What a difference a year makes!

I know I haven't blogged in several weeks and I promise to do better. With winter coming, I will be in my chair more often, working on the laptop.

I write today thinking back to this weekend last year. It was then that I found myself laying in the hospital dealing with what I thought might be some heart trouble. Thankfully the doctors were unable to find anything wrong and they released me after a week with a clean bill of health.

This year I have enjoyed Thanksgiving with my family and my parents all the way up from South Carolina. The older I get the more I appreciate spending time with all of them. My parents have been so supportive of my ministry ever since I moved away over 13 years ago.

I am thankful for my wife. Next to my relationship with Christ, she is the best thing that ever happened to me.

I am thankful for my children. Watching them grow is truly the highlight of my life. I am having so much fun being their father.

I am thankful for my family. From my parents to my in-laws, to my nieces and nephew, I am blessed and I enjoy spending every minute I can with them.

I am thankful for the Sheffield Church. God has placed me here for such a time as this. He has given me a wonderful group of people to pastor and love.

I am thankful for my health. Not the poster child for Men's Fitness Magazine or nothing but not too bad for nearly a 40 year old man.

I am most thankful for knowing Jesus. He is an amazing Savior. He changed my life in more ways than I could write.

With the many blessings I just shared, I guess it is just good to be alive and kicking. So different than this time last year. What a difference a year makes!

P.S. The Gamecocks beat Clemson today 34-17. I love it. It was a great day!

50 Years and Counting

This past weekend I had the opportunity to be in South Carolina for my parents 50th Anniversary. What an accomplishment! Especially in today's world. At a time when the word "love" is so over used and misunderstood, it is great to see a couple reach this milestone and committed to the vow - "till death do us part."

I lived at home for 18 years and didn't move out of state until I was 25 years old. I was able to witness their marriage first hand. There were no doubt some tough days and moments when they could have easily parted ways, but their love for one another and their love for their kids kept them together through thick and thin.

One of the many benefits I enjoy because they stayed together is a place to go home. I love arriving at 140 Cathedral View and being welcomed by both mom and dad. They make going home special and meaningful.

My mom and dad are the guiding force in my life in so many ways. There commitment to one another is certainly something I want to model. Thanks MOM and DAD for making it 50 years. The Lord has been good to you and I pray you enjoy many more years together. I love you both!

Headaches and a Praying Daughter

I have the unfortunate joy of dealing with migraine headaches about twice per year. Like most people that share my joy (so sarcastic) the day is a total loss. It wipes me out.

Last night I came in from the office and was battling to even hold my head up. It was a migraine and it was brutal. Carissa, my daughter brought me a heating pad and said "as soon as you get situated dad, I will pray for you." I wasn't sure what she was going to do, but the next few moments proved to be very memorable.

I lay on the bed and she placed her hands on my arm and began to pray out loud for me. Her words were genuine and they expressed great faith in God and His ability. Of course my heart was immediately gripped and I was overwhelmed with emotion.

I was taught a valuable lesson by a 10 year old.

First, she believed that God cared about my headache and of course He does but how often we forget.

Second, she believed that God could and would heal my headache. Her words were full of faith. "With His stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5

Third, she knew where to turn in the time of trouble. She called on the Lord and she did it with boldness. "For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." - Psalm 59:16

My headache eased up and I was at least able to hold my head up. It is no wonder why Christ loved children. He knew they were the "real deal." Great faith and confidence in Him.

Thanks Carissa for being a young woman that believes in prayer and God!

Growing Up

This morning I woke up and made breakfast for the kid's first day of school. My son, Christopher is a freshman in high school and my Carissa is a fifth grader. These are happy days!

It is the greatest joy for a parent to watch their kids grow and develop into young men and women. It's interesting because as they grow and pull away in search of their own independence, I still think it is very important for Al'Lora and I to stay close and just be there for when they need us. This is especially true for Christopher as he enters high school.

It is also important that I not take his pulling away personally. Sometimes that is really hard. But it is part of the process. I remember pulling away from my parents. I still loved them and wanted them close (just in case) but I needed to discover who I was for myself.

I look at my kids today and I couldn't be prouder. With another summer ending, I will hold to the memories of "Best buddy - whole wide world" and "That be my baby girl." My two favorite songs for my two most special kids. I love being their dad and watching them grow up is the greatest joy of my life next to serving Jesus Christ!

Vacation

I am leaving for vacation on Sunday, July 26th. I can't wait. I am a big fan of vacation.

