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June 16

Monday, June 16th, 2025

Where do I start this morning? So much happened and is happening. So much to say but not sure how to or what to. I’ll start with the great, go to the good, and then finish with the heartbreak. 

First, the great. Today, June 16th, is my 52nd anniversary. In June of 1973 we were two soon-to-be-seniors in college. I pursuing and B.S. in Pastoral Ministry and Jo pursuing (so her mother jokingly said) her Mrs Degree. It wasn’t true, of course. Jo had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. She has stayed out a year after graduating from high school and worked at McDonald’s in Sandusky, OH. It was at the beginning of the causeway entrance to Cedar Point and there were no seats for inside dining. Yeah…it was that long ago. 🙂 We had our first date as freshman near the end of the school year after spending that whole school year with about 8 others exploring caves, eating pizza, and just hanging out together. I wish I could say that date turned out well. It didn’t. But eventually the ship was righted and we got married between our junior and senior year. We have been to a lot of churches (8 in all), with the one I’m currently serving for the last 19+ years. We have also seen a lot of water under the bridge-both good and bad. She recently said she would do it all again. Guess I must have done something right. 🙂

Second, the good. Last week we had a chance to watch our grandson play baseball and have 2 exceptional games. The third game he pinch ran for someone because the coach wanted to give some other guys a chance to play. We have one more chance to watch him play in July before he attends Ohio State this Fall. 

Third, is the heartbreak. We were sleeping Friday night when I got a phone call about someone who was thought to be in an accident. After making a call to the local Sheriff (I am the chaplain for the department) it was confirmed that she did, in fact, lose her life in a two-car head on collision. The young lady’s family is like family to us and so after a fitful night’s sleep, we made our way home on Saturday. Nothing prepares you for the heartache of losing someone you love-whether sudden like this or slowly. No cliches are fitting (or should be said). The hope I and others have is she was a follower of Christ. Her mom sent a poem she wrote (I don’t know when) where she talked about the better eternity (heaven). It was a moving poem, one I wish others could hear. Maybe some day, with her mom’s permission, I can post it here. No witnesses. No survivors. We may never know what happened. But the ONE who knows all, and the ONE who held her hand at the end, welcomed her into His presence.  I kept thinking: “Man knows not his time.” 

Life is like a box of chocolates, as Forrest Gump used to say. Full of surprises, twists and turns. I experienced that this weekend. Thanks for listening. 

Burning Hearts – June 15

Friday, June 13th, 2025

Father’s Day ahead! That’s right folks. In case you forgot… Funny (not ha-ha funny) how we don’t dare forget Mother’s Day, but Father’s Day? 🙂 I, for one, don’t really care whether something special happens on that day or not. We get Good Ranchers products and they even offered a special Father’s Day package. They aren’t alone. Thanks, but no thanks. 

There is no question there is a crisis of manhood in today’s culture. Thankfully, there has been a uptick of men who are wanting to be counted on. Men who want to be seen as real men (even without all the hunting and camo gear). One political party just revealed they paid thousands of dollars to learn how to “Manspeak” and “Be a man.” I’m shaking my head at that. 

A better question for us is what is a godly man? For Mother’s Day I took the week’s reading from the Everyday Gospel Devotional and delineated 7 characteristics of a godly woman and found a woman in the Bible who depicted that. I decided to take that same approach with Father’s Day.  Here are the qualities I came up with describing a godly man and his biblical counterpart:

  1. A godly man listens (Elijah)
  2. A godly man seeks justice (Amos)
  3. A godly man prays (Elisha)
  4. A godly man trusts (Jehoshaphat)
  5. A godly man has a real faith (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego)
  6. A godly man experiences forgiveness (Peter)
  7. A godly man learns patience (Psalm 37:1-9)

I would like to invite you to worship with us this Sunday-in person or online via our live stream. We meet at 9:00 and 10:45. Send a request to join our Facebook Group at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship or view our public page at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship-Spencer, In. Or you can watch via YouTube at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship. I look forward to seeing you or hearing from you online. And let me ask you to do me a favor: please let us know you are watching and then feel free to comment-yay or nay. If you have any questions, please ask and I will get back to you. Thanks. And thanks for praying for us.

May 15

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Everyone likes a celebration.

Birthday. Well some. I guess it depends on the age. 🙂

Promotion at a job.

Graduation (whether high school, college, trade school or whatever).

