Who Will Take Their Place

This past week I had the honor and privilege of doing a funeral for a sweet lady who was an inspiration to many.  Her name was Mamie Breese and she was 101 years old.  She was an amazing lady who up until a few weeks ago came to church every Sunday morning.  She also lived by herself and was very independent.  Her body didn't "rust" away, but just wore out.  Ms. Mamie was known around our church as the best coconut cream pie maker.  In fact she was known for her pie making, crocheting, sewing, and much more.  She was known as the oldest member of our church and also a prayer warrior.

In fact, there are many things that she did that are becoming lost arts.  Krystal and I have pastored First AG in Siloam for over 9 years now.  When we came, there were many "Prime Timers" that filled several rows of the sanctuary.  Over the past several years, the number of "Prime Timers" has been shrinking.  I have done many of their funerals.  Along with Ms. Mamie's, there was C.W. Cargill, Gerry Hays, Anice Roberts, Naomi McCullough, Wilda McChristian, Jerry Riebe, and others who are now in heaven.  Many of these wonderful people had their own gifts and talents.  For example, C.W. Cargill would make wooden cars and stick horses to give away to children on our missions trips.  Anice Roberts was also known for her pie making skills.  But my question isn't who will take their place of these skills and gifts, but who will take their place as prayer warriors and those who touch heaven?

You see, each one of these people had a special desire for prayer.  Each one of these wonderful people knew how to touch the throne room of God.  I will miss the pies, crocheting, etc., but I will mostly miss the powerful prayers of these dear saints. 

I would love for us to learn some of the "arts" and skills that these dears saints had, but most of all I want us to learn the skill of touching heaven from them.  Just the other day Krystal and I were talking about these wonderful people who have gone to heaven and the question came up, "Who Will Take Their Place?".  Not the pie making.  Not the crocheting.  Not the wood working ability.  But who will take their place and stand in the gap to pray?  Will It Be You and Me? 

Horse Camp at Devil's Den

Ashlyn's Horse ~ "Catcher"

This past weekend was a great time for me and Ashlyn.  We both really enjoy horseback riding.  Krystal's dad invited us to Devil's Den State Park to camp out and be a part of the Northwest Arkansas Cavalcade's fall ride.  The NWA Cavalcade is a riding club that was established in 1951 and they hold three annual rides a year at Devil's Den State Park.  There are organized rides that leave out each day at 10am or you can go on your own.  This was the first time for me and Ashlyn and we had a great time meeting new people and seeing the beautiful scenery at Devil's Den on horseback. 

The timing worked out great for us since Ashlyn was out of school on Friday.  We left Thursday evening and arrived just in time to crawl in the sleeping bags.  I had gone earlier that afternoon and set up our tent so I wouldn't have to do it in the dark.  I have done that before and that is no fun. 

"Whiskey Cave"

Ashlyn at "Whiskey Cave"

The next morning we headed out to see the "Whiskey Cave".  It was about a 3 hour ride that took us to a cave that a family had built and lived in up until the 1960's.  It was a beautiful ride and very interesting to see how the family built a rock wall against the mountain to make a one room "apartment" in the middle of nature.  We were able to take a few photos of it.

Ashlyn & her Papaw at "Yellow Rock"

After returning for lunch and having an auction, me and Ashlyn headed back out for an evening ride.  It was great to enjoy the cool evening and enjoy God's creation.  We got back just in time to dig into the fish fry that the club had for everyone at dinner. 

"Yellow Rock" Overlook

Saturday morning we went out on another ride that took us to a place called "Yellow Rock".  It was a huge "yellow rock" that was an overlook. WOW, is all that a person can say as they look over the Ozark Mountains from Yellow Rock.  It was a great way to spend the Saturday.  We got back to camp, ate lunch and began tearing down.  Looking back is when I say to myself, "Why don't we do this more often?" 

Krystal and Mitchell stayed at home.  They had a picnic at Sonic and then Krystal's mom met them in Fayetteville on Saturday for a day of shopping.  We all were able to do something we really enjoy but don't take the time to do it very often. 

All of us made it back home to enjoy the ending of a perfect weekend by watching the Razorbacks beat Texas A&M in football.  Wow, life it good!

Back In the Groove!

Last week a team from our church was preparing to make their way back to Siloam Springs from their missions trip to Brazil.  We got back last Saturday around noon.  It was just enough time for me to get home, unpack, clean up, get a bite to eat and then settle in to watch the Arkansas & Alabama game.  Unfortunately, the game didn't turn out the way I wanted it to.  The first three quarters were great but it fell apart in the last quarter.

This week has been one of catching up and getting "Back In the Groove".  Monday was a day of going through mail, email, phone calls and catching up on the "sick call" list.  We have had many people in our congregation who have been sick or in the hospital.  I also was catching up on my duties of being Sectional Presbyter as well.  Thankfully it wasn't too crazy.  That is because I have a great staff & a great wife who keeps everything going smooth while I am away.

Our family was able to eat dinner and watch a movie together this past Monday as well.  I think that was the highlight of my day.  Tuesday was soccer.  Wednesday was church.  Thursday was soccer and so on.  Mitchell has begun his soccer career.  It is hilarious.  So far he has played three games and he has scored a goal in every game.  Too bad all three goals were for the other teams.  He didn't care because he "made it in the goal."  We have really laughed at his soccer team and the fun they have on the field.  We have 11 more games to go and hopefully by that time Mitchell will know which goal to kick the ball toward.

There is a book that I want to recommend for your reading.  The book is called Radical by David Platt.  It has really been challenging me and my walk with Christ.  It is also challenging me in how we do ministry at our church.  Are we really following the Bible and the words of Jesus Christ.  If you haven't heard of or read Radical, I would highly recommend it.  Our men are studying it on Wednesday nights and it has been an eye opener.

Just one question comes to me after reading this book.... "Do I really know the cost of being a follower of Jesus Christ?"  Christianity can become a label and not a lifestyle if we are not careful.  Our schedules, commitments and even "church" activities can make us feel like we are making a difference.  But I don't think these things make us a true discipleship or even make a difference in other people's lives.   We have to be willing to obey and give up everything for the cause of Christ. 

Not only am I getting "Back in the Groove" of being back home but I believe there is something that is getting me "Back in the Groove" of being a follower of Jesus Christ. What are we doing to make an eternal difference?  Maybe we all need to "Get Back In the Groove".