From my early childhood, vacation has always been a big deal to me. Every summer it was Daytona Beach, FL. It seems like my other home in so many ways. We made so many memories and every time I return there my mind runs wild remembering all of them.

I left home over twenty years ago but vacation is still a big deal to me. I love being with the family (Dad, Mom, brothers, sister-in-laws, and their kids). We can really make some noise when we show up in any town.

This year will be no different as we head to Myrtle Beach, SC for a week of fun in the sun. We came across a great resort for a great price. It includes golf everyday. That will keep me busy. Then we head to Pigeon Forge for a couple of days of camping. The Smoky Mountains is my third home away from home. Lots of memories there also.

I plan on resting, reading, swimming, laughing and resting. Vacations are good for me. They give me a renewed energy that helps me hang in there a little while longer. I am thankful I can go away and leave the church where I pastor in good hands. I will not worry or fret. The great staff and families will take care of things.

I may or may not post anything while away. After all, it's vacation. But I will catch you up when I return. Until then, keep moving forward! It is the only way to live!

See You Later

Today I joined my family in celebrating the life of Roy Eidson. He was my uncle and I had the privlege of participating in his homecoming service. Very sad but also filled with peace. Thank God we do not weep as men with no hope. We will see him again. I think very soon.

As I look back over his life three things come to my mind.

1. Loud - everytime you went to his house it was loud. The Leonhardts were accused today of being the reason for the loud atmosphere but I don't think so. We were just not the loud type. LOL.

But it was loud because of the big family. Lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

2. Laughter - It was also loud because it was filled with laughter. Good atmosphere and family members creating memories and remembering others. They all actually liked and still like being around each other. That is rare is large families in today's world.

3. Love - Every Christmas I would visit for just a few moments and immediately in spite of the fact I had not seen them in a year (sometimes more) I felt right at home just like one of the kids. I could jump right in and enjoy.

Uncle Roy was a great man. I will miss him and hold to the promise of a reunion one day in heaven. Just another reason for me to keep moving forward. See you later Uncle Roy!

18 Years and Counting

Yesterday, Al'Lora and I celebrated our 18th Wedding Anniversary. What is really strange is I remember my parents celebrating their 18th Wedding Anniversary. This year they will celebrate their 50th. It just goes to show how quickly time passes.

I have a couple of thoughts as I reflect on the past 18 years of bliss and character development.

1. Al'Lora is still the love of my life. All I can say is twenty years ago when I found her, I am so glad I grabbed her and would not let go. I have loved her since that day and I plan on loving her the rest of my life.
2. I married up. I don't think she did too bad but she constantly stretches me and helps me succeed. Not only succeed but to reach high and excel.
   
3. 18 years have passed and there is so much to remember. Two beautiful children, vacations, lunch at any Mexican restaurant, and coffee together almost nightly. Obviously there is so much more, but these are the ones we think of most.
   
4. It hasn't all been a bed of roses. I guess that goes without saying but what is so great is that we are still together and still in love.
5. I am thankful for the heritage that our families have passed to us. My grandparents were married 48 years and nearly 60 years. My parents celebrate their 50th this fall. Her grandparents have been married nearly 60 years. Her dad's parents passed away while he was in college. Her parents just celebrated 41 years last week.
   

I love being married to Al'Lora. She makes my mornings and my nights. Should the Lord allow, I plan on growing old with her. I hope she will keep me that long. Happy Anniversary Al'Lora! I love you!

Pushy People

Pushy People! The first thing you think of is probably the first thing I think of. We don't like them. They tend to be too aggressive and too demanding. They think they know everything.

But it's not that kind of a pushy person I am talking about today. What about the "pushy people" in your life that refuse to allow you to settle for average. That commit themselves to pouring into your life and making a difference. I guess what I am saying is, we all need some "pushy people" to help us be all that we are destined to be.

I have many friends and colleagues that fit the above description. There is a pushy person in my life who stays on me about this blog. I am thankful for him. There is a pushy person in my life that calls me and always ask me "what are you reading right now?" He keeps me on my toes. There is a pushy person in my life that helps me stay in God's Word. He often ask me who or what am I studying from the Bible. Then there is that pushy wife of mine. She refuses to let me be average and I am so glad.

And of course, I can't forget the power and presence of God in my life. He pushes me to grow and become more like His Son. That is my life goal.

Each person has a special place in my life and they are constantly pushing me to achieve and reach for bigger and better. Sometimes the pushing hurts. Sometimes I don't want to hear it. Usually because I need a little pushing but I hate to admit it.

To all my pushy friends "thanks" and no matter what, keep pushing me. I need it.