Thursday, October 30, 2008

PIANISTS - TALL OR TEENAGE

One of the advantages of serving as a Minister of Music (now called Worship Leader, etc.) in my early years of ministry was the opportunity of serving in a "larger" church with other staff members. Many young pastors do not have that opportunity. They often go to a church with small congregations and no staff support. They are sometimes left on their own "out in the wilderness". Larger churches often have accomplished leadership.


After serving in other churches, it was my privilege to move to Second Baptist Church of Baytown, Texas as their Minister of Music and Youth. Second BC was a very successful church with 25 years of great history in the area, but I was to be their first "full time" Minister of Music.


I remember the very first time I met Patsy Brewer because she was a tall lady and the church pianist. I didn’t know it at first, but Patsy was my age and had graduated from Lee High School in Baytown in 1957. Since Patsy was exactly 6’ tall, the same height as me, I remember standing on my tip toes when we first met. Patsy had been the pianist in the church for 16 years by that time because she began playing age 12. The next eight years were going to be exciting ones as we learned and grew together musically. And, by the way, Patsy is still playing the piano at Second Baptist. I promise not to tell her age.


The part time music director at the church had been W.C. Herring who was a school administrator with the Goose Creek School District. He had done a wonderful job in the past, but the church wanted to have a larger music program for all ages. W.C. Herring was always very gracious; he stepped back and let me lead and often led music in small churches of the area. His daughter, Pam, became one of my most ardent supporters and pianist for the youth choir. It was she who helped me so much in the early days that “rock and roll” came to the church. She was a very good pianist and helped me to work my way through the new rhythms of that era. We still maintain contact with Pam after all these years.


I mention these two fine ladies to say THANK YOU. You both saved my life. I certainly couldn't play the piano, and you spent a lot of time "making me look good". I love tall pianists . . and I love teenage pianists.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

THE REALITY OF LIFE

God's word is clear. We are not to kill.

And yet, this modern world says it is alright to kill an unborn child.

My 101 year old mother lost a still born child in 1934, and the hurt is still there.

We know a precious couple who lost a still born child of 37 weeks just this weekend, and yes, the hurt and pain will remain for years to come.

That's how it should be.

We should be concerned about life because God has given it to us.

We can argue and debate and support every political cause.

But it is still killing on our part.

We have become a nation of killers.

It's time to stop. It's time to celebrate life.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

ARE YOU SCARED?

The following is a direct quote from a CNN poll . . from this week's news.


THE POLL
Seventy-five percent of those surveyed in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released Tuesday said things are going badly in the United States.
An equal portion of those polled said they are angry about the way things are going. Two-thirds of those questioned said they're scared about the way things are going and three in four said the current conditions in the country are stressing them out.
"It's scary how many Americans admit they are scared," said Keating Holland, CNN's polling director. Prior to 2008, we have seen that level of dissatisfaction only three times in the past four decades -- during Watergate, the Iranian hostage crisis and the recession of 1992," Holland added.


MY RESPONSE

I decided "a long time ago" to place my faith and trust in God. After a lifetime of doing just that (i.e. placing my faith in God), I have found out that it works. There's a lot of scriptural support, but a good one is in 1 Peter 5:7 . . "casting all your cares on Him . . for He cares for you."

I serve a God that cares for me. He loves me. He gives me life.

There's certainly a lot in the world to be scared about. Those who live without faith and who trust only in themselves have a lot to be scared about. I pray today that I can keep my eyes on the God of my salvation.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

LANGUAGE SAYS A LOT

There's lots of discussion in our country about English and why everyone should use it. I'm one of those guys who is uni-lateral when it comes to language. I know only one language, and that one is English. I really wish I could speak Spanish or another language, but I was never committed enough to get that accomplished.

I've seen a lot of Christians who seem to be really upset that a Spanish speaking person "refuses" to speak English. I'm not sure that they are refusing; they may just be uni-lateral like I am. Learning a new language is not easy; it requires much time and work. I do believe that English is the language of America, and I do wish that everyone could and would seek to use it in the business world. BUT that is somewhat secondary to me.

Most of all, I'm concerned about Christians who refuse to speak the correct language. As you listen to them and as you observe their lives, they sound just like the rest of the world. Their language is filled with slurs and put-downs and denigration of others. Sometimes their words become foul and filthy. They often use their words to gossip and slander and debase others. They are more interested in criticism than they are in lifting up.

Our words are to be filled with love . . whether they are spoken in English or Spanish or any of the other hundreds of languages of this world. Christ died for all mankind; he didn't ask them what language they spoke. He simple asked them to . . "follow me".

I want to be an encourager to the Chrisitian famly . . to challenge us to change our language from hurt to healing. Decide today to say a good word about someone . . even to those to whom you have disagreements. That might be the best thing that ever came from our mouths during this political season.

