2023....A YEAR OF CHANGE FOR ME

 

     Well, here it is!! The end of yet another year. Wow, time sure does fly by fast! I probably have said that my whole life but it really is true! Time sure flies by! I look back on 2022 with many fond memories, many challenges, many victories and yes even some defeats. All in all it has been a good year because God is good all the time! 

     I think about where I was on January 1, 2022. I was working one job with Chick Fil-A and I had just gotten over having Covid 19. Let's just say I kind of limped into that New Year not only with Covid but also with the beginnings of back problems. I know you all know the story how I got involved with my church etc. etc. so I won't go into all that. September 4, 2022 was a special day for me as I was installed as the Pastor of Outreach  and Children's Ministry at Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship in Rocky Point, NY. Lately however, I have seen many changes happening in my life. To start with, my landlady Jane went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, November 12. I was there with the family to say "Goodbye" to her. Jane was a second Mom to me and she will be missed. What I did not know was the financial troubles Jane faced. She was always very private about her life, her health and any challenges she was facing. Due to her financial difficulties, her house would be going into foreclosure which meant I had to begin looking for a new place to live. Let's just say Jane gave me a very sweet deal living upstairs in her home. I knew it would have to be a miracle from God to have that same sweet deal. I also continued to struggle with my back. Working at Chick Fil-A at 6 a.m. getting the restaurant ready was not helping me. I pleaded with God to help me either find a new job or help me find another part time job that was not physical. God provided for me a second part time job in a lawyers office as a Customer Service Rep! I will be working there Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Before anyone says "Your leaving Chick Fil-A???? NO!!!!! YOU CAN'T!!! Don't worry, I'm not. I'm working at Chick Fil-A Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. This all begins Tuesday, January 3rd! 

     Now, for the other change. God blessed me with a new place to live. I prayed, many family members prayed and many friends prayed! God answered our prayers on my behalf as I found an amazing place to live! And it's close to my new job! Change is good but to be brutally honest I was never good with change as a kid. I never liked it when my Mom changed the living room around or when the teacher in elementary school moved our desks. I was one of those kids who wanted everything to be the same. That's probably why I had a tough time moving from New Jersey to New York when I was 9 years old. As an adult I embrace change because I know God is at work! This leads me to say one last thing. There is one thing that never changes and that's Jesus. It says in Hebrews 13:8 - He is the same yesterday, today and forever! He will never ever ever change. Thank God for that!! 

     So I enter into 2023 expecting challenges, victories, defeats and more reasons to trust in God 24/7. I hope you all do as well! It's yet another year of writing more blogs for you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD'S BLESSINGS!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!

 

     Imagine July 4th without fireworks? Or how about Valentine's Day with no hearts? How about Halloween with no candy or Christmas with no decorations, trees, ornaments or lights? Or how about your birthday with no presents, no cake and not one person says to you "Happy Birthday?" Well, in my opinion this happens every December 25th! Before you get mad and say, "Yo, what are you talking about? Did you just say that on Christmas Day we are missing something?" Yes, as a matter of fact I am! On December 25th every year, we fail to celebrate the Birthday of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ! Now I can probably hear you say, "Sure we do! We have a nativity scene set up in our yards and we sing Christmas Carols about the birth of Jesus. Isn't that enough? In my humble opinion? NO! Please don't  get me wrong. I am not saying that we should not have decorations, trees, presents and lights. Of course we know all of that is a lot off fun. But is that what Christmas is about? 

     I often tell the story in many of my Christmas sermons about my Aunt Bea. She went home to be with Jesus on December 14th. My Aunt lost her sight when she was 23 years old. I will blog about her in January! Aunt Bea raised 6 kids, cooked, cleaned her house and wrote a book called " I walk by faith, not by sight." When one of my cousins was in Elementary school, they were in the chorus. Their school did a Christmas concert. Remember my Aunt is blind and could only hear the concert. The chorus sang songs about Rudolph, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. After the concert my Aunt asked her husband my Uncle Jim to take her to the front so she could speak to the chorus director. My Aunt politely spoke to the chorus director and said,"You had these kids sing songs about Rudolph, Santa and Frosty. How come you never honored the honored guest? Jesus?" I don't know what the chorus directors response was but I do know my Aunt was right. We have forgotten to give honor where honor is due. While many celebrate Christmas and ignore the true reason why we celebrate it, how about this year we change that? Let's remember what the real reason of the season is! The Birthday of Jesus Christ!! Happy Birthday Jesus!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FRIENDS!!! 

         

HERE'S ANOTHER REASON TO TRUST IN THE LORD!

 

     

     On November 12th my world changed.... well somewhat. I got a text from my landladies daughter inviting me to come to Stony Brook Hospital. My landlady and dear friend Jane was given a brief time to live. They believed her heart would stop very soon. I informed my Chick Fil-A leaders that I needed to go there to say goodbye to her. I got to the hospital at around 12:15 that afternoon and was able to be alone with Jane to thank her for how she has always blessed me and for providing me a place to live. I know one day I will see her in heaven! Her two kids and her daughter in law and I spent the next hour and 15 minutes with Jane telling her we love her as well as reminiscing about her. At 1:40 p.m. Jane went home to be with Jesus, her Lord and savior. One day soon I will write a blog in honor of her. Maybe after Christmas! 

     A few days after her death I realized I would need to find a new place to live. What I thought would be a few months became much sooner. I won't get into details about how or why but I learned that Jane and her kids would be losing her house. My first reaction was panic, fear and worry but I remembered the scriptures that say "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths!" - Proverbs 3:5,6. To sum it all up, I realized this was another reason to trust in the Lord!

     Many of you know I have been suffering through chronic back pain. It doesn't help that I work in a very physical job at a restaurant opening the restaurant 5 days a week, setting up an ice cream machine, lifting heavy boxes, lifting heavy tea buckets. Running around serving guests their food, making drinks, working a register...it's non stop. Many times I pleaded with God to help me find another job that is not stressful where I can sit and not run around like a crazy person. Another reason to trust in the Lord! God heard my prayer! Someone from my church let me know her job was looking for Customer Service Reps! It's a lawyers office and ...I GOT THE JOB!! I begin January 3, 2023. Another reason to trust in the Lord! I did trust and he answered me! 

     Last week I received a dreaded letter in the mail from the IRS. Again, I won't get into detail and please don't worry, I am NOT going to jail! My brother the CPA was there to help me out. Another reason to trust in the Lord! 

     I have never ever met anyone who has ever said, "You know, my life is so perfect and I have it all together. I am healthy, wealthy, wise and I have no problems whatsoever. Life is beautiful all the time and I have no reason to worry, fear or become upset because my life is so perfect!! Anyone who says this to me I always know they are living a lie! I know in my 58 plus years on this planet that life can be tough. Some days you might feel like you won the Lombardi Trophy and you are on top of the world. There are other days you might feel like you are running in the New York City Marathon and you are "that guy" who is finishing the race a day late. In reality you are in last place! I do appreciate when I get to have another reason to trust God. I know that probably sounds crazy to most people. I have always known that God will supply my every need. Notice I didn't say he will supply my wants. My Needs!! As we enter 2023, let's all continue to trust God when things are rough as well as when things get tough. It's worth it!!

SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEEK!     

CHAPEL

 

     On Wednesday, November 30th I had the wonderful privilege of sharing at the West Sayville Christian School Chapel. If there is one thing I have always loved to do, it is definitely speaking at any Christian school chapel service. I have been speaking at West Sayville Christian School since the spring of 1994! West Sayville is a small school but recently it has grown considerably. A few years ago it was in danger of closing it's doors but a generous donor gave the school a considerable amount of money to not only keep the school doors open, but also allow the school to expand to 12th grade! I was very happy to hear that news because it meant I would be able to continue speaking in their chapel! 

