Are your dreams and aspirations like the morning fog, evaporating and fading away before your very eyes? Sometimes you only have one chance to go for them, but it is your choice, there is no one to blame for the regrets except yourself.
The above is something I felt inspired to write this morning as the sound of thunder awoke me. Recent foggy mornings and events in my life have also caused me to think a lot lately. Am I satisfied with following after my own dreams of a unique and different ministry?
I have to tell you, I am, despite the difficulties, the uncertainties, the anxieties that sometimes exist, I know I and in essence, many of you have been a part of a work making a difference. I am excited about that; I am honored to know people have been touched by some of the things we have done.
I used to get the big head; I think a part of that came from my need of recognition. My book, The Keystone Kid talks some about that, but my Father in Law, Ed Erwin, (EW) reminded me once about the heavenly jewels and crowns we obtain from our work here on earth. He reminded me, that while our honors, recognition, lives, and people we touch and are a part of the blessings; they will result in stars in our heavenly crown, a crown we will lay at the feet of Jesus. Over the years, the more I have thought of this, the more I know the truth of that. It isn’t for us, it is for Jesus!
It’s all about Jesus. He loves each and every one of us. He loves enough to give us dreams, and aspirations. My dreams and aspirations involved making a difference in the lives of people who had a similar background as me. I am excited to see that take place, but it isn’t about me, it is about Jesus, because he loves the downtrodden, the hurting, the sick, the lonely, the abused, the person who needs a job, or a car, or the person we many may consider unlovable, God loves them, and through the sacrifice of his son, showed his love. It is for him because he gave all of those things to me; I want to give them back to him. I want to honor not just him, but the life he gave me. To have the opportunity to do that for the one who gave us life, then pass the opportunity off is something I just don’t understand, yet people do it all of the time. I think it is where we have to make the decision, who are we living for, and how far are we willing to go to share that love. It isn’t a requirement, it isn’t per say a mandate, but it is the place we find the reason of our being, the reason of why we were created. Life without knowing that for me wouldn’t be life, it would be existence, and at least for me, that wouldn’t be a place I want to be. What are your dreams? What are your aspirations? Do you realize God wants you to experience those things? Despite the crazy attitudes people may have towards your dreams, why not go for them? Do you realize that place, that purpose, may be the very place God wants you to experience the totality of life? Talking about my Father in Law, EW who is in heaven with Jesus now, I write about his brash attitude in my book. He would tell you what he thought and have no hesitation about it, often times at the embarrassment of those around him. I remember one time in particular at Myrtle Beach South Carolina, he ordered a steak at a seafood restaurant, he went on to complain to the waitress and hostess how it was the worst steak he had ever eaten. I laugh now, but it was embarrassing then, after all it was a steak at a seafood house. He let me have it a few times, once in a pretty harsh way when Mary Jane, my wife, told him we were going to get married. Yet despite all of that, despite his demeanor, he was also the first and strongest supporter of me when I felt God calling me back to college in Hillsboro Kansas, and at a time that made no sense at all. ‘Boy, if you feel this is what God is calling you to do, you better do it!’ I appreciated those words of wisdom, especially when hearing Bill, his son once talk about his regrets of not going into the ministry like he felt God had called him to do.
Today, I guess I would challenge you, pray about, seek out appropriate wisdom, but by all means, don’t give up on your dreams. God has put a passion there; he has given you the ability and gifts to be the best at what he has called you to do. Maybe not in a comparative way with some other large ministry, but for someone out there, someone God loves with a passion, you may be the instrument that makes a huge difference. So after seeking out wisdom, praying about it, speaking to friends, and that type of thing, well then, remember the words of Ed Erwin, ‘Boy/Girl, if you feel this is what God is calling you to do, you better do it!’
There are many versions of this on YouTube, but I liked this one. To listen to the song Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown, just click on the following video. If the video don’t appear, just click on the following link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHW9FN6NOd4
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
What if you opened up a letter in the mail, and found a legitimate check for $11,000 that you weren’t expecting, what would you do?
I know that for some $11,000 isn’t much money, for others it is. There was a time I had money, for most of my life, being involved in the work I do, I haven’t. For me, $11,000 is a lot of money. A little over a year ago, while I didn’t open up an envelope, I did suddenly get $11,000. I knew immediately what I would use the money for.
