One Person at a Time...

Remembering Clyde...

My good friend Clyde, who has fought a valiant battle with leukemia over the past two years won the final victory this morning as he died to this life and joined all the saints who have gone before us to be with Jesus. I am reminded immediately of the Apostle Paul's encouragment to the Christians at Thessalonica when he said, "We do not grieve as the rest of men who have no hope." He didn't say we don't grieve. He said our grief is different from those who have no hope. I am deeply saddened by Clyde's passing. No one wanted to see the construction of our mission outpost at 127 Knoch Road more than Clyde. He was constantly encouraging me and challenging me to move the congregation forward with it. Clyde's love for Jesus erupted like a volcano through the process of disease that he has gone through these past two years. His faith and constant reliance on Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit through each up and down (and there were dozens of them!) was an inspiration to all of us who visited him at home or Shadyside Hospital were he lived many of his days since 2007. On Thursday when I have the honor of officiating at Clyde's funeral, it will be one of the easiest and hardest tasks to undertake. It will be easy because if I have ever been able to proclaim that a man belonged to Jesus, Clyde did! It wil be hard, because even though he was ready to go, and his body had been overcome by the disease, I will miss him a great deal. Clyde is one of the surest testimonies of God's grace I have known. By his own admission, he took many wrong turns along the way before letting Jesus be His Way. If anyone ever knew the meaning of grace, Clyde knew. And now he knows the fullness of that grace and the joy of being welcomed with his "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of your Master's kingdom." We DON'T grieve as the rest of the world, who have no hope, but we do grieve, and in our grief we proclaim: Thanks be to God who gives us the victory, through Christ Jesus our Lord!

Great Family Day!

The Marshall family was on the move today!  We started with a trip to Ross Park Mall, where everyone but Nancy got a new winter coat.  (In the past I would have said that we "saved" a lot of money, but now I'd say that we spent a lot less than the list price, because you never "save" money when you spend it!)  Then we went to Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall for a showing of "Annie."  We all loved the show.  Then it was to Monroeville for Abby to pick up AiJay's birthday present at Best Buy, and to dinner at Don Pablos.   After that the girls went into the Monroeville Mall for another stint of shopping.   I stayed in the car and settled down for a short winter's nap!  All in all it was another banner day.  I love investing time with my family.  God has blessed me in so many ways, but one of the greatest blessings is my three girls!

Christmas with the Family!

Yesterday was a great Christmas!  As always we enjoyed the day with just the four of us.  We started late--the girls didn't get up until after 10:00 a.m., and then followed our tradition of reading the Christmas story from Luke, opening presents and then having Christmas breakfast together.  After that we played board games, took naps, went to the movies to see Marley and Me (which we all gave two thumbs up!), then came home and played some more board games together.   Throughout the day we had the opportunity to laugh together, and during the movie to shed a few tears (no spoiler here, but there are some touching moments).  Nancy made a great Christmas dinner and it was a five-star day!

What's Your Stress Level???

The other night when we were out for our celebration dinner, Abby was telling about her weekly "report" to the GRD  (Graduate Resident Director), Abby's supervisor as an RA (Resident Advisor)  Each week the RA's have to rate their stress level from 1-10 (1 being low and 10 being high).  When Abby handed her report in the GRD started laughing.  Abby asked why.  The GRD said, "Every week I look at everyone's stress level and everyone puts down 8's, 9's and 10's.  Everyone but you--every week you are a 2.  How can you be a 2?  Abby's double majoring in business and psychology, working 20 hours a week at Olive Garden, and serving as an RA.  She also attends FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes--which is a little ironic, because now that she isn't playing BB at Seton Hill, she has time to be part of FCA!), and worships either at New Life or at a church near Greensburg, and her stress level's a consistent--2!!!  What's your stress level?  How does she stay at a 2?  She said it's easy.  She doesn't worry about anything until the last minute, then she focuses on getting it done, which doesn't give her time to get stressed out.  Then she goes back to not being stressed out!  It wouldn't work for everyone, and I don't recommend it, but she is one of the lowest stress people I've ever known.  As her Dad, I see one other thing she has going for her--she trusts that God is in charge, so she doesn't have to be.  We would all benefit from a healthy dose of that approach to life!