     My Chapel Speaking career began back in 1991 at Smithtown Christian School. I was only the Children's Pastor at Smithtown Gospel for about a month and I had been praying for the Lord to open a door for me to connect with our Christian School students. Low and behold the Principal at the time, Mr. Ed Parker came into my office and asked if I would be willing to speak at their schools chapel service. I said yes of course and we agreed on my first ever chapel speaking engagement to be on April 10, 1991. How do I remember that? That's easy to answer. I have kept a log book of every chapel I have ever shared on for the past 31 years! I'll even prove it by telling you what I spoke on!! "What is a Christian?" It went so well that day that I was invited back the following month. Speaking at the school helped me connect with the students of SCS! The following fall, Mr. Parker came in my office once again and this time he gave me a whole sheet to fill out with dates on it. "The kids love it when you speak, Pastor Dave. I think you should speak once a month!!" And that's what I did. Not just in the 1991-1992 school year but every school year up until 2013. The best part about these opportunities was that I had freedom to share on whatever I felt was on my heart. It gave me an opportunity to "test drive" different methods of children's ministry and teaching. You name it and I've tried it! Ventriloquism, puppetry, gospel illusions, costume characters. storytelling...the list goes on! This experience led me to share at other Christian Schools such as Copiague Christian Academy, Emanuel Lutheran School, North Shore Christian School and West Sayville Christian School. West Sayville is where I got the name "The Puppet Guy" which is what the kids still call me.

     I used to love at SCS when I would visit the kids in the cafeteria and they would ask me when I was speaking again. It felt good to know God was using me to touch their hearts. I would joke with them and ask them when they were going to speak in chapel! It also blessed me when some of the parents and my Children's Ministry Workers would visit chapel at SCS to hear me share. Whenever I shared I knew I was in my "element." I knew God was using me. I used to get ideas for my messages in the craziest places...the shower, walking home from church, driving in my car, in the middle of the night and cleaning out my garage. There was only one time that I got an idea in "the eleventh hour." I had no idea what I was going to share and prayed for an idea when all of a sudden "BEFORE BEDTIME God gave me a message. Another time I did get a call the night before from the Principal if I could share the next morning! I always appreciated the 3 Principals at SCS I worked with. Mr. Parker, Mr. Pedersen and Mrs. Golden. All 3 were so supportive of me. At West Sayville and at Emanuel Lutheran School they always gave me a specific theme and scripture verse to share on which I didn't mind. After I left SGT I continued to get calls from Emanuel and West Sayville. Emanuel closed it's doors unfortunately a few years ago. 

     On May 1, 2013 I did my final Chapel at SCS. It was in the sanctuary not in the school auditorium I was accustomed to. It was Grandparents Day in the school so there were many people there. Without going into detail of that horrible season in my life and prolonging it, I was not allowed to share that it was my last Chapel. I used Grandpa Lou and before that I did a Fun song "God is Working on me" by Christian Artist Rob Biagi. I had the motions to that song on the video screen and I will have to admit I got very teary eyed. I knew it would be my final SCS Chapel. Walking out of the sanctuary for the last time was difficult. In fact it was the last time I would ever minister in that sanctuary. 

     Sharing at West Sayville has always been the highlight of my year especially after I left SGT. I never had a problem taking a day off from work knowing I get to share and bear my heart to each student. It always brings me great joy to share the gospel and get to use my talents for the Lord. I am always asked to make sure I bring Grandpa Lou to chapel. One time I decided not to and boy I thought the kids were going to attack me! I certainly hope in 2023 and beyond I get more opportunities to share not only in school chapel services but at other churches. I am excited to see what God has in store for me!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!  

            

THANKSGIVING GETS NO RESPECT

 

     I have noticed one thing. For the past 5 years I have blogged the same opinion I have each year about the Thanksgiving holiday. So let me continue the same tradition! Thanksgiving is the Rodney Dangerfield of holidays. It gets no respect!! On November 1st this past year I walked into a Dollar Tree store and as soon as I entered I felt like I was in a Christmas shop! Christmas decorations everywhere!! Actually I noticed some Christmas merchandise was out a few weeks before Halloween!! That's unbelievable! It's as if we all want to rush straight for Christmas and avoid the Thanksgiving holiday. I even heard someone say "Well Thanksgiving is only one day while Christmas is an entire season!" I say "Hogwash!!"

     Please don't get me wrong. I know Christmas is fun and we all love the presents, the lights, decorating Christmas trees, watching Christmas movies and shows and singing Christmas carols. I always love watching the movie "A Christmas Story" a gazillion timeson Christmas Day. Ralphie might shoot his eye out! Thanksgiving is always overlooked. We all want to have that Christmas cheer but we don't want to give thanks. We only have one day a year to give thanks when we need to be thanking God every day for what He has provided for us. We should all thank God for the roof over our head, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the cars we drive and the jobs we have. I say this because I realize not everyone has a roof over their head, many starve and have no food to eat, some wear raggedy clothes, drive cars that are falling apart and unemployment is on the rise. I thank God every morning even after I struggle with back pain and it hurts getting out of bed. I thank Him for giving me breath and the opportunity to serve Him for yet another day. 

     So this Thanksgiving as you sit at a nice decorated table with a delicious turkey and enough food to feed 10 armies, let's remember to give thanks to the Lord for He is good!! He really is!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!  

THE WINDSHIELD & THE REARVIEW MIRROR

     During most of my morning and afternoon commutes to work, I will often listen to sports radio. I remember in 1986 listening to Art Rust Jr. on WABC an AM station at night. I used to laugh at so many listeners calling in with outlandish trade propositions. "The Mets should trade Dwight Gooden to the A's for Dave Kingman!!" WHAT???  I was very happy when WFAN began a year later because it meant sports radio would now be on the radio 24/7. Fast forward 35 years later and lately their is less talk about sports and more talk about other topics. Don't get me started on that. I'll save that for another blog down the road but not today!

     Last August I was listening to an interview with the Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin. My brother Mike is a die hard Steelers fan and growing up in the 1970's he enjoyed many Super Bowl appearances and wins by his team while my team, the New York Giants were cellar dwellers missing the playoffs every year and playing lousy football. During this radio interview, Mike Tomlin gave an analogy about his team and how he was reflecting on his teams previous season in 2021. He said in a nutshell "When we look at last season, we need to look at it as we are looking in a rearview mirror in a car. When we look at this upcoming season, we need to look at it as a windshield in that same car." That is not a direct quote from him but a paraphrased version of it. What he was trying to say really inspired me. When you are driving a car and you have the windshield in front of you, you have a clear vision of what's ahead and what's in front of you. You can see all the cars ahead of you, the street signs, the traffic lights and the road ahead. Coach Tomlin was stating it is very important to always look ahead because it is much more clearer than looking back. When you are in a car, it is hard to see what is behind you. Each car has this little mirror over your windshield that is called a rearview mirror. When someone is tailgating you, it's had to see who the perpetrator is. At night all you see are two headlights. What is more annoying is when they have their high beams on!! Each car has what is called a blind spot. I still laugh whenever I watch the movie "Back to the Future" when Biff tells George McFly, "I can't believe you'd loan me your car without telling me it had a blind spot. I could have been killed!" Every car has a blind spot and yes, there are times you want to merge onto a major highway and you might almost hit another car because you didn't see them moving up in their lane. Looking back in life should be just like that tiny rearview mirror. What is behind us or in the past is over with and done. It's time to look ahead.

