Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Here are some things I'm thankful for (not a complete list).
I am thankful for............
1. God saving me through Jesus Christ.
2. My wonderful wife, Felicia, who puts up with me every day....and still loves me.
3. My daughter, Megan, who will always be my most favorite actress.
4. My daughter, Kelsey, who will likely perform brain surgery on me some day.
5. My son, Daniel, who is a little too much like his daddy.
6. My son, Matt, who will likely win an emmy for writing a screen play some day.
7. My parents who created a godly heritage in me even through difficult times.
8. My brother, Mike, who encourages me in being a follower of Christ & has provided so much for my family.
9. Mike's family - Steph, Hannah, Josh & Gracie - who will be here soon.
10. All my extended family - know that I pray for you all often.
11. The opportunity to serve at North Raleigh Christian Academy.
12. The opportunity to serve at Wakefield Baptist Church.
13. The pleasure of serving with the staff at Wakefield.
14. The music ministry and those who serve in it at Wakefield.
15. The ability to work with our youth and children at Wakefield.
16. All the past churches I've had the pleasure to serve at & how God used them to refine me.
17. The time I've spent on campus & in classes at SEBTS.
18. God's daily provision for my family and me.
19. The opportunity to see God work in great ways every day.
20. God's Word, the Bible, and how it speaks so boldly to me every day.
21. The Holy Spirit who guides me in holy living & let's me know when I need correction.
22. The gift of music & how it lifts me up, convicts, and encourages.
23. Those who pray for me and encourage me each day.
24. The reminder every day that this life is not about me - it's about God and His glory.
25. Many difficult days & trials that have refined & purified me.
26. Having shelter, cars, food, water, clothes, shoes, and so much more from the Lord.
27. A week off from school to spend with my family for Thanksgiving.
28. The ability to wake-up this morning, to live, to breathe, to exist for God's glory.
29. Opportunities to share with others what Christ has done for me.
30. Cheeseburgers, pizza, Chick-Fil-A, banana pudding, Snickers, McDonald's breakfast, mexican food, chinese food, Moe's, Olive Garden, good action movies & comedies, & N.C. State.
Ok, so I went a little carnal on that last one...........Happy Thanksgiving.
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tribute to a Friend
I learned today of the passing of an old friend from a former church where I served on staff. Barton Salisbury was only 51 years old and had a wife and two children. He passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 28 while visiting the mountains of North Carolina.
Barton was always someone you could count on. He loved helping people and serving others in a variety of ways. I don't ever remember a time when I saw Barton not helping someone. As I served in music ministry in the church, he was always a positive encouragement to me. I kind of saw him as a Barnabas type man, ready to serve and encourage others to do the same.
But there's one experience with Barton that I will never forget. I was saved at age 9, but I drifted away from the Lord and church for a time during college and early in my marriage. I didn't turn my back on God, but I sought to do things that I wanted to do. Anyway, a friend of my wife's invited our family to VBS at this church. I came up with a million reasons not to go, but we went anyway. I remember I wept during the VBS commencement that last night, realizing I needed to run back to the Lord, and bring my family in tow with me.
About a week later, the Pastor came to our house to visit. The Pastor brought another man with him - Barton Salisbury. I remember the time very well. As the Pastor and I talked about various personal and theological issues, Barton sat quietly, listening and praying. When my girls, who were very young at the time, needed something, Barton would get it for them. He also played with them at times to limit any possible distraction to the conversation going on. He even answered my phone for me when it rang. When we were finished, we prayed together and the two men left.
I later learned that Barton had been participating in some evangelism training at the church, and he had served his role perfectly as the silent/praying partner. As I reflect on this event again today, I realize even more than ever a few important things. First, God needs all types of people - those who can share the Gospel in words and actions, including being silent and praying at times. Second, I believe Barton wasn't looking for the limelight that night in my house. He only wanted to be an obedient part of what God was already doing in my life. Third, I will always remember how God used Barton in bringing me back to Himself.
I certainly believe Barton Salisbury was a believer on this earth, having trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. That means Barton is celebrating and worshipping with his Lord today. Casting his crowns, including at least part of one that was representative of his impact in my life, at Jesus' feet. May God be praised, and may He use me to have the same impact in someone else's life today.
Pastor Randy
Barton was always someone you could count on. He loved helping people and serving others in a variety of ways. I don't ever remember a time when I saw Barton not helping someone. As I served in music ministry in the church, he was always a positive encouragement to me. I kind of saw him as a Barnabas type man, ready to serve and encourage others to do the same.
But there's one experience with Barton that I will never forget. I was saved at age 9, but I drifted away from the Lord and church for a time during college and early in my marriage. I didn't turn my back on God, but I sought to do things that I wanted to do. Anyway, a friend of my wife's invited our family to VBS at this church. I came up with a million reasons not to go, but we went anyway. I remember I wept during the VBS commencement that last night, realizing I needed to run back to the Lord, and bring my family in tow with me.
About a week later, the Pastor came to our house to visit. The Pastor brought another man with him - Barton Salisbury. I remember the time very well. As the Pastor and I talked about various personal and theological issues, Barton sat quietly, listening and praying. When my girls, who were very young at the time, needed something, Barton would get it for them. He also played with them at times to limit any possible distraction to the conversation going on. He even answered my phone for me when it rang. When we were finished, we prayed together and the two men left.
I later learned that Barton had been participating in some evangelism training at the church, and he had served his role perfectly as the silent/praying partner. As I reflect on this event again today, I realize even more than ever a few important things. First, God needs all types of people - those who can share the Gospel in words and actions, including being silent and praying at times. Second, I believe Barton wasn't looking for the limelight that night in my house. He only wanted to be an obedient part of what God was already doing in my life. Third, I will always remember how God used Barton in bringing me back to Himself.
I certainly believe Barton Salisbury was a believer on this earth, having trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. That means Barton is celebrating and worshipping with his Lord today. Casting his crowns, including at least part of one that was representative of his impact in my life, at Jesus' feet. May God be praised, and may He use me to have the same impact in someone else's life today.
Pastor Randy
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