Monday, January 26, 2009

He Loves Us

POWERFUL SONG AND TESTIMONIES. Don't ever forget what he has done for you. I have shared this across the internet and listened and watched a 1000 times. Don't ever forget how he loves us.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Fallen Heroes

Today I just finished listening to Bro Yonts II’s final message, Narrow, Inwards Looking Windows. It disturbed me how much his voice sounded older, weak and frail. I admit that its put me in a melancholy moment. I wanted to go home and lock the doors. I wanted to cry. I realized again how much I miss Bro Yonts.

In our mind’s eye, heroes aren’t meant to die. They aren’t meant to fall.

They aren’t meant to grew old or grow weak. Or fall wounded in battle.

They are meant to remain bold and strong, leading their troops into battle.

They are meant to stand tall and true. Unchanged by the winds of time.

Bro Yonts II has been a hero to me.

I remember you as the PE instructor of Midway Christian Academy and teaching us how to play baseball and football. I remember when you and Bro Solberg tried to drench the entire school by pouring water off the top of the roof. I remember your ugly round, bottle-cap glasses.

I remember Bro Y as my youth pastor when I was a young, sarcastic teen. I remember the times when the youth group would all be invited to come over to his house on Weimar Street and watch movies and play board games. Other times, when un-invited, would TP his house and car. I remember your ugly red Yugo. I remember Sis. Y’s cat Trooper and the time Eric M wanted to shave “RA” in it’s fur. I remember when Trooper ran away; Sis Y was so sad. I remember Bro Y’s Trooper Jeep that he was so proud of. I remember the many Friday night rides home (I only lived a few blocks from the Yonts at the time). I remember reading about your machete-wielding neighbor across their street (I think I still have the news article).

I remember how you liked listening to the Winans, DC Talk and Bryan Duncan. I remember how much you liked deer hunting (the only real reason to ever miss church, huh? haha). I remember the story about how you cut off your hand in Atlanta. Apparently I followed your bad example by accidentally cutting off one of my fingers years later. I remember you telling the story about how you first met Sis Y in Atl and lost your sweat pants playing football! I remember your message “The Key” – I still have the key you gave me almost 20 years ago now - I’ve shared your lesson with many people since, young and old alike. I remember you always scrapping with me, John & Jerry S and Eric M. I remember how much I hated selling cases of that stupid candy (I think one year I just bought a case and half, just so I wouldn’t have to sell it). I remember when you’d tell us to “defer to our brothers” even for something as simple as picking whether to go to Taco Bell or Burger King. I remember when the youth group got kicked out of Burger King. haha

I remember some of your youth messages and when you’d take the RA on trips and to youth services. When you came out into the church sanctuary wearing a gorilla mask, jumping around to the music of Geoff Moore music “Evolution Redefined”. I remember your small, cramped youth office barely big enough for a desk and two chairs. I remember all the times you’d come play Capture the Flag with us at City Park (before the cops told us we couldn’t play there anymore), even if you were tired or Sis Y wanted to go home. I remember the RA youth. The ski trips. The old broken down bus; when you accidentally, hmmmm maybe purposely, left me at a gas station on the way to Whitecap. I remember the Shire. I remember the Pink Elephant story you told one time us on a ski trip. I remember the RA ski video License to Ski. I remember the time the RA got in trouble for watching a PG13 movie License to Drive after youth group. Bro Lemke got so mad! haha

I remember when you were still strong enough to play the drums and the saxophone. I remember when you left the first time to go evangelize. I remember when you came back as pastor. I remember your conversation when you encouraged me before I left for JCM (I still have what you said). I remember when you and Bro Sharp came and visited me after BOTT. I remember when you shared what Bro Clark told you about me. I remember when you called me late one night after I left you a voicemail about being scared for my safety. I remember being the first one from Appleton to see Lily in Tupelo, MS. I found out that morning you were in MS and we drove 4-5 hours to get there just in time for your altar call. Thank you for paying for our meals, so me and Waylon wouldn’t starve. I probably didn’t have $5 to my name at the time.

I have many memories of my hero: many good, some bad.

I think some of the lessons we’re meant to learn from our heroes is:
a) Make every day, every step count – “As if it were your last”
b) Remember the important things in life – keep your priorities in check
c) Remember times change, people change, seasons change. Life is composed of change.
d) You can learn from everyone – sometimes the good, sometimes the bad
e) Be passionate about God, about family, about church family and reaching the lost
f) Always stay in the Word, prayer and worship – don’t ever let yourself become complacent
g) Ohhhhh and as you most eloquently told me “Don’t date ugly chicks” haha
and many, many, many more…

I haven’t forgotten.

I remember feeling prompted to call you in Nov 2007. I regret not calling.

We’ll talk again soon enough. I do miss you alot.

As if it were your last…

Tim