     In my own personal life I have taken the approach to look out of the windshield in my "Car of life" and strive toward what is ahead. When you look at the political climate, the state our world is in and the hatred you see all across the world, it might seem very bleak and dreary. So why would anyone want to look ahead? Sure, the candidate I voted for Governor of New York did not win. In other races "the left" may have won but I take the approach that God is still in control no matter what. That is why I don't look at the rearview mirror and I also don't like discussing politics!. What happened in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and years before that are over with and done! Take a look at an example in the bible of someone who looked back. It is interesting that in Genesis 19, Lot's wife looked back at the destruction of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned to a pillar of salt. Why? She looked back! She didn't look ahead! She didn't see a bright future ahead of her, she only dwelled on the destruction that took place that was in the past. It is also interesting that she never had a name. She was always known as "Lot's wife." 

     No one ever drives a car looking out of the rearview mirror. If they do, it is obvious they will have a huge accident. You need to see what is in front of you in order to operate your vehicle. My challenge to everyone is simple!! Look ahead and not behind you. See the bright future ahead in your life and not the past that is over with and done! Look ahead!! 

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!!   

 

MISTAKES

 

     We all make mistakes! I have made several...okay...millions since I was born in 1964. I'm sure if all my mistakes were 1 foot long you would probably be able to wrap them around our world several times! I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect. Lately while looking at a pencil it got me thinking one thing. It's a good thing that pencils have erasers. You write or draw something and you make a mistake and then...you turn the pencil upside down and use the other end that has an eraser. I remember being very young trying to learn math and erasing answers to problems I had to solve. "What is 144 times 144? 20,136!! No? Erase that! It's 20,736! 

  

     I have found in life that mistakes are made but we can definitely learn from them. I have made personal, ministry and hard decisions my entire life and many mistakes. I think of some real doozies as a children's pastor that I have made. I once wanted to create a method of reaching the children of our town and created a program called "Super Saturday". The only problem was I was the only person excited about this idea and it failed big time. I even thought about renting out the Smithtown Movie Theater. Boy was that a lesson learned. Even personally at the age of 22 I remember buying a new/used car without having someone check it out for me to make sure it was a good car. Auto mechanic Dave (I'm being sarcastic) put too much oil in the car and guess what? The car lasted all of 2 weeks. Lesson learned! In sports, many baseball and football players have made mistakes. Ralph Branca, a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers had to live with for the remainder of his life giving up a game winning homerun to Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants in 1951. He made one mistake in the pitch he threw and the rest is history. On November 19, 1978, The New York Giants were leading the Philadelphia Eagles 17-12 with 26 seconds left in the game. All their quarterback Joe Pisarcik had to do was kneel down after taking the snap at scrimmage and they would have won the game. Instead, he tried to hand off to Larry Csonka and...oh no... a fumble!! Herman Edwards of the Eagles picked up the ball and ran into the end zone. Eagles win. My brother in law Dave was very happy and reminds me often of that mishap. Thanks Joe Pisarcik! After that game, the Offensive Coordinator of the Giants was fired and the coach was fired after the season was over. In game six of the 1986 World Series in the bottom of the 10th inning, Mookie Wilson of the New York Mets hit a slow ground ball to first base. Bill Buckner tried to field the ball but it went through his legs. The Mets won the game and eventually the series in 7 games. After he retired, Bill Buckner who actually had a very good baseball career went into hiding somewhere in Idaho to avoid the press and avoid being harassed by fans. These 3 sporting events just show you anyone could have made a mistake. What would have happened if Bobby Thomson struck out? Or if Joe Pisarcik ignored the play call that came in and knelt down? Or if Bill Buckner fielded the ball and beat Mookie Wilson to the first base bag? The results would have been different obviously!

     Recently I made 2 costly mistakes. Costly because I had to pay a fine. Both times I was driving on a busy road and both times a school bus stopped without me noticing the flashing lights. The second time was on Jericho Turnpike in Commack. Both times the State Comptroller sent me a lovely letter with pictures of my car showing me where I went wrong along with an invitation to send him money because I was a Bozo! Both times I was very mad at myself but also mad that a bus just HAD to stop on a busy road and I just happened to be passing by both times. I own up to the fact that I made a mistake and from here on in even when a bus stops with without flashing lights you better believe I pull over and stop. I'm running out of money!!

     I'm sure in this blog many of you will notice I make mitsakes in my various blogs! Ha! I'm sure you caught that one! I hope you, just like me learn from mistakes you make. I have learned recently to stop beating myself up from a mistake I make but to take a step back and try to learn from them. I have realized in my many years that I am not alone. Everyone makes mistakes! The key is always what we can learn from them. To conclude with yet another sports story, I recently heard a story about Jerry Rice. He was a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. After his team one one of their Super Bowls, instead of celebrating the very next day, Jerry Rice was outside at the team facility running passing routes and trying to stay in shape for the next season. Running passing routes? Your team just won a championship, Jerry? Jerry Rice explained that he wanted to work on a few mistakes he made during the big game. What a great example to us of someone who is humble enough to work on a mistake he made and look to improve on it!

     How about us? Do we have that same approach? Do we work on mistakes? Many times after I preach or do a kids program I will always watch and listen to how I sound on video. No, not because I think I am the most amazing preacher in the world and the greatest ventriloquist. I will always take a look at how I sound, how it looks and look at what I can improve on. My theory is simple! There is always room for improvement! So, let's learn from our mistakes!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!! 

THE STORY OF THE STARFISH

       

     I heard a story many years ago that really impacted me at a conference I attended. From what I understand it has also been told to teachers who are just beginning teaching in school. Whenever I reread it or hear it, it always impacts me in a great way. It motivates me to want to make a difference in this world. Here is how it goes! I'm going to give you my "Readers Digest" version to avoid any "legal entanglements!"

     There was an old man who was a writer. He would always go to the beach to try and get inspiration for books he was writing. It would always help him think and reflect about what he wanted to write. The night before one of his beach visits, there was a terrible storm. It rained all night very hard and the wind blew so hard that it blew over some of the lifeguard stands! When he approached the beach he noticed hundreds and hundreds of starfish washed up on shore as well. They were everywhere as far as he could see. Off in the distance he saw a young boy who looked like he was throwing something in the water. Curious, the old man tiptoed past all the starfish washed up on the sand to see what the boy was doing. As he got closer to the young boy, he could see he was actually throwing starfish out into the water. He would bend down, grab the starfish by one of its points and hurl it into the water as far as he could. Not fully understand what this young boy was doing and why, the old man approached him and said, "Good morning! May I ask what you are doing young man?" "I am throwing starfish in the water, sir. The tide has washed them ashore because of the storm we had last night. When the sun gets hot they will die, unless I throw them back in the water. They cannot return to the sea by themselves," the young boy responded. The old man replied, "But there must be tens of thousands of them on this beach. What difference do you really believe you are going to make doing this?" The young boy bent down and picked up a starfish, held it with both of his hands and exclaimed, "Sir, do you see this starfish?" The old man said, "Yes." The boy grabbed the starfish by it's point, threw it into the water as hard as he could then looked right into the old man's eyes and replied "It made a difference in that starfishes life. Didn't it?"

     This story motivates me and encourages me. I want to be just like that young boy. I want to make a difference in peoples lives and in this crazy world we live in! I have had many opportunities throughout my lifetime as a pastor and child evangelist since my early 20's to make a difference. Lately I have tried very hard to approach my days differently. Wherever I am whether it is at work, at the library, walking in the store, walking at Sunken Meadow or at church, I continually ask God how I can make a difference in peoples lives. Yes, even that annoying Door Dash or Uber drivers I encounter while I'm at Chick Fil-A! I even ask God to show me what I can do in ministry that will make a difference in the children around the world. I pastored in a big church so for me many times the difference I wanted to make was on a grand scale. Being a a new, smaller church the difference I want to make may only be a handful of people. I'm okay with that. I pray you are all like that little boy and you all are doing something positive that is truly making a difference in this world we live in! If we all tried real hard to make a difference wherever we are, maybe just  maybe this world would be a better place to live in??!!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!! TOMORROW IS HAPPY NOVEMBER!!

