From our family to yours ~ Happy New Year!

Emily Faison Graduates from Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL

I wrote a blog a few days ago about my daughter, Emily's graduation from Southeastern University. It was a great weekend in Lakeland and we are very proud of her accomplishments. Our church was so kind to her on Sunday by providing a cake and punch between our Sunday School and Morning Worship services in her honor. Then, during the service, the church presented her with a devotional book and shared pictures from her graduation.

While I won't publish all the pictures here, I'll post a few for you to enjoy. There are also some on my Facebook page as well.

Pastor / Uncle Randy presenting Emily with a devotional guide at Ryanwood Fellowship

The cake at the Reception at church

Emily marches into graduation

Emily's Fan Section at SEU Graduation

The stage before the Commencement began

I'm A Proud Daddy

Emily and me at her High School graduation

Today is a huge day in our family. Its actually hard to know where to begin the story. Do I start in July, 1992? Or what about August, 1997 or June, 2010? My eldest daughter will graduate from college this evening. She was born in 1992, she started kindergarten at Woodbine Christian Academy in Nashville, TN in 1997 and graduated from Vero Beach High School in 2010. This evening, she will graduate with honors with an English degree from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL.

As a high school student she was dual-enrolled at our local college that resulted in enrolling at Southeastern with a semester's worth of college credit already completed. Since she's been at Southeastern, she has completed an honors program in addition to the normal English degree program. She has worked in the Media Services Department on campus as well as served as a Teacher's Assistant the past two years. Last Thursday morning in chapel, she was honored by being named Most Outstanding English major.

Emily has always been a hard worker. While in high school, she was working a bevy of part time jobs. She's been involved in the start-up of Dome Studios in Vero Beach. This studio was begun by high school friends, and although they are scattered all along the Eastern seaboard in colleges, they still work hard during their breaks to grow this business.

So, what's next for Emily? The sky's the limit! She is investigating several graduate schools and will hope to enroll in a Master's Degree program in the fall. Her mom, sister, and I could not be any more proud of Emily and her accomplishments. Today, December 13, 2013 is all about her. Congratulations, kid! You've made your daddy proud!

Because He Lives

Have you ever lost someone close to you to death? I dare say if you've lived very long at all, that's a dumb question. I don't consider myself to be an old man by any stretch; middle-aged at best. But throughout my life, there have been a fair share of times that I've been left a bit lonely or bewildered at someone's death.

I don't remember either of my grandfathers. One died before I was even born, the other died before my first birthday. I do remember my grandmothers, and even one of my great-grandmothers. My great-grandmother lived long enough to see one of my own children. I remember the funerals of my grandmothers. I remember the funerals of a first cousin and several aunts and uncles. I remember the passing of my dad and how lost I felt during those days - and weeks - and months - and still sometimes years later I struggle with not having him here. 

In my ministry, I've had to deal with losing friends in churches where I've worked. I've conducted or assisted in many funerals down through the years and it's always challenging to find words to say to comfort those who are experiencing the fresh grief of losing someone they love. In fact, the only real place to go to find comfort in those times is the Scriptures. 

There have been times in my ministry, also, that I have been called upon by a funeral home to conduct the funeral service of one who did not have a church home or pastor. I always tried to utilize those times to share the Ultimate Peace that comes from knowing the Prince of Peace and that even in the darkest hours, there can be a Light. In the moments of deepest distress there is Hope.

A few days ago, a friend of mine went home to be with Jesus. John was the same age as my mom. He had worked hard all his life and it had begun to show. But remarkably, he didn't slow down. Well, let me revise that, he might have slowed down doing what he did, but he didn't turn down the jobs that came his way. If there was a person on this earth who loved doing for others any more than John, I've not met them. My path first crossed John's three years ago. In the three years I knew John, we'd shared theological discussions. We'd shared laughs. I've seen John cry tears of joy as well as heartbreak and concern over those who needed a relationship with Jesus as he had.

I've been around death. I've been around people who have lost loved ones. I've been especially moved at John's passing. I'm not exactly sure why, unless it's just the fact that I knew he genuinely cared for those with whom he came in contact.  As our men at church gathered to pray before our Sunday service this past week, I shared with them of John's passing and how I was struggling to wrap my mind around this one. I suppose there are some people that just impact us that way.

I also work at a hotel. Two nights ago three sisters and a brother checked in during the wee hours of the morning. Just a little later, they all left the hotel together again. It was too early for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel next door. When they returned, they told me their brother was near death. My heart went out to them. This morning, they left during the wee hours again. As they left, they told me their brother had  passed. My heart broke for them as they now dealt with this fresh grief. Do they know about the Hope that Christ offers? Do they realize that He is the Prince of Peace and can wrap them in His arms? Sadly, I don't know the answer to those questions. 