In 2001 I made a decision that changed my life and the life of my family. It was a decision where I was fortunate to have my wife support me. While that was a life changing decision, I had been though those types of things before.
Shortly after graduation from college in 1985 I started working in Christian Music on a full-time basis. I had actually worked in some capacity of Christian music since around 1978. I loved this experience and truly valued the bands I worked with, both Christian and non Christian, many of them bands you have likely heard of. While there was some things about this experience I loved, and some impact I had, some say I was for example the first person to successfully put Christian Bands into non Christian venues, (In 1988, Rob Cassels Band according to Performance Magazine, was the top grossing band in North America in theaters 2,500 and under, The Judd’s and Blue Oyster Cult was also in the top 3, and we had 3 of the top 10 Shows in North America in clubs 800 and under.) Then in early 1989 I left that work and decided to use my education, so I started working in mental health rehabilitation through a program called Fountain House Clubhouses.
While working in clubhouse, I did pretty well, but here, as opposed to with the bands; I actually did well financially. I assisted in writing the International Standards for Clubhouses, helped train programs in Australia, Japan, and in states from Mississippi to New Mexico. I also presented at International Conferences, and had articles published on mental health rehabilitation in various psychiatric publications. I started in a program I love with a passion to this day, Gateway House in Greenville South Carolina, became the director of a program in Hendersonville North Carolina, and eventually the Executive Director of a new program in Tulsa Oklahoma. I also became a member of the International Faculty for Clubhouses, appointed and recommended by one of the greats and legends in the field, Rudyard Propst, and did consultations and certifications of various programs across North America.
For those that know me, I have always been careful about giving respect in sharing my faith, that doesn’t mean my faith isn’t important to me. But in 2001 I begin to contemplate something that hit home. I was involved in a vocation helping others obtain their goals, obtain their dreams. I learned that most people at the time near death state there was something they always wanted to do and not doing it or trying it was by and far their number one regret. I had always wanted to work in full-time ministry. Early in my life I made the commitment to work in a ministry where I could share Jesus with people. I begin to explore this as a possibility. I knew I had done ministry, but due to the respect for the laws, I was cautious about sharing my faith. As I contemplated this, my former staff, and many in the field I worked would tell you, I was reluctant to proselytize on the job in any way, and in fact didn’t do it. If others started a conversation related to faith, and on private time, then yes I would talk about my faith, but always in a respectful way towards the other person. For those that have known me over the years I will let my reputation here stand on it’s on, characteristics like this don’t change easily, neither has my approach. Yet, I got a job evaluation that stated, and I quote: “In that faith is a personal issue, under no conditions shall Mike ever share his faith with members and staff of Crossroads, nor shall he invite them to his church.” For me, that was not only an illegal comment, it was a sign it was time to leave.
After receiving this evaluation, (the only negative comment I had ever received in an evaluation) I knew it was time to leave and pursue my dreams. I had spoken to my staff earlier than this about the reality that I was looking at the possibility of leaving, and this was the preverbal straw that broke the camels back. It was difficult as over the years I loved this organization, I still do, but there were some individuals who shared untruthful comments regarding what had happened and why I was leaving the organization. Every other single staff person at that organization was eventually either fired, or left employment after I left. I have maintained a good relationship with most of those former staff, and many of the individuals who were a part of the organization, but despite the difficulties, sometimes we must make the decision to move on. Seeing as I had made the decision, was exploring with my church and friends the option of moving on, I decided to give a 3 month notice to help the organization work through the change and eventually left employment to pursue my dream of going into ministry.
My church at the time, Westport Mennonite Brethren Church near Tulsa Oklahoma, now Discovery One, was wonderful in helping me make the transition. I actually worked as a full-time volunteer as a pastor of Reach-Out and Evangelism for a period of months. A lot transpired, a lot of experience was gained, and God begin to open up doors. Eventually, the pastor of the church left, which was hard, but doors opened up for me in the area of ministry in Merced California, Benkelman Nebraska, at Willow Creek near Chicago Illinois, and at the smallest church in the bunch, a little inner city Mennonite Brethren Church started by World Impact and the Mennonite Brethren in Wichita Kansas. After a great deal of prayer, my wife and I decided to accept the position at United at the Cross in Wichita Kansas.