Friday, October 17, 2008

TEENAGE GIRLS AND NUMBER 68


The Weatherford High School Homecoming Parade was yesterday, and some thousands of folks lined South Main to celebrate the annual ritual. There were about 30 members of the 1958 graduating class who rode on a hay bale covered trailer and enjoyed the crowd and the joy of celebrating their 50th Homecoming. The football game is tonight an the big party will be Saturday night. It's a wonderful part of home town America, and I had the privilege of observing these 68 year olds acting like 18 year olds. People never change.

We had to "hoist" some of the people onto the high 18 wheeler trailer, but they made it safely. Then 25 went to a local Mexican food restaurant for two hours of noise, food, and conversation. But one of the highlights of the day came at the end of the parade.

We were helping everyone off the trailer. Three of the men had sat together for the ride, and they all had on their football jerseys with their name and number. Ted Hartness (68), Gary Beck (11), and Lynn Dobbins (22) had all been leading team members. Gary and Lynn are still in good physical condition, but Ted has suffered some major medical problems. He is now stooped and shorter, but he had made it to the parade with enthusiasm. He had been in 1958 an All-State Guard for the Weatherford Kangaroos.

Now for the rest of the story.

I noticed three teenage girls walk by our crowd of senior adults, and one was pointing out the number and name on the jersey of Ted. They walked past, but one came back to take a picture of this "old man" in the jersey. Ted had begun to walk away, and I stopped him so they could take a picture of his name on the backside. As Ted walked away, I stepped over to the girl and told her that this man was the Captain of the 1958 Kangaroo team. She was taken by surprise and said to me, "Really?" And I said, "Yes, really." She smiled and continued on her way.

She thought of Ted and the others in the crowd as a bunch of old people.

Ted and the others thought of themselves as a bunch of 18 year olds in tired bodies.

Now for the punch line. All of this is God's plan. He cared for us as 18 year olds, and He still cares for us as older adults. God is good!








Wednesday, October 15, 2008

BILL CHAPPELL ART

Do you ever have something go "over your head"? It happens to me very often, and I discovered an "over the head" part of my life recently. We were travelling with the Holsingers, and we stopped for lunch in downtown Hamilton, Texas. While eating lunch in a nice local restaurant, we walked two doors down the street to Bill Chappell Art.

Bill is a well known western artist who has created sculpture, paintings, and prints over many years. http://www.billchappellart.com/ While talking with Bill and his wife, we soon found that we had mutual friends from Colorado since Bill and his wife Fay had lived in the South Fork area of Colorado for many years. I knew Bill's name by reputation, but I was surprised to learn of their work with Southern Baptists in Colorado.

Bill and Fay moved to southern Colorado in 1953 where Bill was in the cattle business, and his new art career was begun. They were instrumental in starting College Heights Baptist Church in Alamosa. They also helped with the work in Crede and South Fork and other mountain churches in southern Colorado. Bill also served for several years of the Executive Board of the Colorado Baptist General Convention during its formative years.

Bill is now in his 80s and has a wonderful gallery in Hamilton. You need to stop by and visit with him on the downtown square. The main thing to remember is this. Bill and Fay gave their lives and their ministry to reach people for Christ in Colorado. That reality once went "over my head", but now I thank the Lord for them. They are just one couple who made a deep commitment to tell people the good news of the gospel.

I lived in Colorado for about 25 years, and it was my privilege to meet a lot of "Bill Chappells" along the way. I'm glad I got to know many of these wonderful people.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PRAYER

Dear Father. I thank you first of all for the freedoms of my country, for the opportunity to openly confess You as Lord. I stand in awe that you have allowed our country, though sinful and unrepentitent, to stand as a beacon to a lost and dying world. In this election season, I pray for myself. I want to be available for your work. You have given to each of us free choice, and I cannot change the actions of others. I pray that John McCain and Barach Obama will listen to you. I pray that their spirits will be directed by you. I want my nation to react as a Christian nation, but most of all, I want to react as you lead me. Lord, help me as I vote and as I support those that will be slected to lead my city and county and state and country. My life is yours.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

SECRETARIES DO ALL THE WORK

I recently called County Commissioner John Roth (Precinct 3) to ask for some help down the road on Roark Lane. He wasn't available, but I was able to speak with Michelle. I don't really know what Michelle's title is, but she obviously answers the phone and handles a lot of the problem calls in the Precinct. She actually wanted to give me John's cell phone number, but my own inner sense suggested that I just turn over the needs to Michelle. She was very helpful, and may I say, efficient.

Within about two hours there was a full crew of workers who showed up on Roark Lane, and by the end the day, all of the problems were solved. I asked the foreman of the job if he worked for John or for Michelle; he just smiled and kept on working.

I have such wonderful respect for people who work behind the scenes. Most of the time I don't even know their name(s), but they get the job done without any praise or recognition. So, thanks Michelle for the great job.

I joined the staff of the Colorado Baptist General Convention in 1989, and I was immediately greeted with the smiling face of Eunice Liesmann. Her husband, Ron, was pastor of one of our Baptist churches, and Eunice was a graduate from the Religious Education school of Southern Seminary. She was certainly over qualified to be a ministry assistant, but that didn't make any difference to Eunice. She met every person with a smile and a deep understanding of ministering to their needs. She understood the challenges of our division, and she was constantly learning and growing in ministry. We worked together there for a number of years before Ron and Eunice moved on to minister in Wyoming. They are now retired and living close to children in South Texas.

