Supply Surprises

This past weekend, I got a few surprises. Most notably were the ones that revolved around filling in for my Father at the church where he is Interim Pastor. We shall get there in a moment.

We coupled the weekend with a Family Reunion at my Uncle & Aunt's home in Central KY. Some of the smaller surprises where those in attendance and how they had grown - some taller and others sideways and more rotund. It was good to be there with my extended family and remind each other of the love and support we share for the growing family.

Other surprises were first being asked to Supply Preach for my Dad. I have had the honor to do so twice now and the honor doesn't shrink with each repetition. However, this time it was the two surprises that came with the invitation that make me smile even as I am typing.

"The Building Formerly Known as JWKH"...Changed To a Christ Honoring Church

The First - which allows me to WRITE IN a bullet point on my Bucket List and Cross one off at the Same Time - is that my Dad didn't tell me I would be preaching in a former Jehovah's Witness building. The church bought and used the former building of a cult as their house of worship. Pretty neat how God used that in the life of that church, isn't it? Our God is constantly in the business of redemption. This was Amusing Surprise No. 1.


The Best Surprise is that since my father was away preaching in another location, the Chairman of the Deacons asked that My Mother introduce me. What a joy! She was nervous, more than I was, and we both shed some tears before she finished. Her intro was a wonderful mix of childhood stories on adventure, Biological Facts and how God has called me to the Ministry - the greatest adventure of all. Thanks, Mom! I love you!

Ephesians 6

Children and Parents

 ¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), ³"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."