The other day I was thinking about how mundane and ordinary most of our days seem to be. Oh, other days can be quite exciting and wonderful, especially when God really moves in and allows one to sense His essence. But at other times, I often struggle to wonder if I'll ever have fun again like I did when much younger. Although today is not one of those boring and uninteresting days, I began to think of some of the great things I've been blessed to actually do. I call them, Memories of a Liftime. I'll share them with you:
MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME!
My Wife Sheila
All Those Wonderful Times in New York!
BROADWAY!!!!!
Lead Trombone in The Memphis Opera Orchestra
Taking a chopper ride in the Gulf and landing on an oil rig
Scuba Diving-Bahamas
God Calling Me into Ministry
Producing"A Time For Christmas"
Marty Faulkner's Fantastic Sets & Props!
Producing & Directing "Liberty" in Orlando
Working With Tony Bennett
Working with Bob Hope
Meeting and Working With Elvis
Living/ working in Las Vegas
Lunching w/Donna Douglass
10 days in Hawaii with Sheila
Hanging out with friends in St Thomas/The Virgin Islands
Shopping in Key West Florida
Gathering shells on Sanibel Island
Yachting in the Pacific
All those great dinners in Malibu
United States Navy Band
Directing Gary Loftin's role as Herod
Seeing my daughters in Grease/Les Miserables
ROME!
Suez Canal Tour
Oh, those times in Cannes, France! (and the seaside town of Nice, also)
Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Barcelona Spain Bullfight
Embassy Party-Honduras
Two weeks in Quebec!
Now then; as I think back on those wonderful times, I feel again the thrill of living; really living and taking in the experiences God as allowed me to enjoy. How could I ever complain again? But as much fun and thrill that came from those memories, there is yet so much more to enjoy in my future. Really, Tom? Yes, really. It all begins when I die. WHAT! Die? Yes, die. Actually, that's when I begin to live. Heaven. It's not a pipe dream or just a wish. By having accepted Jesus Christ, I have all the promises so vividly expressed in God's word concerning my eternal abode. In my new city of residence there will be streets of gold, no night, the warm glow of God's visual presence as well as a reunion forever with my previously departed family and friends. My dear Uncle Bob who died tragically when I was only 12. And countless other unfulfilled relationships. Talk about priceless!
I tell you the truth, there is no way to really understand the complete joy that is being planned for me in that wonderful place. So, tell me this? If all of that is true, then why do I hesitate to go there just now? Good question, glad you asked. I think if we could all just go to sleep one evening and wake up in Heaven the next morning, we'd all be tempted to go. Well, especially when dark days and times approach. Ah, that is the thing we secretly think about, is it not? But as you well know, we are so attached here to our loved ones; family, friends, hopes and desires yet unfulfilled in this life. You could probably think of hundreds of other great reasons why God sustains our lives here. But that day will come soon enough.
Now then, regardless of the great times you've had on this planet. Regardless of your unfulfilled dreams; make sure you have your reservation! Let's plan some good times together! If not here...then there for sure. God Bless You!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Prime of Life
We've all heard the expression, the "Prime of Life". What does it mean? For most of us, I think it simply means the younger years where health, appearance, vigor, and general life outlook is at the best. If we're over 40 or 50, and observe younger perfect physical specimens in their 20's or even 30's, we often wish we could go back to those years, especially with the knowledge about life that we now possess. I often notice film actors early in their careers and wonder if, when they reach their golden years, if they have that same wish. That wish to look and feel young and vibrant again. I look at myself. My background photo on my space was taken in the "younger" prime of my own life when I took a 10 day trip to Hawaii. "Oh", I say to myself...."to look and feel that great again" But it's not possible. Or, is it? Is there really some type of "fountain of youth" elixir, potion, or other process that could keep me young or even return me to my "prime of life"? Well, my friends, I am happy to report to you, to all of you, that yes, in fact, there is a way to return to our prime of life and live in that happy state....FOREVER!
Now, hang on and receive the way to that eternal prime state of existence. It will not disappoint. It will not deceive. And once there, one can never be removed from that life. It is the eternal life that is provided, arranged, and given freely to all who will receive Jesus Christ as the Lord and Master one's Life. There IS life after death in Jesus. There is a renewing of our old physical body and mortal state of existence when, not if, He takes us to Heaven to live with Him forever. He said in His Word that He came to offer life, and life abundant!
Okay, now perhaps I've lost most of you, I'm sure. But regardless of how you feel about such things, these things are true. Your personal belief, one way or the other, will not change these facts.
