My Wife's Favorite Season...

Archery season. (heavy on the sarcasm) A friend of mine calls it Divorce Season. It is approaching very quickly here in NW PA. It is my favorite time of year, weather wise. The cool, crisp mornings and evenings are a refreshing reprieve from the summer heat. I do enjoy getting out into the woods and the anticipation of what might walk near my stand. My tv viewing choices lean towards hunting videos a little more often than normal and my eyes drift from field to field as I'm driving down the road. I know Mom, I know, keep my eyes on the road, but I want to see where the deer are hanging out and if there are any tall antlers. If anyone was to ask what my hobbies are, I would have to say hunting. That's a tough hobby to have since it only comes around once a year, even though it does last "forever", as my wife would say. There is one thing I have to remember. Even though it is my hobby, and it is only around for a "limited" time, I have to keep my family as a priority. Especially since we recently had baby #2 and my wife is just getting back to work from maternity leave. The schedules change, routine takes over, and I have to get with the program. I say, after looking at this picture, that the program I better get with is target practice. That is a horrible group, but it'll have to do. The season is coming and I'd rather spend my available time in the woods than in the yard. Just remember, in the grand scheme of things, hunting season comes around every year. Your family may only be in the stage it's in for a little while. Make the "important" moments count.

Being conversational

It's now the time of year when a lot of churches are starting their small groups back up again. Most of them have taken the summer off. Their leaders are now receiving the study guides and workbooks for the curriculum. I love that my small group meets through the summer for those that desire and are able to, to keep those relationships strong. However, I know this is not the norm.
If I could give all small group leaders any piece of advise, it would be this.
Remember that being relational is not just following along with the book. Know the gist of the questions to get the point across so that it can be more of a conversation. Leading a small group does not just consist of reading the questions. It's ok to allow the conversation to sidetrack. Allow people to talk about what's on their minds. Once conversation slows down ask the next question or one that will continue the current conversation.
I believe that if a small group has their emphasis on relationships as opposed to an emphasis on getting through the study, it will foster more growth; both physically and spiritually.

Here lies...

Here lies Donald Robertson. The picture of the gravesite that was taken by my Uncle Bill, states that beneath this ground is a veteran of the Vietnam War. And although that statement serves him well, I think there is more to say about the man. Yes, he was proud to serve his country in any manner. Unfortunately, I did not get to know my Uncle Don really well, but there are a few more things I'd like to mention. He was the youngest of 4 boys and would often have snow on his bed in the winter time. He was a Boy Scout to the core and he and his son Ian are both Eagle Scout award recipients. During a portion of his service in the Coast Guard, Don was stationed in Alaska and worked on helicopters. And behind every good man is his wife. Uncle Don married an amazing, sweet woman who became an M.D. and worked at family practices and even a University and in foreign missions. She supported her man as he pursued his passions including photography and bagpiping. He was very much an entrepreneur as he ran businesses out of his home. He was very good at both and played the bagpipes at mine and my brothers weddings. He and his wife also had two very talented children. His daughter Kirsten loved to dance and is a very gifted musician. Ian is also a musician, a skilled marksman, and an outdoor enthusiast.
There are many things about my uncle and his family that I did not mention and many more that I just am not aware of. But what I do know is that at some point in his adult life, he gave his life to Christ. Religion was something he was taught to keep quiet about. That was a personal matter. He attended a church that was pastored by a friend of his from his younger days and I imagine that one day the knowledge of Christ being our savior clicked in his mind. I know this because I saw the change in him. He is even partially responsible for getting me into ministry. He encouraged me to apply for a ministry position at his church and told me that he knew I would be great at it. I had felt God tugging at me to be in ministry but I just didn't think I had what it took. But my uncle saw it in me. Soon after that he was diagnosed with lymphoma. He fought long and hard but the cancer was too aggressive. I believe he went home to be with the Lord. I also believe that while his body may lay in that grave, his soul lives on in eternity with Christ singing praises to God our Father. Probably even playing Ode to Joy on the bagpipes. The stone my insinuate "here lies", but Christ says "here lives". Your soul can live on too. Your life can change as did my uncle's. God can forgive. My uncle wasn't perfect, but who is? Christ's blood can cleanse you too.