Rob

Today I say goodbye to a great friend. Although it is not a complete goodbye. Rob's spirit will live with me for along time. I know I will see Rob again in heaven.

I met Rob back in 2001. I walked into a Wednesday night men's group that he was leading. One night he introduced me to the group as his co-lead for the group. He never asked me or talked about it with me. He just put it out there as a matter of fact. I think I was too stunned to say anything so of course he took that as a yes. I am not sure what possessed him to do that. All I can say is that I am glad he did.

I can remember many Wednesday night's giving him a ride home after group. We would sit in the driveway and talk. Talk about anything, meaningful talks and sometimes just nonsense. OK, maybe more than sometimes. They were all good!

I was honored to spend some time with Rob and his family this last week. The thing that struck me was there was not one person who did not KNOW that Rob loved them. Not a shred of doubt about that. You see, he not only told them but he showed it. He knew how to love and he knew how to say it. Maybe that was because he loved Jesus with all of his heart.

Rob was an encourager, he lifted people up with his words. I really think Rob had figured out how to live life from the heart. He was genuine and unashamed.

I know I am a better man because of the impact Rob has had on my life.

I am going to miss you Rob. I have been blessed beyond measure by your friendship.    

Till next time...

Terri

I have been doing a lot of reflecting on family lately. It is hard to believe that from humble beginnings back in 1979 we have grown to a family of 18. It is so exciting to have them all in the house as we celebrate Christmas today. It really is amazing to watch the Grandchildren as they enjoy the company of their cousins. I know I don't always show it but it brings so much joy to me.

As I think about that I think back to where it all started. I remember the night we met. Brian thought we would be a good match so he invited you up to Dad's station to meet me. I believe we were installing headers on his 69 Camaro.

I remember looking up and there you were. Absolutely beautiful.... I am not sure I remember what we talked about but I sensed something that night that I could not explain.

I never really liked Mexican food but I started making a number of trips to Zantigos. I remember ordering a hot dog the first time. I just know it was worth the trip just to see you.

Then came that day when I asked you to marry me. (I still feel bad about how I did that. You deserved better! I am sorry for that!) I thank God that you said yes even in spite of that.

I think about our wedding vows. For better or worse! I am better because of you. For richer or poorer! It really does not matter as long as I am with you. In sickness and health! I would give anything to take away your pain. 

You have blessed me more than you will ever know. I thank God for placing you in my life.

I am so looking forward to the rest of our years together.

I love you!

Mark

Till next time...

    

Election Night

I had to get away from the TV tonight.

Don't get me wrong. I care a great deal about the outcome of this election. I certainly have my opinions.

I am amazed about the amount of money we spend on these elections. We proclaim that we care about the jobless, the homeless, the people who are not quite as well off as others. But yet we spend billions on elections. Just imagine what that kind of money could do for the above mentioned groups.

Of course the ads don't do a thing to build up, to encourage, to spur interest in the process. No, they just tear people down. I would love to see ads that explain a candidates position and never mention the opposing candidate. I guess it just goes to show the old saying is right. "Tear somebody down so I can feel better about myself."

The sad part about all of this is that many Christians have bought into this style of politics. It is OK to tear somebody down, to call them names because they have a different opinion or value system than us. We are all God's children. He loves us all. Have we Christians become Pharisee's?

No matter what happens tonight I know that God is still on the throne. I know that Jesus will be seated to his right. I believe our God is greater than any politician, any system. That is where I choose to place my hope!

I do believe that we Christians must get back to Matthew 22:36-40.     

Till next time...

Men's Breakfast

I want to fill you men in on a great event. KFA'S Men's breakfast is this Saturday morning @ 8am. 

We will have a great breakfast served up by Chef Ruben. This will also be an opportunity for you to hear about the exciting things in store for you this year.

Our guest speaker will be Jason Hirsch. Jason is the lead Pastor @Northridge Church in Marshfield, Wi.

He was also an Assoicate Pastor here at KFA. He was the catalyst that started Ironmen Ministries back in 2000. Jason has a gift and a passion for developing men into the leaders they were called to be. 

I encourage you to come on out and bring a friend. It will be a worthwhile morning.

Till next time...

Grandma Rene Reassurance

I share this story with permission from my wife Terri.

Terri was able to visit with Grandma a couple weeks ago. She had fallen and was in the hospital. It was obvious that she was reflecting on her life. She talked about the good times and she talked about some regrets. I believe she was working thru these things to come to peace with them.

Here is what Terri and I find so exciting. Grandma Rene started telling Terri about her experience with Jesus. She saw Jesus in her room and Jesus spoke to her saying "I am coming back for you in a little while".

Jesus came as promised a couple weeks later. We could not ask for better assurance of where Grandma Rene is today. With Jesus in heaven!

It seems to me that Jesus has made this promise before. To all of us. Are you ready? Am I ready?

Jesus keeps his promises.

Till next time...

Grandma Rene

Grandma Rene went home to be with the Lord last week Monday. She was 97.

Rene was Terri's Grandmother. Many years ago Rene accepted me right into the family. She always made me feel welcome and a part of the family.

So many memories. She loved to talk baseball. She was a Brewers fan and I was a White Sox fan. That created some lively debates. We agreed on one thing in baseball. Neither one of us were Reggie Jackson fans. She would always say "he makes me so mad I could just spit"

She came to visit and help when each of our children were born. What a huge blessing that was.

She taught us how to can, make salsa, and the like. We had a mulberry tree in our front yard. I could not stand the mess it made in the yard. One day I came home to some homemade mulberry jam. I liked that tree after that.

I had heard that she was very good at the polka. I was blessed to watch her dance at the nursing home a few years ago. Still as smooth and graceful as ever.

She loved the marble game aggravation. She always had to have the white marbles and had a unique ability to roll box cars. She would play that game for hours. Of course so did we and we loved it.

We would always stop by the nursing home to see her on our way out of town. I really missed making that stop this time.

We are going to miss you Grandma but someday soon we will see you again. Wonder what it will be like to play marbles in heaven? Can't wait!

Till next time...

Day 90

On May 1st a number of men from KFA embarked on a challenge to read the Bible in 90 days. Today is day 90. I have read the Bible in 90 days.... Thank You men for the support and encouragement. It was an honor to go on this journey with you. I would love to hear from you regarding your experiences.

So, what did I learn?

I learned that God is faithful! OK, I had head knowledge of his faithfullness. After reading example after example of God's faithfullness I believe that understanding has moved into my heart.

I have so many thoughts running through my head right now that I can't figure out what to write. Totally lost right now. Who knows, maybe they will come out in future blogs. There is so much that I have read and learned.  

Here is what really excites me now. I know that God's word does not return void. What is God doing in my heart right now that I cannot see or feel? What is God doing that I don't know about yet? The knowledge is great but I am looking for heart transformation. And since our Gois faithfull I am sure he will oblige.

By God's grace I was able to conquer this challenge. I think most men love to beat a good challenge.

So what is next?

• Jump out of a perfectly good airplane?
• Climb Mount Kilamanjaro?
• P90X?
• Run a marathon?

Till next time...