Friend, if you've experienced the pain of the separation that death leaves, please know that there is Hope. There is a peace that passes any human understanding. It is available from a God that loves us and is freely given to those who will claim it by trusting His Son, Jesus.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living Because He Lives! Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a masterpiece! Let it minister to you today.  

Starbucks Gold

The Gold Level Cup of Coffee

Just a few minutes ago, I purchased a cup of coffee from my local Starbucks. But this cup of coffee is not JUST a cup of coffee. This cup is special! With this cup of coffee, I attained a milestone. This cup o' joe is the one that earns me the elite Gold Level! That's right, I finally earned my Starbucks Gold Level status! To some that is not news at all. Several might even question why I would write about something of a status symbol like that. Still others may be wondering what took me so long?

Fact is, some that may read this would wonder what is a Gold Level? I hope no one reading this is wondering what Starbucks is. If that's you, please do not tell anyone else. Just Google it!

The Gold Level from Starbucks is their reward for regular guests purchasing their products. In addition to the free refills on coffee and tea and the free item on my birthday that I already had with my previous Green level, attaining the gold level gives me benefits during the next year such as a free item for every 12 purchases and special offers from time to time.

Incidentally, I may not agree with a lot of the Starbucks social or political stances. Some of their products are a bit overpriced. But especially during the cooler months a Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks tends to always hit the spot! So, in celebration of my milestone today, go ahead and enjoy a Starbucks drink of your choice.

The Shrinking Bucket List

At the Dolphins game

I am a huge sports fan! I always have been. I really prefer not to declare a favorite sport, because I truly like most sports. It depends on the time of year whether I like baseball or football better, and since this is football season, I can sit and watch a football game and most likely be content ~ unless Georgia (college) or Atlanta (NFL) is losing.

I have been fortunate enough to attend Major League Baseball games for many years. When I lived in the Metro Washington, DC area, I was able to attend a couple of NHL and NBA games. I've had season tickets before to NCAA football and I've been to several college basketball games in my day. But I'd never attended an NFL game in person. That is, until this past week.

My buddy, John, pastors a church in the metro Miami area and he was going out of town for the holiday. He called and asked if I could fill in for him while he was away. I really enjoy going to this church and was thrilled when my schedule was free to allow me to do that. Then, I just took an off-chance look at the Dolphins schedule. My eyes got quite large! They were playing at home that very same day. The church is only a few minutes away from the stadium!

I mentioned this to the lady of the house where I live and we worked it out so that she and my daughters pitched in together and gave me the money to buy the ticket for my birthday. I even got a ticket in one of their two non-alcohol family sections! It was all good until about half way through the second quarter. A guy and his friends came and sat in the row directly behind me. I think they'd had their fill of alcohol before they came into the stadium! Fortunately for those fans sitting in the area, these folks were escorted out at halftime!

I also was able to hear the names of several former UGA Bulldogs being called. One of them, Thomas Davis, plays for the Carolina Panthers. He was actually from the same general area in southwest GA where I spent some time. I watched him play both football and basketball in high school. As we watched him single-handedly dismantle our local high school team, we had a feeling he would be playing on Sundays.

Thanks, John for asking me to fill your pulpit. That's always and honor and the real reason for me being in Miami. Thanks Robin, Emily, and Abigail for helping make it possible to check an item off the bucket list. I appreciate it!

The Joys of Interacting With Snowbirds

I was waiting for a local bookstore to open, so I decided to have a cup of coffee while I waited. With my handy dandy smartphone in hand trying to be productive with my time, I was quietly minding my own business. Well OK, I was doing some people watching, too, but I wasn't staring or inviting company in the least!
A retired lady walked out of Starbucks and stopped where I was seated. She abruptly asked if this was an iPhone I was using. I replied that if wasn't and tried to explain to her, in retirement aged English, the difference between an iPhone and my phone. Trying desperately to think quick on my feet, which is not a typical trait of mine, I didn't want to use the word Android and further confuse the dear lady. I told her that I had a smartphone and I could perform many tasks with it just like an iPhone. I told her that an iPhone is a smartphone, just that my smartphone was not an iPhone.
She then asked if it was better to purchase the phone outright or get into a contract. If I had been wearing sunglasses, it would have been now that I would have peered over them at this dear lady. With all the respect I could muster, I assured her that I was on a contract. I said, "Ma'am, I've always had a contract. I can't afford to lay out $600 for my phone." After explaining that line twice (no lie ~ TWICE), she went on to another question.
Finally, trying desperately not to be rude or sound exasperated, I asked the dear senior if she remembered the gentlemen who held the Starbucks door for her as she exited. She said she did, and I encouraged her to go and ask them any questions she may have on the subject. I said, "They work three doors down at AT&T. Both of them have helped me before." Then she asked for their names! Aaarrrggghhhh! True story ladies and gentlemen. Can't make that stuff up! There is joy in living in South Florida in the fall / winter months!