I've had a lot of compliments over the years about my work, but I know the truth. Secretaries do all the work. Thanks Eunice. You were faithful to God's call.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

THE HENDERSONS OF HAWAII

Have you ever been to Hawaii? It is as beautiful as they say. My uncle Mike spent some time there at Pearl Harbor during World War II. Another uncle, Howard, made it to Hawii at the end of the war just in time to work as a life guard. That must have been fun. RL and I made a trip in 2004 and had a wonderful time on three of the islands.

My favorite Hawaiians are Veryl and Cherl Henderson. Veryl serves as the Executive Director for the Hawaii Baptist Convention, but they were originally from the Rocky Mountains. Veryl grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Cheryl grew up in a missionary home of Roy and Maxine Owen, who served all over the western states. They worked in Hawaii for many years on the state staff.

The Hendersons then made a sojourn back to Colorado for a few short years where Veryl served as our state Director of Missions. The Hawaii convention then needed them, and they travelled back and have remained there, serving very faithfully for several years.

Hawaii seems like the ideal spot, but its not always "paradise". There is lots of "cabin fever" in the state. It is surrounded by water, is influenced greatly by tourists from around the world, and is certainly not on the buckle of the bible belt.

Veryl has given the state wonderful leadership. They live in what we would consider to be a very simple lifestyle at tremendous financial cost. Cheryl is such a wonderful Executive Director's wife who loves the churches and the people. They may be from the American west, but their hearts and lives have been in Hawaii for many years. I love that type of commitment, and it can only come from God's leadersip.

Cheryl is dealing with some cancer problems right now. Pray for her, and also pray for the Hawaii Baptist Convention. They will be hosting the Baptist World Alliance in just a couple of years. They will, under Veryl and Cheryl's leadership, do a great job. They are wonderful hosts.
I'll never forget our afternoon of "eating around Oahu" . . we stopped at each and every known spot that Cheryl could find. Thanks Veryl and Cheryl for being such good friends and for remaining faithful to God's call in your life.

BIRDIE IDELL LOW COTTER





My mother is living at Holland Lake Nursing Center, and she is a hoot. She has a hard time remembering much, and she certainly struggles with her communication skills. I wish she could do better, but at 101 I believe she is doing great.

Mother was born in 1907 . . yes, that's right . . 1907. As you may realize, that was before the days of automobiles or airplanes or whatever we may consider "modern". You realize that I don't know how a cell phone works. It's hard to imagine what she thinks of this "stuff" that overwhelmes our society. She just accepts it and continues to live her life.

My mother's mother died when my mother was 12 years of age, and my mother then became the "mother" of her four younger siblings. (How do you like that sentence?) They did have some help from aunts and cousins and other relatives, but my mother took over most of the household at that young age. I'm talking about a dirt poor household; I really don't know how they survived in that dry West Texas life. They did, and my mother went on to raise her own family and to live with my Dad for 57 great years before he died 21 years ago.

I'm headed over to see her this morning. They get her up at 7:30 for breakfast, and I'll get there about 8:30 for a visit. She's now in a wheelchair, but she zips up and down the hallways. She'll probably be confused, but we'll vist for about 30 minutes. She'll say to me, "There's something I wanted to tell you." Then she'll never be able to remember what it was. That's okay. We'll visit and then she will probably want me to leave. We really don't have a lot to talk about, but it's important that I'm there. That's how life is between Birdie and Sam.

I'm not sure I want to live to be 101, but all of that is really in God's hands. I just want to stay faithful for the years that I have on this earth. That's how it is between Jehovah and Sam.






Monday, October 6, 2008

FIFTY YEARS IN MINISTRY

September, 2008 completes 50 years for me in the ministry. I really hadn't thought much about it, but RL had talked and shared that information with several people. So I've been receiving cards and email and calls . . all congratulating me for this anniversary. It's really been fun for me to thank the Lord for the opportunity to work with all of those folks.

In some ways this is the reason I began to write this blog. I wanted to share some stories, some people, and the great joy that it has been to work with the church of Jesus Christ. I wouldn't change my 50 years for anything else on this earth.

I wanted to list the churches that have touched my life. Each church was made up of people who loved the Lord, who had great patience with me, and who helped me to grow. Most of them will never understand the wonderful part they played in my life. I'm hoping that heaven will give me the opportunity to express much thanks to them. But for now, thank you . . .

First Baptist Church . . Howe, Texas . . Calvary Baptist Church . . Denison, Texas . . Calvary Baptist Church . . McAllen, Texas . . Second Baptist Church . . Baytown, Texas . . Bellevue Baptist Church . . Hurst, Texas . . Calvary Baptist Church . . Craig, Colorado . . Colorado Baptist General Convention . . Centennial, Colorado

I love you in the love of the Lord.