If you would like more "factual" information about how to obtain this eternal life, send me a message and I'll give you simple steps to this abundant life. I WILL tell this though....one must die to receive this new life. But, as nature so vividly tells us, death often brings new life. Here in Chicago, my lush green lawn dies every winter...but in early spring, it rebounds to that fresh, green state of life again. In a similar but more exciting way, death as a true follower of Christ brings eternal life as we receive a "New and Improved" body that will clearly reveal to all that we have been transformed to our "Prime of Life". Oh, there is an alternative; but, you would not want that under any circumstances.
You may have missed out on many wonderful and great opportunities in life, like being best friends with your favorite movie star or getting front row seats to a Barbra Streisand concert with a private party afterwards....but you don't have to miss out on the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to you.
I've made my plans for the prime of life forever. Have you?
Have a blessed day....but more, a blessed LIFE!
Now, hang on and receive the way to that eternal prime state of existence. It will not disappoint. It will not deceive. And once there, one can never be removed from that life. It is the eternal life that is provided, arranged, and given freely to all who will receive Jesus Christ as the Lord and Master one's Life. There IS life after death in Jesus. There is a renewing of our old physical body and mortal state of existence when, not if, He takes us to Heaven to live with Him forever. He said in His Word that He came to offer life, and life abundant!
Okay, now perhaps I've lost most of you, I'm sure. But regardless of how you feel about such things, these things are true. Your personal belief, one way or the other, will not change these facts.
If you would like more "factual" information about how to obtain this eternal life, send me a message and I'll give you simple steps to this abundant life. I WILL tell this though....one must die to receive this new life. But, as nature so vividly tells us, death often brings new life. Here in Chicago, my lush green lawn dies every winter...but in early spring, it rebounds to that fresh, green state of life again. In a similar but more exciting way, death as a true follower of Christ brings eternal life as we receive a "New and Improved" body that will clearly reveal to all that we have been transformed to our "Prime of Life". Oh, there is an alternative; but, you would not want that under any circumstances.
You may have missed out on many wonderful and great opportunities in life, like being best friends with your favorite movie star or getting front row seats to a Barbra Streisand concert with a private party afterwards....but you don't have to miss out on the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to you.
I've made my plans for the prime of life forever. Have you?
Have a blessed day....but more, a blessed LIFE!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Our Journey Began With A Trip To Las Vegas
It was 1977. Sheila and I had just sold our house in Memphis. Without seriously thinking of what we were doing, we gave ourselves ten days to load the U-Haul truck and trailer, drive to Las Vegas, find a house, buy the house, close, move in, and return the trucks. All in just ten days! We actually did it in nine days. Well, God did it. Here's what happened.
Days one through four. After a difficult four day trip, we arrived in Las Vegas without ever having been there. The only people we knew were two couples we had known while attending The University of Memphis. Gary was working as a trombonist at the Riviera Hotel. His wife, Susan, was not working. Andy was playing his trumpet around town in jazz joints hoping to secure a job with one of the hotel bands as had Gary earlier. His wife, Cathy, was attending dealer's school. We saw both couples that first evening but not much afterwards except for an occasional dinner out. The only other "person" we knew was God. And He was enough, for sure.
On day four of our 10 day adventure, when we met with a real estate agent, we were almost laughed out of the city when we admitted having only $3,000.00 with which to buy a house. In fact, had we had $10,000 we might have been able to secure a "fixer upper" house. We spent the day looking at two or three, most of which had no doors, windows, or working plumbing. After leaving that agency somewhat embarrassed, we finally made a call to an agency we had previously contacted by mail before leaving Memphis. On day five, we met a wonderful lady but she had not anything different to show us from the first agent. While sitting in her office, the three of us pondered what to do next. Two choices were clear; return to Memphis or wait for a miracle to happen. Shortly after silently praying for wisdom and mental healing, the agent's nephew, a new graduate from real estate school with only one account to his portfolio, walked into our agent's office with an announcement. His one client who wanted and desperately needed to sell his small house, had just changed his requirements for the sale of his house. He now required only $3,000 for a down payment and would carry a huge 2nd mortgage for the buyer with a monthly payment of $300.00. It took all of 5 seconds for our agent to ask if we'd like to see the house. Having absolutely nothing else, it took us about 4 seconds to say, "Can we go right now?"