July 2013 in Tampa

Free Will Baptist Logo

 I am a part of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Our National Convention meets this next week in Tampa, FL. Thousands of Free Will Baptists from around the globe will converge on the city to conduct business, worship and fellowship together. While the Association convenes to conduct business, there are also two other conventions that also meet. The Women Nationally Active for Christ along with the Free Will Baptist National Youth Conference will take place.

WNAC is a group of ladies who are active in ministry, primarily focusing energies on supporting missions. They certainly do much more, but they do a tremendous job in assisting in the promoting and supplying our missionaries with many of their basic needs.

NYC (no, not New York City), is the youth / student component of the convention. The National Youth Conference features many students involved in various competitions. There's competitions in Bible studies, denominational studies, music and arts, you get the idea. Additionally, they will be involved in doing service projects throughout the city of Tampa. There are seminars for youth and youth workers, as well.

This convention is an annual meeting. I've attended many of them in various parts of the country. Even as a kid, my family would go to the National Association. Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Memphis and Nashville. Fort Worth, TX three times, Detroit, Anaheim, and Wichita have all hosted this event. I've been to Kansas City and Charlotte; Atlanta and Macon. Oh, and there's Birmingham and Little Rock, too.

Those are just the cities I've been to attending the convention. There were several that I couldn't make along the way. I've not had the pleasure of attending the last few. Maybe that's why I'm so looking forward to attending this year. I've been reading on Facebook the last couple of days as people are making their way to Tampa. Friends have posted pictures of watermelon trucks and signs along the road. Many times people turn the few days leading up to a convention into a bit of a vacation. After all, what better place to vacay than Florida's theme parks with the kiddos! There was even a friend who posted a story of meeting strangers at a rest area who were headed to the convention. Their children were attending our annual leadership conference that works at the NYC, and were on the same flight headed to the meeting. Needless to say, they are strangers no more!

Yes, the next few days will be hectic. I'll be busy. I'll get tired. But it will be the absolutely the best hectic, busy schedule resulting in the best kind of tired I can be! Calling all Free Will Baptists ~ let's go to Tampa!

Emily the Missionary

Recently my daughter, Emily went to Guatemala for 10 days. This was a mission trip sponsored by the school she attends, Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. I asked her to write about her trip and share some pictures to use on my blog. The following is what she gave me to use. Thank you, Emily, for your willingness to go, and now for your willingness to share with me and others.

Isaiah 55:12 “You will go out in joy, and be led forth in peace…”

Ps 16:11 “ You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

This past week, I journeyed to Guatemala with a team of seven other college-age students, primarily from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. My adventure was not merely for pleasure or thrill-seeking travel: I was on a mission.

From Guatemala City, a 7-hour bumpy car ride west took our team to the Quiché Department, where missionaries Bart and Pam Biddle and Wesly and Katie Sanchez live in the town of Chicamán, preaching in surrounding villages within a few hour radius.

Saturday before our full week of ministry, we fasted and prayed together in the mountaintop village of El Amay, worshipping God and asking Him to do incredible things in the nearby villages. As the saying goes, we tried to put “first things first” and not underestimate the power of prayer. Each morning before ministry, we worshiped and prayed corporately in order to prepare and unify our hearts, and to prepare the hearts of those who we would be ministering to that day.

Our team primarily focused on kids ministry, sharing the gospel through skits, acted-out Bible stories, and testimonies geared towards children. Though many children spoke Spanish, we used the help of local translators to translate our message from Spanish to the local Mayan dialect, Poqomchi’. Throughout the week, we visited a total of 9 villages, held 8 kids ministry activities, and served in 5 church services, in addition to preaching, testifying, and reading Scripture on mountainsides and in marketplaces. Everyone on the team got a chance to share Christ’s transforming love with villagers of all ages.

Beyond ministering to the Guatemalan villagers, God ministered to me personally this past week, reminding me that He is Creator and Healer God, and He is ultimately in control. God revealed His own hand at work in the villages, most of which have been strongholds against the Kingdom of God, completely ensnared in Satan’s grasp. Entire villages are spiritually resistant, their people trapped in idol worship, hopelessness, and deadly misunderstanding.