We will enjoy a celebration this Sunday. Our grandson will graduate from Worthington Kilbourne High School in Worthington, OH.  It has been 18 years in the making.  Let me rephrase that because it sounds like it took him 18 years to get through school. 🙂 🙂  He turned 18 last October and will graduate Sunday. It is hard to believe-for Jo, Tami, Janna (his mom), and me that we are at this point. From the little baby I held in my arms when they brought him home from the hospital; to the little boy I used to throw the football and ultimately, baseball with in the yard; to attending multiple games of both football and baseball; to watch him go from eating nothing but rice at Chipotle to eating anything in front of him; to meeting Cameron his first and only girlfriend (that phrase is so ’90s as he says); to the time he had long blonde hair because he had gotten into skateboarding and had to have his hair long; to getting a mohawk when he finally cut it; to hearing about passing his driver’s test; to this moment in time. Lots and lots of memories cloud my mind. At this point the tears of joy and remembrance have not leaked.

This Sunday he graduates from high school with a 4.2 GPA and plans to attend THE Ohio State University and major in finance and business. His first plan was to be a sports agent, but that changed to a sports analyst (tells what players and teams need to do to get on the right track, etc). At this point, I have no clue what his ultimate goal is…and I’m not sure he does either. Part of his education track will involve some classes in law. So, who knows?

What I do know is that this weekend is a celebration for his mamaw, his aunt, his mom, his friends, himself, and me.  This will be my last post until Tuesday. We will leave Saturday for Ohio and return sometime Monday. Your prayers for our safe travel would be appreciated. Your prayers for Braden, my grandson, and his future-spiritually and career-wise- would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead of time.

June 17

Monday, June 17th, 2024

This past weekend was one of milestones for me. Three to be exact. I’ll go from Good, to Better, to Best.

Milestone #1– Although mostly meaningless to many of you, I reached my first 20 mile ride of the season. I have slowly been building my mileage throughout this season, although it has never been this late when I have hit this marker. But life happens. A tsunami-like work schedule, weird weather (so far lots of rain), family commitments, knee issues and age (71) have all played havoc with my riding routine. It got so bad that I even road one morning this past week in 40 degree weather! I slightly under-dressed for that one and got back to the office with my hands not working very well (I couldn’t move them).  This past Saturday I hit the 20 mile marker. It was a pretty good day for a ride. Hot (which I like) and a tad bit windy. But I survived. 🙂

Milestone #2– Father’s Day. 49 years ago and 44 years (almost 45) ago, I became a father. Tami and Janna have been the two blessings in my life I would never want to have been without. And then Janna blessed me with being a grandfather almost 18 years ago (October). Braden has been a highlight of my time here on earth. I realize not all can say the same about their children and grandchildren, but I thank God every day for these three gifts God gave me.

Milestone #3– This one is THE highlight of my milestones, the coup de grace of blessings. June 16, 1973 is when Jo and I were married. So yesterday, June 16th, was our 51st anniversary. We have been through a lot; have had our share of ups and downs; moved when we didn’t want to and moved when we did; celebrated the highlights and mourned the low-lights (the death of our parents for one); and we did it together. People find it incredible when I say we have never had an argument, but then I remind them we have had lots of quiet nights. 🙂  She has hopefully seen the transformation of an arrogant, opinionated,  know-it-all into a man whose heart beats with love for God and for the people He has entrusted to me in my role as pastor/shepherd. At 71 I still have a passion for my work and want to continue doing this until God says, “Enough.”  But more than that I want to be known as a man who loved His God first and foremost, loved his children, loved his grandson, loved the church he is now serving, but most of all, loved his wife and was an example of a godly husband, father, grandfather, pastor and man. 

Will there be more milestones? I certainly hope so. But only the Father knows (and He ain’t telling). Meanwhile, I want to live my life with purpose and meaning and to live it well.

June 11

Tuesday, June 11th, 2024

Truth disclosure: I am writing this on Monday afternoon.  You will see why in just a moment.

I just spent an incredible couple of hours with some inspiring people. I met Gavin probably close to 10 years or so ago at the Y.  Just a few days prior to that he had just lost his sister when a box truck mowed her down while cycling.  Until then I did not know him or his sister.