It was night time on that fifth day when we arrived at the very small house at 1708 Leslie Ave. Our heart sank as we viewed a green house with grass as tall as the front door. I had to almost carry Sheila from the car to the front door. You see, we had sold a house with 3,600 square feet and were now considering a house with about 900 square feet. I remember Sheila saying, "I will never live in that house!" On the way back to the hotel we began to doubt ourselves about our most recent decisions. We did not doubt God. He never makes a mistake; people often do. After calling Sheila's mother back in Memphis, she assured us that we all knew God had directed our move to Las Vegas when all others felt it was wrong. We prayed with her and fell asleep, so worn out physically, mentally, and for sure, spiritually. Thoughts of what to do next were quickly erased by God's divine application of deep and peaceful sleep.
The next morning, day six, the sun was so bright and cheerful as we made the decision to see the house one more time, knowing it was the only house in Las Vegas available to us. Upon arriving at the house, we began to see possibilities. The grass could be cut; the house could be painted; and the back yard was surrounded by a tall brick wall. There was no garage but the house, though very small, could be decorated. So inspired by these factors, we made the deal. Our agent took our offer to the owner and requested a quick close. Throughout day six, the owner had some concerns due to the fact that neither Sheila or I had a job. But the agent spoke highly for us and he relented. We went to the title company on the morning of day seven, signed the papers, got the keys, and checked out of our motel that afternoon. Although it was only the two of us working, we began unloading our truck and trailer and finished up the morning of day nine. By noon we had returned the truck and trailer to the location designated and suddenly realized that we had done this all in nine days with one day left over. Thank God! With God there is always more than enough.
I said all of that to say this: When God is directing, things just work out. What God did for us is simple but also hard to understand. He blinded us to the reality of how impossible a task we had. We never even considered how difficult it would have been to do all of what we did in just 10 days. Miracle? You bet! Were we thankful? What do YOU think? This event in our beginning days of ministry have continued to inspire us for the last 31 years. I hope it can be of some inspiration to you.
Days one through four. After a difficult four day trip, we arrived in Las Vegas without ever having been there. The only people we knew were two couples we had known while attending The University of Memphis. Gary was working as a trombonist at the Riviera Hotel. His wife, Susan, was not working. Andy was playing his trumpet around town in jazz joints hoping to secure a job with one of the hotel bands as had Gary earlier. His wife, Cathy, was attending dealer's school. We saw both couples that first evening but not much afterwards except for an occasional dinner out. The only other "person" we knew was God. And He was enough, for sure.
On day four of our 10 day adventure, when we met with a real estate agent, we were almost laughed out of the city when we admitted having only $3,000.00 with which to buy a house. In fact, had we had $10,000 we might have been able to secure a "fixer upper" house. We spent the day looking at two or three, most of which had no doors, windows, or working plumbing. After leaving that agency somewhat embarrassed, we finally made a call to an agency we had previously contacted by mail before leaving Memphis. On day five, we met a wonderful lady but she had not anything different to show us from the first agent. While sitting in her office, the three of us pondered what to do next. Two choices were clear; return to Memphis or wait for a miracle to happen. Shortly after silently praying for wisdom and mental healing, the agent's nephew, a new graduate from real estate school with only one account to his portfolio, walked into our agent's office with an announcement. His one client who wanted and desperately needed to sell his small house, had just changed his requirements for the sale of his house. He now required only $3,000 for a down payment and would carry a huge 2nd mortgage for the buyer with a monthly payment of $300.00. It took all of 5 seconds for our agent to ask if we'd like to see the house. Having absolutely nothing else, it took us about 4 seconds to say, "Can we go right now?"
It was night time on that fifth day when we arrived at the very small house at 1708 Leslie Ave. Our heart sank as we viewed a green house with grass as tall as the front door. I had to almost carry Sheila from the car to the front door. You see, we had sold a house with 3,600 square feet and were now considering a house with about 900 square feet. I remember Sheila saying, "I will never live in that house!" On the way back to the hotel we began to doubt ourselves about our most recent decisions. We did not doubt God. He never makes a mistake; people often do. After calling Sheila's mother back in Memphis, she assured us that we all knew God had directed our move to Las Vegas when all others felt it was wrong. We prayed with her and fell asleep, so worn out physically, mentally, and for sure, spiritually. Thoughts of what to do next were quickly erased by God's divine application of deep and peaceful sleep.