Though we preached the gospel relentlessly, many people are spiritually blind and deaf, unable to hear our message without the aid of the Holy Spirit: we prayed fervently that God would remove both spiritual and language barriers, clinging to Isaiah 55:11, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Though it may seem slow in our weak human eyes, God is moving among the villages in Guatemala. His Word accomplishes its purpose and does not fall void. At the market in Beleju this past Friday, a witch doctor initiated a conversation with Bart, asking questions about Jesus Christ and prayer. We pray that his hunger for a true God would not be sated, and that it would lead him to a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Another man, a believer in the village of Beleju, decided to give up some idols he had hidden in his home. The local pastor and missionary burnt the idols and praised God for our brother’s repentant heart and growing closeness to God, while rejoicing at another triumphant victory over sin and Satan’s hold in the village of Beleju.

God allowed me to witness evidence of His healing hands in the lives of Guatemalan people, as well as allowed me to hear His clear voice. God is working to transform my image of Him: God is a patient Shepherd and loving Father, but He is also Healer, Warrior, and a mysterious God.

As I rode along bumpy roads for hours at a time to get to remote villages, I was awestruck by the beauty of God’s creation. Rocks, hills, mountains, trees, and rainbows surrounded me and I couldn’t help but worship my Creator God. Yet even in my worship, God revealed to me something greater: the people of these mountains are made in God’s image, and therefore far more beautiful, more important, eternal. God has a plan for every single person in the villages of Quiche, Guatemala, whether they realize it or not. And it is my job to help them learn about the God who created them, who knows each name, who is ready to bless with abundant love and salvation.

The mountains of Guatemala are made of rock and mud, yet are incredibly fertile, full of life and thriving agriculture. The Guatemalan people are hard as the rocks they live in, yet there is capability for planted seeds to grow. The people have deep roots, and though their hearts are hard, they are a fertile harvest.

Though we witnessed no salvations this past week, we are certain that we planted seeds of Jesus Christ’s love, resurrection, death, and power into the hearts and minds of the hundreds of children and adults we ministered to. Many of the children we ministered to had never heard Jesus Christ’s gospel, but God used our team to teach, preach, and love Guatemala. The people are hungry and thirsty for the gospel, and it was incredible blessing to be a part of team sharing the Living Word, the Living Water, the Living God.

Ezekiel : 36:25-26 (ESV)

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

My Daughter the First Aid Worker

Yesterday, I wrote about my daughter the missionary. I mentioned in that blog that I'm proud of my children and how they have a passion to serve God. To be sure, I'm equally proud of both my daughters. While one is spending 10 days in Guatemala, I have another daughter who is spending her summer working at a local Christian camp for kids.

Students come to the camp either as day campers or overnight campers for a week. They have Bible classes and chapel each day along with several other activities. My daughter is able to work in the area of first aid.

If I know Abby, she will do well in the first aid area of the camp, but it will not stop there. She will take every opportunity to share the love of Jesus with each student she comes in contact with. Whether its giving medicine sent from home or just hugging a kid who's homesick, that youngster will know that someone loves them when they leave that camping experience.

Abby was one, as a little girl, who didn't really enjoy camp very much. Even though I was there, she didn't like being where she could not see mom or dad when it was time for the lights to be out. As she grew into teenager-hood, though, it seemed to get better. She enjoyed going to church camp as a teen and even volunteered to go to the junior week of camp as a 'Junior Counselor'.

She enjoys being a mentor and offering a listening ear to younger students. She has those good qualities that some day will be used in a ministry to children somewhere. I'm grateful she's open to God's leadership in her life. I'm glad she's willing to listen to the direction of God as He gently leads her where she needs to go.

Life isn't always easy. Life's map isn't always crystal clear. There may be times along the way when we're a bit unsure and may even take a wrong turn. But thankfully, God's there to guide us back to the path He is setting for us to take.

As my daughters were growing up, we always tried to instill in them the passion for ministry. Ministry as a vocation is not as important as ministry from the heart. I may be a bit biased, but I honestly believe with all my heart that you'll not find a person with more desire to be used in ministry from the heart as my daughter, Abby.

God has been so good to my wife and me. Our daughters are both serving God the best they can. They are both doing their best to share their love for Christ with those who will listen. My prayer is that God will continue to be real to them and they will continue to follow His leadership in their lives.

My Daughter the Missionary

I'm really not sure how I'm supposed to feel. It seems like every time I turn around I'm slammed with another factoid that reminds me that my family is growing older. With age comes change, and sometimes I handle change pretty well. Then there are those other times; not so well.

A few months ago, my eldest daughter decided she wanted to go on a mission trip. I should say, the desire to go on a mission trip was born years ago. The opportunity made itself available a few months ago to make that desire a reality. The college she attends (and graduates from in December) is sponsoring this mission trip to Guatemala. She sent out some fundraising letters, and thankfully the support began to come in. My home church in Georgia happened to be the source for the final dollar to put her at her goal.