Fast forward to the middle of 2023 and in walk Gavin, Jenna and their children to a church service. I knew they were going to another church and my philosophy/policy is never to be accused of being a “sheep stealer.” They were accompanied by their other children who immediately went to our children’s department and loved it! In their arms was a little girl they named Gigi. Oh, I forgot to tell you that they have three biological children (all boys), adopted two children they had fostered, were fostering another cute little girl and were also fostering Gigi. The one was given back to mom within the past month, but Gigi was a special child. In more ways than one. She is one of most smiling children I have ever seen with the brightest blue eyes you will lay eyes on (pun intended). Those bright blue eyes have a special trait which identifies her as a child with Williams Syndrome (I encourage you to look it up on your own).  Thanks to Jenna’s fighting for her, Gigi was given a fighting chance to live. And live she does! She is two years old now-a little small for her age but quickly developing a personality all her own and slowly learning to walk and talk. When Gavin and Jenna began attending the church I pastor (Owen Valley Christian Fellowship) we immediately began praying for her and for them.

This morning at 10:00, Gigi officially became Gloria Jane (_____). “Gloria” because she is a light to the world. “Jane” because that is her birth mother’s middle name. What a joy it was to be there and to witness the love they have for her, but also her sibling’s love for her. They asked if I would support them in prayer since Gavin’s mother, who is a medical doctor and the pastor of a local church, could not be there. I was honored to do so. And then I noticed she was able to make it and whether they had asked or not, I would have gladly stepped aside for her to pray. Afterwards, Jo and I were invited to a cookout at their house. It was fun meeting some of their friends and extended family.

Gavin and Jenna are perfect examples of Christ-followers who feel about children the way Jesus feels. There is no doubt that Jesus had a warm, tender heart toward children that knew no bounds. The way we treat children today has to truly break His heart. To see children thrown away as unwanted has to make Him cringe. And weep. To see them abused and mistreated surely makes His blood boil. Thank you Gavin and Jenna for showing Jesus by loving children and making them your own.  I’m glad I was able to be a witness to this act of love.

June 3 (extra)

Monday, June 3rd, 2024

Happy Birthday Tami!

49 years ago God blessed Jo & me with a bundle of joy. When the doctor came to me to tell me that mom and baby were fine, I asked him what it was. He said, “A little girl.” I replied, “Oh.” I guess I took for granted I would have a son. 🙂  But that initial disappointment quickly dispelled when I saw you and held you. Your mom had too many tubes in her arms to hold you so I was privileged to feed you and hold you, i.e. feel like I was going to break you in half. A head full of dark hair (I think you took all of mine) and little fingers that wrapped tightly around mine sealed the deal (as if I would have changed anything). What a joy it has been to be your dad as I have watched you grow from the little baby to a sports-minded (even though it is the Braves) beautiful young lady who gave her heart to Jesus and continues to serve Him. I wouldn’t trade one second of your 49 years for any amount of money in the world.

You are not around today since you decided to take a relaxing (and much needed) vacation to TN to visit old friends and to be alone to recoup after a brutal school year full of health and professional challenges. Just know this: even though miles separate us today, love has no boundaries. I am proud of the lady you have become. The Christ-follower. The daughter. The friend to others. The teacher who truly cares about her students. The person kids love and look up to because you made them each feel important. You have a gift and I’m glad to see God is using it, because you are letting Him.

I love you. Thanks for letting me be your dad.

May 30

Thursday, May 30th, 2024

I cheated. I wrote this post ahead of time just in case I did not make it back home Wednesday and we decided to stay the night somewhere. Here were the thoughts I postponed from yesterday’s post to give an update on Janna.

WHAT DO YOU THINK CONSTITUTES A GOOD FAMILY?

Of course, the answers are many. Here are a few: Empathy. Sympathy. Teamwork with teammates. Honesty. Taking responsibility. Accepting responsibility.  Forgiveness. Space to allow for mistakes. The freedom to make mistakes and admit them. Love (obviously). Faith. Prayers. Shared shoulders. And the list goes on.

Now…consider the church as a family. The very same characteristics of a blood family are also to be there for a different kind of blood family.

In Isaiah 1 the people of Judah were acting very “unfamily-like.” Their outward actions were blatant displays of disrespect.  Yeah…that happens in real families. To put it very bluntly, their outward actions did not show the state of their heart.  Or maybe they did?

How easy it is to put on a show at home and with our church family. Jesus said the religious leaders’ lips said one thing but their hearts were far from Him.  It is called “going through the motions.” Family members do that.  Church family members to that also. They act like they like you, but what they do and say behind your back hurts like fire.

Frankly, self-concern replaces other-concern. It destroys families. It devastates church families. Arguing and fighting, even over petty things, plays havoc on a family’s unity. It does the same for a church family.

Don’t be a “ruiner;” be a builder.