REMEMBERING JUANITA "SARGE" ORTIZ

      On September 14, 2022, the Good Lord called home one of my dear friends, Juanita Ortiz. I first met Juanita, her husband John and their family in 1991 when I was just beginning my pastoring career at SGT. I can't exactly tell you I remember meeting her and any first impressions. I do remember her dropping off her son John Richard at our King's Kids Club, a Wednesday evening program we had for children ages 5 to grade 6. We always had contests and fun activities for the kids. One of them was "Crazy Hat Wednesday." John Richard was one of our winners. I had the picture of the winners on my office wall for many years and I wish I still had it. After I got married in 1992, Rev. John (I'll call him that since he and his son share the same name!) was asked to be the Sunday School Superintendent and he asked me to teach a class to the adults on the Old Testament. Being young and wanting to truthfully "impress the congregation", I said "yes." I started with one student and it grew to eventually to 4. Let's just say I was way over my head! Lesson learned! I did teach a few other times on Sundays and also on Wednesday evenings as well down the road. The Ortiz family and I developed an amazing friendship through the years. John Richard was a part of my Kids in Missions program and it was a pleasure to watch him grow in the Lord through the years. We eventually would become managers together at Chick Fil-A in Port Jefferson in 2016. I never had Elizabeth their daughter in any of my programs but she had a lot of respect for me and was always very encouraging to me. I do remember in the mid 1990"s they invited my family and I over their house one summer afternoon when they lived in Brentwood. We had a great time. The Ortiz family has and always will hold a special place in my heart. 

     Juanita was one person I always loved to joke with and tease. I always believe she was always misunderstood. She was the kind of lady who would tell you how she feels. Her outward appearance may have looked tough but she had a heart of gold. A true heart that loved Jesus and she wanted people to desperately know how awesome He is! Although she did smile, she also had a stern look on her face. I always told her she needed to come out of her shell and learn how to express herself. I loved trying to get her to laugh. SGT always did a Passion Play every Easter and a Christmas Musical called "The Glory of Christmas." Juanita was in the choir and Elizabeth and John Richard were in the orchestra. In fact John Richard played Judas every year! The pastoral staff of the church were asked to give announcements before we started the programs. We had to announce that we had a Nursery, Parent/ Baby Room...keep your cell phones off etc. I always used one of my ventriloquist figures and I used Grandpa Lou many times in the beginning. It was a huge hit. Grandpa Lou was Juanita's favorite and she told me that every time I used him in front of the church. After a few years I decided to change things up and use Shelton the Shark. He was also a hit. After one of the Passion Plays I walked up to Juanita and Elizabeth who were still in costume to tell them they did a great job. Juanita looked at me and said "Pastor Dave! You didn't use Grandpa Lou today. Everybody loves Grandpa Lou." Trying to explain to her that I wanted to use another character was a waste of breath. Later that year I used Shelton the Shark again and the same thing happened! Juanita was not impressed and of course made a comment about it. I tried to reason with her and even jokingly told her she hurt Shelton's feelings but to no avail.

     2013 was the year I was forced to resign my pastoral position. I will never forget when it was announced to the church. It was a Sunday in Mid-May. I was leading our Kidz for Christ program and it was the early morning service. As we were dismissing the kids and parents were picking up their kids, the first 2 people I saw in the back of our gym were Juanita and Elizabeth. I will never forget the look on their faces. They both were in total shock as were so many other people. I had to play it real cool and tried very hard to put a smile on my face. It was not easy! Both of them asked many questions I was not allowed to answer. I don't think they knew the pain I was in personally and I tried very hard to act as if God was "moving me on" to bigger and better things. Both of them looked like they saw a ghost. My attitude was very simple. I just wanted to get the heck away from the church. It was not a good season in my life but I grew from it! My hope was to find a new position quickly but that didn't happen. 2 months later I said goodbye to SGT. July 21, 2013! 

     After my SGT career, the Ortiz family were constantly reaching out to me and praying for me. i was invited to John Richard and Courtney's wedding but I was unable to attend. Like I mentioned before John Richard and I were managers at Chick Fil-A in Port Jefferson. I would open the restaurant clocking in around 5:30 a.m. and John would close working mostly 3p.m. to 11p.m.. We did work together on occasion and I did see him at manager meetings. I did see Juanita, Rev. John and Elizabeth every once in a while. They always invited me to birthday parties and Fourth of July Barbecues. I am very grateful for their friendship! In 2018, Elizabeth and John Richard had a surprise party for their parents. It was a combination retirement, anniversary and birthday party at a country club in West Sayville. They asked me to get them their after the guests arrived. I had to lie and say my car broke down and I would need a ride. They thought the were invited to an anniversary party for a couple named John and Ruth.  By the grace of God we were able to pull this off and Rev. John and Juanita were surprised. I did wonder for many years if Juanita knew because she is the type of lady who could be a female "Columbo."  

     Deep down, Juanita was never settled in her heart that I was not in any ministry full time. She would message me on Messenger and try very hard to invite me to her church. Her goal was to get me on staff at her church. I recently looked at our correspondence on Messenger and started to laugh. She invited me to Potluck dinners, special services and even an Easter Fair her church had. The Ortiz family began attending an Assembly of God church in Port Jefferson. Juanita would always write "Come to our church, Pastor Dave! You never know! They might need a Children's Pastor one day!" I would read her messages and just smile. Little did I know that God would use her to bring me to the church I am at now in Rocky Point. In 2021, Juanita invited me to a Fourth of July Patriotic service. John Richard was now the worship leader of the church and Elizabeth was on the worship team. I finally agreed to attend. The worship team did a series of patriotic worship songs. I did arrive a few minutes late and saw Juanita and Rev. John in the front row. Juanita was wearing a hat! Their were a few people I recognized from SGT who were ow attending the Port Jefferson church. After the service I had the opportunity to meet the Pastor, Tom Strigaro and his wife Kirssi. They both said they had heard wonderful things about me so I knew Juanita was "bragging on me!" I will never forget as I walked out of the church, Juanita turned to me and said "We need you on staff here Pastor Dave. You need to come back next week!" Talk about being direct! I did not return the next week much to Juanita's dismay but little did I know God would use her to get me where I am today!

     To make a long story even longer because I know I have shared this story a number of times, I was able to connect with Pastor Tom and did attend Axis Church in Port Jefferson  in February this past year. He and his wife went through a similar situation I went through. We were able to meet and connect. I decided to leave the church I was attending and began attending a new church Pastor Tom was planting called Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship. They began meeting in early March in a VFW hall in Rocky Point. Although it was not my intent to join the new church to become a pastor there, it was Juanita's intent! I learned as I began attending of a nickname she was given by a man named "Tony Pancakes," SARGE! Yes! That did fit her personality to a tee! Juanita may have looked as though she had a tough exterior, she did have a heart of gold! In late August, the Ortiz family invited Pastor Tom, his family and I to their home for a barbecue. We had a great afternoon of laughs and amazing fellowship. Little did I know it would be the last time I would ever see "Sarge." The family all came down with a nasty virus. In early September I received a message from Sarge telling me she was being taken to the Emergency Room. She could not walk! The virus she had affected her body and Juanita was put in Intensive Care. So many people were praying for a miracle. When I was Installed as an Assistant Pastor on September 4th, I had two regrets. One was my family from Pennsylvania was not able to attend and my second was Sarge was not there. She did watch from her hospital bed on Livestream and I was happy about that! On Wednesday evening September 14th Juanita Ortiz went home to be with Jesus. Although we will all miss the Sarge, we know she is singing her heart out and worshiping the Lord! She will definitely be missed! Please pray for her family. Thank you Sarge for allowing God to use you to impact my life. I am forever grateful!!          