Last Wednesday night, she was able to share the goals and vision of the mission team with our church here in Florida. Not especially fond of public speaking, it was almost all I could do sitting on my back pew listening to her share, with enthusiasm, what she was about to do. We shared other prayer requests, then my brother in law / pastor called on me to pray. That's not really out of the ordinary. But this particular time, my heart was overwhelmed at what God has in store for my little girl.

Yesterday, my wife and I drove to Orlando where we dropped Emily at the home of the mission team leader. As I type this, they are likely waking up and beginning their trip to Orlando International Airport to begin their journey. As we drove back home, my wife asked if I was 'emotional'. It was bright out, I was wearing my sunglasses. It was a fair question, but I answered in the negative, figuring it was her way of asking if I was crying.

To be blunt, I don't know what I was feeling. My mind was all over the place. I had just left my daughter to go with people I had personally just met ~ out of the country! I thought about how proud I was to have children who have a passion to serve God. (I'll write another blog about my youngest soon.) I thought about, even in their differences, they both have a common bond in longing to do what pleases God. Honesty compels me to also say there was a bit of fear down deep as well.

Twenty years ago, my wife and I gave Emily back to God for His use. We've simply tried to bring her up in the way He would want us to. There have been times we've done things less than best. There have been things we would probably do differently if we could do it all over again. But all in all, if my daughter is willing to allow God to do in her life what He wills, there is absolutely nothing that would make me any more proud!

I look forward to sharing with her when she gets back from her trip. I look forward to seeing what God has taught her and how He has used her to show the children of Guatemala that He loves them. I'm praying that the children of these remote villages of Guatemala's hill country will know that there is a God who wants to have a relationship with them. Will you help me pray to that end?

Happy Birthday, Daddy

If my dad were alive today, he would be celebrating his 78th birthday. Cancer robbed him of too many years. He received his promotion to Heaven in 1990 at the age of 55. I was a very young man when he died and there have been more times than not that I've wondered why he was called home at such a young age.

I wish I could say I was as respectful to him as I should have been all the time. I tired easily of fielding some of the questions he would ask. Things like, "Have you checked the oil in your car lately?" Or, "Did you pay that bill like you were supposed to?" Sometimes I wanted to just yell back, "Would you just mind your own business?!"

Now that I'm a parent veteran of almost 21 years, I'm learning that those questions are ones that were indeed his business. I'm thankful that my own two daughters are far more responsible than I was at their age.

Dad was a pastor and as such, I sometimes felt restricted from going places or doing things that I wanted to do. I could probably get a chuckle or three at his expense if I were to divulge some of the rules and regulations my sister and I 'endured' while living under his roof.

Now that I'm a parent veteran of almost 21 years, I'm learning that those rules and regulations might not have been so bad after all. Knowing me, I needed every one of them ~ and maybe a few more.

Dad and I used to enjoy doing things together. Whether it was fishing in a local pond or throwing a baseball in the back yard, late afternoons at our house generally yielded quality time spent with dad. These are the times I miss the most. It is the memories we made just spending time together that I hold most dear today.

Now that I'm a parent veteran of almost 21 years, I often reminisce of the times when I had 'Daddy Dates' with my two daughters. Whether it was a trip to McDonald's or an hour or two at the beach, the times that I was able to spend with my kids are treasures today.

This past week, through a scheduling snafu, I was able to spend some quality time with my eldest. Honestly, she needed to be somewhere else. We were stuck waiting on someone who was late to our appointment. But the conversation we shared just between the two of us made such an impact on me.

My prayer is that the times I have been able to share with my children have made even half the impact on them that I've gained. What my dad taught me during the 25 years I was able to be with him on this earth was invaluable. I wish I would have used the time more wisely. If your parents are still here on this earth, be sure to take advantage of every available opportunity to make memories with them.

Would You Point Someone to Jesus Today?

Wow, what a week! Citizens of these United States have been rocked to the core as we watched the news events unfold before our very eyes. Our Nation was glued to the events in Boston this past Monday as scores of people were injured and three lost their lives in the Marathon Bombing. Just two days later, hundreds were injured and several were killed in an accidental explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, TX. The response in these two scenarios by law enforcement and rescue personnel have been unparalleled.

Then, we were again captivated by the stories in Watertown, MA as the manhunt for the bombers escalated on national television. We were saddened again at the senseless loss of life, but grateful that it was no worse. Understand, it COULD HAVE been MUCH worse!