It was amazing how God worked all of that out. I had put back enough money, and had enough retirement income in stocks, bonds and mutual funds that I figured I could live for about a year and a half. Then September 11, 2001 hit and as most will recall, the market took a huge dive. If I could have left the money in the accounts things would have been fine, but, I was living on that money, I suddenly only had enough income to provide for six months as opposed to a year and a half. The money was quickly gone, but God opened up new doors.
I could share a lot of beautiful things about the church in Wichita. I could share heartbreak from a variety of perspectives, but I loved this church which eventually had to close its doors. They initially offered me a salary of $20,000 a year and I quickly realized they didn’t have that much money so had them cut my salary to $15,000 per year. A lot happened over the years and despite some warnings, and a prophesy from one of the individuals in the church, I believe the enemy had his way and the church had to close down. I claim the victories of that church through Christ. There were some things that were said, but over the years, I have remained faithful, the story has never changed, and those that were involved know about the tragedy and beauty of that little church. I learned through this experience, I could say what I learned, but I will leave that for now.
It was shortly before this time I begin taking the steps necessary to start up The Virtual Pew, again, God was on time. I don’t know why at times in my life God opens up the doors during the times he does, but his time always seems to be perfect. The original plan was for me to continue working at United at the Cross and develop a team approach to ministry. It would allow me to be more of a bi-vocational pastor and to assist and train others in the church to take on leadership roles. I had one individual I truly believed in then, and still do, but things happened, some my fault, others not, that had an impact; as a result, the church had to close. I went from the $15,000 in income to almost nothing. I knew I needed to move on with The Virtual Pew. Then again, God was on time. The week I left the church, I unexpectedly got a check for $10,000 which assisted in getting The Virtual Pew going and through that ministry a ton of ministry has happened, much of it with people who were a part of that church.
As many may or may not know my personal story, especially while growing up is filled with tragedy, yet I haven’t let that stop me. I firmly believe, although at times it is hard, that greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world. My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do. I have found these simple truths of scripture and the songs of children to be reaffirming.
Almost 2 years ago now, my mother came down with cancer. I realized my own need to make things right with her, to forgive her and to tell her I loved her. For those that know my story, this could only be done with the power of God and the leading of his Spirit. Despite what people know, or think, a friend of mine a number of years ago, Glen Kaiser told me that I was only able to love to the measure of which God gave me the ability. Over the years God increased the ability, but it wasn’t a quick or fast process. Somehow I found the ability to love and forgive though and made a point to do that. It was truly one of the most liberating moments of my life.
My mother, almost a year ago now died. I was at home in time to be with her prior to her death, and was with my sister for a few weeks during the process. It wasn’t easy, but people again, came through to find a way to financially allow my wife and me to be there, I don’t think I will ever forget the kindness of people. You see while I am still working with The Virtual Pew, I took on the position almost 2 years ago now of Mosaic Wichita. While I didn’t think I would ever take a pastor position again, this was one I considered because I believed so strongly in the vision and mission of this church.
I could go on, but some time ago I started writing my story in a book called The Keystone Kid. I explored some possibility of publishing it but was just either too busy, or unwilling to change the language in it that made the story real, and the way it was. When my mother died I realized the need to tell my story. Shortly after her death I received almost $11,000 from her insurance policy. It was then, I made the decision, especially after finding out more of her story, and she would make it possible for me to tell my story. With the $11,000 from my mother, and an additional $4,000 from savings, I decided to make sure my book was done right, along with some money for promotions, and enough to get the script for a movie and a short done to eventually be turned into a feature. The book, The Keystone Kid will be in hand in the next month to 2 months, and the short for the movie is to be complete by the end of July. We will shop the short and book to raise approximately $50,000 to raise funds for the full-length movie. My hope, my prayer, is this will be multiplied like fishes and loaves in regards to financial needs, but more importantly, in regards to souls, hearts and emotions of people. My hope is the story inspires and provides hope to the hopeless that have been through similar situations.