MY BLOG

 

     Let me start off by saying you have not entered "The Twilight Zone." Rod Serling is not going to walk out in front of your computer holding a cigarette in his hand standing on the other side of your room saying something like "Pastor Dave, a typical American Pastor has entered a new dimension. A dimension he never knew could be encountered...." No Sir or Ma'am! I also realize everyone under 40 years old is probably saying, "Who is Rod Serling?" Google his name! He is the man responsible for creating the Show "The Twilight Zone." I know it might sound very off key and totally bazaar, but I am actually going to write a blog about...MY BLOG!!! Who does that?? I know one person. ME!! I love thinking outside the box and sometimes I thoroughly enjoy writing things that are very "off the cuff." 

     I began blogging in December 2011. My original blog was entitled "My Journey in Life." The reason why I started blogging was simple. I was getting so many compliments on articles I was writing for my monthly newsletter to my children's workers I called "From the Desk of Pastor Dave" that many people wanted to hear more or should I say read more! I also was complimented on articles I wrote for my church newsletter we had published quarterly called "SGT Happenings." I don't remember who but someone told me about this thing called "Blogging" which had been around for a while. I really wanted to exercise my creative writing muscle and continue writing. Although I do have a children's book published called "Mouse Mayhem," it has been my goal for many years to write some books. It always comes to finding the time to write and finding the right publisher. So, I began blogging and posted my blogs on Facebook to share with my friends and family. I wrote about so many different issues and things in that first blog such as storms, change, magic and my favorite one on "The Honeymooners." This blog only lasted about 16 months up until I resigned from SGT. Truthfully after my resignation I was never really in the mood to write, blog or do anything. I seriously had no time or energy but 5 years later that was about to change!

     In September 2018 I knew I needed to heal from all that I went through. A dear friend encouraged my to write down my feelings and "get them out." They were right! I decided I needed to get back to blogging. I knew in this new blog I had to be very careful not to sound negative, to never put anyone down, to be careful if I shared about any workplace or work experience, to not bash any family members and most of all, to let God be glorified in this blog. Since I had not blogged on the "My Journey in Life" blog in over 5 years, I created a whole new blog which I called "Telling it like it is" which you read and are reading right now. "Telling it like it is" is a quote from the very talkative, very obnoxious and somewhat controversial sportscaster Howard Cosell who was famous for being on Monday Night Football. Writing this blog was just what I needed! It was very therapeutic! It truthfully helped me to heal, to be creative, to have an "outlet" and to share and bear my heart to everyone. In the very beginning my Blogs were generally once a week but lately with my busy schedule they have lately been more like twice a month or if I have a free moment to write. My new blog as I call it is now 4 years old which is hard to believe. I have enjoyed blogging and I have received a lot of positive feedback and yes, even some negative which is okay! This blog you are reading is my 166th in 4 years!        

     Going forward I have no clue what I am going to blog in the near future.  All I know is that writing has truly helped me heal. On September 30th I did something I never thought I would ever do. I attended a Memorial Service at...you guessed it...my previous church. I walked in with my head held high and was greeted by many old friends. One of the church custodians Vincenzo cried on my shoulder. I was so happy to see old friends, I may blog about that experience visiting my previous church one day but I honestly don't see the need! Thank you all for giving me the privilege of sharing and bearing my heart to you. Here's to the next blog and the many to follow!! God bless you all!

ENJOY THE REST OF THIS WEEKEND 

MY DEAR FRIEND, KEN

      Throughout my lifetime I have all sorts of different friends with varying backgrounds. Everything from guys who were in Motorcycle groups to Musicians. Guys who had issues with drugs and graduated Teen Challenge to ordained pastors who know the bible inside and out. I have friends from nearly every race, color and creed! This gentleman I am about to write to you about is a very unique and very interested friendship we shared. I knew him for almost 30 years and here's the catch. I only saw him A HANDFUL OF TIMES!! Okay, let me explain!!

     Many of you know my story about how I began as a Children's Pastor at Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle. I won't tell that story again, I promise. After only being on staff about 7 months which was October 1991, I received a phone call from a gentleman named Ken Fortner. I am not sure how he got my name but he was retired and he, along with his wife Wendy had a "Promotion" business called Fortner Marketing. They partnered with Newton Manufacturing and their business was to print various items to help promote businesses. It was either pens, pencils, hats, T-shirts, key chains etc. He and his wife wanted to meet with me to show me what their business was about. Ken had a very soft, gentle voice and I figured "Hey, why not give them a listen.  Maybe they will have some things I could use to promote my ministry?" Never ever did I think before meeting Ken that we would have a 30 year friendship! I still remember returning from lunch and our receptionist told me, "Your appointment is in your office. They came very early! They really look too old to drive!!" I remember walking in my office and seated were an older gentleman with gray hair and a woman wearing a baseball cap. I introduced myself and thanked them for coming to see me. Only being a pastor for 7 months at the time, I was not used to having appointments so this was all new to me. They told me their names were Ken and Wendy Fortner and for the next 30 minutes or so they showed me their catalogs and what their business had to offer. I listened attentively and was so happy to get their catalog. They seemed very passionate about what they were offering. Before we finished they told me they were Christians and attended Bethany Bible Church in New Hyde Park, NY even though they lived in Queens. I had heard about their church and had met their pastors children from our Singles Retreats we had but I did not know their pastor very well. I did get to know him along with his wife years later. They are Rolf and Fran Larsen.

     I have to say one thing about Ken. He was very thorough! He would always always send me new catalogs from his company. This was obviously before we had the internet! I really appreciated both Ken and Wendy and how they worked so hard to help me promote the Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle Children's Ministry. Before we marched down Main Street in Smithtown at our Memorial Day Parade I always called Ken to order pencils. We handed out these pencils along to parade route to promote our Vacation Bible school and King's Kids Club. Besides the first year (we gave out frisbees, Very expensive and we didn't order enough! 👱) we ordered many pencils. We also gave these out at Smithtown Festival Day as well. From 1992 through 2013 these occurrence took place! I always loved doing business with Ken and Wendy! We also ordered badges, backpacks, key chains, coffee mugs, hats and footballs as well through the years. I always looked forward to my conversations on the phone. Ken was always interested in what I was doing in church as well as how my family was doing.

     In 2005, Rolf Larsen, Pastor of Bethany Bible church invited me along with our Kids in Missions Team to come minister at his church. I saw Rolf many times at our Fellowship of Christian Assemblies meetings from time to time. I know he really appreciated my ministry. He wanted to help promote the kids ministry in his church. I called Ken and told him that we were coming and he was elated. There was one problem. I had not seen Ken in 14 years so I had no idea what he looked like. There was no Facebook and if there was, I didn't have an account. As we were setting up our props, I looked at the people walking into church to watch our program. 80% of them were over 65!! There were only a few kids there. Out of all the "Senior Saints" who were sitting and waiting, I thought to myself, "Which one is my friend, Ken? A very gentle man walked over to me and smiled as I was helping set up our puppet stage. He said "Hello, Pastor Dave!!" I recognized that voice and gave my friend a huge hug. I got to see my friend for only the second time. Wendy walked over to say "Hello" and I greeted her as well. After our program, the church had a time of fellowship downstairs and I had a chance to spend time with Ken and Wendy. It was so good to get to actually "see" them and not only have a phone conversation. Like I said before, Ken lived in Queens and he didn't travel to Long Island much. 