From a personal standpoint, there have been events this past week or so that have caused me to reflect. I have had to do some personal soul searching and ask myself some pretty serious questions. Some of the answers did not satisfy me at all. I have family and friends who are hurting. The pain is in varying forms. Some are hurting emotionally while others are ill physically. Through some, I've seen evidence that God answers prayer. Through others, I'm having to learn the difficult lesson of perseverence. There are some I can share with others, some I have to keep to myself. But through all the struggles, I must maintain a faith in the Almighty God who sustains us.

Two personal friends of mine had surgery this past week in the same hospital in Nashville, TN. Both were relatively serious surgeries. Don had already experienced the surgical knife and was trying to recover. Due to some setbacks, he had to have more surgery this past week. He's still in the hospital. His wife and family are exhausted. My heart aches for them.

Pam had surgery last Monday. She had a large tumor removed. All indications were it was malignant. As they waited, and we all prayed, the pathology report came back. As I spoke to Pam's husband, Ron on the phone last night, he relayed how that in their mind they were thinking the best case scenario would be the cancer contained to that tumor. They were thinking that if it was contained there, some precautionary chemotherapy could wipe out that ugly disease. When the report came back, there is belief that the tumor may not be malignant at all! What do you do when the news is better than the best case scenario? The only thing I know to do is praise the Great Physician! They are still doing some further tests to confirm their prognosis, but we are continuing to pray God's mighty healing hand has shown Himself true!

My youngest daughter helped me put things in perspective via her Facebook page. A college freshman, she and a friend were in a grocery store and struck up a conversation with a lady who "was obviously stressed out." They learned the lady was en route to the wake of an aunt, and although not very close to the relative, was actually present in the room when the lady passed. This lady my daughter was speaking with had her own health issues that were complicating the stress levels and so these two college students paused with her to pray. This is the last statement in my daughter's Facebook page, "And most people would say that we were blessing her with those prayers, but hearing her call us angels in her need, and thanking us for something that ought to be an automatic response was a blessing to me."

The Nelons are one of my favorite singing groups. They recently recorded a song titled, Excuse Me, Are You Jesus. They also have an incredible concept video of the song. Click the link below and allow it to challenge you. People all around you are hurting. I pray you will commit yourself to point these needy people to experience the healing and the help of Jesus!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXf7k_2bcVw

Gun Control. Really?

Let me begin by making a couple of concessions. First, I do not blog as often as I should. Second, when I blog, I rarely blog about politics. Further, although I generally post a link to my twitter account when I do blog, I'm not the most adept twitterER in the world, either. So, that having been writtten, I want to share a few thoughts about a tweet that I posted a week ago.

I was having some repair work done to my car and while sitting, and waiting, to have it finished, I had reached the limit of what my eyes were willing to do with my Kindle, so I turned to the television in the lobby of the repair shop. I was the only one waiting there, so I had free reign of the TV's remote. May I just say there isn't much on television during the mid morning hours with their cable package! That is evidenced when I settled on one of the C-Span channels!

That particular day the folks in Washington were debating in a Senate committee about gun control. Quite frankly, I'm not sure if it was a full committee or a sub-committee, but I was listening to Senator Feinstein, among others debate this country's need for stronger gun control laws. Sen. Feinstein, the notable California senator, made some statements in her strong argument for stricter gun control laws that angered me. Honesty compels me to say that I do not remember specifically what she said, but the rhetoric of gun laws reducing mass murders has been repeated ad nauseum, anyway.

My tweet while watching this Washington brain-trust, however, is still available. I simply said: "Senator Feinstein has overwhelmingly convinced me she has no business in Washington! #guncontrol" I used that fancy schmancy hash tag only because it was in the corner of the television screen. While my tweet did not go viral by any stretch of the imagination, it did garner some attention to my twitter account. I had some become new followers, even had a couple to 'favorite' the tweet. There was at least one, though, that didn't like it at all.

QChocolate (@QrsChocolate) tweeted, "@steve4fwb feel sorry for your congregation. #GunControlNow hope there's no mass shooting in your home town." At least we agree on one thing. I hope there's no mass shooting in my hometown, either. And I would extend the same wish to hers. No one in their right mind would wish any such horror on someone else.

But we also must understand that making more gun control laws will not solve this problem. If gun control laws would solve the problem in these United States, I would herald them from the highest mountaintops! Were that the case, however, let's also ban the automobiles, since it is through them that drunk drivers kill and maim thousands annually on our highways. It is the same logic!

If the answer to the problem was the passage of stricter or more gun control laws, it would seem that we would see it working elsewhere. In fact, the opposite is true. The city of Chicago has arguably some of the most stringent gun control laws on the books anywhere in the Nation. In 2012, according to www.dnainfo.com/chicago, there were 506 murders. That's more than one a day! And for the really good news (firmly implanted tongue in cheek) January 2013 put them on a pace to outshine that! Chicago is on pace for their highest murder rate since 2002. So yes, with those statistics firmly planted in our minds, let's keep going with this ideaology that passing more laws will magically make the murder rate decrease.

