Blowin' in the wind

Man, sittin here in my office it sounds like the walls are going to cave in. It is one windy thursday. In fact, our shelter contractor came and left his Bobcat underneath and tied the roof down to it. Hmm. Wonder what THAT means?!?

Anyway, just got off the phone with a seminary student who is going to speak at my church in a few weeks. He said he doesn't have much experience (none, actually). That's kind of exciting to me! It brought back memories of my first sermon - in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Home of Arnold Palmer. I recall there's a brewery there too. At any rate, I hope our church sees this as an opportunity to minister "to" someone - rather than sitting and hoping to be ministered to. And I think we will, because we have a great church. They want to do good; they want to bless others; they like to see others do well. I hope it is a grand day. :)

Speaking of which, I was just thinking last night about people who had a huge influence on me becoming a preacher. Denise Royce was one of the first to come to mind. She worked at the factory I worked at; drank at the bars I drank at. She rode a Harley and I witnessed her beating up guys - even though she was maybe 5'4" 110 lbs. This was one tough woman though. But... when I decided to quit my job and attend seminary, she was one of the first people to come and tell me that she thought I would make a great preacher. I never forgot that. Denise was killed in a car accident several years ago.

Larry White was another. He was one of my profs. There were some who didn't think I had what it took, but one day Larry told me, "Dan, you're going to make a great pastor." And it was like being blessed by the Pope. Larry passed away not long after speaking at my ordination service.

Marvin Rich was a guy instrumental in hiring me at this church. Whenever things would get tough - and that was quite often in the early years - he would say, "Dan, you've just gotta trust God. We'll get through this." Man do I miss him. He passed away two years ago from cancer.

There is great power in words of encouragement. There is much power in discouraging words too... but encouraging words, spoken at just the right time, in just the right way... man, they can change the course of the universe. SEEEEEK those words, my friends. LOOOOOK for the opportunity to use them. Change the stinking world.

Well, it's another day. Things need to be done. Who will do them?
Peace. Revolution.