     A few years after I saw Ken and Wendy, Ken called me to tell me that his dear wife Wendy went home to be with the Lord. I honestly did not know Wendy as well as I knew Ken but knew her to be a very kind, godly lady. I knew she loved Ken and I know they had a great marriage. My heart broke for my friend as he was now living alone in his apartment. 

     I don't actually remember the event that took place at SGT that was the third time I saw Ken. I know Rolf and Fran Larsen brought him to an event at the church and they both walked up to me and said, "We brought a friend with us who wants to see you!" Behind them was Ken! He walked up to me very slowly and gave me a big hug! We sat and talked for quite a while. This was a few years after Wendy passed away but I could tell Ken was still hurting from losing his dear wife.

     In 2013 you all know the story of my leaving SGT. No need to rehash. That year with all that was going on I don't remember if I ordered pencils for the parade, Truthfully that season in my life was a blur. Later that year as I was driving my Town Car back to the limo lot from JFK Airport, my phone rang. It was a 718 area code number! I didn't answer it but wish I did. When I listened to my voicemail it was Ken. He called SGT and was shocked to hear I was no longer on staff there. My former assistant, Danielle gave him my cell phone number. She knew I wouldn't mind if he called me. I returned his phone call and we spoke as I was on my way home one night. Ken listened attentively as I told him what had occurred in my life. What I discovered with that phone call was not only was Ken a business associate from my past, he was a true friend. He called me repeatedly to see how I was doing and I also called him as well. Ken always asked me what he could pray for and I knew he really meant he was going to pray. 

     In March 2015 after my Limo career has ended, I had just started working at TruGreen Lawn Care. God did open a door for me on Saturday, March 28th at New Durham Bible Chapel in Piscataway, New Jersey. I was invited to teach two workshops on children's ministry as well as be the Keynote speaker for that event, a Sunday School Convention. I told Ken all about this opportunity and he said, "Hey, would you mind if I came with you and see you in action?" I of course said yes and that Saturday I picked Ken up at his apartment in Queens and we headed out to Somerset, NJ. We had a great day together. Ken even helped me unload my van and carry my props into the church. Ken is 37 years my senior so he was a spry 88 years young. I remember him sitting in the back of the sanctuary as I taught one class on object lessons. He had a huge smile on his face the entire time! I really enjoyed the fellowship we shared as we drove to and from New Jersey. Before I dropped Ken off at is apartment, Ken asked if we could visit our mutual friend Herb who owned a Christian Bookstore in Queens. We stopped to say hello but Ken wasn't finished yet. We then stopped in New Hyde Park to visit with Pastor Rolf and Fran. We all went out for dinner and had a great time! 

     As I dropped Ken off, I did not know at the time it would be the very last time I would ever see him. My life became extremely busy with work, ministry and dealing with family issues. Ken and I did keep in touch through occasional phone calls. When I took a position at Christian Church of Holbrook two years later, Ken sent me yet another Newton Manufacturing Catalog to help me out. The very last time I ever spoke to Ken was right after the pandemic started. He called to tell me that his dear Pastor Rolf Larsen went home to be with his Lord! He also told me he moved to Florida to be closer to his son. After that call with him my life became crazy busy. We sent a few emails to each other for a year or so. I lost his number after getting a new phone a year and a half ago. This past year I tried various ways to reach Ken. I found out last month that Ken went home to be with the Lord in September 2021. He was 94 years old. I am going to miss my friend but I do know one day I will see him again in heaven. I do know that in heaven I WILL NOT have to look for Ken to order pencils! We will be reunited! 

     I hope this blog encourages you to stay close to all your friends. You never know how God can use a "Promotion Businessman" to impact our life!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND, FRIENDS!!           

     

FROM JFK TO ROCKY POINT

     Whenever I blog about events from my past I always want to clarify that my intent is in no way shape or form trying to drum up feelings from the past. What happened 9 1/2 years ago at SGT is over with and done. It's time to look forward. I'm only bringing up the past to glorify my Lord and give Him praise for what He did in my life and how far He has taken me. All glory, honor and praise goes to Him. I am forever grateful! 

     It was the fall of 2013. It was 2 months after my last Sunday as the Children's Pastor at SGT. I had to wake up at 3:00 a.m. jump in the shower, throw on my black suit with my white shirt and black tie, drive to Deer Park to Tran Star Executive Limo Company to get the keys to my town car. That was my job. Driving a limo. Many times early in the morning my first job was usually to pick someone up at 4:30 a.m. and they needed to be transported to either JFK or LaGuardia Airport. I spent many many many days waiting at JFK or at a Burger King right by LaGuardia waiting for my next "job" which was someone arriving. It was not a great season in my life. I was alone...A LOT!! I missed being Pastor Dave and doing kids ministry. I was in a deep depression. I hated my job. I never got to see my family. I would sometimes get home at 7:00 p.m., eat a late dinner and go to bed. The following day I did the same job over and over. I can't even begin to tell you the times I cried. I used to bring my laptop to look for ministry jobs online. When I kept hearing "You are very talented but you are overqualified" I decided to look at other jobs. You name it...I applied for it. Truck driving, Cost Co. BJ's, Enterprise rent a car, post office, UPS, Trader Joe's....I lost count. That season in my life was rough but I grew from it all. I learned a lot about myself and most of all I learned what it means to forgive. Going through that season was difficult but if I didn't have the Lord in my life there is no way I would be sitting behind this computer screen writing this blog to you with a straight head on my shoulders. 

     Fast forward 9 years later. September 2022! Life has been good! I was just installed as an Associate Pastor at a new church plant in Rocky Point. I have had opportunities to preach. I am back to organizing programs for kids and families. I have always been "Pastor Dave" but now I am "Back in the Saddle!" My confidence is back and I feel joy! I am not saying at all that my life is perfect. Far from it. I believe God brought me through so much to make me strong. I know what it's like to be in emotional and physical pain. I know the importance of forgiveness. I have learned over and over what it means to trust in God 100%! 

     The days between September 2013 through September 2022 were life changing. So many things took place. There were days I wanted to die. Days I didn't want to get out of bed. Days I thought I was in a real life nightmare. Days I wanted revenge on those who hurt me. I was thinking back to my life 9 years before September 2013. That would be September 2004. Life was good then! Of course I went through challenging things but God was always with me! Sure, I went through some painful things and I had many victories. God always brought me through. 

     I praise God for my life from my days at the JFK Limo lot to my present day serving at an amazing church that is only 7 months with an amazing Senior Pastor and church attenders who love God. Let's see what God has in store for all of us! As scary as this sounds, 9 years from now will be September 2031. I will be a young 67 years old. Just a kid....right?           

 

LEADERSHIP

 

     During these last few months I have been reading a lot of leadership books for work, for church and on my own. My own meaning "by choice!" These leadership books are written by "leadership experts" such as John Maxwell and Mark Miller. The book I am reading "by choice" is written by a pastor, Craig Groeschel who pastors Life Church. His church is located in Oklahoma and has multiple campuses around the U.S. I have always been intrigued by leadership and various leadership styles. In my many years on this earth I have seen many different styles. I've seen the dictator leader, the passive leader, the "Hands on" leader, The O.C.D. leader and the unorganized leader. The loud leader and the quiet leader. I've seen leaders who want to see you fail so they can point out your mistakes and I've seen the leader who micromanages you to the point that you want to pull your hair out. I will have to say with every boss, pastor, manager and leader I have worked with, I have learned something from them. Some good things and some not so good things. What I have learned is very simple. I've learned I can't copy their style. Their leadership style is their leadership style. I had to experiment a lot in my youth to see what my style was.