Do we want to see the murder rates go down? Of course, we do! But let's go about it in a sensible way. The fact is, if a person is bad and mean enough to murder someone, what makes you think that the person will be responsible and law abiding enough to register the gun he's got, anyway? The gun is merely the weapon used by the individual to do the deed. If a gun is not handy, a hammer or crowbar is just a hardware store away, without a three day wait or a permit to own!

When the convicted criminal is adequately dealt with, it will bring about lower crime rates. The person who feels there is no consequences for his actions will continue to do them. No amount of laws preventing someone from owning a gun will prevent a murder from taking place.

The way to solve the murder rates in this country is a matter of the heart. It's a matter of life transformation. It's a matter of doing what's right. Cain didn't kill Abel with a gun. Cain's problem was not a matter of how much ammunition he could get into the magazine of his weapon. Cain's problem was that he hated his brother because of his own relationship with God was not what it should be. When Cain was confronted by God about his sin, God assured him it would be dealt with.

When we choose to do things God's way, there is peace. When we choose to love our fellow-man, we do not have the issue of violence. Let's not confuse the sinful mistakes of humans doing things in the name of Christianity. There are nut-cases in every corner of the world. But, examine the Scriptures in its context, and you'll find the answers to our problems as a society.

Let's get to the real core of the matter. Let's deal with getting America's heart right with God. Let's deal with being able to speak freely, without fear of some woeful lawsuit, about what Jesus can do for mankind. Both laws and grace have been tested. Man's laws produce continued crime. God's grace provides peace.

An Encounter with Fame

I wrote on another blog a few days ago about people with whom I would enjoy sitting down and sharing a meal. There are a few well known folks that I think it would be interesting to just sit and pick their brain a bit. Among those that I included in that blog were George W. Bush and Sarah Palin. Others were sports figures, John Smoltz and Mark Richt.

This past week, I was able to go to a Spring Training baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets. I'm a big Braves fan, and I always enjoy going to watch them play ball. In fact, I went to my first Braves game as a youngster in May 1969 in Atlanta. In that game, Hammerin' Hank Aaron hit a homerun and I've been hooked ever since!

As a kid growing up, my aspirations were to play baseball for the Braves and to follow that career in the broadcast booth. The closest I came was playing a year of JV baseball in high school and working in radio playing gospel music and then doing some broadcasting of local high school sports on the side.

Generally this time of year, I'm just like kid in a candy store when I'm at a baseball game. I realize those guys are overpaid to play a game. I understand they put their britches on just like I do. But to understand the work they put in to hone their craft and the ability they have leaves me somewhat awestruck. To compound that, to put together a career of statistics that enable a player to be enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY is a huge deal to me.

While attending the game at Disney the other day, I saw a guy signing autographs from the broadcast booth. The stadium is small enough that the fans in the stands have pretty much direct contact with those guys. I had taken a baseball with me for the specific purpose of trying to obtain such a signature. It was none other than Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton.

As my friend, Bob, and I made our way up the aisle to speak with Mr. Sutton, I could feel the excitement welling up inside me. Then I was able to chat with him a bit. He was such a gracioius gentleman and took the time to chat with as many fans as he could before he had to begin his preparations for his work.

The honor was doubled when I realized that the Braves play by play announcer was also in the booth. I'd certainly be remiss for not mentioning Mr. Jim Powell. He was also as kind and gracious when he signed my program and took a minute to visit as well.

I'm aware that getting a man to sign his name on a baseball or a game program is not going to matter a whole lot in the grand scheme of eternity, but it was enjoyable to be able to share my appreciation with him. I do admire his body of work, both as an athlete and now as a broadcaster. To add the fact that these were classy gentlemen to that list allows me to appreciate his work even more.

Thank you, Mr. Sutton, for providing a bit of enjoyment to a guy's afternoon at Disney.

My baseball signe by Hall of Fame Pitcher, Don Sutton

Lessons Learned at McDonald's on a Friday Night

Not many Fridays ago, I was on a bit of a tight schedule to get some things done before going to work. I had a rehearsal at church and needed something to eat before heading there. Thinking through some of the logical progressions, I decided to go to McDonald's. After all, McDonald's solved the issue of inexpensive, distance from my destination, and my time sensitive schedule. It was a win-win situation.

When I got to the restaurant, I was a bit concerned about the drive-thru lines, so I decided I would go inside to eat. It would still be tight, but the line inside didn't look quite as haunting as the drive thru ones did.

