will not delay my flight on Thursday morning. I have a real tight connecting time in Charlotte!

Some Thoughts From the Bayou

The sun is coming up here in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Folks are stirring in the West Bank towns that line the Mississippi River across from the Big Easy. Soon the school buses will be running their routes and the West Bank Expressway will be a flurry of activity as the heavy commuter traffic pours across the Harvey Canal bridge and makes its way to the bottleneck of the toll booths at the entrance to the huge "Crescent City Connection" bridge.

The family is beginning the Monday morning ritual. Michelle is up and dressed and coordinating the movements. She is somewhat like the Energizer Bunny, and rarely winds down. Quint is walking around in a sleepy haze, getting ready for another week of school at the Marrero Academy. Jay has a Ph.D seminar all day on the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary campus and he's rushing through the morning activities, trying to get ahead of the traffic. Meanwhile, little Canon is still snoozing in Momma and Daddy's bed. He's there for two reasons. First, he likes it in there, and secondly because I've had his bed for the last three nights.

It was seven years ago this month that three guys from South Shore, Kentucky and I helped Jay move his household goods and furniture to this part of the world. I chuckled when one of his new church members mentioned that Westwego was located "on a ridge". While it had no earthly resemblance to any ridges I had ever seen in West Virginia or eastern Kentucky, it is, in fact, on a strip of land which is eight feet above sea level , and located between Bayou Signette and the Mississippi River. It is an old fishing and shrimping community, but Westwego's main growth came with the railroad which opened up transportation across the Atchafalaya Basin and to points westward. In fact, they tell me that the town actually got it's current name from the railroad conductors cry of "West we go!" as the trains were departing the station.

Seeing our older son take his wife and our two year old grandson nearly a thousand miles away, was terribly difficult for Linda and I. After all, his younger brother had just returned from four years in the Marine Corps and we felt so blessed to have both boys and their families there in our home town. We had the luxury of having two little grandsons to spoil, one a two year old and the other a toddler. But that wouldn't last long. Jay was called to pastor the First Baptist Church of Westwego and he enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to further his theological education. Seeing that part of our family depart for the Delta was really hard to accept.

The first three years were the toughest for us (and probably for them as well). Jay completed his undergrad work at Leavell College and enrolled in the M.Div. program with a specialty in Biblical languages. The church he served was an older congregation that had been through the usual ups and downs of a 71 year old Baptist Church, including a split several years ago. There were some challenges, but Jay was up for the task. The church had previously used seminary students as pastor, so he fit in fine. The parsonage was not in the best shape, and while Jay was very busy with school and ministry, Michelle had to deal with the domestic engineering issues, and the old house presented plenty of those.

Then, everything changed with the arrival of Hurricane Katrina.

That great disaster affected everyone in metro New Orleans and all who lived along the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast. Jay's studies ceased for the time being as he became engulfed with the work of being a "Disaster Pastor". He was instrumental in working with the Georgia SBC Disaster Relief Teams that set up feeding units in Westwego. He worked to bring help to the crews who were tasked with the restoration of the Seminary campus, by helping provide a shower trailer, and having SBC prepared meals brought to campus by the Red Cross ERV's. His church building was damaged, and every member was affected in some way. Many of the older folks moved away, and younger families faced loss of homes and jobs. The old parsonage was miraculously spared and, although in poor repair, allowed Jay and his family a safe haven to live in while ministering to others who were in turmoil.

Now, four years later, thanks to the help of many mission groups from all over the country, FBC Westwego has been totally remodeled. The old fellowship hall has been gutted and refurbished as the church's administrative offices. The church has purchased other adjacent properties which include a building that will serve as a youth building, and a newer, although smaller, house for a parsonage. The biggest change, however, is the actual makeup of the congregation. It is younger, more vibrant, and less fettered by the extra biblical traditions that often hinder church growth.

When I leave Jay's house for the seminary guest house today, and head home again early Thursday morning, it won't be nearly as tough as it use to be. That's because I know they are exactly where God wants them to be right now. There is a strange, inexplicable peace that comes with that knowledge. How could we possibly question a merciful sovereign God?

Are You Ever Homesick?

In his delightful little book, "Traveling Light", Max Lucado writes,

"Would you treat this world like it is your home? It isn't. The greatest calamity is not to feel far from home when you are, but to feel right at home when you are not. Don't quench, but rather, stir this longing for heaven."

I like that!

Too often we feel at home here. God's people should never fall into that trap, but sadly, many of us have. It's so easy to do so. This is all we really know. This is where we were raised. This is where we stay. This is where our jobs are. This is where our family is. It is a beautiful world, and all that we need in the physical realm is here for us. But those of us who are Christ followers need to remember that this world is not our forever home. Somewhere deep inside we know this truth, but it is so easy to lose sight of it as we go about our daily lives.

Engrossed in the here and now, we tend to forget about forever.

When my mind goes back to my childhood, I can remember the congregations of little country churches raising their voices in unison, singing:

"This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door,
And I can't feel at home in this world any more."