     My very first time as a leader was my total accident, so I thought. As a sophomore in bible college in New Jersey I joined a new puppet ministry that was just formed and expected to just be a puppeteer that semester. I would go to rehearsals, travel with the team on outreaches, get my credit for the semester and move on. Not so fast! As it turned out God had other plans. I was asked to run rehearsals. I was asked to drive the van and take the team on outreaches all over New Jersey. I was asked to lead the ministry without really being asked! WHAT? WAIT! I didn't sign up for that! Just let me get my college credit. I am willing to serve but lead this? No thank you. God didn't call me to work with kids! I'm a missionary!! Kids are annoying!! God made a way for me to become the leader of this ministry. Our team members looked to me to "run things." Trust me when I say I knew nothing about puppet ministry, nothing about kids ministry and I was never ever asked to be a leader. I guess I did okay because I was asked to lead the ministry again the next semester! That was my beginning in leadership training. 3 years later I started a puppet ministry at my church. 4 years later I became the Children's Pastor. God knows what He's doing!

     I am not one of those people who believe everyone is a leader. I don't think we are all called to lead. Using a baseball analogy, not everyone can play catcher or pitch. Not everyone can be the first baseman or the center fielder. We all need to play our position. In reading all of these books I have noticed two things. Leadership takes hard work and a lot of effort. It is not easy. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly many times. There are many people who have agreed with leadership decisions I have made and there are some who have disagreed profusely at leadership decisions I have made. I have seasons in my life in my leadership where I feel like I won the Super Bowl and other seasons where I feel like the Detroit Lions (with my apologies to all Lions fans!) I have learned recently that I have a lot to learn. My best route is to do my best, learn from my mistakes and be comfortable with myself and who I am as a leader. I am not a loudmouthed leader who screams and yells. The kids I work with often ask me if I ever yell. No, not much. I am a quiet leader but I do like things organized and I do like to run a tight ship with a well oiled machine intact. People want a well balanced leader. Not someone who intimidates them. Most of all they want a leader who leads but who also cares. I want to work on this and I will continue to develop my leadership skills every day!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!!   

SCAMMERS

     Scammers are everywhere. I actually really hate writing about them and giving them exposure but this blog needs to be written and it's been eating at me for a long time!. I am embarrassed that here in America and around this world that we have scammers among us. It could even be our next door neighbor but we may never find that out until it's too late! When I refer to a scammer, I am not referring to the a guy coming into Chick Fil-A telling me we forgot his fries when HE NEVER ORDERED THEM!! No, I am referring to the constant telemarketing calls we get, the phony emails and those horrible Infomercials we see on TV that are on at 4 a.m. (Thank goodness!) I don't know how these people sleep at night but they are scamming many and making a lot of money doing it. Money they do not deserve. Money that gullible people give to them!

     

     I often joke with family and friends about a certain televangelist who does have an Infomercial at 4 a.m. I am not at liberty to say his name but he tries to entice people to get "for free" Miracle Spring Water that if we drink it "God will do miracles in your life. Financial AND physical healing miracles! SURE!! This same gentleman was caught with an earpiece in his ear back in the 1980's during one of his "crusades" claiming God spoke to him about a lady in the back row who needed healing when actually it was his wife relaying information to him using a microphone in a back room. He was caught and a few years later he went bankrupt. But guess what? He returned years later doing the same thing! Today he is still at it and making millions scamming innocent people! Unbelievable!!

     I have gotten phone calls from people claiming they are reaching out to me because they say the warranty on my car will expire soon. I love telling them "Well there's a problem. I don't have a warranty on my car!" The phone suddenly disconnects! I now only answer my phone if I recognize the number! I recently received and email that went like this 

I am ___________. An Attorney to a deceased member of your family who passed away and has named you as his next of kin. Hence, I am contacting you for the claim of his abandoned estate and financial assets as you are the sole beneficiary!

    This email was asking me for my signature. First of all I don't know anyone who passed away in my family and secondly I am NOT going to sign anything whatsoever that is on an email OR on the internet. I Googled the lawyers name that I did not write in this blog and found out, you guessed it..A SCAM! However, there are many of us in our nation and around the world who are gullible and who do send our hard earned money to money hungry televangelists, telemarketers who claim they work for the IRS and emails sent by phony lawyers who want you to believe they have money they can send you..."just sign here, please?" NO THANKS! 

     I will end with a verse in the Bible! 

 

Matthew 7:15 - Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

     Let's watch out for those wolves in sheep's clothing! Those scammers! They don't care about you. They care about your money! Recognize them and you will be fine! I promise!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!   

 

WHY CAN'T IT BE JUST LIKE 1970 AGAIN?

     I know I have been accused by many including my children that "all I do is think about the past." That is somewhat true. I believe we can learn a lot from the past, but I also believe we need to let go of the past and anything that may have occurred in our lives that could be a major stumbling block. I have learned to move on knowing that God has better things in store for me. The past is the past and you can't change anything that has happened. We certainly can't jump in a DeLorean Time Machine and travel back 30 years ago with Doc Brown or Marty McFly. Correct?

     I recently watched a documentary on one of those steaming channels on "Jesus Music." If you know me you know that I absolutely love Christian Rock. I started listening around 1979/1980 or so. The majority of music on my iPod is Christian Rock or worship music. What interested me more about the documentary was the events that took place in order for "Jesus Music" to be created. It was affectionately known as the Jesus Movement. It began in Southern California in the late 1960's and spread through our country a few years later around 1970. In 1970 I was only 6 years old so I don't remember the movement at all. I was more interested in riding my bike and hanging out with other kids in my neighborhood. I was probably swimming in "The Park Pool" and watching cartoons as well. That fall I entered the first grade. I was raised in the Catholic Church and we went to mass every Sunday. 1970 was the beginning of a new decade but unbeknownst to me there was a huge revival spreading across America. The Jesus Movement! Young people were turning away from drugs, alcohol and sex and instead were turning to Jesus Christ. Churches were being planted by young "hippies" and God was moving in amazing ways. Many older "church folks" had a very hard time accepting these young people who were not only very excited, but they introduced a new music style that did not go over well with the veteran church members. It was called "Jesus Music." The Spirit of God was truly on the move! Many new ministries were being birthed as well. Teens and young adults were accepting Jesus as their savior and Lord. Churches were being planted clear across the country. Many of them still remain to this day. One such church was Calvary Chapel located in Costa Mesa, California. Chuck Smith was the Pastor of that church. He was instrumental in opening his church to that "Hippie Crowd" while others rejected them. 

     After watching this documentary one thought came to my mind. Why can't the same thing happen today? Why can't we have an amazing "Jesus Movement in 2022?" I am not saying God is not moving in our young people but I need to be honest. One thing bothers me. Too many churches today try so hard to entertain our youth and young adults. Churches today look like movie theaters and not churches. There are flashing lights, disco balls and smoke billowing behind a huge set. Walls are painted black. Pastor's wearing a 3 piece suit? What's that? They dress casual. In my opinion too casual. I am not slinging my "spiritual mud" at these pastors. I know many of them and I respect them. They are all anointed preachers and lead their churches well. What I am saying is we try so hard to entertain our church folks instead of allowing God's Holy Spirit to work in our church. The thought of a Café in a church in 1982 would have been laughed at. "We have a Fellowship Hall for that!" many would say. I would love to see a fresh new movement take place in America where young people come to know Jesus! The world we live in is a mess! Young people today don't even know if they are male or female. Many are getting sex changes. Depression and suicide are on the rise! Drug addiction is getting worse. Legalizing marijuana was a mistake. You drive on the LIE and you smell it (even at 5:30 a.m.). Why can't it be like 1970? Maybe in the year 2055 someone will write a blog "Why can't it be like 2023?" That would be so cool and amazing! Maybe we will have a Jesus Movement in 2023!! Let's start praying now!!