Upon entering the restaurant, I saw the person (yes, singular) working the counter taking orders. My initial thought was not exactly a kind one at that very moment. I have frequented this McDonald's enough to know several of the staff, and this particular person was not among my favorites. I stood in line waiting to place my order. Please be reminded that I am on a relatively tight time schedule.

A full ten minutes after I had walked inside McDonald's, I texted my wife letting her know I was still waiting on my food. She knew the time crunch I was on, for she was waiting for me at the church for that rehearsal I wrote about. She was watching the clock right along with me.

When I got my food and made my way to the drink station for my soft drink, ketchup, and napkins, I began to look for a place to sit. The place was relatively full. It was a good night for the owner of this particular McDonald's franchise. I decided I would sit at the high tops in the center of the restaurant. This McDonald's has had a recent facelift, and I hadn't sat at one of the newly installed high tops. It didn't take long to realize that it would probably be the last time I'd make that choice. Those weren't designed for me in mind ~ at all.

May I offer some suggestions of lessons learned at McDonald's on a Friday night in Vero Beach? First, fast food may or may not, in fact, be fast. Along that line, Friday night on a time crunch may not be the best time to fit McDonald's on your schedule.

Second, the high top seats are hip and trendy, I suppose. But I strongly suggest that portly sized men like myself probably will not be comfortable at the stationary high top seats.

Third, if you are in need of employment, there was a sign in the window encouraging potential employees to apply ~ look in the mirror, practice saying, "Would you like fries with that?" Now, go apply, they need your help!

People Watching at Starbuck's

I've written that I enjoy people-watching.  Today is one of those days that I'm able to spend a little time observing folks. I'm even able to combine that with a cup of coffee at Starbuck's. So, along with my cup o' joe, let me just tell you about some people that I've watched today.

First, there was the attorney-type. I have no idea if the gentleman was an attorney or not, but he had on designer dress clothes and his hair style wasn't that of a doctor or financier. He just seemed to carry himself like a high powered attorney who thought of himself to be God's creation to the Florida Bar Association. Please understand I realize that is a characterization at best, and not intended to be critical of attorneys across the board.

Then there is the couple sitting next to me. It's pretty obvious they're not a 'couple' as we typically think of couples. This is an older gentleman speaking with a younger lady. They're both dressed nice, but she's in more of a business suit. She's listening intently to his stories, and offering an occasional understanding response. It's almost as if he's in session with his counselor.

Oh, and there's the lady sitting across from me. She's in a warm up suit using an iPad. The unopened book on her table has a title something like Advanced Strategies In [some sort of] Art. I haven't seen the book opened yet, but she really doesn't look the artistic type. Then again, if she knew I just wrote a paragraph about her in my blog, she may take one look at me today and say I certainly don't look like the blogging type.

I suppose I was most fascinated today by the gentleman who came in wearing a kilt. I'm not so naive as to say he was wearing a skirt. I KNOW it was a kilt. I don't know if he is a Scottish man or not, and if he's comfortable wearing a kilt, more power to him. I, for one, am thankful I'm not expected to wear one.

I have a sneaking suspicion I'm not the only one thankful for that!

Happy New Year

I reported to work at 11 PM New Year's Eve to work my 8 hour shift. Early on, I had the television on ESPN and listened to the Chick Fil A Bowl's post-game report from the LSU Tigers epic collapse to give Clemson a last second victory.

Just before midnight local time, I changed the TV station to Fox News to watch the ball drop in New York City. The 1,000,000+ partiers in the streets celebrated the arrival of 2013. Since it was a news organization 'reporting' the New Year's arrival, they would cut away to their bureau in Washington, D.C. to report on the F.C. They didn't want to use the term, 'Fiscal Cliff', and at one point during their production, made the statement as if they were going to ask the crowd below if they wanted to by-pass the reporting of the news for the one night. Obviously (unaware of the commentary) as the cameras panned the crowd, they were cheering wildly, as if to agree whole-heartedly with the suggestion to leave it alone for a night.

As I then listened to the report about the Senate's passage of the emergency bill regarding the budget, I thought it would be nice to escape the news for one night. Escape sounded like a perfectly viable option.

The fact is, if congress had done their job all along, they could have been home where they really wanted to be anyway. They chose to vacation first, requiring them to work later. Funny, when I was growing up, we were taught that we could play after our chores / work was done.

I don't write much about politics here at Faison Focus for a reason. It typically can rarely be positive, and so many people have opinions that seem to be almost bi-polar when it comes to politics. So, suffice it to say, I wish the media would leave it alone for a little bit. Let Americans enjoy a little peace and quiet ~~ well, except for the football games.

Happy New Year ~ may this be a year that we put perspective in our lives and our Nation once again.