The next morning, day six, the sun was so bright and cheerful as we made the decision to see the house one more time, knowing it was the only house in Las Vegas available to us. Upon arriving at the house, we began to see possibilities. The grass could be cut; the house could be painted; and the back yard was surrounded by a tall brick wall. There was no garage but the house, though very small, could be decorated. So inspired by these factors, we made the deal. Our agent took our offer to the owner and requested a quick close. Throughout day six, the owner had some concerns due to the fact that neither Sheila or I had a job. But the agent spoke highly for us and he relented. We went to the title company on the morning of day seven, signed the papers, got the keys, and checked out of our motel that afternoon. Although it was only the two of us working, we began unloading our truck and trailer and finished up the morning of day nine. By noon we had returned the truck and trailer to the location designated and suddenly realized that we had done this all in nine days with one day left over. Thank God! With God there is always more than enough.
I said all of that to say this: When God is directing, things just work out. What God did for us is simple but also hard to understand. He blinded us to the reality of how impossible a task we had. We never even considered how difficult it would have been to do all of what we did in just 10 days. Miracle? You bet! Were we thankful? What do YOU think? This event in our beginning days of ministry have continued to inspire us for the last 31 years. I hope it can be of some inspiration to you.
Directed From Above
When anyone is called by God to service, there are three decisions that can be made. First of all, there is the answer back to God, "No". With that decision comes the unenviable result of living one's life outside of the godly covenant of protection, guidance, equipping, enabling, and eternal reward. But there is also added to that decision certain other results, to wit, the knowledge and belief that God does not know what is best for that life. How sad that the person who says "no" to God must also arrange their own life without the best blessing that God had intended? And yet, God, in His divine mercy, often strives to bring that person to a submissive state that will yield a different answer; yes. The justifiable methods of God may include but are not limited to hardship, illness, financial stress, and a general lack of peace in one's life. The person who continually chooses to ignore God in spite of God's wooing and calling is destined for an unfulfilled life.
There are two other choices that can be made when God calls. There is the "yes" with limitations. Yes, I'll follow as long as it is comfortable, non-threatening to family affairs, and limited to certain fields, tasks, and/or locations to which the call might require. This "yes" is not unlike a "no" answer. For all practical and spiritual purposes, this yes answer is, in fact, a no.
Finally, there is the "yes". Yes, I will follow, yes, I will go. This is the most intriguing of any of the answers to God's call. Why? Simple; it opens Heaven's bountiful blessing for the person called and begins for that person a journey that will never end. This journey begins in this present life and continues throughout eternity as God directs this life forevermore. It is to this decision that I will speak for it is a decision that I made in 1966. As I write today, it is 2008. Simple math reveals that I have been on this journey for 42 years. And today I am rich beyond belief, full of peace and joy, strength and health, prosperity and fullness, that has continued unabated for more than four decades. Well, almost. I say almost because there have been countless times when I had no idea whatsoever what was coming next. There were many times when finances were strained, peace was a pipe dream, health seemed at an end, and joy was not to be found. Such is the life at times for the called of God.
Volumes could be written and consumed without ever touching all the great reasons why the call of God is often a hard struggle laced with unbelievable pressure to give it all up for a more reasonable lifestyle. Even today as I dropped in to do a bulk mailing for our church, the thought came to my mind; "Look at those postal workers; civil servants who work for the government for perhaps 25 or 30 years, have great benefits all that time and retire with a very nice pension plus social security." Really? What may appear to me on the surface may not be true in reality. And yet, from time to time, this thought tries hard to be implanted in my mind. It is attempted in most instances by the enemy of my soul who raises the question, "Has it been worth what you have given up?" When my mind clears, I understand and say, "Yes, it has been worth it all and there is more blessing to come." I will give an example.
When the Lord first called me in 1966, I had not the immediate inclination or motivation to do anything except tell my future wife and my senior pastor, James Hamill. It happened like this. I was singing as part of the 90 voice sanctuary choir at First Assembly of God in Memphis. During a choir festival one Sunday evening, I felt an undeniable presence of God in my spirit. God called me to a life of full time service. Music was to be the concentration. That was it. No when, where, or how. It would take several years to fully understand why God said only that. I would eventually learn that God provides the when, where, and how. What God wanted from me was the answer. My answer was yes. Later in life I would come to know the national anthem for the called of God.
Lead me Lord, I will follow,
Lead me Lord, I will go;
You have called me, I will answer.
Lead me Lord, I will go.