 

WHAT A WASTE OF TIME

     It's been called the "Boob Tube" and "the idiot box." I even heard one Pastor named David Wilkerson call it "the one eyed devil." Americans spend on an average 3 hours per day watching it. During the pandemic that average was much higher. Where we can easily be outside playing sports, going for a walk, doing a cool hobby or even spending quality time with friends or a loved one, we instead sit in front of this "box" or flat-screen television watching old shows, movies, Netflix, DVD's or sports. We binge watch the latest popular shows or re-watch something we "DVR'd" from last month.If you know me you know that I love old TV shows. Lines from The Honeymooners come out of my mouth almost every single day. As a kid I loved The Little Rascals and watched reruns of I Dream of Jeannie, Mr. Ed and The Munsters. Friday nights as an 8 year old I would watch The Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family with my family all the time. 

     This past month I have to admit, I have been very convicted of one thing. I do spend A LOT of time watching television! I'm not going to say my TV is on 24/7 but when I walk in my room I will admit I grab my remote and turn my flat-screen on. I won this TV in a raffle at my job a year and a half ago. My landlady decided to no longer use cable so now I watch Hulu, Roku, Pluto TV and YouTube. I was enjoying watching old shows like Columbo, Charlie's Angels, S.W.A.T. and Three's Company. All are great classic shows but I noticed a pattern within myself....this was taking up a lot of my time. On July 14th when I was having my quiet time with the Lord, I heard Him tell me in His still small voice "You need to turn your TV off for a month." I said "Okay Lord, July 31st will be my last day and I will start it on August 1st!" "NO! he said "Start right now!" So on July 15th when I woke up for work I DID NOT turn my TV on. In fact, it has been off ever since. My remote is on top of my wall clock and I do not plan on using my remote for another month. This has given me opportunity for much needed time to read, pray, write and most importantly hear God's voice. I am writing an idea I have for a children's book and catching up on some reading assignments I have for work.

     Please know I am not saying TV is evil and we should all throw it in the garbage. What I am saying is time is very important and many times it really is a waste of time sitting in front of your television. You can't sit around the TV anymore with your kids without some type of "sexual innuendo" being thrown at you....at 8:00 at night on CBS, NBC, ABC or Fox!! The days of Leave it to Beaver are long gone. In that show kids respected adults.In today's shows, kids are extremely disrespectful and many shows depict parents as being complete idiots! I am enjoying my time away from TV and instead of wasting time I am making the most of it.               

 

DRIVING IN THE FOG

     

     It's so ironic that on Wednesday, June 22 I was seriously thinking about writing a blog about driving in the fog. Two day's later at 5:30 am as I was driving to work and it was very foggy! I have to admit the fog was extremely thick. I had never seen it that thick in years! I drove down Portion Road and I could barely see in front of me. The traffic lights were also hard to see. When I turned on Holbrook Road where there is a Taco Bell I was happy I didn't miss my turn. When I entered the infamous Long Island Expressway it seemed as though the fog was starting to clear up. It didn't seem so treacherous and I could actually see where I was going. I was happy to pull into my Chick Fil-A parking lot in one piece!

     One thing I notice about driving in the fog is this! The clearness seems to follow you as you drive. When you look ahead or you look back, all you see is fog. As you are moving in your vehicle, it is clear around you. Of course you really should slow down and not drive 80 MPH! You should drive at a slow pace. I seriously hate driving in the fog but I will admit it is pretty cool seeing it. There was a famous NFL football playoff game known as the "Fog Bowl." The Philadelphia Eagles visited the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago. It was December 31, 1988. During the second quarter of the game a thick fog rolled in to the stadium. I remember watching the game. CBS who broadcast the game had to film it from the sidelines. You couldn't see anything!! I'm surprised they didn't postpone the game but from what I understood both coaches agreed to play the game because they claimed you could see both goalposts. In my opinion, I think the NFL wanted to continue the game to help boost ratings for television and for their league. They wanted people to tune in and see the crazy fog at Soldier Field in Chicago  I'm sure my brother in law from Philadelphia would have loved to postpone that game. The Bears ended up winning the game and anyone who attended the game from the stands did not see a whole lot from the second quarter to the end of the game. It was wild!

     For me personally I have had some very "foggy" situations. My back issues,  my high blood pressure and my hopes of getting back in ministry have all been very foggy. I some times feel as though in life I have been driving in the fog not sure of where I am going. There is an important part of fog we have never discussed yet. Fog does disappear eventually! It doesn't always stick around Even in England it's not always foggy like they say. I lived there for two months as a missionary in 1986. I only remember one foggy day my entire time there. Fog does disappear! The skies do clear up and each day may have challenges but I am happy to say the sun does come out. A new day is approaching and like I always say, it can only get better. I am looking forward to moving ahead where I will know what direction I need to go in. I often think of the bible verse in John 3:30 - He must increase, I must decrease. It will always be my goal to let God increase more and more in my life. I need Jesus more and more everyday. After all, I know He won't leave me in the fog!!!

HITTING THE EASY BUTTON

 

     

     It's been quite a while since I have had the chance or time to blog. A lot has transpired in my life since May 12th. On that date I woke up on that Thursday getting ready for a procedure to be done on my back at at a Spine Center. It was all looking good and they were getting ready to wheel me in to the ER when they discovered my blood pressure was high. They monitored it for a while but it never went down. The doctor decided to go through with the procedure which was called a Medial Branch Block. I had 6 injections in my back! My hope and prayer was simple. I was hoping it went help relieve my pain so I would be pain free. After procedure was over and I was in recovery they took my blood pressure again and it was still very high. I had a doctor and 2 nurses staring at me telling me they would not release me until my BP went down. They asked me to call me doctor. She suggested I drink some orange juice and wait. The back doctor didn't care for that suggestion and gave me two options. One was for an ambulance to drive me to the ER and the other was to have someone drive me there. I chose option number 2! It's never a dull moment! I went to St. Catherine's hospital right around the corner from where I grew up in Smithtown and sat there for 3 hours as my blood pressure was monitored. They gave me meds and insisted I see my doctor the following day which I did. My doctor immediately put me on meds and since then I have been monitoring my blood pressure and the good news is that it has been coming down significantly. During the procedure my blood pressure was 199/115!! Not good. I was pain free for 6 days with my back but as of today I am back to square one. This past month reminded me of that old Staples commercial. They tell you to hit the "Easy Button" so that when you go to that store, starting a small business would be easy for you because Staples has everything you need. Unfortunately, life has no "Easy Button."

       The story I shared is mild compared to what some folks go through. I have realized in my 58 years on this planet a few things. Not everything comes easy and two, we all go through tough times. Yet I will confess to you all that I wish for just one day I had an easy button to push. Like for example, I would drive on the LIE with no traffic. I would work at Chick Fil-A and none of our guests would complain at all. Money would magically appear in my bank account so I would not sweat paying bills that were due. We all know that the "Easy Button" does not exist in life. I will confess one thing! When you have Jesus in your life, it makes all the difference. Notice I didn't say "When you have Jesus in your life, it gets easy." It says in James 1:2-3 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. When I first read that verse as a 13 year old I said to myself "WHAT???? Pure joy when you face trials?? Are you kidding me??" As I grew older and wiser (well, some would say I'm a wise guy) I realized we face trials because it helps us grow and become more and more dependent on Jesus. Our faith gets stronger and in reality as a result, we get stronger. That glorious "Easy Button" is a nice novelty and it did work for the Staples Company. They are still going strong as a business and they do provide small businesses with what they need in office supplies. In life though, it is not a reality. Life goes on and we just continue "Running the Race that is set before us." For me personally, I have some huge decisions to make. I know God will direct me in every decision I do make! It would have been nice to have an "Easy Button" but it's even better knowing Jesus is on your side!

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK!!