The truth of the matter is we ARE just passing through. This is our temporary home. Our forever home is just out there - unseen for now, but very real nonetheless. As Christians, you and I are somewhat like Abraham here in the 21st century. We must confess that we are pilgrims and strangers here, looking for that final home, that promised home, that forever home. Paul, the Apostle wrote that our citizenship is in Heaven. Somewhere deep inside, we know it, but the business of living often blinds us to the beautiful truth of what the future holds for God's children.

My deed for that forever home was recorded on March 15, 1969. It's been over 40 years now, and I'll have to confess that there have been times I have lost sight of the fact. I've never doubted it, you understand, but at times I have lost that perspective. I sometimes need to be reminded of the fact. Are you like that too?

The transitory nature of this life, came sharply back into focus for me nearly five years ago. One word did the trick. "Cancer". Several adjectives followed that diagnosis. Words like "stage 4", "aggressive", "metastasized", and "incurable" quickly reminded me of the fact that I had certainly known all along, but had just laid aside because of the busy nature of my life. This world is not my home.

I thought about Heaven a lot in those days. I searched out every reference I could find in the scriptures. I read Randy Alcorn's book on the subject. I talked a lot about it with a couple of dear friends who also had terminal illnesses. I went through several surgeries and two different six month courses of chemotherapy. God worked a miracle in my life, and the disease, which was supposed to take me out in 19-22 months didn't! Life went on, ministry work continued, and somewhere along the line, I began to feel at home in this world again. It is possible to be so busy in the Lord's work that we can lose sight of the fact that this is NOT home.

I really do want to go to Heaven. I'm homesick for that place which I have never seen, but one in which I am destined to reside. The homesickness is not because of the beauty of the place (although I know it is breathtaking in grandeur). It's not due to the fact that I have loved ones there (and I do have many friends who are there). The homesick feeling is because my Savior is there and He has hardwired me to know that my home is with Him. Life is good here, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life", but my eternal home is still to come, "And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever."

Prayer: "Dear Lord, please help me to not feel so much at home here when I am really not home yet. Keep me focused on you. Never let me get so busy that I lose sight of my forever home".

Cyber Frustration

I am such a Bozo when it comes to technical stuff.

It’s not that I am completely ignorant, in fact I have learned quite a bit on my computer by trial and error over the past few years, but I am still so woefully inadequate it is embarrassing (and frustrating). At this writing I am sitting in Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, awaiting my flight to New Orleans, which is due to board in about an hour.

Thought I would be able to use this time to pick up some news, on the computer and maybe post to my blog. Found a seat near a receptacle (which is a minor miracle in itself) and plugged in the old laptop and logged on. The Charlotte airport has a free wireless network which I have used many times before. It shows an excellent signal and I quickly connected to it. However when I try to bring up a website – ANY website – I get a message that the computer cannot display that page.

Why?

Heck if I know. I hit the button that said “Diagnose this Problem” and it gave me some gobbledygook about installing a cable. I hit some button about installing a new IP something or other, and after several minutes of waiting, got a notice that I must have done the wrong thing (in so many words). I talked to Linda on the cell phone and she told me to log off and then back on. Did that three times – same result – nada!

So, here I sit, typing away like crazy in Microsoft Word, looking for an opportunity to post this confession of my inadequateness when I can finally log onto my blog site.

It’s been a long day already and it is only 4:00 PM. Still nearly an hour away from boarding, and another two hours from seeing my family in the Big Easy. The funeral this morning was a nice service, but the rushing to get back to church, change clothes, and get to the airport was taxing. I slept off and on through the hour and ten minute flight, listening to my ipod and (from the looks from nearby passengers) probably snoring. Only four hours sleep last night explains that. Hope to finish my nap on the New Orleans flight.

Perhaps I can post this when I get to Jay’s house later tonight – although I really don’t know who might possibly be interested in reading this drivel.

I did pass a guy in the main concourse (heading in the opposite direction) wearing a Marshall shirt. (Go Herd!) Also there is an Ann Coulter looking young lady here at the gate for the New Orleans flight, who was also on the flight from Huntington. Haven’t spoken to her yet – primarily because I really don’t have anything to say (she’s probably already heard the “You sure do look like Ann Coulter” comments a thousand times before) and secondly because she hasn’t been off the cell phone since we arrived from Huntington.

Time to get on the plane. If you are reading this, that means I was able to log on at Jay’s house. If not, well …

Out Of The Mouth Of Babes

Here is a poem that was written by little Cali Blake. Jeff and Kerry shared it with me last night. I have got to pass it along to you. I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 11:25 “At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.” and Matthew 21:16 “…and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?"

Cali is only in elementary school. She is one of our AWANA kids at Westmoreland Baptist Church. She was saved and baptized last year. She is "just a young girl" but I think her theology is pretty solid. What do you think?

Love, Love
the one up above

Give, Give
to the ones who need to live

Obey, Obey
the words the parents say

Sing, Sing
to the one we call our King

Control, Control
the thing called our soul

Forgive, Forgive
those are the things we need to do to live!

Cali Blake