God has guided me for all of my life, not just the four decades of full time ministry. I first began to learn of this "guiding" after completing two and a half years of service as a United States Navy musician. My final year and a half was to be spent at a location of my personal choosing, guaranteed by my previous good service to the military. Being from Texas, I choose the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi which had a navy band attached. I was assured by my supervisory orders that my assignment was fixed at that location. However, when the final orders came down attached to my travel documents, my new assignment was to be the naval air station in Memphis, Tennessee! How did that happen? God. Why did that happen? Only God knows all the answers but some of the evident factors were that He wanted me to come back closer to Him. The place he chose was Memphis, home of the First Assembly of God. What was there for me? Among many other things were my future wife, Sheila, this great church with a music department that took me in and made use of my talent, and, Paul Ferrin, the Minister of Music who nurtured me, taught me, and loved me back into church life. And it was right in the middle of this church life that God choose to call me to full time service. And still today, I serve gladly this great God Almighty who always makes the heart glad and full in spite of the difficulty of life. In my next blog entry, I will give some great examples of how He has led my family and me to places never imagined. What a miraculous and wonderful life it has been; and it continues to be so. I will also show how that to follow the Lord completely, timely miracles are sent to show the servant that this wonderful journey is a path created by God alone.
There are two other choices that can be made when God calls. There is the "yes" with limitations. Yes, I'll follow as long as it is comfortable, non-threatening to family affairs, and limited to certain fields, tasks, and/or locations to which the call might require. This "yes" is not unlike a "no" answer. For all practical and spiritual purposes, this yes answer is, in fact, a no.
Finally, there is the "yes". Yes, I will follow, yes, I will go. This is the most intriguing of any of the answers to God's call. Why? Simple; it opens Heaven's bountiful blessing for the person called and begins for that person a journey that will never end. This journey begins in this present life and continues throughout eternity as God directs this life forevermore. It is to this decision that I will speak for it is a decision that I made in 1966. As I write today, it is 2008. Simple math reveals that I have been on this journey for 42 years. And today I am rich beyond belief, full of peace and joy, strength and health, prosperity and fullness, that has continued unabated for more than four decades. Well, almost. I say almost because there have been countless times when I had no idea whatsoever what was coming next. There were many times when finances were strained, peace was a pipe dream, health seemed at an end, and joy was not to be found. Such is the life at times for the called of God.
Volumes could be written and consumed without ever touching all the great reasons why the call of God is often a hard struggle laced with unbelievable pressure to give it all up for a more reasonable lifestyle. Even today as I dropped in to do a bulk mailing for our church, the thought came to my mind; "Look at those postal workers; civil servants who work for the government for perhaps 25 or 30 years, have great benefits all that time and retire with a very nice pension plus social security." Really? What may appear to me on the surface may not be true in reality. And yet, from time to time, this thought tries hard to be implanted in my mind. It is attempted in most instances by the enemy of my soul who raises the question, "Has it been worth what you have given up?" When my mind clears, I understand and say, "Yes, it has been worth it all and there is more blessing to come." I will give an example.
When the Lord first called me in 1966, I had not the immediate inclination or motivation to do anything except tell my future wife and my senior pastor, James Hamill. It happened like this. I was singing as part of the 90 voice sanctuary choir at First Assembly of God in Memphis. During a choir festival one Sunday evening, I felt an undeniable presence of God in my spirit. God called me to a life of full time service. Music was to be the concentration. That was it. No when, where, or how. It would take several years to fully understand why God said only that. I would eventually learn that God provides the when, where, and how. What God wanted from me was the answer. My answer was yes. Later in life I would come to know the national anthem for the called of God.
Lead me Lord, I will follow,
Lead me Lord, I will go;
You have called me, I will answer.
Lead me Lord, I will go.
God has guided me for all of my life, not just the four decades of full time ministry. I first began to learn of this "guiding" after completing two and a half years of service as a United States Navy musician. My final year and a half was to be spent at a location of my personal choosing, guaranteed by my previous good service to the military. Being from Texas, I choose the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi which had a navy band attached. I was assured by my supervisory orders that my assignment was fixed at that location. However, when the final orders came down attached to my travel documents, my new assignment was to be the naval air station in Memphis, Tennessee! How did that happen? God. Why did that happen? Only God knows all the answers but some of the evident factors were that He wanted me to come back closer to Him. The place he chose was Memphis, home of the First Assembly of God. What was there for me? Among many other things were my future wife, Sheila, this great church with a music department that took me in and made use of my talent, and, Paul Ferrin, the Minister of Music who nurtured me, taught me, and loved me back into church life. And it was right in the middle of this church life that God choose to call me to full time service. And still today, I serve gladly this great God Almighty who always makes the heart glad and full in spite of the difficulty of life. In my next blog entry, I will give some great examples of how He has led my family and me to places never imagined. What a miraculous and wonderful life it has been; and it continues to be so. I will also show how that to follow the Lord completely, timely miracles are sent to show the servant that this wonderful journey is a path created by God alone.
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