Behind the Scenes...

While Emmy and I will be having an "up front" role in Heather's wedding tomorrow, Nancy has been working behind the scenes for weeks.  She's doing all the flowers and bows for the wedding, as well as preparing and serving a lot of the food for the reception.  As I've watched and helped her over those weeks, and particularly today, when we got to "crunch time" I've thought about what a gift she has for hospitality and the artistry she has in the area of flowers, and how God has "SHAPE'd" her for such a vital role in the wedding.  Emmy and I will be visible, but Nancy's work will set the atmosphere for the service, and will certainly make the reception worth attending.  Each one who plays a part is so important, and I extend my kudos to Nancy for love displayed for weeks, and for a joy in the doing that is really what servanthood in Jesus' name is all about!

Working Together...

Tomorrow I have the joy of officiating at my niece, Heather's wedding.  The key board player for the service is Emmy, our younger daughter.  It is her first wedding in that role.  Tonight was her first rehearsal with me--our first time of "working" a wedding together.  It was a great experience.  We got there early to set up her keyboard and amp. Then we went through how the service flows.  She played through her songs, and I even sang a little Louis Armstrong, as she played "What a Wonderful World."  We worked at the right settings for "Jesu, Joy of Man's desiring," "Trumpet Voluntary," "The Wedding March," and the recessional music.  By the time everyone in the bridal party arrived Emmy was as cool as a cucumber.  We had fun together, and she was excited the whole way home.  I hope this is only the first of many opportunities for us to serve together in this way.  One of the things that caught me by surprise as we went through the rehearsal is that as Heather stood there with her dad  (Ernie, Nancy's older brother) beside her, and I started to go through the service, I found a little lump in my throat and catch in my voice.  As I looked over at Cindy, my sister-in-law, and saw her tears, they almost started flowing in me as well.  I realized that it isn't going to be that long before Abby and Emmy are going to be in Heather's spot, and I'm not ready for that---YET.  For now, I want to enjoy Emmy being in weddings with me--as the pianist.  That I can handle.  That I enjoy.  If you think of it tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. say a prayer for Chad and Heather as they start their life together, and offer a prayer of thanks that Emmy and I can be part of the event in meaningful ways.

The Fairman Reunion

We spent the day at the 73rd annual Fairman-Spence Reunion in Atwood, PA.  Being that I'm neither a Fairman or a Spence (although I married a Fairman 29+ years ago), I find that I'm as much a part of the family as anyone who started out not being a Fairman or a Spence can be.  I'm eligible to be the "President" of the reunion (and have been in the past!), and am entitled to all the privileges and responsibilities of being part of the family.  I got to join Neal McGinnis (who married a Spence) in beating all challengers in "Hillbilly Golf" (There were only THREE challengers!)  I got to join Emmy for four sets of Square Dancing!  And of course I got to eat way more than necessary for both lunch and dinner.  I threw the football around with two or three generations of folks who were younger than I.  It's still hard for me to realize that I am one of the OLDER folks at the reunion.  I attended my first one at the age of 18, and being 51, I see the children and in some cases grandchildren of the folks who were only a little older than I was when I started attending and say, "Wow!  Time really does fly--whether you're having fun or not."  I saw the family resemblance of some of the generation or two before me in their progeny, and it was actually a humbling thing to realize that we all leave legacies--physical AND spiritual, and that one day what will be left of me at the Fairman-Spence Reunion will be my children and theirs (if Jesus tarries), and whatever legacy--physical and spiritual I leave behind.  I said the blessing at both lunch and dinner today.  I used to share that opportunity with Uncle "Getty."  He would take one meal and I would take the other, but he wasn't there today, and because of age and declining health, he may not be at another reunion.  I know I'm waxing a little nostalgic here, but my point is simple:  I want to leave something behind that's worth remembering--that will only happen if I invest fully in NOW.  I heard one of the "older" ladies saying to one of the "older" men, "Look at Chris, he's having fun! Why don't you get out there and have some fun, too?"  (The implication was--He's OLD and he's having fun.)  Good question!  Whatever your age--have some fun, and make a difference--while you still can!