January 30

Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

I’m celebrating today. My bride of 50.7 years has a birthday today. They say it is not wise to ask or tell a woman’s age so I won’t. I’ll just it is somewhere between 72 and 74. You do the math. 🙂

Just to show you what kind of woman she is: I was going to surprise her with a trip to Ohio to see our daughter and grandson. Things didn’t turn out so well. He is with his dad this week so after baseball practice (over at 8 p.m.) he will head off to his dad’s. Janna’s significant other has to work so that would leave the three of us (which would have been okay). Braden has baseball practice until 8 Wednesday morning then has to be back at school by 10 for class. That would make for a very short “wham-thank-you-ma’m” breakfast. Then Jo saw it was supposed to snow in Ohio (90%) and that scared her off. So I cancelled the hotel reservation. To top it off, I started losing my voice by the time the second service was done and I ended up with the creeping crud. Coughing. Sneezing. Aching. Lots and lots of sleep. (I haven’t been like this in years so it is a strange experience). So…not much of a birthday.

But she took it all in stride, much like she has during our 50+ years of marriage. While there have been moments of frustration (as in all marriages), I could not have asked for a better helpmate. I read the following this morning:

Adam was created first, then Eve was made to fill a void in his existence. Adam was the head; Eve was his helper. Adam was designed to be a father, provider, protector, and leader. Eve was designed to be a mother, comforter, nurturer, and helper  (40 Lives in 40 Days- MacArthur- p.62)

Jo has always been there. The above words fit her to a “T.” They are not misogynistic or any other “istic” or “phobic” you can come up with. I can give her no greater compliment that to say she was just like Eve: a filler of empty space; a helper who stuck with me through thick and thin; a mother who gave her all to our two daughters, but also allowed them to fly (and she is still there if they need her). Well done, my dear, well done.

Now…if I can only get her to read what I wrote about her I might win some brownie points. 🙂

December 20

Tuesday, December 20th, 2022

Last night the Owen County Chamber of Commerce hosted a movie night at our local theater, the historic Tivoli. You can read about its history here.

Tami, our daughter, has been a chamber captain for the past two years and her commitment is up. I have been asked to come back onto the board after a year off and I accepted. The movie was a thank you to the captains for their service to the Chamber.

The movie was one of my favorites, especially at Christmas time: The Santa Clause. It was part of my regular Thanksgiving Day staple to watch, along with It’s a Wonderful Life. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) puts on the Santa suit and thereby agrees to become Santa Claus. It’s a fun and funny romp, a light-hearted step back in time to the innocence of a childhood belief. Tim is in rare form (Can anyone say Home Improvement?).  I know what people say about Santa Claus. “You are teaching them a myth.” “You are teaching them mistrust.” “You are teaching them to believe a lie.”

Seriously? I was told all about SC, the Easter bunny (a bit harder to believe), the tooth fairy, etc and I turned out okay. (Although some do call that into question from time to time). 🙂

I’m not advocating the worship of SC.  But come on! Don’t you think we ought to let kids be kids? Let them learn from fantasies. Can anyone say Lord of the Rings, or Star Wars, or Back to the Future?

I have to admit I did a lousy job of perpetuating SC. I was a Scrooge. If I had to do it all over again, I would do some things differently. But I can’t, so there’s that.

But…I can help put (or keep) the wonder in Christmas for the little ones I meet.  Maybe even the big ones. I think we lose the wonder, the magic, the childhood “playfulness” of Christmas. No, I’m not saying adults should believe in SC. That would be ridiculous.

But how about reviving the spirit of Christmas in our hearts? Love. Joy. Peace. Wonder. Awe. Worship. Excitement. (and a whole lot of other words which fit). Can there truly be anything more amazing, more spectacular, more breath-taking, more captivating than God became flesh and lived among us?

You tell me.

September 9

Friday, September 9th, 2022

As always, Friday is my day off from work and also from posting here at “Shadow.”  I invite you to see what we have been up to lately by looking at some previous posts. If you care not to do that, we have been looking at discerning and following God’s will…whatever that is. 

I have been using the book by Ed Underwood:

The Trail: A Tale about Discovering God's Will

You are invited to join me and take part if you like.

On another note: Jo and I will be leaving early this morning for Ohio in order to see our grandson plan football on Saturday morning. Hard to believe the dude will turn 16 in October. But I got him beat by a mile! I turn 70 in October. He can outplay me, outrun me, out smart me any day of the week.  🙂  I have the looks though…and his dreamed-of height.  Prayers for our safe travel would be much appreciated. We will be heading back Saturday afternoon following his game and lunch.

ONE MORE THING: DON’T FORGET SUNDAY IS 9/11