So the question that I started with, what would you do if you opened up an envelope with $11,000 in it, or enough money to do something you have always wanted to do? For me, it is clear, I used it and all of my savings an additional $4,000 to get a book published and work towards having a movie made. While I am currently $50,000 for the complete purchase and making of the film, I know, God is always on time. God’s timing has been perfect, I am praying, and believing, it is perfect again. If as in the past, God uses this experience to touch someone, even if only one person that is fine as each and every single person is loved by God. Many of us say that, many of us allude to that, I am not so sure many of us believe that, but know this, I do, you are important, and if God uses this story, my story to touch you, I am eternally blessed.
What would you do though? How would you make a difference? What kind of sacrifice would you make? One of the blessings I have had regarding the book is the advance reviews that have come in, my hopes, my prayers, and my desire to see tragedy turned to beauty is coming true. Thankfully others have been a part of that, and others will be, but that is my story, what’s yours?
The following is a video we through together to help raise awareness to the story. Just click on the video to watch, and if the video don't appear, click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7jX4gAFsiE
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Pastor Barney Fife comes to us today after a longer than desired absence to provide us another thought provoking, albeit brief sermon. Today’s message is on rules: Did you ever notice that religious people seem to have an awful lot of them? How do you respond to all the ‘rules’ that people put before you? Are there good rules? Are there bad rules? Are there ever unwritten rules? Are there even rules that people sort of make-up that aren’t really rules at all?
How do you think we should present the rules if there are rules? Are there good ways? Are there bad ways? Heck, do you ever wonder what the rules are for? I have to admit it, I wonder about these things and more all of the time.
You know in the Old Testament there are so many rules one quickly wonders if it impossible to live by those rules. It amazes me how some people encourage the enforcement of some of those rules, and then kind of ignore the other ones, you know, ones like sacrificing animals and even boiling and eating children. Then there are the rules in the New Testament, some say they were in addition to the rules in the Old Testament which kind of made things even more difficult. I have to tell you, I really like Jesus’ approach to all of the rules; he kind of like ol Barney Fife narrowed it down to two rules. Anyone know what they are? What are your thoughts on them? We’ll give it some time and see if people can come up with the 2 rules Jesus spoke about and then go from there. Now it is always expected, hoped for, and appreciated when you give your response.
To see Pastor Barney Fife talk about this, well just go click on the video below, if it don’t appear, just click on the link:
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Some may not know but The Virtual Pew has recently started a group at Facebook titled, TVP Weight Loss and Conditioning Group. The group is a way to help others follow through on those New Years Resolutions to loose weight and get into better shape. The group offers ongoing support for those desiring to get and stay in shape as well as much more. Members in the group are encouraged to help each other out, post healthy recipes and more. Individuals can find out more by the group by visiting the site and then reading the information page. You can also go to the discussion page to see posted recipes. Melinda Ledman from Hollywood Jesus is also contributing and allowing use of her Daily Diet Devotions with the group. Currently there are members from around the world participating. This wonderful opportunity is in part the type of thing hoped for with the initial development of The Virtual Pew. This is a way to make contact with others online and find common ways to support and help each other. To participate in the group you will need to start a Facebook account, if already using Facebook you will simply have to click the join button. To visit the group directly just click on the following link.
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Are your dreams and aspirations like the morning fog, evaporating and fading away before your very eyes? Sometimes you only have one chance to go for them, but it is your choice, there is no one to blame for the regrets except yourself.
It’s all about Jesus. He loves each and every one of us. He loves enough to give us dreams, and aspirations. My dreams and aspirations involved making a difference in the lives of people who had a similar background as me. I am excited to see that take place, but it isn’t about me, it is about Jesus, because he loves the downtrodden, the hurting, the sick, the lonely, the abused, the person who needs a job, or a car, or the person we many may consider unlovable, God loves them, and through the sacrifice of his son, showed his love. It is for him because he gave all of those things to me; I want to give them back to him. I want to honor not just him, but the life he gave me. To have the opportunity to do that for the one who gave us life, then pass the opportunity off is something I just don’t understand, yet people do it all of the time. I think it is where we have to make the decision, who are we living for, and how far are we willing to go to share that love. It isn’t a requirement, it isn’t per say a mandate, but it is the place we find the reason of our being, the reason of why we were created. Life without knowing that for me wouldn’t be life, it would be existence, and at least for me, that wouldn’t be a place I want to be.