Under the Weather...

The past week has been a strange and exciting one.  First, the strange--I came back from Florida with a sore throat.  How does that happen when the weather's 95 degrees everyday?  Anyway, until today, each day I have felt progressively worse. (Some would ask, "Why didn't you go to the doctor?  Simple answer:  The symptoms were those of a cold and everyone knows there's no medicine for a cold AND every day I thought, "Surely, I'll feel better today.)  Hopefully, today's the turning point!  I'm still coughing like a chain smoker (which I'm not), but the stuff coming out of my throat is a less virulent looking color. (More information than you needed--I know.)  So, the blogging has taken a hit, because sort of like the "Fight or Flight Syndrome" taking effect, only the vital processes have been accomplished.  Today was a turnaround day in that regard as well, since I got a couple of sermons written and a week of daily bible readings.  So planning the work and working the plan is back in action.  Hopefully, that means regular posts until we leave for Mexico on July 5.

8th Grade Graduation!

Last night was Emmy's 8th grade graduation.  I have to say that I'm a little skeptical about all the graduations folks have these days--preschool, 5th grade, 8th grade-----I've only graduated 4 times in my life and I have a doctorate.  Even so, it was great fun to see Emmy receive the Amercian Legion award for courage, leadership, citizenship, and a couple of other things!  It's so hard to believe that this fall our YOUNGER daughter will be in high school, and the older one a sophomore in college!  Time goes way to fast, but I'm glad for what God is doing in our daughters lives, and for the opportunity to be a part of it!

Herbert and Doris

Tuesday was Herbert and Doris Baumann's wedding anniversary.  Nancy called to wish them a Happy Anniversary and to see how they're doing.  Herbert's 92 now, and Doris isn't too far behind, nevertheless, Nancy was surprised to hear that Herbert had experienced an "episode" about six weeks ago and wasn't able to speak.  When Nancy came and told me about her conversation, we were both upset.  They live in Cincinnati, so we couldn't just drop everything and go see them, right?  Right?  After all, it's nearly a six hour drive, and we have our schedules.  About half an hour later Nancy came to me again and asked, "Do you think we should go see them?"  We both knew the answer to that question.  Arrangements were made for Emmy to stay with a friend on Wednesday night, and we headed off to Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon.  We INVESTED the morning with Herbert and Doris on Thursday and found to our surprise--and joy--that Herbert CAN speak. He just can't always get what he wants to say out.  Probably a mild case of aphasia, resulting from his "episode."  Herbert and Doris were amazed that we would come just to see them.  [Some of you who think of me as only concerned about "young" people, might be amazed by that, too.] Actually, Herbert and Doris are really special to us.  They took us "under their wings" when we first started into the ministry.  We spent many hours at their home, and Herbert often talks about the time he and I painted their house roof (It's a steel roof that's painted bright red!).  That's now a couple of decades ago, but it's one of those memories that gets better with age.

On the way home Thursday afternoon, Nancy and I realized that you never regret the time you "took" to be with people you love.  You only regret NOT taking the time.  We also had the added blessings of getting to visit Nancy's Uncle Dave and seeing his new home; being WITH each other for about 12 hours as we drove to and from Cincinnati--which gave us the time to reconnect with each other, and to ponder what really IS important in life; and an unexpected phone call from Abby as we drove, which since there was no schedule to keep, was more leisurely and informative than sometimes.  Do you have any "Herbert and Doris" people in your lives?  When was the last time you visited them?  If it's been a while pick up the phone or even jump in the car and go INVEST some time with them.  The dividends are guaranteed!